The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1912-03-19
ORGANIZED BALL
FOR CANADIANS
Western aCnada League of
1912 to Include But
Few Cities.
tBy H. G. Chandler.l

Calgary. Alta. March 19.-The
much looked for meeting of the West
ern Canada league was held in Cal
gary with President Eckstrom in the
chair. No delegates from the eastern
bnd of the circuit were present and 1t
was decided to go ahead with the for
nation Of a circuit. under the name
of the Western Canada league, to be
composed Of Alberta cities. 1t was
not expected that any of the eastern
clubs would send delegates. as Presi-
dent Eckstrom had given Mr.. Manley
meeting of the eastern clubs at Win
nipeg, and he in reply had written
that interest in baseball in the cast
was very conspicuous for its absence,
so the plan of going ahead irrespec-
tive of the eastern clubs seemed the
only feasible one. with the outcome
that a circuit was formed and consid-
cradle business transacted.
Calgary. Lethbridge. Edmonton and
Bassano each had representatives at
the meeting. yet as Calgary and Ed
monitor alone had a vote in league at
fairs. and Calgary held the Edmonton
vote by proxy, Mr.. Hornibrook. Cal
gary's representative. alone had a
vote until a new organization was eff
fected.
Practically the first business of i'm
portance transacted was the voting of
both Bassano and Lethbridges fran
chises in the Western Canada league.
Mr.. Ingram represented Bassano while
the writer represented the Calgary
parties, who will take v e the Leth-
bridge franchise.
a guarantee of $1,000 to finish the
season, with a game guarantee Of $50.
rain or play. The season. will open
on May 2 and close on Labor day,
September 2. The salary limit will
remain $1,000, which seemed agree
able to all.
Fred johnson Named President.
President Eckstrom. who while in
Office had handled affairs to the best
of his ability. on announcing that he
would not be a candidate for ~re-elec-
ton, was given a vote of thanks by
the league representatives. n Fred
johnson. a Calgary man. was elected
the 1912 president. This is not Mr..
Johnson'sU first appearance as a league
secretary, his work being the most
satisfactory the league v had. He
is a ma of excellent habits and good
business ability and an all-around
hustler, with a good knowledge of
baseball affairs, and I look to see him
place the Western Canada league on
a good solid foundation. His entrance
lHSO OdSCOdlIs tllIG llSo uSSlsO AoLkISs
ment from business. adds q great deal
of interest to the game throughout
the province.
MI. Nichokon of Lethbridge was
made vice president.
While no doubt in the eyes Of many
the formation of a four-club league.
and the dropping of Winnipeg and
a Glass d organization. is a step back
ward, yet with the condition of af-
fairs in the east, it seems about the
only possible chance for baseball in
1912. for. Winnipeg. Brandon and
Moose Jaw have not shown inclina-
ton to help out in the continuance Of
the old circuit.
While no club owner in this cir
cult is hardly expecting to make mon
ey at present, the idea is to build up
a. strong organization. for it is only
a matter of q short time, unless con-
ditions alter greatly, until a franchise
in the Western Canada league will
represent considerable money.
Handled properly. Winnipeg. Moose
Jaw and Regina could easily be turn
ed out money makers. and while the
Western Canada league has bid these
cities goodbye for the season Of 1919,
there is no doubt in my mind but
what along with Saskatoon, one Of
the best ball cities in last years cir
cult, a StrOng OrganlzatlOn could De
formed.
Streib Has a Team Ready.
Julie Streib. who is handling af-
fairs in Calgary, has his team we'll
lined up and every n looks forward
to a good season. Pop" Davidson
and Bunny" Burnstine will no doubt
make a good pair of receivers. while
in the box Pete Standridge, Barney
Barnstead and Phil Lezie of last years
will in all probability be back.
Manniny. last years southpaw. has
returned his contract and the manage
ment will either trade or sell him.
Just a word about this mar Manning.
Like most southpaws he is inclined at
times to kick over a few high ones,"
yet il handled properly he is as hard
and conscientious a worker as can be
found. In my estimation Manning is
a great pitcher and when it is taken
into consideration that he has but
n eye. 1t makes him loom up all the
stronger. His one weakness is hand
ling hunts. but in the box 7 have yet
to see a southpaw his equal, in this
circuit.
Around first base Manager Streib
will again ramble, and the ''old boy
is still there with the pep" and the
wallop. At short we again have
O'Brien, the star in1elder of the cir
cult. and we all expect to say goodbye
to "o'By" in the fall. as he is sure to
Bill Campbell. the ex-Northwestern