The Calumet news., 1912-02-14
PLAN HOME FOR
AGED PLAYERS
VARIOUS CLUB OWNERS HAVE
OFFERED TO HELP IN RAlS-
ING FUNDS FOR CON.
sTRUcTIoN.

James ]. Callahan. manager of the
Chicago White SoX. has recently ad-
vocated the establishment of a home
for aged, inlrm, or destitute ball play
crs who have performed In the major
leagues. The idea did not originate
with Callahan. but he is the first playCr
who has broachcd 1t for several years.
Callahan argues that such a worthy
charity could easily be supported by
the big leagues. now that the game is
such a great and prosperous institu-
ton. He maintains that refuge for
athletes who have been overtaken by
misfortune or i'll health after II )nor-
able big league earners would be in
keeping with the sentiment that holds
the game i'm prosperous lines. aud that
the cost could easily he met by bene-
flt games and donations BY club own
ers and players.
Undoubtedly such an enterprise
would appeal TO the fans. The feeling
that even a tiny percentage of the
money they give up at the gates would
be applied TO relieving old favorites
from distress would make the game
more popular The club owners would
not find their share of the expense diff
ilcult to bear. and there would be
many ways to make up any deficits
that might Occur.
A Big Obstacle.
But there is one big obstacle block
ing the development of this worthy
enterprise. The players themselves
have shown no desire to organize and
start the good work. Yet they are the
ones to benefit directly from 1t. The
ethics of professional players has
swung from one extreme to the other
Twenty years ago the carousing ath-
cte was common i'm baseball To-day
we find the majority Of the big league
players thrifty and intelligent. But
seflshness has crept In and generosity
has been displaced.
There are, of course. many cXcep-
tions to the general rule. In the main,
the big Lacquer of today is good
business man but opposed To the idea
Of teamwork in the general welfare of
his fellows Nearly every young fell
low playing league ball today believes
that he always can take care Of him.
self, and he Is therefore averse To con-
tributing to the support of those who
have preceded him and passed on, down
and out. Likewise he fails to see why
he should help create fund, that
some day may aid his teammatc,
who is prosperous now but who squan-
ders his earnings. II seems TO be a
case of each man taking care Of him-
self and letting the unfortunatcs suf-
fer.
Callahan suggests that the home
could be supported by the receipts
from benefit games--not exhibition
games. for the fan wants to see some
thing at stake in ball game, but by
each OF the sixteen clubs setting aside
one day each season. and contributing
the entire receipts of a championship
game.
No player could possibly object to
lUdl nltlnOus DctduSt lut Hios
would be put TO no trouble whatever
or course they would contribute their
services for the day, but they would
have to do that anyway. and they
would snip'y hc car''iNT wh1tevcr
their salary was for that Cay. They
should do more.
Club Owners Comment.
A club owner who was in New York
last week made some interesting re-
marks on this subject. Il heartily APP
prove of this movement to establish a
hothe." ne said. 'but II will never be
done until the players take the first
step. know the club owners are Will
ing to do their share. but the proper
way is to help the players To help
themselves. have no doubt that every
club owner would set aside a day "
the thing was once started.
II do not subscribe 10 tho idea that