The Washington herald., 1912-02-27
AMATEUR DAY FOR
LOCAL BALL CLUBS
Clark Griffith to Set Aside
Date for the Sand
lotters.
BY c. w. SWAN.

BY y. W. SWAN
Amateur Day at American League Park
is now reality. as Manager Clark Grif-
nth. of the Nationals. stated last night
at the meeting of the amateur commis-
sion. held in Spalding's store, that he
would set aside one day for the use OF
| the amateur ball tossers. and would also
/ put up three prizes for the best uni
| formed clubs.
! Mr.. Griffith also stated that he would
have brass band head a monster pa
rade around the city. and that-he wanted
\ all the teams in the District to take part
in the march. Mr.. Grifith's offer was
unanimously accepted by the commission.
and the coming summer will see one of
the largest amateur days ever held
in this country.
Aside from this. Mr.. Grifith spoke of
the benefits of amateur ball. both for the
American League club and the amateur
teams, giving several examples of local
boys who have Joined the professional
ranks and have made good, using Buck"
| Becker and the youngsters Scout Bob
| Doyle has sent to the South Atlantic
League as illustrations.
| strong for Amateur bail.
Coming to the front strong for ANA
teur ball. Manager Grifith made q pro-
found impression on the league officials
and ball tossers alike. and when he an
| nounced that he would donate three
prizes. the first Of $50, the second OF
500. and the third of $50 for he tAree
| clubs appearing in the neatest uniforms
on amateur day." Spslding's store was
the scene of the widest enthusiasm, led
by President Bob Young.
The amateur day plan is 10 have all
| the clubs in uniform, march through the
city and then to American League Park
where the gates will be thrown open to
them. and they will be the guests OF
Manager Griffith at the big league game
The three prizes will be for the three
clubs attired In the neatest and best
looking uniforms.
Previous to the address OF Manager
Griffith, the first meeting Of the amateur
commission was held, and the report of
the rules committee was heard, but was
not adopted, as several changes were
made in them by the commission.
When Secretary Shurtleff called the
meeting to order, the following leagues
we're represented: Bankers. by Mr.. Rec
side: Departmental. by President Clark;
Capital City. by George E. Cornell: Dis
trict. by President S. Edward Beach: In
quette. by Secretary Shurtleff: Olympia,
by Mr.. Lynn: and Sunday School. by
w. r. Love. Eight Of the eleven leagues
under the commission last year were rep
resented last night, but of this number
two are sure to be out OF the game this
season.
Rules Are Read.
The amended rules, as compiled by
Chairman jackson, OF the rules commit
tee, were read to the commission. and
considerable discussion arose over them,
With the result that they were amended
and the complete report of the rules COM
mittee will be read to the commission
at its next meeting. which is called for
next Monday night.
One of the principal amendments TO the
rules suggested last night was in re-
gard to the eligibility of a player who
plays in but three games, and then Plays
as a pitcher. Under the new version of
the rules, man must pitch in no less
than four innings OF three separate games
to become eligible TO play as a pitcher,
and those playing in five games can play
any position. This was done to get away
from the lodging OF the rules, as was
frequently the case last year.
Another amendment Offered last night
was in regard to the player signing more
than one contract. and this amendment
Is almost sure to pass. Should this 20
through, played signing more than one
contract will suspend himself when the
second contract is received by Secretary
Shurtlef. Final action on this subject
will be taken next Monday night
Manager Charley King. speaking for
the A. G. Spalding Company, stated that
he would again donate the fobs for the
championship team, and would likewise
printed. His offer was accepted without
any delay by the commission.
The presidents Of leagues will have
charge Of the post-season games this fall
instead Of the managers of the clubs.
this motion being carried last night, while
President Young was given the same au-
thority as invested in President Ban
johnson. of the American League, in
regards to the disciplining OF players and
other persons connected with the game.
Dove to the Front.
Manager Love, of the Sherwood aggre-
cation of the Sunday School League, came
to the front with a motion that will cause
a few other managers a little worry.
should 1t go through. Mr.. Loves motion
is that any manager be found inducing
a player, by promise of any article Of
any sort, be fined or suspended from ANA
season.
President Young called for a brief out
Inc of the work already accomplished
by the different leagues, and eight an
swere were forthcoming.
Mr.. Love, speaking for the Sunday
School League, stated that Ave clubs
were already in the circuit, and that a
franchise would be given the Ninth team
under certain conditions.
The Departmental League was repre-
sented by President Clark. who stated
that the outlook for a successful season
was never brighter and that with five
teams already assured and three more
after franchises, an eight-club circuit
might be formed.
Mr.. Beach stated that the District
League was no more. while nothing was
heard from the Bankers circuit
Mr.. Lynn, speaking for the Olympia
League, announced that prospects are
bright for one OF the fastest leagues in
the District, as with three franchises