Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1913-07-23
(By w. ]. Macbeth.)

admirably fortified against possible OPP
position. In the big leagues especially
is this true. The best territory is al
ready represented in both major
leagues and being firmly established
could put up a long game at cut
throat" with any aspiring outlaw en- :
terprise. The major leagues have
very wisely utilized the vast earnings
of the ten years of peace by laying
hands upon the centralized locations
where park sights might be desired
and by building magnificent steel and
concrete stands, with attendant con-
veniences, where the populace has been
educated to the very highest standards
that obtain in baseball.
0utlived Infant Days.
Because of the fact that baseball has
outlived its infant days of wood, base
ball is safeguarded tenfo9d over say
even five years ago. Every American
League club save New York boasts the
most modern type of plant and Presi-
dent Farrell's building operations are
under way. The majority of National
League clubs are fortified in the same
manner and those that are not will be
within year or two. When this is ac-
complished there will have been raised
against possible opposition Of third
major league something like $25,OOO,
600 in real estate and fixtures alone.
Presenting, however, that capital
would be willing to risk such a con-
siderable outlay on mere speculation
that in itself would go a very short
way toward assuring success to any
rival enterprise. The greatest safe
guard to the peace and prosperity of
organized baseball at present insti-
tuted is the dearth Of first class play
ing material. The club presidents OF
the various big leagues expend an
nually several millions Of dollars in
still hunting for talent and in gamb-
ling upon the minor league prospects
unearthed by the sleuths.
PursueS Liberal Policy
One does not have to look farther
than the home doorstep for an illus
tration of the famine throughout the
sticks. No one in baseball pursues
more liberal policy than Frank ]. Far
rell president of the tail-end New York
Americans. He has spent thousands
upon thousands of dollars during the
past five years but his team is right
here it was when Griffith threw up
his hands in 1908. 1t will take Frank
Chance year or two to build up CLUB
capable of making a favorable show
ing and then he may count himself
lucky. There is no sentiment in base
ball
The only way for major league clubs
to get players nowadays is to go out
and dig them from minor league OBJ
surity, develop them and plant them
where they may be called upon in the
time of need. A ball club is no strong
err than it's reserve strength Connie
Mack was probably the first manager
to realize the full Importance of the
farm" He has bright prospects
planted from coast to coast. He calls
upon the jewels as they are needed. BY
getting the jump on rivals it stands to
reason that the crafty Connie has built
I'D the most wonderful reserve force
that can we'll be imagined. Connie
stands conspicuously as an example
that ito him that hath shall be given,
Cold as Ice.
Yet in his business relations with
his associates Mack is cold as ice. He
pursues the well-known policy Q!
clinging tenaciously to everything o.
value in his possession. Never for an
instant would he entertain the idea OF
sparing some of his surplus strength
to help out the weak members OF the
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