The Washington times., 1913-04-15
INTEREST PICKING
UP WITH AMATEURS
Clark Griffith Shows His Interest
in Association BY Offering
Use of Park.
SHURTLEFF ASKS ACTION
Hon. Fred bennett and Robert
Young Promise Support for
Sand Lot Game.
BY KIRK c. MILLER.

Adherents of amateur baseball are
today beginning to pull together as a
result OF a rather severe admonition
by Secretary H. V. Shurtleff. of the
Amateur Baseball Association of the
District of Columbia, at last nights
meeting of that body at spalding's 8
store. shurtleff rather took some Of
those present by surprise when he de-
clared that interest in the game in
washington is not up to the standard
and that the amateurs begin to CO.
operate II they wish the coming season
to be AZ successful as the past seasons
since amateur baseball has been or
GAnised In Warrington.
shurtleff has, since that time, been a
prime mover In the game here. and an
apparent lack of interest displayed SO
far this season moved him to address
last nights meeting in a manner which
has caused the players. managers. and
of1cials to stir themselves to some ac-
tfvity.
Activity today is apparent on all sides,
It probably being the result Of Secre.
tary Shurtleffs remarks. coupled with
those Of Clark Griffith. who is second
vice president OF the association, and
the first vice president. Hon. Fred Dem
nett, Commissioner Of the General Land
once.
Solid With Fans.
,Grifhth endeared himself in the
hearts of all those present by offering
the use of National Park for the inter-
city series, two games Of which are cal
culated to be played In this city on
Labor Day. according to a proposition
adyanced by Secretary Shurtleff. Not
only are the Nationals grounds opened
70 the use of the amateurs for their
post-season games. but Griffith declared
that the Florida avenue park is at their
disposal at any time that the Climbers
are out Of the city.
This offer proves to the fans the keen
interest that Clark Griffith has in de-
veloping the youngsters int obig league
material and his offer has brought him
closer to thousands who follow the sand
lotters in this city. Griffith proffered his
advise and help in any way that he is
capable Of giving 1t, and ne promised
to confer with Shurtlen and bennett at
any time they may feel necessary to
cali on him. This means that Grin Will
take an active hand in the ruling and
running of amateur baseball and that
Il Is sure to climb to higher plane,
even than II has already attained
Vice President Fred bennett had en-
couraGing things to say to the members
of the association present. He thanked
Upon him by again electing him to help
run their game and promised the same
loyal support to the game that Re ha9
always rendered In the past.
Eight Leagues Signed.
At present there are eight circuits
siRned and active members of the ANA
teur Association. They are: East
washington Sunday School, Federal,
faI
Government, Marquette. and R. R.. Y.
NJ. c. A. At the next rieeting OF the
association, to be held next week, the
Northwest Sunday School League Win
spply for a franchise in the association.
President Robert H Young, OF the
association, announced at last nignt
meeting that he had been waited upon
by 4 committee OF amateur officials
from Baltimore, and that that body Is
Aesirous Of affiliating with washington
and Richmond In the next interclty Sc
ries. He informed the Baltimoreans
that washington VIII VIII oe r gao 10 "a aoI,s Iha
post- season series, provided they adopt
Amateur baseball rules similar to those
now In vogue here. 1t was declared
that that is the intention: and a copy
Of our rules was taken home bv the
visitors. SO that their playing rules and
constitution might be drawn Up like
those Of the District association. Plans
for the publication of rules for the
coming season were authorized to be
formed, and Secretary Shurtleff will
Immediately formulate these. Few
changes are to be effected over the
Sules followed last season.
Following are the names of those who
Sepresented the various leagues last
night: Departmental. Harry Murphy:
Capital City, Ross Blosser: East wash
inGton, C. c. Love; Federal. ]. II. Trav-
ers. and Central. o. W. Cornelius, and
W. c. Love.