New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-01-22
OUTLAWS BEGIN TO
SHOW THEIR TEETH
Send Out a Challenge to
Organized Baseball in
Few Choice Words.
BACK SOMERSAULT OF
KILLIFER THE GAGE
Lester Channel Returns to Fold
of the Yankees, with Great
Record Behind Him.


Chicago Jan. 1.-THE decisive battle OF
IN. baseball war OF 1914 may be fought in
federal court This vas intmated TO-
Say by persons close 10 the promoters OF
IN. Federal League. who served notice
that they would fight any attempt OF
cl,b. IN organized ball TO sign their
players
The legality Of the reserve clause IN
the contracts sent out by National and
American League clubs will be the point
over which the battle will rage. but when
or where the contest will start was not
made public
After delivering = challenge TO organ
ICED bail declaring the Federal League
would protect" its players and their con-
tracts. President Gilmore Of the new or
gani1ation disappeared from sight to-day
and therefore DEFINITE plans FOR the con-
nict. II il comes. have not become gem
orally known.
announcement
William Killifer by the Philadelphia club
I'm the National League was made so soon
after Gilmore had warned the Philcs
that the Federals would fight il Killifer
was signed that IL looked to the Gilmore
cohorts like the formal picking up Of the
gauntlet.
The outlaws declare themselves 60 con-
fdent that the reserve clause will be held
Illegal that they predicted tonight
grand scramble for players as soon as
court decision is made.
If it comes TO bidding for players, We
will be as strong as anybody said
Charles Wecghman. president Of the Chi
cago Federals.
organized baseball knows it has no
legal right to sign our ball players. said
Joe Tinker Of the local club. 1T merely
wants to tie them UP so they can't play
with US
Neither Weeghman nor Tinker would
say whether cour; action would precede
or follow actual participation in games
by Killifer.
In addition 10 other players who visited
Federal League headquarters to-day.
Louis Fiene and Dave Altizer. of the
Minneapolis American Association club,
and Alexander Zwilling. purchased from
St. Joseph by the Boston Braves. talked
with the managers Of the new league.
Lester Channel, who is likely TO
strengthen the New York Yankees in the
outfed. has signed for 1914, his contract
reaching President FarrelPs Office yester-
oay. Channel was purchased from the
Denver club. Of the Western League, last
December. after he had been strongly rec
commended TO Frank Chance by several
scouts.
Channel was with the Yankees several
years ago. but broke his leg during the
early part Of one season, and after
years absence was released to lnoianapo-
lis lie began 10 make rapid strides as
batter fielder and base runner with the
Denver club in 1912, but last years record
was OF such high quality that his pur-
chase BY some major league club was
foregone conclusion.
Channel played 162 games last year,
going 10 the bat ga times. scoring 137 runs,
making 20 base hits including A two
bacgers. 10 thrce-baggcrs and g home
runs His batting average was .55' and ne
stole IS bases.
lack WARRIOR. Chances veteran pitcher,
sent word yesterday that he had accepted
terms and would mail lis signed contract
TO tho clubs Offices at once. Warhop VIII
reoort 10 Tom DAILY at Hot Springs ARK
on February Is. lie says his arm seems il
good condition.
Information comes from Ban Johnson
president OF the American League that
Big I'd" Sweeney has received an offer
from the Yankees which probably viii
result in his signing contract despite
good offer from the Federals
Jimmy Sheckard. who helped the Cubs
win two worlds championships will man
age the Toledo club OF the American AS
ISOLATION this year.
And now tits said the outlaws are on
the trail OF Fred Snodgrsss. Perish the
thought
According TO the outlaws in Pittsburgh,
an effort was made 10 transfer the Jersey
CITY team OF the International League TO
that city. hut Barney Dreyfuss put his
foot down Hence the Federals.
Because Of the good work he did last
season Fred Banding. the big right
handler OF the Cleveland pitching staff,
naturally expected an increase in his sal
AIRY for next season.
Blandng received his contract from the
management Of the Maps al his home. in
Detroit. the other day, and, much 10 his
surprise and dismay, IL called for less SAL
AIRY than he received last year. At first
he could hardly believe his eyes. lie then
hurried the contract back TO the Cleveland
club. declaring that unless his demands
are met he will quit the game or jump.
Frank Crosson. the young catcher re-
called last fall by the ST. Louis Browns,
was released yesterday TO the Nashville
club. OF the Southern League
Peekskill Boys Win Easily.
The Peekskll Military Academy basket
ball team defeated the Riverview Acad-
envy OF Poughkeepsie in a one-sided game
at Peekskil yesterday by score OF Al
10 IL The Peekskiil team took the lead
at the start and lost little time in run
ming IN the score