The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-12
pang Warns Decentralization and Gibbons Ready for Fray

Knabe and Brennan as do Killifer," said
William F. Baker. president Of the Phila-
delphias. when seen at his home In
Brooklyn yesterday. "Killffer was paid
literally last season and he was our best
catcher. lie never said a word. either
by letter or WIRE to me about Jumping
to the Chicago Federals, which Is sur
prising to say the least. But we are
not going TO cry about It Manager
DOOM has authority to get new players
TO I'LL the positions loft vacant by the
Jumpers and the Philadelphia club will go
right along playing ball as IL nothing
has happened"
In signing q 1914 contract with the
New York Americans. Fritz Maisel. the
$4,000 third baseman. proved that his
word amounted to something. When last
season ended, Maisel called on President
Farrell, who named terms for this year
and asked tho youngster TO sign aeon
tract then and there.
ct accept your terms. Mr.. Farrell" said
Maisel, 'and want to thank you for the
way I have been treated. but Id rather
not sign Just now"
why notY' asked Farrell curiously.
well. Two pledged my word to the
fraternity to hold out until January" was
the reply.
"rll not ask you 70 break your word.
them" said the New YorkS owner. Maisel
went home to Baltimore and In less than
a month he received an offer OF double his
New York salary TO jump to the Federals.
The little fellow turned II down cold. In
spite OF much urging on tho part OF Ed
ward Hanlon and Otto Knabe. Malsel ro-
fused to bulge. lie said that he had
pledged his word to sign with the New
York Americans and he kept II when he
sent his contract 70 Farrell on Saturday.
I'D tNa,h 40
contract Chance probably feels much re-
loved as these speed merchants will no
his best drawing cards this year. The
signing OF Ray Caldwell IL another feather
IN Chances cap. as tho slim pitcher Is be-
lieved to have great season ahead.
Three other pitchers, Rose, Cooper and
Brown. have signed with tho New York
Americans. More contracts ara expected
at the clubs headquarters this week.
Edward Hanlon made the positive as
sertion IN Baltimore on Saturday that the
Federal League had decided not 10 invade
Greater New York this year. Local base
for their old favorites. the Giants, Dodgers
and Chancemen. II the Foderals sue
coed in partly wrecking the Cubs.
Pirates, Philiies and Dodgers. the Giants
ought to have plain sailing. as few. II any
of McGraws men Will desert him.
Clark Grifflth' has signed Eddie Air-
smith. tho Senator's star catcher. and
John Henry. the other backstop. has ac-
cepted terms.
The established fact that Daubert.
Konetchy. Jack Miller and Hoblitzell, all
first basemen. will stick to the National
League is hard blow for the Feds. who
felt sure that they could induce these men
to jump.
Heinie Zimmerman when he arrived in
Chicago last week spiked the rumor that
ne intended to leave Murphy and EYers by
stating that he was under oontract'to the
Cubs for two more years.
President Gilmore of the Feds will he
extremely busy In Toronto and Buffalo
this week trying to raise money to float
clubs In those cities. A similar task
awaits him in Kansas City and Indian
apolis