The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-06-16


ing through the states of Colorado,
Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California.
A branch will run from Denver to Salt
Lake, with several others spreading
over the territory to reach mining dis
tricts
GOSSIP OF THE SPORTS.
(By Jake Lewis, Ofhcial scorer)
Another howl Ii being made around
the circuit about the ball now in use.
Many contend that it has too much
rubber in the center and that when
hit its velocity il SO great that in
ffelders cannot handle the drives.
This complaint was heard for time
last year but subsidized. OF course, 1t
is admitted that there is not the usual
number OF good pitchers on the cir
cult this year and the five ball is
said to be responsible for q large
share of the trouble. The Federal
league used the same ball for a time
but changed a few weeks ago. This
league is using ball with less rubber
in the core.
The recent decision Of Judge Foell
in the courts OF Illinois concerning
the Winnebago johnson case. FORE
stalled the desertion OF number OF
players who had been persuaded to
join the Federal league ranks. Re-
ports from the various clubs show
that at least twenty men were ready
to desert Organized baseball, but this
decision caused them to change their
minds.
Of organized baseball. The decision
Of Judge Sessions in the Federal
court, which knocked out the reserve
clause, Is the only thing that went
against organized ranks, and even
this will be tested in the higher
courts The reserve clause and the
validity of the contracts will be de-
cided soon in the United States court
OF appeals. The evidence and argu-
ment has been heard and the decision
Is being held under advisement. 1t is
conceded that this decision will be
taken to the federal supreme court.
This is the Killifer case.
The case f Winnebago johnson
also will go to the highest court in
the land. 1t differs from the Killifer
case only on the legality of the ten
day clause.
For the first time in years. the
courts are being called upon to make
baseball law. The decisions in the
Killifer and johnson cases will be
taken as precedents and known as
law made by the judiciary and will
forever be recognized in drawing up
baseball contracts.
The higher class circuit has begun
invading the Glass A league in search
of promising youngsters and are
ready to grab all the star players In
sight. Even at this early date the
American association and Coast
league teams are after Phil Koerner.
the big first baseman of the Kaws.
and the major league clubs have be-
gun corresponding with the local club
concerning Outfielder Forsythe and
Infielder Cochran. The Louisville
Koerner and the Detroit club is after
Forsythe. Several have been inquir-
ing about Cochran.
Joe Leonard, third baseman with the
Pittsburg Nationals, is out of the game
on account of injuries and will not be
able to get back in play for a month.
He has been sent to his home to recup-
crate. Leonard is acknowledged to be
the best recruit to be picked up by the
Pittsburg club last season, and but for
the contract of Mike Mowry. who was
secured in a trade, he may have been
to play around the third base
station regularly.
No: Bill Rapps Of the Topeka club is
not the man who answered the divorce
petition of Mime. Schumann-Heink nor
Dean. Bill Rapps Of the Topeka club
has wife and two children at his
home in Rich Hill. Mo.
Bill Rapp, who appeared here today
with the Lincoln club spells his name
the same way as the Divorced Rapp
but he il not the man either. Bill Rapp
with the Lincoln club has family in
D. C. Bill Rapp is not
hunting anything but his semi-monthly
pay checks ard the Washington ex-
changes.
Calamity how1ers are beginning to
yell for the scalp of the Topeka and !
clubs in the Western League.
Can't find anything else to do. These
people are barking up tree as there
Is hardly a chance Of ever crowding
the Kansas capital on the map. To-
peka is essential to the Western League
just the same as il Lincoln. Wichita
and other towns, on account Of the geo.
graphical location Of Denver. the best
town In the league. In addition to that,
the Topeka club is owned and sup
their veins and they will hold the club
unto the last hitch.
The Topeka club was fourth in total
last year, and with better
results in sight as to winning games,
there is chance for the town to be
we'll up in the list this season. Don't
let anyone say anything about Topeka
losing her franchise in the Western
League.
Wichita Eagle: Fans in Wichita will
regret the loss OF Gear from the To-
peka club rs ne il one Of the best liked
managers in the league. His efforts to
make the Kaws q winning club were
deserving Of better results than were