The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-05-18
VIRGINIA LEAGUE
IN GOOD CONDITION
APPARENTLY EQUITABLE SEIZED.
rLr HAS NOT EFFECTED
ORGANIZATION.
CLUBS DRAWING WELL
INDICATIONS POINT TO LEAGUE
HOLDING IT'S OWN THROUGH.
oUT PRESENT
SEASON
BY ERNEST POTLARN.

Contrary to the early prognosti-
cations of the baseball wiseacres OF
Richmond and other cities In the vir-
ginia league circuit. practically every
team in the organization is drawing
large attendances. despite the inaug-
uration this season of the equitable
schedule. From present indications
the leagu Will not only hold its own
during this season, but will result In
one OF the biggest SUCCESSES since IT'S
organization,
Since the REGENERATION of the Ports.
mouth club and several additions to
the Petersburg team. all of the aE-
gregat tons in the league are evenly
matched and the ones now occupying
the cellar are expected to ascend to
a section near the top OF the ladder
before many days Will have passed.
Richmond Got Bad Start.
Although Richmond got a. had start
because OF the inefficient pitching
staff this department has been great
ly strengthened since Sloan. Crimes
and Foxen arrived in mp from this
Birmingham club. Almost every weak
point on the local team has been rem-
edied during the past two weeks by
Manager Ray Ryan, and the Colts are
now setting the pace OF the league.
Norfolk got whiriwnd start ana
are still retaining the lead. but 1t win
not be long before some other team
IN the circuit Gusts the Mary lane
crew from the first division. The Tars
have already started downward and
before the end Of the week they will
probably tumble further down this
ladder.
Finances Good.
The finances Of the lea que ara
good and the various magnates laugh
al the idea of the league blowing up
before the end Of the season. MANY
have predicted that the league will
not last longer than the first o. jus
" under the equitable schedule, but
those who are familiar with the situ-
alton paid little attention to the ~.
sertions. At the present time theirs
are 5000 in the Virginia league treas
ury In actual lnoney. which will in
sure the continuation of the league
throughout this season. at least
In the event that one or two Of the
teams fail 10 continue to draw large
crowds and are forced to abandon the
league. both Danville and Lynchburg
stand in readiness to walk into their
shoes. The fans Of the two last nam-
ed cities are anxious to get profess
sional clubs in that city and stand
ready to purchase a franchise, should
one OF two of the teams desire to-
leave the league
Teams Drawing Good.
Richmond. Newport News and Nof~8
folk are drawing good, while the otlI-
er three clubs are holding their own.
The small attendance during the ear
~ part of the season We're largely
due to bad weather
Secretary Bradley, OF the local club,
says that things have proven better
than he had anticipated and that he
is thoroughly satisfied with the equi-
table schedule. Large crowds are not
expected until the local baseball fol-
lowers become accustomed to seeing
games here the early part Of thu
week, The attendances this wear AZ
Broad street park are expected to be
rs large as those in 1908
Although many people may not re-
alize 1t. but the Virginia league II
the best class c organization In the
National association. 1t Is the lArg.
est in population and much the
strongest In playing strength.
With all of the clubs in the circuit
now evenly matched the race THU
year Is expected TO be more interest,".
ing than ever before. e