The Washington times., 1914-01-13

Sing a song of baseball
Pockets full of kale.
Four and twenty magnates
Raise an awful wall.
There are several reasons why the
Federal League faces a more difficult
task than thai troubling the American
League. In 1901 the baseball world was
dominated by the National League, a
worn-out organization, badly in need
of sportsman in its inner councils, bad
ly in need of young blood. Players were
constantly complaining of low salaries
being paid them. The players were
ripe for anything.
In overtuTning this monarchy Of base
ball Ban Johnson and his new league
were aided by many conditions. In
the first place, he could get the play
ers for far less money than present
day athletes win take. In order to
equal the parks of the National
League hardly a twentieth OF the pres
ent-day outlay was necessary. There
were two big things ir; the favor OF
the American League. Ban johnson
knows II, too. no matter what he might
say.
The Federal League is making the
same appeal TO the pocketbook of the
fan that was made by Ban Johnson
and the American League Major
league baseball for a quarter was the
clarion call Of the American League
IN the East in 1901 and 1902. II was
a popular slogan, and the fans fell for
It, piling over to the side of the new
organization Sitting on a hard wooden
bench in the sun for 50 cents didn't
compare to the Same wooden bench and
sun for % cents. 1 was one of those
who made the jump from the National
to the American TsnoIie: one OF that
reat army Of enthusiasts who made
the success o.. Ieagl Why
should I have paid half a dollar to
gee Clark Griffith in his Chicago uni
form when 1 could see him for a quar-
ter? That's me way the fans doped it
out That's the way they would dope
It again. too. IL conditions were iden-
deed, they are far different.
The American League was under
heavy expense in 1901 and 1902, but the
Federal League will be under even
greater expense IN 1914 Almost any
fans in 1901. They hadn't been trained
to steel and concrete. then. Though
tempted to jump by increased salaries.
the stars Of the American League. in
uluD Dcblll U SeI tic IQOucy now
paid the diamond star. Furthermore,
the American League came to the front
when the public was tired OF the cease
less squabb'es in the old league, sick of
its inane management, its failure TO bet
ter conditions. This situation does not
exist in 1914.
Even now the National League Is
providing the better target for the raid
ing outlaws. 1t is unfortunate that this
old organization should possess so lit
tie sportsmanship, so little common
sense in its management, that twice in
fifteen years il should be compelled
to fight for its life. Yet such is the
sad truth. In 1914. though, tie National
League has a strong wealthy. fighting
organization with 1t in the person OF
the American League.
AND now comes the Federal League,
with its slogan Of ''225-cent baseball in
a third big league" It comes when no
real big league cities are open. The out
laws must fight their way in. If they
sucreed, they will have to spend many
thousands of dollars. And after they
are ir and have spent all this money.
they will discover the bitter, bitter
tr7uth-that the fabulous profits Of base
ball are mythical. even as the golden
apples of Hesperides.
However, I don't think that the Fed
eral leagI1ers will succeed in breaking