Evening star., 1914-08-16
SPORTSMANSH|P FIRST
TO OWNER OF RED S0x
Joseph J. Lanning Has Established
Himself as Fan as Well
as a Magnate.

Joseph j. Lannin, the new owner of the
Boston Red Sox, has already established
a reputation as man to whom sports
manship comes first and the money de-
tails that may be involved second. He
has on his club the highest paid player
in the game. he has spent upward of
$50, 600 for new talent for his team and
would part with double that amount II he
thought the purchase would help the team
win. When the Boston National League
club sought to transfer its games to his
park because it's own would not hold the
crowds the Braves are drawing. he told
them to go ahead and consider the park as
their own and never mind about paying
rent.
The fame of Mr.. Lannin as a good sport
has gone abroad, with the consequent re-
suit that a lot of spongers and moochers
are already on his trail. as they always
areon a good fellow. The following some
what humorous story is told by Bill Bailey
of the Chicago Examiner of one days ex-
perience by the Boston magnate and
"Mr Lannin?" The questioner is a boy
attired in the blue of the messenger serv-
ice. In his hand he carries the trusty
book and within that you can see the en-
gram.
1T Is" The man who answers is Jo-
seph ]. Lannin. president of the Boston
Red Sox. You detect the tone of weari-
ness in his voice. His team is battling
the White Sox. The game is close and
the situation tense and he does not want
to be disturbed. So you can excuse that
tone.
Eighty cents and sign here" says the
boy.
"Stung Again." Says Magnate.
"Stung again." from the magnate. But
he produces. He opens the envelope,
reads the message. crushes it into his
pocket and goes on watching the game.
But those who know him snicker.
The ninth inn,n ng dawns. Hooper is on
third and Speaker at bat, and there is but
one out. and a lone tally will tie. Mr..
Lannin leans on the railing Of his box.
MIR. Lannin?" comes the query. and
the magnate turns to face another lad.
Well. Im." but he doesn't finish.
Yes" he says to the boy.
charges?" NO" Thanks"
| The team is on. The score is a tie and
Janvrin has worked his way to third by
, field out of Hoblitzel. Carrigan himself is
at bat. Cicotte has been taken out and
Faber is on the mound. But one is down
and long fly will put the winning tally
i across.
And Mr.. Lannin? Pulling with every
nerve In his body. The ball starts on its
way Carrigan Is poised. ready for the
swing that will tell all. 1nvoluntarily the
magnate leans forward.
Mr.. Lannin?" The query comes soft
and low.
"Oh." says the Boston president. and al
most collapses. But he turns mechani-
, cally. it is true, but he turns.
Sign here says the lad. And Mr.. Lam
Acv,sf fha 1nvly hat cd yyiC
| tory for his Red Sox.
| It's but page out of the life of the
| new magnate. the chronicling of his aft
ernoon at the ball game.
Pays $25, 900 for Three Men.
short time ago Mr.. Lannin paid
s25 600 in real money for three ball play
| ers. and every minor league magnate in
this fair land Immediately got the i'm
preston that he was easy money.
| They have been bombarding him with
letters and kilograms ever since.
! I've got the greatest young second
baseman in the country, and you can
have him for $4,000" says one minor
! league owner.
I've got better outfielder than Iris
Speaker, and he's yours for $15.O0O.'
wires another.
IF you need the best pitcher in the
minors. I'll let him come to the Boston
club for 100000, but hurry, as both the
Giants and Athletics want him." from
another.
They come from the great and the
small in the minors. from the poin,
farthermost south to the place where
they play twilight ball.
! Mr.. Lannin can purchase the best
i minor league outfelder in the country
before breakfast. He can recruit ar
infield before lunch. He can fill hi:
outfeld while waiting for dinner ant
organize the greatest pitching staff ir
the game while smoking a cigar. MOI
does it have to be a long one.
See Lannin," Is the cry that has
[ roma I'm all over the minors