The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-23
PRESIDENT BAN JOHNSON
Sees BASEBALL DISASTER
American League Leader Would Abolish
southern Training Trips and Close
5 or o Minor Leagues-Interest
Lacking In Small Towns

Chicago, March 23.-Baseball is in
for an overhauling such asst has never
before experienced if the suggestions
of b. B. johnson, president of the
American League, are carried out, Ac.
cording to the head Of the junior cir
cult, there is need of reform along both
artistic and financial lines. Included in
the scheme for thew dealn are the
closing of the gates for the coming sea-
son of some fifty ball parks and the
abolition of spring training trips. The
padloeks would be distributed among
five or six minor leagues, while the
American and National Leagues would
be principally affected by the new sys-
TEN of training.
The apparent lack of interest in base
BAH in smaller towns is the reason for
the first suggestion, and needless ex
pense, coupled with chilly reception,
both at the gate and by the weather
man at the Southern training camps, is
responsible for the second
The policy of closing the gates Of
scores of minor league clubs has been
brought home with added pressure the
last few days through appeals to the
National Commission from ball players
for back salaries. 1t seems that the
majority of minor leagues failed to
make both ends meet last year, and the
players are at present in possession Of
|. o. US, ON which they have been
unable to collect. Not being able to get
any satisfaction from their employers,
the players have flooded the commission
with requests for money.
The supreme court of baseball has
been unable TO offer much encourage,
ment, and it was pointed out to-day
through Mr.. johnson that the worsr is
yet to come. Hundreds of players are
likely to be out of jobs the coming
season with no relies in sight, regard
less of whether certain clu'bs close their
gates or not.
President johnson pointed out that
the National League will have to get
rid of prooably $50 players, while the
American League will discard almost
as many. The larger minor leagues will
cut their rosters to 16, II and Is play
ers for each club, and these moves will
throw more men out of jobs.
I've have come to the parting of the
ways, said Mr.. johnson. "And either
have to furi out sails and run before the
wind or take the chances of being
wrecked on the financial shoals. l am
not referring to the American or Ma
tional leagues when l say this, except
that retrenehments along certain lines
may be necessary. What ! refer to is
connected with the minors. Most of the
leagues throughout the country are in
bad way.
= Ihere is no question but that it
would be good thing for the game
were the gates of five, or six minor
league clubs closed during the coming
season. In fact, l cannot see how the
smaller club owners can afford to keep
their parks open. Few made any money
last year and it does not look as il
they are going to this.
The National Commission has been
'bomharded of late with requests for
back salaries. These have all come from
minor league players who were unable
to collect from different clubs last fall.
The commission naturally tries to sat
isfy the players to the best of its albil-
lty, bat If the club owing the money
is bankrupt our hands are tied.
am going to suggest to the club
owners in the American and National
Leagues that hereafter all players be
compelled to report in condition to play
one or two weeks before the season
orens, said johnson.
These training trips are getting to
be joke. They are of no benefit and
cost the clubs $4,000 to $4,000 every
year.