Omaha daily bee., 1915-08-01
Judgments

- NE principal topic locally in con-
nection with base ball is that on
Friday Omaha will be given an
opportunity to publicly testify
its appreciation of the Rourke family.
That day is especially set aside as
Booster day, and It is to be made the
occasion of something in the way of a
testimonial. Evidence of the popularity
of the move is shown in the support II
has from the Commercial club, the Manu-
facturers' association, the Retail Groc-
ers and Butchers association, the Ro-
tary club and other similar organiza-
tions. all of which have signified their
approval by recommending to their men,
bers that they attend. The grocers and
butchers propose to close their places
of business on that afternoon, to the
end that their employees may help to
swell the throng that will pack the grand
stand. Denver is to be the guest Of
Omaha that day, and it goes without
saying, a real ball game will be pre-
sented for the pleasure OF the crowd.
Other features have been provided. and
the entertainment will be as good as
ever was given at a ball PARK. The
only thing not fully settled is Just how
many thousands will be out there when
the first ball is pitched. If all the talk
that is heard is realized, Il will be an
overflow crowd Remember, Rourke
needs the money and he more than de-
serves the help. He's a good, game guy,
but he oughtn't to be asked to Support
the game in Omaha all by himself. Give
him real boost on Booster day.
Joe Tinker isn't a prophet. and never
was; he's just good bail player, with
something of business ability, and a
knowledge of the game born of long ex-
perience. Therefore. his opinions are
worth listening to at least He is out
with the statement that base ball is go
ing to come at lower prices next season.
The public, he says, is tired of having to
pay 81 up for grand stand Accommodations
and 70 cents for bleachers, when 1t can
find lot of other amusement at lower
figures Joe sets the top price at 20
cents. with the genera admission fixed
at so. and he'll find a lot of support in
that. A lot of the fancy trimmings to the
game will have to go by the board, but
1t would be none the worse for base ball
If they did. while the empty seats might
he filled if the cost to the consumer were
reduced little. And none will deny that
the presence of big crowds of interested
rooters will not help the game.
It's still a long way to the end of the
iane' but just now it looks as If Chicago
we're not going to be burdened with more
than one pennant this time. The Cubs
have gone down the slide fast, and the
Sox are following. The eastern trip was
very rough going for the Bresna.han
crowd, and Commy's crew failed to hold
the lead while on the home grounds. In
the Ban Johnson league II now appears
TO the wise ones that Bill Carrigan is go
ing to lead the Bostons home again ahead
of all others, while the National is still
moro or less of an open proposition, with
dope just a little bit in favor of the Phil
lies.
Interest in harness racing, which has
never died in Omaha, has come to active
life again, and this week will see a meet
of real merit The men who are CON
cerned in the affair are of such character
as will establish the sport on solid foot
ing, il they get the least bit OF encourag-
ing support from the public. No good
reason exists why Omaha should not be
listed among the real racing centers Of
the country All conditions here are
favorable, and 1t need surprise no one
II the meeting this week isn't the begin
ming of movement that will place the
Gate City in the very front of the inn
portant harness race centers Of the coun-
try.