The Washington herald., 1915-01-25
FederalS May Launch
Several Minor Leagues
Agents Are Looking Over Cir
cults in New England, the
South and Middle West.
M'KINNON ON THE JOB

Minor leagues in New England. the
South and Middle West as allies, are
promised the Federals by official agents
OF the independents and volunteers who
have been active during the past week.
According to an announcement made yes
terday in the Eastern office of the Fed
eral League, one Of the results of the
activity in the minor field may be the
establishment Of a new circuit in New
England League and Eastern Associa-
tton. furnishing opposition in the larger
cities of the existing circuit
Hugh A. Mckinnon. a Federal League
representative. who has been at work
in several of the strongholds of the East
ern Association. Is now studying Condi-
tions in the cities of Lynn. Lowell, Law
renee. and Worcester. Mass. and Man
chester, n. H.-citics which have at some
time or at present are enlisted in the New
England League. 1t has long been the
idea of baseball fans in Hartford. Spring
field. New Haven. and Bridgeport. OF the
Eastern Association, that the Eastern
Association or the original Connecticut
League did not provide setting in keen
ing with the ambitions and resources Of
the thriving cities.
To Invade New England.
The same conditions have prevailed in
the New England League. Worcester the
largest city in the circuit, is the third
largest in New England. being surpassed
in population only by Boston and ProvI-
denCe. In the old Eastern League that
preceded the International. Worcester
was paired with Providence at the north
east end OF the circuit. Worcester was
once a stronghold of the National League
and contributed to history. Lee Richmond.
A sensational lefthand pitcher from
Brown University, who was among the
first to get into the record books for
a no-hit performance.
Hartford was enrolled as a charter
member OF the National League city,
and before being coaxed into class Is
surroundings had a fling in the Eastern
League. Because Of the excellent rail-
road facilities it would be possible to
get eight of the best cities in New Eng
land grouped for practical results. In
stead OF being held back by large ex-
penditures in travelling. the promoters
could provide baseball of a grade sew
eral degrees faster than any of the
cities has experienced since its big
Time in the national sport under prom
Using conditions.
Cities Showing Pride.
As a matter of civic pride there has
been exceptional interest in the new
minor circuit shown in several of the
cities visited by Mr.. McKinnon. Until
reports from all Interested points have
been received II will not he possible to
even arrange for a tentative circuit.
Volunteers working in the Federal
cause have reported from the South and
Middle West. where two established
leagues are divided on the question Of
continuing under old conditions With
plants already established in several
cities of a minor league in the South
now urging alliance with the Feds, the
work necessary for the completion Of an
eight-Club circuit OF independents is con-
sidered easy Of accomplishment, as finan-
Cial aid has been assured from two cities
not at present enrolled in any league.
In Favor of Feds.
One of the chief points noted by Robert
Ward, vice president Of the Federal
league. in his visit to Chicago, was the
sudden increase in minor league senti-
ment favoring the FederaIs Outside Of
the court case this interested the Brook
lyn Federal League club owner more
than any of the Incidents in connection
with the gathering of baseball powers
What had appeared as one of our
greatest problems. that of establishing
minor leagues, has reached a point in
its solution where We are now carefully
choosing" said Mr.. Ward.
The danger OF being overloaded with
players has passed, and because Of the
openings for use of our surplus talent II
will be possible to concentrate on bring
ing the brand of baseball in the Federal
League this season up to the highest
possible point of efficiency
The minor leagues are assured spIen-
did talent. too. Whether we have many
minor leagues or none, not a player who
has a contract with us will lose anv-
thing" declared Mr.. Ward. The Fed
eral League is fixture in baseball"