The Washington times., 1915-06-23
Internationally Released, For
mer Cleveland Manager Will
Take Iron-Clad Clauses Into
Court For Settlement Affect
ing Many.
American Association Players,
Facing Possible ldIeness,
Accept Cuts in Salaries and
Now Hope to Finish Out
Disastrous Season.
Bv LOUIS A. BOUCHER.

Joe Birmingham, deposed man.
ager of the Cleveland Indians, has
been Internationally released by
Charlie Somers and barred from
entering League Park. He has re-
tanned an attorney and will test the
iron-clad features of his contract
thus bringing the American League
right up against the question OF
whether or not those molern con-
tracts will hold water when a player
is believed to have fallen down on
his job. In releasing Birmingham,
Somers informed him that all Amer
lean League clubs had waived on
his services.
Since Birmy was relieved of his
managerial duties a month or so
ago, he has been reporting at the
Cleveland park daily, working out
with the American Association club.
He claims an iron-clad contract ex-
tending to the end Of the 1915 sea-
son, and insisted that he would COL
lect it all, unless Somers wanted to
compromise. Birmy said that, know
ing Somers' financial reverses, he
was willing to do the right thing
The unconditional release is the an
swer of the magnate.
In addition to the contract matter.
Birmy claims that he loaned Somers
hat ha will
suit to recover this money.
American League clubs everywhere
will watch with consuming interest the
outcome of this case. II the courts de-
eide that Somers, proving Eirmy's fail
ure, may release him Internationally.
the so-called iron-clad clauses in the
playing contracts will have been nulli-
fled and the magnates will once more
have their old control over their play
ers Given this control, It Is expected
that wholesale cuts will be In order in
almost every club In the circuit. Any
number Of players held up their clubs
In 1913. and last winter on the strength
Of a good season and the impending
danger from the Feds. signing long term
contracts at fancy figures. Now many
of those same men are loafing on their
Jobs, and the magnates know not just
what to do about 1t. The financial fall
ure of the 1915 season calls for salary
cuts for about every club outside OF the
White Sox. and. IL Birmy loses his case,
the pruning knife may be expected
from all sides.
As a sign of what Is to come in the
big show, all American Association
players have had their salaries cut The
last club to announce cut. Columbus.
did so yesterday, and now all eight
clubs are trying to make both ends
meet The question was put UP to the
players themselves, the managers tell
ing them that with high salaries con-
tinuing, the league would have to close
its gates. The players showed wisdom
In accepting the decreases in salary.
Tho Western League Is tottering
week ago the players were placed on a
percentage basis, and even that has
failed to relieve the tension. President
O'Neill. of the league. has offered his
entire salary to the various clubs. one
eighth to each of them. Just how long
the league will continue Is o mystery
soon to be solved July 4 will b, most
momentops this year in the history Of
many ball clubs. If It rains on the
holiday, the day after the Fourth. half
of the smaller leagues IN the country
will go under. IL fair. weather greets
them. they may struggle along till La
Dor Dav.
Manager Griffith denied today that he
was negotiating for a player in the
Canadian League, as rumor had 1t.
Don't know anything about any play
ers In the Canadian League" said the
Old FOX. Anyway, I'm certainly not
looking for any players up there"
F. W. Bruce. the V. P. l. slugging out
fielder, Shas been turned back to the
Griffmen. having injured his weak knee
in a recent game. Bruce will be sent
home for a long rest. II he recovers in
time TO play ball this season, Manager
Griffith will seek to land him berth in
some minor league"
Ban Johnson Is willing to become
minor league magnate to the tune of
s250o0. He offers to buy that much
stock in the Toledo club, II the city's
business men will &C me across with as
much more. Plans are on foot to trans
fer the Cleveland Association club to
Toledo.
Gus Williams, the Browns outfielder,
has been released to Toronto by Branch
Hickey. Williams is one OF the fastest
men in baseball, and, for while last
year looked Ike a slugger, but his
season brought about MS release.
MANAGER Rowland Is said to have quit
angling for EDDIE Murphy when he dis
covered that Connie Mack wanted a
pitcher in exchange, and would not
listen to n straiEht sale. The deal Is
now said to be on.
When Clarence Wanamaker, captain
and stellar backstop Of the Dartmouth