Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-06-08
BY CARL Ed.
the nennIn of Rock Island

By CARL Ed
Do the people of Rock Island
want professional baseball!
This is the question that is cauS-
ing the directors OF the local as
sociatiOn great deal OF worry at
the present time. The situation
has come to head in Rock Island
and facts can no longer he ig-
n0red. Unless the Islanders are
better supported in the very near
futurp, Rock Island is in ':raye
danger Of losing its y tree Eye
franchise. Thus far che local pro-
motors have T~,e no complaint
hut have waited patiently for the
attendance 10 increase at the local
park. Bat their waiting has been
in vain and now it is time for ac-
ton. The local fans must show
their hand and act quickly or base
ball will be lost to Rock Island.
Three successive days Of rain and as
many postponed games have badly de-
pletad the local treasury and if the
weather permits a game tomorrow, the
fans should pack the park to see the
Islanders and Peoria play. Lister now
has a strong lineup. second to none
in the league So far the men have
played to empty stands during the
week days. If the players are given
any kind of incentive and if they are
shown that their efforts are appreci-
ated. winning streak is sure to de-
velop.
o M
threat as yet to surrender the fran
chise, but it is common knowledge
that something must be done and done
right away to save the national pas
time for Rock Island. Last Sunday
was an ideal day yet only $50 paid
admissions were registered at the
gate. when there should have been
1000 at least.
Double Header Friday.
Bill Jackson and his battling Peoria
crew will be here again tomorrow. Sat
urday Howard Darringer and his fast
stepping BlOOmer crowd will cross
bats with Listers gang. The Boomers
viii remain over Sunday. Monday the
Islanders leave on another trip, going
to Hannibal
Manager Lister announced this
morning that oubIe-header would
be staged tomorrow with Peoria pro-
viding the weather would permit.
Pitcher Joe Geiger, local semi-prO,
who has hurled several nO-hit games
this season with SherraTd, will be
given a tryout in the first game.
Ted Waring and his Hannibal Mules
drifted out of Rock Island yesterday
afternoon following two days Of idle
ness, and Ted was wearing a broad
smile for various reasons. When in
terviewcd at the New Harper Waring
stated that President Tearney had
awarded Pitcher Turkey Thomas TO
Hannibal, making his decision yester-
day morning. Thomas was ordered to
report to the Missouri town, and prob
ably arrived there this morning.
Tearney's decision brings to an end
weeks OF wrangling between the Han
nibal and Rockford clubs over the
ownership Of Thomas, who played last
season with the defunct FreepOrt club
When Hannibal boosters assumed a
Three-Eye franchise they were prom
ised II players of the defunct Free
port club, one of this number being
Thomas. Every player but Thomas
reported to the club in due time.
Thomas remained at his home in the
south, until the end Of the school
term. as he was attending college. He
was forwarded transportation money
by President Ridel of Hannibal, but
ordered to report TO Rockford by
Tearney, pending a decision by Sec
rotary Farrell
Tearney was apparently stalling, as
Riedel learned from Farrell that the
case had never been put up to him.
Riedel then threatened to throw up
the Hannibal franchise if his club was
not awarded Thomas. Manager War
ing took the team to Rockford on his
own hook Saturday night, after re-
ceiving assurances that Thomas would
go to Hannibal Thomas is a valuable
man and regarded as one Of the finds
Of last season.
Davenport Aroused.
With the Thomas matter disposed
Of and the Davenport problem solved
II looks as though the Three-Eye will
20 forward without any further
trouble. Dick and Reed Lane and
Tom Walsh, owners Of the Davenport
club, who are now in Chicago attend
ing the republican convention, yester-
day afternoon wired acceptance TO the
plan Of the Greater Davenport com
mittee 70 sell 10000 admission tickets
IN advance. raising $4,000, providing
the money be raised within 10 days.
Secretary Hayes informed Secretary
Norwood of the offer and the latter
suggested that the campaign start on
Monday
The 10000 tickets win in all prob
ability be disposed Of in book form.
each book being good for 20 games
and selling at S. apiece. This will re-
Guire those in charge TO sell 1000 of
these books in 10 days Committees
from the Davenport Commercial club,
Greater Davenport Committee and
., II - l. =.