New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-03
EDDIE PLANK
SIlRS UP ROW
Veteran SOuthpaw Asks
Commission to Declare
Him Free Agent.
By FRANK O'NElLL.

Eddie Plank. the veteran left-nanded
pitcher who once starred for the Phi.a-
dolphia Athletics. and who. as mem
Der o. the ST. Louis Fcderals led the
Federal League twirlers last year, has
stirred up storm in baseball which
will have a farreachng effect
At present Eddie is hoid-out or the
Browns. and has appealed 70 the Va
tional Commission, requesting that he
ne declared a free agent, and that he
be empowered 70 negotiate with any
team in the country with which he can
make the best terms. His request will
be denied. Il has been learned, and
many other players Of the Federal
League who believe that they have bee"
made free agents will have rude
awakening
Ban y. Johnson. president OF the
American League, who IA taking snort
rest At Excelsior Springs. No. SAID yes,
tordav that "A decision Of the National
Commission would be made public
shortly which would affect the standing
Of those members Of the Federal
League p'ho had not been disposed OF
already under the terms of the treaty
of Cincinnati. II may be, too. that the
status OF few who have been sold IN
the Last few weeks will be affected
Plank has refused 20 sign new con =
tract with the 81. Louis Club. His old
contract expired AZ the end OF last
season. and the club rendered him an
other calling for a material reduction
"a. i a. "a =
with a note calling attention 20 the
fac, tina, he had led the league. and
that he believed he deserved more con
sideration. But the club officials re-
NAMED firm. and Eddie appealed 70 the
national mmission. He said IN his
appeal that his contract with 81. Louis
had expired. and that when he joined
the Federal Leagu. ali the clubs in the
National and American leagues had
waived claim 10 his services.
As a matter Of fact" Mr.. Johnson
said. "sll the clubs in the big leagues
had not waived on him. The Boston
Braves and Cincinnati Reds both put
IN claims for him. but that will have
no bearing or the case. Organized
baseball will recognize the reserve
clause Of me Federal League. All
PLAYERS whose contracts have expired
are under reserve by their clubs,
whether IN the Federal League o. not.
Hence. Plank belongs 20 81. Louis.
II the statement credited 70 Mr.
Johnson be true, there Is scant chance
Ct Hal Chase or George Stovsll ever
returning 70 the American League. Mr..
Johnson denied that there was black
list. but he said in unmistakablo lar.
guage TINT the American League did
rot care for men Of their type.
The rumor that George :. Ward, part
owner ~ the Brooklyn Tip TOPS. and
William Ward. a son Of the late Robert
b.. would purchase the Cleveland Ind
ians was shor. lived. Mr.. Ward denied
most emphatically that ne was even
considering the matter
Negotiations for the purchase Of the
Jersey CITY franchise in the Interna-
tional League still hang fire. Harry
Murray. proprietor Of a cafe in New
ark. and q Mr. Lustig. a real estate
broker. have been In conference with
Ed Barrow. president OF the league.
bu. nothing has been accomplished a.
yet.
II u declared that If the Giants de-
eide they no longer require the services
Of Chief Meyers, the Boston Braves
will take him over. Stallings is quoted
as saying that he believes the Chief
has several years Of good baseball in
him. and is willing 10 give him
chance 20 prove II.