South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-10-31
INJURED PLAYERS
SHOULD GET PAY
Baseball Fraternity Requests
Elimination of Clause in
Contracts of Suspension.

NEW YORK oct. 31-The Off
cial list Of requests made by the
Baseball Players fraternity TO the
national commission and the ma
tional board OF arbitration for con-
cessiOns TO its members was out
lined Monday by Pres't David l..
Fultz OF the fraternity, as follows:
FIRST. that clauses in baseball
contracts empowering clubs TO sus-
pend without pay. after certain
periods OF disability. players who are
injured in service be eliminated, and
that such players be entitled 10 full
pay as long as they are held under
contract.
Second. that rule "a of the rules
ard regulations OF The national
board be amended insofar as it
violates section marked first Of the
fraternity agreement.
Third. that minor league players
receive their traverlg expenses
from their homes ~ the training
camps when reporting for spring
practice. (The words travelling eX-
penses' TO include in addition 70
railroad ticket, berth and meal
money where either or both the
last items are usual expense OF the
trip involved)
Amend Procedure.
Fourth. that the procedure now
employed by the national board in
hearing players claims presented by
the fraternity shall receive copies
OF the defenses introduced by the
clubs and an opportunity be given
il of answering such defenses; that
Immediately upon decisions being
rendered. the fraternity shall be
served with a copy thereof and the
players exhibits. il any. presented
by the fraternity. returned TO il IL
requested. That the board shall en-
force its award against the clubs"
In a brief supporting the frater-
nity's petition. Pres't Fultz, acting
for the board of directors. states
in part, referring TO the various re-
quests:
Request l: There exists today. in
many Of the minor league contracts.
and in some of those Of the Amer
lean league. a clause allowing clubs
10 suspend without pay a player who
has been disabled on the field
we believe that this rule is un-
just TO the player, in that il de-
prives him Of the opportunity OF
earning his livelihood. not because
OF any breach of discipline on his
part. not because he has neglected
in any way to do his full duty, but
because he. engaged in a dangerous
occupation, disregarding his own
welfare in his excessive desire 10
win. has taken a risk in the further
ance OF that desire which has
brought injury upon him. We believe
that the worst treatment player
in this situation should receive is
lis unconditional release. or in other
words. his discharge, If the club
does not wish 10 pay his salary BY
the clause under consideration, how
ever, "A club is allowed to retain title
20 the player. prevent his going 10
any other club and yet pay him no
salary.
Violates Agreement.
Request two. The national
board, AT its annual meeting in the
fall Of 1915. enacted a clause desig-
mated rule 81 OF the rules and reg
ulations OF the national board
which IS in direct violation of sec
ton one OF the fraternity agree
ment. which reads in part as fol-
lows:
When a major league player re-
ceives a 10 days notice Of uncon-
ditional release OF when class "A
or class A player receives a FIVE days
notice OF unconditional release, he
shall be free 10 sign with any team
immediately. the contract TO run
from the expiration OF his notice of
release
This section permits a player
who has received notice or his un-
conditional release TO Immediately
negotiate for his services so that by
expiration OF the release period. he
will have a position open for him.
Rule 81 complained Of. takes this
right away from the minor league
player. thus materially lessening the
N Iua ~ the release uOfipe