The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-12-04
TENER MEN OPPOSE
THIRD Big LEAGUE
Nationals Magnates Will Vote
Against Ban Johnson's
Latest Scheme.
By JOE VILLA.

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every club owner In the National
League will 20 on record at the an
nual meeting here next week M unai
tcrabiy opposed to the plan TO or.
ganizc n third major circuit to en-
brace the best cities In the Interna.
tional League and the American As
ISOLATION. This plan was recently
suggested by President Ban johnson,
OF the American League, who still 10
strongly In favor OF IL.
II In Johnson's idea that the forma-
ton OF such circuit will bolster up
the minor league situation. and also
will increase the popularity Of tho
national game.
johnson argues that a third major
league VIII aid the American and Ma
tional Leagues In covering MP 30
much desirable territory that outlaw
invasions will be impossible. He also
figures that by rearranging the pres
ent minor league clrcuite the smaller
club owners will be able TO derive
profits from the game.
Have several Reasons.
The National League men. on .hc
other hand, are opposed to the John
son plan for several reasons. They
insist that there are not enough high.
class ball players to thoroughly equip
each OF the sixteen major league
teams governed by johnson and for
mer Governor Tener. They admit that
their own league needs "A wealth II
new playing material, and for that
reason the formation OF another so.
called major circuit would prevent
them from getting desirable men
Furthermore, the National leaguers
do not care to have another nrst class
circuit In the held, because they say
that the existence OF such n league
might scriousuy inJure them In the
long run.
Ineiiasd To ne wary.
Inasmuch az the American League.
which 10 all powerful just now.
stands solidiy behind johnson In his
desire to put the third major circuit
on the baseball map. the National
League magnates naturally are In.
clined to be wary. They are not
eager to have the American League
obtain the support OF a new and dan
gorous ally. They figure that they
hands TO divide popular favor with
Johnson's circuit and that the organ
ization OF another rival would handi'
cap them In many ways.
For these reasons, therefore, the
National League. as a whole. IL pre-.
plan, which means that unless the
American League can exert unusual
influence before next spring the
scheme will amount To nothing.
Under the provisions OF the Ma
tionel agreement, Il Is necessary TO
obtain the consent OF both major
leagues before plan OF this KIND
can be adopted.
As the National League 10 hostile
to the move II remains TO be seen
haN n American
League club owners Will do.
West Needs Strengthening.
One OF the most important topics
TO be discussed at the National
League meeting next week Is the
plight OF the four Western teams
The inferior playing ability OF the
Cubs, Pirates Cardinals, ana heds
last season resulted In some financial
losses. The league, collectively, also
lost prestige and popularity.
In Chicago and 81. Louis the Amer
lean League predominated In the
struggle for patronage. For The first
League became OF little consequence |
in the Windy City. Unless the four |
Western teams are strengthened,
therefore, II is a foregone conclusion
Braves again will be the factors In
the pennant race next season.
Minors Won't Help Much.
But how can the Western teams be
improved? Surely not by the en-
gagement OF minor league players.
the Giants. Robins, Braves.
some OF their capable men.
As the Western end OF the National
League circuit IL lamentably weak,
the magnates. when they get here
peTt wef trades for Ike purpose Of
equalizing the playing strength or
their teams. This problem seems TO
be OF vital importance and the mag
mates cannot afford TO ignore II.
VIII Accept Contract.
The commission adopted a new
players contract In Chicago on Sat
urday and II will be readily accepted
by both major leagues. An important
clause provides for the payment OF
salary n aull to Player injured on
player drew two weeks pay and
then was suspended until he was able
to resume work,
The new contract also contains an
notice. When the player signs he
gives an option on. his services for "A
term of years. so that even II he
doesn't receive a notice OF renewal at
he same. In the old contract the play,
or sold an option on his services for
One year.
The ten days release clause has
been modified. II a player accepts
his release place In the minor
leagues at a reduced salary must be
found for him. but II he declines TO
cave his club his services must be
rC tanned.
by eminent attorneys. who declare
hat the provisions are both mutual
,,A In ahnnfina thiz rnntranf |