The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-07-08
FITCHBURG LIKELY TO GET LOWELL
 CLUB NEXT WEEK
Worcester Post)

Indications of a Shakeup Tn the Eastern League have reached such a crisis that it is rumored that the Low ell club, controlled by Andrew Roach, will be shifted to Fitchburg early next week The only hitch in the deal is a matter of few hundred dollars and the possibility of the Spindle City magnate conceding to the wishes Of the financial men in the Burgers city with regard to a few minor incidents It has been common talk among mag mates of the circuit that Lowell was going to switch it's franchise.
 Mir Roach had a talk recently with Wesley Sargent, head of the Fitch burg Street Railway Company At the time Roach put too big price gent and the deal was left pending. MT. Sargent happened to be well in- formed upon conditions throughout the circuit and for this reason re- fused to even consider the club at the price fixed. Negotiations were again opened later. with the result that it was rumored from the Lowell headquarters that the Fitchburg rail- road magnate and his associates would assume full control of the club affairs. &
 When Lowell was prevented from playing both games the Fourth of July with it's nearest rival. Lawrence, the Spindle City clubowner threw up his hands in disgust and immediately reopened negotiations with the Fitch burg men. MT. Roach figured strong ly upon a comeback on Independence Day. because the Lowell-Lawrence games always draw on account of the keen rivalry between the cities. As 1t happened, the teams lost about $1,0O0 each.
 The Lowell club has been one of the heaviest losers in the circuit this season. It was officially announced by MT. Roach that he was just $4.000 in the hole Tuesday night. Many other clubs in the league have been up against 1t and in a majority of cases each team has lost close to $2,- 900. Some of the clubs recouped part of their losses last Saturday, while three clubs managed to reduce the topheavy expenses a wee bit as a re- suit of the Independence Day games.
 Lowell has always been fine base ball city. in fact for years the Spindle fans have supported their team under trying conditions. This season MT. Roach started under a severe handi- cap. In addition to having two teams on his hands, he engaged Harry Lord. the former Worcester star who later shone in the major league, to manage the club. It Is said that Roach paid Lord more than $400 a month. Then he had Duke Barrows. another high salaried star. on his payroll and in addition several lads who drew down good salaries.
 Poor weather conditions caused him to lose many fine dates, with the re- suit that he was in the hole before he realized 1t. An immediate effort to retrench was made. Lord was giv- en his release and Barrows was ask ed to take 8 cut. The latter refused to stand for any reduction in his sal ary and left the team, although at the time it was reported that he was granted leave of absence. He is now playing with a team in the Maine Trolley League.
 Wiseacres of the game believe that Fitchburg is the best city that Lowell could switch to. The Burger fans are loyal and. besides. the big business men of the city are also interested in having a league team in their city. The Fitchburg fans supported a cheap, tail-end club in the old New England league and there is no req son why 1t would not deliver with a club like Lowell. Another important point in favor of a switch right now is the fact that the Lowell club has a few players who formerly worked with the old Fitchburg team and who are warm favorites of the fans The Fitchburg magnates have a ball park all ready and in addition plenty of ready money to support the club