Evening star., 1916-05-13

When peace was declared last, De-
cember it was remarked that the play
ers would feel the effects in their pock-
etbooks and they are. During the two
years of war the ma agnates were bld-
ding skyhigh for the athletes and their
contracts. The highest bidder won,
and minor leaguers were gwen MAJOR
league salaries. But things have
changed.
Third Basenan Ezra Midkiff has just
bought his release from the Louisville
Colonels SO he can become a free
agent.
'It was splendid game" said Presi-
dent Ban Johnson of the American
League, as he walked out on the dia-
mond after Thursdays contest in New
York. Il was perfectly neutral, though
l sat in Capt. Huston's box 1 am Tree
to say, however, that, in my opinion,
the Yankees have an excellent chance
to win the pennant. President Lannin
of the Red SoX told me in Boston yes
terday that the team that finishes IN
first place next october would nave
to beat out the Yankees in the final
drive.
"Cullops pitching was surprise to
me. l never had a very high opinion
Of him, but he must have plenty OF
stuff to handle the White SoX so easily.
Bakers fielding was great. He had
some difficult balls to handle, but he
did not slip up once. Walter, the yam
KEGS little catcher, also impressed me
very much. He is as quick as a cat
and is hard worker. The attendance
was excellent. How many paid admis-
sions? Nearly $500. That certainly
shows the New York public appre-
ciates what Col. Rupert and Capt;
Huston have done to provide a good
ball club in the American League.
Sixteen persons who, according to the
rival New York clubs. had been max
ing bets in the grandstand during re-
cent games we're barred at the gates Oh
the Polo Grounds yesterday. They MADE
a great hue and cry, but the oficials
refused to let them buy tickets.
They had been spotted" by private
detectives at the "Wednesday game, ana
they had been pointed out to the gate
tenders before they left the park that
evening. There is no objection on the
part of club officials to private wasers
In fact, such speculation cannot De pre-
vented. But the practice OF laying odds
OH all the major league games. shout
ing prices and passing money back and
forth annoyS patrons OF the game
With every day the race in the Amer
lean League grows more interesting
Cleveland still is going at a fast clip
and broke even with the Red SoN. The
Indians will be at New York for the
next four playing days, and 1t remains
to be seen how they VIII fare there
Should tEey get d severe SelbaCh d. iiAc
hands of the Yankees, they are likely
to take quite a tumble in the race, for
in a battle such as is now in progress
to lose few games means quite fail
in the standing.
The Fohl team is not likely to con-
tinue it's remarkable winning streak
much longer All teams have their
slumps. and the Indians may have
theirs before the season is much older.
The Giants made q remarkable squirt
In Pittsburgh, where they won four
straight from the Pirates. At this rate
McGraw will have his team in more
prominent position before the present
western trip is over.
McGraw's team has been hitting re-
markably well and has shown a lot of
ability in getting runs. and as his
pitchers are beginning to show some
class. the team may be expected to
climb.
A team which has the offensive
strength the Giants can boast of ought