New Britain herald., 1917-12-13
MAGNATES OPPOSE
PLAYER REDUCTION
Rupert and Comiskey Lead Fight
Against IS Player Limit

! Chicago, Dec. 13.-That the war win
result In the adoption of no drastic.
economy policies by the American
league was foreehadowed at the close
of five hour session Of the owners
and other officials of that circuit here
last night. Ban johnson, president of
the league, declared that 1t was not
likely that there would be any reduc-
ion in the player limit, now fixed ut
twenty-five, as the sentiment amon9A
he owners was opposed to any cur
tailment of rosters.
He added that the usual spring
training trips would be retained. It
had been reported that the shorten
ing by at least two weeks Of these
trips would be passed until today,
when definite action, which may mot
be announced until the join meeting
| with the National league here, will be
taken on the player limit and wAr
measures.
The fight against reducing the
player limit was led by Col. JAcdb~
Rupert Of the New York club, with
the able assistance Of Charley Comis-
key Of the White NSox.
'fNced at Least Twenty-One."
II think we should continue as In
the past" Col. Rupert said. I'VE
couldn't possibly get along with eigN-
teen men. The lowest number In
my judgment would be twenty-ono.
That roster would give us seven
pitchers. three catchers, six infleldefs
: and Ave outflelders. This number II
necessary If We are to be prepared to
face injuries and accidents to regular
players.
"They say that remnants have been
won with only eighteen men. II 4
could select the eighteen players I
wanted could give New York q
pennant winner in q hurry. It's nuc-
essary to carry undeve1oped minor
leagues even although they do not ret
into a game once or twice q year. The
average minor Lacquer coming to the
big leagues Is scared to death, and Il
requires time for him to, wsar OIL hAa
stage fright" n s
Comiskey opposed any seduction fl
playing schedules or player limit and
opposed discussion Of any lDAzic which
might come to Baseball Through,
thoughts Of the war.
THE game has passed throukf
other crises and will live through this
one," Comiskey said II believe tNA
public wants the game, ana unAil 3
says otherwise it is up to us to ur6-
coed along the lines we always have
| followed"
Tener May Not Go West.
johnson was advised by Aux1int
hermann, chairman OF the Nationni
commission, that the club owners Of
the National league. who have been in
session in New York. would start west
this morning At IL O'Clock for a ojint
meeting with the American leaguerv
here on Friday President Johnson
a no inform that John X.
Toner, president O. the National
| league, would attend. -
Routine affairs in the main CON,
manded the attention Of tho owner,
here yesterday. They reached an
Understanding in regard to a method
for collecting the Federal war tax Of,
passes, but Withheld announcement
until the joint meeting on Friday.
The 1917 pennent was awarded 70
the Chicago club. and Comiskey was
| reelected vice-president Of the laaxt1a.
The new board OF directors is cen1-
posed Of Phil D, c. Ball. prU.aaont
of the st. Louis club: Frank r. Nnwin.
president Of the Detroit club; Ben !.
Minor Of the Washington olun. ara
Ben F. Shibc Of Philadelphia.
Pratt May Come 10 Yaaaaen.
There is a possibility that Dci Fr~xt.
second baseman with the s. I.cuso
| Americans, may be traded ~ New
York before the end Of the week. Col
Rupert Of the Yankees said last niR41A
that he was prepared to offer c0aM
or players for him. Pratt has =
100000 suit alleging libel pending
against President Ball OF s24o q. InN6
club and is known % O~ atrAAus -
play elsewhere
Clark Grinith, manager Of tho
Washington club, who Is collecting
funds for the bat and ball'' fund to
provide American soldiers with base-s
bali equipment, announced that ha
had forwarded third shipment t.
Pershing's forces in France. This
latest shipment Is valued at 5000.