New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-09
FULTz CHAGRINED
BECAUSE SALLEE
AND RITTER SIGN
Head of Baseball Players
Fraternity Promises to
Issue Statement"
By W. J. MACBETH

David l. Fultz. president Of the Base
ball Players Fraternity. took no pains
TO conceal his disappointment and dis.
pleasure at the announcement INA,
pitchers Slim Sallee and Lew Ritter had
signed new contracts with the Chants
~ will have statement TO make
said Fultz. $50 soon as | have definite
ly established the truth of the matter
can scarcely believe that Sallee
signed a 1917 contract with New YORK
He was a Fraternity member who gave
his solemn assurance that he would
not do so so long as issues between
the Fraternity and organized baseball
remained unsettled"
Heydler Dispels Doubt
Further than this Mr.. Fultz would
not talk He would not admit that the
action Of Ssllee could affect the gem
eral attitude of the unsigned players.
However, a full statement may be eX-
pected from him at any time. If there
was any question Of q premature an
nouncement from the Giant offices the
doubt was dispelled by Secretary John
A. Heydlcr, of the National League.
MIR. Heydler stated that the new con-
tracts of Sallee and Ritter had been
promulgated by the National League
Office and returned 70 the offices Of the
New York Nationals.
Baseball men about town yesterday
took a most cheerful view OF the action
Of the two Giant pitchers in question.
They believe il IS a sign that the play
ers never were serious in any promises
Of strike they may have made 10 David
l.. Fultz They point out that the great
majority of the most illustrious stars
arc already held by term contracts;
that the recruits coming up would not
dare 70 INCUR the displeasure Of their
employers; that the unsigned middle
mcn-the players Of average lbility-
would never take the chance OF being
ground between the two extremes, eX-
ccpt in a few isolated cases where the
axe Of economy struck unusually deep
Chaplin Seeks Manager
One who shares this view is John
j. NcGraw. Mac and his party failed
10 get of 10 Cuba. The leader OF the
Giants was persuaded to remain for
conference with c. I. Chaplin, presi-
don't Of the international League club
Of Rochester. Mr.. Chaplin made the
trip from upstate TO kill two birds with
one stone-to see the automobile show
and % get a manager for the Broncos
In all probability Mike Doolan, sub
infelder of the Giants. will assume
command Of the Rochester team. Nc
Graw gave Mr.. Chaplin permission 70
treat with Mike who was in the city
for a conference. IL could not be
learned whether or not Doolan actually
signed before Chaplin left for Roches-
ter last night,
Mr. Chaplin also outlined 10 McGraw
-c-ssrawr rlrh which needed
most attention. McGraw will turn
over 10 Rochester the pick of his sur
plus talent. The owner Of the Broncos
respected a moral obligation IN the
case Of Walter Holke. the star young
first baseman Of the Giants.
McGraw's title 70 this player. who
had been turned over 20 Rochester, had
expired last summer, when number
Of major league club personalities
we're bidding for him. Mr.. Chaplin
gave the New York club first chance
TO bid for Holke.
There is one pretty well posted base
ball man who believes Christy Mathew
son will rise to the same heights as a
leader as he enjoyed as pitcher of the
Giants. II this IS so, Cincinnati is IN
line for the greatest general OF all time.
The critic in question is John Z. Bruce,
Of Cincinnati, secretary of the National
Commission. John has been here sew
crsl days on business.
"Mathewson is just the right man in
the right place" said Mr.. Bruce last
night. ALREADY are evidenced signs OF
his wisdom and forethought. In the
short time he handled the club last
summer Matty established absolute
harmony i'm his ranks. Therein he won
half the battle.
Cincinnati is n fine baseball town.
The people take their baseball serious
lv. Interest runs as keenly through the
winter as through the summer. And /
believe i'm the past the fans through the
winter time have been led TO expect too
much.
Now Mathewson has established his
case clearly. He has promised no pen
uant for 1917. He has promised only to
improve the club. That he has done al
ready. He will get further next sum
mer.
"Mathewson has no champion as yet.
But he has a team that could easily
he converted into a prominent factor.
II will be a hard job TO secure a short
stop of Herzog's ability, but even
fair shortstop would make his infield.
Chase is the best first baseman Of the
game. There is no better second sacker
than Heine Groh. AS a fielder and base
runner Bill McKechnie is all there. He
would be invaluable with hitting club.
"Matty needs another hard hitting
outfielder. l think Smith will I'll that
bill. Cincinnati's pitchers were unre-
liable last season. Leave it to Big Six
10 put them to rights during the train
ing trip. He'll come up with a good
pitchiug staff, mark my word. Cincin-
natl will prove troublesome through
1917 unless | am greatly mistaken