The Washington times., 1917-02-13
FAVOR REDUCTION
OF PLAYER LIMIT
National League Baseball Men
Would Allow Each Club
Eighteen Performers.
by JOE villa.

SANhg cO- lO.--h men Ln0
National League baseball men began
to talk Informally. prior to their
schedule meeting at the waldorf to-
day, it developed that a majority OF
them were in favor ofAreducinR the
limit OF each team to eighteen play
ers.
The Brooklyn, Philadelphia. Cincin-
natl, Pittsburgh. Boston, and 81.
Louis clubs were prepared to vote
for the new limit, with the owners
OF the Giants and Cubs non-com-
initial The league increased the limit
to twenty-five men at the December
meeting, but the possibility OF war.
with Germany and the attitude Of the
players union have made the mag
mates resort to radical measures in
order to be ready for q losing cam
paign.
Incidentally the adoption OF the
eighteen players limit is expected to
squelch the players strike for an
time. When the players realize that
thirty-two men must be dropped into
the minor leagues, and that each
team win be limited to seven pitch
ers' two catchers, five infieldsrs, and
four outfielders, there will be wild
scramble to get under cover at any
old salary.
Even More Exeitsmsnf.
There viii be even more excitement
IL the American League, which meets
here on Thursday, also votes to cut
the limit to eighteen from twenty.
five. This win mean the turningsot
fifty-six men into the bush leagues.
1t is understood that every club in
the circuit is ready p vote for the
eighten-player limit IL President
Johnson says the word.
incidentally the American LEAGUE
10 determined not only to smash the
strike, but also to bury the union
forever. II the National League as
a body, should display signs OF weak.
ening at any time, which IL highly
improbable. the American Lesrus
men say that they would withdraw
from the protection OF the National
agreement, which would mean snoth-
er baseball war. ..
Seek No CompronIss.
Runaors were In circulation ve.t.r.
day that at least two National I,.as,,A
men incline to reach compromise
OF some Kind with the union; al though
outwardly demanding the scalps OF
the strike leaders. But Covernor
Tener assured me that the story was
groundless.
: The owners Of the Giants. Brook
lyns, Phillies, Braves, Pirates. Cubs,
and Reds declared that they would
night the union to a nnish.
PRESIDENT Baker. OF the PhiIlies. Of
whom nearly all the best players, in
cluding pitcher Alexander, are on
strike Tor money, said that he was
prepared to put some kind of a ball
club on the field, regardless of tha
strikers.
VIII Allow Them TO STAY.
'The best OF the Phillies deserted
me in 1914 to join the Feds. said
Baker, "but Pat Moran built up
pennant winner without them. Nov
the best OF our players will be al.
lowed TO remain out of baseball, un-
less they sign at our terms, for Pat
Moran can build up another winner
just as easily as he did In 1915. The
players will not be permitted to run
our business"
President Haughton, OF the Braves
said last might that he would have
nfteen good minor league players u1-
der contract before the end of tbs
week, ready to take the places of the
strikrs.
"NO Quarter" Says Han.
There can be no further dealings
with the union. no quarter" President
Johnson. of the American League,
said in Chicago yesterday.
johnson win be here tomorrbw to
attend meeting of the National
which may result in a
sensation. Chairman August Herr
mann. 1t is said, is prepared to throw
some light on the inside working OF
the strike order. II has documen-
tarS proof OF certain proceedings,
which. he says, will open the eyes of
players and fans.
Hermann has consulted acts in con-
nection with the present controversy.
and he Mas received authority to go
ahead. The National Commission.
therefore, will handle the strike sit
uation. backed to the limit by the
major and minor leaguers. When the
have been made It is
predicted that the striking players
Will lose no time in accepting their