South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-06-06
D|SSENSIONS IN
RANKS Of LOCALS
Players Dissatisfied Over Re-
lease of Mgr. Harry Smith
Refuse to Take Orders.

Discussions and refusals to take
orders or signals from owner Ed
Smith has resulted i'm the loss Of two
games within the last two days by
the Blenders. according 10 the infor-
nation contained in a newspaper
clipping from Muskegon. Mich,
where the locals are now holding
forth
The release Of Mgr. Harry Smith
is said 10 be the cause of the quar-
rels and wrangling There is no
doubt but that Harry was popular
with the players. but his popularity
and his desire TO get in good with
the men was paramount 20 his de-
sire to serve the club owner and he
often refused 10 take a pitcher out,
or make a shift in the lineup which
would mean a victory for the club.
for fear of hurting the feelings Of
some Of the players:
The Muskegon clipping says:
south Bend ball players. here to-
day. are pointing 20 their last two
losses as a result OF the peevishness
OF the squad over the release by
I
Smith. former Pittsburgh catcher
Mgr smith, who came from New
York state 20 get up a ball club for
Edward Smith this year. and who
had already signed a years contract,
was told in Grand Rapids he was not
wanted any more There was no
quarrel Of any kind between the two
men. and it is Thought that this is
continuation Of the cutting down Of
expenses on the South Bend club,
which is known about the league TO
be carrying the smallest number Of
players Of any team on the circuit.
Harry smith watched the bail
game between Muskegon and South
Bend here today The visitors played
listlessly and refused 20 take signals
from the president. owner and man
ager of the squad. Harry Smith man
aged the Wheeling club on this cir
cult last year"
The point is made that the local
club is carrying the smallest mum
Der of players of any club in the
league. Thirteen rlen. not including
manager. can be carried by Gem
trail clubs after 30 days of the season
nave passed. This rule is now i'm eff
feet. and I'd smith has - men on
his roster Any CLUB carrying more
men is violating the league rule.
As for cutting down expenses.
Smith can hardly be blamed other
magnates about the circuit have
been having poor weather interfere
with the playing OF games. but none
OF them have had a street car strike
10 contend with
People have refused 90 ride the
cars. even when sent 10 the park.
on account OF the rowdyness of a
few strike sympathizers who stand
at the park entrance after the ball
games and with catcalls, jeers and
threats OF violence. throw a scare
into those who desire 20 ride
Ed Smith is confident that from
now on TO the finish of the season
he Is going 20 have a ball club that
will be up in the race al all times.
II the players will forget their petit.
jealousies and quarrels and give their
F best services 10 the club. the own
cr's prediction is going 10 come true.
The down town territory has been
apportioned among L teams OF
boosters and the active campaign
of the Boosters club will start with
in day or two. Every business
house iu town viii be solicited iy
Two boosters. tt is often impossible
Tor a business man 20 force his eu-
ployes 90 buy tickets or even ask
them to buy them under the implied
/ threat Of coercion. but they have no
B objection TO outsiders working
/ through the stores
Dayton will be here Thursday for
I a three-game series