The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-01-03
BASEBALL SCHOOL
APPROVED BY BIG
LEAGUE MANAGERS

New York, Jan. "a school or col
1ege of instruction in baseball play,
endowed and supported by the ma
jor leagues, is likely to be attempted
in the very nears future. The plan
I, has the hearty Endorsement Of such
| capable field generals as John j. Nc
Graw Connie Mack, Hughie Jen-
nings and George Stallings.
Such an institution was attempt
ed several years ago by Charles Carr,
minor league manager and former
first baseman of the Cleveland and
Detroit American League clubs. Carr
did not meet with the success he had
! hoped for, but that was the fault of
the times rather than Of the idea.
Carr set up his establishment in
far-off Texas. He secured a fine
tract of land near a mineral spring,
erected a building to accommodate
upward Of fifty men, laid out three
diamonds and installed fine gym
nasiums, He began his venture large
~ on the promises Of major league
and minor league club owners The
Federal league war came. The money
these owners had Planned to turn
Carr's way was needed to fight the
outlaw Organization. The school did
not prosper and was abandoned.
Carr was the victim of eircum-
stances unfortunately" said George
Stallings recently. Ills was a bril-
liant idea that would have been sue
'cessfu1 beyond the shadow Of a doubt
had conditions remained as they were
when he conceived it. But for the
baseball war Carr's school should
have made good.
NOW, Carr did not pick out the
most desirable location for his school,
Stallings continued. ''Texas is a long,
long way from the east, and to the
west such a. school must look for its
greatest patronage. The major lea
CUES are located in the east, and the
major leagues make possible the sue
cess OF such promotion. A man of
baseball experience who would es-
tablish such an institution as Carr
planned in Georgia or Florida could
scarcely fall
IT would throw the weight of my
influence to such a needed institu-
tion." says Hughie Jennings.
II would figure a properly conduct
ed school means of great economy.
Did you ever stop to think of the ire
mendous expense of spring training?
It could be cut just about in half If
managers had a means Of getting a
true line on the ability Of recruits be-
fore the training season began. Not
more than one Of every ten minor
leaguers taken South is able to stick
in fast company on his first trial.
Owners OF baseball Gibbs would be
delighted, am sure, to pay a rich
fee for the training OF green material
under competent instructors. 1t
would relieve great deal Of care
and worry from the managers. The
young players, Of course, might be
willing to share some of the, expense
in the interests Of their own good and
advancement.
can illustration. Of what I mean.
Detroit for several years has been in
need OF better pitching. My scouts
scour the country and send to me a
host Of pitchers. They go to the train
ing camp with the veterans. There
IL so much to do at the training camp,
and 1t is so necessary that tried ma
terial have opportunity to condition
itself that recruit, material cannot
possibly get proper attention. no mat
ter how genuinely interested a man
lager may be.
Nov, If there were school in
command Of shrewd baseball men%I
could send my young pitchers South
two months before the training season
began and from reliable Judges secure
a. true line on their abilities.
For reasonably modest sum
could learn just what this or that one
lacked, whether or not he was ripe
for fast company, and could thereby
eliminate from the costly training ta-
BILE the great number Of colts who
never from the start have a chance
to make any team. If my club had to
pay the tuition it would still save on
railway fares, hotel bills and travel
ing expenses"
"I for one" said McGraw yester-
day. twas a firm believer in the need
of such school as, Charlie Carr at
tempted. encouraged him in his
undertaking. still believe there is a
crying need for such an institution