Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-05-09
Every Club in American As
ISOLATION has Approved the
Plan, says President.
WAR
TO SUPPLY A
Ball Parks Will be Open to
the Public for Drill Ev-
cry Day, Though.

Louisville. KY. May "a course in
military training open to the public
~ well as the players Of the various
baseball teams in the circuit will be
ing to President Thomas ]. Hickey of
the American association.
Every club in the league has ap-
proved the plan," President Hickey
said in making the announcement"
and we hope to have it in operation
within two weeks, first in the eastern
cities, and q few days later in the
western end Of the circuit.
War Department to Aid.
Tho war department had been ask
ed to supply a regular army man as
the ball park In zach American asso-
citation CITY. During the time the home
club is engaged In games on its own
grounds he will drill the players as
we'll a the public. When the team
is away from home he will give his
attention. entirely to those citizens who
desire to avail themselves Of his in
struction. Each drill master will be
paid 500 q month by the American
association in addition to his regular
army salary. according to present
plans.
THE ball parks will be open to the
public for drill morning, afternoon
and evening. In this way 1t is hoped
that everyone. regardless of his hours
task Of fitting himself for military
service will b. able to avail himself
Of the instruction.
Owners Have Reasons.
1.-TWO objects. one within selfish
element, and the other having in It
only the desire to be OF service to the
country. have actuated the club own
ers in taking up the plan.
In h first instance It is realized
that ball players are not In an occu-
patton which may be called absolute
" necessary. we realize that because
OF this circumstance and the further
fact that they r necessarily in nne
physical condition those among them
who would be affected by any scheme
OF universal liability to military serv-
ice would be among the first called
to the colors.
Clubs Guard Against Loss.
ut has been Indicated, however,
that II will be the. policy Of the war
department to leave undisturbed in
their occupations all men who may be
subject to service. If they are receiv-
ing military instruction. Thus by in
shutting military training the clubs
Ire guarding against the loss which
might be occasioned by the sudden
calling up OF the younger members
. of ach team.
I'm the second instance It is felt
that a public service will he performed
by affording to the citizens Of Amer
lean association cities an opportunity
for learning at least the rudiments Of
military drill.
Will Aid the Public.
within a few months hundreds ana
thousands of young men probably will
be called up for training from Amer
lean association cities. With the in
stitution of military training in the
ball parks the players will be given
what the average recruit gets in the
first few weeks Of his training, and
even II not called to the colors imme-
diately, his efficiency as a soldier will
not suffer In comparison with that of
others who may be called sooner. In
addition he will be keeping himself
in the finest possible physical trim nv
engaging in one of the most healthful
sports known"