Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-07-11

There is possibility that the d.
rectors of the Central association may
adopt the suggestion of President Ford
for split" season. a vote Of the
clubs has been asked and it Is said
five voted for the plan and two against,
with the Marshalltown vote condi-
tional.
The plan as outlined by President
Ford would provide for the closing OF
the first season on Saturday. July IA,
the second season to open July Is and
continue to Aug 26 the winner Of the
first season to meet the winner of the
second season in post-season series
of games to determine the champion
ship of the association.
Asks For New Schedule.
The Objectionable feature of the new
plan to the local club is the proposed
new schedule for the closing half OF
the season. President Ford announces
that he has two tentative drafts and
expects third and II the split season
proposal meets with favorable action
he expects to ask a vote on new
schedule.
Under his plan the clubs would make
zone swing around the circle" playing
forty-two games each. Nothing is said
regarding the playing Of postponed
games, but 1t is presumed that with the
closing Of the first season unplayed
games will be dropped.
President Ford says that In drafting
a new schedule there may be a saving
in mileage over the old schedule.
Change Is Not Favored.
The local directors have no particu-
lar objection to split season. pro-
viding the other clubs desire double
race with a post-season contest, es-
pecially if the change will arouse any
added interest in the cities where the
attendance has been disappointing.
A change in the schedule, however,
is opposed for the reason that Mar
shalltown's scheduled games at home
in the coming weeks are the real
money" games Of the season. The
teams considered in the fight for the
pennant are to be met and good, sharp
contests are in prospect.
A change in schedule now, which
would increase the number of games
with Lacrosse and Charles City, would
seriously affect the local association,
The fans have seen these two CLUBS
in recent long series. when MarsnaI-
town assumed portion of the
Lacrosse and Charles City schedules.
The original schedule provides for two
more visits from Mason City and Wa
terloo, the two strongest contenders for
the flag at the present time, whereas
a revised schedule would give the To-
cal club but one home series each with
these clubs. Inasmuch as the Mar
shalltown fans have accepted a change
in the schedule which gave them added
games with the tail-enders and a string
of sixteen contests In fourteen days, it
is argued that Marshalltown now is
entitled to play out the original sched-
ule which provides for games which are
regarded as '"money-getters" and as
having a decided bearing on the out
come Of the championship race.
Mason City Opposed.
Mason City is opposed to the split
season proposal. according to the Ma
son City papers. which are inclined to
attach responsibility for the proposed
| change to Marshalltown. This criticism
is unfair, not only because the plan
did not originate in this city, but be-
cause the directors oppose the plan
as now presented. ,,.,agy ,,..
Should the first season close Satur-
day, as proposed. Marshalltown would
win the right to contest for the pen
nant in the post-season series. This
fact, apparently, has led to the belief
that Marshalltown was attempting to
put something over" in order to assure
the clubs participation in a pennant
series regardless of the showing Of the
club in the last half Of the season.
The directors are willing to accept
the proposal if the original schedule
is adhered to and the season contin
ued to Labor Day, Sept. 3, as originally
planned.
Weaker Teams Benefit,
The weaker teams, or those which
trailed In the early season, will bene-
fie by the change. Some of these clubs
have been materially strengthened as
a result of the suspension of the
Three-I league, players from the older
organization having been signed for
the short season. Charles City, as
Stunning the standing Of the Dubuque
| team, which was far down in the race.
will get fair start under the new
order.
Cedar Rapids, with new manager,
and much stronger baseball club. ia
vors the plan, which works to the ad-
vantage of the Dummies.
There is no reason, however. why a
change should be made in the sched-