New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-19

There is absolutely no chance for
Bakers pet theory being considered
/ for a moment. Baseball contracts as
now worded leave reasonable doubt as
to their equity. The employer holds
/ the whip hand because Of the ten
days notice of release. The player
may be discharged on ten days notice;
he cannot quit by giving similar warn
+ ing The reserve clause, which is the
body Of the release clause. if classed
as an evil, has the character, at least,
OF necessary evil Such an instru-
ment as Baker suggested some weeks
/ ago would be absolutely inequitable in
any court Of law. 1t would call for
speedy resentment and resurrect quick
/ ly the Baseball Players Fraternity
bugaboo, now almost dead.
The magnates do not intend publicly
to antagonize the profession. They
realize they have talked too much shop
as IL is and have jeopardized the
/ health OF the sport by calamity howl
I ing. But they also realic that Undue
extravaganza must be eliminated if
/ final bankruptcy is to be avoided.
Overhead expenses must be trimmed
and the profession must bear its share
toward this attainment.
Remedy Very Simple
The remedy. as effected at the joint
meeting, is simplicity itself. 1t ex-
plains. after a fashion, the unusual
precipitation in gigantic baseball deals
that astounded the sporting public dur
ing the recent major league meetings.
Whatever swapping is done before the
next campaign is likely 20 be seen
within the next fortnight. for the mar
kct will be pretty dead after the New
Year. This because Of the simple
means toward economy taken.
From one close to the situation it
I has been learned that sort Of gentle
mems agreement has been counte-
nauced by the sixteen major league
club presidents not to tolerate over
lures from disgruntleG men of other
/ clubs. 1t is expected there may be
I many disgruntled athletes soon after
I the new year when the 1918 documents
reach the players who are unsigned at
present. For the general understand
| ing is that, without fuss or furry, sal
aries are to be pared to the bone. The
I III .ts,11 tho 10
WELD the axe. In this way the teams
with lean bankrolls can be protected.
No More Long Contracts
The moment presents an excellent
/ opportunity TO readjust salary seized
ules. which practically doubled as
result of the war brought by the de-
/ funct Federal League. With the play
! ers who will remain TO the game there
Z seems no avenue OF escape. Few minor
( leagues ten or DOZEN at the outside
will be in operation IN 1913, whlle
/ there will probably be enough minor
I leaeuers for twice that number.
/ Long term contracts, the fashion for
which crept into being during the Fed
/ eral League invasion, have practically
I become a thing Of the past. Few OF
/ the present day stars are bound TO
/ clubs by hold-oyer contracts from last
wear. Unexpired term contracts will
] be honored, of course. But even the
/ greatest stars will be asked to submit
J 10 striking reductions in salaries be-
/ cause Of the uncertainties of business
/ incident to the world war.
IL the players refuse TO report they
will be placed on the ineligible list
/ If all the promoters keep their words
not "a angle for the dissatisfied talent
+ Of other teams the thing IS done. Hold
| outs will either have TO give in to new
conditions or adopt some other means