The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-10-29
|k!l5R LEAGUE BALL
REGARDLESS
ZOE DURATION OF war
~ 1etrieve Loss From Draft by Ac-
quisition Of Youngsters From
IN,.~ Minor Leagues.
NOR LEAGUE AFFAIRS
-. HANG IN THE BALANCE.
- iApsrtant Problem Is That Of
Analgamation Of International and
1eelcan Associations.

n future Of major league base
u = assureN regardless of the du-
Non Of war. but the fate OF the
me In the smaller cities Of the coun-
p provided hostflities continue in
'nnitely. hangs in the balance. Ha-
Ased by war conditions to such a
gree that many were forced to the
~ last season, It II apparent that
ith those conditions continued and
en- aggravated some radical steps
III have to be taken to stave of the
scessity for more Of them termina-
- operations until the close of the
sat conflict
asnor league affairs have not been
esuch bad plight for years. Last
'Asou upward OF a dozen Of the
1alier circuits had to suspend alto
fher. while others were compelled
reduce their schedules and then
rety were able to totter along to
finish. so there is little doubt that
number OF the weaker organizations
III make no effort to operate next
ring, and that the sturdier bodies,
aich do decide to start despite the
ugh going, win curtail their sc1ed-
81 and make every other effort pos
De to do business with a minimum
expense.
The situation that confronts the lit
fellows of the sport win be thor
tshly discussed at the annual meet
+ OF the National association. the
yerning body of the minor leagues.
1ich will be held at Louisville. KY.
1vember IL, the meeting having
en- been set for an unusually early
Il, in order that whatever policies
. decided upon may be fully devel-
ed before time for the gong to
md in the spring.
" Is notnted out that. aside from
. question Of rent. the operating ex-
ases OF the major leagues could be
duced practically one-half, should
re- need demand 1t. by reducing the
listing roster limit, and this without
cessartiy upsetting the balance of
D contending teams, but that such a
ssihiiisy of retreuchment is not open
The minors. who already have
aehed rock bottom in the matter OF
iaries and operating costs.
Loss of the services OF big league
srs by reason of their being called
fsrms can In a measure be Offset by
= acquisition of budding youngsters
III LaS observation-disclosures VI toWbI CtkaDSt-
alton, but the field for rebuilding
ailabie to the minors themselves 10
aeh more restricted Many of the
,ailer leagues that would be glad TO
Spend operations for the period OF
b war, but arc afraid to do SO Tor
ar their territory would be invaded.
puld welcome an agreement design
to help them in this respect. and
The national commission In heartily
favor OF affording them protection
IL likely some action locking to this
q will be taken by the association.
The most important matter listed
: disposal at the forthcoming ses-
n Is the proposed Joining OF forces
the American association and the
ternationai league. the largest and
ongest OF the circuits under major
que ranking. This project calls for
merging OF the four best cities in
ch circuit into a league that will
81 only q degree under the rating
a major organization. II Is known
II The proposition has taken def
. form and that many Of the lead
m iIKnts or the = por, look upon II
tn favor. but Just how the owners
clubs that are to be left out in the
ia will be piacated Is one of the
CITY problems that must be uurav-
Ii at the conference in Louisville.
president A r. Tfmme, of the Mil
uRee club, W hfch is not listed to
ure In the proposed amalgamation.
= stated with emphasis the belief
lat there will be no change In the
ske-up OF the American association
1918, and cites the fact that. even
hugh some of the owners are .fgur-
k on quitting the association, both
sAball and civil law Will positively
svent them from taking the cities
which their clubs are located out
the American association and plac-
them in some other organization.
proof that Toledo. ono of the cities
antloned a. a spoke in the proposed
IN wheel. cannot form a part OF IL.
+nme cites the fact that he and
Ike Cantil1on. owner OF the Mime
olls Grub. hold ten-year lease on
\ Toledo grounds. which are owned
Charley Gnmers, of Cleveland, and
AZ the suitcase made to the present
+ledo ball club practically provides
he tho grounds leased may be used
liz for the purposes OF playing base
IN - he axanr{otfAn