New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-15
Minor Leagues
Defeat Third
Circuit Plan
Redistricting Amendment Is
Lost - War Forces Re-
trenchments in Baseball

LOUISVILLE, Ky, Nov. I4.-Sentl.
ment of the factional dispute which
threatened to disrupt the American As
ISOLATION and pave the way for the
formation of a new league appeared
to be assured tonight.
The rival factions were brought toe
gether after the National Association
OF Baseball Leagues voted down. II to
,, resolution at its convention to-day
TO redistrict the minor leagues Of the
country.
Club owners Of the American Assoc
citation tentatively decided TO open
their season about May three weeks
later than the opening date of year
ago-and discussed the feasibility OF
reducing the player limit.
President Hickey said a meeting
would be held in Chicago on December
II, TO decide on plans for next season. /,
Edward Barrow, president Of the In
ternational League. brought the fight
20 redistrict all leagues TO the floor OF
the convention to-day. lie offered an
amendment TO a resolution which pro-
vided for the redistricting Of only the
smaller leagues. The proposal was re-
ceiyed with storm of protests aud
half dozen league presidents attacked
it in bitter terms.
Unanimous Consent Needed
". II. Sexton, president OF the Ma
tional Association, declared there could
be no withdrawal Of the Louisville, In
dianapolis and Toledo clubs from the
American Association nor the forma-
ton Of new league without the unanj-
nous consent of all of the clubs in the
two organizations.
at would have been criminal TO de-
stroy the American Association, which
represents an investment Of 100000,
with the majority Of the club owners
against such a move" Sexton said.
President Barrow was unwilling to-
night to make any prediction as to
whether his organization would take
the field next season.
The club owners will meet in New
York on December 10, TO take what
ever steps necessary.
Beyond that, | haven't IA word TO
say" Barrow said. "The merger plan
apparently has fallen through. | think
il would have been good thing for
the game. especially in the way time
conditions we must face"
August Hermann, chairman Of the
National Baseball Commission, APP.
peared before the minor leagues this
afternoon and pledged the support OF
the major leagues 20 any cause that
will be Of assistance TO the small or
CARNATIONS. he declared that baseball
in general was facing critical situa-
ton.
1.-THE next season win be q serious
one in both the major and minor
leagues" Hermann said. There will
have to b. retrenchment everywhere
IL we hope 20 exist. The minor leagues
need the majors, and the major leagues
need the minors. II is our mutual
interest that we should extend aid"
Wants Rights Protected
j. W. Ford, of Fort Dodge, Iowg,
president Of the Central Association,
one of the ten leagues forced 20 sus-
pend last season, appealed 10 Mr.. Herr
mann FOR ruling that would enable
these leagues to protect their player
rights. Ford contended that some Of
their most promising players were
snapped up by other leagues when the
Central Association suspended. lie
seeks to have them returned or tho
clubs reimbursed for their loss.
K. L. Blewiat, Of Seattle, Wash-
president Of the Northwestern League,
declared that unless such ruling was
made that his league would face a Sc
rious problem In starting next season.
Club owners Of the Western and
Central leagues met tonight 70 con-
slider plans for the coming season.
President Dickerson, Of the Western
League. stated positively that his orr
ganzation would start, but Harry
Stahlhefer, president Of the Central
League, declined TO make any predic-
ton in regard TO his circuit. He was
unofficially informed in q telegram
from Bert Noblett, halloween Of the
Grand Rapids, Mich, club, that Grand
Rapids would be out Of baseball next