New-York tribune., 1918-12-04

Says Team Is
Not for Sale
Frazee Denies Story That
Collan and Harris Will
Aid in the Purchase
By w. ]. Macbeth


If the twin Harrics-H. Hampstead
and II. Frazec-who startled the world
few days ago with the suggestion OF
William Howard Taft for sole National
commissioner, are bent upon unloading
a new reel entitled "The Sale of the
Giants" then all I'VE can say is that
they are indeed the deep-thinking kids
of organized baseball.
Both denied the allegation, and de-
MED it most emphatically, yesterday
afternoon. Said denials were prompted
by story appearing in local after
noon publication to The effect that
frazce. the owner Of the world cham.
plon Boston Red SoX, might soon take
over the controlling interest of New
York's most famous institution.
Associated with the name of Frazcc
IN the rumor that was given credence
were other solons Of the theatrical
profession-George NJ. Cohan and Sam
Harris. President Hampstead, of the
Giants, declared most emphatically that
he had talked business to neither Of
the Frazee associates named, nor to
any agents representing them. His
conferences with Frazec, and they have
been many, dealt solely with baseball
polltlcs CT an entirely different flavor
1t was declared that the various con-
Ierences between the heads of the rival
league clubs had to do with the pros
Hnf ! -. :
relns OF baseball government, or in
reference to politics of a kindred
nature.
Giants not for Sale
Il can state abs soutely." said Mr..
Hampstead yesterday. that the sub
lect OF the sale of the Giants never
has been mentioned between myself
and MT. Frazee, or any Of his friends
mentioned. can go even further and
state sincerely that the club is not for
SAFE. 1t is for sale no more than any
other successful business is for sale.
l suppose every business has its price
but we have not been approached di-
fectly or indirectly with any ofer for
the stock.
Selling the Giants seems to be a
popular pastime and an old standby
Tor many of the boys" Mr. Hemp
stead smiled. "If half Of. the alleged
GHefs ever have been made we certain
~ never heard of them.
Inc prospective end of the war has
put an entirely different complexion
upon baseball affairs. The present
owners were not anxious to dispose of
thelr stock when the business outlook
looked most gloomy. Why should thew
DO" care to unload when the future
seems so promisng?"
Harry Frazee declared he had never
Ead any intention of unloading the
champion Boston club in the darkest
uays OF the past season. He would not
consent to wind up his interests in the
1lun unless guaranteed an unusual op-
portunlty Of business gain.
Il had the best ball club in the came
last season." said Frazee, "and the re-
turn from the army and navy of 1917
ssals Will assure such strength as
should guarantee championships for
several years to come WHY should !
care to sell under these circumstances .
Boston is the best baseball CITY in tha
country. The real estate values Of
feh"ay Park are increasing everv
year; l was convinced the war would
"iliu up 1hls year and laid my plans
accorolngIy. Now that peace is in
prospect | certainly am more satisfied
than ever in my Boston baseba1l barl
gain" '"ii oai-
Question About Franchise
whether or not the Giant franchise
ever mas beer for sale is beside the
question IN this instance Hempstead
IS among the few magnates whose word
=; - aS good as his bond in our estima-
e,oh: II ne says the Giants are not
oh oia sne market then we will string
along on the theory that Harrv N
iempstead is going to be boss of ~ w.
clun Tor some time to come.
New SUlIasb CoooI,