Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-23
HOLDOUT FEVER CONTAGIOUS
AT ST. PETE, EVEN BELLBOYS
STAGING A REGULAR WALKOIn
Both of Them Missed by Players, but Nor,
Expects the Skies to Clear, as Outfieldar
Fitzgerald Has Accepted Terms
By ROBERT W. MAXWELL



81. Petersburg, Fla. March %.
TNH1NGS are looking brighter in the
l. Phils' camp today The hodout
situation continues unabated. but some
cheering news managed to wander into
st. Pete to the effect that Justin Fitz-
gerald, the rookie holdout from Frisco,
had accepted terms and would be here
as soon as possible. which means in
about week. Speedy travel Is unknown
in this section.
With Fitzgerald on the job all Pat
Moran now needs is n couple of in
felders. four or six pitchers. a few
utility men and an extra catcher. Then
the Phils will have a chance TO finish
some place in the league. Fitz also re-
lieves the outfleld situation for he has
batted better than 800 for the lest four
years and is one of the speedlest men
in the game, This is advance dope.
however. and we must wait and see how
he stacks up under bg-league fire. That
time will come at the fag end of next
week when the phorlorn Phls go to the
mat with the Boston Braves over in
Miami.
Bellboys Are Holdouts
The holdout fever hes been con-
tagous and spread all over Edgewater
Inn, the winter home of the regulars and
rockies of one hall club. Late last night
all of the bellboys went on a strike for
more salary or something like that and
both of them walked out. leaving the
hotel fiat. Their loss wasn't felt and the
players did not miss them, only they
had to carry their own ice water and
run the elevator. outside of that every
thing was lovely. 1t is said that the
bellboys' union decided that ball players
we're not to be depended upon II one de-
sired to retire on fortune.
But to return to the big events of the
day. With the signing of the Fitzgerald
and the arrival of Meusel Cravath has
enough company to man the outposts.
Meusel looks like real ball player He
is a great fielder, is very fast and has
every appearance of swell hitter. In
batting practice he hits the ball on the
nose and his work has brought favor
able comment from Manager Moran. Pat
thinks well of the new outfelder and
the loss of Cy Williams is not regarded
so serious as yesterday.
Rated With Heeb's Nine
II the holdouts come into the fold the
Phils will have good ball club. If
not, the team will have as much chance
of winning the pennant as Charley
Heeb's ball tossers from Port Indian,
Pa. That club never has won a game
since It was organized.
However, 1t is said that overtures
are being made to the insurrectos and
whitted. Stock and Bender will be
spoken to gently but firmly in the next
few days. The Phils are after peace.
not at any price. but at increased prices.
Niehoff has been ignored because Nc
Gaffigan is playing good game at
second and probably will be fixture
anyway
After a calm examination OF cond-
,ions It looks as if Whitted. Niehoff ana
stock are unreasonable this year In
their demands because they have been
fairly treated by President Baker and
no matter what is done for them they
always hold out for week or two
each spring They did the same thing