The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1918-02-18
Eastern League
Will Meet Feb. Y
To Discuss P1 ans
Washingtons Birthday Gathering of Baseball Men Called
For Springfield Chance That Providence And Jer-
sey City Teams May Be Added to the Circuit.

New Haven, Feb. 1S-Washington's
birthday has been selected as the
date, and Springfield the place, of the
next meeting of the Eastern League.
President Dan O'Neil said last night
that notices would be sent out today
for the meeting, which will be held at
2 o'clock in the afternoon at the Ho-
tel Worthy. Just what business the
meeting would transact President
OTNeH could not say. 1t was up to
the club owners to do whatever they
wished, as they were the men who
had their money invested.
1t is expected, however, that the
meeting will be an important one,
and that much will be done to clear
away the haze that hangs over the
baseball situation in these parts.
The league at it's last meeting voted
for a short schedule-less than 100
games-and to start late in May,
winding up at the end of the FIRST
week in September. Schedule and
other committees have been appoint
ed, and after Fridays meeting at
Springfield, if everything is o. K. the
committees will get to work and map
out plans T0r the season.
1t is the general belief of Eastern
League managers that Providence will
apply for admission to this circuit fol-
1918 at least, now that it is fore
gone conclusion that the international
League is out of business. The action
of the International in postponing
final decision until March % is taken
to mean that the league does not in
tend to start this year.
1t is pointed out that the Provi-
dence club owners have two baseball
parks on their hands, for which rent
and other charges must be paid,
whether they are used or not. One
park is at Rocky Point, where the
Sunday games are played, and the
other is a pretty modern baseball
plant on the outskirts of the city,
where weekly games are played. The
Providence club could operate in the
Eastern league at a big saving over
it's expenses in the International, and
might draw just as many patrons
with Eastern League games, provided
the league is fast and furnishing a
good brand of baseball.
If Providence comes into the East
ern it will take place of Lawrence,
and then the only question to be set
tied will he whether Portland is to
continue as a member. The owners
of the Portland club have shown no
inclination to quit, but they might do
so for the good of the league if it is
strongly urged that the Maine city
drop out for economical reasons.
Should Portland decide to step aside,
the League could easily get an eighth
club, with Jersey City, Waterbury or
Pittsfeld as prospects. Jersey City
played Independent ball last year,
mostly on Sundays, and attracted
total attendance of 10000 for the sea-
son with one game each week. Jersey
City would fit in nicely as an Eastern
League adjunct, it it is believed that
if Providence comes across the for
mer member of the International will
also be inclined to seek admission.
But if Jersey City decides to taboo
baseball, Waterbury would undoubt-
edlv make a strong member for the
1918 circuit The Brass City has been
without league ball for several sea-
sons now and should be ripe to join
it's former cohorts. Pittsfield is al
ways ready, if there is a place va
cant, but Waterbury would be prefer
able for geographical and other rea-
sons.