New-York tribune., 1918-11-08
Boston to Follow Lead of
New York-St. Louis Also
May Double Up
BY w. I. Macbeth


ical regime which is to usher in the
reorganization of baseball after the
war, 1t has been learned on excellent
authority that wherever possible in.
major league cities where rival leagues
operate one plant will serve both
teams. In this way the biggest share
Of the overhead expenses-aside from
salaries and travelling expenses, of
course-will be cut in half
By means Of long-term contracts,
which would prevent petty, local quar-
rels and safeguard any attempt at
election by the owners Of the planss
used, the future Of the National and
American leagues can easily be as
sured. And it is believed such CO.
operation can be attained without de-
gard to the part of the fan which
made baseball the success it was in
the old days
There was time not so long ago
when baseball would have hesitated
ut the step now contemplated. It
was believed that q personal stamp
ing ground was absolutely essential
to the welfare of every major league
club. But New York refuted this
theory. The Yankees never were so
successful as they have been. since
sharing the Polo Grounds with the
Giants.
Advantage to Yankees
Had Colonels Rupert and Huston
been able to supply pennant win
ner the local American club to-day
would ere now have become quite as
popular as the more successful Giants.
For playing at the Polo Grounds the
Yankees not only held their own
patronage of earlier days but at
tracted erstwhile prejudiced Giant
1ans to their cause as we'll. And this
benefit, SO far as that goes. was
mutual one
:. Arrangements were made last fall
Tor the worlds series games in Chi
cago to be played at Comiskey's spa
cious @ PARK. Weeghman's plant in the
Mortn SIDE was far too cramped for
not not to- mention the big HOLIDAYS
While the Cubs were engaged in the;r
spectacular dash to Pennantville IL
was found that the North Side park
was far too limited for successfui
championship pretension.
NOW, after the war, if chose who
seem to have the welfare of the game
at heart can have their way there will
pe greater r, harmony of joint admins
sraClon; Ihe game is to be run along
more democratic lines. Rivalry must
De maintained. But inte r-league per
sonalities, prejudices and feuds must must
De suppressed. In cooperation and
harmony alone lie the chance Of ef-
lectlng one of the greatest possible
economies of promotion.
The lesson which has been learned
OF late years in New York is already
taken to heart at Boston. The syndi-
cate which operated the Boston Ma
tlonals last year has stepped down and
OUT. Unless another syndicate buys
the franchise, James E. Gaffney, for
mer owner and controlling influence Of
braves Field, doubtless will have the
club on his hands again.
Frazee Would Profit
1t is known that Messrs. Frazee and
Gafney are now collaborating on q
scheme to conduct all Boston major
league operations at Braves Field.
frazees Fenway Park is admirably
situated for business purposes, and by
selling he can realize handsome
profit on his investment.
Over in Philadelphia Shibe Park is
adequate to the baseball needs of the
city, while the National League field
is far too cramped and the accommoda-
tions far too limited. Morton F. Plant,
the lately deceased ulti-millionaire.
was one of the hackers Of the Quakers.
Economy for the Phillies, therefore,
VII! henceforth be quite in order, and
Shlbe Park presents an avenue toward
this end.
st. Louis could economic by using
the Browns field-that is, if the Car
dinals are not moved to Kansas City.
So far as the four parks mentioned
are concerned. it would be case of
even Steven-two involved as Ma
tlonal and awo as American League.
Even if Comiskey shared his home
with the Cubs there could be no sus-
picion of syndicate promotion be-
tween the two organizations.
Connie Mack, the silent pilot of the
Athletics, advocates q law against the
sale of players from one club to an
other Of the same league. He believes
in higher waiver price, at which all
such transfers should be made.
Mack argues that baseball was
greatly injured by the loudly heralded
and much discussed sales and trades
of the last few years. He believes the
talk of the big money involved causes
general dissatisfaction in the ranks
and prompts demands for exorbitant
salaries. Also ne is of the opinion
that transfers of stars, especially dur
ing the season, not only seriously dis
affect the allegiance of home fans. but
prompt suspicious as we'll.
Mack's opinion are worthy of re-
spect. He should know whereof he
speaks, having cleaned up off the auc-
tion block some 100000 or more
through the sale Of his one-time pen.
nant trust of 1910-14. Mack bette,
than any one else is qualified to say
whether or not the move was iusti.
fed by subsequent developments in
Quaker Town. He had, too. another
dispersal of Alexander and Killife1