New-York tribune., 1919-03-12
Transfer of Canteloupe
King From Braves to
New York Is Probable
Bv W. 7. Macbeth

Charles Lincoln Hcrzog, the tempera-
mental infelder and cantaloupe king, is
quite unlikely to be seen in the uniform
~ the Boston Braves the coming sea-
son And this despite the fact that the
Lnigh. errant Of the National League
has q perfectly good playing contract
for 1919, signed and delivered to the
interests now represented by George
Washington Grant. Whether or not
said Mr.. Herzog dsports himself once
more for the chief edification of New
York fandom remains for the mods of
our two jovial colonels-Jacob Rupert
snd Til Huston-who control the des-
times of the Yankees
It lies within the possibilities OF the
Yankees to snare the services of the
Gallant who has done about as much
travelling in National League territory
as We can remember; who has taken
mans sized share in the four last
worlds championships in which the
Giants were concerned; who put in three
years as manager OF the Clncinnati
Reds and lived to tell the tale, and who
spent four other years on the side RS
cantain Of major league ball clubs.
It lies within the possibilities of the
Yanks. we say take it on the word Of
Ceoree Washington Grant George
whose veracity is as unQuestioned as
that Of the godfather who fclled the
cherry tree, didn't particularize as to
the Yankees. But, then, it must be re-
nembered he may have been warm un-
der the collar. He wore furlined
coat.
Grant Seeks Compromise
We made George as he ahghted from
the elevator after conference with
Herzog in room $40, Hotel Imperial.
Herzog had been invited over at the
expense of the Braves in the hope that
he might compromise on Il new CON
tract. Charlie was willing to compro
mise but only after the fashion of a
fellows wife. He wanted the pound of
flesh to the last jot and title Of the
law and probably wouldn't have OBJ
jected to few stray drops of blood
on the side.
"Herzog" said the new boss OF the
Boston Nationals, who fell heir to the
liability of Herzog's duly promulgated
1919 contract, us not amenable to rea-
son, in my opinion. He was in q posi-
ton to use a club on the former owners
in negotiating for the contract con-
cerned, nor did he hesitate at using
that club ruthlessly. made him
counter proposition, at which,, in my
opinion, he should have Jumped. But
he didn't bulge. The case stands just
as it did before we got together"
Mr. Grant made it very clear that
he did not intend to keep Herzog under
the terms of the contract, which, sup
posedly, call for $4,000 year salary.
He made no bones of the fact that an
avenue of escape lay before him. He
denied that the New York American
League Club had ever made any over
lures for the services of the player,
though he admitted very frankly that
the Yankees or any other major league
team was at liberty to broach prop
osi,ion to- him for Herzog's services
In short Herzog, from the moment his
interview with Grant ended, was a
chattel on the auction block.
would YOU entertain proposition
from an American League club ?" Mr..
Grant was asked pointedly.
Certainly, from any club,' was his
answer, point blank. "Boston can not
afford, under existing conditions, to
fulhll the terms Of Herzogs contract.
II some other club wishes TO shoulder
the burden it may for the asking gain
my permission to negotiate with the
player Mr.. Grant supplemented this
direct statement with an insinuation
mat he would expect some consider
=
transferred elsewhere.
Little Additional Light
Herzog, who was seen after his inter
view with Mr.. Grant, had little addi-
Nonal light to throw on the matter.
II came at the solicitation of Mr..
Grant" said he "Ie wired me after
falling to get response to letter
sent several weeks ago which | did
not get. There is little to be said.
he wanted to shave my contract and
me contract in good faith with the
former owners OF the Braves and
intend to stand or fall by it.
Ot course Herzog continued, II
realize that the Boston club could rid
itself Of the obligations of my con-
'ract This instrument contains the
Ten days notice of release clause
having secured waivers from all ff-
'een other major league clubs, Boston
night abrogate the contract in ques-
ZION By serving ten days notice on
me-, me-. But this could not be accom-
plshed until after the opening Of the
season. In any event should have
me satisfaction of collecting ten days
pay at least, from Boston.
Whatever sentiment--or lack of
sentiment might attach to such treat
neht FOR player who has given his
osSs through some dozen years Of ser
wee IN the National League, there is
'nis comfort for me: Boston cannot
vent Its spleen by sending me to the
MINOR league IL it should give me tho
gaze on ten days notice | can demand
unconditional release from the ten
years. continuous service rule. Once
iree, have little apprehe nsion Of doing
business for myself, IL, indeed, l should
are 70 remain in baseball. Thank
.eaven, baseball is not my only voca-
hood"
Aerzog appeared nonplusscd over the
,'1rce OF story sent out from Balti-
more day earlier TO the effect that
VIC iankees were treating for his ser
ICES lie denied all knowledge of such
Nuatlon, though ne admitted frankly
would dearly love to come back 30
., Nsw York and With the Yankees, if the
Ing were possible. Mr.. Grant de
~afed the Ncw York Americans had
~ W.. Droached the subject of HerzoQ to
~sm; though ne admitted il they did he
'''o turn All attentive ear
Ali Clubs Waive
~ was learned yesterday on abso-
..sFiy reliable authority that ali six
zen major league clubs had ALREADY
Tsso CLAIMS 70 Herzog's services
~; OF courae, would smooth The way
.' herzog's transfer TO an American
'eaSne club without awaiting the open-
d.. vi tne season TO exercise the ten