New-York tribune., 1920-01-07


negotiations with the temperamental
slugger Colonel Rupert did not
divulge, if indeed he knew. 1t is not
believed, however, that the owners of
the Yankees will countenance any con-
tract breaking on the part of Ruth.
The Babe comes to them under bind
ing contract to play two more years
at salary of $4,000 annually.
Colonels Rupert and Huston paid
for that contract far more than double
the amount ever before given for the
services Of any player. In justice to
the game they could not permit Ruth
to get away with any ruthless hold up
methods. But if the story is ever
told it will be found out. doubtless,
that Ruth's good will was easily won
over to Higgins by bonus arrange
ment for prospective good work next
year that will give Ruth an oppor-
tun1ty to earn a greater salary than
ever before paid any professional
baseball player.
In that way and in that way only
could the clubs interest be protected,
for II Ruth, as a Yankee, approached
or bettered his 1919 record. he would
be we'll worth the greatest salary ever
paid. II, on the other hand, he should
prove a morning glory-a one-year
sensation. such as George Stone was
with the Browns back in 19oe-he
would be a mighty expensive luxury
sSen at $4,000 a season.
Fans OF the greater city, to put it
mildly. were agreeable surprised yes
terday morning to read the announce
<. mAnt of Colonel Rupert that Babe
Ruth would be Polo Grounds fixture
IN 1920. The sportsmanship of the
two battling colonels was highly COM
mended. No move in the history of
the New York Americans created such
universal response of approval. But
everywhere the question was asked:
will Ruth be reconciled without
asking his pound of fesh?'
1t was generally anticipated that
Babe would attempt to hold up the
contracting parties for part Of the
puchase money. Early afternoon
stories to the effect that he intended
g pursue that course added a new
Touch of speculation. 1t is doubtful if
any baseball news story, the greatest
worlds series games even, created so
much discussion in sporting circles.
9 Hc 0SSuIduCe VI .COlOHel NuppeIL tnat
Ruth has been reconciled to his New
York berth, therefore, will be received
with great rejoicing.
Frazee Braves the Hub
Harry Frazee, president of the Bos-
ton American League club, had not re-
turned from the Hub at late hour
last night. He went over there per-
sonally to make the announcement at
the time Colonel Rupert was inter
viewing the local baseball writer's Mon
day afternoon. Manager Ed. Barrow,
of the Red Sox, left Frazee's New York
Offices early yesterday afternoon. He
wished to go home to digest at leisure
the comments of the Boston papers
on the sale. Barrow would make no
comment whatever.
The arrival of the Boston morning
papers showed sentiment somewhat
divided in the Hub. 1t was admitted d
by all the writers that Hub fandom
generally would deplore the departure
Of such an institution as Ruth. One
cartoonist of an ironical turn of mind
pictured the sale of Boston Common,
the Public Library and Bunker Hill
Monument, with Ruth represented as
the supporting pillar of Fenway Park.
The baseball writer's, almost without
exception, however, agreed that there
were two sides to every story. So far
~ they could they put Frazee in a ia
vorable light before his patrons by
printing verbatim his reasons for sell
ing the greatest hitter of all time
Frazec stated two excellent reasons
for parting company with last seasons
meal ticket. In the first place, he said
the Yankee owners offered a price
that no city beside New York