Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-01-03

terest. record attendance and gate
receipts, l am inclined to believe
that the new year will surpass the
old in this respect.
"While 1922 is not likely to wit
ness another bout of the interna-
tional calibre and interest Of the
Dempsey-Carpentier contest I think
that there will be an increase i'm
the number of bouts and the To-
calities in which such matches NAV
be held in conformity to the law.
Boxing is not alone advancing in
popularity for all sport so far as /
can learn j. on the increase.
"Various reasons have been ad-
vanced for this gain. Personally
I think th7t it is due to a number
OF causes. The advent of prohibit
ton with the closing Of the saloon
has sent thousands of men, young
and old, to watch or play games or
contests such as boxing. The re-
lief from the strain imposed by the
war and the growing belief in the
benefits of exercise and competition
have all helped to increase the pop
ularity of sport"
Baseball.
while the old axiom, take moth
ing for granted in baseball still
holds good, | think that | can
safely predict another banner year
for the national game" said presi-
dent John A. Heydler, of the Ma
tional league, when asked to COM
ment upon the outlook in baseball.
Certainly there are numerous
signs which would appear to indi-
cate a prosperous season ahead for
the club owners and interesting
pennant races and play for the
fans.
THE past year has been one of
satisfaction to both the followers
of the game and those financially
interested. The major league PEN
nant races developed an unusually
close and dramatic climax and the
world series was one of the best in
the history of baseball. There was
no lack of confidence or popularity
and the game was well supported in
both the major and minor league
cities. The selection of Judge Lam
dds, as baseball commissioner with
the subsequent restoration and re-
tention of public confidence in the
Integrity of the sport was perhaps
the outstanding feature of 1921 in
baseball.
MANY circumstance enter into
a consideration of 1922 prospects
and the majority of these make for
la continuation of popularity of the
game. Many trades and deals have
been made which will strengthen
various clubs. In some cases play
ers have been shifted from one
team to another adding new color,
stimulation and power TO a club for
a player can OutgroW his usefulness
by remaining in one city too long.
Spring training restrictions have
been removed making it possible
to send pitchers and other players
south for q more protracted ses-
sion of conditioning, thus raising
the standard of early seoSOn play.
speaking specifically of tie Ma
tional league, | can say that | OK
pect a closer race than was the
case last year. Instead of a two
club race | believe that four or
more teams will be fighting for
the pennant in 1922. Even with
Pittsburgh leading for a majority
Of last season, the attendance rec
ords fell but little below those of
1920 and had the rotation of Sun
days been favorable, a new record
would have undoubtedly been made.
Many young and promising players
are being developed in our league
and these should prove a strong at
traction next summer.
"Contractual relations with the
players will be more harmonious
and there will not be the holdouts
which helped to wreck the early
season chances OF teams last
spring. expect to see better pitch
ing during 1922 and consequently
closer games. We are also looking