New-York tribune., 1922-12-30
Return of Benton
To National League
Seems Doubtful

Rubo Benton Is still the center Of n
warm argument in winter baseball
circles. From the West II was ru-
mored that Benton had called at the
ofiee Of ledge lands and had been
assured that there was no impediment
% his re-entry into the National
League. sThe port-sided veteran was
what he called disturbed" by the
stories that he was persona non grata"
around the Heydler circuit FOR reasons
that we're more or less reflections on
his personal integrity.
This may have caused The Rube 20
think that Happy New Year" meant
something after all, but late In the
day the Commissioner Of Baseball is
sued a statement 10 the effect that
Benton was the subject OF investiga-
ion with regard 20 his knowledge OF
the Black Sox scandal Of 1919 and to
reports that he had won a large sum
Of money by betting on the Reds in
the sour worlds series.
The statement issued by John A.
Heydler, president Of the National
League, may raise another disturbance
In the mental activities of the pitcher
Said Mr.. Heydler, "As Tor as know,
the deal Of the Cincinnati club with the
ST. Paul club for the release Of Pitcher
Benton has not been closed, and feel
confident that Il will not be eonsum-
mated il the Cincinnati club is ad-
vised that a majority Of the league
clubs do not favor Bentons return TO
the National League"
The attitude Of the National League
seems 10 be that IL is not necessary TO
prove a player guilty OF throwing
games or other such tactics in order
to have him barred from the organiza-
tion. Judge lands may give Benton
clean bill Of health on the question
Of being connected with the Black Sox
scandal or involved with Herzog in
private little game-throwing contest as
Rube asserted that Herzog had pro-
posed, but the National League still re-
serves the right 20 say that a player
is simply an undesirable through his
habits or associations and thus un-
worthy Of being admitted into the
league.
John Heydler's statement gives no
indication that Benton has been tried
and condemned already by the National
League magnstes, but undoubtedly a
ballot will be taken. and the outlook
Is dubious for the pitcher.
CHICAGO, Dec. 29.-Rube Benton.
who called on Commissioner lands
yesterday to inquire into his status.
was told there was nothing In the Com
missioner's records At this time to pre-
vent him from playing organized base
ball.
The Commissioner. however, had
started investigating reports that Ben
ton had knowledge Of the "hxing" Of
the 1919 worlds series, and when in
formed tonight that President Heyd-
Ter Of the National League had taken
steps TO bar Benton as an undesirable
the Commissioner said he would con-
tinue his inquiry and probably would
have a report before the season opens.
President johnson Of the American
League previously had declared Benton
would not be permitted 10 play in his
league. Ee said two players had made
afiidavits that Benton had told them he
had won a large sum on the 1919 series.
having received advance information
that the series had been fixed.
This information, Benton was al
legged 70 have said, was obtained from
Bill Burns and Jean Dubuc. Since then
Benton has said that he had bet only
$50 on Cincinnati 10 win Benton was
dropped by the New York Nationals
In 1921. when he lost effectiveness as
a pitcher After he Joined the 81. Paul
club Benton pitched winning ball.
Benton previously was involved In
a National League controversy when
he accused Buck HerEog, then manager
Of the Cincinnati club, Of asking him
| (Benton) TO throw ball games. Her
Eog denied the charge. After Presi-
/ dent Heydler conducted an investigation
and he was dropped. Herzog was abb
solved from gnilt aid given his uncon-
ditlonal releaie.