Great Falls tribune., 1922-01-12

More additional races are scheduled
already for the coming season than
were held during the past year. This
is particularly true in the middle west,
where the enthusiasm over power boat
racing seems to be more intense than
in any other part of the country.
although there is evidence of increased
interest on both the Atlantic and Pa
cific coasts. Power boat racing in the
south also has taken on new life, and
all this indicates continued and in
creased interest during the coming sea-
son.
This growing enthusiasm for mo-
torboating and all other forms of recre-
alton and sport is due largely to the
reaction experienced after the war,
during which. naturally, all sport was
suspended. People are anxious to play
again, which they are doing harder
than ever. This is a natural human
propensity"
while the old axiom, Take nothing
for granted in baseball, still holds
good. think that / can safely predict
| another banner year for the national
game" said President John A. Heydler
of the National league, when asked
| to comment upon the outlook in base
ball. Certainly there are numerous
signs which would appear to indicate a
prosperous season ahead for the club
owners and interesting pennant races
and play for the fans.
| The past year has been one of sat
isfaction to both the followers of the
game and those financially interested
The major league pennant races de-
veloped an unusually close and dra-
matte climax and the world series was
one of the best in the history of base
ball. 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
Lands, as baseball commissioner with
the subsequent restoration and reten-
ton of public confidence in the in
tegrity of the sport was perhaps the
/ outstanding feature of 1921 in base
ball
Many circumstances enter into q
consideration of 1922 prospects and the
majority of these make for a continu-
alton of popularity of the game. Many
trades and deals have been made which
will strengthen various clubs. In some
cases players have been shifted from
one team to another adding new color
stimulation and power to a club for 9
player can outgrow his usefulness by
remaining in one city too long. Spring
training restrictions have been re.
moved making it possible to senc
pitchers and other players south for
more protracted session of condi.
tioning. thus raising the standard or Of
early season play.
Expects Close Race
Speaking specifically of the Ma
tional league l can say that | expec'
a closer race than was the case las1
year. Instead of two club race
believe tha. four or more teaa@-s will b'
fighting for the pennant in 1872. Ever
with Pittsburgh leading for a majorit.
of last season: the attendance record:
fell but little below those of 1920 ant
had the rotation of Sundays been favor
able, new record would have un
doubtetly been made Many young ant
promising players are being developed
in our league and these should prove
strong attraction next summer.
"Contractual relations with the play
ers will be more harmonious and ther'
will not be the holdouts which heipet
to wreck the early season chances o
teams last spring. | expect to se'
better pitching during 1922 and conse
lquently closer games. We are ais'
looking forward to some form OF agree
ment regarding better drafting system
with the minors.
These are some Of the things whicl
lead me to express the opinion, tha
there will be no elimination OF inter
est in baseball next summer. There ar
likely to be other factors Of import
ance develop before the spring meet
ing. scheduled to be held in New for
on February IA, which will have an in
fluence in increasing the interest
the game.
with the New York Nationals i
the role of worlds champions this fea
ture alone should prove an attractio
in the National league and boom 7
baseball in the cities of our circui!
Speaking of the world series remind
me that while the senior league ia
vored q retention of the nine game sc
ries we have not lost sight of the fac
that a reduction to seven games WI
70 a long way toward meeting the oh
lection Of a certain faction of the nm
who protested that attendance and gat
receipts were rapidly overshadowin
| the original idea of the series i. e. I
determine the best team in the majo
i AZ.