The New York herald., 1922-10-12
Owners Scott at Union Plan
Say Men Never Were
Treated Better.
BY DANIEL.

That steps have been taken toward
the organization of a professional base
ball players union by Ray Cannon.
Milwaukee lawyer who took action
against Charley Comiskey on behalf Of
some Of the discredited White Sox. was
confirmed yesterday by several major
league stars. They admitted that they
had been approached to join the pro-
posed body and that they had 'signed
up but added that they had heard
nothing about the union since late In
August
Cannon just wanted to get a line on
how many players would Join this union
if 1t were formed" said one of the men
with whom we discussed the question.
II do not see how the union could do
me any good. l am satisfied with my
salary and 1 have no grievance. But I
can see how II could do a lot OF good
for the young players--and no doubt
some of the older ones, too.
There are certain abuses which need
to be eliminated. This could be accom-
plished If the players had an organiza-
ton which could formulate suggestions
and speak for all the men. Talk of a
players stril is ridiculous. We would
have a union, but not in the strict union
labor sense. There Is no intention to
scare the owners or intimidate anybody
with foolishness about a strike Talk
like that will hurt the association and
maybe kill 1t before 1t is born"
Fear Big Salary Cuts.
Some of the players think the union
is necessary because OF the threat of
big downward revision OF salaries as an
accompaniment OF n reduction OF ad-
mission prices. which Is expected for
next season. Others want more protec-
tion against being 'railroaded" out OF
their leagues.
Some OF the players believe that they
should be protected against owners
whose mismanagement keeps salaries
down. They think II Is not right that
Smith should be worth $4,000 to two or
three clubs in his league and yet should
be held to service for only "A, ,000 with
team which is not handled right. Ono
player referred to grievances or so tn
vial a character as to make him sound
foolish. However. names cannot be d.
vulged because the men declined to talk
for publication.
The move to organize union Ia an
attempt to revive the Players Fratern-
ity, which broke UP just before the war.
That organization was a failure and
made several false moves. After a
while the players refused to pay their
The proposed organization asks IS as an
initiation fec and so a year 8 dues.
HeydIer Ridicuics IL.
Dave FNiltz, who was chief OF the old
fraternity. would not discuss the new
union last night. However. John A
Heydler, president OF the National
League, was not a bit backward in
predicting that the thing would fall
through. Salaries never wero as high
as they are now, the lot OF the ball
player never was so comfortable, the
owners never so liberal and considerate
OF the athletes in every way" said
Heydler. 'The idea OF a union origi-
mated in the West some time ago, but
hear that most OF the players have
ignored pleas to join. There are few
disgruntled ones. but their influence Is
not strong enough TO mislead the ma
jority. 1t would be huge mistake to
start anything like that"
Nobody with authority TO speak for
the Giants could be located yesterday.
Although Il was said that the players
of the American League were not in
volved as yet, some OF the National
Leagucrs declared that men in the
American League also had signed up"
Col. Rupert laughed when he heard
about the union. "Ihey could not get
more money and better treatment" said
the Colonel OF the players They have
gone the limit already. What do they
want a union for? Silyl'
Charley Ebbets. whose Dodgers have
signed practically to a man, got all het
up about the union. THE players are
suffering from too much prosperity and
are in danger OF going clean crazy"
said tho Squire OF Flatbush, whose rner
recently asked Robbie to step out OF
the clubhouse while Ray Schmandt read
the call TO arms from Cannon.
IT'S on again. off again. Finnegsn
with that trip to japan for some OF the
athletes. Now we hear that Casey
Stengel Ia going with Irish Meusel and
George Kelly of the Giants. Bush. Hoyt
and Hofmann are going for the Yanks.
Stengei might do well to rest his legs
until the spring.
Death Claims Midge Craven.
DETROIT, Oct. II. - Garnett W.
C'Midge'D Craven, once a member Of
tho Brooklyn National League baseball
club and a former manager OF the