The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-10-13
NPS\A|AN I
BIGGER
SLICE
Two Thousand Each for
Series Arbitrating Not
Enough, They Say
BY LOUIS BOUCHER.

BY LOUlS DOUGHE Elk.
Before another major league
season rolls around the major
league magnates may be asked to
change their constitutional by
laws and permit the umpires Of
ficiating in the annual world
series a larger share of the pro-
ceeds. This was made plain last
week when Tommy Connolly, Bill
Dineen, Bill Klein and Ernie Quig.
ley, the four officials, conferred
with Judge Lands at the Willard
and were informed that the base
ball commissioner was helpless in
the matter.
"Under the rules and the agree
ment signed between the major
leagues" Judge Lands told the
four umpires, "you are held to
no more than $4,000 for your
services. The only way this can
be changed will be for the two
leagues to change their bylaws.
suggest you take it before the
leagues at their annual meetings
this winter"
Whether the major leagues agree
To the demands to be made by the
arbitrators or not. the four officiat.
Ing this season, together with Bill
Evans, star umpire of the Amer,
can League, have agreed among
themselves to decline all further
services until conditions are more
suitable.
All world series receipts were sur
hHp he Nod W. L.
A total of $1,093,104 was taken In
at the gates Of the Griffith stadium,
and the Polo grounds.
The so.called advisory council,
that is, the commission in charge
Of organized baseball, received
$163,965.60 as its share of the
melon.
The four umpires were paid q
total of 5000. plus their Iegiti.
mate hotel and travelling OK.
penses, a miserable pittance as
compared to the profits Of every.
body else concerned.
The umpires ask to be given an
amount to be reckoned by the re.
wards going to the players.
''If, for instance" says one of the
umpires, "the share of the winning
team is $4,000 and that of the loser
$4,000, we ask to be given $4,000,
ar half way between their shares.
''It is true that the fans don't
come out to see us umpires work
but. at the same time, we become
extremely important in the crises
OF the games. We are subject to
Immediate criticism for any slip
0hod work, or even for good work
considered slipshod by the fans. /.
1--WE believe we are a part OF
baseball. No game could be played
without umpires. But we are being
paid out Of all proportion to the
players or the importance OF our
work.
1--WE plan to offer our sugges-
tons to both major leagues, asking
that they amend sir agreement
before the next world series. II the
magnates cannot see thir way to
do this, then I know five umpires
who have officiated in the big
series for the last time.
1--WE umpires are making no
threats, understand. We are
merely asking for what we believe
b due to MS and we feel sure
than when the nnagnates under.
stand our side of the argument
they win amend their agreement
TO satisfy u.s."
The umpires are quite right in
asking for greater rewards for their
work in the series. The public
believes that only the best officials
are chosen to perform in the world
series For instance. Washington
fans would have sstaged riot had
Ban johnson appointed "Fathead"
Holmes to represent the American
League instead of Connolly or Dineen.
inefficient umpiring can ruin any
ball game. It should not be toler.
ated for q moment in series Of
such Importance as that closing
here on Friday.
Efficient unlpires, whether in or
Ranized baseball or on the sand-lots,
are worthy of their hire and. II
players can receive $4,000 for one
week Of playing bali, the umpires
are worth more than 50 900 for d.
recting that same playing. justly
and impartially.
Clark Gr1tItth nit q popular
shord when he sent his check for
$1,000 to spark Plug" Matthews.
II was Matthews fiery enthusiasm
which first whipped the Griflmen
Into fighting unit. He was with
the team when IL first climbed to
the top OF the ladder.
Irony of fate sent Matthews to
Sacramento In part payment for
Earl McNeely, destined to drive in
the deciding run In the deciding
game for the championship Of the
world. Had another player been
available, Sparkle" would have re:
nnained with the GriffHen and might
even have featured some Of the
laurel
"A - g