New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1927-07-26
BAN JOHNSON

New York, July c6.-There IS a
third major league In the offing.
which, unless present plans fail, will
| be launched in 1928.
Six prominent capitalists are back
| of the scheme. Three of them have
dabbed in baseball before in big
league way.
Rumor has 1t that Ban johnson,
the man who put over the American
league and who has made baseball
what it is today. will be asked to
promote and pilot the new organiza-
ton.
Back in 1900, when Fan johnson
conceived the idea Of a second major
league. he was ridiculed and the
| National league refused to take him
seriously, yet in three years it was
sueing for peace and agreeing to the
terms dictated by President B. B.
johnson of the American league.
| IF Ban johnson accepts the propo-
sition that is certain to be rendered
| to him, it will in many ways be an
| easier battle than he faced IS years
ago in an effort to finance a second
| big league.
Nearly 80 years OF experience In
administering the affairs of the
American league has familiarized
johnson with every minute detail.
| He knows how much money is
needed to finance q league, knows
! the salaries of every big league ball
player and is in touch with any
number of capitalists anxious to put
some of their surplus money in
! baseball venture.
Even more important is the fact
that after these many years OF
stined competition, the public Will
welcome a new entry into the field
of major league baseball.
Just as important is the fact that
so dominant a figure as Ban john
son at its head will have the back
ing of baseball fans the country
over. A. majority of them do not
believe that he has had a square
deal. Also. fandom is always with
the underdog ard in this case he
happens to he e. 3. Johnson.
/ If Johnson accepts the proposition
to promote a third league, which is
shortly to be preached to him.
Chicago would be one OF the cities
certain to be in the western end OF
the circuit It would be a south
side club in order to offer direct
connection to his hated rival,
Charles Comislloy.
Detroit, with only one big league
club. surely would be invaded. The
other western cities would probably
he selected from st. Louis Cleveland,
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.
Since Phil Ball, who owns the
only major league park in st. Louis,
has been Johnson's lone hacker in
his latest troubles, it seems as If St.
Louis would get a berth in the pro
posed new league. It Is known that
Ball is ready to retire from the
American league.
In the East New York, Philadel-
phia and Boston would be con-
sidered. Boston with its two joke
teams is ripe for a third league
Washington is regarded as a posi-.
bility. yet several Of the capitalists
back Of the project favor regarding
Pittsburgh rs 4 member of tho
eastern end Of the circuit.
Those who feel that Fan johnson
will align himself with the new or
ganization point h the fact that h,
rofuaod TO accept 100000 which h,
could claim under his contract. 81
that he would he under no obliga.
tons to the American league.
y third major league is more thar
a mere possibility. Plans for it arc
already being formulated and Ban
johnson is the man wanted as it!
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