New Britain herald., 1927-02-10

New York, Feb. 1 0 LF,-Echoes of the first shots fired in Babe Ruins long anticipated contract war with the New York Yankees sounded through the baseball world today in the wake of one of the most import ant player deals of the winter.
 Hardly had Colonel Jacob Rup- pert. president of the Yankees, an- nounced that the salary conflict was on than the Bambino levelled his guns on New York, all the way from the Pacific coast where he is mak- ing a movie.
 The Babe has return the contract Ruppert offered him unsigned, he said, because the terms called for the same salary he has received for the past three years-s5 900. And unless better terms are offered him, why "Ill quit baseball" he an- nounced from Hollywood, Calf.
 In New York, Colonel Ruppert said the big home run hitter would rot be allowed to report to the train ing camp at St. Petersburg, Fla, un- ill he signed q new contract. Right back across the country came Ruth S declaration ttat he would report in the south March whether or not the contract question had been set tlld by that time.
 silent on Terms
 I'm not saying what terms I want or what I would accept" baseball's 8 premier slugget said. That's to be worked out with the club owner. But unless the terms are satisfactory, I'll quit baseball if necessary. l wouldn't like to do that. of course"
 Ruth's declaration spiked a rumor prevalent in New York that Colonel Rupport's break with his star out fielder had followed Babes refusal to sign for q single year at ST5, 900 salary. Babe was thought to have demanded a contract covering sev- eral years with the figures in the vicinity of s100,oo0 per season.
 Out on the coast Babe declared that his income was not necessarily dependent upon his diamond activi- ties and would not be less than his present salary if he were to quit baseball entirely. Although he has just completed a ten week vaudeville tour and is now engaged in film work he wouldn't have to depend on them either" he said.
 Fight Over MeuSel
 A second New York favorite also in movie work on the coast, Emil Irish" Meusel. meanwhile became e.mbroiled in q controversy between the Brooklyn Robins and Cincinnati Reds as 10 which club would boast his services in 1927. The Robins through President Wilbert Robinson. announced an agreement had been reached with the former Giant out fielder for 1927 just as Manager Jack Hendricks of the Reds was reporting the same thing.
 Mcusol. who purchased his release from the Giant fold last fall. was re- ported by Brooklyn to have accepted terrns by telegraph Monday. A con- tract at figure reported to be S1o.- o00 was mailed to him in Hollywood Tuesday. Robinson said. Hendricks said he had accepted Meusers terms following the announcement that Cincinnati had traded Eddie Roush. crack outfielder to New York for George Kelly. Giant first baseman.
 Unexpected Deal
 The latter deal one of the most unexpected and sensational in q win ter of wholesale changes and barter, was completed yesterday. No cash was involved. Although trade in volvng either Kelly or Bill Terry. substitute first haseman, was not unlocked for in Giant quarters, the deal for Roush came as complete surprise.
 acquiring Roush. John McGraw has added to his lineup another colorful fielding star and powerful hitter to team as an attraction with Rogers Hornsby. former Cardinal manager Roush, traded to Cincin- natl from the Giants for Buck Her zog in 1916. has ranked among the most brilliant outfelders in baseball for the past ten years. He is con- sistent 800 hitter and lead the league in 1917 and 1919.
 Kelly. a fielding star who bats over 100 probably will be used in the Gin cinnati outfeld because of the pres ence on the Red first hassock of Nally Pipp. also former Yankee. Kelly will be supplanted in the Giant infield by Bill Terry