Evening star., 1932-01-27

Probabilities are that not
" more than a dozen minor
leagues will have the finan-
cial sineWS and courage to open
the 1882 base ball season, although
there still is a possibility that 16
or more may attempt to weather
the coming campaign. The minor
league salvation board is working
hard on the problem of resusci-
tating the game in small cities
and the majors are displaying a
willingness to give financial aid
where it is most needed, which
lends the belief than the better OF
the minor class leagues will be
able to weather the economic
pinch.
Minor leagues certain to open the
1892 season with no changes in their
ma;e-up are American Association, In
tornattonal and Pacific Coast League OF
Class IA: Southern. Texas, Eastern ana
the New TO-k-PCnnsylVania Of Glass A.
The Western the fourth Glass A or
Eani7ation, again will be IN the held'
but several changes may be necessary
The Thrce-Eyc League, for years a
strong Class B organization, probably
will operate on a reduced circuit, and
the Mississippi Valley, Western ASso-
citation and Nebraska State will go II
monetary assistance is provided for GER
tam members.
Piedmont Likely to Operate.
The Piedmont also may operate with
six clubs, since its territory always has
been a center of base ball interest.
An effort also is being made to reor-
ganize the Southeastern League from
the territory that once included the
South Atlantic and old Southeastern
Leagues.
Despite the current conditions, there
IS possibility that two brand-neW
leagues may make their debut in 1882.
Pacific Coast magnates are hopeful Of
forming q California State League to
provide farms for their young players;
and if that organization is completed,
it will take the place of the Arizona
League. which for several years was
the training ground for Coast League
prospects.
There also is talk that Connecticut
State League may be formed, with
the teams from one city to another.
Since distances would be very short,
such a league might have chance to
survive.
Reduced salary limits undoubtedly
will be of tremendous help to the
smaller minor leagues. Harry Russell
of the Nebraska State League declares
that it now is possible TO secure good
Class D players for from $50 to SIPS
per month. That is a tremendous
change from a few years back when
many industrial concerns supported
semi-pro teams and paid salaries far
beyond the reach of the small minors.
With young players now willing to
work for a moderate wage. the minors
have an opportunity to break even at
the gate and show little profit from
the sale of their stars.
Committee Works Earnestly.
The Minor League Salvation Com
mittee. composed of William G. Bram-
ham Of the Piedmont League; Ross
Marriott, president Of the Three-Eye;
j. Alvin Gardner, president of the Texas
League. and joe F. Carr are holding
monthly meetings in their efforts to
work out a solution for the minors
problems.
Carr. former president of the Co.
lumbus Club of the American Associa-
ton, will serve rs a field man for the
committee and make detailed study
Of the minor league situation through.
ont the season. Carr. who also served
as president Of the National Professional
Foot Ball and American Basket BAH
Leagues. has been intimately connected
with sports for more than a qAarter OF
a century and is an excellent choice 1or
the wolk in which he is now engaged.
The other members of the committee
also will keep a close tab on affairs in
their respective regions and the hope is
that by another year minor league base
ball will be on the soundest footing II
has enioyed in many years.