Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-02-05
Byrnes viii Realize
Game S War Value,
Says MacphaiI
BY JOE REICHLER,
Associated Press Sports Writer.

NEW YORK, Feb. 5.-Optimism
for the continuance Of baseball was
the keynote Of the three-day ses-
sion Of the major leagues which
ended yesterday with the annual
dinner Of the New York Chapter
of the Baseball Writer'S Association
Of America.
Perhaps the most heartening
news heard by the 1900 baseball
people, consisting Of club owners.
league ofncials, writer's and fans
who jammed the Hotel Aston ball
room, was Col. Larry MacPhails
statement that James F. Byrnes,
war mobilization director, would
come to recognize the value Of war
time baseball.
II have been with Undersecretary
Of War Patterson for two and one
half years." the head Of the syndi-
cate that recently bought the New
York Yankees told the audience.
IT know he thinks that expendi-
lures of manpower and transporta-
ton for baseball are worth while. I
think Mr.. Byrnes will come to that
same decision"
From my own experience, know
that Washington is friendly to base
ball." MacPhail continued. They
realize the contribution baseball has
given to war relief. Although base
ball Is listed as nonessential, II
don't think any one in his right
mind thinks baseball should stop.
Game Relief to 100, o00, 900.
"The game has contributed to
relief from strain and worry to over
100, 900 900 persons; radio broadcasts
Of the games have contributed to
the enjoyment and pleasure of
thousands of shut-ins and war cas-
ualties; films of games have been
shown in all theaters Of war. In
addition, over 5,000,0O0 servicemen
and 100000 kids have been admit
ted free and over 800 games have
been played, with proceeds donated
to war relief"
Baseball, he insisted, however,
doesn't want to keep a single man
who can be used more beneficially
by the War Department or by war
essential industry.
Other speakers included James
Farley, former Postmaster General;
Clark Grinth, president of the
Washington Senators; Brig. Gen.
Caleb v. Haynes of the Army Air
Forces; Elmer Davis, head of the
owl, and Quentin Reynolds, former
sports writer and war correspond
ent. All spoke glowingly of the
fine work baseball had done and
will continue to do to help the war
effort.
Sing Tribute to Lands.
The writer's presented the player
of the year plaque to Dixie Walker
of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Bill
Slocum memorial award for meri-
torious service over a period Of years
to Bill McKechnie, manager Of the
Cincinnati Reds, and a tribute in
song to the late Commissioner
Lands.
MacPhail's speech came on the
heels Of the major leagues appoint
ment Of Ford Prick and viii Har-
ridge, presidents Of the National and
American Leagues, respectively, to-
represent the game In dealings with
governmental officials In Washing
ton.
Although efforts to name q COM
missioner hit q snag at the meet
ings, 1t Is felt in certain quarters
that 1t won't be long before q COM
missioner is named.
The Prick movement, which
seemed destined to carry him into
the commissioners seat q week ago,
lost some Of its momentum over the
week end and now 1t appears his
hackers face a stin fight from those
who favor an outside" man. The
new agreement, adopted at the
meetings, insists that IL must agree
on any successor to Lands, replace
ing the old majority rule. A late
survey revealed that Prick had only
II votes, Of which some we're doubt
full, or, as they termed 1t, still had
an open mind"