Evening Star Newspaper, February 14, 1923, Page 30

BERTH FOR WASHINGTON /IN THE PROPOSED CIRCUIT Baltimore, Brooklyn, Providence, Newark, Bufl'alo,' Montreal and Toronto in Organization Plan- ned as Draft Reprisal Against Minors. the Associated Press N 2\W YORK. February 14.—Base ball circles were stirred today over the reported formation of a new eight-club circuit, sponsored by the majar leagues, among eastern cities in the United States and ' ‘'rHE 'EVENING STAR, 'WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14’ “MY THIRTY YEARS IN BASE BALL” BY JOHN J. McGRAW, -Manager New York Giants, Three Times World Champions What Happens When a Ball Team Grows Old—McGrawExplains Why He Has Let Go of Good Players and Charge of ‘“‘Buying” between the Glants and the Pirates Im- mediately shifted to a war of wits be- tween the Giants and the Cubs. Those were hot days—just as hot as we had gone through on the many visits to Pittsburgh. Interest in the Chicago National League Club grew in_rapid bounds. Up to that time the White Sox had the call in Chicago. It was a great thing for base ball, especially in the National League, to have strong ri- valry between New York and Chicago, the big citles of the country. McGraw's Theory on Tradex, (Released Exclusively Through the North American Newspaper Allisnce.) pitcher, to Boston for Al Bridwell and Fred Tenney, As I have said, the announcement of this deal caused a base ball sensation. To the public it appeared that 1 had practically traded all of my old 1805 club. They won- dered why 1 wanted Tenney, who was then getting old and had been a man- ager of the Boston club. Despite his age Tenney had kept wonderful care of himself and knew the game. He was perfectly willing to work for me as a player, notwith- standing the fact that he had been a manager. 1 want to say right here, 1923 PARENT LEAGUE TO TRY NUMBERING OF PLAYERS NEW YORK, February 14.—Num- bering of ball players, such an ix dome in foot ball, may be tried as an experiment by one or two Na- tional League clubs thix year to ald spectators in identifying the players on the fleld. The Brook- Iyn and St. Louis clubs, it wax said, both may glve the scheme a trial. Unumunl interest was manifested by the club owners at the league sexsion yewterday in the mumber- ing plan, but a motion by Charlex H. Ebbets, president of the Brook- 1'm club, to the league adopt it was turned down. It wi 1t that the practicabil- ity of heme should be tested before general league nction was taken. ." SPORTS. WILL NOT BACK VENTURE ' NOR WEAKEN OWN TEAM Commissioner Landis Scoffs at Idea of New Organi- zation, Ban Johnson Is Surprised and Cleve- land Mogul Says BY DENMAN W It’s All “Bunk.” THOMPSON. HETHER the more or less sensational news that a new eight- club league with teams in this city and Brooklyn, of the Amer: can and National leagues, respectively, and several towns now / t0o, that Fred Tenney gave his whole heart and soul to the Giants. He was a big help. Durin this period (1907-1908) I had inck in picking up several youngsters who began to show promise. They ! were still lacking in polish—not quite The Board of Trade of Chicago got all steamed up over the prospect and organized a rooting club. They went to the park in a body and made it Just as warm for the Giants as pos- Canada as a drive against class AA minors in the drait war. The new league would be called eitlrer the Continental or Interallied. While reports that the proposed league would have the backing of | the majors drew denials from Commissioner K. M. Landis, John A. Heyd- represented in the International League, is wholly fanciful, a mere threat designed to shoo the minors back into the draft fold, or the premature disclosure of a carefully considered plan to offset the loss to the majors of the class AA circuits as feeders of talent, is difficult to judge by thé Pennants. VILLA LANDS KNOCK-0UT sible. Jer. president of the National League; Ban Johnson, president of the America League, and others, Yankee It was said that the new league, as ‘planned at present would include lubs in Toronto, Montreal. Buffalo, Newark, Baltimore, Brooklvn, Wash- ington and Providence. Initial playing strgngth would be guaranteed, it <ald, by having major league oclub: pool their players, allotting twenty to each team of the new league. Baltimore, Toronto, Newark and the International and invasion of that organi- territory would mean a bit- it was agreed. The proposed organization, it was sald, is the direct result of the de- cislon of the International and Paci- fic Coast leagues and the American Associaiion not to accept players from ihe majors under the new rule, which etipulates t all men sent must be subject to draft. The double A leagues, also have refused to take any plavers under optional agrcements if the draft clause came with them When €Col. T. L _Husion. part ewner of the Yankees, was nsked about the smiled and said: ¢ not have the new league? T am for it. We must develop nd we must remove our- selves the position of being hel ¥ time we want a player out of the minors.” lonal Ofcials Not Worried. Various officials of the Interna- tlonal League treated the matter facetiousiy “Do you know what T'll do.” askdd llings. part owner and v of Rochester. “Tll just put an International League Club in Pittsbureh and Brooklyn.” Jack Dunn of Baltimore, the storm center of the draft war. sald, “What re? 1 got a million dollars in the hank.” The National League, adopted here yestarday and transocted routine busines: not discuss the new league, ing to President Hevdler. The league decided to pass along to Commissioner Landis the decl zue fon wa Intern; which met its schedule did as to whether Rube Benton. south: plicher of the St Amerd, the STADUN IS PLARNE FOR .. BYALUMN Paul club of the an Association. could play with in, b th s Catholic: University is stadium and a field that will attract the highest kind of athletics, and big foor ball games. This is the announcement of Arthur D. Maguire of Detroit.-who has just been named chairman of the alumni committee on athletics. According to Maguire, the univer- sity hus some of the best athletes in the country, it has one of the finest- equipped gymnasiums, but it ks the field. “Nature,” says Magulire, “has provided this essential, and all that remains is to drain the ground. level 1t, roll it, and then erect a stadium that will be a pride to the university and to Washington. An athletic committee of the alumni sclation has becn named and at a recent méeting It was proposed to put the matter up to the members of the Lay Alumni Association. It iIs es- timated that $10,000 wili put the grounds in shape. Another meeting of the committee is to be held at an | early date, when the architect’s plan; for the stadium will be presented. Members of the alumni committee on athletics, aside from Maguire, are: Jlugene wards and Edward J. Mahan of thix city and John A. Glas- Cott and John J. Greer of Philadel- Martin _of Martinsburg, Va., president of the Lay Alumni Association, attended the recent meeting. MACKS WILL ENTERTAIN WRITERS AT LUNCHEON PHILADELPHIA, February 14.—An- nouncement has been made that the Thiladelphia Americans will enter- tain visiting and Jocal newspapermen at lunchcon Monday in connection with the spring meeting of the Amer. ican League in this city. Headquarters for the base ball writers will be established in the Bellevue-Sratford Hotel. Edward admitted he had been offered the presidency of the league. down | accord- to have a| G. Barrow, secretary of the 'WYATT, 350,000 PLAYER was | | NOTT0 N CLEVELARD | HOUSTON, Tex.. February 14—An- ! nouncement has been made here that | Glenn Myatt, Milwaukee catcher, who was recently sold to the Cleveland Indlans for the sum of $50,000, would cave the diamond to accept a posi- jtlon with his father-in-law here. Iy ald that Myatt has signed a | contract for a position here to net |him $4000 a year. The contract |offered ‘to the ‘ball’ player by Tris Speaker was satlsfactory, but Myatt | prefers to take over a business that | will offer some permanency, it Is sald. Myatt started his journey to the big lcagues on a local sandlot. work- ing to a position with the Houston. Texas lLeague. team. He was later sold to the Philadelphia Athletics, but |had a rather erratic scason in the | majors. Droppink back to Milwaukee. | Myatt became the sensation of the league, and attracted the attention of Speaker, CLEVELAND, February 14.—When informed that Glenn Myatt had an- nounced his retirement from base | ball, President E. S. Barnard of the Cleveland Indians, declared that he was confident Myatt would be one of the first to report at camp. “Myatt has some quarrel with Mil- | waukee over the purchase money, but tnasmuch as the contract we offered to him is satisfactory, we do not antici- pate any trouble in keeping him with the Indians,” Barnard said. PHILS SIGN PITCHER. PHILADELPHIA, February 14.—The Philadelphia Natlonals have signed Ralph Head, a right-handed pitcher | of “the Hartford, stern League club. Head's home ig In Tallapoosa, N borly or otherwise call. Some one he said he believed Landis would be turned over to President Heydler quickly over to Judge Landi For all of which reasons the first information as to the future of Ben- ton undoubtedly will come from the Landis offices when the commissioner has finished his inquiry. Tt is agreed that Ban Johnson has put forth his ukase that Benton will not play in the American League and Heydler was rather properly unwill- ing to promulgate a contract between Benton ana the Cincinnati club until he had been assured that the highest base ball authority would not reverse him. Meantime, if the St. Paul club insists that Cincinnati is obligated to it to the extent of $20,000 a decision will have to be rendered by some one or Garry Herrmann will sue the whole outfit for the value of thou- sands of firkins of dill pickles. Rube Assured of Justice. There is no doubt that justice will be done to Benton, because no effort will be made to sidetrack him in base ball, except that something definite is decreed to the effect that he may play or may not play. When it comes time to make a decision it is due him that whatever may be known com- cerning him shall be made public. The International League passed a resolution that it would not take players from the majors on a com- pulsory draft basis. The National League looked the resolution over and reversed it by saying.that the International would take the com- pulsory draft or get no players. And there they stand, Just like two beetles fighting over a dead ant, with the American League still to be heard The nineteenth annual dinner of the Philadelphia Sporting Writers' Asso- clation will be held Monday night. Many prominent men in base ball and athletic sports have been invited to attend. * OFFICIAL NATIONAL LEAGUE SCHEDULE, 1923 | trom. The latter organization will unlimber its oratorical howitzers next Monday at Philadelphia. The players have little to worry about for the moment for the issue is not going ‘to reach the exploding | that our team of 1905 and 1904 really HOUGH we lost the pennant in 1906 to the Cubs, I have I never attributed that to a superiority ‘of strength of the Chi- cago club. 1 do not wish to take any credit from Frank Chance, but our loss in that particular year was due to a series of accidents that practically put us out of the race. It was not until the following yvear began to disintegrate It was in 1907 that 1 discovered my players growing old and beginning to slip. Always 1 have made it a point never to let a club grow old on me. A manager must start _reconstruction quickly or several vears will be required to bring a ball club back to pennant- winning form. Hard Hit by Accidents. In 1906 we started off with a rusi it looked as if we had another cham- plonship in sight when suddenly bad Iluck fell on us with a crash. To begin with, Mathewson contracted diphtherfa and had a tough time of it. In a game a: Cincinnati Mike Donlin broke his ankle while sliding into third. His foot caught against the bag and the force of his body driven against it snapped the bone. Dan McGann then broke an arm and was laid up for a long time. Roger Bresnahan was hit on the head and laid up In the hospital for several days. in addition to these accidents several players contracted minor illnesses from time to time. As a result it was rare that we ever had our playing strength on the fleld. Even then we finished third. Cubs Had Smart Players. That 1s why I do not give the Cubs of 1906 credit for being a better ball club than the Glants that year. It was easy to see, though, that the Chicago club was coming strong and would be our strongest rival. Chance threw a lot of fighting spirit into his team and he had the benefit of some very smart players, such as Evers and Tinker. He had @ great catcher in Johnny Kling and a great pitcher in Mordecal Brown —“Three-Fingered Brown.” and RUBE BENTON CASE LEFT TO COMMISSIONER LANDIS BY JOHN B. FOSTER. EW YORK, February 14—Rube Benton is today still a member of the St. Paul club and not a member of Garry Herrmann's Reds. Neither did Commissioner Landis send his card into the National ! League meeting Tuesday announcing that he had arrived to make a neigh- The Benton case is today in the commissioner’s hands. Having been handled it as he would a hot plate and passed the stcaming question intimating that since he understood the matter alrcady was in the commissioner’s office, far be it from him to an- ticipate in any way just what the commissioner intended doing. + tionally released. The Bitter rivalry that had existed got his social register mixed when on hand Tuesday. for solution, that official promptly point betore June 16. The majors can cling to forty players each up to that time and by then everybody may have had experiences that will serve to bury the winter animosities. Other Angles to Come. Of course, if the National releasei players outright, that fs quite an- other matter. You can't tag a draft card to a man who is permitted to leave with no Invitation to return. If on June 15 there should be clubs in the National anxlous to get down to get down to the twenty-five-player limit in a hurry, it is possible some players would have to be uncondi- The same applies to the American League. Then there is another angle. Some minor leagues favor the draft. Most are under class A. What will the play- ers let out under draft by the majors say If they are sent down to class 1 outfits? And can such a thing be done? Possibly the fear of such a result has had its effect upon some players who refuse to send their con- tracts to the major leagues. There are four major league clubs that are having all kinds of trouble to get their players signed. Copyright, 1923. HURLER TONEY REACHES TERMS WITH CARDINALS NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 14.— Fred Toney, former pitcher for the New York Giants, has announced that he has accepted terms with Manager Branch Rickey of ‘the St. Louis Na- tionals, to which club he was sold after his trade to Boston last year, and will report for spring practice. | prayer zible. We got right back at them on very occasion and excitement ran high. This feeling kept up right on through 1906, 1907 and 1905, It was during the early stages of this rivalry—during the reorganiza- tion of my team for 1907—that I made some of the big trades that were dis- cussed, and often critcized, all over the country. In many of these trades it was said that I made mistakes. I may have done so. but I don’t think 1 made many. My principle always has been, if I necded a particular player for a certain place, to go out and him at any price. They say that I have let many good £o. I have. But I have never yet discovered any plan by which manager can get a crack player with out gIving up a good one in exchang ay player who Is no to the machiner I will trade him in a a chance to get the an who completes the cogs for my machine. Hix Stars Begin to Siip. Often the New York club has been accused of buyving the pennant. Fans have wondered how it is that the Glants were able to get any player they went after, while other teams could not do so. You will no- tice. however, that we never got a man without gIvVIng up sometbing valuable in return T noticed in 1907 that several of my players were slipping. The first indication of that is in the legs. When T notice that an inflelder or an outfielder has lost that quick spring in going for a ball—that spring of youth—I immediately begin looking for his successor. It would be stupid to walt until he has lost a lot of games for you. So I stepped out and made a trade that at the time was a sensation. I wanted Al Bridwell of the Boston club. ~ Bill Dahlen, one of the great- est defensive players of all times, had begun to slow up. His legs were getting a little old. I had to have that hole filled and filled quickly. I also needed a man to take Dan Mc- Gann's place at first base—a man to fll in until 1 could develop several youngsters that looked promising. Trade Causes Sensation. 1 traded McGann, McGinnity, Bow- erman, Dahlen, George Brown and Cecil Ferguson, the latter a young KAMM WILL BE PRIMED ON REPORTING T0 SOX CHICAGO, February 14 —Wiille Kamm, new third baseman for the Chicago American League club, who was ' purchased from the San Fran- clsco club of the Pacific Coast League for $100,000, will be ready to jump into his uniform and play ball as soon as he reports at Sequin, Tex.. this spring, according to word re- celved here. Kamm has gone to:Boyes Springs, Callf., for a little preliminary condi- | tioning. Like Eddie Collins and other stars of the diamond, Kamm has be- come a convert to the game of golf, and deolares that he finds it a won- derful exercise to strengthen the legs and belleves it will be a big help to him this year. The coast star has forsaken winter base ball on the coast this year and is spending considerable time on the links playing the Scottish game. Kamm, although his record does not show it, was troubled a little with his legs last yea He played in 170 games last season. covering third base for the Seals, and was credited with throwing out 432 runners. Although he committed 27 errors, he was credited with 193 put- outs, his flelding mark being 959, one point behind Charley Deal, the form- er Chicago Nationals' third baseman, who, while playing with Los Angeles, led the Pacific Coast League with .960. —_— WHITE SOX NOT LIKELY TO REOPEN YANK DICKER CHICAGO, February 14.—Represen- tatives of the Chicago American League club and the New.York Na- tional League club will confer in New York Saturday regarding the spring exihibition tour of the two clubs. It is unlikely that the Chicago rep- resentatives will attempt to reopen the proposed deal with the New York Yankees. in which Eddie Collins, star second baseman of the White Sox, would become a member of the league champlons, it wase said here. SMITH JOINS INDIANS. HOT SPRINGS, Ark.. February 14— Sherrod Smith, pitcher, has joined the Indlans here. Coach Jack McAlls- ter put the players through their first exercise yesterday. Read | AT BOSTON . AT BROOKLYN AT NEW YORK AT PHILADELPHIA AT AT PITTSBURGH CINCINNATI AT ST. LOUIS AT | CHICAGO May June, July’ The April 29 Apr. 26,27, 28 June 22, 23, 24 L|Bept. 8. (3,3), 4 Rept. 30 25, 26, 97 . 25, 26 4.4, 22 June 4 Apr.30,May 1, 2, 3 Aug. 30, 31, Sep. 1 Sept. 27, 28, 29 June 5, 6, 7 July 29, Aug. 9, 10 11, 12 Sept. 14, 15, 16 June 18, 19, 20, 21 July 25, 26, 27, 28 Sept. 17, 18, 19 June 8,9, 10, 11, 12 July 30,31, Avg.1,2 Sept. 24, 25 June 13, 14, 15, 16 Aug.3,4,8,6,7 Hept. L May 4,5.7 May 31, June 1,2 Rept. 6,7, 8 Oct, | | Apr.30,May1,2,3 My 28,29, (30, Aug. 14 Sept. 28, 29 Star Apr. 26, 27, 28 June27, 28, 29, 30, 30 Sept. 10, 11, 12 June 4,5, 6,7 Aug. 8,9, 10, 11 Sept. 13, 14, 15 June 17, 18, 19, 20 July 25, 28, 27, 28 Bept. 21, 22,23 June 13, 14, 15. 16 Augi 3, 4.5,6, 7 Sept. 19, 20 June 9, 10, 11, 12 Apr. 17, 18 (19, 19), 20 *|June 27, 28, 29, 30 Hept. 10, 11 Apr. July Aug. Bept. 21,88, 23, 24 1 30, 81, Sep. 1 9.0ct. 6,7 for May 4,57 May 31, June 1, 2 July2.3, (4,4),23 June 8, July 30, Sept. 20, 21, 22 June 13, 14, 15, 16 June 5, 6, 7 July 26, 27, 28, 39 Sept. 14, 15, 16,17 June 17, 18, 19, 20 Aug.8,9,10,11,18 Sept. 18, 19 Apr. May June Bept. April 29 May 24, 25, 26, 27 June 25, 26 Tuly 38 17, 18, 19, 20 0 23, 34 2, (3, 3), 30 Live June 18, 14, 15, 16 June 9. 10, 11, 12 Aug. 3, 7 o July 30, 81, At Bept. 18, 19, 20 June 17, 18. 10, 20 June6.7. 8 July 26, 37. 28, 29 Sept. 14, 15; 16, 17 May 17, 18, 19 July 18, 10, 20, 21, | JeaY July Ang £ 8.9,10, 11 14,18, 16, 17 12, 13, 38 May 21, 22, 12,13 . 21 July 8, 7, 9 Aug.14,15,16,17,18 23 Apr. 21, 28, 25, 24 May 8, July 1 Sept. 9, 10, 11 Apr. 29,30, May 1,2 May3l Junel 2, 3 June 94, 25, 26 May July Avs. May 8, July 14, 1 Avg. 27, 28,29 19 Juix 6,7, 8,9 A 15, 16, 17, 18 20, 21,22, 23 18, 19, 20,21 28, 24,25 May, 12, 14, 15, 18 July'16,11, Aug. 20,21, 22 June 22, 23 June 28, 29, 30 Sept. (3,3), 4 12,18 Apr. 25, 26, 27, 28 July 2, 8, (4, 4) Sept. 12,13 May 21; July 6, 7, May 12, 18, 14, 18 July 10, 11; 12, 18~ « Aug. 14,15,16,17,18 | A May 8,9, 10, 11 July 14, 18, 16, 17 Aug. 96, 27, 28 May 12, 14, 18, 18 | Tuly 10, 11, 12,13 | Ang. 20, 21, May 17, 18, 19 8, May 17, 18, 19 duly 18,19, 20,21, 21 « Aug. 23, 24, 23 May 8,9, 10, 11 July 5, 14, 16, 17 Avg. 27,28, 2 Apr. 25, 28, 27, 28 May 29, (30, 30) July 23, 24 3 Aug. 31, Bept. 1 Apr. 17,18, 19, 20 May 7 July 23, 33, 24 20, 30 Apr. 89, 80, May 1, 2 ‘| May31,.June1,2,8,4 Sports Abr. 21, 23, 23, 24 June 28, 20,30, Jy.1 Sent. (3.8). 4 ready—but I could see they had the goods and I set about to nurse them along while the old-timers hell n the jobs and showed them the . A.young ball player can gain much knowledge of base ball by sim- ply sitting on the bench. golng in oc- sonally as a substitute, and thus alsorbing the finer points—the at- mosphere of the big leagues. Miade Catcher of Gowdy. Among these youngsters were Herzog, Merkle, Gowdy and later Fletcher and Doyle. Gowdy came to us from the Dallas club of the Texas League, where he played first base. He was frequently around the hotel with us while we were playing exhibition games there Saturdays and Sundays. We trained at Marlin the rest of the week. He o at throwing arm and could he loved base ball wanted to pick up new ints by asking questions. 1 bought Gowdy. Early in the | training period. though, I saw that he was not a natural first baseman. He was not quick enough on his feet. 1 thereupon turned him into a catcher. | Always 1 have been rather proud of | his later success. You will remember | tha s great catching and hitting that playel such a promi- nent part ‘n the world series when | the Braves beat the Athletics four | straight. Rudolph. who also | ha worked in perfect harmony with Gowdy and they made a great battery Larry Doyle Started Poorly.. I was soon to need a second base- I m: It was evident that Gllbert was | losing his speed. I tried Merkle in that position before he finally found hie real place at first. It was Larry Doyle who came along in the latter part of the 1907 season and finally | got tne ob. | Larry Doyle was one of the most popular men that ever played on my team. He Is also one of the few players that I stuck in the game right oft the reel. I might also say that he made the poorest showing for a start. That first day he was very nervous and made four or five errors. |1 saw it was necessary to keep him | there, though, to restore his confi- | dence. 1 did not guess wrong. (Copyright, United States and Canad: - Walsh Syndicate. 192 he Chris G. 71 123 121 120 152 131 132 131 9 114 116 185 138 140 120 119 142 134 85 32 League Nation: Year. Club. 1888 Pittaburgh 1880 Pittsburgh 1890 Pittsburgh 1891 Pittaburgh 1892 Pittaburgh | 1892 Pittsburgh 1894 Pittsburgh 1895 Pittaburxh 1896 Pitts. & N. Y. 1897 N. Y. & Cinel. 1898 Cincinnati 1899 Cincinnati 1900 Cincinnati 1901 Cinch 1902 Cincinnati 1903 Clneinnati 1904 S 1905 1906 S 1907 20 year's total . BY FREDERICK G. LIEB. N old timer who brings fond recollections of the past is Jake Beckley, old “Eagle Eye” Jake, one of the foremost first basemen in the forty-seven-year-old history of the National League. Beckley withstood the big league gaff for twenty years, “Cap” Adrian Anson being the only first baseman who lasted longer in the majors than “Eagle Eye.” He was a capable first baseman, who played the bag far better than the great majority of the players of his time. And he was a hard worker, always hustling for his team. ¥ 2 With the exception of a brief stay in New York, Beckley's twenty years as a big leaguer were divided among the western teams of the National League. He put in nine seasons in Pittsburgh, seven in Cin- cinnati and four in St. Louis. Out- side of 1890, when he played with Pittsburgh_in the Players’ League, Jake’s entire career was spent in the National League. : In thirteen of his twenty big league seasons Beckley hit better than .300, his best record being .34 with Pittsburgh in 189%4. That is only two points. better than Jake hit in his first year in the league. Beckley was a success from the very start of his career. He broke in with the Pirates in a game against Chicago on June 20, 1888, and the same day he was well spoken of. The files of thirty-five years ago EARL & EDGEWOOD New! Better qm;lity ‘Longer wear ONMASININSTHROLND BOSTON, February 14.—Pancho Villa, Filipino flghter, last night de- fended his title s American fly- weight boxing champion against Frankie Mason of Fort Wayne, Ind.. former holder. Villa knocked out Mason In the fifth round. i xcept for a short storm, which Mason forced on him in the fourth round, Villa was master throughout. Mason had by far the worst of the first three rounds and the fourth was going against him, when he ent home several rights to the body to gain honors in that one round The sting from these proved a spur to Villa's mastery. The ffith round was only a few seconds along When he jolted Mason with a right to the head and stiff left. Mason was own corner, down sprawling in his but came up after @ count of nine. The champion was on him_with both hands and, swinging hard on head and body, sent Mason against the ropes and to the floor under a rain of blow i The Hoosier was game and tried to rise. but was unequal to it and fell back. Villa, like a brown doll, step- ped back to his place, smoothed down his ofled hair. then went forward to shake hands with his defeated op- ponent, himself a former champion in this smallest of actually contested {boxing class X : Tt was announced that Villa weigh- ed 111 pounds and Mason 110. DAY, YALE BOXER, DIES; ILL SINCE.RECENT BOUT EW HAVEN, Conn., February 14 | —Elbridge C. Day. twenty-two years little D.. a senior at Yale te yesterday in the tal from inflamma- He was a member ¢ and algo tried out for the,boxing team. On his arrival 2476 in the hospital February 1 Day told the authorities that he had suffered from pains since his participation in a bout the week previous. 'EAGLE-EYE JAKE BECKLEY A SLUGGING FIRST SACKER “EAGLE EYE" BECKLEY'S MAJOR LEAGUE BATTING RECORD. T.B. S.B. 20 11 18 17 40 24 20 19 19 Pet. 342 R 35 92 100 1 102 108 122 105 ™ 84 86 87 29 =0 82 85 72 48 29 3 H. 18 @ 16 23 17 12 3 o 334 458 519 559 590 532 459 551 514 azo 15 1,601 309 tell us the following of Jake's debut: “Cleveland and Beckley of Pitts- burgh made their first showing to- day. Cleveland did not have a chance to distinguish himself, but young Beckley did very well, con- tributing two hits, one a triple, while he also fielded his position perfectly.” During his twenty years in the majors Beckley set up several rec- ords. On September 26, 1897, he hit Larry Sudhoff of St. Louis for three homers. Ken Williams of the Browns is one of the few players to bag three homers in the same game. He turned the trick early last spring. On _September 27, 1898, “Eagle Eve” handled twenty-two putouts at first' base for Cincinnati, tying the major league record. Beckley holds the National League record for sacrifice hits, sixty-four, made with the Pittsburgh club in 1893. This record is particular] meritorious, as there were no sacri. fice flies scored in those days, sacri- fices being scored only on infield bunts advancing the runner. (Copyright, 1923.) BERNSTEIN EASY WINNER IN BOUT WITH DELMONY NEW YORK, February 14—Jack Bernstein, the Yonkers junior light- welght, scored an easy victory over Gene Delmont at the Ploneer A. C. last night. Bernstein was the aggressor in all_but one of the twelve rounds and had little difficulty outpointing his op- ponent. Bernstein drove Delmont to the ropes and scored a partial knock- down in the fourth, but Delmont weathered the storm. WILS ON comments of the powers that be in the national pastime. _ According to the major magnates most concerned, Clark Griffith of Washington and Charles H. Ebbets of Brooklyn, the project has been discussed, and they are interested—but in no way committed to it. Also Col. T. L. Huston, half owner of the New York Americans, is inclincd to favor the proposition, and his business manager, Ed Barrow, admits he has been offered the presidency of th JESS WLLARD ONROAD DISPLAYIG HS BLOWS BY FAIRPLAY. -NEW YORK, February 14.—Jess Willard is touring the west to show aught him short With &) ne fans of the country just how I gooa he is. His main sparring part- ner is Joe McCann, Newark, N. J, who comes up after a knockout like one of those punching dummies in- vented by Bat Nelson. Still, as a sparring partner Joe is not so bad and Jess no doubt will be able to put on a pretty good show with him. Both Jess and Tommy Gibbons may be interested to know that Floyd Johnson’s west coast record is not quite 50 good as his cheerful press agents have made It appear—or, when it comes to that. not 8o good as Floyd himself has given out. More than once in the far west—which is so far away that minor bouts are not apt to seep through to the effete east— Floyd has had his work cut out for him. Take the case of Jack McAulift, the | sensation of the middle west, for| instance, who is matched to meet Tommy Gibbons in March at the Mad- fson Square Garden. A line on this lhombre will be had when it is stated that not a year and a half ago Me- Auliff and_ Johnson met at Tacoma and that Jack lald about him with fists so lustily that only the bell at| the end of the sixth round saved: the Jowan from a knockout—at least so goes the story. At all events, McAuliff got the decision. Thnus it behooves the St. Paul artist not to take this Jack McAulift fight 100 lightly. "And at the same time Jess Willard may be a bit heartened by the knowledge that Johnson doesn’t stand up under the real sock any better than most of the scrap- pers. WHITE URGED TO SETTLE FORFEIT WITH HIS RIVAL NEW YORK, February 14.—After hearing Charlie White, Chicago box- er, in a personal appeal, the state boxing commission postponed for one week action on_his protest against surrending a $2,500 forfeit for being 12 ounces overweight for his losing bout last Friday night with Rocky Kansas of Buffalo. Chajrman William Muldoon, indi- cating that he would deny the protest, urged White to settle with Kansas in the meantime. SHARKEY GOING ABROAD. NEW YORK, February 14.—Jack Sharkey, New York featherweight, will said for England Saturday with Freddy Welsh, former world’s cham- plon lightweight, to seek bouts with European featherweights. e proposed circuit. On the other hand, K. M. Landis high commissioner of base ball, scofts at the idea, President Johnson of the American League professes to be sur- prised to learn that any such thing is contemplated and President Har- nard of the Cleveland club classes as_pure “bunk. Griffith today readily admitted tha such an enterprise was broached when he and his fellow moguls were assembled In New York last Dece ber for the winter meetings. He as- serts he is willing to consider a proposition for placing another team in this city, but hastens to add that it would not be permitted to Inter- fere In any manner with the Natlo and asserts emphatically that he will under no eclrcumstances contribute to its financial support nor consider any plan involving the pooling of players to give the newcomers strength on the field. v Would Not Affect Nationain. “I know about the plan for the new league, ves” Griff asserted to day, “but I will not back it in the sense of being a promoter, nor will any proposition involving the lo: of any playing strength by the Was ington club through turning ov plavers to it ever be considered. As 1 understand it, the proposal is for a circuit of class ‘AA rating that would act as a proving ground for players ambitious to enter the majors. It might be a good thing in that respect and doubtless our grounds could be made available for another team on days when the Washington club is not scheduled to play here, but I am not committed to any scheme yet, and will have to be shown conclusively that it will work out to the best in- terests of base ball and the Washingy ton club before 1 would countenance such a plan.” President Ebbets of the Dodgers ys: “I know it is proposed to put a club in Brooklyn and I suppose our park could be used, when we are playing away from home, but I do not care to discuss the suggested league otherwise.” Landis Never Heard of It. “I never even heard of it,” was the comment of Commissioner Landis. when interviewed at his offices ir Chicago. Laughing heartily, th chief pooh-bah of the game added “Sounds like somebody had a drink, ate a piece of mince pie, imbibed stale beer, had a nightmare and then wrote a story.” Persons intimatel S80- clated with the commissioner also directed attention to the t that claims exist to teritorial rights thai would prohibit the establishment o new clubs in several of the cities mentioned, as clubs already are there. “This is the first I've heard of it Ban Johnson said, the American League head adding that he would not subscribe to any plan to pool its surplus players and_ distribute them among the clubs of the new organiza- tion. President E. S. Barnard of Cleveland club was outspoke classing the proposal as “bunk.’ “News has been scarce this winter and those New York writers are al Ways writing about the draft and new schemes to make the minors come to time,” Barnard is quoted as saying. “As a matter of fact few major league club owners are worry- ing about the draft. There is no league needed to fight it. A belligerent note is sounded in Louisville, where W. F. Knebel- kamp, Kentucky magnate, today is credited with having asserted that the in Down the Alleys Southern team of the Railroad Y. M. C. A. League, won the odd game from the Machinists last night, with the scores, 491, 407 and 368. H. Streiter of the winners, had the high set of 317, and Lerscombe of the losers, the top game of 121. Post Office Department of the Wash- ington Ladies League, won two out of ihree from the Columblians, its scores being 383, 454 and 438. Mary Ganzhorn of the losers had the best set of 292 and Catherine Furey, the high game of 106. Hilltoppers cleaned up the Sales Tax quint. winning all thres games, with the scores 463, 466 and 437. Della Smith of the losers had the high game of 112. Terminal Ice quint once more is leading the District League, but only bya a shade, having taken two out of three from the Regulars last night. Rathskellers will take a shot at the leadership tomorrow night, when they meet the King Pins. Bowling on their own alleys, the Rathskellers should fake all three and again assume the the American Association is prepared to invade four major league cities in event the threatened move against the International League is made.by the major league owners. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Detroit and Cleveland are, the cities in which the Louisville® owner asserts the American Associa- tion is in a position to place opposi- tion teams. As a matter of fact, it is possible for a league such as the one outlined to be considered without either Com- missioner Landis or Ban Johnson knowing anything of it, but it is exs tremely improbable ‘that serious thought would be given to such a project without their counsel, and it is equally improbable that the enter- prise ever will be an accomplished fact. It would need the approva] not only of the American and National Leagues, but sanction from the Inter- national as well, as it is a unit of} organized base ball. If such a league were established without the 0. K. of the International League it would mean_another disastrous war with probably all the other four non-draft circufts—American Association, Pa- cific_Coast, Western and Thre. Leagues—arrayed against the majo Base ball magnates have had thei fill of war. Its too costly. The All-Wool House Your Last Chance to Save! Sale of Up to $40 Values -Piece SUITS | $2 8.50 Merchant Tailors 1. HAAS & CO. Our other woolens are proportionately reduced. 1211 2. 7 % % % Y, % 2 Nk % Z 2 2% % Pa. Ave. N.W i i