Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 177, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1917 — SHAKE-UP LOOKED FOR [ARTICLE]

SHAKE-UP LOOKED FOR

Developments Expected In Minor Leagues After the War. [ Big Toad* in Bush League* Not Satiefled With Condition* and Are Plan- , nlng to Start Revolutionary Movement. (By JACK VEIOCK, International New* ■Sports Editor.) Look out for a big shake-up in thd minor leagues shortly after the closa of the war. . , It is bound to come, and when it arrives there will be some surprising developments, If the dope sheet reads correctly at present. For the past five or six years there has been a wave of unrest sweeping) through the minors. The big toads in the “bush” league puddle are not satisfied with conditions by a long shot, and the more aggressive ones among them are planning to start a. revolutionary movement that will; change the complexion of the baseball map considerably. First of all, there is a plan afoot for the establishment of a third major league. It is an old plan, almost as old as Methuselah, but it still alive and kicking like a bay steer. Less than a month ago’ feelers went out in American association and International league ranks to test the temperature of the club owners on the third major league proposition. The result of the test was not satisfactory, probably because of the uncertain outlook for baseball in these warsome times. But the baseball men who are fostering the plan have not given up hope, and within a year, maybe two years, there is going to be something) didding among the minors.

The writer has had an ear close to the ground for several months. And the murmurs that have been skating hither and thither were not whisperings of a will-o’-the-wisp by a long shot. Baseball men prominently connected with the game, even in the major leagues, admit that the baseball map is in need of alterations. They admit that a third major league is a probability in the near future and it is hinted that the plan will get support from several unexpected quarters when the right time comes. The new move to revise the baseball map is not a move that has been made with an idea of stirring up further strife in the game. If it is accomplished it will be done regularly and smoothly, and there will be but little friction. Quite naturally, the third major| league idea embraces cities in the American association and the International league. Which cities will l be chosen to form the new top-notch circuit is still a matter of argument, but It is said by those who are closely connected with the plan that a circuit which will be more compact than' either of the two big leagues is to be suggested. Such a move will necessitate the redisricting of other minor leagues, and a raise in rating for at least eight • cities now in Class B company. Other details of the plan have been told before, but in all the changes will be a‘ sweeping affair when it comes, and there are any number of baseball menwho admit —some unwillingly andl others willingly—that it is coming. It sounds like a bum note on thei trombone, this revamping idea, but it Isn’t. Baseball needs a shaking up and If it can be accomplished along peaceful lines it will be the best thing that could possibly happen for the future of the game..