Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1918 — SEEK NEW BASEBALL PLAYERS IN FRANCE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SEEK NEW BASEBALL PLAYERS IN FRANCE

.. ' uo p pc * Promising Performers Beilina Firing Lines. .. With reports from France that baseball as played behind the ghting ties sumed on organized lines after we win the war, a number of scouts attached to major league clubs are making arrangements to go to Europe in the hopp of ©btfllnlng stars among the doughboys. It is understood that at least three clubs Intend to send representatives to France early in the spring to seek talent in the battle zone. Grover Cleveland Alexander has notified several baseball men in this country that hundreds of skillful players are being developed among the soldiers and has suggested to the Cubs that ft would be a good idea to send a scout across to look over the spring crop. It is no secret that baseball leaders are looking to the, players developed back of the firing lines in France to solve the player shortage with which the minor and majors have been beset for the last two years, and which, last season especially, became a detriment that worked much harm to the pastime. If the Cubs decide to send a scout to Europe, it is very likely other teams will do likewise, for the other contenders would not permit the (Tubs to steal a march on them. The player

question will he one of the most important with which the major league ( clubs will have to contend when it ’ comes to the reconstruction of the clubs after the wiiT. Many stars of other years wi|l have drtfted from the realm of the pastime and it will be necessary to fill their places with new players. With baseball booming into popularity in France and England, the American national sport is also making big inroads in Japan, where not only Americans but natives, in large numbers, too, are playing the game that promises one day to embrace all civilized countries. Baseball is , not new In Japan. It has been played on a rather limited scale in the Orient for some year«. The visit of the Giants and White Sox. wften those clubs made a trip around the world increased the interest of the Nipponese in the great American pastime. But not until recently has tht gqme taken hold of the Japanese. * ... -

Grover Cleveland Alexander.