August 31, 1900 - The Indianapolis News, IN
INDIANAPOLIS NEWS,- August 31, 1900.
WILL PUNISH ELBERFELD, PRES. JOHNSON, OF AMERICAN LEAGUE, SO DECLARES.
Rowdy Ball Playing Must Cease for the Popularity of the Game-- Hartsel Case.
President Ban Johnson, of the American League. is in Indianapolis to-day, and will remain through the Milwaukee
series. President Johnson is here for two reasons. The first to investigate the spiking of Hank Spies by shortstop Elberfeld, of the Detroit club, Wednesday. and. second, to see that this important series between the two crack clubs is properly handled, and if there is reason for complaint, to know the full circumstances
The Elberfeld matter is by far the molt important. President Johnson is determined to do away with rowdyism on the ball field, as he thinks the popularity of the game depends largely on the manner in which the players conduct themselves on the field.
Elberfeld has caused President Johnson more trouble and done more to bring the game into disrepute, particularly in
Detroit. than all the .other players put together. He has been fined and suspended but seemingly to no purpose, and President Johnson, if necessary, will make an example of him, as he has shown little regard for the rules and regulations governing play on the field as laid down by the American League executive.
President Johnson had a long talk this morning with Manager Mack and catcher Spies, who was spiked by the
Detroit shortstop. Both agreed that the attempt to Injure Spies was malicious and without provocation. Only prompt
action on Spies's part, together with the fact that Elberfeld missed his aim by two inches prevented serious injury, which would undoubtedly have laid him up for the rest of the season, if not put him out of the; game.
Spies saw his danger just in time and as Elberfeld leaped through the air with his spikes raised waist high, Spies tagged him with the ball and stepped to one side. Elberfeld came down along his left leg and cut through his shoe and into the flesh of his foot. His jump was so high that Spies touched him with the ball on the foot.
Elberfeld Should be Punished.
President Johnson said that he had secured all of the facts and received a report of the affair from Umpire Sheridan. He did not want to take hasty or illconsidered action and for that reason came here to investigate. He said that he had not decided what penalty he would inflict, but he did think it high time that such players as Elberfeld be justly punished.
The American League executive said that this had been the most successful season that the league had ever had, and he looked for a bright future for the organization. He says that the race is the prettiest in the history of baseball, and promises to be a red-hot finish right down to the wire. He also said that there was more promising material in the league than ever. before.
WILL PUNISH ELBERFELD, PRES. JOHNSON, OF AMERICAN LEAGUE, SO DECLARES.
Rowdy Ball Playing Must Cease for the Popularity of the Game-- Hartsel Case.
President Ban Johnson, of the American League. is in Indianapolis to-day, and will remain through the Milwaukee
series. President Johnson is here for two reasons. The first to investigate the spiking of Hank Spies by shortstop Elberfeld, of the Detroit club, Wednesday. and. second, to see that this important series between the two crack clubs is properly handled, and if there is reason for complaint, to know the full circumstances
The Elberfeld matter is by far the molt important. President Johnson is determined to do away with rowdyism on the ball field, as he thinks the popularity of the game depends largely on the manner in which the players conduct themselves on the field.
Elberfeld has caused President Johnson more trouble and done more to bring the game into disrepute, particularly in
Detroit. than all the .other players put together. He has been fined and suspended but seemingly to no purpose, and President Johnson, if necessary, will make an example of him, as he has shown little regard for the rules and regulations governing play on the field as laid down by the American League executive.
President Johnson had a long talk this morning with Manager Mack and catcher Spies, who was spiked by the
Detroit shortstop. Both agreed that the attempt to Injure Spies was malicious and without provocation. Only prompt
action on Spies's part, together with the fact that Elberfeld missed his aim by two inches prevented serious injury, which would undoubtedly have laid him up for the rest of the season, if not put him out of the; game.
Spies saw his danger just in time and as Elberfeld leaped through the air with his spikes raised waist high, Spies tagged him with the ball and stepped to one side. Elberfeld came down along his left leg and cut through his shoe and into the flesh of his foot. His jump was so high that Spies touched him with the ball on the foot.
Elberfeld Should be Punished.
President Johnson said that he had secured all of the facts and received a report of the affair from Umpire Sheridan. He did not want to take hasty or illconsidered action and for that reason came here to investigate. He said that he had not decided what penalty he would inflict, but he did think it high time that such players as Elberfeld be justly punished.
The American League executive said that this had been the most successful season that the league had ever had, and he looked for a bright future for the organization. He says that the race is the prettiest in the history of baseball, and promises to be a red-hot finish right down to the wire. He also said that there was more promising material in the league than ever. before.
