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Newspaper Page Text
WWH BASEBALL SPORTS OF ALL SORTS-BOXING WHY ALEXANDER WANTS $15,000 FROM THE PHILLIES By Mark Shield's For two years Grover Cleveland Alexander, signed to a contract which called for $8,000 a year, has wistfully regarded the salaries of stars on other teams and wondered why they were so lucky. Alexander knows he is the main stay of the Philadelphia team; that it is mainly due to his wonderful work in the box that the Phillies won the pennant in 1915 and were con tenders until the last days of 1916. And when President Baker of the Philly club offered him an $8,000 contract this year, Alexander promptly sent it back and asked for $15,000. There may be some question as to whether Alexander is worth $15,000 a year, but Alexander was the great est pitcher in the world last year, with 33 games won out of 45, 16 of them being shutouts, and he figures he is worth at least as much as Wal ter Johnson, who is drawing $12,500 a year. That there are inflated salaries in the major leagues is not questioned, but that any of the really great stars are getting more than they are worth is doubtful Ty Cobb is said to draw close to $20,000 and he is worth it. Cobb is the greatest drawing card in base ball and the value of his services can not be estimated. Tris Speaker's contract calls for $15,000 a year. Speaker MADE the Cleveland club last year. Eddie Collins gets $12,000 a year with the White Sox and it is doubt ful if Comiskey Is sorry he Is paying his biggest star that salary. Walter Johnson makes $12,500 a -jar. He is Washington's greatest . -et Frank Baker draws $9,000 from the Yankees. Baker didn't do much last year on account offinjuries, but the owners believe he will be worth the money this season. Honus Wagner- draws $10,000. That he has earned it is not ques tioned. Lee Magee holds a wartime con tract for $9,000. He has yet to show he is entitled to that much money. With the evidence submitted,, isn't Alexander entitled to more than $8,0007 The Wisconsin boxing commission will have a busy time today consid ering the cases of Fred Welsh, Kid Howard and Tom Walsh. The light weight champion was summoned to the carpet for alleged stalling in his fight with Ritchie MitchelL Welsh has not left New York and will ignore the committee's summons. Unofficial word before the meeting was that Welsh would be barred for life from fighting in the Badger state. His only chance to escape drastic punishment is to prove he1 was sick the night of the battle. Walsh will be asked to explain a check he posted as a forfeit for Knockout Brown in the Greek's re cent engagement with Bob Moha in Racine. Walsh has Brown boxing Jeff Smith in Racine Moaday night and does not want to set in the bad graces of ihe commission. 'Howard is cnargea witn raising a disturbance in Dan Hayes' corner while Dan was battling Joe Dory. Howard was ejected from the arena by the police and has entered suit for a whole lot of money, charging in jury to his reputation. Les Darcy is in town and shows twice a day at the Haymarket the ater. The Australian middleweight is not allowed to box in his exhibi tions. His theatrical tour will close here and he will probably be in Ra cine next Monday night to see K. O. Brown and Jeff Smith in action. Lee ..saia