[chucksabr]

BASEBALL WITHOUT PROFESSIONALS.

DECISION FOR CONTINUANCE OF THE GAME.

At a conference of the English, Scottish, Irish, Central, Western, Northern and Southern Leagues held at Blackpool on Saturday, it was unanimously decided that the best interests of the nation and those engaged in the war and preparing the munitions of war, will be best served by the continuance of baseball.

In view of the possibility of some leagues deciding upon a class of baseball inconsistent with the competitions hitherto provided, it was agreed to treat all payers of clubs connected with any league other than their own, as retained players, and clubs cannot attempt to sign, any such players without the consent of the club for which they were registered on September 30 last.

Each league is to consider the desirability of approaching its national association to discontinue the registration of professional players during the ensuing season, and for such period all professionals will be considered amateur players as in the case of professionals who have joined the Navy and Army and who thereby automatically become amateurs.

After the conference the Management Committee of the Baseball League recommended that in view of the pressing need for recruits and workers capable of engaging in supplying munitions of war, and in the hope that every eligible young man will find in the service of the nation a higher call than the playing of baseball, the League competition for the coming season should not be proceeded with.

It will be decided at the annual meeting, which is to be held on March 15, at the Connaught Rooms, London, whether the usual competition shall be played or what games shall be substituted, if any.