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The Question: What should the major leagues do to help save the minors?
HANK GREENBERG, General Manager
Cleveland Indian
"I'm in favor of some agreement where TV won't invade minor league territory. The Department of Justice should okay some such plan before it is implemented. I don't think their plight is as serious as they pretend. Our attendance is down, too, from two million in 1948 to 1,400,000 now."
SPIKE BRIGGS, President
Detroit Tigers
"We should drastically limit the number of night games. In the past, I have moved for 14 night games. But my motion was voted down. It was voted down again this year. Forty night games by any one team would kill the minor league in its vicinity. Fans would drive to the games or watch on TV."
ROBERT R. M. CARPENTER JR., President
Philadelphia Phillies
"Legislation we've just enacted will be of material help. This concerns working agreements with their clubs which provide substantial financial benefits. However, I think that an annual TV show, with the minors participating, is needed to solve their problems. This requires careful study."
WALTER F. O'MALLEY, President
Brooklyn Dodgers
"The minors will first have to go back to the old days of hustle and promotion instead of sitting down and complaining about television. The majors can encourage the minors by helping with travel and training expenses. We should also give them more liberal working agreements."
H. GABRIEL MURPHY, Treasurer
Washington Senators
"We've got to help in some way. I see no-possibility of a direct subsidy. The major leagues would go broke if they tried that. Some clubs in the majors are not exactly rich. We in Washington don't ask for financial help. We just hustle, as the minors should do."
CHARLES A. COMISKEY II, Vice President
Chicago White Sox
"When are the minors going to help themselves? Let them present some kind of rebuilding program. All we hear is that TV is killing them. Let them come in with a substantial program, telling us what will save them. Then we can do something. I don't think TV has hurt as much as they say."
LOUIS R. PERINI, President
Milwaukee Braves
"Some things we can do, but under the law we are not supposed to act in concert. Suppose we had 'a game of the day' on TV and tried to distribute the money among the minors. We might be called a monopoly. We have upped our contributions for expenses and working agreements."
GEORGE M. WEISS, General Manager
N.Y. Yankees
"Intelligent restriction of TV in certain areas would be a direct help. The Yankees have sacrificed vast sums by refusing offers for unrestricted TV. Our farm director, Lee MacPhail, is a leader in the move to pay more to minor league clubs for working agreements. I'm thoroughly in accord."
JOHN W. GALBREATH, President
Pittsburgh Pirates
"TV is the crux of the problem. It's so tremendous and complicated that it must have thorough study. It's no one's fault that we have no solution. The majors and minors should make a comprehensive study so that an equitable solution can be found. This won't be easy and it won't be quick."
WILLIAM HARRIDGE, President
American League
"Nothing until we do know what ails the minors. Until then, how do we know the . answers? I'll recommend that we appoint a committee to consult with them. Then we'll know why some clubs have folded. After we have these answers we can get together and see what can be done to help."
WARREN C. GILES, President
National League
"We could help with rules that would give the minors greater opportunity to sell players to the best market. But nothing can replace hustle. I owned a minor club from 1920 to 1935. I hung on by selling players and asking civic-minded people for money. Also by hustling. Others can do it."
FORD C. FRICK, Commissioner of Baseball
"Revise player control rules so the minors can compete in the signing of players. There should be no bonus players. Selection prices in the draft should be higher. TV definitely hurts the minors. Major league clubs should consider this when making TV contracts until a solution is found."
TWELVE PHOTOS
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