BASEBALL'S NORTHERN DIVISION

While ballplayers got ready down South last week, management got ready up North: O'Malley soothed Snider, Veeck attempted to soothe Comiskey, a new stadium sprouted, the Braves opened the windows to a deluge of fans with spring fever

Coffee Klatsch at Chicago's Comiskey Park celebrates purchase of 54% of White Sox stock from Mrs. John Rigney (center) by syndicate headed by Bill Veeck (left). But beneath the gentle tinkling of cups there was the bitter grumbling of angry young Chuck Comiskey (right), who will appeal the legality of his sister's sale. "I won't talk to Veeck as far as business is concerned," said Comiskey flatly. "We have no intention of trying to come in like gangbusters," said Veeck soothingly, offering reporters "54% of a cup of coffee." Next for Veeck: moving out to Chicago.

Good fences make good neighbors," said Robert Frost the poet. "Short fences make happy hitters," is the view of Walter O'Malley, the Chinese philosopher. Last year only 11 of the 193 home runs hit at Los Angeles were to center or right (old fence is outlined by human figures). So, mending walls and ways, the Dodgers have shortened center from 425 to 415 feet, right center from 440 to 385. New fence is no longer an offense to Duke Snider. "I used to watch that fence," said Snider, who hit only 15 homers in 1958, "and say, 'My God, what do they want me to do?' "

Faithful fans who have helped the Milwaukee Braves lead both leagues in attendance during the past six years and hope for yet another banner (and pennant) year in 1959 throng the windows at County Stadium to buy 8,000 tickets for the opening day game against the Phillies on April 14. First to arrive were five who persevered overnight through the cold, snow and dark for the singular status symbol of being at the head of the line.

Concrete evidence of Giants' home-building progress is this view of Candlestick Park, with Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard and Oakland in background. When stadium is double-decked and temporary bleachers are added it will seat 45,000. New features include angling of left and right field wings so that fans face pitcher, not outfielders, and short, easy access to top deck. San Francisco's new stadium is expected to be completed by midsummer.

FOUR PHOTOS