A Baseball House Divided

[legendsport]

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, March 13, 1911:

News out of the St. Louis office of Clark Griffith, ruler of the Confederate Baseball leagues, is that the Leesburg Aztecs, now without a home after revolutionaries destroyed the Azteca Stadium, will move to Houston and be renamed the Texans.

"This is to be considered a temporary move," explained the Old Fox. "The Leesburg franchise has not been revoked and the ownership of the team is still in Mexican hands."

"However, in light of the horrific developments of recent weeks - including the shooting of one of the players - the board agreed unanimously to relocate the Aztecs until the troubles have been resolved."

The Houston ballclub will play in Texas Park, a small 8,000 seat edifice in downtown Houston, which had originally been constructed for the team which now plays in New Orleans. In the meantime, no professional baseball will be played in Mexico, according to Griffith, until the so-called revolution has been put down by Confederate forces.

[legendsport]

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, March 29, 1911:

STRANG MAKES FIRST DEAL - Sammy Strang, recently elevated to the top spot in Louisville, made his first trade as he dealt his own backup, young Braxton Farmer, along with outfielder Jonah Green to St. Louis in return for star rightfielder Eddie Cheevers.

"We felt we needed a big bat in the heart of the lineup, and our outfielders, aside from Rebel (Oakes) hadn't given us much in spring training," said Strang. "It was tough to deal Brax - he's a good kid and I'm sure he will be a great player someday. But if we're expected to win again, we needed to make a move to strengthen the club, and I believe we've done that."

Team owner Ransom Olds, who was believed to be a huge fan of young Farmer, could not be reached for comment, but his personal secretary did say that, "Mr. Olds has all the faith in the world in Mr. Strang. The team is his to run until Tanny comes back."

from the Sporting Way, March 30, 1911:

SPALDING MAKES A DEAL - Albert Spalding, now 61 years of age, is looking to win now and therefore made a deal to help bolster his lineup. Spalding's Colts sent first baseman - outfielder Doc Gessler to Pittsburgh in return for third baseman Larry Gardner.

"Gardner's young (24), he's talented, and he fills a need on our club," explained Spalding. "I expect us to contend for the Federal League pennant this season, and Gardner is key to that effort."

[legendsport]

The post below double-posted, this was the first copy and I am just removing it.

[legendsport]

from the top secret transcripts of William Howard Taft administration:

Meeting in White House, March 31, 1911.

Attending:
President William H. Taft
Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt
Sec'y of State David J. Hill
Sec'y of War Henry L. Stimson
Sec'y of Navy George v.L. Meyer
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Leonard Wood, Chief of Staff
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William H. Bixby, Chief of Engineers
U.S. Navy Captain William H. Benson, commanding USS Utah

PRESIDENT TAFT: Gentlemen, let's get the meeting started. I must admit to some misgivings about this, but the consensus of opinion among my top advisors is that we should do this, therefore we are exploring the possibility.

VP ROOSEVELT: Sir, this is the right thing to do. We must strike while the iron is hot.

TAFT: Teddy, your opinion is well-known. We're here to discuss the practicality of this proposed operation, and also to judge the merits against the possibility of discovery, which as we all know, would be disastrous for our international standing.

SEC'Y HILL: That is possibly an understatement sir. This operation is an act of war, and if discovered, it is a virtual certainty that it would mean war.

GEN. WOOD: We're ready for war. Granted, I would prefer more time to finish the modernization program and some of the new equipment the Germans have furnished us are promising, but still relatively untested. However, the Army is ready to prosecute a general war, should that necessity arise.

TAFT: No one's going to war here. We're looking to do this covertly - and avoid discovery. General Bixby, what is your assesment of the target? Can we do this?

GEN. BIXBY: Sir, the Canal is nearing completion, which makes the operation somewhat more difficult. However, if we can infiltrate the construction zone, some well-placed charges on one or more of the locks would almost certainly cause a major delay in the completion of the project.

TAFT: OK. My concern is getting the men and material into place without the Confederates noticing. Captain Benson, you've reviewed the proposal. Can you get the Utah close enough to shore to launch the landing boats?

CPT. BENSON: Yes, sir. That shouldn't be a huge issue. Using the Utah and coming down the Pacific coast will make discovery much less probable than trying to infiltrate through the Caribbean which, as you know, is virtually a Confederate lake.

TAFT: Yes, and that is the main reason I am even considering this. Our national security demands that the Confederate Canal not be completed - or at least delayed a few more years.

ROOSEVELT: Absolutely. In a few years the military buildup will be completed and we will be ready to take the Canal by force, if necessary.

TAFT: Teddy, please. I am not condoning a war. Maybe if you're President someday, but as long as I am in this office, we will not seek a war with the Confederacy.

SEC'Y STINSON: With all due respect sir, you do understand that we will have a war if the Confederates have any inkling of our involvement.

TAFT: Granted. That is why we will only provide the transportation and materials. The actual personnel involved will all be Confederate nationals - even though they'd prefer not to be.

ROOSEVELT: I find it disturbing to be supporting a bunch of Socialists, but in this case, our interests coincide.

STINSON: Indeed they do. Also, I have been in contact with our supplier at Krupp. The next shipment of munitions left Hamburg on the 18th and should be docking in New York in the next few days. Then we trans-ship via rail. The shipment will be split, with two-thirds going to San Diego for loading on ships to be unloaded along the Pacific coast of Mexico, and the other third will be handed over to Villa's men on our side of the border in New Mexico.

SEC'Y MEYER: I'd like to add that the ships doing the porting from San Diego will all be Colombian registered, and not our own.

TAFT: Excellent. General Bixby, I'd like the Corps' report on the specific locks we'll target, how much explosive will be needed, and so on. Can you get that to me within the week?

BIXBY: Certainly sir. Most of the preliminary research has been done. We have agents in place who have provided the on-site surveys we need to maximize the damage.

TAFT: Very well. Thank you General Bixby. You, Captain Benson and General Wood may get back to work. The rest of us have some other items to discuss.

-end of transcript


Brigadier General William Herbert Bixby

[legendsport]

from the personal diary of Jesse Tannehill:

April 2, 1911: Well, the troops are "ready" - at least according to General Huerta. I do give him credit for working them like dogs to whip them into shape, and they are certainly much more ready than they were a few weeks ago. But I fear we'd be routed in a battle with actual organized troops. Luckily, as General Huerta assures me, we will be merely facing "guerrilla rabble."

April 8, 1911: Well, the orders came. We're heading north to Ciudad Juarez, which is very close to the U.S. border and is supposedly an entry point for guerrillas who slip into New Mexico to avoid patrols and may, just may, be getting supplies from the Yankees. We have no proof, but there is strong suspicion that the Yanks are supplying Villa's "northern liberation army."

[legendsport]

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, April 29, 1911:

VETERAN HURLER THROWS 2ND NO-HITTER: Washington's ace pitcher Doc White baffled the St. Louis Steamers on the 28th, tossing the second no-hit game of his career. White's first no-hitter came back in the first season of the Dixie League when he "White"-washed the Steamers on May 15, 1907.

White victimized Clark Griffith's charges again, with only two men reaching base via the base on balls to spoil his otherwise spotless record. White also sent eight men back to the bench via the strike out. For the season, the 7-0 win improved his record to 2-1, but his earned run average is a paltry 1.04, showing that even in his early thirties (he's 32), this "Doc" can still operate.

[legendsport]

from the personal diary of Wally Gerber:

April 30, 1911: Well, we're at it again. This is the third time we've hauled a bunch of supplies down to the border area and handed them over to Pancho Villa and his boys. As always, Villa was cheerful and thanked us profusely, and offered to share some tequila with us, but we were unable to partake - the lieutenant was pretty adamant about that.

Villa was herding his men and the pack mules back across the border when we heard some shouting in Spanish from the other side. Villa immediately signaled his men using only hand motions and they dispersed, with the mules still on our side of the border.

from the personal diary of Jesse Tannehill:

April 30, 1911: We finally got lucky. Huerta had insisted on sending nightly patrols along the border west of Ciudad Juarez, believing - correctly as it turned out - that Villa's men would be bringing in supplies from the U.S. side.

A patrol found the guerrillas crossing back from the U.S., with pack mules in tow. A fight ensued and, not surprisingly, our boys got the worst of the exchange. Night fights are always difficult, and these untrained men were almost wiped out by Villa's more experienced fighters.

Making matters worse, the few survivors who trickled back into camp insisted that U.S. Army troops were there. Huerta pressed them with questions as to what the "Yanquis" did - did they shoot? Some of the troopers believed that they had been fired on by the Yankees, others said no, that the Yanks had only watched from their side of the border.

Huerta now has asked me to report to Richmond that the U.S. Army fired upon our troops. I will do so, but am considering adding a personal message to General Stuart - I don't believe the Yanks would be so stupid. Why would they fire at our boys? They don't want a war.

[rudel.dietrich]

Can I request to be traded?

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by Fallschirmjager

Can I request to be traded?

Which player? Just let me know and I'll see what can be done.

[legendsport]

from the log of Captain W.H. Benson, USN:

Aboard USS Utah, May 17, 1911: Departure from San Diego Naval Base. We are carrying munitions, fourteen inshore boats and two weeks of food and material supplies for a complement of fifteen Mexicans who will perform the actual mission. Transit time to the Pacific coast of Panama is expected to be around one week, we will cruise just below our top speed of 20 knots.

The ship is very seaworthy, and is a proud addition to the U.S. fleet.


Aboard USS Utah, May 20, 1911: About halfway to destination. Have had dinner with Ricardo Flores Magón, the leader of the expedition, whom I find to be a very disturbing individual - and his brother Enrique, the second-in-command. A clearly professed Marxist, with anarchist leanings, Mr. Magón has been living in the United States since the Confederate annexation of Mexico. As an avowed opponent of the Confederacy's "occupation" of his homeland, he was supposedly the President's first choice for this mission. All I can say is that I wish him luck on his mission, and hope to never see him again.


Ricardo (left) and Enrique Flores Magón

[legendsport]

from official State Department correspondence, Taft administration:

Letter received from President Murphy J. Foster, Confederate States of America, at Columbia, May 20, 1911:

President Taft,

I am very disappointed at reports that have reached my desk of apparent support for the illegal activities presently taking place in our Mexican states by agents of the United States government. No doubt you are aware that should proof be acquired by my government of outright assistance to persons or organizations currently in rebellion, the Confederate States would be forced to seek an honorable solution, by force of arms if necessary.

If these accusations turn out to be groundless, I offer my humblest apologies.

Murphy J. Foster, President, C.S.A.

[legendsport]

Standings as of June 1, 1911:

U.S. Leagues Standings
Federal
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Columbia	24	15	.615	-	23-16	1 	11-7	13-8	0-2	4-7	115	W4	7-3
Philadelphia	25	16	.610	-	25-16	0 	14-11	11-5	2-2	7-8	114	W2	5-5
Boston		20	19	.513	4.0	22-17	-2 	12-6	8-13	1-1	3-6	-	L1	7-3
Chicago		17	20	.459	6.0	17-20	0 	8-5	9-15	2-2	8-6	-	L2	5-5
Pittsburgh	16	22	.421	7.5	15-23	1 	9-11	7-11	0-1	9-4	-	W1	4-6
New York	14	24	.368	9.5	15-23	-1 	10-12	4-12	3-0	8-8	-	L2	3-7

Pacific
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Sacramento	22	18	.550	-	20-20	2 	10-7	12-11	4-0	10-7	115	W2	5-5
Portland	21	18	.538	.5	19-20	2 	8-7	13-11	1-2	8-6	-	L3	6-4
Oakland		21	19	.525	1.0	22-18	-1 	13-8	8-11	1-2	7-10	-	W1	3-7
San Diego	21	20	.512	1.5	20-21	1 	13-10	8-10	0-0	8-5	-	W1	7-3
San Francisco	17	21	.447	4.0	17-21	0 	11-13	6-8	1-2	5-5	-	L1	3-7
Los Angeles	16	22	.421	5.0	20-18	-4 	7-11	9-11	1-2	3-8	-	L1	6-4


C.S. Leagues Standings
Dixie
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Birmingham	26	15	.634	-	24-17	2 	18-5	8-10	2-0	10-4	114	L1	4-6
Louisville	25	15	.625	.5	25-15	0 	11-8	14-7	4-1	9-4	-	L2	6-4
Washington	22	15	.595	2.0	21-16	1 	17-7	5-8	1-1	5-3	-	W1	6-4
Baltimore	18	26	.409	9.5	19-25	-1 	9-11	9-15	1-5	5-13	-	W1	6-4
St. Louis	16	26	.381	10.5	15-27	1 	12-9	4-17	3-5	6-10	-	L1	3-7
Atlanta		15	25	.375	10.5	18-22	-3 	7-8	8-17	4-3	7-8	-	W3	4-6

Caribbean
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Havana		24	14	.632	-	23-15	1 	9-8	15-6	5-1	12-5	115	L1	7-3
Miami		21	16	.568	2.5	21-16	0 	13-8	8-8	2-1	8-6	-	W2	3-7
Santo Domingo	21	20	.512	4.5	22-19	-1 	13-3	8-17	1-2	4-6	-	W2	5-5
Houston		19	20	.487	5.5	20-19	-1 	12-13	7-7	1-2	2-9	-	L2	4-6
New Orleans	17	24	.415	8.5	15-26	2 	7-12	10-12	2-3	10-6	-	W1	7-3
San Juan	14	22	.389	9.0	15-21	-1 	8-10	6-12	1-3	5-9	-	L4	2-8

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, June 1, 1911:

Santo Domingo's Pedro De Calvo is off to a blistering start. The 26-year-old fireballer leads all of baseball in ERA with a 1.38 mark through the first month-and-a-half of the season, and has racked up 9 victories (also tops) with 129 strikeouts in 98 innings pitched. Following a tremendous 1910 campaign that saw him post 25 wins, a 1.74 ERA and 457 strikeouts, much was expected of "La Cabeza" and he hasn't disappointed, almost single-handedly keeping his team within range of first-place (they sit 4 and a half games behind Havana at press time).

from the Sporting Way, June 1, 1911:

PITCHING KEEPS SENS IN THE RACE - Despite a struggling offense, the Columbia Senators have won with a frequency equaled only by perennial-powerhouse Philadelphia, which equals a first-place tie at the one-third pole. Powered by their top-notch pitching, Columbia has overcome the disappointing start by usual star Nap Lajoie (.244 average thru May 31). The trio of Pete Alexander, Bill Lindsay and Harley Young, have combined for a 15-6 record, with George Winter pitching in with a 7-1 record in his 9 starting appearances. Another sign of promise - young Rube Marquard, possibly the team's most talented chucker - has not even made an appearance this season.

[legendsport]

from document prepared by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

GUIDELINES FOR DISRUPTION AND/OR DESTRUCTION OF LOCK SYSTEM IN PANAMA CANAL

To understand how to render the lock system inoperable, one must first understand the proposed workings of these locks, which are a considerable feat of engineering.

We will mainly be concerned with the gate assemblies of the locks, as destruction of these will be most effective in halting/delaying completion of the canal project.

The Panama Canal Locks, which lift ships up 85 ft. to the main elevation of the Panama Canal, are one of the greatest engineering works ever to be undertaken. Our latest information is that the Pacific-side locks at Miraflores, are complete. Two other lock systems, at San Miguel and Gatun (on the Atlantic side) are near completion. The total length of the lock structures, including the approach walls, is nearly two miles.

The gates which separate the chambers in each flight of locks must hold back a considerable weight of water, and must be both reliable and strong enough to withstand accidents, as the failure of a gate could unleash a catastrophic flood of water downstream. This catastrophic flood is what we seek to accomplish.

These gates are of enormous size, ranging from 47 to 82 ft high, depending on position, and are 7 ft thick; the tallest gates are required at Miraflores, due to the large tidal range there. Each gate has two leaves, 65 ft wide, which close to a V shape with the point upstream; this arrangement means that the force of water pushes the ends of the gates together firmly. The heaviest leaves weigh 730 short tons; the hinges themselves each weigh 36,752 lb.

The gate machinery consists of a huge drive wheel, powered by an electric motor, to which is attached a connecting rod, which in turn attaches to the middle of the gate. The gates are so well balanced that two 25 horsepower motors are enough to move each gate leaf; if one motor fails, the other can still operate the gate at reduced speed.

Our target will be the gates at the Miraflores lock system. Charges should be placed at the hinges with the explosions to occur at high tide when the force of the water will be greatest. We also recommend the placement of charges on the motor, drive wheel and connecting rods.

Note that there are backup gates located 70 ft upstream of the main gates. These gates must also be lined with explosives to ensure flooding.

Intelligence indicates a small security force in place at Miraflores. Since the lock has been 90% completed, most of the construction work has moved further inland to the San Miguel lock system.

- Capt. Robert Huxtable, US ACE

[rudel.dietrich]

Originally Posted by legendsport

Which player? Just let me know and I'll see what can be done.

Rudel Dietrich

I am stuck on a going no where team and they have me playing second base.
San Juan is not the team for a superstar in the making

[nomar363]

Originally Posted by Fallschirmjager

Rudel Dietrich

I am stuck on a going no where team and they have me playing second base.
San Juan is not the team for a superstar in the making

Oooh, Hector Valentin has said that he wouldn't mind it if Dietrich was traded to Havana. As long as they didn't trade Smokey Joe!!!

[legendsport]

Originally Posted by nomar363

Oooh, Hector Valentin has said that he wouldn't mind it if Dietrich was traded to Havana. As long as they didn't trade Smokey Joe!!!

Rumor has it that San Juan and Havana did have talks regarding a trade - with Valentin would be heading to San Juan. The teams could not reach agreement, however.

[legendsport]

from the Richmond Courier, June 11, 1911:

DASTARDLY ATTACK ON CANAL PROJECT - Wire reports from the Panama Canal zone, reaching Richmond late yesterday, indicate that Mexican guerrilla forces attacked the Miraflores lock of the canal. War Department spokesman Burton Hendryx spoke to the press about the incident.

"This attack, which took place in the predawn hours yesterday, was conducted by a highly-trained group of guerrilla fighters, who were apparently equipped with a large quantity of high-explosive. The security detail at the canal were attacked and, according to preliminary reports, none of the detail survived the attack. The attackers then proceeded to place explosive charges on the hinges of the floodgate doors, as well as the control room machinery and the backup doors. This indicates excellent planning as they knew just where to place these charges for maximum damage. The blasts tore the gates apart, sending millions of gallons of water down the canal, flooding several worker camps, and drowning many men and pack animals. It's estimated that it will likely be a year or more before the lock can be restored to working capability."

Hendryx was asked about the attackers. "We know very little about them, unfortunately. They escaped the scene before the explosion, and the explosion virtually wiped out any evidence, though we hope to be able to ascertain the type of explosive used. All we know is that they were apparently very well trained and equipped, and that they painted "Mexico Libre!" on the walls of the canal inland from the explosion, where it would be noticed by our men."

The President released a statement calling the attacks "dastardly" and promising that the attack would not prevent the CSA from completing the canal, or from squashing the "illegal rebellion" of the Mexican guerrillas.

A statement was also sent to the governor's residence in Leesburg, signed by Francisco Madero, head of the Mexican Liberation Army, applauding the attack and promising more violence unless the "Confederate officials return Mexico to a state of independence."

[legendsport]

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, July 1, 1911:

DIETRICH AND MIROLA KEYS TO BIG TRADE - A disgruntled Rudel Dietrich, who had been campaigning for a trade away from the cellar-dwelling San Juan ballclub, finally received his wish. In a move which was met with major fan backlash in Santo Domingo, the German-born Dietrich was acquired by the Dominican team in exchange for popular, Dominican-born second baseman Prospero "El Diablo" Mirola, the Caribbean League stolen base king.

While Dietrich, unhappy with playing second base instead of his preferred centerfield (where San Juan has Spot Poles patrolling), had openly requested a trade to a contender, Mirola was happy - and beloved - in Santo Domingo. Dietrich is expected to take over in centerfield for his new team, though management has not ruled out having him play second base. Mirola will become the leadoff man and second baseman for San Juan, giving them a speed threat they hadn't possessed before.

The full details of the trade:

San Juan adds Mirola, catching prospect Doc Wiley (who had been stuck behind Louis Santop on the Tigres' roster) and pitcher Domenico Saladini while Santo Domingo adds Dietrich, pitcher Pedro Cambray and throw-in centerfielder Howard Cossey. The impact of the deal on the Caribbean race remains to be seen, and it may be a few years before Dietrich's presence makes the Tigres a contender. The general consensus is that the trade immediately helps San Juan, but that in the long run, the Tigres will get the better of the deal.

[legendsport]

from the Sporting Way, July 4, 1911:

Happy 135th Birthday, USA! Here's the current status of "The National Game:"

DUFFY'S DYNAMOS LEADING FED RACE - Hugh Duffy's Bostonians are currently the surprise team in all of baseball, leading the Federal League race by a game and a half over Chicago. Pitching is the name of the game in Beantown as a trio of stingy hurlers leads the way for the Minutemen. Jack Pfeister and Earl Moore are having great seasons, while "Big Six" - Christy Mathewson - is turning in another solid campaign.

One can not leave out the men with the lumber, and while Boston's batsmen are contributing to the team's success on the field, they seem to be doing it with smoke and mirrors. The team's ranks in important batting statistics (these include the Confederate leagues): .245 batting average (20th), 246 runs scored (21st). They are speedy: their 159 steals are sixth best, but again, it comes down to pitching. The team has the best ERA (2.59) in all of baseball. If the hitters ever come around, the Minutemen could run away with the pennant.

SPEEDY REDWOODS RACE INTO PACIFIC'S CATBIRD SEAT - During spring training, Redwoods' helmsman Jimmy Collins promised his team would run, and run they have. Six of the eight regulars are in double-digits in steals, with Harry Lord's league-leading 49 and Bill Hinchman's 31 accounting for a large chunk of the team's 209 thefts. With the team's pitchers allowing opponents a robust .270 average against them, the team's speed and defense are what is keeping the Redwoods in the win column.

Can they keep it up? As long as they avoid shin splints, ankle injuries and stubbed toes, they have a shot.

U.S. Leagues Standings
Federal
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Boston		36	27	.571	-	37-26	-1 	17-9	19-18	2-2	9-11	89	W6	8-2
Chicago		36	30	.545	1.5	34-32	2 	22-10	14-20	5-3	17-9	-	W2	7-3
Pittsburgh	32	31	.508	4.0	30-33	2 	18-14	14-17	2-2	13-7	-	W3	6-4
Philadelphia	34	33	.507	4.0	36-31	-2 	17-20	17-13	2-4	9-13	-	L5	2-8
Columbia	32	32	.500	4.5	32-32	0 	15-15	17-17	1-2	7-13	-	L2	3-7
New York	22	39	.361	13.0	24-37	-2 	16-19	6-20	3-2	12-14	-	L4	2-8

Pacific
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Sacramento	37	28	.569	-	33-32	4 	15-11	22-17	5-1	15-10	87	W4	7-3
Oakland		35	31	.530	2.5	38-28	-3 	18-18	17-13	2-4	9-17	-	W1	7-3
San Diego	34	35	.493	5.0	32-37	2 	17-20	17-15	1-0	15-9	-	L3	3-7
Portland	31	33	.484	5.5	28-36	3 	14-19	17-14	1-3	12-7	-	L2	4-6
San Francisco	31	35	.470	6.5	31-35	0 	19-17	12-18	3-3	10-9	-	W2	4-6
Los Angeles	29	35	.453	7.5	35-29	-6 	11-18	18-17	2-3	4-13	-	L1	5-5

from the Confederate Baseball Weekly, July 4, 1911:

BIRMINGHAM "BREWING" A PENNANT - The Birmingham Brewers entered the steamy month of July with a first-place ballclub, keeping the resident's of Dixie's industrial heart happy as they tote their lunch pails to the steel mills and foundries. Patsy Donovan's charges hold a four-and-a-half game lead on the Louisville Gears in the Dixie League chase for the pennant.

Chadwick Rooney leads the way for the Brewers. The enormously tall (6 foot 7) Rooney has 12 victories for Birmingham, giving him a shot at the rare 30-win season all hurlers dream upon. On the batting side of the ledger, first-sacker Fred Stem is on pace to drive in 100 runs, and Chief Wilson, who missed seven weeks with a hand injury, is back in the lineup and hitting .369 for the year.

HAVANA ONCE AGAIN TOPPING CARIBBEAN - It's a familiar position for the Havana ballclub, the top of the standings in the Caribbean league. Since play started, the Sugar Kings have battled the Miami Superbas for supremacy on a yearly basis - and the team won 101 games and the pennant last season.

This year, the club is once again led by pitcher Gonzalo Quezada, who won 26 games with a 2.18 ERA last season, and so far this year is 10-2 with a 2.19 ERA - a model of consistent excellence. Inocencio Movales again leads the batsmen, with a .311 average and 49 RBIs. Constantino Bustamente is hitting .326, providing support for Movales. All in all, the Sugar Kings look very tough indeed, with even the always-strong Miami club sitting five games back.

C.S. Leagues Standings
Dixie
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff	 Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Birmingham	39	25	.609	-	36-28	3	24-12	15-13	2-2	14-6	85	W4	6-4
Louisville	36	31	.537	4.5	37-30	-1 	16-13	20-18	5-2	11-6	-	L3	3-7
Atlanta		34	32	.515	6.0	35-31	-1 	20-13	14-19	5-5	13-8	-	W1	7-3
Washington	31	34	.477	8.5	29-36	2 	20-17	11-17	3-1	7-9	-	L1	4-6
St. Louis	31	39	.443	11.0	31-39	0 	19-16	12-23	6-6	10-15	-	W2	7-3
Baltimore	30	40	.429	12.0	32-38	-2 	15-16	15-24	2-7	7-18	-	L3	3-7

Caribbean
Team		W	L	PCT	GB	 Pyt.	Diff 	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Havana		42	23	.646	-	43-22	-1 	19-12	23-11	6-1	15-7	85	L1	5-5
Miami		37	28	.569	5.0	36-29	1 	22-14	15-14	2-3	14-9	-	L2	6-4
Santo Domingo	35	31	.530	7.5	35-31	0 	22-10	13-21	2-3	8-10	-	W2	6-4
Houston		31	35	.470	11.5	31-35	0 	18-20	13-15	4-4	8-15	-	L1	4-6
New Orleans	27	41	.397	16.5	27-41	0	12-16	15-25	4-5	12-13	-	W2	7-3
San Juan	25	39	.391	16.5	25-39	0 	14-18	11-21	2-4	9-12	-	W1	3-7

[legendsport]

from the New York Evening Herald, July 6, 1911:

GERMAN WARSHIP TRIGGERS TENSIONS - The German gunboat Panther, visiting the Moroccan port of Agadir, has renewed tensions between Germany on the one side and Great Britain and France on the other side. The French government considers Morocco to be within their sphere of influence and a source inside the British consulate here in New York confirmed that the British view the German vessel's presence as a possible precursor to the Kaiser's navy installing a naval base on the Atlantic at Agadir. The German consulate denies any such motives.

The German and French governments are currently negotiating an agreement regarding their empires' respective territorial aims in Africa. The French are also enjoying the side-effect of the German-British tension: the Entente between the French and British can only be strengthened as the British distrust of Germany increases.