Show T raulman Says I Broadcasts I IRuin Ruin Minors i I Ry Jerry CHICAGO July 11 Is P-Is Is this the j year with ear with television tele and widespread widespread wide wide- spread broadcasts of major league eague I play that play that may decide the fate of I minor lea league e baseball I ThaP question was as raised even I IRS ns RS the American and National leagues played before a plump I patronage of in the allstar all- all tar star game at Comiskey park I The two major loops Monday waded through some new business I Including a relaxation of the March MarchI 1 I deadline for the start of spring training But the alarming note o of the joint meeting was this report by President George M. M of oftie tie the National Association of Professional Professional Pro Pro- Baseball Leagues minor leagues I IOne One Million Lo Loss s I The first month of play by some minor league clubs resulted in ina ina I a 8 loss of one million fans That was caused mainly b by broadcast anc and television of oC major league games in n minor league territory Traut- Traut man told the major bigwigs The Justice department in Washington Wash Vash ington already has indicated that any attempt to curb major league radio or telecasts might be interpreted interpreted interpreted inter inter- as a monopoly So the minor leagues have ha stood patiently by while their turnstiles have rusted How long they can take a box office beating is ques ques- The survey of oC minor league attendance attendance at at- will wiil ill continue throughout the season Then will ill present the plight of or his organization tion to the Justice department for what it is worth As things are going said the death deaU of the minors seems inevitable ine Cites E Example ample cited this example of how major league encroachment encroachment- through television tele or chain radio broadcasts is affecting the minors minors minors mi mi- mi- mi nors In Seattle Wash a member of oC the Pacific Coast league fans get outside baseball entertainment from 11 am a.m. until midnight In the top three minor lel leagues ues American Association attendance was reported 27 11 below last year the lie International I league e a g u e had dropped 19 and the Pacific Coast league 12 1 z One major spokesman predicted that a handful of minor loop clubs would fold within a few weeks and that more would follow The major majors however did nothing nothing nothing noth noth- ing at Mondays Monday's joint session on the television-radio television subject except to name a stud study committee Main Accomplishment Their main accomplishment was virtually to eliminate the March 1 deadline for reporting to spring training camps Now players can report anytime before beCore then as an individual club prefers except that players cannot be compelled to come before that date At the same ame time no exhibition game can be scheduled before the second Saturday in March No action was taken on proposals proposals proposals pro pro- b by shortstop Mart L Marty Marion of oC the St. St Louis Cardinals and pitcher Fred HutchInson of or the Detroit Tigers representing the players that that- There be no spring training night games the bonus rule be discontinued 25 per month be allowed players for expenses during the season just as received ed now for spring training pass lists for players be extended and clubs pay expenses for an annual meetIng meeting meet meet- ing of oC player representatives es meet meet-I of both leagues |