Show I BAN JOHNSON IS BULL ON BASEBALL American League Chief Full of Optimism About New Season ST. ST LOUIS March Ban Johnson John John- son head of the American league is frankly a bun bull on baseball for the 1919 season He declared him so on his visit to St. St Louis he entertained the base baseball baIl writers of the city at dinner din din- ncr ner and let them in on a number of plans ho hc has in mind for the games game's revival and better administration Also he expressed an opinion regardIng the early return of players from overseas that In a measure eased some of the worries felt though he admitted he could not say anything positive all the Information he had at hand beIng that the needed athletes would be back soon and that teams tams would be in good shape for seasons season's opening late in April As to the revival of Interest In the game he was positive enough in hIs opinIons Baseball never died said Johnson It was a bit ill for a time I will adI admit ad- ad I mit but Its illness was one which chastened the game and its recovery I I will be one which the fans everywhere tY will welcome as they would that of any other very dear frIend I want to say right here that I am proud of the record base baseball baIl made during the war Not only did scores of our athletes join the military servIce and give a splendid splendid did account of themselves under fire but the vast sums of money turned into the coffers of the Red Sox and other war activities added more than one can easily calculate in winning the I war I do not know of a single baseball baseball base base- baseI I ball club owner who was not ready I I and more than than- w ii g t t do his full share in that great crisis anti and I believe the fans who follow the game and Its I fortunes will support me in that state state- ment |