The Pittsburgh Press from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 29

Jhmsmi to Become Buc President? ZFabrieation. Tom Say By LESTER J. BIEDERMAN Tom Johnson, vice president of the Pirates, today heatedly denied a report that he -will takeover as president of the Bucs and branded the story "a fabrication, absolutely no truth to it." "I have no desire for such a position," Johnson told The Press today when informed of the story. "Im an attorney and that's my principal business. "John Galbreath and I have always had approximately an equal division of stock in the Pirates and after John sold some of his shares to Ben Fairless, I just happened to own slightly more than John.

But John Galbreath is the principal factor in the Pirates and I have no desire to step into the presidency's shoes." Johnson admitted he has privately stated that Ralph Kiner was overpaid as a $90,000 player off his record in 1952, when he batted only .244, though hitting 37 home runs and tying Hank Sauer for the National League home run title. "My friends have long known how I stand in this matter," Johnson declared, "and when you come right down to it, that's the reason Branch Rickey offered Kiner a contract with a 25 per cent cut. It's simply a matter of business. "But I can't understand how anybody can quote me to the effect that Kiner has been on a two-year honeymoon when he has been married only slightly more than a year. "My chief objection to the Kiner of 1952 and the Kiner of the previous years is that he didn't pay as much attention to baseball last season as he did the years before, "I have heard reports that he was often late arriving at the park and usually among the first to leave.

I had a talk with him at the All -Star game last summer and gave him my views on the subject. "I wasn't satisfied with his work in 1952 and don't think anybody else was, including Ralph This isn't exactly new. It has been discussed printed before." Rickey has a contract meeting with Kiner at 6 p. (Pittsburgh time) today at Kiner's home in Pa1 Springs, Calif. Although Rickey first offered Kiner maximum 25 per cent cut, it's believed they have work out a compromise that will pare Kiner's $90,000 salt to about $75,000.

This would still leave Kiner tied with Stan 'Mus- as the highest paid players in baseball. Musial's sate from the Cardinals is a reported $75,000. 01) Wm cuj ro) iq) ri, i itd iri TV Program mm Attached by Sen. Johnson Says Plan Would Destroy Bush Loops WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UP) rrflf 1T irp Mh Hff ill A 9 fa SsJ 4m Mil "yfest Ay Sen.

Edwin C. Johnson warned baseball's big leagues today Con gress won't for them "destroying" minor leagues by na tionwide telecasts. The Colorado Democrat, who Is president of the Western League, indicated proposed game-of-the- week programs by the Dumont TV network would be a bean-ball pitch to bush league box offices. "It costs a lot of money to put on a baseball game, and baseball charges less than any other form of entertainment. But the minors can't meet free competition," he told newsmen.

Supported Majors in 1951 Johnson supported all baseball, including the major leagues, when it was under attack in 1951 HONUS WAGNER MEMORIAL PLANS were discussed yesterday at a meeting in Mayor Lawrence's office. A statue on City property across from Forbes Field is under consideration. In the front row are, left to right, Pie Traynor, County Commissioner Harry Fowler, Mayor Lawrence and Moose Solters. In the rear are Wilbur Cooper, Frank Custine, Charley Muse, Len Levy and Lee Handley. (Read The Scoreboard below.) by the House Monopoly Investigating Subcommittee headed by Rep.

Emanuel Celler, New York Democrat." Layne Battles told the Celler Committee baseball was not a monopoly, it was all one big, happy family," Johnson said. LaStarza Tonight 'But now, if the are i ST going to inject themselves into every minor league ball park in the country, I'll testify we made a mistake. Winner Will Face Heavyweight Champ 61 Beat Par In Texas Golf Lionel Hebert's 65 Shares Third Place SAN 'ANTONIO, Feb. 13 (UP) A couple of comparative unknowns fought pressure and a. Friday the 13th jinx today as they moved into the second round of the $10,000 Texas Open golf tournament in front of a classy field of par-wreckers.

They were Walter Burkemo "I told the baseball writers (at a dinner in New York Feb. NEW YORK, Feb. 13 (UP) Reluctant Roland LaStarza of 1) I would testify before the courts and the Congress that the New York, a crisp left-hooker, Mayor David L. Lawrence was busy, as usual, yesterday but he always has time to talk baseball. Especially with some old-time players like Pie Traynor, Wilbur Cooper, Frankie Gustine, Lee Handley, Moose Solters and County Commissioner Harry Fowler.

The Mayor cleared his desk, hung out the do-not-disturb sign and asked the most popular question of the day: "Are i.i. li "d8 i majors were a cruel and heart will fight reckless Rex Layne of Lewiston, Utah, a right-hand smasher, tonight at Madison Square Garden for a summer less monopoly motivated by aver- lce and greed, Johnson recalled. USELESS JUMP Mack Isner (32) of West Virginia comes down without the ball af making a desperate jump to catch a rebound in the tight contest against Pitt last nig Pitt's Dick Deitrick (12) is ready to grab the rebound. Also seen moving in are Pi. Art Boyd (22) and West Virginia's Eddie Becker (33) at right.

shot at the heavyweight crown. No Idle Threat That's no idle threat. If they Layne tipped the scales at 200 paunds and LaStarza at 190 at go out and televise major league baseball into every minor league club, that's exactly what Til do." today's noon weigh-in. Woodard Latest He warned that the destruction Promoter Jim' Norris plans to match the winner of tonight's television 10-rounder with the Chicago victor of the April 10 of the minor leagues would even Pill Upsets W. 67-65, On Burch's Last-Second Goal Mountaineers' Football Brag Backfires tually kill off the majors.

return title bout between Cham Johnson would not discuss SMU Job Seeker they going to trade Ralph Kiner?" The members of the Pittsburgh Professional Baseball Players Assn. had varying answers. However they came not to discuss Kiner but the greatest ball player of all time Honus Wagner. These men who still have the game in their hearts originally had an idea that the name of Forbes Field might be changed to Honus Wagner Field. They found this wasn't feasible and now have turned to Mayor Lawrence for help.

pion Rocky Marciano and Jersey what legislation he might intro Joe Walcott. Makes Sixth Coach duce if the majors proceed with their TV plans, but said chances are good Congress would pass it. Cautious LaStarza is college-educated but degree-less. Nevertheless he was favored at 1V to oi ma lony Holguin of Midlothian, 111. 1 Burkemo had the edge with a brilliant nine-under-par 31-31 62, only two strokes off the world's competitive record set here two years ago by Al Brosch, but Holguin was hot on his heels with a 34-29 63.

Five Shoot 65s With 54 holes still to go, five players were only three strokes behind Burkemo. Leading that group of six-un-der-par 65 shooters was the most dangerous man on the winter tour Lloyd Mangrum of Niles, along with Lionel Hebert, 5 today to lick the ex-farm boy io oe interviewed DALLAS, Feb. 13 The Southern Methodist from Utahs sugar-beet fields. As Panther Gridder Deitrick Gets Hot By CARL HUGHES "We beat Pitt 16-0," chanted the West Virginia rooters at Memorial Field House last night before their basketballers did battle with the Panthers. It was a reminder of last fall's football score, of course.

The Mountaineers won't be letting Friday. Feb. 1 3, 1 953 Page 29 who holds decisions over former champions Walcott and Ezzard I don believe Congress wants to see baseball destroyed," he said. "Regulations should come from the industry itself. Congress is the last resort and not a very attractive resort, cither.

"But if baseball won't protect ulty athletic committee see Charles. LaStarza Scared Marciano a new tootDall coach annou today that Jalmer E. Woo head coach and athletic dirt at McPherson, College, meet with the committee Sun LaStarza was favored because cessful, but with an 11-8 record he is a slick boxer and a good this also is a winning one. itself, we'll have to go to Congress for relief." He will be the sixth coach. Even Coach Red Brown of the Mountaineers confirmed, "It was terviewed by the committee, Pittsburgh, 33-3265; Jim Fer-rier, San Fabbrle, 32-33 65; Al Zimmerman, Portland, 33-32 65, and Les Kennedy, Pawtucket, R.

I. Deitrick who beat us. Moomaw Decides mg to find a successor to "He was the difference," Brown (Rusty) Russell, who resir left-hooker who lost but three decisions in 55 professional bouts. He reversed two decisions in return scraps with Dan Bucceroni and Rocky Jones. However, LaStarza couldn't entice Marciano back into the ring for a return.

LaStarza lost a split decision to the Brockton conceded. "He's not a polished two weeks ago under Dres. i from alumni. To Enter Ministry Lester Jordan, business player, but he has a lot of heart and hustle. He got the rebounds and scored a lot of important points.

Being big and a little ager oi athletics at Sout 1 Methodist, said Matty Bell, LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13 (UP) -Donn Moomaw, 21-year-old blockbuster on March 24, 1950; clumsy he gets away with a certain amount of pushing, too." Zernich Scores their old rivals forget that one for a long time to come. Red Dawson isn't forgetting it either, and as the West Virginians chanted he remarked: "I hope my football players are One of them apparently did, and wasn't satisfied to wait until next grid season to get his revenge. He promptly led the Panthers to a 67-65 upset of the amazed Mountaineers, who had lost only four of 18 games. The incensed gridder was Dick Deitrick, captain-elect of the football team, who plays basketball with somewhat less finesse but just as much enthusiam as he shows on the gridiron.

He picked last night to put on the best performance of his floor career, unfortunately for West Virginia. Burch Saves Game All-America linebacker on the athletic director, "washighh pressed both with Woodard his record at that time." iiucc 1 111 vj Chandler Harper, playing the most consistent golf of his sporadic career, Ed Furgol and Johnny Palmer were among the 6Ts and, along with Doug Ford of Harrison, N. Y-, at 68, were the type of golfers who can apply the pressure to the inexperienced front runners. Jackie Burke who set the tournament record of 24-under- 18 months before Rocky became heavyweight champion. That's why Roland states almost daily.

Solters, the former American League star now blinded as the result of a freak baseball accident, was the spokesman. He told the Mayor his organization has its eyes on some property belonging to the City at the corner of Pennant Place and Sennot Street, across from the press gate at Forbes Field. Statue of Wagner Is Proposed "We understand this little piece of Aground is used as a parking area for trucks and as a dumping grounds," Solters told the Mayor. "Also that it will be abandoned soon and we would like to acquire it as a shrine for HOnus Wagner. "We already have plans made to erect a statue of Wagner and we would place the statue on this site, floodlighted at night.

We also would like to have the name of Pennant Place changed to Honus Wagner Place. "We would like to do something for Honus Wagner during his lifetime. I am only sorry that I never will be able to see the work when it's finished." The Mayor naturally is in accord with any project that has to do with sports and promised to see this thing through to the finish. In this, he was seconded by Fowler, who is known now as one of the three County Commissioners but in his day he was as fine a shortstop as you'd find in sandlot ball. In fact, he played in the Federal League.

1 Why Not Plaques for Hall of Famers? Then the Mayor had another idea. "Why not make this sort of a park where fans could stop and look at Wagner's statue as they enter and leave Forbes Field?" His Honor asked. "And why not erect plaques for all the other members of the Pirates In baseball's Hall of Fame? That would include iiie jt etuuny ye day talked with Gomer Jc 1952 i ver-sity of California at Los Angeles football A a n-Ssnounced to Deitrick had plenty of help, naturally, in avenging the 25-point defeat of last month at Morgantown. His 17-point total I can lick Marciano. Rocky Kayoed Layne Layne was less fortunate with assistant athletic director assistant football coach at was runner-up to Mickey Zern par 260 in winning the Texas University of Oklahoma.

Four other applicants day that he ich's 22 and Don Virostek also contributed some valuable re Marciano. Rex was being hailed as "another Dempsey" when he encountered Rocky on July 12, 1951. Rocky belted him out in Open last year, still was in con viewed by SMU are Andy Pil will study for the ministry tention at 69, as was Tommy. bounding. 3 1 after graduat the sixth round.

Yet the contest always will be remembered as the one Burch backfield coach at Tulane; Brumbelow, head coach and letic director at Texas West Buddy Brothers, former Un: Bolt of Maplewood, N. another heavy money winner this winter, and Ted Kroll, of New Hartford. N. who lost a nlav- Layne has lost five of his 47 in i UCLA next won. Pitt seemed to have the situa bouts and been held to two draws.

He belted out 28 foes. February. sity of Tulsa coach, and Ca' Smith, head coach at East Tt -J I off to Harper for the El Paso Open crown. omaw iaStarza, 25, has lost three of Moomaw said, State. tiqn well under control with 30 seconds to play as Deitrick tipped in a missed free throw by Burch to give the Panthers a four-point his 52 bouts.

He knocked out 24 opponents. He went two years to City College of New York be there still is a possibility he will play professional football this Shrine GameShov Two Sport Writers Fred Clarke, Pie Traynor and Paul Waner." Everybody agreed this was a splendid thought. fall If he can work it Into his bulge. But Captain Jim Sottile fore turning professional. Everybody schedule.

of WVU cut it in "half with a field It was Dutch Burch, the usually unsung playmaker, who was the hero of the affair even though Deitrick did most of the spadework. Burch got the cheers from the Pitt partisans in the audience of 2234 for he authored the Frank Merriwell finish. He popped in the winning field goal as the gun sounded and thereby assured the Panthers of a successful season. Any season they beat West Virginia is sue- Pie simply is too modest but he except Pie Traynor himself. $186741 Profit The 6-foot 4-inch defensive goal.

Die in St. Louis Pitt Tries Freeze That gave the Pitts possession Manville Signs Pirate Contract star was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, who turned draft rights over to the Los Angeles Rams under 4 previous agreement. and they started to wait out the clock, but Zemich was charged with a blocking foul against oiin jt xvrtiN jan. (UP) The annual Shrine West all-star football game turned a net of $186,741 to San Francisco's Shriner's pled Children's Hospital, W. i rnffman man ST.

LOUIS, Feb. 13 (UP) Dick Farrington, 59, veteran sports writer and former editor of The Frank Spadafore, who promptly bucketed both shots to tie) the Dick Manville, giant right-hand Sporting News, national baseball weekly, died here today of a score. was over-ruled. So the Mayor and Commissioner Fowler said they would begin working on the project at once. The members of the Professional Baseball Players Assn.

left it in their capable hands and the Mayor departed to keep another appointment. And as he walked out of his office he was heard whispering to his secretary, "Don't forget to call me right away if they trtide Ralph Kiner." Speaking of Kiner who isn't? Handley, a former Pirate third baseman, thinks the Bucs would get the best of it if the proposed trade with the Braves went through. "Sid Gordon and Earl Torgeson would be just what Branch Rickey needs," Handley sized it up. "And don't forget If Rickey can take Gordon and Torgeson from the Braves, then you can bet the Braves will finish last. "Rickey has more angles than just trading Kiner.

He's a smart man and I think this kind of a deal would be a shot in the arm for the Pirates." the game announced today. 'T'V, r- 1 ed pitcher obtained from the Cubs in the deal for Clyde Mc-Cullough last December, signed There were 20 seconds left then cerebral hemorrhage suffered Clarion Rallies over Gannon After 20-Point Deficit, 87-76 Several tight contests featured last night's action by district Jan. 24. his Pirate contract today. Manville is the 20th player Farrington had been a member of The St Louis Post-Dispatch lined up by the Bucs for the 1953 and the ball changed hands twice, Pitt getting it back when the Mountaineers missed their attempt at the winning basket.

Burch dribbled down the floor and let go with a one-hand push from beyond the foul circle just xiua was me uiggesi net pr ever reported on the holi battle. Last year the previ record of $177,000 was set. The 28 Shrine games now returned about $1,400,000 to hospital, Coffman reported. Snorts on the college teams. sports staff the last 10 years, season.

conducting a humorous column Westminster lost a 69-68 contest to St. John's of Brooklyn in Major league clubs announced called "Fancy That." signing the following players a Madison Square Garden doubleheader. A two-hand jump shot by today: in time to beat the gun. 1 Another veteran, sports writer, Dick Collins, one-time sports editor of the old St. Louis Republic, Chicasro White Sox Second W.

VIRGINIA PITT G. F. P. Baseman Nelson Fox. 5 13 Marty Satalmo with 50 seconds to play saved the contest for St.

John's after Westminster's Lewis Cooper scored on two free throws to put Westminister in front. Radio TODAY died of heart disease here yester burgh. It was the fifth win against four losses for the Apprentices in collegiate games. Allegheny (8-3) risks its good 3 St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher g.

r. p. 8 6 22 5 17 5 2 12 10 2 Zernich Deitrick. f. Virostelt.c.

Boyd.g. day. He was 79. Supreme Optimist Davey Wants to Fight Kid Again Cloyd Boyer. 0 12 1 11 2 4 2 10 Sottlle.f.

Bergineg.f Isner. c. Becker, t. Holmes, g. Witttng.f Spadaf ore.e Coil.c.

Westinghouse at Fifth Aver, Burch, r- Collins retired in 1940 from Chicago Cubs--Pitcher Warren 10 2 2 Duesel.f 1 Palesko.e... 1 3:15 p. m. WEDO. record of being one of the two least-beaten teams in the district Hacker.

2 2 2 The St. Louis Globe-Democrat, where he had been a sports Washington vs. Burgettstown St. Francis lost In the final 30 seconds of play as George Keisel Cleveland Indians Pitcher when it visits Buffalo State to- writer since 1924. Steve Gromek.

scored a foul shot to give Hofstra night in the feature of the Tri Feb. 13 (UP) Southpaw Chuck Davey said today he wanted another title shot at Welterweight Champion Kid Gavi-lan, but Gawy said he wanted to shoot for the middleweight crown. State schedule. Only Geneva has Boston Red Sox Pitchers Ralph Brickner, Ken Holcomb Davey, undaunted by his loss to the Cuban Keedk said he ex College a 74-73 win. Maurice Stokes missed a field goal attempt from five feet away after the successful foul but and Bill Werle.

25 17 67 -25 15 65 PITT 21 13 19 14 67 West Virginia .13 22 14 16 65 Personal fouls: Pitt Zernich Deitrick 3, Virostek, Burch 2. Bovd 5, Duesel 2. West Virginia Sottile 2. Bergines 4. Isner 5.

Bee iter 3. Coll 2. Witting. Missed free throws: Pitt 10 Deitrick 5. Virostek, Burch 4.

West Virginia 11 Sottile. Bergines 3, Holmes. Isner 2. Witting 4. Referee: Kick Jacobs.

Umpire: Earl Klevins. dropped as few decisions as the Gators. Only other district cames to- Ennis, Phils Near Contract Terms New York Yankees Pitcher p. m. WJPA.

MeKeesport at Homestead, 8 m.WMCK. Roland LaStarza vs. Rex La' (boxing), 10 p. m. i SATURDAY Carnegie Tech vs.

Wash-J. 8:15 p. m. WDUQ, WJPA. Hornets vs.

Buffalo. 8:30 n. m. Gavilan said "I want to fight Jim McDonald. both! night have Bethany (8-7) at scored 23 points, to top for the middleweight title." St.

Louis Browns Infielder PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 13 (UPi Frank Kellert. pected to launch a come-back campaign in May aimed at another title fight with Gavilan. Secretary Truman Gibson of the International Boxing' Club said Davey's first comeback opponent probably would be the But Manager Angelo Lopez declared, "I don't want the Keed to fight bigger fellows. I want him to stay in his own class.

If West Virginia, Wesleyan and Edinboro (4-9) at California (fr7). Freddie Fouline's Forecast- Outfielder Del Ennis of the Phillies is just about ready today to sign his 1953 contract. WWSW. Dog Show Winner Owner Bob Carpenter said "we ALLEGHENY at Buffalo State Duquesne 10:40 p. vs.

DePaul, Chica KQV. somebody finally wins the vacant middleweight I let teams. Clarion trailed by 20 points at half time but rallied to beat Gannon 87-76 last night at Erie. Don Reno, a sub guard started, hitting in the second half for Clarion and finished with 22, only trailing Gannon's Decarlo with 25. Westinghouse Apprentices beat Waynesburg 81-67 at East Pitts- Downpatrick's Dreadnaught, Kerry Blue Terrier owned by Harry Loynd of Sarver, won the puppy sweepstakes in the Entries Available Entry blanks for the Intermediate AAU basketball tournament to be held at the Irene Kaufmann Settlement in March can be obtained from J.

L. Kahn, 1835 Center Ave. the Keed fight the winner for (3). Bethany at W. VA.

WES LEYAN (10). couldn't be any closer unless he 'winner of the New York fight signed." on March 13 between Chico Ennis is said to be demanding Vejar and Vince Martinez, a boost to a figure in the neigh- "It will be a different story borhood of $30,000. the next time," Davey declared. that championship. But now Television TONIGHT Roland LaStarza vs.

Rex Lay (boxing), 10 p. ib. AC want mm to stay in his own Edinboro at CALIFORNIA terrior group at the recent Westminster show in New York. class." (15)..