Hold That (Say) TIgers!

Once Out, Tacoma Now Wants Back Into WIL
[Vancouver Province, Jan, 26, 1952]
If Victoria isn’t able to overcome its financial difficulties and is forced out of the Western International League, Tacoma is ready to come back in.
Bob Brown, Vancouver Capilano general manager, said today that Tacoma’s mayor and a committee have received baseball interest in the Washington city and would like to get back in the WIL. Lewiston, Idaho, took over Tacoma’s franchise when Bill Starr of San Diego put it up for sale. Eugene, Ore., has also expressed interest in getting into the league.

Baseball Drive Has Little Hope
[Victoria Colonist, Jan. 26, 1952]
It is the beginning to look like the end of professional baseball in Victoria.
With only five days left in which to raise the $35,000 necessary to keep a Western International League franchise in the city, Athletic Booster Club officials, sponsors of the “Save Baseball Fund,” exposed a dark outlook for the success of the drive last night. Only $2,400 has been received or pledged to date.
A.B.C. officials expressed keen disappointment at the response to their drive and doubt that the additional $32,600 needed can be raised in the short time remaining.
Chairman Frank Ireland reported that only the “little fellow” has responded so far. Nothing has been received from those in a better position to help the drive and failure of the Junior Chamber of Commerce to heed an appeal to canvas the business firms has been disappointing.
A.B.C. officials remain hopeful, however, that the response will improve after the week end pay day.
Added impetus to the final push will be provided by Ted Norbert, who has agreed to manage the Athletics if the drive is successful. Norbert will arrive in town this morning to add his support to the drive.

Lewistonians Raise Cash

Lewiston Fans Pledge $14,100 For Franchise
LEWISTON, Idaho, Oct. 26, 1951—Lewiston baseball fans have pledged $14,100 toward a $50,000 goal needed to bring this team a professional baseball team.
Elbert Mitchell of the Lewiston Baseball Committee said yesterday: “When we get another $10,000 behind us we may begin negotiations with William Starr of San Diego for the franchise.”
The franchise is that of the Tacoma club of the Western International League which Starr jerked from Tacoma because of what he called “a lack of interest.”
Mitchell hopes to negotiate with Starr before the W.I.L. board of directors meeting in Victoria, B.C. on Monday.
Starr has also negotiated with baseball interests in Calgary for sale of the Tacoma club.

Tacoma Disowned by Parent Club

Padres Drop Tacoma
SEATTLE, Sept. 21, 1951—San Diego Padres advised the Western International Baseball League today they are severing relations with the farm team in Tacoma, Wash.
William Starr, president of the Pacific Coast League Padres, suggested WIL directors investigate Lewiston, Idaho and Calgary, Alberta as possible sites for the franchise.
Interests in Lewiston have been working for several weeks to effect a switch of the franchise. Lewiston was once a member of the league.
Edmonton has also expressed an interest in putting a team in the WIL.
Starr said he was open to the best offer, which must be submitted to and approved by the league directors.
The directors adjourned late today. They will hold their annual meeting Nov. 5 in Victoria.

Lewiston May Enter League

Tacoma Tigers to Lewiston?
LEWISTON, Idaho, Sept. 7, 1951—Overtures to move the Tacoma baseball franchise to Lewiston have been made by the Chamber of Commerce, marketing secretary Harry Hughes said Friday. He added nothing concrete can come of the proposal until leading Lewiston fans, businessmen, and municipal authorities have an opportunity to study details of the plan.
Hughes said Bill Starr of San Diego, Calif., identified as an owner of a big chunk of the Tacoma club, has been invited to Lewiston next Wednesday to explain his proposal.
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TACOMA, Sept. 7—Frank J. Gillihan, business manager of the Tacoma baseball club of the class B Western International League, said today there is a remote possibility the Tigers’ franchise would be moved to Lewiston, Idaho.
Gillihan said, however, there was every indication the franchise would remain here. He said club owner William Starr has given Tacoma the first choice.
The Tacoma group, officials from the Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor’s office have not indicated whether they’ll keep the franchise.
Gillihan said Starr had asked Lewiston officials about taking the franchise if Tacoma gave it up so he wouldn’t be left “holding the bag.”
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Tacoma Offer to be Heard September 17
LEWISTON, Idaho, Sept. 8—The offer of the Tacoma, Wash., Western International League baseball club to discuss moving its franchise to Lewiston probably won’t be heard until Sept. 17.
A meeting between Lewiston fans and officials of the club had been set for next Wednesday.
Harry Hughes, managing secretary of the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce, today said he had been advised the Tacoma representatives wouldn’t be able to attend at that time.
Hughes said the chamber agreed to the Sept. 17 meeting suggested by Frank Gillihan, Tacoma business manager. Bill Starr of San Diego, Calif., a major owner of the Tacoma club, is also expected to attend.
Tacoma has expressed a desire to move its franchise to a city where there would be no competition at the box office, such as is offered by nearby Seattle of the Pacific Coast League.