The Key West Citizen

NEW YORK (P)-If there is one thing a person learns over a long period of close association with the sports scene it is that rich men get tired remarkably quick of throwing their money into a losing athletic venture.

They don't think they will when they go into it. They are over-stimulated at the time with the thought of doing something for their home community and, at the same time, being intimately associated with a glamorous new world which they have known all their lives only from a distance.

A few fortunate ones, such as Del Webb and Dan Topping, who bought the rich Yankee empire at a distress sale for perhaps a quarter of its real value, never have cause to regret their action. They only make more money. But they are the rare exception, and the trail is strewn with wealthy enthusiasts who were stricken by a deficit.

All of which might help explain why a shocked silence has reigned over the American League the past two days, since it was announced eight wealthy Philadelphians had purchased the Athletics and saved them from being transported bodily out to Kansas City.

A sort of numbness seems to have set in on the other club presidents and spokesmen. They, along with League President Will Harridge, say they want to get all the facts before they comment.

Their reaction, roughly, is that of a group of men who have seen a colleague apparently saved from drowning and then kicked back into the water. A club executive, who declined to be quoted, said this:

"I have no doubt they are all fine fellows. Not one of them, though, knows a thing in the world about running a big league club. Even with the best of luck, I don't see how the Athletics can help losing money for another three or four years. If the deal is approved, will these men be willing to plow in more money for that length of time? I'm afraid that I doubt it."