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: ■ ► - : ; Rickey Denies Rumor Pirates To Replace Meyer as Manager Mahatma Reveals He Never Considered a Field Change; DirectorsWill Meet Today PITTSBURGH, Pa., June 5 UP . — General manager. Branch Rickey denied emphatically today that Billy Meyer will be dropped as field manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates and only last Saturday gave him an unqualified vote of confidence. Rising to. Meyers defense in the face of ouster rumors, Rickey issued a formal statement branding the reports as "untrue" and said he had "never given-a thought" to releasing the beleaguered Pirate pilot. The Makatma expressed completed confidence with Meyers managerial ability in a telegram Saturday which; said: "I just want you to know whatever changes you may care to make in the movement of players will have my complete support," the telegram said. "Do whatever you think isTiest and I will share responsibility for any and all criticism. I do not think either of us should fear criticism. Anyhow, I am behind you in every way." The telegram plus the dismissal denial today apparently, in Rickeys eyes, absolved Meyer of blame for the clubs pitiful showing in the past two weeks. Snapped Losing Streak Until yesterday, the last-place Pirates were riding an eight-game losing streak. They snapped it with a 12-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, but it was only their second win since May 25 and the third since May 17. Reports of Meyers dismissal came as Rickey scheduled a meeting of the clubs board of directors for tomorrow. However, Rickey maintained that only "routine matters" would be discussed. In issuing his statement, Rickey implied that any talk about Meyer was mere speculation and not based on fact. Later, he telephone Meyer in Boston and told him "not to pay any attention to these stories going around." "All the information I have about the firing has come from the outside," Rickeys statement said. "None of it originated from this office. I have never given a thought to releasing manager Meyer at any time, especially in recent days." Rickey described Meyer as "one of the best managers in baseball" several weeks ago when the club returned from its first Eastern swing fighting for third place. Butthere were no illusions. At the time, Rickey pointed to the clubs weak mound staff, its poor defense and .inconsistent power and said he was "surprised" the team held together that long. BOSTON, Mass., June 5 UP .—Manager Billy Meyer said today he had no knowledge that plans were underway to oust him from his post as boss of the cellar-dwelling Pittsburgh Pirates. Hopeful his charges could add to the woe of the faltering Boston Braves, Meyer said his boss, Branch Rickey, was behind him 100 per cent. He said he knew nothing of a meeting of the clubs owners to consider his removal. "Its all news to me," he said. "However, they should hold a meeting about something." Meyer said he stopped off at Pittsburgh enroute East from a western swing and talked with Rickey. "We talked of trades, changes and other means of bolstering the club," Meyer continued. "Ive got this telegram to show he agrees with me 100 per cent." He said during spring training he told Rickey Pittsburgh looked like a last place club but that he didnt agree. "After viewing our training season he Rickey told me I was completely right in my judgment of the teams future," Meyer added. Meyer said he and Rickey hoped to make strengthening trades but nothing materialized. "Were ready to spend a million dollars or more if we can get the players," Meyer said, "but whos going to give them up."
