On October 14, 1920, American League President Ban Johnson and National League President John Heydler exchange telegrams about the upcoming meeting of the baseball owners, scheduled for Monday, October 18, 1920. Heydler makes the telegrams public. Johnson writes:

“It is my judgment to hold a meeting of the major league clubs at this time would be a mistake. The Cook County grand jury has been reconvened and will resume its investigations into the deplorable conditions that exist in professional baseball. Much important testimony will be presented which must weigh heavily in the future deliberations of the self-appointed custodians of the game.”

New York Tribune

Heydler replies:

“The action of the National League members in extending an urgent invitation to the league and club presidents of the American League to attend the proposed meeting was unanimous. The meeting was called to discuss and formulate plans for the future government of and the safeguarding of professional baseball.

“Our people will be there. They are firm in the belief that public sentiment will brook no delay where such vital matters as the good repute of the national game, the protection of all honest players and the protection of immense property rights are concerned.

“In my judgment it is a fortunate coincidence that the Cook County grand jury is to continue its investigations during the time of our meeting. This gives us the ideal opportunity to aid personally the court and the legal representatives of the state of Illinois in the great work they have undertaken.”

The struggle between the two league presidents begins.