The new base ball club has the nucleus for a strong nine in Mullane and Gallagher. Mullane's strength in the pitcher's box is recognized throughout the country, and with a proper man to support him behind the bat the club would have a formidable battery, the presence of which on any ball field would prove an attractive card. Gallagher, who has been pitching for the Lucas nine, is highly thought of by Mr. Lucas, and also by the amateurs who have witnessed his work. He has not the speed that many managers desire, but is nevertheless very effective. His curving and judgment are his elements of strength, and in these qualities he is surpassed by few of the noted twirlers. With these two pitchers the new club is certain to be well represented in the points. The engagement of Jack Gleason is another step toward a nine of uniform strength, and will doubtless cause other professionals to laugh at the reserve rule and negotiate with the management.
-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 8, 1883
I'm not certain who Gallagher was (except that he played for Lucas' amateur club) but he didn't play for the Maroons in 1884. But the idea that he would have been signed is kind of odd. It's as if Lucas hasn't figured out yet what his new club was going to be. On the one hand he's signing Mullane and, on the other, he's signing his buddy from his amateur team. Was he trying to put together a top-flight nine or not? Did Lucas know, in early November of 1883, what the Maroons were going to become? Had Lucas finalized his plans for the Maroons and the UA by this time? I think that the next round of signings will show that he had but I just don't know what to make of this Gallagher thing.
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