Revelations By A Ball-Player

A Washington special to the Cincinnati Enquirer gives the substance of a number of statements made by a ball-player, who is believed to be Joe Ellick, captain of last year's Springfield team: It makes very interesting reading, and is as follows:

There is a young man employed at the Capitol who played with the Springfield (Ill.) Club last season. While in Scanlon's baseball headquarters a few days ago he told several interesting stories concerning base ball in the West. He appeared to be very well posted as to the means resorted to in signing Mullane to the Toledo Club. He states that the Toledo was unable to raise the $600 advance demanded by Mullane. The American Association pool came to the rescue and supplied the necessary amount. He says the Toledo can not last over a month after the season opens, because their mainstay and financial backer, Mr. Benjamin, a well-known merchant of that city, has deserted them. Benjamin was opposed to engaging Mullane at such an enormous salary, which he characterized as being enough to pay half of the team. He also argued that Mullane signed one contract and broke it. He was, therefore, unreliable, and not a satisfactory man to do business with.

Referring to the Northwestern League, the young man said it did not pay expenses last year, and in some instances players were obliged to jump a town without paying their traveling expenses. The Secretary of the Northwestern League is now supposed to be indebted to Al Spalding $375 for base ball supplies furnished that association. He does not believe one of the clubs in that association paid its players in full.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, March 3, 1884