Beneath The Dignity Of The Courts

Last Saturday representatives of the St. Louis Athletic Association made an application to the Superior Court of Hamilton County for an injunction forbidding Tony J. Mullane, of the Toledo Club, from playing base ball with the Toledo Club, on the ground of a violation of contract with the plaintiffs.  A temporary restraining order was granted till yesterday, when, upon a hearing, the Superior Court granted an injunction.  The defendants to-day carried the matter before Judge Baxter, of the United States Circuit Court, on a motion to dissolve the injunction.  The injunctions have been taken out by the St. Louis Club in the State Courts at St. Louis and Cincinnati.  The motion to dissolve the injunction against him here was taken before Judge Baxter, on the ground that the petition of the St. Louis Club failed to state facts sufficient to entitle the complainant to the relief prayed for.  Judge Baxter heard the arguments of counsel in his private office.  He said that he would dissolve the injunction, would give Mullane leave to withdraw from the contract between him and the St. Louis Club, and ordered that this be made a part of the record in the case.  Judge Baxter daid he would further give him leave to answer hereafter.  In announcing his decision the Judge said he did not think the time of the courts could be occupied by baseball matters.  Ball-playing was nothing which benefited the public in any way.  It was not a business of any kind, but it was merely a sport, which was beneath the dignity of the courts to notice.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 14, 1884


While I'm not an expert on the subject, I have to imagine that the unique position that Major League Baseball occupies as a legal entity is a result of the attitude expressed by Judge Baxter in 1884.  It was sport, rather than business, and it was not a public-benefit.  That sort of reasoning, I believe, underpins all of the major legal decisions that involved baseball in the 20th century.  

Mullane Enjoined In Cincinnati

President Lucas, of the Union Club, received a telegram last night from his attorney, Newton Crane, who had followed Mullane to Cincinnati, announcing an order enjoining that pitcher from playing with any club but the Union club of this city had been issued by one of the Cincinnati courts.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 10, 1884

Something I Missed About Mullane

While we're talking about the Apollo of the Box.

On Sunday, May 4, 1884, Toledo came to St. Louis and played the Browns, in the first of a three game series:

There was an old-time crowd at Sportsmen's Park yesterday afternoon, fully 10,000 people assembling to witness the first game between the Toledo and St. Louis Clubs.  Notwithstanding the rainfall of Saturday and yesterday morning the diamond was perfectly dry and in superb condition.  The game was a rapid one, marked by weak batting and sharp fielding.  Only five hits were scored on both sides, the visitors making one and the home team four.  Mullane played left field for five innings and finished the game at third base.  When he went to the plate the first time he was greeted with light applause and a storm of hisses.  When he was retired on three strikes there was loud applause.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 5, 1884

Mullane got Toledo's only hit and the Browns won the game 4-0.

I was wondering why Lucas didn't get the injunction against Mullane prior to Toledo's first game in St. Louis and the probable answer is because it was a Sunday game and the courts weren't open.  Maybe, since he could have gotten the injunction on Friday, Lucas had decided to let the whole thing slide but the site of 10,000 people packing Sportsman's Park on a rainy Sunday changed his mind.  

I Am Not As Bad As I Have Been Painted

Tony Mullane was interviewed last night by a Globe-Democrat reporter, to whom he said: "I have not much to say, except that I am sorry I didn't stick to Lucas.  I am not as bad as I have been painted by some people, for I have not beaten anybody out of a cent, and only signed with the Toledo Club because it appeared the best thing I could do for my own protection.  I was reserved by Von der Ahe, and if I didn't get my release I would be expelled, and, as I expected to be able to play ball for four or five years yet, I ddin't want to be expelled."
"You know that Mr. Von der Ahe announced that he would not enforce the reserve rule against his players, and did you not think that he would give you your release if you asked for it?"
"Oh, no; he wouldn't have released me after I had signed with Lucas.  I was informed that he wouldn't expel me either, but that the Association would take up the case and expel me, so you see it would have been all the same.  I know now that I made a mistake in not sticking to Lucas, and I am sorry I left him." 

His Toledo Contract. 

Taking a large pocket-book from an inside breast-pocket, he continued: "It has been stated that I left him because I got more money than he had agreed to pay me.  Now, that is not so; and I want to show my contract to you at satisfy you that I signed with Toledo for just the same money.  There it is (taking the document from his pocket-book and opening it), and that line reads, as you can see, 'Twenty-five hundred dollars,' just what I signed with Lucas for.  The only extra inducement in my contract is an agreement that I will not be reserved next fall."
"What are you going to do with the injunction?"
"I am not going to do anything with it.  The club will take care of it.  They claim it won't hold, and, anyhow, it can only stop me from playing here.  Mr. Brown, the club's attorney, is here now, and will file an answer in the morning, just as soon as he can see the papers filed by Lucas.  Mr. Rodgers, Vice President of the club, started with him from Toledo on that Wabash train that was wrecked, and had a leg broken and an ankle dislocated, and was sent back home.  The Decatur doctors say it will be four months before he will be able to get around."
"It is reported that Mr. Lucas intends to follow the case to the last resort, not only here, but elsewhere." 

"Well, I have nothing to do with the case.  The club must take care of it.  I am sorry that there is any trouble, and regret that I left Lucas, but I was advised to do it, and thought I was acting on good advice.  I see now that I was mistaken, and that's all I can say."

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 8, 1884


What a great article.  My favorite moment might be when Mullane whips out his contract to show it to the reporter.  I would imagine, if this article is truthful, that this is probably the most accurate salary information we have from 1884.

Another great moment is there at the end when Mullane says "I have nothing to do with the case."  Really?  Nothing?  You have nothing at all to do with this?  It's good that he notes his regrets about jumping the contract and I kind of get his point.  But, in the end, this was a mess that Mullane made.  If he had honored his contract with Lucas, or if he had simply resigned with the Browns, none of this would have happened.

But you just have to love Tony Mullane.  The guy was something else.

A Growing Necessity For The Enforcement Of Personal Contracts

On application of Pattison & Crane, attorneys for Henry V. Lucas, Judge Horner, sitting in Court Room No. 4, on yesterday issued a temporary order of injunction restraining Tony Mullane from playing base ball with the Toledo Club or any club other than the St. Louis Unions, and directing him to show cause, if any, why the order should not be made permanent.  In support of the motion, Newton Crane presented the contract entered into between the defendant and the Union Club.  Thomas J. Cornelius appeared "accidentally," as he said, for the defendant, and opposed the motion on the ground that he could satisfy the Court that no contract existed between the parties, and also that the order, if granted would inflict a hardship upon the Toledo Club, who were innocent parties. 

The Decision. 

After hearing the arguments the Judge remarked that there was a growing necessity for the enforcement of personal contracts.  A contract for personal service should be just as obligatory as a contract for the delivery of a quantity of wheat, and where there were no means for punishing a person who violated a personal contract, there should be some means to compel him to fulfill his obligations.  As far as the allegation that the Toledo Club would suffer a hardship if a restraining order were issued; if, as alleged by the plaintiff, they had engaged a person whom they knew to have been under contract to other parties they had no right to complain.  He would, however, demand a bond sufficiently large to protect the defendant from harm.  He then granted the order and placed the bond at $5,000.  Henry V. Lucas and Fred W. Espenscheid signed the bond, and the order was handed to Deputy Sheriff Al Collins for service.  After a trip to Sportsman's Park and return Collins came across Mullane about 1 o'clock, in front of the Leclede, and proceeded to read him the order.  When he had finished Mullane remarked: "I suppose that settles it, and I can't play?"  "That settles it for a certainty," replied Collins.  "Well, that will give me a rest for a day or two."  The hearing of the question of making the order permanent will probably occur on Wednesday morning. 

Future Action. 

In reply to questions asked by a Globe-Democrat reporter, Mr. Crane said he could not say anything relative to future action, except that if the decision of the Court was against his side they would, of course, bow to its majesty.  His firm had, however, taken the case from Mr. Lucas with instructions to press it to the last legal recourse, and, while treating it strictly as a law case, they will, if necessary, exhaust every process which can subserve their client's rights.  What will be done in the future depends in a great measure upon the result of the pending proceedings. 

Position of the Toledo Club. 

Another lawyer, in speaking of the case, said that he had reason to believe that Mr. Lucas would institute a suit for damages against the Toledo Club for inducing Mullane to break his contract with the Union Club.  This could be done under the law of master and servant, and Lucas could go into court with a good claim for actual as well as exemplary, or plenary, damages.  If Judge Horner permanently enjoins Mullane from playing with any other club than the Unions, and the Toledo Club still continues to harbor him, almost any lawyer would be glad to take a case against them on a contingent fee, providing, of course, that the members of the club are responsible in a financial sense.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, May 6, 1884


Ah, the Mullane case.  Can't ever get enough of it.

A Stout Denial

Tony Mullane is at Toledo and stoutly denies that he had any intention of jumping Toledo to again sign with Lucas.  He says Lucas telegraphed him, offering a two years' contract at $3,000 per year, first year's salary in advance, but that he declined.  Manager Merton bears Mullane out in his denial, and he adds that the Toledo directors have every confidence in him.  These two friends will be convinced along with the people of Toledo if much denying is done.

-Cleveland Herald, April 10, 1884


I have two points.

First, given this article and what would happen in the future, it's safe to say that Lucas was still looking to upgrade his club's pitching.  I think that Lucas had a plan as to how he was going to build his club and that plan revolved around signing Mullane and Dunlap.  Losing Mullane was a serious setback.

My second point is really a question and one that, given my own limitations as a writer, I probably shouldn't bring up.  But I will anyway.  Is a stout denial a stronger repudiation of a statement than a regular denial?  Can something, once negated, be negated more?  

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

Mullane The Prophet

To a reporter of the Cleveland Herald Tony Mullane said: "I do not believe that the Union Association can live out the season, and I was fearful of being black-listed." If Mullane can pitch no better than he can prophesy, Toledo has made a bad selection.-[American Sports.]

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, March 2, 1884

This is actually a rather interesting quote from Mullane. At first, I just dismissed it as rationalization and was really just posting it for the snarky bit at the end. The more I thought about it, however, the more I began to think that maybe Mullane was being honest and that his position made some sense. Why would Mullane, a good, young, established pitcher with a bright future ahead of him, take a chance on the UA if he could get similar money in the NL or AA. While the AA was still a fairly young enterprise, it had to look like a better bet than the UA. Putting aside the questions about jumping leagues and the fact that he had signed a contract, Mullane was acting rather shrewdly. He used the threat of jumping to the UA to get the money that he wanted while, in the end, not risking his career by actually playing in the UA. It was the smart play.

A Man Who Would Sell His Soul For Money

One hundred dollars was what made Mullane break his contract. Lucas had promised to pay him $2,500 for the season. Toledo gives him $2,600. In the St. Louis Club last year Mullane was looked upon as the closest fisted man in the team. He was never known to spend a cent, and he never refused anything, from a cigar down to a bottle of soda. Money brought him into the Lucas Club, and money drew him away from that organization. By his comrades he was looked upon as a man who would sell his soul for money; and, while he has not done that yet, he has bartered away what little honor he possessed, and for a very small sum. This is a true picture of the man who grew George McGinnis' salary last year and his own, but who is not worthy to rank with that player, either in nerve, skill or character.-[St. Louis Critic.]

-Cleveland Herald, February 25, 1884

Diamond Dust

Not sure if I ever mentioned this but the Globe had a column of baseball notes called Diamond Dust. Rather than spend the next week posting the great stuff that was in the February 17, 1884 column, I'll just give it too you all in one dose:

Ward is studying law at Columbia College. Next summer he will probably be pitching in St. Louis.

No. Pour the gasoline. Strike the match. Kill the rumors. Please.

Each player of the St. Louis Club will be provided with a bat case, and will carry two bats with him at all time.

Have to assume that this is the Browns. If it was the Maroons, they would have described the team as the St. Louis Union Club. But this just seems a bit out of character for Von der Ahe. Bat cases couldn't have been cheap and I don't see Von der Ahe springing for something that was not exactly necessary. I don't know. Was this common at the time? Did players of this era always carry their bats in a case?

The Lucas team will have a regular traveling suit, which will be dark blue. This will be the first of its kind introduced by any ball club.

All together now: Let's check Game of Inches. Morris, while writing about road uniforms, does indeed cite this article but goes on to mention that the Post-Dispatch claimed that the 1871 Troy club were the first to have a distinct road uniform. So the Maroons were one of the first clubs to have a specific uniform that they wore only on the road and may have been the first.

Dunlop is one of the wealthiest ball players in the profession. He has regularly saved the major part of his salary since he commenced to play ball.

I sometimes imagine Dunlap as Scrooge McDuck, swimming around in his vault full of coin.

Workmen are busily engaged on the grand stand of the Lucas grounds. Folding chairs will be placed in the slopes, and from present indications it will be one of the best arranged buildings of its kind in America.

It was the Palace Park of America.

The St. Louis Club will return to brown stockings next year, and has adopted a very handsome shade of that color. The caps will be of the League pattern, with white and brown stripes, with brown belts with large nickel buckles. A natty little coat will be worn with the uniform.

Given our recent problems with identifying team photos, I appreciate the specifics given here.

It is claimed by some authorities that the oath to which Tony Mullane subscribed, promising to sign with the Toledo Club, was equivalent to an engagement, and his contract with Toledo is not binding unless he should choose to let it be so, and he could contract with any other American Association or League club if he chose without penalty, as he was not eligible to contract until February 10. Before President Lucas gets through with him he will wish that he had never heard of the Toledo Club.

Duel!

It's All Over Now

A Herald man saw Tony Mullane at Akron yesterday, and Mullane talked freely on his jump. He said: "Yes! I have signed with Toledo and will play ball there next season. I have written to Mr. Lucas telling him why I did so. I do not believe that the Union Association can live out the season, and I was fearful of being blacklisted. I did not go to Mr. Lucas and offer to sign. I was approached, and after persuasion signed with the Unions. But it is all over now, and I shall play good ball for Toledo."

-Cleveland Herald, February 4, 1884

All There Is In The Matter

To the Editor of the Globe-Democrat.

St. Louis, February 3, 1884.-Dear Sir: In your issue of to-day there is an intimation that Mr. Von der Ahe, President of the St. Louis Club, had been concerned in a "pool," whose object was to buy Mullane's services from the Lucas club. Now, without further argument in the matter, I wish to designate this as purely and entirely false, and its object can only be to injure Mr. Von der Ahe and his club in the good graces of the St. Louis public. Now, I desire to state all there is in the matter, so far as the St. Louis Club is concerned, and what connection it has had with the business, and I will leave nothing unsaid, so the public can draw its own inference.

The St. Louis club has known for weeks that Mullane would be glad to return to its service. Indeed, Mr. Von der Ahe was approached by friends of Mullane with intimations that all that was necessary was his consent and Tony would jump the Lucas contract in a moment. Further than this friends of Mr. Von der Ahe, knowing of the matter, have blamed him severely for not accepting the offer. He has consistently refused to treat with Mullane or his friends, as he declares he had made Mullane a bona fide offer, which he had seen fit to refuse after promising to accept it, and that he would have no further intercourse with him. On Wednesday last Mullane sent the following dispatch: "Have signed agreement to play in Toledo. Will you release me? Please send release at once." To which Mr. Von der Ahe replied: "St. Louis Club releases you from reservation." This ended the correspondence. The entire cost to the St. Louis Club of Mullane's purchase by the Toledo, if it can be called a purchase, was the cost of that telegram.

As to the intimation that there is any pool for the purchase of any Union Association players, I simply desire to say the St. Louis Club has no knowledge of it whatever.

Hoping you will publish this in justice to the St. Louis Club, which is doing all it can to furnish St. Louis base ball lovers with first-class sport during the season, I am very respectfully,

J.A. Williams

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, February 4, 1884

Anything That Savors Of Trickery

Tony Mullane's case was on yesterday, as on Saturday, the leading topic wherever there exists any interest in base ball. What a general favorite he is with local patrons of the national game not even his most ardent admirers realized until the present complications arose. It may be that it is because he is such a pronounced favorite that the means which contributed to his prospective loss to St. Louis are so unanimously condemned, but the fact that they are vigorously denounced is none the less suggestive, as it shows conclusively that the public opinion is diametrically opposed to anything that savors of trickery or intrigue in base ball affairs, regardless of whether it crops out in managerial or playing circles. That Mullane of his own volition, and without being influenced, decided to break his contract with the Lucas Club, no one who knows the man will believe.

Space is given to a card from J.A. Williams, Secretary of the St. Louis Club, in which he gives an official statement of President Von der Ahe's connection with the case, and denied that the St. Louis Club had any knowledge of any pool for the purchase of Union Association players. The Globe-Democrat did not state that there was a pool, but stated that such was the general acceptance of the case. What the Globe-Democrat did state was that the defection was the result of a matured scheme arranged within the American Association, and this it is prepared to maintain. Several weeks ago information concerning the scheme was confidentially communicated to a representative of this paper by a gentleman who is very nearly if not quite as well informed in American Association affairs as Secretary Williams, and, while the name of the gentleman will not be made public, Mr. Williams can learn it at any time he so desires. The gentleman referred to made a small bet with the reporter that Mullane would play at Toledo, and also stated that Mullane's release would be granted just as soon as he would agree to sign with the Toledo Club, and emphasized his remarks with, "Now, I know what I am talking about." The results bear out the assertion that he did know what he was talking about.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, February 4, 1884

I'll have Jimmy Williams' side of all of this tomorrow.

The Result Of A Matured Scheme

The defection of Tony Mullane from the Union Association ranks is the topic of the day in base ball circles. It not only partakes of the nature of a sensation, but is engendering a strong feeling of partisanship, and leaves little room for doubt that the coming season will witness a vigorous war between the Lucas and St. Louis Clubs. The general acceptance of the case is that a pool was formed to deliberately purchase Mullane's dishonorable conduct, and so far as public sentiment is concerned it strongly condemns both the means and the end. It is useless to attempt to conceal the fact that the St. Louis Club management comes in for strong denunciation, the withholding of Mullane's release until it would subserve American Association ends, and the alacrity with which it was furnished when the Toledo Club asked it, being taken as conclusive evidence that they were parties to the questionable transaction. Judging by popular expression, if President Von der Ahe contributed anything toward a fund to be used to secure the breaking of Mullane's contract, he has made a costly mistake, and would do well to pay a considerably larger sum to recall that act. The extent of the interest manifested in the affair in business circles is actually incredible.

As stated in the Globe-Democrat yesterday, the defection of Mullane is positively the result of a matured scheme arranged within the American Association. Information to this effect was obtained some weeks ago from a gentleman closely identified with that association, and there can be no doubt of its authenticity. The scheme also comprehends the return of Bradley to the Athletic Club, which explains the intimations of the Commercial Gazette that that player will not pitch for the Cincinnati Unions. The project may be regarded as a judicious and commendable one among base ball managers, but among the patrons of the game it fails to commend itself, and if the legitimate result shall be, locally or generally, the disrepute of the national game, the managers will have only themselves to blame. Intrigue, trickery and bribery are not calculated to inspire public confidence.

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

Nothing Will Stop Me

Mr. Lucas arrived at his office shortly before noon to-day, and was besieged by a number of persons who were waiting to see him on various matters of business. When spoken to in regard to the Mullane business he said: "I have heard nothing officially and nothing beyond the rumors which have come to me. I can simply say that if there is anything in it, it will not stop me in the least, and I will have a pitcher at any cost. If Mullane had asked me for his release a month or six weeks ago I would have willingly given it to him, as I could have supplied myself then. If, however, he has jumped me, I will push the matter through. I will not receive his advance money, and I expect him to report for duty and to be here with the rest of the men as his contract calls for him. I have too much money in this venture to be turned aside now by any circumstance of that kind, and nothing will stop me. If Mullane comes on the field here with any other club I will stop him playing." Mr. Lucas did not appear much perturbed over the matter, and went to work complacently attending to other matters as though there was no such thing in the world as base ball worry.-[St. Louis Post-Dispatch.]

-Cleveland Herald, February 3, 1884

A Defiant Lucas Responds

[Responding to the reports in the Cleveland Herald, Henry Lucas stated,] "I have received no notification that Mullane has deserted the club, and I do not believe he has signed a contract with the Toledo club. When he signed with me he showed more principle than others who agreed to sign and were influenced not to, and it seems impossible that he can have undergone so radical a change of character as the signing of a Toledo contract implies. However, I wish to assure you that the Lucas Club will in any event have a good nine in the field and play in the Union Association next summer. To do that we must have a good pitcher and catcher, and we are going to have them. You may say to the public that the arbitrary rules and dishonorable conduct of the League and American Association will not deter those who have invested their money in the Union Club here from carrying out their purposes. We will play ball this year, and not only this year, but the next, and will remain in the field after many of the League and American Association clubs have become things of the past. When my friends and myself invested our money in base ball we did not expect to have smooth sailing. We expected to meet obstacles, and resolved to surmount them; and you can be assured that we will go right along, whether Mullane remains with us or not."

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, February 2, 1884

Just another reminder that today is Ed Achorn's talk at the St. Louis Library on Lindbergh. Check yesterday's post for more details. I hope to post something in the next few days about how that went as well as some of the other things we're doing while Ed's in town. There might even be pictures.

Lucas Don't Like It

The news that Tony Mullane had broken his contract with the St. Louis Union team and signed an affidavit to the effect that he would pitch for the Toledo Club, caused considerable commotion in local base ball circles to-day. Mullane some time ago had a talk with the manager of the club, that individual offering him $2,500, and $500 advance, for the season's play. This was what the St. Louis Unions paid him. He told the Toledo managers that he would accept this offer provided the St. Louis American club would release him from the reserve rule. The latter were willing to do this, and then Mullane sent back the advance money Lucas had given him, and also asked to be released from his contract. Subsequently, it is said, and good authority is given, Mullane signed the affidavit in which he took oath that he would play in Toledo next year. This is the whole and true story. When spoken to to-day concerning Mullane's action, Lucas said that he had received no authoritative notification to the effect that Mullane had signed the affidavit named. He added, "but, if he has done such a thing, has the time come for the Union Association to fight the enemy with his own weapons? If I lose Mullane I will have as good a man if I have to enter any of the associations fighting us."

The Mullane Deal Completed.

...Secretary Wikoff, of the American Association, has received notice that the St. Louis Base Ball Club has released Tony Mullane from reservation.

-Cleveland Herald, February 2, 1884

Mullane Repents

It developed in base ball circles to-day that Tony Mullane, who was the first to break the reserve rule by signing a contract with the Lucas Club, St. Louis, while on the reserve list of the St. Louis American Association Club, repents and will return the Lucas advance money. Mullane has been in Toledo for the past few days in company with Manager Morton, of the Toledo Club, and to-day agreed to sign a contract with the Toledo Club, if the proper release could be secured from St. Louis. As this had been previously arranged, the St. Louis Club was notified by telegraph, and an answer came back that the release would be forwarded to Secretary Wikoff, of Columbus, O., at once. The terms are the same as paid by Lucas, $2,500, with $500 advance. The advance paid him by Lucas will be returned to that person at once. Toledo is thus assured one of the best pitchers in the country. Mullane's action will be the sign for another outbreak of war between the three legitimate associations and the Unions, and is regarded here as sounding the death knell of the wreckers.

-Cleveland Herald, January 31, 1884

Jack Brennan Signs With The Maroons

Speaking of the engagements made by Ted Sullivan at New Orleans for the Lucas nine, McGinnis said: "Wolfe is a fair batter, an excellent fielder and one of the best runners I have ever seen. He is a young lawyer and is strictly temperate. The Boston and Chicago clubs had tried to get him to leave New Orleans, but could not do it, and Sullivan must have held out a strong inducement to secure him. Brennan had not played ball for eight months, but he stood right up and took Mullane's fiercest balls in fine style. Some of the boys thought Tony was trying to knock him out, but if he was he didn't succeed. Brennan's weak point is his throwing. At the bat he is a strong man.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 22, 1883

I'm not sure who Wolfe is but Brennan is Jack Brennan, who appears to have signed on with the Maroons while playing with Sullivan's touring club. Jumbo McGinnis, the source of the report, was also on tour with Sullivan's club.

The 1884 Maroons: An Interview With Henry Lucas, Part One

While in Pittsburg last Thursday Mr. Lucas was interviewed by a reporter of the Dispatch of that city, to whom he imparted the following information relative to his plans. During the conversation he said: "I have now signed four players for next season, Mullane, of the St. Louis; Jack Gleason, of the Louisville, and Taylor and Dickerson. I have also wired Mike Mansell, who is at present out of the city, asking him for terms, and if his figures are satisfactory I will also sign him before I leave town."

Concerning the rumored signing by him of Manning, Gross, Purcell and McClellan, of the Philadelphia League team, Mr. Lucas said: "This is all a mistake. The truth of the matter is this: I received a telegram from these men saying they would sign for $2,400 each and $600 advance money. I simply paid no attention to the offer, as I considered it more money than they were worth, and since then I have heard nothing further from any of them. I never made them any offer, but may yet sign one or more of them in case we can agree upon a fair salary. When I left home I did so with the intention of signing a team which will be able to win three of five games from Von der Ahe's club, and I think I shall succeed. We have got plenty of money and expect to pay good prices to the right men. St. Louis is a good base ball town, and large enough to support two first-class nines.

"Do you expect to sign Deasley, of the St. Louis?" asked the reporter.

"Well, I can't say positively as to that. I have given him until the 10th of the month in which to make up his mind positively. It will not surprise me very much however if he concludes to join my team. He told me positively a short time since that he would not play with Von der Ahe's team next season, and I rather think he meant it."

"How did Von der Ahe like the idea of Mullane leaving him?"

"Oh, he threatened to black-list him and all that, but I guess he will change his mind and let him go. When Mullane came to see me the first matter he inquired about was the protection we would afford him. I replied that we would pay him every dollar of the salary agreed upon and that in case Von der Ahe under took to black-list him we would give him $250 for the suit and make a test case for damages. This was the only promise made him. I have been reliably informed by

Competent Legal Authority

that we could recover damages. At all events, we will try it in case Mullane is black-listed. He had not signed a contract with the St. Louis team, but was held by the reserve rule. Of course in signing with us he violated that rule, which, by the way, is one of the most outrageously unfair laws ever adopted by any combination. The new League certainly has no ambition to make a fight on the old associations, but we positively refuse to recognize that reserve rule under any circumstances. The idea of any association getting control of the best players in the country and then holding them at its mercy is simply ridiculous. Take the case of the Athletic Club. It is stated on good authority that the managers of that association cleared $70,000 during the past season. Under that reserve rule he can hold eleven men of the team at $1,001 if he sees fit, and, if they don't care to accept the terms, he can stop them from playing ball in any of the old associations.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 13, 1883