Clipping:Early word of the UA

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Date Friday, August 31, 1883
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A movement is on foot to organize an independent base ball association, and for that purpose representatives from Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburg, New York, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Hartford will meet on October 12, in this city [Pittsburgh]. It is the intention of the new organization to ignore the “eleven-men rule” now in vogue in the League and the American Association, and to make a number of alterations in the playing rules. Philadelphia Record August 31, 1883

Your correspondent saw Mr. J. A. Williams, Secretary of the association, yesterday [8/31], and in answer to the question as to what the American Association thought of the new independent association which is to be formed in this city [Pittsburgh] next month, he repled that he thought they would have a hard time of it. “And,” continued the speaker, “it is very questionable if the proposed organization can make the thing a go. In the first place they will have to contend with the two other association, both of which are now on a sound financial basis, and, of course, they will have to accomplish what hwe have already done. As to their stealing our players,” continued Secretary Williams, “that is foolish, for, with two exceptions, the American Clubs can pay larger salaries than the clubs in the new association dare offer. By their arrangements they are leaving Baltimore and Cincinnati out, and yet they are two of the best ball towns in the country. To sum up my opinion,” continued the Secretary, “I think the new association will be very short-lived, and it will die of starvation.” Cincinnati Enquirer September 3, 1883

Jimmy Williams, the Secretary of the American Association, laughs at the idea of Al Pratt's new association being a success. If Pratt has the backing he is credited with, there is liable to be a different tone to his mirth by the time of the next meeting of the directors. Cincinnati Enquirer September 3, 1883

Al Pratt, late manager of the Allegenys, has been conducting correspondence relative to the formation of the new Base-ball Association, the delegates to which will meet in Pittsburg on the 12th of next month. He says representaives will be present from Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Pittsburg, New York, Philadelphia, hartford and Brooklyn, and he is very enthusiastic over the financial outlook for the new organization. They will make several changes to the playing rules, and will adopt the cut-throat policy in regard to engaging players. No attention will be paid whatever to the eleven men reserve rule, and if they can tempt players from the League or American Association by higher salaries they will do it. Cincinnati Enquirer September 3, 1883

Source Philadelphia Record
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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