Clipping:Mullane to Toledo; Von der Ahe refuses to enforce the reserve?
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
 |
| Add a Clipping |
| Date | Friday, February 1, 1884 |
|---|---|
| Text | It is a matter tolerably well known that Tony Mullane had weakened somewhat on his contract with the Lucas Club some time since, and several of his friends, either authoritatively or in his interests, went to President Von der Ahe, and to others officers of the St. Louis Club, and made a statement that Mullane was half anxious to secure his reinstatement in the St. Louis Club. Mr. Von der Ahe’s reply was consistent: that he had given all his players their own free will regarding their engagements for1884, and Mullane had see fit to sign with Mr. Lucas. It was a perfectly straight transaction, and, although Mullane was on the reserve list, that, so far as the St. Louis Club was concerned, would not interfere with him in any way, shape or manner; he used his own free will in doing as he did, and, the reserve rule to the contrary, probably had a perfect right to do as he did. For a long time the Toledo Club has been casting about regarding a new pitcher, and as Erie, where Mullane is at home and winters, is comparatively accessible and convenient, accordingly Morton, manager of the Toledo Club, having heard that Tony was dissatisfied with his Lucas contract, ran over to see him. It was a long time getting to the point, but finally Tony was talked into a promise to pitch for Toledo next year, in case he could get released from reserve in St. Louis. As the St. Louis Club had no desire to put any restriction upon his movements in any way, shape or manner, as was consistent with its stand regarding the reserve rule, the release was sent at once... St. Louis Post-Dispatch February 1, 1884 Mr. Von der Ahe states that he always told Mullane and all his players that he would never enforce the reserve rule against them, and that they were free to go where they pleased. This does not tally very well with the statements of the players. They claim that Mr. Von der Ahe did use threats to hold them. He attempted to hold Mullane by threatening to expel him if he signed with Lucas, and the latter would also have signed both Deasly and Billy Gleason had it not been that Mr. Von der Ahe frightened them with threats. (St. Louis) Missouri Republican February 2, 1884 [a statement from Mullane, from the Cleveland Herald] 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. St. Louis Post-Dispatch February 6, 1884 |
| Source | St. Louis Post-Dispatch |
| Tags | |
| Warning | |
| Comment | Edit with form to add a comment |
| Query | Edit with form to add a query |
| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
Comments
<comments voting="Plus" />