Clipping:Playing clubs off each other for salary
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| Date | Sunday, April 15, 1883 |
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| Text | . ..the [Columbus] club opened negotiations with Harry Wheeler, of Cincinnati. On the evening of the 11th they telegraphed him offering him a certain amount if he would report for duty the next day. He answered that he would report next day, and did so. Immediately upon his arrival he had himself measured for a uniform, and went out to practice with the other members of the team; but yesterday evening, having learned that Smith would probably not come, and thinking that the Columbus Club would be compelled to keep him, he announced that he would not sign a contract for less than $1,200, which was considerable more than was offered him by the telegram above referred to. He claimed that he could get more than this amount of the Eclipse Club, of Louisville. The club here [Columbus] were of the impression that this was simply a bluff to get more money, and refused to give it to him. What makes it seem probable that he expected to accept the original offer made him, are the facts that he ordered his uniform, had written for his clothes to be sent here form home, and never said anything about any increase in salary until yesterday afternoon. This morning Wheeler received an offer from the Brooklyn Club, and upon the Columbus Club again refusing to pay him the $1,200 asked for, left for home. It looks as though Wheeler was trying to come Buck Ewing's game of last year in playing the offers of clubs off in order to secure a raise of salary. The Columbus Club are of the opinion that they can hold Wheeler under Section 5 of the American Association Constitution, which provides as follows: “That any offer made by a club, and accepted by a player for his services, in writing, either by letter or telegram, shall be as binding as though said parties had executed an official contract as above specified.” They claim that Wheeler's answer to their telegram, and his subsequent action, clearly make out a case under this rule, and it is not improbable that if Mr. Wheeler does not see fit to keep his contract with the Columbus Club, he will be expelled. This action may not be taken, but a great deal of indignation is expressed by the Directors of the Club at the treatment received at his hands. Cincinnati Commercial Gazette April 15, 1883 Harry Wheeler's contract with the Columbus Club has been field with the Secretary and he reported for duty Thursday. Cincinnati Commercial Gazette April 15, 1883 |
| Source | Cincinnati Commercial Gazette |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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