Clipping:The Union and Capitoline grounds in a bidding war
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| Date | Sunday, August 28, 1870 |
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| Text | The spirit of rivalry between the proprietors of the two inclosed ball grounds of Brooklyn which this season has prevailed to an extent which has led each party to use their utmost influence to monopolize the first-class contests of this season, last week culminated in a regular match for the championship between them Boss Cammeyer and brother Lewis on the one hand, and bosses Weed and Dicker and the Cleveland brothers on the other. The “little game” played resulted as follows: Boss Cammeyer had managed to secure an agreement from the Forest City and Mutual Clubs to play their home-and-home games on his ground, though the customary rule requires that all home-and-home games should be played on neutral grounds. Like English neutrality, however, self interest too often nullifies the rule, as it did in this case, Cammeyer’s offers tempting the Cleveland managers to give up their right to play on a neutral ground. Harry Cleveland, of the rival house, did not see this thing, however, in the same light as Cammeyer, and so he goes ten percent better on Cammeyer’s offer, and receives the match, the Forest City manager going back on his agreement, so it is alleged. Well, the festive William feeling sore over his defeat in the first game of the championship series, make the preparation to win the second and in order to do so he offers the Atlantic and Mutual Clubs the whole of the proceeds at the gate if they will play their match on his grounds. This offer was met by another from the other side which consisted of a premium. Seeing this, William offered to fill out a premium check to any amount the two clubs would name, as he was bound not to be beaten. Billy McMahon, however, thought it was best to let well enough alone, and so, refusing to take the advantage of the excitement between the rival houses to the extent he could have done, he chose to settle the dispute by tossing up a copper, and this was done on Thursday night in the presence of the respective managers and ground proprietors; and as McMahon won the toss the match is to be played on the Mutual grounds, and the proceeds at 50c admission is to be shared between the two clubs, Boss Cammeyer being content to have the game played on the Union grounds without his receiving a cent. Of course there will be a third match to settle the question as to which will secure the Athletic and Cincinnati home-and-home game, though there is a rumor that this is to be played at Tremont, which field the two clubs can secure at a mere nominal outlay. ... As it stands now, the professional clubs look on with quiet pleasure, as they monopolize all the profits, they being the masters of the situation; when, by proper management the ground proprietors would have had the upper hand. By and by both parties will see the folly of their ways, and should wisely agree upon a compromise, as they have the full power to do, there being but three inclosed grounds in the metropolis–viz., the Captioline, Union, and Tremont ball grounds. Why not have a meeting of the three parties and agree upon stated terms for next season? |
| Source | New York Sunday Mercury |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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