Clipping:The abortive amalgamation of the Players League and American Association
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| Date | Wednesday, November 27, 1889 |
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| Text | [editorial matter] The project of the amalgamation of the Brotherhood and American Association died abornin'. The Brotherhood could not entertain such an idea, because it would have far less to gain by such a move than the Association, as the Brotherhood League can get as many players as it needs without a coalition; has no use for the remaining Association clubs, and would lose rather than gain in public estimation and in business relations by taking some of the Association magnates into partnership. On the other hand, the move would prove a good thing for the Association, which cannot hope to live and maintain a leading position in base ball without larger cities and stronger teams than those now available. Of course, a move toward coalition with the Brotherhood would break the National Agreement and leave the Association players open to a raid by the League. But even so, the Association could be no worse off than it is at present with its players in sympathy with and at the mercy of the Brotherhood. But it won't work. The Sporting Life November 27, 1889 [from the column of “The Veteran”] A decided sensation was occasioned in the base ball world yesterday by the announcement that the Association and Brotherhood had decided to join hands and make a fight against their common enemy, the League. That such a movement has been going on for some time I know well, but was placed in such a position as to be unable to use it, as a premature publication was liable to cause a miscarriage of all the plans. The details of the amalgamation are as follows: As soon as the League invited Brooklyn and Cincinnati to join their ranks and Kansas City retired, the other clubs of the Association saw that the Association was doomed. They knew that Baltimore was shaky and Louisville uncertain, so that there were really only three clubs left. There was some earnest talk of declaring war at once on the League, but more sober counsel prevailed. It was decided that the Association clubs remaining should sign their players as rapidly as possible and then break away from the National Agreement and joint hands with the Brotherhood. Conferences have been held in this city and Columbus between Association and Brotherhood magnates and all the details of the union have been practically agreed upon, but will not be made public until the Association and Brotherhood meet next month. The union of the Athletic and local Brotherhood clubs meets with much favor in this city as it is believed that Philadelphia will now have one of the very strongest clubs ever in the field, and one that should prove a pennant winner. All the old favorites will be retained, and the financial success of such a club is beyond all doubt. The Philadelphia Sunday Item December 1, 1889 [from an interview of Albert Johnson] Mr. Johnson was asked about the alleged combination between the Brotherhood and the Association, and was pressed for a definitive answer. He said: “The talk is not without foundation. It will be one of the principal themes for discussion at our Brotherhood meeting on the 16th. I would not like to say that the proposition is not under consideration, but I cannot anticipate the outcome.” The Philadelphia Item December 3, 1889 At the recent meeting of the American Association President Zack Phelps and Hon. Allen G. Thurman, the legal adviser of the Columbus Club, were appointed a committee to formulate a proposition or agreement under the provisions of which could be brought about an amalgamation of the Brotherhood and American Association. That committee has performed its work, and is ready to report progress. The document is a voluminous one, buts its salient points can be enumerated as follows: First. The full amalgamation of the two organizations. Second. The total abrogation of the reserve clause in all future contracts. Third. The abolition of Sunday games. Fourth. Each club to fix the price of admission on its own grounds. Fifth. The formation of a guarantee fund out which all players shall receive their salaries and the 1st and 15th of each month without regard to receipts. Sixth. The organization of a Board of Control, made up as hereafter may be determined, which shall have full power in the new body, and to which all appeals shall be made. Northing is said as to what cities shall make up the new organization, the agreement providing simply for the merging of the American Association and the Players’ League. The composition of the consolidated body will be the subject of future consideration. John Ward has been fully apprised of what is being done, and, at his suggestion, President Phelps will be on hand next Monday when the Players’ League holds its meeting in New York. The Philadelphia Item December 12, 1889 |
| Source | Sporting Life |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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