Clipping:A hypocritical argument for reinstating the expelled and black-listed players
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| Date | Sunday, April 5, 1885 |
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| Text | … It was generally anticipated that a strong effort would be brought to bear upon this committee [the Arbitration Committee] by Mr. Lucas and his supporters to the end of securing the readmission into the league clubs of the reserve-rule jumpers and of the contract-breakers as well, provided the strong feeling entertained by the clubs against the latter class could be overcome or the character of their punishment changed. On the contrary, not a word was heard from Mr. Lucas or any his representatives, and the committee transacted its business and adjourned without even so much as mentioning the names of Mr. Lucas or his players. But one inference can be drawn from these facts—viz.: that the friends of the disqualified players have had some intimation from the league authorities that the matter would be taken out of the hands of the committee and reserved for consideration at a special meeting of the league, which must necessarily be held very soon. If such is the case, then Mr. Lucas' present attitude can not only be understood but commended as well. Such a course upon the part of the league could but reflect great credit upon the management in that it would demonstrate the fact of its having awakened to a full realization of the vital importance of the interests at stake and the necessity for prompt and determined action thereupon. There seems to be no good reason against the measure already advocated by the Tribune, viz.: that of fining the reserve-rule jumpers instead of expelling them. And if this will hold good with the reserve-rule breakers it will be just as effective and constitutional with the contract-breakers, provided the fine is proportionately heavier, in accordance with the gravity of their offense. The league can easily afford to readmit all who are willing to pay their fines, and to permit Mr. Lucas to select from among them material for as strong a team as he can get together. With the semi-professional team that now represents St. Louis in the league and the comparatively weak team at Detroit Chicago would be the one strong league team in the West, while the East would have three strong teams in Boston, Providence, and New York, and two fairly good teams at Buffalo and Philadelphia. A crack professional team at St. Louis is what is wanted to stimulate base-ball interest not only west of New York but throughout the country as well. The report that Cincinnati would vote affirmatively in the matter of reinstatement, provided Mullane's name was also erased from the black list, is, if true, an exceedingly small piece of business. Mullane's case is in no way similar to those of the other disqualified players, as a glance at the pages of the Guide for 1885 will show, and the American Association, in acknowledging its willingness to condone the offenses of this player plainly shows that its regard for the National agreement is by no means of as high a quality as it should be. Let the league take the management of its interests in its own hands and do the right thing without considering the likes or dislikes of either rival or a present friendly organizations. |
| Source | Chicago Tribune |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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