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SPORTS AND PASTIMES.The Union Base Ball Association.Criticisms on its Attitude Toward Clubs that Break Their Contracts—The Suntjpy Question. Manufactories of the Implements of the Game*The latest topic of interest in professionalbase ball circles throughout tho country is tlxo action taken by the Union Association in thruwiug open the donra of their clubs to contract breakers. This action is unquestionably a snvoro blow to professional ball play*, ing, ami it bids fair to result in the rointrocluctfon of tho demoralizing condition of things which prevailed in tho professional arena before tho Arbitration Committee was ovgauized and tho National Agreement had done its good work in promoting honesty among professional clubs and players. The Union Association people—or rather tho boss of the organization, Lucas, of St. Louis—allcge that they started Into oxisteuco with tho intention of observing all contracts, but also with the avowed purpose of war upon tho reserve men rule. They state that their recent action in opening the door to contract breaking has been taken in self defense. They state that tho National Agreement clubs were tempting their men to desert tho Uniou clubs, and in return they propose to retaliate ou their opponents. This is the old quarrel of tho League and American clubs of 1832 renewed under a now phase in 38S4, What will it result in is tho question now to bo considered. Mr. Diddlcback, the secretary of the Eastern League, in a recent letter to tho Philadelphia Sporting Lifts says, in reference to tho reserve rule and itsgood effect:It has only been since tho promulgation of the famous Tripartite Agreement, which was succeeded by the National Agreement, that the national game hasbeen snob a surprising success, ami tlmt clubs and players, under its wise provisions, have both received Budi ample protection. Now a base ball player in a National Agreement club need have no fear of the future. Ilfs interests are paramount to those of his dub. His salary is sure, and, as a rule, much higher than beioro the National Agreement was issued, when lie was at the mercy of his club. Players who sign with National Agreement clubs have no need of real estate security. If they contract fur $l,00u they get that amount; if ijicy do not get their money, theyLave their rednm No player can bo unjustly blacklisted or expelled under the National Agreement, His jdamljug before the Arbitration Committee is equal to that of his club, and on equal grounds lie ban just aa much chanco of a verdict in his favor as his accusers. Take away the'reserve rule and throw the players upon the market for open competition and you would have about four strong clubs iu the country. Tho closely contested games now witnessed by thousandsof delighted .spectators would by a thing of tins past. There would bo a return of the ‘‘hoodlum”1 crowds, and public interest would be dead. Tho work of such men as llurlbcrt, Mills and Voting would have to be gone over, and in the end tho reserve rule would bo re-adopted. as the only measure capable of making base ball a success. Do away with tho r»-sorvo rule and what chance would such cities as Louisville, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Providence, Buffalo, Wilmington, BiehMoud and Tronlow have against UostonfNew York,Philadelphia, Chicago, .St. Louis and Cincinnati ?Mr. Didlleback charge the Union Association with being “from its conception against the best interests of the mnuly sports. It ignores the reserve rule. It sustains contract breaking. It engages blacklisted aud expelled players, and therefore proves an iucentive for drunkenness, dishonesty and all kind of crookedness.” But all this does not change tho fact that LeaguaanlAmerican clubs—the Providence and Athletic—have tempted Union Association clubs players to break their contracts. Is this according to national agreement principles ? There is now but little doubt that the Union Association will be iu existence at the close of tho present season ; aud if it is, aud this warfare which now exists is to be continued, what inlluonco will tho League and American clubs havo over their players next October, when tho timo begins for making engagements for I88.. As long as there is an association of professional clubs in existence which offers contract breakers a harbor, and is willing to engage players expelled or blacklisted by tho League and Amerieau club?, what effect will those penalties havo in putting down tho abuses tho punishment was designed to effect ? Tho whole question is one of vital importance to tho future Welfare of tho professional fraternity. Honesty in tho strict observance of all contracts must bo observed, or a reign of “ crooked” play will again sot in. Tho subject cannot be too muchdiscussed before tho timo cotuos to take action upon it at tho close of tho season.It would appear from tho decision of the question ofIn wh clubs up toMayS May 1 May 1July I Slay i MayJuly 4July 1 MayaJuly 1May 1 June June Juno July 1 June: July 2 May 1 May*i ,1 tmo:.1 une,July iJuly 1 July!Theseries hands of th will bA 8Clt; I)eoriAplace, tho n tion c a Fre plaiui knowhit* fa Hadg sum c toctio9chan1latterpilgrithe mof bisenjoyinto iof thoho mt mean goods bis p siimnbo «»f that 1 therego vo tHerthinoneWi8 ciug a Birsl; p'aln see h felt c lease friem rived arrestsikouoff«*riiidenawaitabouiBoldhthe p “o!d ho \vlt; nvliii Birsl]henriui o elaud I a« eiliis sho wi liars Itic:? sh WptiOlables i Pro vieHf, I Vyou ra The to wouldquisitlmadengonizhim u. tortunkept uharshgivouwouldfriendproperbe loanTo tun liken i
Newspaper Details
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn, New York, US
Sun, Aug 03, 1884
Page 19
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
SC, USA 19 Mar 2020
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