Front Office Football Central - View Single Post - Prequel--An OOTP History

SelzShoes · 04-26-2005, 04:56 PM

From the Philadelphia Almanac

“Given the contentiousness between the so-called Eastern and Western factions of the Empire League, one wonders if it time for the bond betwixt them to be broken. The Western faction, lead by Chicago owner James Winfred McCormick, and which our own Philadelphia Quakers adhere to, has pushed for progressive—if not entirely wholesome—changes in the manner the League conducts its business. The Eastern faction, lead by New York and Boston, have favored the status quo—only to preserve their position as the elite nines and to the detriment of other clubs’ development . . .

“Let Hartford, Washington and Brooklyn have their fates decided before the first pitch is thrown. The Western faction would not only serve their interest, but the interest in the growth of the Grand American Game to sever ties with the New York/Boston cabal. The formation of a new league based on mutual competitiveness and not supporting the hubris of the “Atlantic” powers can only increase the enjoyment for the common fan.”

From the Boston Post

“For the first time in recent memory, our Unions are unable to proclaim themselves “National Champions” of Base Ball. Many cranks blame owner “Mick” Avery for allowing Alton Emch and his ability to get the “long hit” go to Chicago. Now many of the same type of cranks in New York are wailing at the loss of Darryl Weisenburger to the same lakeside nine . . .

“The fact that Chicago owner James Winfred McCormick, a man who knows not the word humility, would stoop to satisfy the base demands of a confirmed egoist and agitator prone to “European” influence proves nothing. If the cost of victory on the pitch is dealing with agents of the devil, then that is a price too high . . .

“We at the Post have on good authority that both the Unions and Nine will filed a roster of Christian gentlemen; while the Browns and remainder of the “Western Faction” would take the field with womanizing drunkards. Our successes, and New York’s, are a tribute to what a solid Christian ethic can do in a man’s professional and personal life.”

From the New York World

Many cranks applaud the decision of the Nine’s management to cut ties with Darryl Weisenburger; and sing the praises of young Frank Richardson’s denunciations of Weisenburger. The fact remains, the Nine released the most feared batsman this side of Norman Lent for a proclaiming a desire for respect and equitable treatment . . .

Richardson, a firebrand on and off the field, has played to the emotion of the common fan, and not their intellect . . .

While many men cry for union in their workplace, they decry another’s demand for equity as “socialism.” As Chicago and others are willing to pay a fair wage to the best players, we shall watch as the Nine, Unions and Atlantics are surpassed for their “moral” stance. Will the common crank fill the Union Grounds to see defeat after inglorious defeat, even with the comfort of knowing they lost with moral gentlemen? The days of playing for honor ended when a few pieces of silver passed from owner to player.”

At the spring owner's meeting, McCormick proposes lowering league admission to 25¢ and increasing the maximum salary to $1,500.00. The motion is defeated 10-2, with only Chicago and Keokuk in favor. McCormick argues the lower admission will “attract so many cranks, we will all seek larger quarters for our fields.” And again insists the $500.00 across the board salary, openly and covertly flaunted, invites a rival league, while robbing players of any need to improve their performance. “If the Eastern clubs had their way, we would charge $1.00 a game and force player salaries even lower. I am not a “Red;” I believe in the religion of business—people will not pay marquee prices for an inferior product. The Empire League already is foisting an inferior brand of Base Ball in half of its cities—and without reform there is no future for this league. Mark my word, within 2 years we will be lucky to have four viable franchises; and I will do what I can to make sure the Browns are one of them.”

Many clubs express concern the 25¢ admission would attract the “wrong” crowd. “Like the sort who fill the Saint Louis beer garden?” snorts McCormick. “There are more of the common man than the gentile businessman we believe our base,” he argues. “The businessman has the theater and other diversions to spend his dollars on; we can become the ONLY option of the workingman at the right price.”

Still, Cleveland cries the lower admission with the limited capacity of the Kennard Street Grounds would be a financial disaster. Boston and New York, barely meeting payroll because of the extra expense of keeping a failing Hartford club alive—but unwilling to fold said club—also are vocal in their opposition.

04-26-2005, 04:56 PM	#17
SelzShoes High School Varsity Join Date: Apr 2005	1875-Off Season From the Philadelphia Almanac “Given the contentiousness between the so-called Eastern and Western factions of the Empire League, one wonders if it time for the bond betwixt them to be broken. The Western faction, lead by Chicago owner James Winfred McCormick, and which our own Philadelphia Quakers adhere to, has pushed for progressive—if not entirely wholesome—changes in the manner the League conducts its business. The Eastern faction, lead by New York and Boston, have favored the status quo—only to preserve their position as the elite nines and to the detriment of other clubs’ development . . . “Let Hartford, Washington and Brooklyn have their fates decided before the first pitch is thrown. The Western faction would not only serve their interest, but the interest in the growth of the Grand American Game to sever ties with the New York/Boston cabal. The formation of a new league based on mutual competitiveness and not supporting the hubris of the “Atlantic” powers can only increase the enjoyment for the common fan.” From the Boston Post “For the first time in recent memory, our Unions are unable to proclaim themselves “National Champions” of Base Ball. Many cranks blame owner “Mick” Avery for allowing Alton Emch and his ability to get the “long hit” go to Chicago. Now many of the same type of cranks in New York are wailing at the loss of Darryl Weisenburger to the same lakeside nine . . . “The fact that Chicago owner James Winfred McCormick, a man who knows not the word humility, would stoop to satisfy the base demands of a confirmed egoist and agitator prone to “European” influence proves nothing. If the cost of victory on the pitch is dealing with agents of the devil, then that is a price too high . . . “We at the Post have on good authority that both the Unions and Nine will filed a roster of Christian gentlemen; while the Browns and remainder of the “Western Faction” would take the field with womanizing drunkards. Our successes, and New York’s, are a tribute to what a solid Christian ethic can do in a man’s professional and personal life.” From the New York World Many cranks applaud the decision of the Nine’s management to cut ties with Darryl Weisenburger; and sing the praises of young Frank Richardson’s denunciations of Weisenburger. The fact remains, the Nine released the most feared batsman this side of Norman Lent for a proclaiming a desire for respect and equitable treatment . . . Richardson, a firebrand on and off the field, has played to the emotion of the common fan, and not their intellect . . . While many men cry for union in their workplace, they decry another’s demand for equity as “socialism.” As Chicago and others are willing to pay a fair wage to the best players, we shall watch as the Nine, Unions and Atlantics are surpassed for their “moral” stance. Will the common crank fill the Union Grounds to see defeat after inglorious defeat, even with the comfort of knowing they lost with moral gentlemen? The days of playing for honor ended when a few pieces of silver passed from owner to player.” At the spring owner's meeting, McCormick proposes lowering league admission to 25¢ and increasing the maximum salary to $1,500.00. The motion is defeated 10-2, with only Chicago and Keokuk in favor. McCormick argues the lower admission will “attract so many cranks, we will all seek larger quarters for our fields.” And again insists the $500.00 across the board salary, openly and covertly flaunted, invites a rival league, while robbing players of any need to improve their performance. “If the Eastern clubs had their way, we would charge $1.00 a game and force player salaries even lower. I am not a “Red;” I believe in the religion of business—people will not pay marquee prices for an inferior product. The Empire League already is foisting an inferior brand of Base Ball in half of its cities—and without reform there is no future for this league. Mark my word, within 2 years we will be lucky to have four viable franchises; and I will do what I can to make sure the Browns are one of them.” Many clubs express concern the 25¢ admission would attract the “wrong” crowd. “Like the sort who fill the Saint Louis beer garden?” snorts McCormick. “There are more of the common man than the gentile businessman we believe our base,” he argues. “The businessman has the theater and other diversions to spend his dollars on; we can become the ONLY option of the workingman at the right price.” Still, Cleveland cries the lower admission with the limited capacity of the Kennard Street Grounds would be a financial disaster. Boston and New York, barely meeting payroll because of the extra expense of keeping a failing Hartford club alive—but unwilling to fold said club—also are vocal in their opposition.