Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-08-22
Nash md Johnson ReIeased.

NASH ana Johnson ReieaSens
For a week past an agent Of the Bos-
ton National League Club has been in
the city negotiating with the directors
Of the Virginia Club for the release Of
Third-Baseman Nash and Centre Fielder
Johnston, and yesterday the negotia-
tions were concluded and the two men
were secured for the Bostons. the
latter club paying bonus Of $3.50
for their release, and they leave
this morning for their new field
OF labor. This step became
necessity on the part Of the Virginia
directors. owing to the depleted condi-
tion Of their treasury. Much as they
regretted having to give up two such
valuable men, they were compelled TO
take the step so as to prolong the ex-
istence Of the club TO the end Of the
season. 1t will be remembered that
some time since meeting of the direc-
tors was held, to which the patrons
Of baseball and all interested in
the welfare of the club were
invited. At this meeting the true
status Of affairs was made known
and the information given that
it would require about e. 500 TO carry
the club through the season. Some
money was then collected and commit
tees appointed to solicit additional con-
tributions from our citizens. But all
this failed to realize the required
amount, only about one third being
collected. That money was used in pay
ing up arrears. and the club again found
itself getting behind, and the only
alternative remained to take the
offer -of the Boston Club and re-
lease Nash and Johnston. With
the amount Of money thus secured
the club will be able to play out its en-
gagements in the Eastern League sche-
dule. The management are making
every effort TO secure two other good
players to fill the vacancies.
President Alfriend, in conversation
yesterday, said that no one regretted
more than he having to part with these
men, but that the public had them
selves alone 70 blame. Last year,
when the Yirginias were weaker and
losing nearly every game, they refused
10 patronize them. the stereotyped ex-
preston being - Who wants TO 60 to
see a one-sided game all the time:
The Virginias can't win With that
experience before the directors in
preparing for the present sea-
son, they made every effort to
,et winning club, and how they sue
ceeded is but too well known. In the
contest for the Eastern League cham
pionship they took the first place from
the start and have held it until now,
winning fifty-nine games out Of seven ty-
three. They secured the services Of
Dir. Joseph Simmons as manager, and
under his effective administration the
Virginias, from the lowest rounds OF
the ladder. went at once to the top aud
there remain-the coming champions OF
the Eastern League. And what has
been the result Of all this: Instead Of
encouragement by such liberal patron
sge as would sustain the club. the
public again CRY out : Who wants TO
see a one-sided game' We know who
will win without going out TO the
grounds" And so it is; either with
losing or winning club the public fail
to patronize.
There is considerable feeling among
the regular patrons Of ball, with whom
both Nash and Johnston are great ia
vorites, and without knowing the trSe
state OF affairs the directory are blamed.
The fact stares them in the face, how
ever, that their favorites are gone and
that it is not the fault Of the directors,
who certainly are not expected TO fur
Dish at their own expense baseball
amusement for the public.
Nash and Johnston have made fine
regulations while here, both by their
good playing as we'll as by their gentle
manly demeanor on the field and among
the people. The general wish will fol-
low them that tkey may be successful