Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-13

The DISPATCH exclusively intimsted
yesterday that there was big baseball SEN
sation in store. and the events of yesterday
afternoon conclusively showed that THE
DISPATCH was right. Beckley, the famous
and popular first baseman of the local club,
resigned with his old employers, and so did
George Miller, the celebrated catcher. Be-
side this, rumor has il that Carroll and
Calvin may be signed to-day. Still further,
]. Palmer O'Neil stated last evening that even
bigger surprise than the above may be re-
corded at any hour.
II is, indeed, some time since greater base
ball sensation occurred in this city than the
two definite desertions from the Brotherhood
above stated. Although the facts of the cases
we're announced on the streets early in the
afternoon. few people would believe them at a
late hour last night. However, they were abso-
lutte facts. and without doubt, they were as
much of a surprise TO National League sup
porters as to the Brotherhood leaders.
MILLER WAS WILLING.
It was known on Wednesday evening that
Miller was inclined to rejoin his old club, and
yesterday afternoon he demonstrated the fact
by meeting President Nimick and MeSsrs
O'Neill and Brown. They adjourned to the
Hotel Duquesne where Miller signed contract
to play with the National League club in Pitts
burg for three years, for salary in the neigh
borhood of $1,000 per season. He also received
q good slice of advance money. The exact fig
ure is known to the writer, but cannot be
stated.
Beckley was also signed by Secretary Scan
drett, and the big first baseman's contract is
also for three years. He is to receive 81 900 per
season, and he received his advance money by
telegraph.
Early in the morning Messrs. Ward, Pfeffer
and Hanlon suspected that Beekley was about
to desert them, and they wired him $500 ad-
vance money in behalf of the Brotherhood
Beckley, however. replied by wire to Hanlon
that he could not accept the money, as he had
signed National League contract few hours
earlier.
The wires were also kept busy on Carroll but
nothing definite was learned from him. 1t is
fact, however, that he can have the manage
ment of the local club if he will sign. But
even in this matter very great surprise may
take place before the week is over. Staley is
also expected by the old club; in short, an off,
clal of the club said last evening:
THEY WANT A FEW ONIY.
There are a few old players whom we want,
and we will try and get them. We will be true
and generous to them"
OF course these very important desertions
caused the Brotherhood leaders to feel very
much disappointed. John NJ. Ward said: why,
this surprises me. never thought that Miller
would desert us in any such way. 1 can't un-
derstsnd whGt has prompted his mean and con-
temptible action. l may say the same about
Beckley Really, the League people are now
showing how low they can induce men to
stoop. However, we will survive 1t.
Pfeffer said: IF we have only two clubs left
we will be on deck The Brotherhood is go
and we can spare SO men, I am not worried;
nbt at all"
1Hanlon repeated in substance what Pfefer
said and added: 'Why, Miller received Sl20 ad-
vance money from us beside signing contract
II be is mean enough to act as he has done he
can 60"
MILLER'S STATEMENT.
Miller was seen and he made the following
statement: ''Yes, have signed. and doubtless
many peoplemay think have acted strangely
However. if they were in my position they
would think different. am without a cent in
the world and cannot get any Brotherhood
people to help me. 1 cannot live on air and
am playing baseball for a living. am selling
my services to those who will pay me best and
have come to the conclusion that l had no
league. That is all have to say. Baseball is a
business with me, and as far as matter of
principle is concerned own that ought to re-
main at least another season with the Brother
hood"
Last evening Mr. O'Nefll was looking for Gal
win. but the latter could not be found. Mr.
O'Neill SAID: 'Now let me state publicly that
we have commenced to do business in earnest
and all players who are wise will sign at once
1t will be to their advantage to do so now. /
know what am saving, because there are very
many old League players who are considered
Brotherhood men who will certainly remain
with the League.
A STRONG CLAIM.
"How do 1 know this2 Why, because they
have signed to do so and they have received
sdvance money. This is no bluff; not at all.
We will get all of our old players we want. If
they are true men, every League player will
stay and fulfill his contract with us"
1t is fully understood that Calvin, Staley and
Carroll are the only old players wanted, al
though there is another whose name is with
held, that will be made good offer if he will
accept il. Messrs. Nimick and O'NeIll claim
that there is now a regular break in Brother
hood ranks, but Messrs. Ward Pfeffer and
Hanlon emphatically deny this The latter
party claims that all contract jumpers will
eventually receive their Just deserts.
John Ward left for the East last evening and
Pfeffer will 90 TO New York to-day to attend
the meeting next week. Hanlon intends to fol-
low on Saturday. The officials of the new club
are not at all disheartened at yesterdays