St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-01-20
TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.
Des Moines D.sposes of Several
Crack Players.
Special to the Globe.

Special to the Globe.
Dies MONIES, To-, Jan. 19.-Manager
Charles Morton, now with the Toledo.
O., club. has purchased from Des Moines
the release of Pitcher Smith. Third
Baseman Alvord, Left Fielder Vandyke
and Catcher Harry Sage. The prices
paid have not been announced. 1t is
supposed that the few remaining play
ers will go to Toledo. This does not
mean that Des Moines will not put a
team into the Western association. On
the contrary, Manager Hart, late of
Milwaukee, is looking up available tai
ent. The trouble with the men sold is
that they expected, and last year re-
ceived, too high salaries to bring the pay
roll of the club within the salary limit.
Asis we'll known, the Des Moines club
closed the season a heavy loser.
Two years ago few active and COM
paratively well-to-do young men
embarked in the base ball bust
ness as sort of diversion from
regular business. None of them had a
knowledge of how club should be con-
Quoted, and they were very unfortunate
in selecting manager. But even with
these drawbacks the season ended safe
Y,
the season of 1883 but little regard was
paid to the signing of men and salaries,
except to get together a combination
that should win the pennant. In
this Manager Morton finally succeeded.
But the high salaries and unfavoraDle
season made heavy drafts on the stock
holders, which have been reduced some
what by the sale of players since the
season closed. The present stOckhold-
ers manifested willingness to let go,
and there was talk in November of re-
organization and the passing OF control
to new hands entirely. Such deal was
nearly consummated at one time, but
the avarice of few of the prime movers
in the enterprise obScured their sense of
fairness. 1t was argued by them that
by holding off the franchise. grounds
and players reserved could be had for a
song. But the point has been reached
now when the old directors have made
up their minds to go ahead and put the
club on its feet. With that object
in view they have had Manager
Hart. of last years Milwaukee team, out
here looking over the ground. Mr..
Hart was called to Chicago Wednesday
night Oh business relating to Spalding's
affairs and will not return until next
up his mind that there is fine oppor-
tunity here and manifested will
ingness to take an active interest.
While terms have not been
agreed upon, it is pretty clear
that Hart will manage the Des MOines
team this season, and that he will soon
begin the work of reorganization.
Under the salary limit of the assoeia-
ton it will be necessary to dispose of
some of the men yet in reserve, and
among these will no doubt be Cusnman
and Orator Shafer. That leaves Traf-
fey. Macular and Phelan as the nu-
cleus of the seasons team. Macullar
will no doubt De the captain and play
his old position at short. Mr.. Hart says
that under the newly-adopted salary
limit he can put in team here that will
stand we'll among the first four of the
Western association. Public interest in
the game has not waned at all. There
is just as much admiration for itaS ever,
and with fairly good team, proper man.
agement and favorable season the DeS
Moines club will no doubt have sue
ceSSful season.