The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-06
MEN WHO PLAY BASEBALL
Some Speculation as to the Strength of
the League Clubs the Coming Season.
Matters Concerning the Local Team VIII Be
Settled Satisfactorily this Week-Jerry
Denny viii Remain with Indianapolis.

Nothing of Importance has occurred in
local baseball circles during the past week.
The dispatch published in the New York
Herald on Thursday in regard to the finan-
cial affairs of the club, TO which reference
was made in the Journal yesterday, was
the only thing that happened TO disturb the
quiet of the situation, and that sensational
story was soon exploded. President Brush
has received no new contracts from League
headquarters, and it is to be presumed that
none of the players, other than Schoeneck,
have signed. Boyle, who is here, says that
he has not yet heard from President Young,
and does not know yet to which class he
belongs He seems to be perfectly satisfied,
however, and will remain in the city until
the opening of the season. Two days ago
Glasscock wrote to friend here that he had
hoped and expected to be in In
dianapolis before this. but that sat
isfactory arrangements had not been
made and he had not been able to get away
from Wheeling. The directors have taken
no official action in the matter, but it is no
longer doubted that Glasscock Will manage
the team next season. 1t is understood
that Jack is satisfied with the offer made
him, and 1t only remains for the manage
ment TO act officially, and this viii be done
as soon as that part of the business is
reached. President Brush and the other
gentleman of the board have been busily
engaged with their private affairs to the
exclusion of baseball for some time, but
the latter Is 10 be taken up again within a
few days. when all details connected with
the club viii he disposed of and specific ar
rangements made for the coming season.
Paragraphs to the effect that Jerry Denny
is to be released by indianapolis to New
York, Philadelphia, Washington, or some
other club, not named, are about the COM
monest items of baseball news seen in the
papers nowadays, and there is probably as
little truth in any of them, as any one could
easily imagine. Where they all come from
no person seems to know. and just what
particular club Denny is to to go is another
question yet unsettled. The fact is, Denny
will be released to no one, but will play
ball right here in Indianapolis next season.
A director said, last night: THE report
that we intend to release Denny is absurd.
We regard him as the greatest third-baSe-
man living, or that ever played ball, and
we will keep him, beyond the possibility of
a doubt. The indianapolis team ought to
be strengthened, not weakened, and money
would not buy manwhO could fill Denny's
place. Such ball-players are scarce, and
We want all of them that we can get"
Denny is not given to talking about his
business to newspaper men, and it is likely
that he never hears what Is credited to him.
Let that be as it may, however, he will
play third base for the Hoosiers next sea-
son, just the same.
Young John Sowders, of this city, one of
the numerous pitchers of that name, who is
under reserve TO the st. Paul Western As
ISOLATION club, is very anxious to secure his
release and join the local League team. He
Is greatly opposed to going back to st. Paul,
and says he Will not do so if he can possibly
help it. He is a sturdy young fellow, with
a good left arm and wonderful speed.
While with the st. Paul team, last season,
he pitched splendid ball, and is confident
he can hold his own in faster company. He
has, he says. offered s., 800 of his own money
for his unconditional release, but the st.
Paul MANAGEMENT has as yet shown no dis
position to accept tho offer. Should he get
away from the latter club the local people
would no doubt give him trial
1t is, perhaps, little early yet to specu-
late In regard to the probable result of the
League race in 1889, but in the absence of
baseball news of a more startling char
acter it may not be out of place to mention
a few of the changes made since the close
of last years contest, and, at the same
time, suggest some of the possibilities of
the coming season. Of the eight League
clubs three have indicated their intention
of going into the fight with practically the
same teams. These are Indianapolis, Chi
cage and New York. None of them have
made or Will make any material changes.
Ward has repeatedly expressed strong
desire TO leave New York and a deal is
talked of by which he may be transferred
TO Washington, but that it will be consum-
mated is by no means certain. This is the
only probable change in the New York
team. indianapolis hopes to secure one
new pitcher and drop two of the old ones;
otherwise, the Hoosiers of 1888 will be the
Chicago signed Hutchinson, a pitcher
from the Western Association, he be-
ing the only new man engaged by that
club. Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburg
Washington and Cleveland have all signed
additional talent, the tirst-named club lead
Ing In the matter of engaging new men,
with PittsbUrg and Philadelphia following
Washington will have several new men
never before seen In the League, but they
are all unknown to the public, barring
Ward, and if the New York short-stop fails
to join the club the Senators will be very
weak combination. Cleyeland's new talent
is also of a doubtful character, and that
team will not be invincible in the League
BY the acquisition of Brouthers Richard
son and CAMEL, Boston has added great in
dividual strength 10 her team of stars and
If Bennett and White go TO the Hub that
club Will be still further STRENGTHENED and
will be a remarkable collection of PLAYERS
PIttsburg secured fine pitcher in Conway,
while Hanion aud Rowe are both good men.
The former has not signed vet, but prob
ably will, but Just what the outcome of the
trouble with Rowe will be remains to be
seen. Philadelphia has engaged Sam
Thompson, T.. IL. Decker and
p. b. Wood. the last two
men being n splendid battery from the In
ternational Association. and some young
blood yet 10 be developed.
With the exception of Washington and
Cleveland the League teams all look strong
on paper, but just how they will show up
on the ball field is quite another question
The guessing on the result of the League
race is generally in favor of Chicago. with
New York and Boston following in the or
der named. 1t is thought that the latter
team has too many stars, every one of
whom will want TO be at the head of the
list, with Kelly as the chief disturber A
lack of harmony will be the natural out
growth of this feeling. and poor ball-play-
ing will be the result. The New York
team has great pitching talent, and is
strong In the field and at the bat, while,
with Ward out, good feeling will prevail
among the men, and under these circum-
stances the champions will put up a great
game of ball Chicago lacks the individual
strength of either Boston or New York but
IN Arson the club has an unequaled gen.
eral, and il is upon his ability as a CAPTAIN
that the friends of that team rest their