Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-23
DOWN ON BENNETT.
Foley Repeats Some History. About
the Great Catcher.
METHODS TO GET MONEY
An Interesting Part That Bancroft Played
in Deal.
BASEBALL NEWS OF THE DAY
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE D1srArcH.l :

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DIsPATCH.l
BosTo ON, February 2l.-The triumYirs feel
like winners all over since the signing of
Charlie Bennett. who has signed three years
contract with the League club. Bennett has
proved a slippery customer on more than one
occasion, and before signing with the Boston
club last season he gave the same triunvirs a
good deal of trouble. Bennett was bit sore
last winter when he found out that Richardson
and Brouthers had signed to play in Boston.
'.And what else could we do" said Dan Brouth-
ers. 1--WE wanted Boston to take White and
Rowe, and after Boston had accepted terms
the other League clubs put in a protest; SO it
was decided to have Rowe and White trans
ferred to Pittsburg. What could Richardson
and do2 They talked about the whole gang
going to Cleveland for less money, but were we
going to be chumps enough to play for 81. 500
classification fgures-when Boston gave us
$4,000 with 1000 'kerplunkers' in advance:
Pittsburg, too, was willing to give Rowe and
White the same money they would get in Bos-
ton-S3, 5O0-so the talk about going to Cleve-
land was rank nonsense: besides the deal could
never be consummated, for Boston would never
stand to be Dested by a new League city like
Cleveland" 1t was
THE OLD STORY
with Bennett; he held out for while, and then
that time Bennett was going to stick to Deacon
White if he never afterward handled ball.
Bennett has worked the same scheme this year;
he got both SIDES worked up until TIE excited
tr1umvirs made up their minds to have him at any
price. Bennett worked the same game In 1882
when he signed an agreement to sign with Pitts
burg for 1888; then when Detroit offered him
more money he signed with them again. Ben
nett is fine fellow, a great catcher and a big
favorite with the public; but this nonsensical
talk about his wife and New Castle friends i'm
ploring him to stick to the League is all poppy
cock, unless Bennett is sadly in need of guar
dian. Here is story about Bennett which
PToves PEGSOe that he needs no guardian: In
the Worcester club. but after the season
was over he concluded to take hold of the
Detroit club, which was about to enter the
League At that time Bennett was only get
ting $500 with the Worcesters, who were in the
League. Bennett had recovered the use of his
good right arm and knowing that Worcester
could hold him for 81, 900. he concluded to get
away from there if possible, SO he whispered
his tale of woe into Bancrofts ears. "Ah, yes,
Charlie" said the cunning Bancroft. who will
run his lone hand" team in Springfield next
season. II see through it, and will try and
work up some scheme so that you can go to
Detroit with me-"
The Worcester directors concluded to run
the team as economical as possible so they de-
cided to hire either Bushong or Bennett to do
all the catching. with some change catcher in
the outf1eld. This was not considered a hard
job; only 81 games we're played in season, ana
dence 9Sat gear Ths dGsc
tors thought Bennett or Bushong could
do as well as Grose, and, as each catcher had
many friends, bright idea struck one Of the
directors: Frank Bancroft would decide who
was the best man for Worcester to hold on toll
BANCRoFT's CHEEK.
Bancroft went to the directors meeting.
but had everything fixed with Bennett, who
was anxiously waiting for the decision. Ban
croft addressed the directors in this gally and
manner: Gentlemen. you have
asked me to decide a very important question
Both Bennett and Bushong are friends of
mine, and would not want to gain either
mans enmity for good deal; but you have
reposed your confidence in me. so
for that reason no one will blame me
man you want and will tell you why: In the
first place you are to have the great Richmond
with you next year, and every ball player in
the country knows that Bushong catches Rich |
better than anybody else; Richmond knows this |
and acknowledges it. Bennett is a good |
man but his arm has gone back on him againi |
lsensation.) Yes, this is a fact; in our recent |
exhibition games in New York he couldn't |
throw past the pitcher, andthe poor fellow felt |
30 bad that he took to drink, and came near
sending him home for disobeying orders" II |
thought as much" cried one of Bushong's ad- |
n1rerS; SO it was decided then and there that |
Bennett was free to sign with any club who |
Wantedi his services. Bancroft rushed out of |
The hall, met Bennett, and Immediately signed |
him for Detroit at salary of 81, 400, which was
considered good pay at that time Oh, my
brothers, how things have changed! Now
Bennett gets s., 500 year for three years and |
], 800 in advance. Young Morgan Murphy, one |
II the rising young catchers of the country, has
Iigned with the Boston club of the Players /
League. salary about 81, 500 Murphy cannot |
oat, but he is one of the coming catchers Ah
1ut Bennett. he would have been the card for