The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-24
Mr.. S0MMERS TO RETIRE.
He HAS SOLD HIS INTEREST IN TIE
NORFOLK TEAM To 4. 4. O'NEIL.
The Club VIII be Reorgsnizej,->ew Play
ers Secured, aud II ere Will be Gen
eral shaking Up all Atound.

Mr.. Sommcrs, who last year was sole
proprietor OF the Norfolk team, and
who, until a few days ago. owned hall
interest In ii. has now entirely severed
his connection with the club, having
sold his remaining half interest TO his
partner. Mr.. A. \. ONeil, for >2vD.
The deal was consumated last saturday
when Mr. sommers named the figures
az which he wanted TO dispose or his
remaining interest.
In speaking OF the proposed deal. the
Norfolk Landmark of yesterday said:
III the deal is consummated. and the
chances are that Il VIII, ar - NfI VIII
take temporary charge OF the team. but
at the conclusion OF the three-gane series
between Norfolk and Richmond Umpire
Charlie Mitchell will assume the man
agement Of the team. lie IS 10 have
entire charge Of the men, with power
TO engage. release. ard place players.
In point OF tact. his authority viii be
unqualified and absolute, and be VIII De
held directly responsible for the future
showing OF the nine.
This deal has been on for several days.
and IS said 10 be a natural result OF
the lamentable showing made by the
team since the opening Of the season.
These are the facts. When Mr.. O'Nel
discovered that certain sport-lovins ciu-
zens We're ready and willing 90 20 into
baseball he hunted up Mr.. Sommcrs
and made a proposition 20 either buy or
sell. Mr.. SOmmers put a price on his
half interest, and for day or two the
deal hung fire. Finally O'Neil and he.
10 Is said. managed TO agree on the terms
OF sale, and all that now remains 10 be
done is the formal transfer Of the money.
Just what the exact amount or money
Is involved m the deal IL Is hard 10 say.
but IT Dame kumor is correct IN ht'
deductions. Mr. SOmmcrs Is TO pocket
about $1,000 for his interest in the team.
A WINNING CLUB.
AS a matter Of course the retirement
or Mr.. SOmmers will create any amount
OF talk in the baseball world Men who
are close TO Mr. O'Neill and really ought
10 know what they are talking about.
say that O.Ncill has bought ont tine club
IN order that Norfolk can. N possible.
have winning ball team.
zone of Mr.. O'Ncilfs friends said last
night. IL simply means that Mr.. @ Nell
has tired of the criticisms and really
wanted 10 give Norfolk good ball. lie
does not fancy the cold looks and harsh
criticisms bestowed on him, and has de-
termned 20 secure entire control or the
club In order that he may give tho town
"a rejuvenatcd team He intends 20 put
out good money for good ball-piaycrs.
and IL Will not be his fault " the team
does not not show decided improvement In
tho play from now on. When that Is
said all Is said.
IT is said that Mr. Sommers will re-
tire from the baseball arena ana return
10 his home. In West Virginia. II rs
also said that he will engage IN the in-
surance business"
sOsiMEBs TALKS.
When seen last night. Mr. Sommers
talked freely about the deal lie said.
1T Is purely business transaction on
my part / am i'm baseball for inc
money and AT the present salary limit /
carnOt secure team that an compete
with Richmond, and | think had better
sell out now than pay prlnreiy salaries
and be out Of pocket when the season ~
over The team / have gotten together
lis within the limit which rs more than
can be said Of Richmond and Lynchpufs,
aad you see how Norfolk is Compeuns
with the two leaders. The virginia Slile
League is making the mistake or othei
minor leagues. 10 Is becoming too fast 20
make money at the present saiafy HWii'
and / do not care 10 80 peyoun IL 10
secure players, and that Is why nave
s0ld out -.
Mir Sommers thinks Of returning 70
Norfolk where he may engage IN ihe
newspaper business He will make this
trip with the club. or until Mr.. O'Neil
mas secured a new manager
TALK WITH o'SEiL
Mr. O'Nen, when seen last night; said ,
"Yes. 1 have bought out the club. ana
[ intend 20 give Norfolk a GOOD team
1 ann not In the league FOR money az
though II / make any / am not going 10
kick. We are badly demoral1ed AZ
present and there is no system or mar
aQemont about the club. but you VIII
soon see a change. ! am going TO se-
cure new men, and good men, ana the
team will feel the effects or nfm us
cipline. kind treatment and good man
agement in a short while. ! nave not
engaged Mr. Mitchell as manager nor
do [ intend SO doing | never seriously
considered having him as my manager.
For the present ! will manage inc
team. but l expect 20 get some ROoi
man. who viii assume entire control
of the team, and TO whom l viii look Tor
everything.
You can say for me that the. club
will be thoroughly reOrganlzei' ana tnat
no axpensa viii be spared 10 secure men
who can play winning ball.
Mr.. ONeil Is a wide-awake. quick
business man, who has the good or ine
national game at heart. and under hls
control the Norfolk club viii doubtiesslY
soon become one of the strong contest