Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-23

Inc Toronto club is officially credited
with stealing more bases than ali the other
clubs put together. This is a great record,
ard one that will be appreciated by the
Washington fans, On account of several
slow men that are within the ranks of the
Senator's
OF course, all the men under contract for
rext season cannot be used on the field,
but trades will be made, before and after
the season of '9S opens, and in this way it
is hoped that Washington will finally Sc
cure club that can hold it's station per-
NAL emily in the first division. In addition
TO these six new men Messrs. Wagner and
Brown are on the lookout for two good
left-handed pitchers. Where these players
are to come from cannot be told as yet.
but through trades and paying out good
money it is thought the men desired can
be landed.
An account of the relations between the
Washington and Toronto ball clubs is in
teresting to base ball readers, for the ex-
act state of affairs has never been de-
scribed in print.
During the season of 1896 President Kerr
of the Pittsburg club controlIedsthe Toronto
franchise, hoping through this agency to
develop players who would strengthen the
Pirates. The scheme fell flat. Not a play
er was developed, and at the end of the
playing season last year Mr.. Kerr found
himself out of pocket just $1,000.
Mr.. Arthur Irwin was on the cold world
last fall. having no particular position as
manager in view, but, with his well-known
Yankee pluck and ingenuity, determined
to make another try for reputation and
wealth. The Toronto franchise struck his
fancy. Knowing the situation, he got the
refusal of 1t from Mr.. Kerr for exactly the
sum that had been lost. Mr.. Irwin did
not have this amount, but going to Messrs
George and Earl Wagner, demonstrated to
those gentlemen the chances for wealth
and the development of players in Toronto.
and they determined to back up the enter
prise.
The $4,000 were advanced by the Messrs.
wagner, and a contract entered into be-
tween them and Mr.. Irwin about as fol-
lows: Mr.. Irwin was to receive $1,000 as
ms salary for the season. and, if any money
was made, he was to get half the profits.
BESIDES this, 1t was agreed that if any
players We're developed and sold half this
money would also go to Mr.. Irwin.
is pretty well known The club started ont
poorly, and for six weeks Rugged the tail
end OF the championship procession, but
from that time on their advancement
and today after holding the leadership for
second place. -
Manager Irwin watched the players close
" and reported on their DEVELOPMENT
Snyder had been catching on another
eastern league team, but was released with
out trial aid Irwin quickly gobbled him
up. McSann was not wanted by the Bos-
ton club. as he seemed too slow for fhe
position at second base, and again Irwin
came to the front. getting his name to a
contract and placing him at first base.
Everything seemed TO come Arthur's way.
Inc young players seemed crackatacks
all over They were fast on their feet
good fielders and above all. good hitters'
As result the Torontos drew good at
tendance throughout the season and the
Messrs. Wagner and Mr.. Irwin viii di-
vide up about $15,OOO
Being content with their investment this
season In the Eastern League, the Messrs.
Wagner were ready to listen to a new
proposition from Mr. Irwin and q NOV, -.
tract will be signed by them TODAY. In
stead of selling the players developed to the
highest bidder, which would have Melted
considerable, the owners of the Washing
ton club were given the pick of q half
dozen of the Toronto players and In re-
turn the Toronto franchise is turned over
to Mr.. Irwin. -
Next season Mr.. Irwin will be club