Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-27
THE BASEBALL FIGHT
WHAT LEAGUE WILL RICHMOND BE
IN NEXT SEASON.
The SITUATION GREATLY TANGLED.
We May Hold on i'm the Atlantic
without Norfolk. But MIR. brauiey
Thinks He VIII Secure Franchise
md Play a state League Club Here

Since the meeting here last Thursday
night of the magnates OF the proposed
virginia state Baseball League. there
has been a revival Of interest In base
ball. and the question is being propouAd-
ed on all sides, "What does Cunningham
propose to do?'
Cunningham is the owner or the NOT
folk franchise, and has been chosen as
president Of the Virginia League. He mas
declined positively to continue longer IN
the Atlantic League, and 1t is a Well
known fact that the original contract
with the Atlantic League bound the TWO
virginia clubs to stand together. In other
words, IL one of the two cities declined to
remain in the league, or was dropped
from any cause, the other would retire
from the organization, too. it being held
that the northern clubs could not afford
10 come to Virginia to play only one club.
BRADLEY is WAITING.
From this 1t would appear that If Cum
ningham is permitted TO withdraw NOR
| folk from the Atlantic circuit, Richmond
would have TO go, and Mr.. W. y. Irau-
| ley, who practically made baseball in
| Virginia
| the Richmond franchise and place ciuD
in the State circuit. There IS, however,
| some likelihood Of a hitch occurring Ia
| his plans for since the Virginia clubs en-
| tered the Atlantic League Richmond has
| proven TO be the best city In the circuit
| and the northern magnates, 1t Is said-
| would he 10th 10 lose so good a point
! hence they may agree to continue Rich
mond in the league without Norfolk.
| II that event the present owners Of the
| franchise would continue TO control base
| ball. and Mr.. Bradley would have no
! show OF securing IL. But IL the Atlantic
League drops Richmond that would viuat'
| the present franchise, and Mr.. Bradley
| being q recognized member Of the Nir-
| ginia State League, would have no diih-
| Guilty I'm stepping forward and claiming
| this territory. and this claim would most
| likely be recognized.
| BOTH SIDES ARE RETICENT.
MIR. Bradley said TO a Dispatch mal
| Yesterday that he had good prospects, fol
| perfecting his arrangements for re-enter
| ing the baseball arena, but he did moi
| feel that he could Just now discuss his
| plans with justice to himself Mr.. Nc
CURE, president of the Richmond Club
] when approached by the reporter, sal,
he could shed no light on the apparently
|
reason, he said, why Richmond could no
continue in the league, as she now is
regardless of what Norfolk does in tn
premises, but he admitted that he dl
| not understand the situation.
| Indeed, nobody seems to know what tn
| situation is President Barrow, OF IN
J Atlantic League, is as much in the OAR
as any one He came here several day
ago. with a view TO ascertaining the eXac
conditions that obtain, and te!egraphed 10
Cunningham to meet him here. The Noi
folk manager dad not come, but Mr.. Bal
row talked At some length with the mar
ayers in this city, and while Ne gave II
assurance that both the Virginia club
would not be dropped from the Atlantic
circuit next season, he intimated tina
things would go on as they now are.
LOOKING FOR SUBSTITUTES.
II is understood that the northern mar
ayers are casting about with view
securing cities in their immediate vicinit
10 take the place of Richmond and MOI
folk and there is every reason to belieN
that If they are found the Atlant
League VIII not again extend It's clrcul
! so far South as Virginia.