The times., 1898-07-04

The proposed transfer Of Jack Doyle TO
some other club Of the National League
has occasioned much talk and some criti-
cism among the local admirers of the
game. and opinion is very evenly di-
vided as to the wisdom of the course
President Earl Wagner seems disposed
10 follow in The matter.
1t is well known that this city is well
stocked with baseball critics who under
take on every occasion to instruct the
owners and manager of the Washington
baseball club as TO the course they
should pursue in order TO achieve the
best results These people undoubtedly
mean well, bat as they really are not
in possession Of the inside history OF the
club. and have no means Of ascertain
ing real facts, which would warrant them
in expressing an intelligent opinion.
their conclusions and suggestions are not
entitled TO a great deal of consideration.
The sporting editor of The Times has
made a thorough investigation of the
causes which induced Mr. Wagner TO as
SEM TO the release of Doyle, and feels
confident that the wisdom Of Mr.. Wag-
ner's determination in the case win be
approved by all fair-minded patrons Of
the game.
The owners Of the Washington club
understand very well that in order TO
insure a fair profit on the money they
have invested il is necessary that good
exhibition OF ban playing shall be given.
No one in this city who has any knowl-
edge Of the real facts in the case, can
Justly charge that Mr.. Wagner has not
tried honestly and persistently TO get to-
gether a strong club. The present team
is sufficient verihcation OF the above
statement. II is strong at all points,
and Notwithstanding the serious handi-
cap Of bad start. the club is now play
ing a game that is steady and pleasing
to the patrons and management alike.
The Wagners have expended thousands
Of dollars thus far this season in OK
perimenting with new players. The pay
roll is now incumbered with players who
have failed 10 establish regulations as
capable players. Yet these experiments
are necessary, and must be made, re-
eardless of expense. This is a promi-
nent and costly feature in the business Of
conducting ball club, and one which the
carping critic loses sight Of when he
blatantIy talks about the parsimony of
baseball magnates
The Real Facts.
The proposed sale and transfer Of Doyle,
about which such an unseemly howl has
been raised. if viewed from an impartial
standpoint will meet with the approval
Of all fai.-minded men. Here are the
facts:
For some reason, real or fancied, Jack
Doyle is Of the opinion that a large num-
Der Of the patrons Of the game in this
city are not in harmony with him. In
other words. that there is an element
among the local fans disposed to make
il unpleasant for him on and of the
field. 1t was for this reason that Doyle
displayed so much reluctance when asked
by Mr. Wagner TO assume the manage
ment last month. Three weeks ago
Doyle went TO Mr.. Wagner and said:
owing TO continued i'll health, am
not giving you the services which the
salary you pay TO me demands. and
am compelled 10 ask you for an indefinite
AfiAt % s4A-St-llGt lllAI EdA EGi IN proper
condition. To tell the truth, Nj Wag-
ner, I would esteem il a great favor if
you would dispose Of my release. I am
confident that il would be for the best
interests Of your club and also be more
satisfactory TO me-
It was a manly and frank confession
and impressed MI Wagner. He, there
fore, did what any sensible man would
have done under the circumstances and
told Jack that he would assent to the
proposition. Mr.. Wagner then announced
that the release Of Doyle was on the
market and would go to the highest bid
der.
Is there anything in this transaction
on the part Of Mr.. Wagner which justi-
hes the censure of the public and the
press?
One writer asserts that Mr. Wagner IS
actuated by selfish motives and unmind-
ful Of the wishes of the public; that for
q few paltry dollars he would sacrifice
the best interests of the club by selling
Doyle. The writer then delves into ancient
history and goes all over the story Of the
sale Of Farrell and Meekin and displays
q great Ignorance Of the condition of
affairs existing at that time. The facts
in this case are that the sale of Farrell
and Meekin to New York was made more
from necessity than choice At the time
OF the transaction the club had just pass
ed through a poor season, and the man
agement was financially embarrassed.
Many Improvements were necessary on
the grounds and the sale was made TO
raise the funds necessary to pay for the
work.