Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-17
ER00klYN AND BALTIMORE
Base Ball Clubs AmaIgsmate-Talk Of Two
Eigh!-cub Leagues.

New York, Dec. 1G.-That something of
a startling nature was to be sprung dur
Ing the meeting of the National Base Ball
League, which has been in session for the
last four days al the Fifth Avenue hotel,
was an open secret, and. today, when the
announcement was made that the BROOK
lyn and Baltimore clubs had amalga-
mated, 10 one was surprised. The deal
had been talked of frequently during the
week and IL was thoroughly discussed IN
the Hobbies of the hotel by the base Dall
men. AS business venture the deal is
regarded as a promising one, financially,
for both clubs. They have lately been
losing money 3Sy the terms OF the ANAL
SamatiOn the respective clubs shall pool
all gains and losses Those who figure d
profit on the Brooklyn end say that this
will more than counterbalance the Balti-
more losses, next October.
The players who are spoken of as being
likely to De transferred from Baltimore
to Brooklyn are: Pitcher Hughes, Catcher
Clark, Kelley Kee'er, Jennings. McGann,
Demontrevnle, Corbett, Maui ana Nc
James. Manager Ned Hanlon vii! have
charge OF The Brooklyn aggregation, and
William BaTnie is talked OF as his sue
csssJr in Baltimore.
Many persons Who claim to have inside
Information are of the opinion that there
will be two leagues of eight clubs each
under the governing hand Of the Natl nal
League by next season. They say that
the l2-ciub schedule has been found to be
prove quite as difficult proposition. and
that eight of the leading clubs should be
/ brought together in a, major league and
the four remaining should form the nu-
| cleuS of a minor league
| Under the 1G-year agreement, which has
| yet TWO years to run, no club can resign,
nor can it be forced out of the league.
except by unanimous vote. With Cleve-
! land going to St. Louis and the LOUIS
Vile club purchased by the league. 10
clubs would stiM remain, and of these it
| m ight be possible that Washington and
Baltimore would, for a financial consider
alton, drop into minor league. That the
| magnates are unwilling TO buy out any
| club and saddle the league with a heavy
| debt, lis generally believed, and those who
| urge the double league of eight teams
each claim that it is the only possible and
practicable solution of the l2-club sched,,
ule. The matter has not been discussed
| at any of the sessions thus far.
| 1t was said, today that j. Earl Wagner
Of Washington, favored non-Sllnday-
Boston. Philadelphia Washington, Pitts
burg, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago
brooklyn. Philadelphia Athletic, Balti-
more. Cincinnati, Chicago. st; Louis,
Providence and Louisville or indianapolis
clubs Mr.. Wagner may make this prop
The delegates were occupied, today, in
discussing the Philadelphia agreement
which has just expired. BY it, all visit
son who entered the grounds during the
last six years. and Col. John |. Rogers IS
anxious that TINS arrangement snoulu De
continued. He argued that the Pailadel-
phia club had paid out more money 10
visiting clubs on this basis than any
other club, and produced statistics 10
back up his assertion.
Billy Nash, who was spoken of in con-
nection with the captalncy OF the New
Yorks. stated. today, that he could not
make satisfactory arrangements and that
The deal was off. Nash mas opened nego-
fiations with the Buffalo club. which has
iusr Joined the Western League. with
view to becoming captain and manager.
The Philadelphia club bought, Pitcher
Frazer from the Louisville club, today.
"Buck' Ewing has made a money offer
in addition TO some players for Pitcher
Rusie Later living called off the pro-
nosai waich he had made to Ny. Day for
the purchase of Amos .Rusie. Manage
Day could not see President Freedmen t9
submit the proposition and Buck declared
If off. Messrs. Rogers and Hart were APP
pointed, today. as committee on amend
ments to the constitution ana they are 70
report at the next meeting. -, ia
The session was continued until mid
night, discussing the Philadelphia admis-
SIN fee and then adjourned.