The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-07-06

The disbandment of the Scranton
base ball club and the release of the
players, as exclusively mentioned in
The Tribune, was fully carried out yes
terday, when all the members of the
team were paid their salaries and given
permission to sign elsewhere.
At the meeting of the directors Tues
day evening the matter was fully dis
cussed and ii was deemed advisable
to close up matters at once, before any
additional expense was incurred Three
of the directors who were in favor of
continuing the club could not afford
to drop any more money into the game
and the other two, who were finan-
cially able, would not make any fur
ther outlay for the continuance, so the
majority voted to disband.
In speaking of the matter yesterday
one of the directors informed The Tri-
bune representative that it cost $40 a
day to keep the club and it was
thought best to quit the game while
they were able to pay off their indebt-
edness. They have lost money, but the
sale of Dillon and Lippert enabled
them to come out nearly even. A team
that won't pay before July will sell
dom make money after and it was de-
cided best to throw up the whole busi-
ness.
BEFORE SEASON OPENED.
Before the season opened nearly SO, 500
was invested for the franchise, ad-
vance money, repairs and other eX-
penses and the directors have a lease
on the ball park until the first of next
April. Messrs. Costello, Fleming and
Long were in favor OF continuing the
club and endorsed Manager Swift's
proposition to strengthen the team,
but Directors Robinson and Finn re-
fused to put any money into the fund
for that purpose and while a verbal
agreement was practically made, it did
not materialize as was expected.
1t is understood that a proposition
had been made by Manager Swift to
release either Hodson or keenan, and
secure a high salaried pitcher instead,
and had Massey and Householder ma
terialized, as expected, a different state
of affairs might have existed, but Mas
sey contract with Buffalo did not ex-
pire until yesterday and he wired the
manager of the Scranton club his ac-
ceptance of the terms offered. The
telegram came too late, however, and
now Massey is out of an engagement.
Regarding Householder, it is likely
that he will remain with Buffalo, as
Lippert will not be able to join the
team for some time. He is suffering
from blood poisoning. caused by being
cut by a piece of glass, and is more
seriously afflicted than at first sup
posed.
Director Long received an offer from
Buffalo shortly after the team disband-
ed yesterday for Center Fielder Knoll,
but they can have him for the asking
now. If terms can be satisfactorily ar
ranged Knoll will probably join Buff
falo at once.
OFFER FOR DOHERTY.
1t was learned yesterday that Mana
ger Arthur Irwin, of Washington
made an offer while here for Doherty s
release and that Risley could also have
been sold last week, but owing to the
verbal agreement made between the
directors regarding the strengthening
of the team the offers were refused.
Fortunately, the majority of the di-
rectors saw the beginning Of the end
of the clubs career and accepted Buff
falo's offer for Dillon and Lippert, but
they honestly believed that the players
offered in exchange would materially
strengthen the club, and anticipating
their appearance for the Fourth oi
July games and a probable victory
over Wilkes-Barre, they could still re.
tain the public confidence in the team
but the weakened condition of the
club and the loss Of both games prac,
tically settled the whole matter.
With the disbandment OF the Allan,
tic league club in this city the future
prospects for professional ball il
Scranton are very discouragIng. Tn,
experiences of four different sets o.
directors in the International, Eastern
State and Atlantic leagues have beer
about the same and none OF them eve
made any money out OF the game.
In all probability the majority OF tn,
players will find places on other teami
before the week is out. Manage
Swift has been negotiating for his ole
position as pump runner In the mine
at Archibald and as manager OF tn
Sunsets, and, together with Catche
Flanaghan, will return 10 their nativ
town,
O'NEILL SENT TERMS.
Catcher John o'Neill yesterday re
ceived three kilograms to join Toront,
On the Eaatarn laap1a MANAGE Tr