Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-01
BASE BALrPROSPECTS
With Joe Kelleyas Captain Senators
Might DdWelL
WILL NOT STAND POOR EXHIBITION
Talk Of Selling McGraw and Rob-
inson to New York.
CURRENT SPORTING NEWS
CURRENT SPORTING NEWS

The magnates Of the National League
have been tndustriousiy signing their play
ers during the past week, and yesterday 1t
was given out that the local magnate J.
Earl Wagner, had resigned Catcher Nc
Manus Last fall McManus was returned
to the Atlantic League Club, from which he
was obtained, and It was thought at the
time that Manager. Hanlon had captured
him for the Baltimore or Brooklyn club.
During McManus' short stay in Washing
ton he made many friends and demonstrate
ed that he is capable Of holding his own in
the big league and make a fit running mate
for Kittridge.
Notwithstanding the report sent out from
Baltimore last night to the effect that Nc
Graw and Robinson have been sold to the
New York club, the owners of the Wash
ington franchise maintain that ten clubs
will be In the league, and that the Senators
when the season opens. The sale of Din
neen. Freeman and Barry to the Boston
club was heartbreaker to the dyed-in-the-
wool fans of Washington, but If the Sena-
tors are to play out the coming season the
MessrS. Wagner would make q ten-strike
should they turn around and do some buy
Ing themselves.
Strengthening the Senators.
The sale Of the clever trio of Senators
was not such a terrible ''weakener'' to the
right field is properly filed. 1t is reported
by Mr.. Wagner that $500 was the sum
realized from the sale Of players named to
Boston, and If the local magnates are wise
$500 will be added to this sum and SO 900
turned over to Manager Hanlon for Out
Fred Ely would strengthen the club con-
siderably, but not within 80 per cent Of
that under Kelley's leadership.
Donovan is frst-class player, nearly
Init % al4r H.
the knowledge and energy hammered into
the Brooklyn captain through his associa-
ton with Managers Hanlon and McGraw
With Kelley in left field, and given abso-
Lutte charge Of the team the Senators would
undoubtedly play their best, and as a re-
suit good ball would be forthcoming With
donovan in charge repetition of last sea-
sons exhibitions would naturally follow on
account of the lack of energy and knowl-
edge necessary to make tail-end club a
winner.
Mr.. Wagner has given it out at numerous
times that he is willing to spend money to
strengthen his club. and on the face of
things the present time seems to be his
golden opportunity. His sale of the trio
Oh senators to Boston cannot be con-
demned. as he was given to understand
that the Washington club was to be thrown
out of the National League, but should Mr.
Wagner desire to revive interest in the ma
tional game in Washington a sensational
purchase Of this sort would assuredIy brine,
about the desired end. Manager McGraW
took hold of team Of players certainly in
ferior to the Washington outfit, and through
clever handling made fame and money Joe
Kelley is built intellectually on the same
lines as those Possessed by little 'Mugsy,"
ana treat givef to the Washington pa
irons like the one offered Baltimore last
season would simply create sensation TO
place it mildly.
The Local Feeling,
In an interview with a prominent local
patron of the game today. an Evening Star
reporter cleaned several pertinent facts
This gentleman said:
Mr. Wagner sold Dinneen, Freeman and
Barry to Boston through a misunderstood
ing OF the action Of the leagues circuit re-
ouctlon committee and under the circum-
stances this sale can be overlooked But
ne secured $500 in clear, cold cash and
unless ne puts this money out again for a
man ike Joe Kelley he might as well close
ms ms gates and go out of business as far as
tiiis CITY Is concerned. Washington will not
stand for another season of bum base ball
because the local patrons are simply dis,
gusted and discouraged
, Inc Baltimore magnates maintain that
their franchise is worth $4,000 to them
Wnlle MT wagner has set his price at S45-
w AT the beginning of last season the
Baid I club could have been bought for
S5ooO, yet their simple action Of placing a
great little man like McGraw at the head
OF the team advanced their financial hold
1ngs fully $4,000. The same chances "a
open 10 the MeSssrs. Wagner In nlacins
Kelley at the head of the Senators and if
requires put very little nerve on their mart
70 Drlng about this situation. Unless some
thlng IKE this Is done base ball will be a |
dead letter in Washington the coming sum