Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-04-22
NATIONALS WIN.
Decision Rendered and the Re-
serve Clause Declared Legal.
Over Two Dozen Jumpers Must Leave
the American League.
a Crushing Blow, but the Fight Is by
No Means Ended.

Philadelphia, April 21.-The supreme
court, Monday, reversed the decision Of
the court of common pleas, No. 5, in
the case of Napoleon Lajoie VS.. the
Philadelphia National League Baseball
Club. This decision upholds the valid
ity of the reserve clause in the National
League contracts.
I.ajoie, who formerly played second
base for the National League club in
this city, signed with the Philadelphia
American League club for the season
Of 1901 and 1902. The Philadelphia
Baseball Club through Treas. John d.
Rodgers, entered suit to restrain La
joie from playing with the American
League. The lower court held that the
reserve clause was illegal, ana Col.
Rodgers carried the case to the su-
preme court, where the decision was
reversed.
If this decision stands it affects all
players who were subject to the re-
serve rule and who are now playing
with the American League.
The case attracted Widespread atten-
ton because of the question Of the
validity Of the reserve clause" in Ma
tionaI League contracts. The lower
court decided that the National League
contracts were lacking in mutually
and therefore oppressive to players who
desired to sign other contracts. The
lower courts dtcisiun bore especially
on the '10-days release notice clause"
and today's decision is in effect that
this clause is equitable.
Pitchers Frazer and Bernhard were
included in the Lajoie case, but their
names were withdrawn by agreement
of counsel. They are affected by to-
days decision.
Manager Shettsline Of the Philadel-
phia National League club, said. today:
1T is likely that all National League
players now playing with the Ameri-
can League will be ordered to report
at once at the National League
grounds. and in the event of their fail
ing to do so suits will be brought in
the cities in which they are now play
ing asking for injunctions restraining
them from taking part in any Ameri-
can League games
John /. Rogers, treasurer Of the Phila-
delphia baseball club, after receiving the
decision said:
THE decision of the supreme court Of
the ruling of the lower court, is COM
pletc vfndicatiOn for the PHILADELPHIA
Baseball club. Not only has the court
sustained our argument in full but it has
gone stil further in its rulings. We
shall serve notice at once not only upon
Lajoic, Bernhard and Frazer, who were
mentioned in the decision. but also upon
Deehanty. Flick, Monte Cross. Wolvcr-
ton, Duggleby, Orth, Townsend aud Nc
Farland. to report at once for duty at the
Philadelphia ban park.
while we cannot force these men to
play for our club. by the ruling of the
supreme court we can restrain them from
playing on any other club in the state OF
Pennsylvania. 300
should these players attempt to take
part i'm any baseball contest outside OF
the state Of Pennsylvania we shall bring
suit against the players and the manage
mcnt of the club for which they play for
heavy damages. | shall apply at once
in view OF tho courts decision, for an in
junction against these players, which viii
he issued in the ordinary course OF
events, rs the supreme courts decision Is
imperative ana will 50 into effect at
once.
President l.. +. Shibe Of the Phladol-
phia American League club. declined "a
discuss the decision Of the court or It's
probable effect.