Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-01
erican League Clubs.
of National League Clubs.

Surprises in the base ball world are
coming thick and fast the last two weeks
and this morning another one was sprung
when it was learned that Outfielder Sell
bach had been traded to Boston for Out
fielder ONeill. The trade Will undoubt-
eddy be a good one for both clubs, as Sell
bach has outlived his usefulness in WASH
ington and ONeill was considered one OF
the best batters and 1ielders in the West
ern Lea que last season.
At one time Setback was very popular
in Washington, but he became dlsgruhtled
over a heavy fine levied during the last
western trip of the Senators. took little
interest in his work and as result many
OF his admirers drifted away, the climax
coming when he made his three errors IN
one game. In the face of recent transact
lions Selbach was absolutely worthless to
the Washington club and a trade of any
sort would nave been beneficial, but to
secure such an excellent man as O'Neill
can be credited as good luck. With the
Bostons Setback will vie with Doughefty
in demonstrating in a way that each club
was wrong in giving them their releases,
and both teams will be benefited. There
is no doubt about Selbach's playing abil-
ity, but his lines must fall in pleasant
places for him to do his best work, and he
cannot ask for more than to be associ-
ated with such great ones as Collins,
Freeman. Parent and Stahl
The report that Setback was under con-
sideration when Dougherty was traded to
New York is all moonshine. Manager Col
Inns thought that O'Neill could fill Dough-
ertys shoes, and perhaps he would nave
done ii under ordinary circumstances, but
being a young player the great furry no
doubt ratified him and prevented him doing
his best work. Collins was quick to see
this. and knowing that Setback could be
had he made haste communicating with
President Johnson and the loca. officials,
and the deal was brought about in short
order. The acquisition of Selbach will be
a good thing for the Boston club. as it will
quiet the cry of syndicate ball, and also the
one that New York was to be "ShOoed in
to the championship. When going right
Setback is the equal of Dougherty in every
thing: batting. fielding and base running,
and that Kip" will substantiate this goes
without saying. All Collins will have to do
is to make Selbach understand that he is
in for his last trial as first-class ball play
err and the "Dutchmau" will break his neck
making good. Selbach's usefulness was
ended with the Washington club just as
soon as he learned that the deal whereby
he was to be traded to New York for An
derson had fallen through. He knew that
this years salary would never go with
Washington next summer, but with New
York he had chance of getting it,. From
that time to the present Setback became
somewhat careless in his habits, and the
climax was not long delayed.
Manager Donovan was responsible for
the breaking off of the trade with New
York. as he argued that a player wanted
so badly by Manager Griffith would be a
good man to keep. In addition every man
on the Washington team plugged Sell
bach's game along to Donovan, and he
thought he was making the right move.
Since that time Donovan has had a chance
to thoroughly size up Setback. and it can
be stated on good authority that he will
heartily welcome O'Neill to the Senatorial
fold
O'Neil played last season with the Mil
waukee club of the Western League. which
won the championship of that body He
took part in 1O2 games, So of which were
played In the outtield and II at second
base. His record on the season stands:
Runs, 10I; hits, 147; total bases POS; sac
rifices. 10; stolen bases, 43: batting per-
centage, $780, fielding percentage. SIT. At
the end of the season Manager Duffy OF the
Milwaukees recommended O'Neill to Man
ager Collins. He is a clean-cut. well-pro-
portioned athlete, extremely fast on his
feet and credit to the national game in
department. O'Neill will join the Sena-
tors in New York tomorrow. while Setback
will be In left field for the champions at
Boston.
A telegram from President Johnson of the
American League was received by an off,
cial of the club last evening saving that
he had been detained in Chicago by jury
summons, and that he would probably be
IN Washington next week.
A heavy rain soaked the New York
grounds yesterday afternoon and the gume
between the Senators and Highlanders had
to be called off. The two teams will meet
this afternoon. Tomorrow a doubleheader
will be played and a gala occasion is ex-
pected, as Walter Clarkson will pitch one
or the games for New York. The Harvard
Yale game will be played in the morning,
and afterward the students will have a
chance to see their old college Chum Off
clate in his first contest as q professional
The Senators return home tomorrow night
and play two games with the Ros.ons ON
Monday morning and afternoon. The local
fans VIII then have a chance TO see Sell
bach in Boston uniform and also size up
O'Neill in left field for the Senator's.