The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-07
FEDERALS LAND ONLY
one GLOBE CIRCLER
Steve Evans Of Cardinals Hops,
but All Others Stay With
Their Old Clubs.
SPEAKER BATTLE CENTRE
Talks With Both Sides: Then
Signs With Red Sox-Sam
Crawford Sticks.
SPEAKER BATTLE CENTRE

1Fis speaker came to terms with Prest-
dent Joseph J. 1.annin Of the Boston Red
Sox last night for what is said to be the
largest salary ever paid a ball player and
bonus Of cash for signing his contract.
This was after an all day battle between
organized baseball and the Federal League
for the players services. Sam Crawford
signed up with his old employer. Frank
Navtn OF Detroit. Ivy Wingo and Lee
Magee made terms with the ST. Louis
Cardinals and Mike Dooian did tho same
with the Phillies. Walter Leverens signed
contract to pitch again for the st. Louis
Browns. Dick Esan could not reach a
decision with himself whether to go with
Brooklyn. as ne had promised Ebbets he
would do earlier in the day. or leap to
the Federals. Steve Evans Of the Car
dinals came out into the open and signed
to play in the young league. That is the
sum total OF the widest days scramble
after bail players that the game ever
has known
President Gilmore would not make a
statement last night but some Of his
cohorts insisted that Egan. Doolan and
perhaps Wingo and Magee might yet be
lured away
The attack centred upon Iris Speaker,
who was wanted badly to manage the
Brooklyn Federale. President Lannin
never had met the player. having pur
chased the club since the last season
closed He was introduced on the Lusi-
tania's deck by Ban johnson and the
Boston president said
I'VE want you In Boston. MIR. Speaker.
You may see Just how badly we want
you when ! offer you a blank contract.
You may MI In your own salary without
restrictions
Speaker flushed at the unexpected
words. but said he would not put his
name to contract until he had seen
and talked with the Federsis. This he
did at the Hotel Knickerbocker Every
argument and Establishment was used, but
Iris remained firm. 1t is said that the
Federals went TO $4,000 a year. but
there is no confirmation OF this amount.
Then he left for another conference with
Lannin and the deal was signed and
sealed.
sam Crawford lost no time in getting
to President Navin. The ball tossers
thought Sam was malcontcnt because
he has been preaching organization and
equity to his mates for years. There was
no haggling over price. Mr.. Navin named
a figure and Crawford accepted.
My baseball days are numbered" said
Crawford. II have been with you nina
years. Mr. Navin. I guess III end my
career with Detroit. We have "A home
there and I think II is the right thing
by my wife and family"
President Baker found he had
grievance to meet with Mike Doolan. who
was promised $500 extra salary for cap
tanning the Phllies one year before Baker
secured control OF the club. The question
was settled by the president handing over
that amount In cash. Salary demands
| also were disposed OF quickly and Baker
| considered his work done. Later the Fed
1 l.. II. st...s lH., ha.l Slt a
| Ing and Baker was told Of this.
| III he deserts after his promises to me
he In not the man think he Is" replied
Baker.
| Dick Egan was another man easy to
| approach. The Establishments Of Charles
II. Ebbets soon had him in a receptive
| frame Of mind and both announced that a
three years contract had been signed -
| Egan made a talk In which ne said he was
glad to got away from Cincinnati and
hoped 20 make good with Brooklyn. The
signing was verbal. Then the Feds got
hold OF Egsn and ushered him into the
presence OF lot Of money--more than
usually is seen In cash outside OF bank.
Egsn began TO waver. but he hadn't
stumbled last night. He was weighing
both sides. he said.
"Of course promised Ebbets" pleaded
Egan. hut when they wave $4,000 in your
face and tell you to keep it-yes, and go
| TO your own lawyer 10 draw up the con-
| tract for three years-any kind. you
know. not q regular baseball contract
and offer to strike out the release CLAUSE
and put three years salary In the bank.
and--well. II makes a fellow think mighty
hard. I can tell you
Steve Evans hah less conjunction. In
company with Magee and Wingo he had
promised to remain with the Cardinals at
a stipulated salary. This WAS done by
cable within the last two weeks But
, when Steve saw the Federal bankroll and
was told he might take a chunk out TO
play With ne lost his equilibrium entirely.
II IL said he will not be at the banquet
planned partially in hts honor At the Bit
more tonight.