The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-01
Would Spend Fortune to Give
Boston Red Sox an American
League Flag.

BOSTON, Aug. 1.-Buying a major
league baseball club for $500, 900 Is not
a myth. Joseph J. Lannin paid that
amount Of cash for the Boston Red
Sox, the money being equally divided
between Gen. Charles H. Taylor and
his son, John I. Taylor. who recently
sold 30 per cent of the stock. and the
McAleer-M cRoy interests. which were
purchased last December. Lannin. in
les than eight months, because of the
investment. has become one of the most
popular men in Boston, and also pop
ular magnate in the affairs Of the Amer
lean League.
From the position of bellboy in the
Parker House in the Hub, more than
thirty years ago. Lannin has been won
derfully successful as the builder of
many hotels and apartment houses ana
as Il developer of real estate. Having
amassed a fortune, Lannin.. who has
followed baseball as a fan ever since
he was a schoolboy. decided three years
ago that he could find time to devote to
the ownership OF major league club
He wanted recreation and excitement
and he knew that baseball would fur
nish both.
Boston Nationals. but John NJ. Ward
and James f. CARNEY secured that
club before he could put in hid. lie
bought some of the stock, however. and
was elected a director. but that proved
to be TOO tame. When James r. Nc
Aleer fred Jake Stahl from the man
agement of the Red SOX in the summer
of 1913, therefore. Lannin realized that
a change of ownership was inevitable.
So he quietly opened negotiations with
President Ban Johnson. of the Amert-
can League. who readily accepted his
proposition.
Although he controlled only half the
stock and had been elected president OF
the Red Sox with the votes % the Tay-
lors. Lannin found himself in a trying
predicament when Iris Speaker re-
turned from the worlds tour in March.
Speaker had received big offer from
the Federais. but Lannin promptly
showed his nerve and liberality by
signing Speaker to a two-ycars' contract
calling for a total OF $4,000.
II was this fearless policy that made
Lannin n big man in tn" American
League. for had he allowed Speaker to
get away from him the Red Sox would
have received a fatal Knockout blow.
1t was with a feeling of general salts
faction, therefore, that the American
League men soon learned that Lannin
was ready to buy out the Taylors' in
the new owner of the Red SOx made a
ten-strike I'm Boston.
II didn't buy the Red Soy with the
idea OF making big profits" said Lam
min. although some persons nav not
believe me. / love baseball, and I be-
lieve that after thirty years OF hard
labor as business man ] am entitled
to some amusement. If the club breaks
even this year or loses some money I
will feel satisfied, for I am trying to
build up the team so that Boston fans
will soon be able to boast of another
worlds championship.
when the Red Sox defeated the
Giants in the worlds series in 1912 no.
body enthused more than I did II was
a bitter disappointment when the team.
through unfortunate internal troubles
and many accidents. finished far behind
the leaders last year. But now we are
playing good ball again, and | really
believe that We are going 10 give the
Athletics a hard fight for the pennant
before the preent eaon end. II is my