The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-28

Knisely had narrow escape from being hurdled to the Federal league club. He had agreed to desert the Birmingham team yesterday morning to jump to the Chicago Federal league club. Through the activity of Scout Mickey" Malloy, the agent of the outlaws he received $500 in cash as part of bonus. With promises of a fat contract upon his arrival in Chi cago, the Teuton was ready to go.
 But luckily, as he was on his way to the ball park, he encountered President R. H. Baugh and c. H. Thomas presi- dent of the Chicago Cubs. He had a conference with them. Advised that the Cubs would better any offer made by the Federals, Knisely agreed to return the $500 to the outlaws after F. J. Smyer, a local attorney, had been consulted. It was arranged to return this money to the Chicago Federals and then the prop osition of his signing with the Cubs was looked into. Finally the bonus propos- tion was arranged and it was agreed to give the threatening player a three-year contract for s5000 a year with the ten It. vided that his salary was to start at the moment of signing and that he was to report to the Chicago club as soon as he could arrange his affairs.
 Naturally feel highly elated," Knise- ly said last night. But early yesterday morning. I had intended going to the Chicago Feds. In fact, I received $500 advance money from Scout Malloy on a telegraphed order from Chicago. had reached no agreement as to salary or as to the term of years. All of that was to be arranged when I got there. Then talked to MT. Baugh and MT. Thomas.
 Returns $500 to Feds
 They said that I was making a mis- take taking this money without signing any papers as to what it was for. I saw that I was wrong, agreed to return it, for Mir. Thomas told me that the Cubs would give me more than expected from the Feds. Although had agreed to jump for $500 cash. a provision was made that was-to get a s4000 bonus.
 We talked over matters and finally decided that l was to get salary of 5000 year, starting at the time I signed the paper. It was to run for three years and was to be without the ten-day clause He told me that it was the fattest con tract a ball player, leaving the Southern league. ever got. don't know when will leave Birmingham exactly, but I in- tend to join the Cubs in Philadelphia either Wednesday or Thursday.
 When asked just what proposition he had made to the Federals, Knisely re- piled that it was somewhat indefinite
 Every word The Age-Herald printed was true, and I will swear to anything you had me quoted on. I talked to Mickey Malloy in John D's restaurant Saturday night. I made him a proposi- tion. It was my intention tp go if I could get the money. I wanted $4OOO for Jumping to the Federals for it is worth good deal to take the chance We did not discuss the terms of the salary l was to get in case I jumped He saw me after I signed with the Cubs and said that he wished I had given him another crack at signing me, for he was willing to pay more money than the Ma tfonals would give. He said he wanted me bad''
 Will Burn Up League
 m going up there and burn LID that league. I said I was going to hit 35o in this league and I did it. didn't I? Well you just watch me up there. I'm going to play regularly in the outfield, Mr Thomas told me-"
 Reports of the signing of the contract vary. President Thomas asserts thot Knisely was signed shortly after If o'clock, while the player says if was done shortly before the game was to start At any event Knisely did not reach Redwood park until nearly 4 o'clock.
 The departure of Knisely will see inc return of Manager Carlton Moleswortb into active service. After a retirement of several years, the Baron manager will sign playing contract and will serve in the capacity of utility man. Charlie Carroll will be played regularly in tbe outfield. while Red" Stewart and CIvde Mcbride will cover the other fields Molesworth stated last night that 1t would be impossible to land another outfieIder capable of replacing Knisely and that he had decided to re-enter active service.
 T am in shape to play now" Manager Molesworth said, "and I will sign a playing-manager's contract tomorrow. If Is my intention of filling the utility role and shifting Carroll to the outfield as q regular. I have been working out daily since retiring and feel that I can fill the breach acceptably. I will appear on the coaching lines from now on.' Molesworth has not played for over three years, but in batting practice has evidenced that he still retains his keen eye He may appear as a pinch hitter in any game