The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-01-01

YANKEES FINALLY SOLD
BY FRANK T. FARRELL
President Ban johnson Announced Yesterday Afternoon That
Colonel RUPERT and Captain Huston Had Purchased
the Club-Donovan Will Be the Manager

New York, Dec. 3l.--Colonel Jacob
Rupert. SJr., and Captain Tillinghast
Huston finally purchased the New York
American League baseball club from
Frank J. Farrell. William S. Devery, ct
al. at the Hotel wolcott this after
noon.
This deal. which had hung fire for
several weeks, was officially an
nounced by President Ban johnson at
exactly AIS p. NJ.
THE transfer has been effected dit
was Bans representative who spoke),
and everyone IL perfectly satisfied.
Colonel Rupert will act as president
Of the club under the new regime. Cap
tain Huston will serve as secretary and
treasurer.
wild Bill Donovan will manage
The other officials have not yet been
selected"
The foregoing comprised the official
!. statement Rupert and Huston were
as mum as proverbiai mice on the sit
uation,. 1t leaked out, however, that
James L. Price. who has acted as a bull
wark to Ban in all OF the negotiations
will be coerced into accepting posi-
ton as business manager of the new
combine. Several other minor officers
must befilled, and for them a host OF
= well-regarded applicants have been
suggested.
In keeping with the mystery that has
surrounded all OF the negotiations for
the purchase of the club. q strange pail
of silence fell over the principals when
the official announcement was made.
Mr.. Johnson vooiferously declared that
the new owners were prepared 10 pro-
vide for the local team team in keep
ing with the traditional glory of New
York. This statement was borne out
by both RUPERT and Huston. The new
partners declared they would have Il
plant OF their own before another two
years.
But from the closely counselled from
the old order came different story.
This was TO the effect that the New
Yorks would continue 20 utilize the
very choice conveniences OF the Polo
Grounds. The story has got out that
Ban Johnson was able TO close with
President Harry n. Hampstead for
term OF years on the Brush Stadium
proposition.
Frank j. Farrell. the retiring head
Of the local club, went out with the
most clean escutcheon;
Il gained my point said ne. for !
got my price. Certainly I am most
sorry 10 retire from the game which l
love. But / feel that I have been we'll
repaid for all the efforts and disap-
pointments. confess my luck as
promoter was not such as | had hoped.
But TO the new owners 40 out my en-
tire friendship and sympathy. The very
least / can hope. III view Of the glad
new year, is that under Rupert and
Huston the eth wins u worlds cham
pionship In 1915"
President Ban Johnson paid a glow
ing tribute to the retiring club presi-
dent.
wild Bill" Donovan, the new man
REer Of the New Works. is one of the
most striking characters of organized
baseball. In his prime few pitchers
were more effective. He was associated
with Washington and Brooklyn of the
old National League before he jumped
In former war time. to the Detroit
Tigers. In the city Of the straits wild
Bill" always stood out prominently as
star with poor supporting cast
Upon the arrival of Hughie Jennings. in
1907, the old boy finally found himself
and was most instrumental In winning
three successive championships for Sir
HuShie. In 1909 his record topped ali
the pitchers OF organized baseball
Though his team was beaten three
times in the worlds series~-twice by
the. Cubs and once by the Pirates---the
work of Donovan always stood away
out by itself In these games
No man ever faced 4 more stupeatious
TASK than that which confronted Ban
Johnson when he came here to close
the deal which resulted in the recent
change of ownership, There were a
thousand and one intricate angles that
had to be smoothed out No less than
three times today Ban himself threw
up his hands in despair The wise eoun-
sci Of John +. Bruce on number of
occasions. throttied possible, compiica-
ticns. Rupert and Huston, new to
the game OF baseball, maintained their
just right of feeling the way before
taking the leap. Which, doubtless. re-
dounds to their credit and promises
hearty action once they put the hand
TO the plough.
Ban Johnson denied a rumor to the
effect that American League capital
had helped to swing the deal the way
Of Rupert and Huston.
we are not M liberty at this time
to announce the terms of SALE said
the American League president, but
can heartily assure you that Colonel
RUPERT and Captain Huston own every
share of stock of the club
Captain Huston said that Manager
Bill Donovan would be given every en-
enlargement to work out the salvation
Of the local club. Bill will be here
from Philadelphia Saturday to take
charge His first duty will be that of
Selecting a spring training camp II
u believed that some city in Florida
will be- given the honor. Half a doben
] have been suggested, though as yet
wild Bill' has not spoken.