Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-01-22
PLAYERS CURBED
BY NEW CONTRACTS
Clause 3 Prohibits Barn
storming, Football or
Other Athletic Sport
FULTZ WAS A STAR
PLAYER IN 1902

contract which has never been dis
cussed-owing to the ball players
strike-is that the new document is so
worded as to prevent any future barn
storming trips, or the participation in
any other outdoor sport-football, bas-
ketball, inside baseball or any other
athletic sport.
In fact the clause might be so inter-
preted to prevent a player ice skating
or indulging in any outdoor activity
which might come within the defini-
ton of athletic sport.
The clause dealing with this case is
cleverly worded. While the player
signs for a period of only six months
the player actually binds up his activi-
ties for the entire twelve months; in
asmuch. as the contract reads that
THE player further agrees that
during the term Of this contract he
will not, except with the consent OF
league, engage during the
league season, or at any other
time in any game or exhibition OF
baseball. football, etc.
While in one part of the contract IL
is stated that the player during the
term OF this contract is bound to
these conditions, in few lines further
down the fact is mentioned that he is
bound not only for the league season,
hut for "any time"
VIII Prevent transforming.
Whether this clause would stand a
legal acid test, test case in the courts
would have 10 bring forth. There Is
no question, however, about the inter
probation which the major league club
owners will put on it, While the idea
of a twelve month contract was re-
jected by the National League through
clause 3. the owner certainly intends
TO have jurisdiction over the player
throughout the year.
It also is interesting to note that
the contract reads, the player must
appeal to the league and not to his
club for permission TO engage In any
outside exhibition game
This clause strictly enforced Will
prevent all transforming trips, win
ter leagues Of major league players,
big leaguers managing basketball
teams, as Hans Wagner used to do, or
playing football as Jim Thorpe did
last fall.
a one year contract expires can the
PLAYER be held by this clause II his
contract lasted only from April to
October? The clause in question fol-
lows:
Clause 8. The player agrees to rem
der for the club owner. at such times
and places during the term Of this
contract as the club owner shall
designate. his best services as ball
nlaver: and he agrees to keep him-
self in the best possible physical con-
dition from the date hereof until the
termination Of this contract; and the
violation of either Of the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph shall be
such a breach of contract as shall
entitle the club owner either to termi-
nate this contract forthwith. by writ
ton notice. or TO suspend the player.
bv written notice. without pay until
tbe club owner is satisfied that the
plaver is ready. able and willing to
resume his services in the manner In
this paragraph provided. The player
further agrees that, during the term
Of this contract he will not, except
with the consent of the American
League. engage either during the
other time in any game or exhibition
Of baseball. football, basketball or
other athletic sport, except as herein
provided.
Fultz's Career.
since Dave Fultz has become the
storm center OF the baseball strike
numerous requests have been received
for information as TO what kind Of
q
ago since Davey wore the spangle'
and almost dashed out his brain'
against the skull OF Kid Elberfeld OF
the old Hilltop grounds, but the far
quickly forgets.
Early i'm Fultz's major league ca
reer he showed every promise of be
coming one Of the real big stars o
the game. but instead OF getting better
Dave reached his height soon aftel
he came into the American League
and then began to go back. Fult
plaved baseball and football at Brow
University. being especially proficien
NJ the gridiron game. In the late 80
he was one of the leading halfbacks Il
the Fast.
Fultz played in the middle Yves
after getting out OF college and wal
once bought by Ebbets but nevel
was given a tryout. He joined thu
Athletics in 1901, the year Mack pu
a team in Philadelphia, and quickl,
developed into a star. He hit ~
and stole SO bases.
In 1902 Fultz gave promise OF de
Welcoming into a real topliner. He al
WAYS was very fast at college ant
was a dangerous man on the bases
PLAYING center field on Macks mrs
Philadelphia champions. Fultz HI
400. stole as bases. and in a 40 gam
season led his league in run gettinl
with 40 runs.
The next year the entire league was
called upon to dig up material {
Mace an all star team in New forl
10 oppose the Giants. Mack gave M
'Fultz. as he was no longer able e
meet the Brown mans salary de
mands However, Dave was bis
disappointment I'm New York an'
never again played the game he ha'
shown in Philadelphia. He hit .240 II
1909. .27S in 1904 and .232 in 1905.
II was during the latter part OF tn
1905 season that Fultz had his col
lision with Elberfeld, which almos
closed the earthly career Of both bal
PLAYERS. Fultz retired after that e
devote all his time 10 his law prac
tice. and until the organization OF the
Fraternity was associated by the pub
1ic more with football than with base