Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-05-01
ny JAMrs }. CoRnETT.

THE highest salary ever earned
during my major league career was
$500" asserted Connie Mack. in re-
viewing has baseball life. And l am
frank to confess that the money was
given to me because OF wartime con-
ditions rather than because it was fig
ured l was worth such princcly
stipend of those days.
Through 1890 the Brotherhood stag
Sered along to its doom. Before the
season ended it was apparent to most
OF the baseball folks that the players
organization wouldn't go through an
other season. Just the same, the Ma
tional League folks weren't taking
any chances. Therefore. even before
the playing season of 1890 ended, their
agents were abroad lining up as many
The more men they got back into the
fold, the surer they were that the
Brotherhood wouldn't open it's gates
in 1891.
Joins Pittsburgh Team.
'.Sizeable salaries were used as the
lure. The one that influenced me TO
rejoin the National came from Pitts
burgh. guess if those fellows had
offered ME $1,000 instead of $500
would have signed just the same.
! realized it was case of playing in
the National In 1891 or go back to the
minors. for knew that the players
league was through.
Tho baseball war of 1890 not only
caused financial ruin. for those behind
the new organization. hut terrific
losses as we'll for the National. The
whole foundation Of the game was
shaken by the revolt and baseball was
dealt a staggering blow. It's lovers
became disguised with wartime tao
tics. and for some years aftcrward
continued very, apathetic. The Pitts
owners. like those of the other Ma
tional clubs. hoped that their fortunes
might be rehabi!itated in 1891 and 1892.
But disappointment came TO them.
Only Corpornrs Guard Out.
The attendance through 1891 and
1892 was pitifully small. Oftentimes.
when look back over those days.
when only corporal's guard OF fans
! marvel at the courage displayed by
the men who were sinking their money
into the national rastime on the bare
turn for the better. Weak after
week only handful Of fans turned
out and the hopcd-for return OF the
cnthusinsts did not materializc in 1891
or in 1892.
Interest in baseball was at a low
ebb everywhere and 1t seemed its low
expected 10 be summoned by the mag
mates and told that the sponge had
heen tossed into the ring. And one
called into the club office. ten sorrow
ful-looking athletes. fearing the worst.
The club president said TO us:
Two Weeks Without Pay.
Boys. we are faced now with the
alternative of releasing You fellows
outright and quitting the baseball sea-
son, or Of getting you to work the last
two weeks Of the season without pay.
What's your answer?
There was but one answer and We
made 1t quickly.
SURE we said: we'll play the last
n 81
owners called us TO them again. One
OF the macnates, after briefly out
lining financial conditions of the club
"'''''sU --,ase ssipg 50 try it for another
season. but Ne can't pay you boys
what You have been getting in the
We are ready now to sign UP each of
You for the season OF 1893 at $4,000
A season, and guarantee you full pay
ment But 10 get that salary you'n
nave TO sign up right now. If you
don't the best offer we'll make you
IN the spring is s2.100.'
Decide TO Sign Up.
There was almost a unanimous
chorus from the players.
did anu We
Each OF us sacrificed from 500 to
sr'oG in comparison with the contracts
were lucky at that. Baseball was in
Such had way right then that we
know II the game was going to be
saved its salvation depended not only
well.
The sea son OF 1898 wasn't much bet
years. But in 1sa4 the breaks began
TO favor the magnates The crowds
started 10 come back and then slowly.
but surely. began the really golden
era OF tho national game" -Copyrigbt,
1912. by King Features Syndicate. Inc.