Clipping:A player expelled for attempted revolving; reinstated
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| Date | Thursday, June 15, 1882 |
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| Text | While the Cincinnati Club was in the East, they were solicited by Henry T. Luff for an engagement. He had just been released by the Detroits. The Cincinnatis concluded to give him a trial at first base, but he refused to sign on conditions, and said it must be for the season or not at all. For the season it was, therefore. In the absence of an official blank a contract was drawn up in writing, wherein Luff agreed and bound himself to play for the cincinnati Club till October 1 at a stipulated sum per month. Also, to be governed by all the rules and regulations of the American Association. It further stipulated that he should sign an official contract to replace the written one when opportunity presented itself. He played with the Cincinnatis in the East, and on their return to Cincinnati continued to so play. Meanwhile he was several times requested to call on the Secretary and replace the verbal contract by a written one. This he promised to do, but failed to fulfill his contract. Yesterday the official contract, regularly filled out, was put inot Manager Snyder’s hands, with a request that he hunt up Luff and have him sign it at once. At noon he reported that Luff refused to sign the contract, and would give no reasons therefor. The Secretary meanwhile had accidentally discovered that Luff had for several days past been carrying on a correspondence by letter and telegraph with Manager James O’Rourke, of the Buffalo Club. Suspecting treachery, he hunted Luff up, coming across him at the Crawford House. He also and again solicited Luff to replace his original contract. The latter said no, he would play the base until the Club could replace him, and then he would accept his release. He was told that the Club did not want to give him his release. Still he would not sign. He further denied that he was intending treachery to the Cincinnati Club. Finally he said he would probably sign the contract this morning, but he was told that the Board would met at 5 o’clock, and something must be done by that time. Then he told the Secretary he would call before 5. This promise was also broken. When the Board met at 5 o’clock the case was laid before them. They sent for Mr. Luff to appear before them. He appeared, and, in the kindest manner possible, he was asked to consummate his written agreement and sign the contract. He again refused. When suddenly told that the Board knew he had been corresponding with the buffalo Club he acknowledge it and had the gall to say that nothing came of it, as he had put his figures too high for them. He steadfastly refused to sign the contract. When convinced that he had acted dishonorably with them and meant to do so whenever an opportunity should offer, the Club promptly and in his presence expelled him and entered their action upon their minutes. Secretary Williams was notified by wire immediately and also by mail with a full statement of the case and the contract inclosed. Mr. Luff was surprised into acknowledging his negotiations with the Buffalos, and at the same time expressed surprise and wonder how the Club found it out. The Club and profession are well rid of all such as he. A man who will prove treacherous and dishonorable to his employers against his written pledge is not a safe man to play base-ball, however well he can play. There is not another man in the Cincinnati team who would be guilty of such dishonest work. He has made a sad mistake, as he will realize in time. Cincinnati Commercial June 15, 1882 [Luff apologized the next day and was reinstated. The directors of the Cincinnati Base Ball Club to-day expelled Luff, their first baseman, and engaged Powers to fill his place. The charge against Luff was that he had been in correspondence with manager O'Rourke, of the Buffalo Club, and had under consideration an offer to join that club. Luff admitted the charge, but expressed great surprise that it should have become known. Philadelphia Times June 15, 1882 Luff, who was dismissed yesterday for leaving the Cincinnati, was reinstated to-day. He begged hard, is a good player, and the punishment of dismissal was finally changed to that of a fine. Philadelphia Times June 16, 1882 |
| Source | Cincinnati Commercial Tribune |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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