Clipping:A retrospective of the founding of the AA Athletics; finances; ownership

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Date Sunday, October 30, 1887
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In 1880 William Sharsig and Charles Mason leased Oakdale Park, at Eleventh and Cumberland streets, and started a club to play ball on the co-operative plan. Sharsig had gained considerable experience as manager of the famous J. D. Shibe Club, at one time the amateur champions, and Mason was an old ball player. He had come from the Live Oaks, of Lynn, to the Philadelphia Club in 1876. He gave their new venture the name of the Athletic Club. In 1881 Charles Fulmer, then a famous shortstop, and now a Police Magistrate, was taken into the club and given a third interest. Fulmer and Mason were both playing on the team, and as Mr. Sharsig had his hands full looking after the financial interests of the club, it was decided to engage a manager. At this time Horace B. Phillips, now manager of the Pittsburg Club, was in New York. Horace was sent for, but he was broke and didn’t have enough money to come to this city. Fulmer sent Phillips a five-dollar note, and when he arrived here he was given a fourth interest in the club and made manager.

As soon as Phillips became settled in his new berth he made arrangements for the League clubs to play exhibition games in this city. This is where Phillips first gained his nickname of “Hustler.” He was nervy and not afraid to take some risk. Phillips first tackled the Boston Club. “A guarantee of $250, with privilege of one-half gate, with $100 for expenses in case it rains,” was the message that came from the “Hub.” The club treasury was not in a condition to stand these demands, but Phillips was undaunted, and he wired back in reply: “Terms accepted. Come on.” Phillips set to work to advertise the game. He and his partners distributed their own hand-bills and gave the public notice of the coming game in every conceivable way within their means. When the eventful day arrived the partners took account of stock and after the four had emptied their pockets they found they were worth nine dollars and sixteen cents. “If it rains to-day our name is Dennis,” said Phillips. “We can’t pay the guarantee and no other League clubs will ever play here.” But the sun shone brightly, the crowds poured through the gates and the two clubs shared over $600 between them. This was a starter. After this all the League clubs, except Cleveland, played here and the club closed the season with a handsome surplus.

Horace Phillips withdrew from the club at the close of 1881 and Lew Simmons brought a fourth interest for $200. The American Association was formed at the close of 1881and the Athletic Club was admitted to membership. Before the season of 1882 opened Charles Fulmer accepted an offer to play with the Cincinnati Club and he voluntarily released his interest in the Athletic Club, but subsequently he was paid $60 which he had expended for club matters. The Athletics finished second among the six Association clubs in 1882 and the players and managers made a good sum of money on the co-operative plan.

In 1883 the club moved to its present grounds at Twenty-sixth and Jefferson streets and became a salaried organization. This was a banner year. Not only did the Athletics win the championship, but the trio of owners are said to have divided from $75,000 to $90,000 in profits. Messrs. Simmons, Sharsig and Mason have continued as partners ever since. “We have never had a losing year,” said Mr. Simmons to a reporter of The Times last night. “We made money in 1884, ‘85 and ‘86, and we have lost nothing this year.”

When Horace Phillips withdrew from the Athletic Club he organized the Philadelphia Club as a member of the League Alliance. After the “Phillies” were admitted to the League, and Harry Wright became manager, they gained steadily in public favor, and the Athletics lost much of their former prestige. At the close of last season the Athletic franchise was valued at $150,000, and when President Von der Ahe, of St. Louis, wanted to buy a two-thirds interest in the club last spring Messrs. Simmons and Mason offered to sell out for $50,000 each. Von der Ahe offered $35,000 for both interests, and was refused. The subsequent good record made by the Philadelphia Club, added to the attractiveness of their new grounds, proved injurious to the Athletic Club, and towards the close of the season very small crowds witnessed their games. On October 22 President Von der Ahe was offered a two-third interest in the club for $30,000. It was understood that he would accept these terms on November 1, but Messrs. Simmons and Mason declined to wait until that time, and the present stock concern was formed since Monday last.

Source Philadelphia Times
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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