Clipping:Quality control problems with the Mahn ball
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| Date | Wednesday, June 21, 1882 |
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| Text | On account of the large number of balls that have been used, there having been two used almost every day for some time, the Cincinnati people have become dissatisfied, and an attempt will be made to have the association adopt the league ball, as for championship games. The one used now becomes soft very soon, bursts easily, and batted out of shape so that it cannot be handled well by the fielders or pitcher. Cincinnati Gazette June 21, 1882 The Cincinnatis are greatly dissatisfied with the present ball. They say that it gets soft and irregular in shape early in the contest, and rips very easily. Scarcely a day goes by but what a new ball is needed before the contest is half through with. Manager Snyder would like very much to have the Spalding ball adopted in place of the Mahn. Cincinnati Enquirer June 21, 1882 a revolver case within the AA/Alliance A letter was received here yesterday morning to the effect that Secretary Williams had received notice from the Albert Merritt Club of Camden, New Jersey–an Association Alliance club by the way–that they had expelled Phillip Powers for breach of contract. They claim in their letter to Williams, that they had negotiated with Power previous to the Cincinnati Club’s correspondence with him, and that he had agreed to play with them–aye, further, that he had accepted advance money, for which they hold his receipt. Secretary Williams, after examining the case thoroughly on the statement alone of the Merritt Club, refused to issue official notice of the expulsion, on the ground that the Merritt Club had transcended its power, and had no right, under the American Constitution, to expel Powers. That document says that any club may have the right to expel one of its players for breach of contract, but as Powers was never under contract with them they have no power over him. If he acted in bad faith them then the most they could do would be to have him black listed at the annual meeting next winter. In this substance Secretary Williams wrote to President McKnight, including the Merritt Club’s complaint. But that is only one side of the story. The Cincinnati Club yesterday called Mr. Powers before them, and acquainted him with the Merritts’ complain. As they expected from him, he explained everything to their satisfaction, namely: Over a week ago–yes, two weeks ago–the Merritts telegraphed to him that they would give him $150 a month to catch for them, and asked for an answer. Powers replied that he would come if he could get his release, and he thought he could. Immediately came a reply that they had telegraphed $25 to him to pay expenses East and that he should come at once. He asked the Tecumsehs for his release and a meeting was called to consider it. Most of the directors were Aldermen of London, and the day preceding the night when the meeting was called the Chancellor of the city was discovered to be a default and he killed himself. The Aldermen held a special meeting that evening and the club meeting was postponed. Meanwhile the telegraph officials sent him word to call and get the money or it would be sent back, as the order held good for only two days. Powers accordingly called, receipted for and received the $25, holding it till he saw what would be the result of the Tecumseh Club’s deliberation. Mark, it, he never asked for this money, b ut it was sent without his request or consent. When the Tecumseh Club Board of Directors did meet they concluded they must have $200 for his release. Powers then telegraphed to the Merritts that they must pay $200 to the Tecumsehs or he could not come. To this they made no answer. Then came a telegram from the Cincinnatis offering $125 a month. He replied immediately, saying he would come if the cincinnati club would buy his release for $200. The Cincinnati Club then replied: “We will pay no bonus, but will give you $135 per month.” The reply came immediately, “Will not break my contract for $200 a month.” Does that seem to be the sentiment of a dishonest man? The Cincinnati Club, then by advice of Manager Snyder, gave over, and telegraphed the $200 to the Tecumseh Club, who game him his release, and he came here at once for $125 a month. If he had wanted to be dishonest, or had been a tricky man, he could have let the Cincinnatis buy him off and then have gone to Camden, where he would have gotten $25 a month more. Mr. Powers has all of the Camden Club telegrams to him and he has written to London for copies of his messages to them. With these he can substantiate his story. Secretary Williams acted wisely when he refused to consummate the folly of the foolish Merritt Club. The Cincinnati Club go still further, and insist that President McKnight has no authority delegated him in the Constitution to sit in judgment in this case, for all disputes between clubs or clubs and players, as well as all the business of the Association, must under the Constitution, be adjudicated by the Board of Directors. But with Powers’ statement and proofs of his conduct in the premises, the case will probably drop without any further action. Cincinnati Commercial June 22, 1882 |
| Source | Cincinnati Gazette |
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| Submitted by | Richard Hershberger |
| Origin | Initial Hershberger Clippings |
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