Von Der Ahe And The St. Louis Amateurs

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Sportsman's Park was held at the grounds last evening, there being present Messrs. Von der Ahe, O'Neill, Nolker and Reid.  In answer to the call for the local amateur clubs desiring to compete for the handsome ebony bat and silver ball offered by the Directors, the following clubs were represented: Pinafore, by H.C. Hoener; Lyons, P.B. Golman; Comptons, N. Corbey; Wedge House, H. Sexton; Paragons, A. McHose; Westerns, Geo. Flood; St. Louis Grays, L.C. Waitt; Carr Place, A.W. Sumner; Enterprise, Wm. Cahill; Prickly Ash, H.E. Hobbs; Griesidicks, Geo. W. Alexander.  These clubs all expressed a desire to enter the competition and the Directors will decide upon those to be admitted very shortly and a schedule will be duly prepared.  No admission will be charged to the games and an effort will be made to develop the amateur talent of the city, Mr. Von der Ahe stating the willingness of the Sportsman's Park directory to stand all expense of advertising and ground appointments.  Another meeting will be held Thursday, September 4, when matters will be put in more definite shape.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 29, 1884


I've posted information about this amateur competition as I've found it and I'm hoping to find out how it all came out but it's rather interesting to see Von der Ahe promoting the amateur game in St. Louis, especially for the stated purpose of developing local talent.  I'm thinking that this has more to do with creating an alternative product to compete with the Maroons but I could be wrong.  Von der Ahe would, in the future, take unique steps to develop talent for the Browns - specifically the failed attempt at a farm team in 1888.   

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Posted in: 1884,Chris Von Der Ahe

A Free-For-All Affair

The colored Black Stockings and the colored Athletics, each claiming to be the champion colored club of the city, will play a deciding game at the Union grounds on Sunday next.  The Union management have tendered the park to the colored troops, and the latter have concluded to make it a free-for-all affair.  There will be no charge either to the grounds or grand stand.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 29, 1884


Holy cow - two references to black baseball clubs in one issue of the Globe.  Be still my heart.  And what about free admission to a championship game?  Can't imagine anything like that these days.   

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Posted in: 1884,Athletics,Black Baseball,Black Stockings

The 1884 Maroons: Was There Anything Dunlap Couldn't Do?

Two thousand people came together at Exposition Park today to witness the third contest between the Pittsburg and St. Louis Union clubs.  The weather was fine and the game full of interesting and exciting incidents.  The visitors played a strong game from start to finish, while the Price team spurted along quite gamely.  At one time it looked as if the home nine was to be badly whipped.  In the eighth inning, after Gleason had had a chance to retire the side, some of the hardest hitting seen about here for some time saved their bacon, and they piled up 6 unearned runs tieing the score.  Lucas' men, in the ninth, earned 2 runs and the home club only succeeded in getting 1, losing the game by one run.  Daily, the one-handed pitcher, set the audience wild by sending the ball down into deep middle field, making three bases on the hit.  In the ninth inning, after one man of the home team was out, Dunlap, the captain of the visitors, sent Werden into right garden and occupied the pitcher's box himself, or it was the general opinion of many spectators the nine from St. Louis would have lost the game, as the Pittsburg boys seemed to have "caught on" to Werden's delivery in great shape.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 28, 1884


Fred Dunlap pitched two and two-thirds innings in his major league career, with an ERA of 6.75 and and ERA+ of 73.

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Posted in: 1884,Fred Dunlap,Maroons

We Won The Fight

[From the Pittsburg Dispatch, August 25.]

President Lucas, of the Union Association, arrived in the city yesterday in company with his famous team of ball players from St. Louis.  During the conversation last evening he expressed himself as highly pleased with the turn of affairs in the base ball world, and serenely confident in the ultimate success of the association which he has created and now represents.  In response as to how the battle was progressing, he replied, with a smile and an air of refreshing confidence.  "Why, there is no battle; the strife ended some weeks since.  We won the fight against great odds and are now on top.  Next season the Union Association will be composed of eight clubs, representing an equal number of the best and largest cities in the United States."

"Will Pittsburg be down on the list?"

"Most assuredly, and I have every reason to believe with a better nine than has represented the city for years."

"What will be the attitude of the Union Association towards the older associations?"

"Well, we will force them to recognize the validity of contracts with players at least, by an agreement which will protect the interests of all.  The reserve rule will also become a thing of the past.  In fact, it is as good as overthrown at the present time."

"How about players' salaries?"

"The days of high-priced men are numbered.  With the breaking up of the Northwestern League a great many first-class players were thrown upon the market, and the demand will not be so great as heretofore."

"Will the old associations be as strong next season as heretofore?"

"I can not say positively as to that, but I am satisfied that at least four of the American Association clubs will drop out, while the existence of League teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Buffalo will depend largely upon the amount of money certain private gentlemen in each city are willing to put up.

"Do you expect a stampede of players to the Union ranks this fall?"

"Hardly a stampede, but we will be able to get all the first-class players we need.  There are very few men in the American Association that we want.  Our attention will be directed mostly to the League, and about the only material we want from that source is their batteries."

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 27, 1884


Well...

I guess I could sit here and, with the gift of hindsight, nitpick this interview apart.  But why bother.  Lucas was basking in the glow of his "refreshing confidence" which I think would have been more accurately described as self-delusion.  I can't really fault him for the Sunny Jim routine because, I guess, it's important for a salesman and a leader to project confidence. 

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Posted in: 1884,Henry Lucas

The 1884 Maroons: One Of The Rankest Ever Played

The weather to-day, although a trifle too warm to play ball, was all that the spectators desired.  About 2,000 persons assembled at the Exposition Park to enjoy the exhibition.  In contrast with the preceding day's game this was, as Shafer more tritely than elegantly expressed it, "one of the rankest ever played."  The St. Louis representatives fielded execrably and piled error on top of error until it really became monotonous.  Notwithstanding the loose playing of the visitors, it was a very exciting and closely contested game, the score standing 5 to 4 in favor of the Lucas nine.  The Pittsburg team were first at bat, and on errors by Whitehead and Baker and a triple and double-bagger by Gardner and Suck, scored 3 runs.  After that it was a succession of blanks until the ninth inning, when, after Ellick was retired at first, Kreig batted a long hit for two bases, Gardner struck out and Schoeneck hit for two bases, earning Kreig's run.  The visitors did not score until the fourth inning, when, after Rowe had been thrown out by Atkinson at first, Gleason and Boyle were given their bases on balls and Sweeney and Quinn made base hits bringing in 3 runs and tieing the score.  In the next inning, aided by an error by Suck, Shafer getting his base on balls and a base hit by Gleason, 2 more runs were credited to the visitors, which won them the game.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 27, 1884

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Posted in: 1884,Maroons

The 1884 Maroons: Lucas' Pets Head East

This afternoon was the time fixed for the appearance of the new Pittsburg Union Club at the Exposition Park.  They were pitted against the St. Louis Unions.  Jupiter Pluvius seemed inclined to oppose meeting one hour before the opening of the game and doubtless kept a great number from attending.  However, between 2,500 and 3,000 people witnessed one of the finest games ever played hereabouts.  It took eleven sharp innings to decide the contest.  Hard hitting and sharp fielding were the features of the game, and the pitchers of both nines were excellently supported especially by their respective catchers.  Daly and Kreig occupied the points for the home nine, while Werden and Brennan acted in the same capacity for the visitors.  Dunlap, of the Mound City nine, covered second base in his usual unapproachable style.  Joe Battin, at third, for the home team, received quite an ovation.  All present enjoyed the fine exhibition to the fullest extent.  A fight was started in the 25-cent place, but was quickly squelched by the energetic management.  

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 26, 1884

This was the first game of a twenty-two game eastern road trip.  The Maroons wouldn't play in St. Louis again until September 28. 

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Posted in: 1884,Fred Dunlap,Joe Battin,Maroons

The 1884 Maroons: The Best Contest They Had Ever Witnessed

Over 7,000 persons witnessed yesterday's game at the Union Grounds.  Strengthened by the Cleveland trio the Crincinnati Unions undoubtedly present the strongest team that has visited St. Louis this year, and, while they are a magnificent appearing lot of men, the League discipline has penetrated their ranks, and their movements on the field now resemble those of a military organization rather than a ball team.  The sensational feature of yesterday's game was the appearance on the Union grounds of Tom Dolan, who for so many years has rendered the Brown Stockings good service.  The game was not called promptly, and the crowd fretted and fumed for ten or fifteen minutes.  They were not aware of the fact that Dolan was dressing preparatory to taking the place of Baker behind the bat.  Baker was not feeling well, and so Dolan's services were brought into play.  As Tom walked out of the Union club house, accompanied by Sweeny, a small boy shouted: "There's Tom Dolan.  He is coming out to catch Sweeny."  The news spread like wildfire, and as Dolan walked across the field a cheer was sent up the like of which has not often been heard on the grounds.  It told that Dolan was a prime favorite with the people, and that if a quarrel had taken place between him and his old employers the base-ball-loving public were willing to take his side of it.  He was not only cheered when he crossed the field, but given a genuine ovation when he went in to face Sweeney, when he put on his mask, when he went to bat and when he made the hit which brought in the only run the St. Louis team scored in the game.  Early yesterday morning Dolan told Mr. Lucas that he has severed all connection with the Brown Stocking Club. 

Dolan's Explanation.

"I and my friends said he believed that I have been doing as good work behind the bat and with the stick as Deasley, and though he is paid nearly twice as much as me I have not complained on that score, but only asked that I be allowed to alternate with him in the catcher's position.  This privilege is granted on all nines, and that I was able to hold my own I think was proven on the late trip, as I caught in the two games we won from Colombus, while Deasley caught the two we lost at Louisville.  It was fairly and squarely my turn to catch to-day, and I asked to be allowed to do so, but both Von der Ahe and Williams refused me that privilege.  Being tired of being made a fool of I told Von der Ahe that I was done working for him."

Dolan, after making this statement, offered his services to Mr. Lucas.  The latter declined to sign Dolan then but asked him to call at the Union Grounds before the game in the afternoon, which he promised to do.  Then Dolan consulted a lawyer, who is also a personal friend, by whom he was advised to ask of Mr. Von der Ahe that he be allowed to catch in the game against the Indianapolis Club and in the event of a refusal, to at once sever his connection with the Browns and join the Unions.  According to Dolan's story he went to Sportsman's Park yesterday afternoon and said to Mr. Von der Ahe, "Are you going to let me catch," to which that gentleman replied, "Put on your uniform."  This Dolan accepted as an order to go on the field as tenth man, and, instead of complying, he suggested that the President of the Browns should visit the infernal regions.  Mr. Von der Ahe retorted, "I'll put you through for that," and Dolan walked out of the grounds, boarded a streetcar and rode down to Union Park, where he arrived just in time to take part in the game.  He signed no contract, but was taken at his word that he had left the Browns for good and was looking for employment, and was sent out in Baker's place to support Sweeny.  Mr. Lucas left with his team for Pittsburg last night.  Before going he told Dolan not to act hastily, and promised to engage him on Thursday next for the Union team, provided he still felt like signing with that organization.  If he signs he will be taken on the Eastern trip.

A Great Game.

The home team were the first to bat and were retired without scoring.  In the second inning, after Harbidge had made a safe hit, Sylvester reached first but forced Harbidge at second, Sweeny getting the ball and throwing to Dunlap.  McCormick then hit hard to right field for two bases, sending Sylvester to third.  McQuery, the new man, followed with a bounding hit along the foul line, which the crowd pronounced foul, but which Seward said was fair.  Two runs crossed the plate, and they were the only runs the visitors got in the game.  In the fifth inning, after two men were out, the local nine scored their only run.  Boyle made a terrific hit to center and Burns, who ran well for the ball, just reached and muffed it, Boyle going to second on the drop.  Dolan then hit a hot grounder at Crane.  The latter let the ball get by him and Boyle scored.  From the fifth to the ninth, the home nine worked like Trojans to score.  Dunlap drove the ball away over the left field fence, and it seemed to sail safe, but the umpire called "foul."  Other long hits were made, but the fielders took in everything that happened along.  In the ninth Shaffer hit a beauty to left for two bases, Rowe sensibly sacrificed and Shaffer trotted to third.  Then Gleason went to the bat and a hit to the outfield on which Shaffer could score was looked for, but instead the ball was sent rolling to Crane, who threw home and Briody caught Shaffer at the plate.  Boyle was the last chance, but he proved an easy victim for McCormick, who struck him out, and the game was at an end.  Sweeny and McCormick both pitched in grand form.  On total bases Sweeny was the most effective.  Briody and Dolan both caught magnificently.  The game as a whole was both brilliant and exciting, and the spectators were constantly manifesting their enthusiastic appreciation of the exhibition.  As a matter of fact, some of the oldest patrons of the national game in the city declared it was the best contest they had ever witnessed on any ball field.

-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, August 24, 1884


There's so much going on in this article that I have to go to the bullet points:

• With the addition of the three National Leaguers, Cincinnati was every bit the club that St. Louis was and their record the rest of the way proved that.  If Cincinnati had started the season with this roster, there would have been a serious pennant race.
• The argument that the UA was a one team league doesn't stand up.  Yes, it took Cincinnati until August to put their team together but, again, Cincinnati was the equal of St. Louis.  
• But the league was a mess.  The weakness of the rosters were a direct result of Lucas' decision not to sign players who were already under contract.  This was a noble decision but, in the end, it hurt the quality of league.  By August, when Lucas and the rest of the UA got tired of the NL and AA poaching players from their rosters, that policy was thrown out and Cincinnati was able to strengthen their club.
• And the Maroons were able to add a catcher.  If Lucas had stuck to the old policy of not signing players already under contract, he never would have signed Dolan.
• But, seriously, what kind of league allows a guy to walk in off the street, tell them he just quit his old club and then starts him without even signing him to a contract?  That's about as bush league as it gets. 
• Dolan's explanation of why he quit the Browns was also kind of weak.  He basically said that he was better than Deasley, didn't get to play enough and wasn't happy with his pay.  So he quit and ran over to the Union Grounds looking for a new job.
• Also, it should be noted that this was an exhibition rather than a league game.     

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Posted in: 1884,Maroons,Tom Dolan