Archive for the ‘General Baseball History’ Category

Stepping in for Ruth

While Babe Ruth was in St. Vincent’s Hospital in May 1925 famously incompacitated from “indigestion,” the 38-year-old Ty Cobb put on a slugging display which topped all others of the 20th century. He knocked five homers in consecutive games in St. Louis on the 5th and 6th. (Ruth, Ken Williams and Tillie Walker each had 2-game runs of 4.)

Remarkably, Cobb called his shots in the dugout prior to the first game, boldly telling sportswriter Harry G. Salsinger of the Detroit News of his intention of swinging for the fences. Specifically, Cobb declared, “I’ll show you something today. I’m going for home runs for the first time in my career.” This comes from St. Louis Star reporter Sid Keener who overheard the boast.

The Sporting News 12/27/1961

Cobb included this in his autobiography with Al Stump, stating:

I’d been hearing so much about Babe Ruth’s fence-busters that I switched to a long grip on the bat. And I called my shots in advance. To the newspaper boys I said, “I’m going to give you a little demonstration, just to settle a point I think you’ve been missing.

Unfortunately, there are no contemporary references to this. Keener didn’t share the tidbit until the end of 1961 just after Cobb had passed away and the book came out. The incident probably happened just as Cobb described; it’s just a shame that it wasn’t relayed until 36 years later.

Cap Anson

The top star of the 19th century – Cap Anson – actually did it in August 1884 but that comes with a distinct footnote. He punched 21 that year, all but one at home. The 21 is more than 1/5 his career total despite the fact he played 27 years in the big leagues.

The rub here is Chicago’s home field. Lake Front Park III allowed an unprecedented total of home runs in 1884. As a whole, the White Stockings hit 142 round-trippers, over 100 more than any other major league club – and there were over 30 of them that year. Besides Chicago in ‘84, no major league club to date had hit more than 40.

The White Stockings scored 498 runs at home that year, only 336 on the road. Their record reflects a severe home field advantage:

• Home: 39-17
• Road: 23-33

Why? The left field fence was only 186′ from home plate and, likewise, in right field 190′. Center field measured 300′. Thankfully, the park was around only two years.

Anson’s teammate Ned Williamson hit an unheard of 27 in 1884, 25 of them at Lake Front. The previous season high was 14 set the preceding year by Harry Stovey. Williamson’s mark wasn’t topped until Babe Ruth hit 29 in 1919. Moreover, in 1883, the park’s first year, Williamson shattered set the seasonal mark with 49 doubles.

Why? Well, balls flying over those pulled-in fences only counted as doubles in 1883. Comically, Chicago scored 18 runs versus detroit on September 6 – in one inning. In 1885 the White Stockings moved into West Side Park and, not unexpectedly, the outlandish power numbers neutralized.

Back to Cobb

Cobb’s five home runs on May 5 and 6, 1925 came off five different Browns’ pitchers:

• Joe Bush
• Elam Vangilder
• Milt Gaston
• Dave Danforth
• Chet Falk

They were his first homers of the season, which began on April 14. The fifth against Falk was Cobb’s 100th of his career. Later in May, Cobb became the first man to amass 1000 extra-base hits. (Honus Wagner had 996.)

(It is interesting to note the incorrect/nonexistent statistical information out there prior to the MacMillan Baseball Encyclopedia era. It was thought at the time that Cobb eclipsed Wagner in extra-base hits on the 6th. According to the Chicago Tribune, he now had 1456 to Wagner’s 1448.)

May 5

On May 5, Cobb went 6 for 6 with an astounding 16 total bases – 3 homers, a double and 2 singles – in a nine inning contest. Only one other man – Patsy Gharrity – had as many as 13 total bases since the turn of the century.

May 6

(Also on the 6th, Everett Scott ended his 1307 consecutive game playing streak.)

The fifth home run ball:

SOURCE LIST

Thanks to Bill Burgess for exchanging emails with me and leading me down the correct path.

• Alexander, Charles C. Ty Cobb. New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.
• Baseball-reference.com
• Bill Burgess, exchange of emails
• Chicago Tribune 7 May 1925
• Cobb, Ty and Al Stump. My Life in Baseball: The True Record. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 1961.
• New York Times 6 May 1925, 7 may 1925
• Retrosheet.org

Catching a Ball Dropped from the Washington Monument (and other similar feats)

In Limbo, circa 1860

Work began on the Egyptian-inspired monument in 1848. Political controversies and funding issues halted construction six years later. It wasn’t until 25 years later in 1879 that crews started working again. The finishing touch, an aluminum tip serving as a lightening rod, was inserted in early December 1884. A dedication ceremony soon followed but the Washington Monument wasn’t opened to the public until October 1888. (Wikipedia.org)

Paul Hines and Crew

McLaughlin Placing Tip on Washington Monument

Hines pledged to prove McLaughlin wrong when a nice day could be had. That occurred on Friday January 9, 1885. Hines brought a few ballplayer friends:

• Phil Baker,  a relocated Philadelphian who had been playing ball and living in D.C. since at least 1880
• Sam Trott,  a local whose family lived on 6^th Street Northwest
• Ed Yewell,  a D.C. native
• Charlie Snyder, a catcher and D.C. native born circa 1856 (see below)
• John A. Ryan

Snyder in the 1880 U.S. Census:

The ball was tossed from a window approximately 500’ above ground level. It’s unclear whether the men waiting for the sphere were gloveless or not. (Baker probably wasn’t.) The task proved daunting. At times, the experienced ballplayers looked like novices as the ball bounced upwards of 10’ from their waiting hands. It wasn’t just the judging of the ball which proved troublesome, but the accelerated velocity that accrued worried the fielders. Baker proved the most adept. He got his hands on one ball but it immediately popped out. (Sporting Life 29 April 1885, Washington Post 10 January 1885)

Hines’ account – 20 years later:

Washington Post 7/1/1906

In May in Erie, Pennsylvania, a local catcher thought he’d give it a try. He succeeded in catching a ball dropped from a waterworks standpipe, but it was only half the height of the Washington Monument window. (New York Herald-Tribune 6 May 1885 pulling from Philadelphia Press)

Hines would use his connections at the monument to gain access even before it was opened to the public. He would run up and down the steps to keep in shape during the winter. (Sporting Life 16 march 1887)

Marty Sullivan and Steve Brodie

While the Boston Beaneaters of the National League were in D.C. in early April before the season opened, several players hopped over to the Washington Monument for an attempt. Kid Nichols, Patsy Donovan and George Hodgman (a catcher who was with the club in the preseason, ended up with Hartford) while outfielders Marty Sullivan and Steve Brodie stood below. The climbers each only brought one ball. None was caught. (Sporting Life 19 April 1890)

Sporting Life 19 April 1890

Pop Schriver

Chicago Colts manager Cap Anson made a bet with the directors of the Arlington, Virginia club that a ball could indeed be caught from the Washington Monument. He egged his players on to prove it. His catcher Pop Schriver accepted the challenge.

On August 25, 1894, Schriver and teammates Clark Griffith, Bill Hutchison, Jiggs Parrott, George Decker and Scott Stratton headed to the monument to prove their captain correct. They were accompanied by two of the Arlington directors.

Griffith and Hutchison took an elevator to the window. Griffith dropped the first ball; Schriver let it bounce to guage its path and force. His companions described him as clearly intimidated. Then, he caught the next one. (Washington Post 26 August 1894)

Washington Post 8/26/1890

Well, at least that was the story. Schriver, in fact, did not catch the ball. After missing the second one, the men were chased off the grounds. The ruse was perhaps initiated by a Post sportswriter who boasted a little too confidently – “Schriver catching it fair and square, amid the applause of the spectators.”

The deception held though; it lasted until Charlie Irwin enlightened the public – two years later.

Philadelphia Inquirer 9/6/1896

Schriver belatedly confirmed:

Sporting Life 6/12/1897

Off the topic a little…but

Cleveland Broncos (American League) centerfielder Harry Bay was arrested and paid a $25 fine for penciling his name on the Washington Monument in May 1902. (Washington Post 30 May 1902)

A False Start

Catcher Malachi Kittridge and pitcher Tom Hughes of the Washington Senators went to try the feat at the end of June 1906 but were runoff by park authorities. (Springfield (MA) Republican 27 June 1906, Washington Post 1 July 1906)

Gabby Street – The Real Deal

On August 21, 1908, Washington Senators catcher Gabby Street went to the monument to settle the matter. He was talked into it by a man named Preston Gibson who had placed a $500 wager on the matter with another man. For over twenty years, the ability to catch the ball from 500’ had been argued in barrooms, cigar shop and at the ballpark or wherever sporting men gathered. It had become a reoccurring topic among visiting clubs as they traveled to D.C. Street accepted the challenge, ready to put an end to all the bantering.

Gibson ascended to the top window and toss ten balls outward, like many had before. The problem was clear; throwing the balls outward – in order to combat the wind which might blow the ball back into the monument – often put the ball well out of reach. Gibson then started to merely drop the sphere. Street legitimately caught the third one, the 13^th overall. (New York Times 22 August 1908)

The next day the Washington Post didn’t even publish the story, besides a small acknowledgment of the deed. It seems the stunt was done in connection with the newspaper and it wanted to publish the full story and picture in the Sunday paper on the 23^rd. (Washington Post 22 August 1908)

Washington Post 8/23/1908

The Street Ball

Gabby Street was unsure what happened to the ball he caught from the Washington Monument. In August 1931 the ball was supposedly return to him by a friend. (Washington Post 29 August 1931)

However, another ball which seems more likely to be the actual ball was discovered by Preston Gibson’s son. It was inscribed: “August 21, 1908, 11:30 am – Dropped from the Washington Monument by W.J. Preston Gibson, caught by Gabby Street. 550 feet, 135 feet per second.”

Interestingly, it was a National League ball. Street’s family surmised that since he caught the 13^th ball, a box of American League balls, which includes 12, was depleted and then an extra one was pulled that happened to be from the NL. But, as a Washington Post reporter reasonably asked, where did they get a National League ball? (Washington Post 12 January 1964 and 2 August 1964)

Billy Sullivan

On August 24, 1910, Chicago White Sox catcher Billy Sullivan caught 3 of 11 ball dropped off the monument by teammates Ed Walsh and Doc White. Also present were Eddie Collins and Joe Quirk, the Senators trainer. (Washington Post 25 August 1910)

After Sullivan’s catch was announced, Sam Crawford of the Detroit Tigers boasted that he would do it with his fielder’s glove – as opposed to the catcher’s mitts Street and Sullivan used – but it doesn’t appear that Crawford followed through. (Washington Post 26 August 1910)

The Grapefruit – An Often Overblown and Misstated Story

In Daytona on March 13, 1915, Brooklyn manager Wilbert Robinson tried to catch a ball dropped from a plane at approximately 500 feet. The aviator forgot to bring a baseball, so she dropped a grapefruit from her lunch instead. Traditionally, the “grapefruit prank” has been assigned to jokesters Casey Stengel and team trainer Fred Kelly. (New York Times 14 March 1915; “Wilbert Robinson” by Alex Semchuck, SABR Biography Project)

New York Times 3/14/1915

The Sporting News 12/4/1957

The question remains – why was the oldest man on the field performing this stunt?

U.S. Airman

In June 1918, Corporal Michael Angelo Bessalo of the 819^th Aero Squadron caught a ball dropped from a plane estimated to be 700 feet above ground at Kelly Field in Texas. (Washington Post 13 June 1918)

Hank Helf and Frank Pytlak

On August 20, 1938, Cleveland Indians rookie catcher Hank Helf and the club’s starting catcher Frank Pytlak each caught a ball off the Terminal Tower in Cleveland, a drop of 708’ from the 52nd Floor.

Seattle Sunday Times 8/21/1938

New Orleans Times-Picayune 8/21/1938

Dave Coble

On May 10, 1939, Philadelphia Phillies catcher Dave Coble caught a ball dropped from the William Penn Tower in Philadelphia, 521 feet off the ground.

New York Times 5/11/1939

Joe Sprinz – Lucky to be Alive

On August 3, 1939, longtime professional and former major leaguer Joe Sprinz  made an ill-advised decision. Copycats beware; his season was over. The impact fractured his jaw in 12 places and knocked out five teeth. Sprinz was a member of the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League at the time. A lawsuit followed over who would pay for his bridge work – ball team or the exposition directors. (Seattle Daily Times 4 August 1939and 15 February 1940, Sports Illustrated 11 March 1985)

Seattle Daily Times 8/4/1939

The terms “Major League,” “Majors,” “Major League Baseball”

The above terms are now universally used to denote big league baseball. But, when were they adopted?

Major League/Minor League

The Dickson Baseball Dictionary (Third Edition) claims that the term “major league(s)” was first used in 1891. At the same time, it claims “minor league(s)” was first used in 1887. Seems a little contradictory and doesn’t hold up under a cursory examination.

Sporting Life was regularly using “minor leagues” by 1885, and probably earlier. That year, was the first searched because it’s the first digitized at LA84 Foundation. The Philadelphia-based magazine first started printing in 1883. It utilized correspondents from around the country (not an exclusive staff in Philly) – meaning that the writers if using the term in Sporting Life were also using it elsewhere.

Sporting Life 12/2/1885

The first National Agreement – setting in historians’ point of view a formal division between the majors and the minors – was signed in February and March 1883 between the National League and American Association and the minor Northwestern League. The formal agreement made no mention of the terms “major” or “minor.” It was probably implicit as in effect the NL accepted the AA as an equal. They key phrase instead went to the heart of their intent:

In consideration of the mutual advantages

One would assume that with the use of the term “minor league” in 1885 (or earlier) along with it “major league” was used. However, its widespread use doesn’t seem to occur until 1887. (Dickson says 1891 but that is clearly not so)

The new National Agreement in 1887 seems to play an important role here.

Sporting Life 9/14/1887

Majors/Minors

The subtle abbreviation of the above to simply “minors” or “majors” would be expected to occur almost immediately, especially in long newspaper articles that after repeatedly using “minor leagues,” for example, would break down and just fill in “minors.” Dickson says no however. It sees the first use of “minors” not until 1898, well over a decade after “minor leagues” became common.

That doesn’t seem to pan out as well. In fact, the term “minors” is used regularly by at least 1887.

Sporting Life 12/7/1887

Moreover, throughout 1887 the Sporting Life had a front page section titled: “The Minors.”

Major League Baseball

The full term “major league baseball” was used only sparingly in the 19^th century – towards the end, mostly during the 1890s (1890 was the first reference located). It came into widespread use with the challenge of the American League – not so much in 1901 but more so in 1902 and extensively in 1903. This is not to say that it was the official designation of the top baseball leagues. It was an informal term used by writers, fans and probably some within the industry in informal discussions.

It becomes much more challenging to determine when the American and National Leagues subsequently adopted the capitalized term “Major League Baseball” to formal identify itself. Dickson defines MLB as:

The organizational entity that comprises the business and sport of the major leagues; the business name of the office of the commissioner of baseball having its components the major-league baseball clubs.

As we know, the turn of the century was a contentious period. To illustrate, a World Series meeting was refused as late as 1904. The two leagues – American and National – didn’t really see themselves as one. Yes, the National Commission was established in 1903 to oversee the leagues but the leagues still administered themselves, played under varying rules with separate staffs and agendas.

That year, the two major leagues initiated a formal détente. We call this the 1903 Peace Agreement. The purpose was:

the object and purpose being … to meet, discuss and agree upon a policy to end any and all differences now existing between the said two leagues

It was a peace agreement, not a unifying charter. The word “major” does not appear within its text. The détente led to a new National Agreement in 1903. In it the two majors adopt the title “Major Leagues:”

This Agreement, made and entered into by and between the National League and American Association of Professional Base Ball Clubs, and the American League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, known and designated herein as Major Leagues

(Note the official title of NL based on the previous merger after the 1891 season)

“Major Leagues” are indeed capitalized in this document, but it’s not for formal administrative purposes, rather for identification and separation reasons. With the September 1901 formation of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues – a formal conglomeration of minor leagues, the National Agreement of 1903 also identified the “Minor Leagues” in capital letters.

The Major League Agreement of 1921 – created to institute the role of a commissioner – still doesn’t use the term “Major League Baseball.” In fact, the leagues are designated as separate entities:

An Agreement between the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs and each of its eight constituent clubs, on the one part, and the American League of Professional Base Ball Clubs and each of its eight constituent clubs, of the other part.

The AL Constitution of 1926 doesn’t even mention the word “major.” The 1945 Major League Agreement doesn’t use term either. An interesting development shows with the formation of the Major League Baseball Players Association in July 1954. But, major league athletes had long since been referred to a “major league baseball players.” Considering this and the fact that the new association looked after the sole interest of major league players – not minor leaguers, then we’re still left wondering when the commissioner’s office formally designated itself as MLB.

Perhaps the game’s formal logo is an indication. During much of the 1960s, this was the logo:

The need for a logo is an indicator here. Baseball finally began to realize the need for marketing, promotions and the potential of its brand, financially. One could say that the individual franchises weren’t really individuals, rather one part of a whole. Of course, this had always been the case, but the game was spreading and other sports were catching up in popularity – particularly football in the wake of the televised championship of 1958.

It’s not a coincidence that baseball’s reinterpretation of itself here occurred at the onset of the expansion era. By gosh, major league enthusiasm extended well beyond the borders of the traditional 16 major league franchises.

Baseball’s logo was redone in 1968 – again for marketing purposes:

The Sporting News 8/31/1968

Here, the interests of the commissioner’s office – as noted by Dickson – show a self-identification as “Major League Baseball.” Was this de jure or de facto? Not sure. But once it’s on your logo, it becomes synonymous with your institution.

It’s also interesting to note that administratively the American and National Leagues didn’t formally merge corporately until 2000, under Bud Selig.

President’s Park, White Lot, The Ellipse

In 1791, plans for a park on White House (Executive Mansion) property were drawn up by Pierre Charles L’Enfant  the architect and civil engineer who laid out the District of Columbia. However, the land continued to be used for farming and cattle into the 1860s.

In late 1859, the first baseball clubs, the Nationals and Potomacs, were formed in Washington, D.C. The first recorded game in the city took place on May 5, 1860 between the two clubs. It was played on the Potomacs’ grounds (at the time amid a cow pasture) on lower south lawn of the White House which eventually became known as the White Lot because of the white wooden fence that enclosed the park. The Potomacs won 35-15.

The first intercity game in baseball history took place on Wednesday June 6, 1860 when the Excelsiors of Baltimore traveled to D.C. A large crowd showed including several thousand, including 400 women, arrived at the White Lot for the contest.

Continuing a custom that would be the norm for years, the home team batted first. Each club scored three runs in the first inning. The score stood at 18-14 in the Potomacs’ favor when the Excelsiors came to bat in the sixth. Baltimore scored 13 that inning to take the lead and the ultimate victory with a final score of 40-24. “At the close of the game, hearty cheers were given by both parties, one for the other, and the umpire was also cheered for his able and impartial decisions,” according to the New York Clipper. In the cordial atmosphere of the amateur era, speeches, a feast and entertainment were a part of the postgame festivities.

NEW YORK CLIPPER 6/23/1860

By the following season, the Potamacs vanished from the picture and the Nationals took over the grounds, beginning their regular play on the field on June 2, 1861. The Nationals had previously played on a field located at Capitol Hill. The Nationals, at times led by Arthur Gorman, became a leading club of the 1860s, often cited as the champions of the south. In 1867, they embarked on the sport’s first western tour.

In August 1865, the White Lot hosted two contests that brought national attention. The opening contest between the Nationals and Athletics of Philadelphia was witnessed by more than 6000, including President Andrew Johnson, cabinet members, Army and Navy brass and various government workers. The Athletics won 87-13. The second game saw the Atlantics of Brooklyn top the Nationals 34-19.

After the contests, President Johnson invited the men to the White House, the first such visit .

Baseball was played on the grounds throughout the Civil War by the Nationals, other local clubs and by various military units. The area also served as an encampment for traveling Union units and personnel. Mules, horses and cattle were corralled on the site as well.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LINCOLN WHITE HOUSE

The White Lot contained several diamonds throughout the 1860s and ‘70s. For example, the Jefferson club played on the east side of the park, the Nationals in the northern corner and the Unions in the west.

According to the Weekly National Intelligencer, the lot was closed to all but the Creighton club (a Caucasian team) in 1874, in order to shun “the gangs of lazy Negros and other vagrants infesting the grounds.”

The Army Corps of Engineers began work on a formal park in the 1870s. Landscaping and grading took place from 1877-1880. In 1891, the roadway encircling the President’s Park South was lit with electrical lamps. The roadway was dubbed The Ellipse, hence the nickname for the area. Today, the 52-acre park is located just south of the White House fence, bordered by 17^th Street, Constitution Avenue and 15^th Street.

Baseball continued on the grounds throughout the 19^th century; apparently though, at some point ball playing was closed to the public. In April 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt agreed to open the park to the public for baseball. Three diamonds were consequently laid out.

During the 20^th century, besides normal park activities, the Ellipse hosted political activities, such as rallies and protests. In August 1933, the Ellipse came under the jurisdiction of the National Park service. Numerous organizations used the grounds for meetings as well. The National Christmas Tree , beginning in 1923, is based at the Ellipse as are various memorials and guardhouses. The baseball fields and tennis courts were removed in the 1990s.

The Baseball Draft, Since 1892 

From the beginning managers, coaches, executives and even players – everyone associated with the game – have been on the lookup for new talent. Young ballplayers were scooped up on a first come, first serve basis. This was true even prior to the National Association of Base Ball Players, which was established in 1857. 

As the national game became more complex, officially designated minor leagues sprouted up soon after the formation of the National League in 1876; hence, there came to be a loose understanding of a tiered system with the game. This understanding became a little more rigid with the signing of the first major-minor league agreement, the National Agreement. As a result, the concept of Organized Baseball was born. 

It must be noted that simply because a tiered system of talent existed doesn’t necessarily mean that all the best players were at all times in the majors. Outside the fact that talented black players were roundly ignored by Organized Baseball, even into the 1960s, it took decades for baseball as we know today to develop. 

Some great players never played in the east coast majors, or even wanted to for that matter. This is true even outside the 19^th century as the country moved from a predominately rural populous to one attracted to the major cities and the cultural revolution this created. For example, as late as 1908 Joe Jackson, born in Pickens County, South Carolina, was completely taken aback and withdrew from culture shock upon visiting Philadelphia. 

Besides the wholesale exclusion of black players, the 20^th century saw a powerful independent minor league club in Baltimore, the Federal League operating outside of Organized Baseball and significant talent on the west coast. The Pacific Coast League even attained an open status between Triple-A and MLB in 1952. 

From the outset relations between the majors and minors were strained at best. The major issues centered on territorial and player rights. The top clubs tended to ignore both. Pacts were signed establishing reserve rights to players, but this was often thrown out the window in times of crisis or for just mere convenience. 

Each time a new major popped up – 1881, American Association; 1884, Union Association; 1890, Players’ League; 1901, American League; 1914, Federal League – the system broke down and players were up for grabs, despite signed contracts or informal agreements. 

After the death of the Players League and the incorporation of the American Association, the National League was once again the sole head of the system; hence, they were in a unique position in 1892 to negotiate with the minor leagues. 

NATIONAL AGREEMENT OF 1892 

In January 1892, the National League and nearly every other professional league penned the National Agreement. Why would a wide array of leagues subjugate themselves within a national system? They did so simply to protect their rights to their players. It was an attempt to keep other clubs, especially the majors, from swooping in and raiding their rosters. 

Via the National Agreement, all leagues and clubs were afforded reserve rights to their players. Since this encompassed most professional (white) ballplayers within the country, the National League, the sole major, had to deal directly and almost exclusively with minor league clubs to attain talent. No longer (for the most part) could an amateur or semi-pro player pop up and legitimately take a major league roster spot. 

The National League now had to either purchase talent directly from another club or draft a player. Specifically, a National League club could purchase a player from another club during the season for a negotiated price or simply draft a player from a minor league club during the off-season for a set draft fee, $500 (originally set at $750). For this purpose the minors were initially classified into two categories: Class-A for leagues in larger cities and Class-B for all others. Class-A clubs could draft Class-B players for $350. 

From the day that the National Agreement of 1892 was signed, the majors and the minors at all times were embroiled in acrimony. That is, until a relative peace was attained with the adoption of the universal draft in 1931. The major-minor league relationship wouldn’t become symbiotic, as we know it today, until the contraction of the minor league system due to major league expansion, economic necessity and even societal factors such as television and air conditioning. The majors eventually emerged with significant control via outright ownership of all minor leagues and teams or agreements to the same effect. 

Every off-season brought a bitter fight over draft fees, number of draft-able players, league classifications, drafting period, farming, optioning, bonus payments, etc. At times entire leagues and even the entire National Association, the minor league’s governing body, would opt out of the National Agreement over drafting issues. Year round, minor league officials seethed over perceived and real slights, unhappiness over meager drafting fees and any number of ills prescribed to the majors. The majors for their part got tired of hearing it and threatened back. 

HOW THE DRAFT INITIALLY WORKED 

For a $500 fee each, a National League club could draft any number of players that it wanted. For years, National League clubs only had to pay half the fee upfront. The other half wasn’t due until the following June 1. This allowed the majors to try out the player and then decide if they actually wanted him. As most player acquisitions don’t work out, fees were left unpaid. 

There was no restriction on the experience level of a player, meaning that a prized, recently acquired stud could be plucked from your roster. The majors also had a long time to do so; drafting periods in the beginning ran as long as from the middle of September to the end of the year. 

It was all based on a first come, first served basis. Time was the only factor; weaker National League teams gained no advantage in acquiring talent over pennant winners. It would remain this way for many years. 

A DRAFTING FUED LEADS TO THE NL SHARING THE TOP POSITION 

The biggest dissenter in 1892 was the Western League which was unhappy over the meager $500 draft fee. Two years later, the Western League would reorganize under the control of new president Ban Johnson who never quite shined to the National League as well. 

Two circumstances particularly irked Johnson. One was the fact that National League owner John Brush also owned a Western League franchise. He would freely move his players back and forth at his discretion. The kicker was that Brush would use his power as major league owner to draft top ballplayers from Western League rivals for his Cincinnati Reds. He would at a later time option those players to his Western League Louisville club to compete against their former clubs. 

Another major issue surrounded the dismantling of the champion Minneapolis Millers. The Millers won the Western League in 1896 with an 89-47-record. The major league draft that off-season virtually destroyed the franchise. They barely escaped last place the next season. 

After struggling for years over player rights and other issues, Johnson finally withdrew the Western League from the National Agreement, gave his league a new national identity (American League), positioned himself in top eastern cities and finally declared major league status in early 1901 and began raiding National League rosters. 

LATE 1890s 

A change to the drafting system took place in November 1897 which limited the eligibility of players to be drafted. Specifically, a player would be ineligible to be drafted from a league unless he had played there for two years. 

Though many fought for a greater fee, the $500 limit remained. At this time, Class-A ball encompassed the Eastern, Western and Atlantic Leagues. 

In 1899, the draft period was modified from October 1 to (I’m only assuming here) the end of the year. Organized Baseball was further divided into classifications ranging from Class-A to Class-F. Class-A retained their $500 draft fee; the dollar figure declined as the classification did. 

MAJOR LEAGUE PEACE ACCORD 

With the rise of the American League, the Organized Baseball system broke down. Reserve lists were often ignored and acrimony existed at all levels. It wasn’t until October 1903 that a new National Agreement was signed. Sections 6 and 7 specifically speak to the draft system. 

In 1902 the National Association governed 14 leagues. In 1908, that number rose to forty and again to 52 two years later. 

Once again, minor league clubs retained absolute rights over their players. That is, except during the draft period which was changed to the middle of September (as leagues ended their seasons) to October 15. Now, only two players at most could be drafted from any one club in Class-A. The other leagues gained no relief here. 

They also gained greater draft fees: 

• Class-A $750 
• Class-B $500 
• Class-C $300 
• Class-D,E or F $200 

RENEGOTIATIONS 

In January 1906 draft fees were increased: 

• Class-A $1000 
• Class-B $750 
• Class-C $500 
• Lower classifications $300 

Now, only one player could be drafted from any one roster within the minors. At this time, Class-A included the American Association, Southern League, Pacific Coast League and the Eastern League. 

In January 1909, the National Association included 37 teams. A Class-AA was designated to include the Eastern League, American Association and the Pacific Coast League. Both Class-AA and Class-A teams garnered $1000 for their drafted players. 

In January 1912, Class-AA encompassed the American Association and the International and Pacific Coast Leagues. Draft fees were again adjusted: 

• Class-AA $2500 
• Class-A $1500 
• Class-B $1200 
• Class-C $750 
• Class-D $500 

For information purposes, here are the numbers for reserve rosters in January 1912 (in season, off-season): 

• MLB (25, 35) 
• Class-AA (20, 30) 
• Class-A (18, 28) 
• Class-B (16, 26) 
• Class-C (14, 24) 

In February 1916, Major League Baseball for the first time began thinking about giving drafting priority to second-division clubs. 

A SPLIT 

In November 1918, the minors wanted an end to the drafting system and an elimination of the practice of farming players. 

Out of the acrimony, the majors and minors formally split in January 1919. There will no longer be a draft; all players must be purchased off the open market for cash. 

The draft however remained intact within the minors itself. The fees remain at the 1912 level, but obviously no players may be drafted from Class-AA. The drafting period is limited from October 1 to the 10^th. 

After a season at odds, the majors and minors reassumed their formal ties in November 1919. The draft however is not in effect. 

OPTING OUT 

In January 1921, the minors agreed to accept Judge Landis as the head of Organized Baseball. An agreement is also reached restoring the draft with the following fees: 

• Class-AA $5000 
• Class-A $4000 
• Class-B $2500 
• Class-C $1500 
• Class-D $1000 

However, there is a major proviso here. Any league may simply opt out of the draft. This stipulation will eventually lead to a radically different system. 

Salary caps are also issued: 

• Class-AA no limit 
• Class-A $4250 
• Class-B $3200 
• Class-C $2650 
• Class-D $2400 

Leagues are now reclassified based on population counts from the last U.S. Census rather than the traditional schooling census: 

• Class-AA and Class-A (over 1,000,000) 
• Class-B 250,000 to 1,000,000 
• Class-C 150,000 to 250,000 
• Class-D less than 150,000 

Five leagues opted out of the drafting system: 

• International League, Class-AA 
• American Association, Class-AA 
• Pacific Coast League, Class-AA 
• Western League, Class-A 
• Three-I League, Class-B 

This leaves 17 leagues in the draft system. An agreement was also reached allowing major league clubs to own minor league clubs. 

THE MODIFIED DRAFT 

All the Double-A clubs opted out of the draft. This is a major concern to MLB and will lead to another showdown. Heated discussions are waged through 1922. The majors threaten to boycott the five leagues that opted out of the draft. To which some in the minors note that the agreement was signed in good faith but almost immediately MLB was taking issue. 

The issue is complicated by the fact that major league clubs commonly shift talent. That is, they will purchase talent in one league and move it to another as a part of the farming process. Since major league clubs have placed talent within different leagues it figures that it can draft those players regardless of the league’s stance on the draft system. 

Landis sides with the major league argument here and for it is scathingly rebuffed by Pacific Coast League president William McCarthy. McCarthy’s attack and radical statements polarized the issue. For his side, McCarthy properly noted that Landis stood in front of minor league executives, with great fanfare, and promised to abide by the agreement until 1927. However, he and major league owners almost immediately started backing from it – when the Double-A clubs en masse opted out of the draft. 

The result led to the formal optioning of players in December 1923. Four (save the International League) of the leagues that opted out of the draft were granted modified drafting rights. As a consequence, major league clubs were allowed to place men on their rosters and draft them back as needed through the modified draft. 

After a season of seeing the Pacific Coast League and American Association suck up major league players via this method, the International League fell in line. 

MODIFICATIONS 

In January 1927, draft fees were raised to $7500 for Class-AA clubs. Each major league club was granted the right to option up to 12 players to the minors, into either the Class-AA, A or B leagues. 

As the idea of the farm system took off, individual minor leagues set out to block major league ownership of their clubs in late 1927. Other minor leagues, not privy to the modified draft, vote to prohibit the five that were from doing so. Nonetheless, the modified draft continued until 1931. 

UNIVERSAL DRAFT 

In January 1931, the draft system is renegotiated. The modified draft ended in favor of all leagues and clubs operating under the new universal draft. Here, the major leagues are granted the right to: 

• Draft any player in the minors at a set price provided he has four years minor league experience 
• Option 15 players to the minors (previously allowed 12) 

With the universal draft negotiations, a relative peace is found in the postseason drafting process for the rest of the 1930s. 

LANDIS ON THE ATTACK 

In January 1940, Judge Landis went on the attack to eliminate self-defined farm system “evils.” He was particularly interested in players who had been unduly stymied by the farming process through countless working agreements and outright major league ownership of minor league clubs. He also cited illegal agreements and procedural misdeeds. It was typical Landis justice – swift, hard and selective. 

THINKING AHEAD 

For the first time in history, Organized Baseball gets in front of drafting issues. A committee is appointed in February 1940 to examine the major-minor league pact that is set to expire on January 12, 1942. 

TRIPLE-A AND THE PCL 

During World War II, the Triple-A classification was first assigned to the top leagues. After the war, the Pacific Coast League made repeated attempts to gain a status higher than Triple-A; ideally, they wanted to be recognized as a third major league. 

On December 31, 1951 the PCL was granted an open status above Triple-A but below the majors. PCL players could not be drafted unless they had five years of minor league service. (Triple-A players could be drafted after four years.) 

BONUS RULES 

In order to try to curtail their own spending, the majors established a bonus rule in 1947. Any young player purchased for an amount over $4000 would be immediately forced onto a major league roster for at least two years. 

It was repealed twice but reinstated. The amounts, duration and other factors would later be renegotiated. 

The attempt here was to block wealthy clubs from splurging on young talent. Now, if they did so, those young men would be forced onto a major league roster instead of being assigned to a minor league club for seasoning. However, the bonus system was wrought with fraud. Payments were merely given under-the-table, by everyone. 

In one particularly bold move the Kansas City A’s openly admitted that they signed a player for the New York Yankees. The A’s signed Clete Boyer to a bonus contract. After his two-year stint on their major league roster was up, Boyer was simply traded to the Yankees. Much like the chummy relationship between Yankees’ owners and Harry Frazee, A’s owner Arnold Johnson fed the Yankees talent. 

THE AMATEUR DRAFT 

After years of operating under the bonus system, MLB began eying the amateur drafting systems of the NFL and NBA in January 1964. The NFL had been drafting amateurs since 1936. 

On December 2 and 3, 1964 both the minors and majors approved the amateur draft system that is in use today. The Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers and Mets tried to block its approval. However, in the end only St. Louis voted against it. 

The first amateur free agent draft took place in June 1965. The draft initially ran in three parts: 

• In January (1966-1986) for high school and college winter graduates 
• In June (1965-present) for high school and college students, the largest draft 
• In August (1965-1966) for players from amateur summer leagues 

Please feel free at any time to contact me if you’d like a copy of my notes – on most any topic. I can quickly provide you with the digital ones. I keep most of my newspaper clippings digitally.

20^th Century+ Franchise Relocations

The following is a list of American and National League franchise relocations (as defined by a complete change in fan base) since 1901:

1902                Browns                       Milwaukee to St. Louis

1903                Yankees                     Baltimore to New York

1953                Braves                         Boston to Milwaukee

1954                Orioles                        St. Louis to Baltimore

1955                A’s                                Philadelphia to Kansas City

1958                Dodgers                      Brooklyn to Los Angeles

1958                Giants                          New York to San Francisco

1961                Twins                           Washington to Minnesota

1966                Braves                         Milwaukee to Atlanta

1968                A’s                                 Kansas City to Oakland

1970               Brewers                       Seattle to Milwaukee

1972               Rangers                       Washington to Texas

2005              Nationals                     Montreal to Washington

In the first such move since 1892 the Milwaukee Brewers switched leagues in 1998 to establish the current 14 American League, 16 National League team structure.  The hope of team officials was to spark a National League rivalry with the nearby Chicago Cubs.

20th Century Major League Expansion

The major leagues held off on expanding from their traditional 16-team format until 1961 after Bill Shea threatened the development of a third major league, the Continental League.  Major League Baseball for decades had opted for stability over expansionism despite the strong, and profitable, lure of the West.

The Pacific Coast League, established in 1903, was extremely successful, offering a foresighted entrepreneur a tremendous opportunity.  That man was Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley.  But, it wasn’t until 1958 that he took Horace Stoneman’s Giants with him to California to capitalize on the potential riches.  The NFL had already implanted a franchise in California in 1946, demonstrating the feasibility of air travel.

If all major league players owe a debt of gratitude to Curt Flood, then it could be said that all baseball owners should likewise recognize O’Malley.  Actually, Don Barnes had the transfer of the St. Louis Browns to Los Angeles virtually completed in December 1941 but the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor, dashing the ambitious plans.

The Braves (1953 to Milwaukee) and Browns (1954 to Baltimore) had already relocated, easing O’Malley’s transition.  The Braves, in particular, jumped from 281,000 to 1.8 million in attendance the first year.  A gold mine was unearthed.  Others would soon follow, making even greater demands of their welcoming cities.

In 1961, the big leagues began adding teams, offering a shot to an extra 25 men per club plus numerous minor league and front office jobs.  It was a tremendous boon for the industry.  The major drawback, as bore out by the 1990s, is the scarcity of effective pitching.

In the latter part of the 20th century baseball, for the first time, experienced significant competition for the best athletic talent.  American youths began focusing on other sports, such as, basketball, football, hockey, golf, tennis plus numerous others. 

Young men now spend more time in front of their computer or television set or playing video games than in honing their athletic skills. Baseball has compensated by attracting a greater amount of foreign-born players than the other major sports. 

The following is a list of major league expansion during the century:

1961    American League

• Los Angeles Angels
• Washington Senators

1962    National League

• Houston Colt .45’s
• New York Mets

1969    American League

• Kansas City Royals
• Seattle Pilots

1969 National League

• Montreal Royals
• San Diego Padres

1977    American League

• Toronto Blue Jays
• Seattle Mariners

1993    National League

• Colorado Rockies
• Florida Marlins

1998 American League

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

1998 National League

Arizona Diamondbacks