WALLY MARION'S LATEST.
-----------
He tries to Run the Cincinnati Management, But Is Knocked Out.
----------
Special to THRIFTLON NEWS.
CINCINNATI, May 19 -- the excitement in local baseball circles is caused, as usual, by our ever traitorous friend(?) and star pitcher Wally Marion (6-3, 2.93). Just before Umpire Knight called the game yesterday, Marion, who had been assigned to pitch, and whose name appeared on the official score card, arose from the players bench and told Manager Schmelz that he might as well put somebody else in to pitch, as he did not intend to pitch every day without receiving extra money for the task. Manager Schmelz told Marion that he had not pitched for two or three days and he thought it no more than right that he should take his turn. Marion appeared to acquiesce but then took the mound and delivered such an awful performance (6 IP, 8 R, 5 ER, BB, 4 K) that it was as if he had refused to pitch at all, and by the 7th frame it was required that the old and ornery Buddie Lynn (2-0, 2.16) come out to "save" him. Manager Schmelz fined Marion $100 and suspended him indefinitely and ordered him to leave the grounds. Marion grasped the situation at once; went to the dressing room changed his clothes; and after the game was finished, he left the park carrying his uniform with him.
Everyone knows Wally Marion, his character as a contract jumper and an unprincipled ball player. In every city in which he has played he has left some blur upon his reputation. His friends here, and there are few of them, will become beautifully less when they hear of this despicable action on his part. The Cincinnati players even look upon him with disgust. Although Cincinnati is in need of a pitcher, still they cannot put up with such conduct.
(note: this was originally about "The Apollo of the Box", Tony Mullane, but I'm kind of tickled pink that the Reds have maybe the best personality comp for him on their staff right now in Marion. Incidentally, though, if Mullane IRL and therefore Marion in this sim actually got suspended by the team, it was *sure* over quickly - I'm showing Mullane started 48 games for the Reds that year, pitching more than 400 innings and winning 31 games.)
Trouble at Indianapolis.
Special to THRIFTLON NEWS.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 20. -- The management of the Indianapolis club is in a very demoralized condition. President Newberger has declared his intention of severing his connection with the club and it is expected. that within a few days, he will withdraw from active connection with the team. Indications as to his successor point favorably to John H. Martin, a prominent railroad man of this city. The players are dissatisfied with Manager Burnham and it is feared that they some day will refuse to go on the field. Some days ago as it transpires, Manager Burnham forged 2B Lou Jansen's (.312, 2, 13) name to an apology for the trouble that occasioned the fining of the team and when Lou became aware of this, he said he would rather be blacklisted than play under the management of such a man, but some friends finally persuaded him to play. This letter caused Burnham's resignation at the time, but wy he was reinstated no one is able to tell. See of the directors say his present tenure of office is brief. When the differences of the management are settled, if they ever are, steps will be taking to increase the batting strength of the team. It is conceded that but a few games can be one with the team is at present constituted.
(note: other than Jansen, no real ties to the actual league; I just wanted to drop this story in because it's a neat example of the shakiness of the franchises at the time. Also, forging your star player's name on an apology is just... wow.)
Huesman to be Fired.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 20 -- The local directory had a spasm upon receipt of the ball game to-day in New York, and there was a called meeting and a two hours' session with closed doors followed. One result of the meeting is the assured dismissal of Jon Huesman (0-1, 9.19) as a pitcher, one trial as starter and seven in relief being considered sufficient in demonstrating his worthlessness. The Directory resolved upon scouting another pitcher if one can be found. Meanwhile the effort to strengthen the field continues. Mr. Newberger continued as President but it is hinted thereafter there will be fewer voices in the management of the club.
Code:
NATIONAL LEAGUE STANDINGS
W L PCT GB
New York Giants 15 5 .750 -
Detroit Wolverines 12 8 .600 3.0
Pittsburgh Alleghenys 10 7 .588 3.5
Chicago White Stockings 10 7 .588 3.5
Boston Beaneaters 9 10 .474 5.5
Washington Nationals 8 11 .421 6.5
Philadelphia Quakers 7 13 .350 8.0
Indianapolis Hoosiers 5 15 .250 10.0
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION STANDINGS
W L PCT GB
St. Louis Browns 18 9 .667 -
Philadelphia Athletics 17 9 .654 .5
Brooklyn Grays 14 8 .636 1.5
Cincinnati Red Stckings 14 13 .519 4.0
Baltimore Orioles 10 12 .455 5.5
Louisville Colonels 9 12 .429 6.0
New York Metropolitans 9 13 .409 6.5
Cleveland Blues 5 20 .200 12.0