Full Description
In late 1901, a number of baseball owners decided to break away from the Western League and form a new league called the American Association. This "outlaw league" refused to recognize organized baseball's reserve clause, but vowed to respect contracts. Unfortunately, organized baseball did not reciprocate. Over the next two years, the leagues battled each other for players, fans, and financial superiority. This narrative of that struggle details the business operations of the different clubs, the difficulties of securing property for ball parks, and the problem of players jumping contracts. It also chronicles the two playing seasons during the conflict and describes the rowdy behavior of both players and umpires that characterized baseball at the time. Although the American Association would go on to a longer and more successful life, this study shows that outcome was by no means certain in the early 20th century.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
1. The War Begins
2. Filling Rosters and Jumping Contracts
3. The 1902 Playing Seasons
4. Rowdyism and Umpiring in the Western League and American Association
5. League Peace but Battle Continues in Two Cities
6. American Association Interlude
7. The 1903 Seasons
8. The War Ends
Appendix A: American Association 1902 and 1903 Statistics
Appendix B: Western League 1902 and 1903 Statistics
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
