Full Description
The last independent major league ended its brief run in 1915, after only two seasons at the national pastime's top level. But no competitor to establishment baseball ever exerted so much influence on its rival, with some of the most recognizable elements of the game today--including the commissioner system, competition for free agents, baseball's antitrust exemption, and even the beloved Wrigley Field--traceable to the so-called outlaw organization known as the Federal League of Base Ball Clubs.
This comprehensive history covers the league from its formation in 1913 through its buyout, dissolution, and legal battles with the National and American leagues. The day-to-day operation of the franchises, the pennant races and outstanding players, the two-year competitive battle for fans and players, and the short- and long-term impact on the game are covered in detail.
Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Federal League Beginnings
2. A Challenge to Organized Baseball
3. Lucky Charley
4. "A Fifty Per Cent Raise Looked Too Good to Turn Down"
5. The Baseball Players' Fraternity
6. The Federal League Survives a Crisis
7. Ad Brennan and Tom Seaton
8. The World Tourists
9. Opening Day
10. "The Nerviest Proposition I Ever Saw"
11. Three Finger Brown
12. Weeghman's "Edifice of Beauty"
13. The Emery Ball Specialist
14. The Terrapins Set the Pace
15. Rowdyism and Umpire Woes
16. Washington Park
17. Pittsburgh's Rebels
18. "I Will Pitch for the One That Gives Me the Most Money!"
19. Prince Hal
20. Ty Cobb of the Feds
21. Tinker's Invalids
22. Fielder Jones
23. The Stretch Run
24. A Gloomy State of Affairs
25. The Big Train Almost Becomes the Federal Express
26. The Federal League vs. Organized Baseball
27. Jumpers and Flip-Floppers
28. "An Embarrassing Situation"
29. Opening Day 2
30. Benny Kauff Goes Astray
31. Rebels Resurgent
32. The Top Whale Goes Down
33. Buffalo's Got the Blues
34. "This Season You Are Playing for Me"
35. The Colonial League
36. Lee Magee Style
37. "My Resignation Was Wired to Mr. Ball This Afternoon"
38. "The Belgium of Baseball"
39. The Deacon Takes the Pulpit
40. The Tribune's Amateurs
41. Davenport and Plank
42. The Pivotal Series
43. The Big Bluff
44. Peace!
45. The Big Auction
46. The Aftershock
47. The Browns/Terriers
48. The Cubs/Whales
49. The Outcasts
50. The Benny Kauff Story
51. Back into Good Society
Epilogue
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
