mlb took on a new face during the great depression of the 1930s but how about during the 1890s. how did things change?
couple ideas:
Near the end of 1892, National League team owners, en masse, released all their players. They had just merged with the American Association and wanted to cut payroll costs at the onset of the depression of the 1890s. Over the winter, officials set salary limits and cut player income across the board. The talent was forced to accept the new terms. This in large part led to the mass exodus to the AL in 1901. Clark Griffith, for one, was particularly irked by the wage ceiling and he became one of the foremost union men and, subsequently, at top recruiter for the AL.
Like Larry MacPhail later, ban Johnson became innovative after taking over as president of the Western League in 1893 and re-establishing the league. His blueprint proved successful and he was able to court top talent (it also helped that other leagues were folding) and the WL started turning a profit which was quite astounding considering the depression. Hence, he survived where others didn't and was in the position to challenge the NL.
any other factors?
couple ideas:
Near the end of 1892, National League team owners, en masse, released all their players. They had just merged with the American Association and wanted to cut payroll costs at the onset of the depression of the 1890s. Over the winter, officials set salary limits and cut player income across the board. The talent was forced to accept the new terms. This in large part led to the mass exodus to the AL in 1901. Clark Griffith, for one, was particularly irked by the wage ceiling and he became one of the foremost union men and, subsequently, at top recruiter for the AL.
Like Larry MacPhail later, ban Johnson became innovative after taking over as president of the Western League in 1893 and re-establishing the league. His blueprint proved successful and he was able to court top talent (it also helped that other leagues were folding) and the WL started turning a profit which was quite astounding considering the depression. Hence, he survived where others didn't and was in the position to challenge the NL.
any other factors?
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