JOHNSON'S AMERICAN LEAGUE TO
COMPETE WITH SENIOR CIRCUIT
Vows to succeed where other leagues have failed
February 25, 1901
Haphazard. Castoffs. A league full of rejects. In the weeks since the January 28th announcement of the elevation of the American League to professional status, they have been dismissed at every turn. However, each week more players jump ship to the league run by the portly bespectacled rebel and their chances grow by the hour.
The names of the players who have crossed the lines could fill the sports pages for weeks. Tales of their exploits have entertained us over the past decade, and although it will feel strange to see them wearing different colored flannels, we can be certain that these stories will continue.
Ban Johnson, the defiant leader of the newly formed league.
Notable names include fireballer Arch Murtaugh, formerly of the Chicago Orphans, last year's NL batting champ leftfielder Billy Bacon, formerly of Cincinnati and young phenoms Fibber Paine and Mick Rooker, both who had spent two seasons with the Phillies of Philadelphia. Rooker has signed with the Cleveland Blues, while Paine has moved across the City of Brotherly Love to the Athletics.
Murtaugh, now with the White Stockings, said it best, "I know everyone is predicting our demise. They don't think we'll last one season. I aim to prove them wrong and there are two hundred other guys who feel the same way. We're here to stay." We shall see, Mr Murtaugh.