Monday, April 19, 2010

Bradley Signs With Chicago

[From the Chicago Times of Yesterday.]

Though nearly all of the members of the present Chicago nine have been engaged for the season of 1877, the club, when it makes the field in the next championship race, will show several essential changes. The most important of these will be in the position of pitcher. Bradley, the famous pitcher of the St. Louis nine, has been engaged to do the work of that place for the White Stockings next year. A contract has already been signed by him with the management of the Chicago club. It is based upon a condition, to be sure, but one which can hardly effect his engagement. Bradley, it appears, in a moment of inconsiderate haste, signed with the Athletics early in the season to play with them in the years 1877 and 1878. He has since repented of that action, and desiring to connect himself with the best base ball club in the country, he has signed with the Chicagos, upon the condition of his not being compelled to carry out his contract with the Athletic management. There is but a very small probability that the Athletics can hold him to his agreement with them...

It seems that his attachment for St. Louis and the St. Louis Club is not a very powerful one, and that he sought an engagement here. The Chicagos are not less glad to get him, however, than he is to come. He is a very desirable acquisition to that nine...

Bradley's record throughout the season shows him to be, by all odds, the best pitcher in the country. He will greatly strengthen the White Stockings. Nothing is meant by this remark in the way of disparagement to Capt. Spalding. That admirable player and courteous gentleman has done most effective service, and held his own against every other pitcher. Were it not that he is to be employed in another capacity, he would, of course, be retained in his present position.
-St. Louis Globe-Democrat, October 1, 1876

No comments: