As common as contract jumping was during the first 30 years of organized baseball, there are very few cases in which the particular inducements that led to the player breaking his contract are available. Such is the case with Charlie Babb. Before the 1902 season, Babb, a 29-year-old journeyman infielder, signed to play with the Indianapolis Indians in the newly formed American Association (Indianapolis was a member of the Western Association in 1901). The Sporting Life described as “a base-hit killer,” but “anything but a graceful fielder.” The St. Paul Dispatch said: “He covers all kinds of ground, and it is next to impossible to lay down a bunt and get away with it.” Babb was installed at third base where The Indianapolis Times said he would be an improvement over previous third baseman Eddie Hickey who had committed 49 errors in 101 games in 1910; Babb told The Indianapolis News “he will try his best to make Indianapolis fans forget that there ever was a third-baseman by the name of Hickey.” Babb quickly became a favorite with fans and the press. When the Indians moved into second place in June The Times said Babb won games for the team with “his hands, feet and bat.” The News said: “Babb can borrow a dollar from the left field bleacherites any time he wants to.” Babb was hitting .308 in 182 at bats through June 22, and his popularity in the city was why a small item that appeared in several Midwest and Southern papers that day was largely ignored in Indianapolis. It said that earlier in June, while the Indians were playing in Louisville, Babb was approached by Philip “Red” Ehret, a Louisville native who knew something about jumping, and currently played for the Memphis Egyptians in the Southern Association (some versions said it was a Southern Association umpire named Ed Cline who approached Babb). The story said Ehret had “urged” Babb to jump and that “Babb turned him down.” Disinterest over the story in Indianapolis turned to outrage two days later. Babb had not turned Ehret and Memphis down; he jumped the Indians to join the Egyptians. The News said: “Babb, the deserter, was one of the most popular players ever in this city, and by his action it is doubtful he ever again will have such a place in the affections of any city.” The Indianapolis papers provided precise details of just what was offered: Babb would receive $45 more a month, a $300 bonus, $80 transportation expenses, and a winter job in Memphis. The News said “Contract jumping is the greatest evil that afflicts baseball at present,” and warned that “baseball will be in utter disrepute,” if something wasn’t done to end the practice; Ignoring the “evil” of the reserve clause. Orville “Sam” Woodruff replaced Babb at third base. Within days, The News, which less than a month earlier had called Babb “the best third baseman” to ever play in Indianapolis; said Woodruff had played so well that “Indianapolis fans don’t care if he never comes back.” The Times said “Babb has nothing on Orville Woodruff in the field or at the bat.” Babb was not the only jumper to join Memphis is June. Bill Evans, a Louisville native and friend of Ehret left the American Association’s Columbus Senators to join the Egyptians and Jim St. Vrain, after being released by the Chicago Orphans, signed with Memphis despite being the property of the Tacoma Tigers in the Pacific Northwest League.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 03:23:10 +0000
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