THE FIGHT OVER TOPSY HARTSEL

In October of 1900 a disagreement over the rights to the young outfielder, Topsy Hartsel, emerged between the Chicago and Cincinnati Clubs. The matter had been submitted to the National Board for resolution. John T. Brush, President and owner of the Cincinnati Club claimed he had a signed contract with Hartsel that antedated Chicago’s contract by more than a month.

Chicago’s claim was based on an agreement made with the American League the previous spring. When Charles Comiskey was given permission to place the White Stockings in Chicago, James Hart, Chicago’s president, was given permission to take two men from Comiskey’s team every season that the White Stockings remained in Chicago. At the meeting, W.H. Watkins of the Indianapolis American League team advised that Hart could have on of his players instead. When the time came, after selecting Hartsel, Hart was surrpised to learn that he belonged to Cincinnati.

Hart said that he would abide by the Board’s decision, but if he lost, he would seek damages against the Indianapolis Club and take pleasure in denouncing Watkins for unfair dealing. Hart further clarified that he had no hard feelings for Brush or the Cincinnati Club. There was nothing personal involved and as far as Hartsel, there was no reason to create a tremendous fight over the player. But if Hart didn’t get Hartsel, he’d hold the American League accountable.

Watkins claimed he’d made no agreement with Hart and there were some people who didn’t think that the matter would ever be decided by the Board. The American League’s resolution meant nothing to the National Board and if they decided the issue, it would be on its merits.

Before the matter was heard by the Board, Hart and Brush, in light of threats from both the American League and the American Association, settled their differences with Brush allowing rights to the player’s services to go to Chicago. Hartsel would play one year with Chicago before joining Connie Mack and the Athletics in the American League.