Minor League Salaries, 1897
In 1897, Ren Mulford of The Cincinnati Times-Star compiled a list of the average monthly salaries in some of the minor leagues:
“Eastern League–$100 to $180 for youngsters, $200 to $250 for stars.
“Western League–$75 to $150 for young men, nominal–$200 limit—real limit, about $300.
“Western Association–$65 to $115.
“Southern League–$70 to $100.
“Texas League–$60 to $100
“New England League–$75 to $125.”
Ren Mulford
Mulford said:
“Most of the minor league contracts are from four and one-half months. While they are in force the players have their boards and traveling expenses paid when away from home. Seven months in the year these players can earn money doing other work. And yet they are down-trodden! There are many business and professional men who would be willing to be as down-trodden as are ball players.”
Small Market Woes, 1887
Horace Fogel was the third manager of the Indianapolis Hoosiers in 1887; the last place club finished the season 37-89; 20-49 under Fogel.
Horace Fogel
After the season Fogel told The Indianapolis News:
“(I)t is a fact that it is impossible for a weaker League club to compete against such clubs as New York, Chicago, Detroit, or Boston when one of these begins to negotiate with the players. There is no use trying to get him by the offer of more money, for it will do no good. The young players would rather play on the big clubs for $500 less than they would get in the Indianapolis club. They do not recognize they would have a chance for improvement in a weaker club, while in one of the big clubs they must be on an equality with the best or they cannot stay. Young ball players will learn that they will have to begin at the foot of the ladder.”
Indianapolis, under manager Harry Spence finished 50-85 in seventh place in 1888.
Barney’s Favorite Scout, 1910
Barney Dreyfuss told The Pittsburgh Press in 1910 that the “best scout in the country” worked for him despite having “never secured a ballplayer.”
Barney Dreyfuss
Dreyfuss said, “And as long as he wants to stay on my payroll, he can do it.”
The scout was Pittsburgh’s man on the West Coast, George Van Haltren. Dreyfuss said:
“He is an excellent judge of ballplayers, When we are tipped off to some player who is said to be a wonder, George hikes out and takes a look at him.”
Van Haltren never signed a prospect for the Pirates but remained Dreyfuss’ favorite scout.
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