If Baseball Integrated Early - If Baseball Had Been Integrated from the Start

By Doug Fowler

The Civil war ends 18 months early, allowing a young man to survive who greatly impacts baseball history. The first part of the book deals with ensuring that baseball remains integrated in the 1870s and 1880s. The second part features blurbs from each season from 1901-2011, concerning pennant races, individual players, franchise shifts, trades, and many other things.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9781105393006

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If Baseball Integrated Early - If Baseball Had Been Integrated from the Start

IF BASEBALL INTEGRATED EARLY

By Doug Fowler

If Baseball Had Been Integrated from the Start

Forward and Acknowledgements

"To be fair, Hooker starting to lose his nerve wasn’t the only problem for the Union Army. The rebels had the great Stonewall Jackson. However, two great turns of fate came at Chancellorsville. One was the death of Jackson. The other was a concussion received by General Hooker. When General Couch went to see him, he was still unconscious. He never would regain all his faculties….

Had one or both not happened, the rebels still would have lost, but it might have been two more years. Some say General Lee had an ambitious plan to invade the North in Pennsylvania. Instead, the Civil War was over within months. And, as wounds healed, a new era emerged, with some taking more time to grow closer than others. But, with much less animosity on both sides, reconciliation would be much, much easier.

From part of a famous Civil War documentary

The intent of this book is to chronicle baseball history if the sport had been integrated from the beginning. Had this happened, American history would have been different, as well. It is covered here, but treated in much greater depth in Brotherhood and Baseball.

This book (and the other) presumes that the same people would have been born who were in our timeline, (OTL) though of course they may come to different ends. Not many alternate histories do this, but it’s the easiest in a case like this. Baseball fans want to learn about players they know. Hence, what one might call the historical inevitability argument; unless it is impossible for a certain person to have been born, his or her parents would have conceived that person anyway.

This book portrays historical figures in an alternate universe. It does not represent actual history, and should not be taken as such. It is a record of what could have happened in the world created by the point of departure, with emphasis on the differences.

Heartfelt thanks go to the following: The website www.civilwarhome.com, on various Civil War matters (even more so in the history companion Brotherhood and Baseball); My good friend Scott Anderson, a big baseball and Civil War buff, for help on the Battle of Chancellorsville and how things might have gone after this point of departure (POD) for the Union Army; The good people at www.baseball-fever.com for their insightful discussion of how Negro Leaguers might have fared, and also alternate commissioners; Daniel Dawdy at ribbonrail.com for train schedule information in the late 1940s/early 1950s; The great baseball site www.baseball-reference.com; and, those at www.alternatehistory.com, who advised me that there should be something more than just one figure who didn’t live in OTL, but that there should be an actual, definable POD. They, of course, were also invaluable in the development of "Brotherhood and Baseball, too.

And, of course, thanks to my wonderful family and my great Savior, Jesus Christ, who graced me with writing ability and so much else; especially this great American game.

Copyright © 2011 by Doug Fowler, all rights reserved

ISBN: 978-0-557-46439-5

Table of Contents

Introduction – Setting the Table

Section One – The 19th Century

Part One - In the Big Inning

Interlude 1: Undeclared Wars and Declared Ones

Part Two – A Piece of the Action

Interlude 2: A Clash of Titans – the 1878 Playoffs:

Part Three – Baseball’s First Expansion Era

The 1880s

Interlude 3: Securing the Position

The 1890s

Frank Grant, Baseball’s First Black Star

Section Two – The Modern Era

Part One – The Deadball Era, 1900-1919

Interlude 4: The 1908 Gambling Scandal and Aftermath

Interlude 5: Integration Elsewhere

Part Two – The Best of Times, the Worst of Times, 1920-1939:

Interlude 6: The Babe Ruth Deal and Baseball’s Compromise of 1920

Part Three – The In-Between Years – 1940-1949

Interlude 7: The Baseball-PCL Negotiations, and the Big Move

Part Four – Golden Age; Growing and Moving – 1950-1971

Interlude 8: Effects on the NFL

Part Five - Free Agency and Parity – 1972-1993

Part Six – Trying to Stay Afloat – 1994-present

Introduction – Setting the Table:

Baseball, the Fountain of Youth that Ponce De Leon sought long ago. Men playing a boy’s game, trying to attain their childhood dreams of stardom. Whether in city parks or crowded stadiums, there is a youthful exuberance. It invites teamwork and co-operation, as many times the object is to drive in another batter, or allow oneself to be driven home. And yet, it can also glorify dramatic individual accomplishment.

With this book, you will enter a different world. It is one without over half a century of segregation in baseball. It is one where a less hostile atmosphere after the Civil War allowed certain things to be possible that wouldn’t otherwise be. And, it is a world in which one John Benton set in motion the things which allowed great black ballplayers to make the major leagues.

Who is John Benton? He is Everyman, in a way, one of many thousands who survive in this alternate Civil War. He may have been from Maine or California, or anywhere in between, though he was of necessity given a home state for the events in Brotherhood and baseball, a companion book which delves much further into American history in this timeline. He may have been born in 1840 to 1845, though he is given a home state by necessity in Brotherhood and Baseball, which covers more American history. The point is that he could be from anywhere, and here he survived and made a difference. It’s the difference many of us would make if we could. He could play baseball with the best in the 1860s and 1870s. Rather than going to his eternal reward in one of many battles, he emerged to ensure that baseball was integrated.

This is not to say whether or not those who did live could have done it. A POD where Monte Ward, John McGraw, or someone else prevails in signing the best players, regardless of race, could be used. So, too, could one where Cap Anson has a massive change of heart. Whether such a POD is plausible, and how, is for others to debate.

In this world, John Benton had that courage.

What you are about to read is the main differences, and some similarities, in a history of baseball that might have been had the game been integrated from the start. The original POD, of course, would have an impact on society, too, and that will be touched upon, though covered much more in depth in Brotherhood and Baseball.

The first few decades will read more like a series of short stories, for two reasons. First, the stage needs to be set. Second, most fans are more familiar with the modern era, post-1900, anyway. So, the first few parts will involve the setup, while each season from 1901 onward will get some coverage, with what I hope is an enjoyable format. Short news clips, summaries of special seasons or World Series, discussion of important players’ careers, and so on will be included for each year. Interludes will cover what goes on in the outside world.

However, that outside world is mostly for the companion book, Brotherhood and Baseball. What we’re most concerned about is that phrase – If Baseball Integrated Early.

Section One – The 19th century

Part One –  In the Big Inning – 1870-1

John A. Benton tossed a ball into the air. He snatched it with his bare hand, gazed dreamily at the open field behind his home, and muttered, Soon…

What was that?

He turned to his wife, Mildred. Soon, we shall have a truly national league. The National Association of Professional Base Ball Clubs. Hopefully, they shall be here in Philadelphia, in Boston, in Chicago….

Mildred was amazed. But, it was so recently that Cincinnati’s club made their tour out West. Can it be done so soon?

Benton’s face held an air that would have fit well on his namesake, John Adams. Benton, too, seemed confident to the point of arrogance at times, but his was the confidence that he could hit any baseball thrown his way. He could play centerfield as if the expanse were a web, and he a spider snaring every fly that entered it.

The sport is growing by leaps and bounds. Our boy, Abraham, may well grow up to play before thousands of people by the turn of the century.

And, the little one inside me now? she asked as he repeated his throwing and catching motion.

It would be nice if we had a girl. Yes, Abe may become a ballplayer, but he could also be a soldier. John sighed. That is something I hope never has to happen.

Mildred concurred as she rubbed her belly, pondering the probable due date a few weeks from now. Her younger sister was inside, helping to care for the toddler Abraham. You went through a lot.

John continued to throw and catch the ball. Yes, we were lucky that General Hooker had been injured at Chancellorsville; he’d begun to lose faith in himself. And a person… He snared the ball at his knees, and spoke not just about the fateful battle, but also about his attitude toward baseball. A person who thinks that way has lost before it has begun. But, while Hooker was unconscious, General Couch ordered us to attack. After a couple days, with General Jackson providentially being killed earlier in battle, Lee’s army was defeated, and we chased him all the way to Richmond.

He shuddered to think what might have happened – he’d had over a year of service left before his enlistment was up at the time of Chancellorsville. The way the war had gone before, he might have fought and died in one of countless other battles.

Mildred disliked those thoughts, too. As she lovingly eyed her husband, she saw in him a gritty determination to accomplish any goal set before him. However, she often found herself wondering if it was a pipe dream in one specific way.

By the way, you heard that Lee passed away? She had. I shall be very busy with the farm and with the team as we discuss how to ensure our club is allowed to keep its players. Could you write a letter of condolence for me, Dear?

Certainly, she said with a smile. Her husband had been assigned to the regiments making sure everything went well in Virginia after the Richmond government fled, so he’d missed fighting in the last of the battles. He’d gotten to know Robert E. Lee from the ex-general’s attempt to negotiate between the Union and the rebels, something urged by President Lincoln. Lee had never wanted to fight for anything but his home state of Virginia and may have been relieved by Jefferson Davis, anyway, after the devastating loss. She knew exactly what her husband would say to the grieving family.

Thank you. I came to understand the man’s honor and commitment, though I still believe he should have been more adamantly against slavery before the war, Benton said, trying to sound respectful. He tried too hard to fit in with the crowd. He wiped sweat from his brow as he held the ball. That is in the hands of our Lord, though.

He is a gracious and forgiving God.

Yes. He considered the moment of Lee’s surrender near Richmond, shortly after the Confederate government had managed to flee. Here I am late in 1870, thinking the same things I did as a brash, young soldier confronting him. But, Lord willing, I will stand firm, despite my players being quite unpopular in some circles.

You’re doing a great job, John, she said lovingly.

Thank you. I’d better go. He gave her a farewell kiss, and departed.

Benton loved walking. He loved any kind of exercise, in fact, even on chilly days such as these, where the wind bit fiercely at him. Yes, he pondered, it was so good to be alive. Not only that, but to be playing. He knew someone quite well who had lost an arm during the war. Quite a few had lost body parts, in fact..

Now, the battle which raged was different. As he approached the diamond and heard talk of Robert E. Lee’s death, he recognized the tension which existed among some of his teammates. Though they tried to make small talk, their minds were elsewhere at times as they began to throw the baseball around.

Did General Lee ever attend one of your games? one of John’s teammates asked as he tossed a ball toward the centerfielder.

As a matter of fact, yes. My superiors trusted him, the rebels still trusted him, and I began to warm to him. President Lincoln had been sharply criticized at first for using Lee as a go-between, but Benton had grown to understand why. It had shortened the Civil War by months, and helped the sides act more amicable later.

So, now that he’s gone, what do you think will happen?

Benton began to answer, but turned to see a couple dark-skinned men walking toward the field. I hope we’re not late. The foreman said there was more work to do, one of them explained.

That’s understandable, Benton said simply. Inside, he could feel his teammates’ stares. John was finally learning what Lee had meant when he said that the brash, young John Benton would one day face the same temptation to do like the rest of society.

You’ve got friends in high places, Mr. Benton, spoke a voice from behind him a number of days later. He was standing on what was home plate during the season at Jefferson Street Grounds.

Benton whirled around to meet Octavius Catto, whom many nicknamed Professor. He was a very well-spoken black man who was considered to be one of the city’s better players, as well as being a leading supporter of voting rights. He used baseball to meet and to discuss politics and how to improve the plight of blacks in Philadelphia.

That task had, of course, been made more difficult with the slow decline of mens’ clubs which played for fun, amid the slow but steady increase in professional baseball. Thus change in society had led Catto to team with Benton.

The Athletics wanted me – they offered $25 a week for Al Reach to move down here from New York, and they’ve given me something similar to ensure that I remain with them, Benton said, not wishing to disclose what.

True. Still, after the Association of Professional Baseball Clubs denied my team’s entry, I didn’t think you could convince them to let you help put the Athletics together for the National Association. Catto spoke of his all-black team.

They didn’t want me playing anywhere else. They were afraid I could form my own group of professionals to rival theirs, John explained. Benton was thought by many to be better than Reach, in fact. He changed the subject and inquired about the health of Catto’s father, who was a minister at First Black Presbyterian Church.

He is quite well. I believe he is very proud of my efforts. I’ve been too busy to pay a lot of attention to such things; I’m mostly interested in seeking equal rights. I have been born again, though. That is the important thing, that I’ve repented and trusted Jesus Christ to save me from my sins. Catto was, but if the conversation led in that direction, he could talk about the Lord quite easily. In fact, Catto was incredibly well read in many subjects, more so than many of his era, white or black.

Yes; I’ve trusted Christ as my Savior, too, Benton said happily. His death on the cross and resurrection mean everything; without having trusted in it, I would be lost. Catto nodded. Thankfully, I know Him. And, instead of meeting my Savior on some battlefield in Virginia or – Heaven forbid - Maryland or Pennsylvania, I get to play baseball.

You’ve got quite a challenge ahead of you.

The reminder of his faith helped Benton temper his at times pompous attitude. He believed he could play better than anyone ever. However, when it came to ensuring that baseball was integrating, he was beginning to realize the monumental task which lay ahead of him. That is an understatement.

Benton often came out here to think. Sometimes he practiced his batting stance and swing, sometimes he threw a ball in the air and caught it, but all the while, he planned. He planned to show that men of all races could play ball equally well. He planned ways to convince people to accept others as equals. But, most importantly, he sought the Lord’s help in making those plans.

I’ve always loved putting together baseball teams, just as you do; I even had a couple Chinese immigrants on one team out West, in ’65, before we came back here in ‘66. I love to find players with that same intense desire I have, regardless of their race, Benton said with noticeable passion, a determined look on his face.

I know. Just like the players I found for you.

In a way, I want to relax, like General Washington. Where he wanted the simple farm life, I want to work quietly in construction, while playing outfield in a child’s game. He turned and pointed toward the outfield. I could bask in the sun, catching anything that comes my way. I could stroke out hits with incredible ease. He’d hit better than .400 the last two years, something not unusual but still not very common, even in those days of rocky infields and players with no gloves. When the day was done, I could savor victory in having done my best, without having to be involved in petty politics or bawdry unruliness such as I must contend with. Baseball players in those days tended to be quite rowdy, but Benton refused tob e like that, and was well respected by fans because of it.

And yet, like General Washington had when called upon to lead his country, John Benton was determined to overcome. He was determined to assist the cause of fellow baseballists who had the same talent as their white counterparts, with nothing standing in the way but their race. It was the least he could do; he even knew of an occasion or two where a white person’s life had been spared by men in the Colored Regiments who happened to be fighting in the same area during the Civil War. John Benton had talent, and he was going to see to it their brethren could use theirs.

So, why do you do insist on making sure our races can play together?

Because it’s right, he said matter-of-factly. I look first for a good baseballist, not for someone’s color. I play this game to win. And, if someone doesn’t want the best on his team, that person doesn’t want to win much. To some, his outspokenness and cockiness was a bit of a turn-off. However, he knew someone had to speak.

I came out here wondering if you could help me, Catto confessed. Federal troops had to be called in to monitor the city’s elections last November. There have been tensions ever since the voting rights amendment passed, he remarked, trying to see how committed Benton would be to integration in other areas.

I know; a real hornet’s nest opened up. Benton worried that society might rebel if things went too fast, but he knew these advances were necessary. Lincoln had supported the civil rights and voting rights amendments, as a compromise with Congressional Radicals. In return Southern state were re-admitted quickly after adhering to a number of rules, similar to what had occurred before West Virginia had been admitted. I’m sure the South especially dislikes it when the Federal government intervenes in things like eliminating the mob violence after the war ended in late ‘63. Still, it’s been rare enough they tend to support it for those things, Benton acknowledged. Lynching was a Federal crime, in fact. Pretty many support such laws, since they were allowed to come back peacefully otherwise. I think it’s a good thing. Longstreet even became a Republican.

Many ex-Confederates are Democrats, but he’s not alone, it’s true, Catto agreed. He’s well respected down there, with how he relieved Lee after Chancellorsville, and gave the Confederate government time to flee South. Longstreet had also created defenses at Montgomery, after Virginia’s surrender induced Lee to quit the war. A Union victory at Chattanooga later that summer had convinced the Confederates to surrender before the Union got very close. It would seem really strange to have him in the federal government, though, Catto added, even in Congress.

No more so than it did seeing Lee help to negotiate after President Lincoln asked him to try to be a peacemaker, Benton said. Politics can be quite interesting, but I’ve never really had the interest in it. Besides, I’m spending all my time just making sure baseball integrates successfully. However, I certainly will support your endeavors.

Thank you. As they spoke further, Catto decided that Benton felt as he did, that sports were very significant in bringing people closer. As I’ve said before when we’ve spoken, lots of people think that baseball is unimportant, with so many of the ex-slaves in need of other things. However, I disagree. With baseball, we can show the races co-operating in a public arena. It may be that this will serve as a model for our races in other walks of life. I will even be willing to play for you when I am not busy with my school; I would be willing to play any position on the diamond, though the middle of the infield is my best.

John thanked him and inquired, Do you not think this endeavor will take you away from the debate over voting?

Catto shook his head. There is much to do to secure our rights. However, with a man like you, we can accomplish something great. I’m not as concerned if I’m taken away from it to play or practice. In fact, being with the team led him away from the controversy over voting and likely saved his life during the worst of the riots in the 1871 election, riots that led to massive reforms and an end to Philadelphia’s political machine.

Benton smiled. Catto was well educated for this time, even for a white person and definitely more so than most ballplayers; his love for learning was similar to Benton’s, though Benton had much less education. Catto had also forced nonviolent integration of Philadelphia public transportation. Catto – who, still in his early 30s, would soon be engaged, and marry after the 1871 season – had the same great determination to succeed that Benton did.

Benton knew that education wasn’t enough; ballplayers would still be expected to behave in a certain way. There were no guarantees with something like this, though he hated the double standard it implied.

I’ll be honest, Mr. Catto, a lot of whites have this idea of how your people should act, as I’m sure you’re sadly aware. Catto was painfully mindful of that problem. I just want to warn you, I noticed white players trying to injure those of color, or, umpires blowing calls on purpose. It’s tempting to fight back, to insist on your rights when an umpire deliberately blows a call, or a player does something nasty. I’m glad you’re willing to change positions; Reach plays second, after all. Sadly, I don’t think the world’s ready for a white player changing positions to suit a black player yet.

I understand all that, Mr. Benton, Catto said, holding up a hand. I know, you think I’m one of the better players in this city, he said modestly.

I hope you play for us often, Benton said, wanting him badly for his Athletics.

I’d be honored. As I say, when I have time, I’ll consider it year. He smiled. And, any time you need my support, in front of the league or anything, let me know.

Benton promised to do that. He’d already won influential friends. He reminisced, thinking back to one such time in 1866, when he and some others were playing baseball.

***

Benton had met Lincoln before he left the military, went home, and got married. He and Mildred had been out West for over a year, coming back in late summer of 1866 because they preferred the East Coast. Here, in 1866, Benton was again playing baseball back East. Abraham Lincoln smiled as he observed the baseball players. Mr. President, John heard someone say, though most knew he preferred Mr. Lincoln.

John tossed the ball to a young man and walked up to the president. They’d met first when Lincoln visited Virginia in mid- 1863.

The President recalled John’s obvious talent. I’m glad I don’t have to exert the energy your men do, he joked.

You look tired, John told the president.

Yes, the constant haggling over re-admitting the rebels can be very wearying. Lincoln looked at a man waiting to take a picture for the newspaper. He and John smiled, then Lincoln turned back to John and continued. Between Radicals wishing a harsh Reconstruction, and Southerners wishing to enforce laws akin to resuming slavery, I feel at times that I’m the only moderate person in this entire nation.

I’m sure there are good former rebels; I’ve heard that Tennessee didn’t pass any of the harsh laws others wanted, John noted, speaking of the infamous Black Codes that some in the former rebelling states threatened to pass. Aside from abolishing slavery to gain re-entry into the Union, states had to ensure in their constitutions that no such super-strict laws could be passed, among other things. Educated blacks had to be enfranchised. Discrimination was still widespread, but through Lincoln’s efforts, they tried to get Southern society to change, though it would be incremental at times.

That is true. Also, Virginia and North Carolina were rather willing to abide by my requirements for re-entry, Lincoln noted. The latter and Louisiana are providing a god model for other Southern states, although they and Tennessee might be the only beacons of hope for a while in the South. Thankfully, we have at least outlawed lynching.

Benton’s teammates had all gathered to see President Lincoln by now. One of them told the President, I think getting the freedmen and poor whites on the same page politically – as much as was possible, anyway - was a big step, too. They have things in common when it came to opposing the rich landowners.

That was important, yes, although as I have told others, I am president of all the people, including the rich. This office has me torn in many directions at times. I’m glad I can take breaks like this; I find I need them more and more, even with the war being over since September of ’63, except for some skirmishing in Texas and upper Louisiana. I was lucky Grant could become Vice President, so we would be sure to win in ’64. Grant used a different state as his residence then, since Lincoln was from Illinois. He has had a lot to learn about governing and appointments. Thankfully, he may be catching on as I help him. I think he’ll be a good, solid, moderate candidate in two years.

Did General Lee campaign for you? another asked. I heard rumors he had.

President Lincoln said Lee’s most important work was telling them what Radicals wanted. He realized I wanted malice toward none when I went to him after Virginia’s collapse. I quipped that many on both sides hoped we would take drastic action. So, we had two choices – either we could each shoot each other, or we could work together to end the problem. I knew he would choose the latter; being shot is not a pleasant proposition. The team laughed with Lincoln at his humor.

Did you really tell the doormen at the Capitol to slam the door in Southerners’ faces? another player asked.

Lincoln laughed heartily, recalling the incidents in question. What happened was, some Northern Congress members were very upset that rebel states could elect anyone to Congress or the Senate, if said man pledged to abide by the same standards we held their states to for re-entry. I told several such Radicals a story I had heard; how the English monarch, when Parliament opens, has the door closed as a symbol of independence from any monarch’s control.. I suggested that if they are so adamant, one of them should personally slam the door in their faces, as long as they peacefully opened it after that. They have. Although, Senator Sumner did break one’s nose, he swears it was by accident and not the retalistory move that some believe he was making. Sumner had been caned and nearly killed by a Southern Senator on the Senate floor back in the 1850s.

So, what did you think of the game? John asked, turning the attention back to the matter at hand. He was hopeful that President Lincoln would approve of the notion that the races could play together. It had been hard to find really good players who wanted to play on an integrated team. However, sympathy toward the freedmen, and blacks in general, was at its height yet after the war. Many had taken the swift victory, so soon after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, as an omen.

Lincoln spoke as he did at times, contemplating his life and accomplishments. I recall from when we met that you often utilized players of other races. It gives me the same good feeling I get seeing children play together. It is a safe place to attempt such a thing. The president reminisced that, It also brings to my mind my insistence on preserving the Union; unity is crucial to democracy. And, the freeing of the slaves was also vital. I’m just glad I could accomplish it, as bloody as the war was. I abhorred slavery, but some might say that I was too willing to preserve the Union over it at first. Whether or not we started winning quickly because we freed the slaves, I don’t know. I only know only God could have brought me through the war. Even then, I despaired at times.

Several players said they knew Lincoln had been the right man for the job.

Thank you. Although, I suspect some of you only knew it after the fact, Lincoln quipped. The players laughed. I remember General Lee’s words to Mr. Davis, Lincoln reminisced. He said, ‘We cannot hope to keep our slaves, let us retire, so we may be allowed to keep our dignity.’ I was honest with him. I think history has begun to prove me right.

I think you’re right, Benton said.

I’ve tried hard – and Mr. Lee and others have agreed – to insist on education as the primary focus, Lincoln said, finally getting back to the subject. He kept things from being harsher in Virginia. In a number of areas, however, we’ve had to be far stricter. Society could slowly grow accustomed to allowing the races to mingle, as much as they are able. President Lincoln was lost in thought for a moment. Society must adjust. Still, we believe all men are created equal. It is a noble experiment. And, I believe baseball is the right to attempt such an experiment, the president finished.

***

Benton mulled at Lincoln’s words from back in 1866 – a noble experiment – for quite a while before the meeting of the new league. Abraham Lincoln was incredibly admired, and Benton hoped that could be used to his benefit. Benton believed Lincoln’s words – which he knew had been relayed to others as well - would provide him the chance to do something really important for the game he loved, as well as for others.

After the meeting, John Benton couldn’t wait to get back home. He leaped excitedly off the train platform, spotting Mildred in the distance. He ran up to her and they embraced. We have done it! he said excitedly.

Oh, John, I am so proud of you! She quickly asked how it had happened.

A lot of effort. Plus, the prayers of you and your sister were a large help.

And her fiancé; the young man proposed while you were gone.

John was extremely happy for her. Wonderful! How are Abraham and Mary?

Great. Hello, Mr. Catto, Mildred said, greeting him warmly. I hope they didn’t give you too much trouble in New York.

They let me talk a little. Even that’s saying something.

Benton said he’d been the main focus. Everyone knew if they didn’t take my players, they wouldn’t have me, period. And, there might not even be a club in Philadelphia, which would be a real shame. Reach might go all the way to Chicago, if my Athletics weren’t allowed to play, and I might have ended up not playing at all for them. They were afraid of me forming a rival league. That was possible in the days before major league was well defined. He shook his head. Even so, it took a whole lot of arm twisting, and a lot of assurance by Mr. Catto that there wouldn’t be any problems.

You have to be careful, Catto elaborated. Folks will say you’re the problem if other folks riot because you’re there. I told the league president about that, and said if ruffians are starting to act bad, they need to be put in their place regardless of why. If someone’s rioting, it’s nobody’s fault but the one who’s doing it. People have to learn to act civil. He was forced to admit that was true.

Benton added that President Grant had even sent a message, reminding them of Lincoln’s feelings about it. President Lincoln considered it a ‘noble experiment.’ He didn’t know if ours would work, but he said we had a free nation, and it seemed right for them to let us try. He couldn’t remember the exact words, but he knew the former president had been much more eloquent than he himself could be.

Catto was very eloquent, and had enjoyed talking with Lincoln when they’d met a few years ago,