1894 by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Page 75

The collapse of the Players League after its inaugural season left most players scrambling for new berths and at the mercy of their erstwhile employers. But not High Duffy. Pursuant to the reserve system, the rights to Duffy had reverted to the National League and its Chicago club. But Hugh, estranged from field leader Anson and with a hearty dislike of club boss Al Spalding, had no intention of returning to the Chicago fold. Instead, he ignored his reversion designation and negotiated a handsome new contract with the Boston Beaneaters, which Spalding promptly blocked, as was his prerogative with any National League team that attempted to secure Duffy without his consent. This turn of events prompted Duffy to approach the American Association which, having vitiated the National Agreement the previous year, was not obliged to recognize the player reversion claims of National League clubs. In due course, Hugh signed with the AA’s Boston Reds and, in the process, commenced an association with Hub City baseball that would span more than 60 years.

The year 1891 was a watershed for Hugh Duffy. Professionally, he had another banner year, batting .336 with an AA leading 110

RBIs. He stole a career high 85 bases, and achieved top 10

rankings in batting average, on base percentage, slugging, runs scored, base hits, steals, and home runs. Perhaps more important, the Reds, led by field captain Duffy, captured the

1894