316

John I. Rogers.

Diary of the co-owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Philadelphia, January to December 1890
[122] manuscript diary pages plus [15] pages of memoranda. Folio, 13¼ x 8 inches, contemporary ½ calf, rebacked in cloth at an early date; dampstaining to inner margins, a few early repairs, a few leaves coming loose.

John Ignatius Rogers (1844-1910) was a Philadelphia attorney and militia leader who partnered with sporting goods manufacturer Al Reach to place a National League franchise in Philadelphia in 1883. They remain in action as the Philadelphia Phillies today, one of the oldest professional sports franchises in America.

At the time of this diary, the Phillies were one of Rogers' main business interests. They had become a strong team under the field leadership of Harry Wright, who had basically invented American professional team sports in 1869. They were in the midst of a long stretch of finishing third or fourth every year. In this diary, the frequent baseball-related entries are generally headed "B.B."

Rogers was closely involved in player acquisition and daily operations of the team.  The diary begins in the midst of negotiations to acquire a future Hall of Famer from the Kansas City Cowboys: speedy young  outfielder Billy Hamilton. The deal was finalized on 7 January, when Rogers wrote: "Telegraph Krauthoff, Speas, Hackett about Hamilton. . . . Accept Speas' terms, $3000 for release of Hamilton." Hamilton went on to set the career stolen base record, led the league in runs scored four times, and had a career batting average of .344.

Another famous player was picked up on 25 August: "Completed the deal for Sunday, paying $1100 for him to Pittsburg, the latter club having the right to Day & Burke if they can secure him." Sunday was a marginal ballplayer but was on his way to becoming a nationally known Christian evangelist.

Baseball's labor arrangements were at their most contentious in 1890. The owners had previously instituted a reserve clause forbidding players to choose their own employers, in an effort to suppress salaries. In a 28 January baseball entry, Rogers writes: "Preliminary injunction refused in NY, but our meaning of 'reserve' substantiated by judge." In reaction to the reserve clause and other complaints, the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players was formed in November 1889, which launched a new Player's League led by star players for the 1890 season. Rogers was involved in the larger fight against the Brotherhood, and also in the struggle to keep his own players from defecting.

On 8 February, he tried to hang on to his third baseman:  "Write to [Joe] Mulvey about rumors of his intended flop back to the Brotherhood." On 25 February, "Duke brought Mulvey to office. Had a long talk. He asserted[?] his fealty to the League and said he would positively play with us. That he would go to Providence [his home town] tomorrow to avoid Brotherhood bulldozing. . . . I promised him in writing $250 at close of season if he played first-class ball & kept sober &c." It was no use: Mulvey spent the year with the Player's League. Star slugger Ed Delahanty was already gone, to Al Johnson's Cleveland Brotherhood team.  Rogers did not give up: "Write letter to Al Johnson about Delahanty" (26 March).

Other Hall of Fame players and executives are mentioned frequently here, such as Sam Thompson, Al Spalding, and Harry Wright. This diary is a wonderful source on the business operations of professional baseball, and fun reading for any student of the 19th-century game. 

  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000