O/T A-Rod $350M Contract...R U Kidding Me?

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Posted By: David Atkatz

McGraw announced on October 7--when the Highlanders were still leading the A.L.--that they would not play a series with the A.L. winner.

Said McGraw:

“I want to go clearly and emphatically on record in the matter of the refusal of the New York Club to play a post-season series. The people of New York have been kind enough to give me some credit for bringing the pennant to New York, and if there is any just blame or criticism for the club’s action in protecting that highly-prized honor the blame should rest on my shoulders, not Mr. Brush’s, for I alone am responsible.
“When I came to New York three years ago the team was in last place. Since that time, on and off the field, I have worked to bring the pennant to New York. The result is known. Now that the New York team has won this honor, I for one will not stand to see it tossed away like a rag. The pennant means something to me. It is the first I have ever won. It means something to my players, and they are with me in my stand. We never stopped until we clinched the pennant, even if it did rob the game of the interest of a pennant race. The club never complained. When the fight was hot we played to thousands. After the race was won we played to hundreds. But that was square sport and the stockholders never complained. If we didn’t sacrifice our race in our own league to the box office we certainly are not going to put in jeopardy the highest honor in baseball simply for the box office inducements.
“If the National League should see fit to place post-season games on the same plane as championship games, and surround them with the same protection and safeguards for square sport as championship games, then, and not till then, will I ever take part in them.
“Now about the team. A better team never was gotten together. We are afraid of no team. They are with me to a man in my stand. I put it up to them one by one and they showed their colors. We are here and here to stay. We will defend the pennant in 1905 and hope to for many years. We are willing to be judged by our patrons and the supporters of honest sport.”