We in Chicago
had violated an Association rule
by signing for the next season several players
who were under contract and playing for
other teams during the current season
It looked as though
we might be kicked out of the Association,
so we staged a coup,
seeking other like-minded individuals
to create a League of Clubs
rather than an Association of Players
A successful base ball club could be
a source of civic pride,
but it must be operated on a business basis
The coup was the necessary first step*