June 25, 1908 - The Washington Post - GRIFFITH RESIGNS JOB
GRIFFITH RESIGNS JOB
New York Teams Slump Disheartens Manager.
KID ELBERFELD IN CHARGE
Former,Leader in Poor Health as Result of Strain of Disastrous Campaign. May Quit Baseball for Good and Retire to His Ranch in Montana - Murray Mentioned as Successor.Special to The Washington Post.
Philadelphia, PA., June 24. - As a result of the long-continued slump of the New York Americans, Manager Clark Griffith this afternoon tendered his resignation to President Frank Farrell, who came over here this morning for a consultation with Griffith. The resignation goes into effect after to-day's game with the Athletics. It will be accepted by Farrell, who probably will put Norman Elberfeld in charge of the team, temporaarily, at least.
Griffith has been manager of the Yankees ever since the club was established in New York in 1903. He was secured from the Chicago White Sox, which he managed for two years when the American League was in its infancy. The Yankees started out like winners this season, but, since leaving New York three weeks ago, the team has won only four out of eighteen games played. and seems hopelessly anchored in the second division.
It is probable that Elberfeld will continue as manager of the team for the remainder of the season, at least. What arrangement Farrell may make to appoint a permanent successor to Griffith is a matter of speculation. There is a persistent rumor that Billy Murray, now manager of the Philadelphia Nationals. will take charge of the New York team next spring.
President Farrell declares that Griffith quit voluntarily, and Griffith himself denies that he was forced out.
He has not been in good health for the last three seasons, and has often declared that he would have retired before now if he could have given New York a pennant winner.
When Farrell came over here to-day there was a conference between he and Griffith and Secretary Mahon. It was then that Griffith announced his intention of retiring.
Griffith Disgusted.
He was the most disgusted man in Philadelphia yesterday when the Yankees lost their game in the eighth Inning.
'In Justice to Mr. Farrell and myself, I think a change in management will give better results." said Griffith this noon. "Whenever the team had a chance to win a pennant luck broke against us. We have had nothing but bad breaks for a month, and there seems no end to the (s)lump. I want it distinctly understood that Mr. Farrell and myself are good friends. He has always treated me fine and has spared no expense to get a winner. He surely deserves something better than a second division team. I stand ready to help him in any way that I can.'
Griffith was in charge of the team in to-day's game, but it is likely that he will leave for New York tonight or tomorrow. Farrell may stay here another day.
Both Farrell and Griffith declare there is no truth in the story that Griffith signed a contract last fall that called for his resignation the moment that it was seen that the team could not win the pennant. This rumor has been working overtime the last few weeks.
The Yankees view the situation with regret, as the relations between Griffith and his men were cordial. The manager does not accuse any player of deliberately "laying down" on him.
It is believed that Griffith will retire from baseball and settle down on his ranch in Montana. During his career in New York he brought the team up to second place in 1904 and 1905, losing the pennant by only one same in 1904
New York Teams Slump Disheartens Manager.
KID ELBERFELD IN CHARGE
Former,Leader in Poor Health as Result of Strain of Disastrous Campaign. May Quit Baseball for Good and Retire to His Ranch in Montana - Murray Mentioned as Successor.Special to The Washington Post.
Philadelphia, PA., June 24. - As a result of the long-continued slump of the New York Americans, Manager Clark Griffith this afternoon tendered his resignation to President Frank Farrell, who came over here this morning for a consultation with Griffith. The resignation goes into effect after to-day's game with the Athletics. It will be accepted by Farrell, who probably will put Norman Elberfeld in charge of the team, temporaarily, at least.
Griffith has been manager of the Yankees ever since the club was established in New York in 1903. He was secured from the Chicago White Sox, which he managed for two years when the American League was in its infancy. The Yankees started out like winners this season, but, since leaving New York three weeks ago, the team has won only four out of eighteen games played. and seems hopelessly anchored in the second division.
It is probable that Elberfeld will continue as manager of the team for the remainder of the season, at least. What arrangement Farrell may make to appoint a permanent successor to Griffith is a matter of speculation. There is a persistent rumor that Billy Murray, now manager of the Philadelphia Nationals. will take charge of the New York team next spring.
President Farrell declares that Griffith quit voluntarily, and Griffith himself denies that he was forced out.
He has not been in good health for the last three seasons, and has often declared that he would have retired before now if he could have given New York a pennant winner.
When Farrell came over here to-day there was a conference between he and Griffith and Secretary Mahon. It was then that Griffith announced his intention of retiring.
Griffith Disgusted.
He was the most disgusted man in Philadelphia yesterday when the Yankees lost their game in the eighth Inning.
'In Justice to Mr. Farrell and myself, I think a change in management will give better results." said Griffith this noon. "Whenever the team had a chance to win a pennant luck broke against us. We have had nothing but bad breaks for a month, and there seems no end to the (s)lump. I want it distinctly understood that Mr. Farrell and myself are good friends. He has always treated me fine and has spared no expense to get a winner. He surely deserves something better than a second division team. I stand ready to help him in any way that I can.'
Griffith was in charge of the team in to-day's game, but it is likely that he will leave for New York tonight or tomorrow. Farrell may stay here another day.
Both Farrell and Griffith declare there is no truth in the story that Griffith signed a contract last fall that called for his resignation the moment that it was seen that the team could not win the pennant. This rumor has been working overtime the last few weeks.
The Yankees view the situation with regret, as the relations between Griffith and his men were cordial. The manager does not accuse any player of deliberately "laying down" on him.
It is believed that Griffith will retire from baseball and settle down on his ranch in Montana. During his career in New York he brought the team up to second place in 1904 and 1905, losing the pennant by only one same in 1904
