One of the founders of the Brooklyn club in 1883, Abell put up the money to build
Washington Park, Brooklyn's home grounds until
Ebbets Field was built. Brooklyn joined
the
National League in 1890; their players were paid so well none went over to the
Players' League and the Superbas won the pennant. In 1898 Abell consolidated the
team with Baltimore and won two pennants, but the Brooklyn club was heavily raided
by the
American League in 1901 and Abell refused to raise salaries to meet the competition.
(NLM)