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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)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY