Take Me Out to the Courthouse · The Reserve Clause
The Second Baseman Next Door
Philadelphia Ball Club v. Lajoie (1902)
Charge: Injunction barring a player from playing for a rival club during his contract term (suit against the player)Court: Supreme Court of PennsylvaniaDocket: The Reserve Clause
Can a club get an injunction to stop a star player from playing for a rival while he is still under contract?
The facts
A star second baseman was under contract to a National League club in Philadelphia. He then jumped across town to a club in a brand-new rival league that offered more money. His old club sued to stop him from playing for anyone else while his contract ran. The trial court refused, saying he could be replaced and the contract lacked mutuality because the club could end it more easily than he could. The club appealed to the state's highest court.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Philadelphia Ball Club v. Lajoie, 202 Pa. 210, 51 A. 973 (Pa. 1902)
Read more at phmc.state.pa.us. The source reveals the outcome.