After a long day of work I was hoping to see more activity on this thread. Oh well.
Zach, interesting thought but I do not think it was a conspiracy. Afterall, Goodwin & Co. was trying to boost sales by offering the public cards of their favorite players and teams. If Goodwin objected to Detroit's acquisition of the big 4 and retaliated by not issuing certain players, I think they may have pulled Brouthers, Richardson, and Rowe together with White. The main objectors to the Buffalo team purchase were the other team owners.
On a financial side note, Detroit actually did well in 1886, 1887, and even 1888 due to the sale of their players. None of the Detroit share-holders lost money. The writing was on the wall however in 1888 when gate reciepts were no longer split, injuries to Thompson & Richardson (limited playing time), and a growing resentment towards manager Bill Watkins. Detroit was forced to either disband or become a shadow of its former glory.
And the answer I was looking for to my question was 1888.
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Best Regards,
Joe Gonsowski
COLLECTOR OF:
- 19th century Detroit memorabilia and cards with emphasis on Goodwin & Co. issues ( N172 / N173 / N175 ) and Tomlinson cabinets
- N333 SF Hess Newsboys League cards (all teams)
- Pre ATC Merger (1890 and prior) cigarette packs and redemption coupons from all manufacturers
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