Читать книгу Bad Boys, Bad Times. The Cleveland Indians and Baseball in the Prewar Years, 1937–1941 онлайн

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Bill Terry, the manager of the New York Giants, threw gas on the fire by saying Henrich was worth at least $20,000. To the casual observer it appeared the Indians were guilty beyond belief. Landis would conduct a thorough investigation, but given that the Feller case had occurred just three months before, it was generally thought that he would declare Henrich a free agent.

Landis cut short a Florida vacation to meet in New Orleans with Bradley and Slapnicka. Reporters, eager to file a big story, waited patiently outside the building for over three long hours. The door opened and out came the two conspirators with dire expressions on their faces. They did not comment, though any betting man would have put it all down on Henrich and the open market. Few men, including Slapnicka, escaped the ire of Judge Landis. Cy, or as reporters were now calling him, “Sly,” had done it once. The chance of another victory seemed slim.

On April 15 Landis issued his decree. The decision read, “Investigation of the status of the player, instigated at his own request, discloses that he has been ‘covered up’ for the benefit of the Cleveland club. . . . Because of the violation of the player’s rights under his contract and the major–minor league rules, he is hereby declared a free agent.” Tommy Henrich was now able to negotiate with any Major League club.