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

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The doctor reassured Feller he could start throwing whenever he felt ready. By today’s standards he would have rested for weeks; however, the Indians’ fortunes were reaching a critical point. The front office, worried about dwindling gate receipts, wanted Feller starting as soon as possible. A day later he resumed throwing, this time curveballs and all. Two days went by and the arm had miraculously responded. Feller announced to the papers he had the green light to pitch full-time.

The euphoria over Feller’s return was only momentary, as bad news came from Boston. On June 20 Johnny Allen complained of severe stomach pains. A local doctor examined him and determined his appendix was moments away from bursting. Allen was taken to Palmer Memorial Hospital, holding ice bags on his tender stomach. A hospital surgeon performed the surgery, and Allen came through without any complications, yet he would likely be on the shelf for a month if not more. The starting rotation would not be at full strength until August.