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

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Probably somewhat rattled, Feller grooved a fastball to right fielder Pete Fox, who lined a base hit for two more runs. The Indians now trailed 3–1. At this point the young pitcher bore down, retiring the side without any further destruction. Manager O’Neill, despite hearing a chorus of boos, told Feller he was finished for the day. It had been only four innings, still Feller showed the form of the kid who had dazzled the American League at the end of the 1936 season. He had allowed only one hit while striking out four. The three runs were unearned, though Feller himself was responsible for the throwing error that allowed Greenberg to score. Considering he had not started a game in over two months, the results were more than positive. Nevertheless, Cleveland lost 3–2.

After the game O’Neill told reporters, “I thought the kid had done enough work for a beginning and I didn’t want him to press too hard to make up for what happened in that fourth inning.” Feller announced his arm had come through just fine. He now believed he could take his regular turn in the rotation. Good news all around.