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

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Alva Bradley and his front office remained quite energetic throughout February. An announcement soon came that the Indians had acquired St. Louis Browns catcher Rollie Hemsley for third baseman Roy Hughes and backup catcher Billy Sullivan Jr. Cy Slapnicka had had his eye on Hemsley for some time. The initial motivation came from Bob Feller, who been barnstorming with Hemsley and loved the way he caught a game. He mentioned this to his general manager, who started efforts to get the veteran in a Cleveland uniform. The Browns hesitated at a Frankie Pytlak–Rollie Hemsley straight-up deal. Slapnicka countered with a starting third baseman and an alternate catcher. This time the Browns said okay.

Rollie Hemsley came to Cleveland with some outstanding credentials. An All-Star in 1935 and 1936, Hemsley had excellent defensive skills along with an above-average bat. He knew how to handle his pitchers as well as call a good game. He did not shy away from collisions at home plate, nor did nagging injuries force him out of the lineup. Bruised shins and swollen hands were just part of the everyday routine for Rollie. There did exist one small detail that made Cleveland his fifth stop in the Major Leagues. Hemsley had a severe problem with alcohol, and it was becoming worse each season.