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

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Judge Landis had little or no sympathy for William Feller and his young son, who had stayed in step with the Cleveland front office, seemingly unaware of any wrongdoing by the Indians. The Fellers notified Landis that they were happy with Cleveland and preferred to remain even if something illegal had occurred. The judge explained free agency to them and the possibility of Bob having the once-in-a-lifetime chance to collect a gigantic payday with another Major League club. Most players would have jumped at the chance to sell their services for as much dough as possible. Here was a tremendous opportunity to make an example of the Cleveland club and score one for the little guy. But William and son were adamant about staying put, forcing Landis to ponder this one for a long while.

Another issue Judge Landis had to consider seriously was that other Major League teams had violated the same rule. Ed McAuley asserted that a highly placed team official told him that if Feller became a free agent there were about ten players on each Major League roster who could become free agents as well. If these ballplayers filed any complaints, it would turn baseball upside down. Although the Judge had no deep feelings for most of the owners, he did not relish wrecking the status quo. Landis decided to take a long fishing trip, telling curious writers a verdict probably would not be given until the first week of December.