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

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The extended barnstorming trip had its finale in Charleston, West Virginia. From there the Indians rode home to Cleveland to prepare themselves for the opener. The starting lineup had one significant change in it. Oscar Vitt penciled in a new third baseman with just two years of minor league experience. He had shown immense promise in spring training, enough to win the job outright. His name was Ken Keltner.

Kenneth Frederick Keltner was born on the south side of Milwaukee on October 31, 1916. He attended high school there, playing just about every sport available, including ice hockey. While a member of the football team, a nagging ankle injury prompted him to concentrate on baseball alone. Keltner played amateur ball for several different teams, including one backed by a mortuary. When the season ended, he switched to fast-pitch softball, garnering all kinds of attention for his exceptional talent.

In 1936 a local umpire noted Keltner’s skills and accompanied him on a visit to Allen Sothoron, the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers. A brief tryout convinced Sothoron, a one-time Major League pitcher, to offer a contract. Keltner signed and was sent to Class D Fieldale, Virginia, a member of the Bi-State League. Though a long distance from home, Keltner quickly developed into an outstanding ballplayer. In one season at Fieldale, he batted an impressive .360 while powering 12 triples and bashing 33 home runs. The Brewers were satisfied enough to bring Keltner back to Milwaukee for the 1937 season. He made the transition flawlessly, knocking out 27 home runs and hitting .310. At this point the Indians became interested, securing Keltner’s contract for the large amount of $40,000 and three players.