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

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Keltner reported to the Indians spring training in something less than top-flight condition. The Cleveland News observed that “Keltner is a chunky German of the type that put on weight rapidly.” The reporter did mention that the new third baseman had great hands, a strong arm, and excellent reflexes.

The Indians sorely needed a dependable third baseman who could handle his position without the glaring errors of his predecessors. Sammy Hale’s bum arm led to a move to second base, allowing Keltner to show off his well-above-average fielding skills. He helped nail down a roster spot in the course of the exhibition tour with the New York Giants. In the first two games, Keltner walloped three home runs, convincing Slapnicka and Vitt they had indeed found their man.

With the addition of Ken Keltner, the Indians were primed and ready to open the season at Municipal Stadium. Fans had to get used to the idea of driving their cars or hopping on a bus to find their way downtown toward the lakefront. Alva Bradley predicted record attendance, as well he should, with an 80,000-seat facility. The weather cooperated with blue skies and an unusually warm April day. Though a strong wind came blowing off Lake Erie, the temperature steadily climbed to a pleasant seventy-seven degrees. Men discarded their winter overcoats to arrive at the stadium in shirtsleeves.