Читать книгу No Money, No Beer, No Pennants. The Cleveland Indians and Baseball in the Great Depression онлайн

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In August, the Naps brought Roger to Cleveland. He appeared in only fifteen games, but had to be thrilled to play next to the great Lajoie. They may have walked home together after ball games, stopping at Hough Bakery, where Lajoie enjoyed flirting with a young redheaded girl behind the counter. At any rate, Roger was now moving with the fast company.

The 1911 season found Peck in Portland, Oregon, playing in the Pacific Coast League. It must have been quite a jolt for him to depart Cleveland and travel all the way to the West Coast. There were few cowboys and Indians left on the way, but a trip of this magnitude was a lot to handle for a twenty-year-old.

Despite the odds against him, Roger blossomed in Portland. He hit a decent .258, stole thirty-five bases, and made all the plays at shortstop. The newspapers admired his ability, labeling him as an up-and-comer. The Naps were quite impressed with his progress, and for the 1912 season Cleveland would be his home. All he had to do was walk the few blocks from Hough Avenue to League Park. There would be no more trips to the minor leagues.