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

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Scouts rapidly descended on Waco to get a close look at the star pitcher. Despite the Cubs lounging in the cellar, Hudlin managed to win sixteen games. The New York Yankees emissary believed Hudlin had a major-league arm that was nearly ready for the big time. Pratt sensed the opportunity to make a big score and announced that the price for Hudlin would be $25,000 plus three players. The Yankees put down an option to buy, good until June 7. They were reluctant to part with three players but did not want to pass on the hot prospect. The Cincinnati Reds badgered Pratt to accept a $5,000 payment up front with the balance due sixty days later. They wanted time to determine if Willis could help their club.

During all the high-level bargaining, Cleveland scout Cy Slapnicka waited quietly for an opportunity to move in and steal the prize. He was everything you wanted in a scout: aggressive, resourceful, slightly devious, and willing to bend the rules. Along with these qualities, Slapnicka had a great eye for talent. One way or another he was going to bring Hudlin to Cleveland.