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

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On September 17 the Indians placed George Burns on waivers. Initially, Burns was on board with the decision. He was thirty-five years old and had been in the Major Leagues for fifteen years. Burns wanted to manage in the minor leagues and play some first base as well. He hoped none of the ball clubs would put in a claim, allowing him to find a place where he could manage. As a ten-year veteran, Burns was entitled to become a free agent if nobody claimed him on waivers. In spite of this, the New York Yankees unexpectedly claimed Burns, ruining his plans for the immediate future. Why they would need a backup to a young Lou Gehrig is hard to understand. Burns was quite angry with the decision, venting his frustration to the Cleveland papers. He told reporters, “I wouldn’t say the Cleveland club handed me a raw deal. I suppose it is good business for the club to get $7,500, but it is a hard blow to me and smashed my plans for grabbing a good berth with a minor league club.” Despite all the years of good service in the American League, Burns had no recourse but to report to New York. He played in just four games and was not eligible to receive any World Series money. Of course, the Yankees won another crown, beating St. Louis four games to none.