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

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Jim Dunn knew quite well that changes needed to be made to compete with the Yankees. In 1916, when he purchased the Cleveland franchise, Dunn overhauled the roster. A total housecleaning was not in order; nevertheless, some new talent had to be acquired. His initial move was a disaster. He traded first baseman George Burns and right fielder Elmer Smith to the Boston Red Sox for light-hitting first baseman John “Stuffy” McInnis. In 537 at bats, McInnis walloped a total of one home run and seventy-eight RBIs.

To go along with astoundingly bad trades, Dunn had serious issues with his health. A bout with the flu sidelined him for several weeks. The Cleveland owner was fifty-six, somewhat overweight, a cigar smoker, and a faithful visitor to the speakeasies in greater Cleveland. In May 1922 he became ill with heart problems, having to return to his home in Chicago for treatment. On June 9, 1922, Jim Dunn passed away in his sleep. His death was a terrible blow to the Cleveland franchise that had flourished under his leadership. The club was inherited by Edith Dunn, his widow. Her first decision was to install Ernest Barnard as team president, responsible for all operations. “Barny” had been with Cleveland for many years and was a competent executive. Then again, he lacked the flair and nose for talent that his former boss possessed. The Indians dropped to fourth place, barely staying above the .500 mark.