The Year Chicago Died

March 10, 1928
Chicago, Illinois


There are a thousand stories in the city, chum. As for mine, it really began on a windy night in early spring. The street lamps flickered as I walked home from the office, a paper sack with tonight's dinner crammed into my coat pocket. I remember it kept flapping in the wind, and I had to cram my fedora low over my brows to keep it from blowing away.

"HELP!"

I looked ahead of me to see a copper walking his beat - about thirty I'd say, and probably enjoying his pastries a bit much if you get my drift. He heard the cry too, for he trotted back towards me and ducked into an alley. I clearly heard his challenge, then an indistinct, shouted reply.

A moment later the cop backed out, staring at whoever shouted, He glanced at me, then hurried away as if nothing was amiss.

God, I hate Chicago.

"Help!"

Nor am I too fond of myself for being such a sap. Fine.

I hurried down the street, and now I could hear grunts and the unmistakable thud of fist on flesh. I rounded the corner to find two bravos roughing up an older man. One threw him against the brick facade, and the other slugged him in the stomach. He snarled something and the victim, sobbing and with blood on his lips, nodded.

Have I mentioned I hate Chicago?

Now listen, chum! If you ever feel the need to play hero, never, ever announce yourself. That's how they do it in the dime novels maybe, but when every two bit hood is carrying a heater that's a good way to get bumped off. I charged.

The first saw me just long enough to yell "Scram" before my fist found his face. He fell to the ground as his partner drew his knife, which unfolded with a sharp click. I elbowed him in the nose, then back to # 1. He managed to get his fists up to block my next blow, like a boxer, so I grabbed him whole in a hug and spun him about into his partner.

He bellowed as the knife struck below his ribs in the back, probably hitting his kidneys. He fell, taking the weapon with him. I stepped around the growing pool of blood to get the last one, but he turned and ran.

Now it was the hood's turn to beg for help, but even if I was of a mind to do something I don't know anything about treating a wound. Anyway, I wasn't of a mind and after a minute or so of writhing and gasping he lay still.

"You alright, pops?" I lifted the older man to his feet, who thrashed and struggled as if possessed. "Easy! Easy!"

He stilled and looked down at the body as I hurried him away. "You killed him!"

I could argue semantics, but why? "He would've killed you, pops." I wasn't sure he hadn't: The man I'd rescued hugged his ribs and drew shuddering breaths. "Come on. Let's find a doctor."

He shook his head and managed to smile. "Already have one." He managed to straighten slightly and regarded me with cool blue eyes. "Thank you."

"No harm, pops." Though there could have been, and hopefully he'd realize that. You can't really go around asking for rewards, but business hasn't been good. I'm behind on my office rent, and my secretary's ready to quit. "Name's Catrett."

"My name is Veeck." He smiled again. "I think I may be in a position to do you a kindness, Mister Catrett. If you'll give me your arm, I know of a cafe where we can talk."
*******

William Veeck (Sr.), it seems, is president of the Northsiders... the Cubs for those of you out-of-towners. And his assailants?

"The one you killed works...worked for me, but he must have been bought. The other would have to be one of Bugs Moran's boys."

Well, isn't that the cat's meow? George Clarence "Bugs" Moran is the leader of the North Side Gang, and probably the most powerful man in Chicago. No wonder the cop didn't interfere.

"Bugs wants what he calls a 'rental fee' for Wrigley Field being in his territory. I know Bill Wrigley would never go for that, so I said no. That was two days ago." Veeck sipped at his coffee. It seemed to help his aching ribs, for he no longer held them close. Perhaps he'd only been bruised. "Alan, the one you...my assistant. He followed me home and kept demanding I give in." Veeck shuddered at the memory of his beating. "What do you do?" he asked abruptly.

"After the war I set up as a detective, then hired out as a big six for anyone who needed a little muscle. I could probably fit you in if you can afford me." All this was true: I did try being a detective, but I'm not so good at observation and deduction. Protection and intimidation I'm better at, but let's say I'm not the most chummy person in this world. Not good when the only ones who can pay enough to make my 'protecting' worthwhile are not used to their guards speaking their minds. The Outfit - one of Capone's boys - hinted I could be in with them if I wanted, but I'm not getting into the middle of a gang war. As for Veeck affording me...

"I can do better than that," Veeck replied. "I want to hire you on with the Cubs - a permanent retainer if you will."

My eyebrows rose. "As protection?"

"Some of the teams are experimenting with a business, or 'general' manager to take care of behind the scenes affairs like trading and contracts. I'd like you to take over in that role, with my assistance of course."

"So you want me to be your mouthpiece." I grimaced. Not that there's anything wrong with that kind of work, really, but if I was going to pretend to have this kind of power I'd really like to have it for real. Then again, what do I know about baseball behind the scenes?

"At first, I suppose. I'll be showing you what I know, though, and eventually you'll make the decisions for yourself. It would be a great help to me, as well as..." He hesitated.

"Keep you out of Bugs' sights?" I offered.

He smiled. "Perhaps."

"Mister...Veeck. This is very generous of you, but you don't know me. How do you know I'm not one of Bugs' boys? Or Capone's?"

"If you were with Moran, you wouldn't have saved me," Veeck replied. "As for the Outfit, so far they've shown no interest in the Cubs. We're not really on their end of town, you know, and Capone's not shown any interest in the White Sox either. Are you a Southsider?"

I smiled and shook my head. "How much?"

"Let's call it a thousand per year." He sipped at his coffee again. "When you come into your own, then I can probably do a little better."

One thousand dollars isn't really that much. (About $12.6K in 2008) Still, it's far better than nothing... Further, my offices would be in Wrigley, so I wouldn't have to pay office rent anymore. A small bonus would satisfy my secretary (who would also be paid directly by Veeck.) All I had to do was make the Cubs my exclusive client.

"When do I start?" I asked, offering my hand.

He shook it. "You already have."

Here's to another AMAZING dynasty CatKnight!

Good start.

Table of Contents
1928 starts above.

HOUSE RULES
I. Settings
A. Chicago Cubs, starting in 1928
B. Equalized Cities
C. Revenue +0, Salary -40, Medical Staff -50, Draft Predict -50, Happiness vs. Negotiating -50, vs. Performance -100, Promotions +30/50/70/90, Contract Renewal +50, Platoon -50, Stat vs Scout +50, Historical Draft -50
D. Double Play -10, Intl Walks/Sac Bunts/Bunt Hits -50 all

II. Player Movement
A. Free Agency
1. Can hire FAs off season equal to my place in NL standings divided by 2 rounded down. No more than 2 per day.
2. Can hire one extra FA 'prospect' (69- overall, 85+ peak)
3. FA signings are per a variant of OFG's house rules

B. Resigning
1. All resigning must be done off season. There's a 50% chance a player will negotiate. Otherwise they'll negotiate per said variant on OFG's house rules.
2. I can avoid arbitration during the playoffs if OFG's house rules say I would be able to negotiate with the player directly. Otherwise we arbitrate.

C. Trades
1. I'm allowed 3 offered trades per year: 1 offseason, 1 April-June, 1 July.
a. Exception: Allowed 1 extra trade in April 1928 only
b. All offered trades must be via trading block. Can only balance with cash, not change players.
c. I can't offer more than 3 players in any one trade.
2. I may accept computer offers, but again can only balance with cash and not change the offered players.

III. Changes to the Game
A. The game will mimic (though not always copy) history, so I may from time to time force-retire, trade, 'injure' etc. players.
B. More importantly, it's my 'job' as 'commissioner' to keep the league reasonably competitive, and may take steps to ensure that.
C. I might break from history here and there as in previous dynasties.

IV. Other Fun Stuff
A. Yes, I suppose I can be fired from the Cubs. In time. :)
B. All these rules are subject to change because I feel like it. ;)
*******

Spoiler Stuff

Code:

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                                      High OPS 477 PA -  Low DICE 154 IP
Year Record  Place  -  1st Draft  -  Batter of Year  -  Pitcher of Year
1928 xxx-xxx xxx xx - xxxxxxxxxxxxx -  xxxxxxxxxxxxx  -  xxxxxxxxxxxxx




Awards

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So you can do a dynasty for every team but the Mariners? :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coach Owens

So you can do a dynasty for every team but the Mariners? :(

---

Don't listen to him CatKnight! I think you should do your next dynasty from the viewpoint of pitcher John Maine.

(or at least one about the legendary New York Metropolitans :D)

metsguy: Thanks! Let's see how we do.

Coach Owens: Oh, there are a few teams I've tried to do over the past year plus and haven't done so well. I think I'll be happier sticking with the NL for awhile.
*******

Mid March 1928

William Veeck spent the next several days at home recuperating. Doc said he had three cracked ribs, but they'd heal if he took it easy. He did speak with William Wrigley, who confirmed that I'd be the team's "business" manager and that we would announce it at the end of the month once the team came home from training in California.

Meanwhile, Veeck thought it best to bring me up to speed on what's currently happening in baseball.

Last year the Yankees (110-44) beat the Pirates (94-60) 4 games to 0 to win the Series. 'We' finished fourth with a record of 85-68 trailing the Cards and Giants. New York's Lou Gehrig and Pittsburgh's Paul Waner won the League Awards.

League Leaders from 1927:

Code:

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        AL                          NL
BA  Harvey Heilmann (DET) .398  Paul Waner (PIT) .380     
HR  Babe Ruth (NYY) 60          Wilson (CHC)/Williams (PHI) 30
RBI  Lou Gehrig (NYY) 179        Paul Waner (PIT) 131
SB  George Sisler (SLB) 27      Frankie Frisch (STL) 48

W    Hoyt (NYY)/Lyons (CHW) 22    Charley Root (CHC) 26 
ERA  Wilcy Moore (NYY) 2.28      Ray Kremer (PIT) 2.49
K    Lefty Grove (PHA) 174        Dazzy Vance (BRO) 184
SV  Wilcy Moore (NYY) 13        Bill Sherdel (STL) 6

---

*******

Veeck then showed me the scouting reports for who his...my...people believe are the top 20 in the Majors:

Al Simmons (CF, Athletics) (93) [25] (.392 15 HR-108 BI 10 SB in 1927)
Mickey Cochrane (C, Athletics) (92) [24] (.338 12-80 9)
Jimmie Foxx (1B, Athletics) (89/93) [20] (.323 3-20 2)
Heinie Manush (CF, Browns) (90) [26] (.298 6-90 12 for DET)
Goose Goslin (LF, Senators) (90) [27] (.334 13-120 21)
Charlie Gehringer (2B, Tigers) (92/94) [24] (.317 4-61 17)
Harry Heilmann (RF, Tigers) (91) [33] (.398 14-120 11)
Lou Gehrig (1B, Yankees) (95) [24] (.373 47-175 10)
Babe Ruth (RF, Yankees) (95) [33] (.356 60-164 7)
Tony Lazzeri (2B, Yankees) (90/93) [24] (.309 18-122 22)

Lefty Grove (SP, Athletics) (93) [28] (20-13 3.19 14 CG 9 SV)
Red Ruffing (SP, Red Sox) (90/93) [22] (5-13 4.66 10 CG 2 SV)

Rogers Hornsby (2B, Braves) (93) [31] (.361 26-125 9 for NYG)
Hack Wilson (CF, Cubs) (90) [27] (.318 30-129 13)
Kiki Cuyler (CF, Cubs) (90) [29] (.309 3-31 20 for PIT)
Bill Terry (1B, Giants) (90) [29] (.326 20-121 1)
Paul Waner (RF, Pirates) (91/94) [24] (.380 9-131 5)

Pete Alexander (SP, Cardinals) (92) [41] (21-10 2.52 22 CG 3 SV)
Carl Hubbell (SP, Giants) (90/94) [24] (Rookie)
Carl Mays (SP, Reds) (90) [36] (3-7 3.51 6 CG)
*******

And lastly the Sporting News published its predictions for 1928:

American League
Philadelphia Athletics (106-48) (--)
New York Yankees (89-65) (17)
Washington Senators (82-72) (24)
Boston Red Sox (76-78) (30)
Cleveland Indians (75-79) (31)
Detroit Tigers (65-89) (41)
Chicago White Sox (64-90) (42)
St. Louis Browns (59-95) (47)

National League
St. Louis Cardinals (92-62) (--)
New York Giants (90-64) (2)
Pittsburgh Pirates (87-67) (5)
Cincinnati Reds (83-71) (9)
Chicago Cubs (79-75) (13)
Brooklyn Robins (69-85) (23)
Boston Braves (59-95) (33)
Philadelphia Phillies (57-97) (35)

First, while I agree the Athletics are a good team, they're going to beat Murderers' Row by 17 games? Second, maybe we won't win the pennant...but second division?

We'll see about this.

Grear startr as always. If the Royals are going to lose you, I must say I am glad to see you land a job with the northsiders.

I sense another great dynasty in the making...and with the signature "CatKnight", I know I'm not wrong....

Looks like another great dynasty (despite the bad team choice.) Hope yoou can keep this one going for as long as your Royals one.

WHY CHICAGO!!!!! I HaTE CHICAGO!!!!!! But great start!

Back in your element cat, history. It'll be interesting to see how you portray Landis.

Make him a sniveling, conniving, a**hole! :D

Just kidding. I'm really looking forward to this. Another dynasty that I'm certain will garner some HOF buzz.

Some people are already calling this dynasty "The next Cardinal Sins". It's a lot of pressure for a young dynasty, and we'll see if it can survive the hype.

metsguy: Oh yes, I always wanted to write about John Maine! (:runs from Coach:) :)

mbanghar: Thanks! I'll try to stop by the Royals now and then, but I want to try and get this going first.

petrel: Thanks!

gogosox: Well, there is a White Sox dynasty on the boards now which is in the 20s. Plus, I wanted to get away from the 'Black Sox' scandal while still being able to use criminal elements :)

RSR: Very long story short, an article about the '38 ASG made me think I wanted to write something in this era. Then I heard "The Night Chicago Died" and thought 'Oooh, gangsters!' :)

gosensgo: Not sure how I'll portray him yet, though we're about to get one man's impression.

Potato: Maybe!

filihok: Wow. If anyone's comparing this yet, it's probably premature, but thanks :)
*******

Late March 1928

After spending a week with my new client going over arrangements, I finally returned to my office to start packing. I just told my secretary I'd be out of town working on a new case that would bring in the bread. "Sure, C," she replied. "Sure."

Anna's attractive in a slutty kind of way, which is to say not really unless you're desperate for some action and willing to chance a rash. Straggly blond hair framed her face, and she always wore old dresses with flowery patterns. You'd think she wasn't making enough money. Certainly she did.

"I quit, Mister C!" she shouted as I opened the door.

"And a good morning to you too." I tossed my fedora at the rack, missing. "Has it been quiet?"

"I'm serious, Mister C! A girl's gotta watch out for herself. I have opportunities! Just thought I should tell you 'fore I go."

"Opportunities? What opportunities?" I ambled towards her. "Secretary elsewhere? Who'd take you without asking me for a reference? Factory work?" I took her hand and turned it palm up, studying it. "Not likely."

She snatched it back. "Opportunities!"

I took a wad of cash from my coat pocket and held it in front of her. "Guess you don't want this then?"

Anna snatched this too, mumbling as she counted.

"It's all there, hon."

She kept counting, then finally looked up. "What'd you do, Mister C? Rob a bank?" Her eyes widened. "You've been made?"

"We've been made." I turned my back to regard my now former office.

Fear and excitement laced her voice. "Who? Bugsy or the Southsiders?"

"The Cubs."

Pause. "Who do they work for?"

"No, hon." I turned back. "The baseball Cubs."

She looked confused, poor thing. Can't say I blame her. Finally she said, "I read that someone knifed one of their assistants. This have something to do with that?"

"You could say that." I recounted my fight and Veeck's conversation.

"You fought off one of Moran's boys? Mister C! They'll kill you!"

I grinned. "They can try. Pack your things, hon. We have a new office now."

"They'll kill me!"

"They don't kill dames, hon. Bugsy's Catholic. It's against his religion."
*******

"WRigley 5-3406," I told the operator. A man who could have a whole exchange named after him was someone to be taken seriously. Not to mention someone with an inflated ego. After a brief battle with his secretary, I got "This is Wrigley."

"Yes, Mister Wrigley. My name is Catrett. Veeck hired..."

"I know all about you, Catrett. You're very late. I left a message with your secretary days ago. I do not encourage sloth, sir, and if..."

Now listen, chums. When someone's trying to bully and browbeat you, you have two options: Take it or don't. Taking it is usually the safer course, especially with the man who signs your checks. People who are used to giving orders tend to get riled up if someone stands up to them.

On the other hand, at least I can look people in the eye and not at the ground.

"Listen, Wrigley! I've been with your man while he patched up. God knows I'd love to be sitting on my bum and chatting it up with you, but I thought maybe since I'm on the clock I should be learning what the devil Veeck wants me to do. I'm here now. What do you want?"

"I want to talk to you," Wrigley growled. "If you are going to represent this organization, then I want to be assured you are of the proper character to do so. It was noble of you to save Mister Veeck from his attackers, but that doesn't assure me that you're anything more than a thug who happens to be on our side."

"Thug is it?" I snapped. "Listen here, chum. Last man who called me a thug or anything like it wound up laying on the floor. You want to fight? That's alright. If you want to talk, then cut the nonsense."

I could hear the gears turning in Wrigley's head. "Do you know where my office is?"

"At the factory?"

"That's right."

"I'll be there."
*******

William Wrigley was a large man, with grey-white curly hair and a confident, dignified attitude dressed in a very nice black suit and tie. He shook my hand, then immediately escorted me out of his office so we could walk the halls. Small talk at first, showing me his domain.

Twice clerks, young men who would fall in the face of a stiff breeze, presented papers to him. He spoke kindly, though condescendingly and I wouldn't have been surprised if he patted them on the head like the eager, submissive puppies they were.

"Let me tell you what I know, Catrett. Then you can add anything you want to. Born in Philadelphia in '97, you fought the last year of the War in France. Nothing outstanding, other than getting out of there with your life and limbs, but nothing disgraceful either. Came out here to pursue a failed love affair and didn't have the money to go home. Hopped from boarding house to boarding house until you got your feet under you. Tried detective work: Failed. Tried protection services: Failed. Was about to go out of business until you encountered Mister Veeck. How am I doing?"

"I could have gone home. Didn't want to. As for going out of business, that's a lie, Wrigley." And why was I defending myself? How did he get so much information on me?

"Is it?" He smiled at me. "The good news is you're not affiliated with a gang. You're not a Red. In fact, politically you're not much of anything. You did know you have the right to vote in Chicago?"

How??

"Fine. You have the goods on me. That's jake."

"I'm happy you approve." Wrigley nodded at a side door and we walked onto one of the factory floors. Now, in most factories I've seen the ratio of white men to anything else is about 90/10. Here it was closer to 60/40, with a fair share of women. Off to one side, clearly isolated from the others, black men packed and unpacked boxes.

"How egalitarian of you, Wrigley."

His eyebrows rose that I knew such a word, but he smiled. "Thank you. That's pretty much what I tell anyone who asks. The truth, however, is it's practical."

"How so?"

"No one expects me to pay much to women and boys."

"And you wanted me to see this, because....?"

Wrigley turned to face me, lifting his chin. "I'm a practical man, Catrett. I know how to get things done quickly and efficiently. I value such traits in other men. I am a fair judge, sir, and generally I think you possess what I want to see in a manager. However, there is one thing I do not like, one thing that will not do."

I folded my arms, resisting the urge to smash that smug face.

"You have a temper, and because of that you do not know your betters. Now, Mister Veeck speaks highly of you, and so we are going to proceed as before, but you will need to master yourself going forward. First, I am not a man to tolerate such behavior. Second, and perhaps more important, neither is Landis."

"Who the devil is Lando?"

"Judge Landis. Commissioner of the Major Leagues. He's broken more men like you than I can count, and I will not have him turn his attention on the Cubs. He is a man best avoided. Do not draw his ire, or you will regret it."

Well, we'll just see about that too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CatKnight

mbanghar: Thanks! I'll try to stop by the Royals now and then, but I want to try and get this going first.

gogosox: Well, there is a White Sox dynasty on the boards now which is in the 20s. Plus, I wanted to get away from the 'Black Sox' scandal while still being able to use criminal elements :)

---

Not going to lie and say I don't miss Justin Case, but if this what we are going to get instead I will be very hapopy. While it is premature for sure, this does have all the makings of a classic already.

I hope the Cubs keep your interest, and that my little White Sox dynasty didn't deter you from your perferred choice. Anyways anxiously waiting the next installment.

mbanghar: Oh no, I'm enjoying your dynasty. As I said, I'd decided from the article to do something in this era, and from the song ringing in my head to base it in Chicago. Since most people are familiar with the Black Sox scandal, I thought to turn it around and write about the Cubs.

Originally I was going to start in 1930 due to the depression, but I wanted more time with Al Capone, so bumped it back to '29. Then I realized the Cubs were in Bugs Moran's turf, so pushed us back before the St. Valentine's Day Massacre :)
*******

Late March 1928


"Gentlemen, please!" Wrigley beamed at the gathering of reporters. Cameras flashed in his face from all angles and the two radio stations that covered Cub games had microphones under his nose. If any of this attention bothered William Wrigley however, he didn't let it show. My opinion of him rose. So many people made me nervous....nervous that one of them might have a gun.

"Continuing our long tradition of excellence, over the winter we began an exhaustive search for an overall manager to assist Mister William Veeck with the day to day operations of this franchise. This 'general' manager will..."

Exhaustive winter long search, huh? News to me. News to the reporters also, who happily lapped up anything Wrigley chose to say.

"...and so it is with great pleasure that I would like to introduce our chosen candidate, a man of unquestionable character, Dick Catrett. Dick?"

I stepped into what must have been a thousand flashing bulbs, squinting to make out the shadowy figures beyond.

"Mister Catrett," shouted one. "The Sporting News puts the Cubs in the second division this year. How do you see the team's chances?"

Veeck coached me on the more obvious questions. "We're no worse than we were last year when we finished fourth. With such talented players and Mr. McCarthy at the helm, I can't see us losing ground. We..I anticipate and expect the Cubs to compete for the pennant."

"Who do you see as your biggest challengers for the pennant?"

Dangerous question. If you say a certain team is a contender, then it makes them confident. If you say they aren't, it makes them angry. "It's hard to say, but I think I can narrow it down to seven other teams."

"Mister Catrett, do you have any experience running a baseball team?"

"No, but I've run several businesses and feel confident that, with Mr. Veeck and Mr. Wrigley's advice, I can perservere."

And so the interview went on, with all sorts of innane questions. Finally:

"Mister Catrett? Veeck's last assistant was found knifed in an alley. Are you concerned for your welfare?"

"I have no reason to believe Mr. Stone was the victim of anything more than a botched robbery. I'm not concerned."

Wrigley tapped his watch, his signal that the press conference should end. First, though...

"Gentlemen, that's it for questions, however I have an announcement. This morning the Cubs completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds."

Veeck, of course, knew of the trade. He initiated it. Wrigley however, didn't. I took a moment to absorb the incredulous fury on his face. Bathe in it. Absorb it.

"It is Mister Veeck's and my opinion that the infield could be...fortified. As such...."

Trade:

to Reds:
3B Elmer Yoter (64/68) [27] (.222 0-5 0 in 27 AB)
RF Cliff Heathcote (77) [30] (.294 2-25 6)
SP Sheriff Blake (76) [28] (13-14 3.29 13 CG)

to Cubs:
3B Chuck Dressen (71) [29] (.292 2-55 7)
2B Hughie Critz (77) [27] (.278 4-49 7)

Yoter was either our starting or backup 3B depending on who you asked. Dressen will take over in the starting role and should hold it as we scout out prospects on National Agreement (minor league) teams.

Heathcote may also have been our starter or backup, but I have a plan that Veeck supports that would have left him on the bench indefinitely.

Blake would have been our 3 or 4 starter, but he's making over $8,000 per year. Wrigley should be happy we saved him so much money. As for Critz, he's good enough to be our starting 2B.

Great start as always Cat'. This one has the feel of a classic already :).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CatKnight

"I have no reason to believe Mr. Stone was the victim of anything more than a botched robbery. I'm not concerned."

---

Heh. Now how would you know such a thing.
:rolleyes:

Opening Day Roster

Joe McCarthy was a solidly built man, leaner than me and some fifteen years older, but in good enough shape to put any kind of confrontation in doubt. Stern, but quiet, 'Marse Joe' shook my hand as Veeck introduced us.

For some reason he makes me think of Reds. Or maybe I'm still gloating over Wrigley's face after the trade.

Veeck called the meeting to order and we began talking turkey.


CATCHERS

Gabby Hartnett (89) [27] (.294 10-80 2)
Contract: $13,624 / Debut: 1922 Chicago Cubs (7th season)

Mike Gonzalez (72) [37] (.241 1-15 1)
Contract: $1,250 / Debut: 1912 Boston Braves (14th season)


Not much of an argument here. Hartnett's one of the best catchers in the game. Gonzalez is on the way out. The problem here is we don't have contracts with any catcher that will be ready in the next two or three years. Veeck wants to find something he calls depth here.
*******

FIRST BASE

Charlie Grimm (81) [29] (.311 2-74 3)
Contract: $9,900 / Debut: 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (12th season)

Chick Tolson (72/73) [29] (.296 2-17 0)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1925 Cleveland Indians (4th season)

Again, little to argue about. Apparently we have a contract with some kid named Dolph Camilli (72/88) [20] who should be able to move in next year. Ray Jacobs (69/77) [26] could also come in if needed.
*******

INFIELD

Hughie Critz (77) [27] (.278 4-49 7 for Reds)
Contract: $1,400 / Debut: 1924 Cincinnati Reds (5th season)

Chuck Dressen (71) [29] (.292 2-55 7 for Reds)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1925 Cincinnati Reds (4th season)

Woody English (76/88) [22] (.290 1-28 1)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1927 Chicago Cubs (2nd season)

Johnny Butler (67) [35] (.238 2-57 9 for Robins)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1926 Brooklyn Robins (3rd season)

Clyde Beck (72) [28] (.258 2-44 0)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1926 Chicago Cubs (3rd season)

Before the trade Beck and some guy named Norm McMillan would have started at second and third. As you can see, we're stronger now and there's not much question who should be in with the nine regulars.

Up to now the meeting was quiet, even tame. McCarthy quietly gave us his opinions. Veeck nodded. I had very little to offer, though I kept flipping back and forth between the cards Anna prepared for me.
*******

OUTFIELD

Riggs Stephenson (88) [30] (.344 7-82 8)
Contract: $17,900 / Debut: 1921 Cleveland Indians (8th season)

Hack Wilson (90) [27] (.318 30-129 13)
Contract: $14,121 / Debut: 1923 New York Giants (6th season)

Kiki Cuyler (90) [29] (.309 3-31 20 for Pirates)
Contract: $7,126 / Debut: 1921 Pittsburgh Pirates (8th season)

Earl Webb (77/78) [30] (.301 14-52 3)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1925 New York Giants (3rd season)

Danny Taylor (73/78) [27] (Last played 1926)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1926 Washington Senators (Rookie)

Webb was McCarthy's pick to start right field. He wanted Cuyler on the bench.

"Doesn't Mason think Cuyler is better?" I asked. John Mason is our scout.

"That may be, Mister Catrett," McCarthy replied quietly. "However, if you look at their numbers, you'll see Earl is a far superior player."

"And older. And cheaper. Do we really want to spend $7,000 on a bench player? Supposedly Cuyler's one of the best in the game." I looked at Veeck, who nodded.

McCarthy's eyes narrowed. "Mister Catrett, you're a very fine fellow I'm sure, but I decide who starts and doesn't. I want Webb."

I don't like being talked down to. I opened my mouth to speak, but Veeck interrupted us. "Alright Joe, but if Earl falters I would like you to take Dick's suggestion seriously."

"Oh, I will give it all the attention it deserves." He nodded cooly. I glared back.
*******

STARTING ROTATION

Charley Root (86) [29] (26-15 3.76 21 CG 2 SV)
Contract: $4,800 / Debut: 1923 St. Louis Browns (4th season)

Hal Carlson (79) [35] (16-13 3.70 19 CG 1 SV for Phillies/Cubs)
Contract: $9,200 / Debut: 1917 Pittsburgh Pirates (12th season)

Guy Bush (80) [26] (10-10 3.03 9 CG 2 SV)
Contract: $8,754 / Debut: 1923 Chicago Cubs (6th season)

Art Nehf (82) [35] (4-6 4.02 3 CG 5 SV for Reds/Cubs)
Contract: $4,600 / Debut: 1915 Boston Braves (14th season)

(Mop Up) Lefty Weinert (73) [25] (1-1 4.58 1 CG)
Contract: $1,350 / Debut: 1919 Philadelphia Phillies (8th season)

We apparently have several starters in reserve who might see action if we run into trouble (along with those capable of starting in the bullpen.) Root led the league last year in wins. Nehf is by far the most experienced.
*******

BULLPEN

Claude Jonnard (74) [30] (Last played 1926)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1921 New York Giants (6th season)

Percy Jones (75) [28] (7-8 4.07 5 CG)
Contract: $6,018 / Debut: 1920 Chicago Cubs (7th season)

Bob Osborn (74/78) [24] (5-5 4.18 2 CG)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1925 Chicago Cubs (4th season)

Pat Malone (79/88) [25] (Rookie)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1928 Chicago Cubs (Rookie)

Bill Lee (75/86) [18] (Rookie)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1928 Chicago Cubs (Rookie)

Lon Warneke (75/89) [19] (Rookie)
Contract: $1,000 / Debut: 1928 Chicago Cubs (Rookie)

A lot of inexperience here. Still, a lot of potential as well. We batted about a few other names as well - Joe's taken with Mike Cvengros (73) [27] (2-1 3.35 last year for Pirates) but this is what we'll start the season with.

I demand some compensation!

Coach Owens: I could have a time traveling gangster go to 1957 Scarsdale, NY to take out Bill Bavasi. Will that do? :)
*******

COMMENTS: After a bit of fiddling around, I've come up with the following settings to get the vital stats close to 1928:

Ground/Fly/Line Outs: 105
Singles: 95
Doubles: 86
Triples: 135
Homers: 82
Walks: 89
Strikeouts: 81
Caught Stealing: -10

The relevant stats end up +/- 3% of what 'actually' happened. Of course there will still be issues - BM pitchers are absurdly fragile compared to their 1928 counterparts, but there's nothing I can do about that.

Play ball!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CatKnight

Coach Owens: I could have a time traveling gangster go to 1957 Scarsdale, NY to take out Bill Bavasi. Will that do? :)

---

How about creating Will Thompson again? ;)

Coach: Maybe! The Athletics could use some help. ;)
*******

April 5, 1928
St. Louis, Missouri


I've never been to Sportsman's Park. Actually I've never been to most of the stadiums, an oversight I'll probably get to rectify so long as I'm willing to take a train. Veeck asked me not to go out too often. It's hard to serve as the 'face' of the Cubs and distract Bugs Moran if I'm in Missouri, but this is opening day and I'm expected to make an appearance.

I met some of the players before. Gabby Hartnett lives up to his name - the man loves to talk. Hack Wilson's powerfully built and speaks in a voice not far from a growl. Charley Root, our ace pitcher, grinned and told me how much he appreciated playing for a winner.

McCarthy warned me not to interfere, but so long as I didn't start anything, he didn't care if I wanted to hang around the clubhouse or not. Fair enough. For now. I think sooner or later Joe and I are going to have to figure out who runs this here team, but until I can buy what Veeck's selling in terms of information...well, let's say I know my limits.

I also know Pete Alexander. Alexander's the Cardinal ace, and made Veeck's list of the twenty best players in the league. Last year he went 21-10. At 41, he's showing no sign of slowing down.

The first inning went smooth as silk for both Alexander and Charley. Charley gave up a single to Frankie Frisch, but they stranded him on second.

Gabby hit a blooping double down the left field line that rolled to the wall for a standup double with one out in the second, then scored on Earl Webb's single. 'Nuf said, except later in the inning Hughie Critz stole our team's first base. The Cards popped and flied out in order.

Third inning, and Charlie Grimm sends what's ruled a homer to left center. The Cards protest, and between you and me I agree, that the ball skimmed the wall on the way over. The umps didn't see it that way though, so 2-0 for the good guys. Again Frisch singled in the third, and again that was all she wrote.

Hack Wilson opened the fourth with a walk, but he too was left behind. Webb gunned down Billy Southworth when he tried to stretch a single, ending the Cards' chances.

Fifth inning: English singled with two outs, but we'd strand him. Cards didn't get that far. Gabby doubled with two outs in our sixth, same result.

Alexander opened the Card sixth with a single, then Charley walked Frisch and Taylor Touthit. I thought maybe Root was in trouble, and I was right. Chick Hafey sent a two-hop double to the left field wall for three runs. Later on Bob O'Farrell singled to bring Hafey home and we trailed 4-2.

Pete Alexander had found his rhythm though: He knocked us down 1-2-3 in the 7th, then opened his frame with a single of his own. None of the Cards brought him home though.

Grimm, Riggs Stephenson, and Gabby loaded the bases on an error, walk and single with two outs in the eighth, but Webb hit a routine grounder. Just great. Lefty Weinert took over for Root, and again Southworth was caught on the basepaths.

Hughie Critz grounded to start the ninth, then Chuck Dressen doubled. Tying run at the plate in the form of PH Kiki Cuyler, and he flied to deep right. Dressen tagged up, which is all nice and dandy, but Woody English hit a hard liner to short ending the game.

St. Louis Cardinals 4, Chicago Cubs 2
LP: Root (0-1), HR: Grimm (1)

Joe seemed pretty upbeat when I talked to him after the game. "We only had one bad inning," he told me.

Maybe, but it was one bad inning too many.

Code:

---

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
April 5, 1928

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
          Cubs (CHC) 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0    2  7  0
    Cardinals (STL) 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 x    4  7  1

CHICAGO              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
W. English (SS)      5  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .200
C. Grimm (1B)        4  1  0  1  1  1  0  0    .250
R. Stephenson (LF)    3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .000
H. Wilson (CF)        3  0  1  0  0  0  1  0    .000
G. Hartnett (C)      4  3  0  1  0  0  0  0    .750
E. Webb (RF)          4  1  0  0  0  1  0  0    .250
H. Critz (2B)        4  0  0  0  0  0  2  1    .000
C. Dressen (3B)      4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .250
C. Root (P)          3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 L. Weinert (P)      0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 K. Cuyler (PH)      1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
TOTALS              35  7  2  2  1  2  4  1

  2B:  G. Hartnett 2 (2), C. Dressen (1)
  HR:  C. Grimm (1)

        CHICAGO  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        C. Root  7.0  7  3  0  4  4  3  90  5.14
      L. Weinert  1.0  0  1  0  0  0  1  17  0.00
          TOTALS  8.0  7  4  0  4  4  4 107

ST. LOUIS            ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
F. Frisch (2B)        3  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .667
T. Douthit (CF)      3  0  1  1  0  0  1  0    .000
C. Hafey (LF)        4  1  0  1  0  3  1  0    .250
J. Bottomley (1B)    4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .000
B. Southworth (RF)    2  1  2  0  0  0  0  0    .500
A. High (3B)          4  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
B. O'Farrell (C)      3  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .333
T. Thevenow (SS)      3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
P. Alexander (P)      3  2  0  1  0  0  0  0    .667
TOTALS              29  7  4  4  0  4  4  0

  2B:  C. Hafey (1)
  CS:  B. Southworth

      ST. LOUIS  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    P. Alexander  9.0  7  2  1  2  2  4 112  2.00
          TOTALS  9.0  7  2  1  2  2  4 112

    WP: P. Alexander (1-0)
    LP: C. Root (0-1)

    Temperature: 87F
    Wind: Calm
    Attendance: 43,630
    Time: 2:03

---

(Didn't see some comments above)

DAWG: Thanks! Wish me luck. :)

gosensgo: Hm. Very good question! :)
*******

Early April 1928


I think it was on Monday the ninth, with a cool wind blowing in from my open window and me listening to a recording of the Chicago orchestra on the radio as I flipped through my growing files on each player, when Anna knocked and looked in.

"Mister C, there's a Hazen Cuyler to see you?"

I'd half expected this. "Give me a minute, hon, then let him in."

I took this minute to turn off the radio, straighten my tie and throw on my jacket. Then I opened his folder and waited.

Kiki (kai-kai) Cuyler was a tall man, though not quite my height, of more or less average build with powerful arms. The look in his eye suggested trouble, and that's precisely what he got in Pittsburgh. There he annoyed first year manager Donie Bush and ended up unused even during their World Series run against the Yankees.

"...and I thought things would be different here," Cuyler explained. "I'm better than the bench and I want to play!"

"I agree with you."

"Then why am I sitting?"

"Well, we can't sit Hack. Joe wants to give Earl a shot at right."

"I like Earl, but I'm better than he is!"

"The stats disagree."

"D*** the stats!" he roared. "Half a season, Catrett. Half a season I've sat on the pine, and now I want my chance!"

I leaned back and regarded him. Knowing McCarthy's sense of iron discipline, I began to see the problem. I reached into my drawer and pulled out a bottle I'd 'obtained' from the trainer and two glasses.

His eyes widened. "You know if Wrigley catches you..."

"Let me worry about Wrigley." I poured the medicinal whiskey out, then put the bottle away. "This is between you and me, kapeesh?

"Right." We drank.

"Kiki, Joe makes the lineups. You've had enough time to get to know him. He doesn't like backtalk or other flimflam. I know you don't like it, but if you lie low for awhile I think he'll use you more. And if he doesn't, come back to me in a month and I'll apply the screws. Alright?"
*******

Chicago (0-0) at St. Louis (0-0)

5: Despite an early surge led by Grimm's homer, Charley Root has one fatal bad inning. We can't get past Card ace Pete Alexander. Cards 4-2
LP: Root (0-1), HR: Grimm (1)

6: Carlson stinks up the diamond for five innings, then Lee's debut is pathetic. We get 10 hits, but only PH Taylor and English bring people home. Cards 10-2
LP: Carlson (0-1)

7: Well, that's jake. Again our pitching suffers. Stephenson, Webb and Critz combine in the fifth to tie the game at 5, but reliever Percy Jones gives up three in the eighth (one unearned). Cards 8-5
LP: Jones (0-1), HR: Wilson (1)
*******

And just like that, chummers, we're on the a** end of the National League. Veeck still has enough influence with the papers (he's a former sportswriter) that they're staying out of it so far. He also says it's far too early to worry. Yeah? Who's worrying?
*******

New York (2-1) (2nd-T, -1g) at Chicago (0-3) (8th, -3g)

9: We took a 5-3 lead into the 8th led by Stephenson's 3-run blast in the first, but Charley Root tires (with ample help from an error by Woody English) and we lose in the ninth. Giants 6-5
LP: Jonnard (0-1), HR: Stephenson (1)

10: A much better game. Carlson pitches effectively despite some early trouble. Still, we're trailing 3-1 in the final stretch, leave 3 on base in the eighth and only get one run on a Dressen double in the ninth. Giants 3-2
LP: Carlson (0-2)

11: Finally! A big 4th inning and Bush's CG is enough to give us a tally in the win column. Stephenson triples with two on, scores on Wilson's single, and HE comes home on a SF. Cubs 7-1
WP: Bush (1-0)
*******

Okay, so we ARE capable of winning. We're just not very good at it. Apparently we need practice.
*******

St. Louis (5-1) (1st, +1g) at Chicago (1-5) (8th, -4g)

12: Art Nehf's season debut turns into a wild one. We take a 3-0 lead, but thanks to Nehf tiring and Jonnard pitching like his grandma, they take a 7-3 lead into the ninth. Clyde Beck triples home two runs and comes home on a SF, but not quite enough. Cards 7-6
LP: Nehf (0-1)

13: Alexander's back, and God is he a great pitcher. We get two runs, one on a Webb homer, but Charley's once again weak. Cards 5-2
LP: Root (0-2), HR: Webb (1)

14: They score 1 in the first, but that's it as Carlson shows us what he can do. We rally for 2 in the second, then Hartnett hits a three-run shot in the third. From there it's holding on as the Cards never really threaten. Cubs 7-1
WP: Carlson (1-2), HR: Hartnett (1)
*******

We get a telegram from the Tigers. Seems they want to deal.

We'd give them LF Riggs Stephenson (88) [30] (.294 1-7 1).

In exchange, we get LF Paul Easterling (69/88) [22] (Rookie) and RF Harry Rice (82) [26] (.275 0-10 1). We dump about $7,000 in payroll, and they're willing to pay another 5 for the privilege.

Veeck and I talked about it. Losing Stephenson is almost like giving up on the season already, but Wrigley would like us saving money. Easterling has potential. We can probably find a home for Rice in the meantime. Veeck finally says to go ahead.

Kiki finally gets out of the doghouse and will start at CF. Wilson goes to LF, and we're letting Rice try RF out to see how he does.
*******

NL Standings
Cardinals (7-2)
Giants (5-4) (2)
Reds (5-4) (2)
Braves (5-4) (2)
Robins (4-5) (3)
Pirates (4-5) (3)
Phillies (4-5) (3)
Cubs (2-7) (5)

AL Standings
Browns (7-3)
Red Sox (6-3) (0.5)
Yankees (5-4) (1.5)
Tigers (5-5) (2)
White Sox (4-5) (2.5)
Athletics (4-6) (3)
Senators (4-6) (3)
Indians (3-6) (3.5)

You know, if Kiki just needed a nip of the sweet stuff, Hack would have been happy enough to share....

So let me get this straight. :(:(:(:(

I've read your dynasties pretty much since I became a regular poster here. After two of them, I ask if you could do a Mariners one since I'm a diehard fan of them and your previous dynasties had been great. Finally, you agree and make one, yet just 10 days later, you end it because you "just couldn't get into it". Now you start a new one that'll probably go on for a couple of months about a team over 40 years before the Pilots debuted. That's not really fair! :(:(:(:(:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Coach Owens

So let me get this straight. :(:(:(:(

I've read your dynasties pretty much since I became a regular poster here. After two of them, I ask if you could do a Mariners one since I'm a diehard fan of them and your previous dynasties had been great. Finally, you agree and make one, yet just 10 days later, you end it because you "just couldn't get into it". Now you start a new one that'll probably go on for a couple of months about a team over 40 years before the Pilots debuted. That's not really fair! :(:(:(:(:(

---

Well he has to be the one thats content and interested with what hes writing, otherwise its going to suck.

Rough start.

Are you setting the lineup or autosorting? I ask because the KiKi/Webb thing loses some luster once the trade is made and Rice and Kiki start over Webb.

Cat, I think you're a great writer, I just wonder how you missed so badly on your portrayals of Will Thompson. He didn't see at all whiney in your writing.

petrel: Maybe that's why it worked. Kiki's been tapping into Hack's supply :)

Coach: Actually you left out the part where it took me two dynasties before I even tried to fulfill my promise. Bad Cat.

DAWG: Yep. On a more serious note, I think this just reiterates my advice from months ago: Decide for yourself what to write about, otherwise you won't like it.

filihok: Autosorted since McCarthy probably isn't taking suggestions right now. However, I doubt the OF situation is over.
*******

Mid April 1928

A few days before, while we were hosting the Giants incidentally, Chicago rocked to what the press is calling the "pineapple primary."

Don't get too far ahead of yourselves, chums. Pineapple in this case isn't a fruit. It's a grenade.

Back on the 21st, Diamond Joe Esposito, one of the city committemen, was shot and killed in a drive-by in front of his wife and child. Diamond Joe used his connections to help and protect his old friends in the Genna gang and elsewhere. Rumors are he ran afoul of Capone and the Chicago Outfit, but nothing's really certain. Bugs Moran had just as much reason to hate Joe.

Senator Charles Deneen's home was later bombed, and on primary day Octavius Grandy, a candidate for committeman, was chased down by car and killed.

Police are...well, ineffective's a good word for it. Some work for Bugs. Some work for Capone. It doesn't seem like all that many work for Chicago. Sixty grenades flew before, during and after the primary.

One would think this would make most folk scared of going outdoors. Not really. A lot of people find it exciting.

As for the primary itself, Time Magazine later said:

Out of the jabberwocky that is politics in the State of Illinois there issued last week a frabjous thing that was supposed to spell R-e-f-o-r-m but which, upon closest inspection, would not come any closer to real sense than Roefmr or Mrrofe. The letters were all there. Popular sentiment had been convulsively aroused. But the newly upheaved anagram did not articulate intelligently.

The occasion for the upheaval was the Illinois primary election. Among the Democrats, nothing extraordinary happened. Their party was out of power and they quietly went to the polls to nominate candidates whom they scarcely hoped to elect next autumn unless Candidate Smith, for whom they meant the State's 58 uninstructed national delegates, can carry all before him.

Among the Republicans, it was a spectacular primary even for spectacular Illinois. It was the Republicans who tried to spell Reform. About 100,000 Democrats got excited and joined in the G. O. P. melee, confusing things more than ever.
*******

On the 16th the Reds came to town and I thought to watch from my (Veeck's) box just to the right of home plate. It was somewhere around the second inning when I heard voices outside my door. It opened, and my security guard/usher looked in.

"Sir, there's a gentleman here to see you."

I nodded at the guard and casually slipped my hand in my pocket. A lean man of perhaps 40 or 45, dressed in pinstripes, took two steps in and took off his hat.

"Mister Catrett? Mister Moran wonders if he might have a word with you in his box."

I glanced out the window. Bugs Moran did indeed take a box for the day, with women on either side and two guards with Tommy guns at his door.

Now chummers, it might surprise you that we let armed guards into Wrigley Field. Well...first, who was going to stop them? Second, this is just the way Chicago is. I'm carrying a 1903 Colt, and I'll bet you a sawbuck one in three of the bare-foot truants out in the bleachers have a knife somewhere. Heck, the way fans and players have threatened them over the years I wouldn't be surprised if the umps were packing.

Moran looked right at me and tipped his hat. Well, this confrontation was in the making for a month now right? He wasn't stupid enough to hose me down in front of thirty thousand people.

"Sure. Let's go."

I followed him along the narrow concourse. Several doors down he knocked. One of the guards opened the door, glanced over the man's shoulder at me, and nodded. We entered, but then my escort turned and held out his hand with the goons flanking me. "Raise your arms please, sir."

"What for?" But I knew very well why and complied. "Right pocket." The man lifted my pistol, showed it to Bugs, and stuck it into his belt. He then felt along my chest and sides. "Watch the threads!"

He turned again to Bugs, nodded, then stepped aside.

George Clarence Moran was a thinner man, with dark hair and a long nose. He dressed for today in a light colored suit and hat. We stared at each other for several moments, then he smiled. "Mister Catrett. I've been looking forward to this. Please, join me." He pointed at one of the women, then jerked his thumb. The girl pouted, but stood aside.

I sat and glanced at the field. "Nice view."

"Do you like it? I try to rent a box here every few weeks or so. Helps me keep tabs on my team."

"Your team? Mister Wrigley might want to dispute that."

Moran laughed. "Wrigley's a fool, Catrett. Now you? You've walked the streets. You know how the game's played. Wrigley might be clever at making gum, but he's just a fat slob that bleeds same as you and me."

"So you're going to try and take the team away from him?"

He grinned. "Nah. It's hard to run some of my ops if the entire baseball world is watching my every move."

"Then what do you want?"

"Didn't Veeck tell you when you saved him? Quite heroic by the way. I'm impressed."

I glanced at him. So he knew. Well, no surprise - shouldn't have let that one guy get away. "Veeck tells me you want a 'rental fee.' He didn't specify what that meant."

Moran lounged, crossing his legs with one arm around his remaining doll. He signalled to the other woman, who suddenly saw fit to give me a shoulder rub. "Thirty percent."

About $40,000 more or less. I beamed. "Oh, I'm sure that can be arranged."

His eyebrows arched. "I'm impressed, Catrett. Good to see you being so..."

"Just get down there and hit as good at Ruth or Hornsby."

Moran's face clouded. "A wise guy, eh? You know what happens to wise guys, Catrett?"

I met his glare. "Same thing that happened to your man? Stone?"

He lifted his chin. "Stone wasn't my man. If he was, you'd be dead. 'Fact, you did me a favor. He wanted a piece of the action for turning Veeck." He snapped his fingers and my masseuse backed away.

"So you want me to...what? Talk to Veeck?"

"Sure. Talk to him. Talk to Wrigley. You succeed, then I'll give you Stone's cut. Truth is, I don't see you doing that though so this is just a message. Stay out of my way, Catrett. Either that or you'll be living in the Lake."

I spun around, reached into my 'escort's' jacket and retrieved my pistol. Two Tommy guns pointed at my head.

I just grinned at them and pocketed my Colt. "I'll remember that, Mister Moran." The two gunners lowered their weapons. "Just remember: Last man who fought with me? He died." I walked out.

Late April 1928

CUBS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR CATRETT?

CHICAGO - Last night, in a misguided attempt to show his business prowess, new overall manager Dick Catrett traded away left fielder Stephenson for the contract to a reserve player as well as that of right fielder Rice. Tonight Rice will start, Hack Wilson moves to left, and Cuyler takes center.

Who are all these guys? First Veeck, now Catrett seem eager to throw a pineapple at the Cub offense. This isn't the lineup from just last year. Consider that of our starting eight, four played against us in 1927!

Then again, considering the Bruins have won only two of their first nine contests, maybe a few more pineapples are a good idea.
*******

Now it's Earl Webb who wants a piece of me. Reminds me he's batting .290 on the year - which isn't bad chums. Not bad at all. Then wants to know why I dumped his friend Stephenson and he's riding the pine.

It's getting a bit old to say "Ask Joe," so I answered. "Kiki's a good player when he isn't running his mouth. You could learn some things from him. As for Harry Rice, I think Joe just wants to see what he can do. You'll be back in the lineup soon enough."

That satisfied him...for now, but I'm actually hoping for a minor injury. Our outfield has too many egos!
*******

Cincinnati (5-4) (2nd-T, -2g) at Chicago (2-7) (8th, -5g)

16: Guy Bush tries hard to give the Reds the game. They take a 3-2 lead, then 4-3. He'll need the help of an error by SS English to succeed though. Kiki goes 4 for 5 with a double. Reds 5-4
LP: Osborn (0-1)

17: Root pitches a beaut, giving up only two runs in the eighth. Hack homers and Critz gets two more RBI for the win. Cubs 4-2
WP: Root (1-2), HR: Wilson (2)

18: Trailing 2-1 in the ninth, RP Jones thinks that's jake and gives 'em two more! Cuyler hits a two-run inside the parker in our session, but we still come up short. Reds 4-3
LP: Carlson (1-3), HR: Cuyler (1)
*******

The Cards ask if I'd like to give 'em C Gabby Hartnett (89) [27] (.333 1-7 0) for 3B Specs Toporczer (73) [29] (.429 0-5 1) and 2B Frankie Frisch (88) [29] (.385 0-8 1). Might be worth it...if I had a catcher to replace Gabby. If I wasn't tired of the press saying how much I was changing the team. If Wrigley wanted to cover the extra two grand in payroll. Shove off, Cards.
*******

I'm sick of SS English muffing balls and his .115 average. McCarthy and I have it out and he finally agrees to give Clyde Beck (72) (.500 in 2 AB) a chance to take the spot away.

And what the h*** is wrong with the Phillies? The Baker Bowl is almost empty, their uniforms look like they were sown together by a pack of baboons, and their business manager - if Baker isn't running his own show - is nowhere in sight.
*******

Chicago (3-9) (8th, -7g) at Philadelphia (4-8) (7th, -6g)

19: A pretty good pitching match! Bush loads the bases with no outs though in the sixth, helped by Gabby throwing the ball away, and though he escapes with only two tallies on his name that's one too many. Phillies 2-1
LP: Bush (1-1)

20: Nehf gets only his second start of the season due to our crazy schedule. Maybe he deserves more, giving up only two runs in nine. We led 3-2 into the ninth then scored five more led by 2 RBI singles by Critz and Hartnett. Cubs 8-2
WP: Nehf (1-1), HR: Cuyler (2)

21: Five errors, two of them ours, chum. Fell behind early (Root only lasted four innings), managed two runs of our own, then gave up three more. Did I mention we're on the a** end of the NL? Phillies 9-2
LP: Root (1-3)
*******

Jack Carr is in his first year as 'general' manager of the Pirates. He is traveling with the team, and came over to my box to give me the g'day.

Carr's about average height, solidly built with a firm grip in his handshake and a steady gaze. He reminded me the season's very young. He's not worried yet, and I shouldn't be either.

"Now, if we're still 7-8 in July? Then we can worry," he smiled. Then, around the second or maybe third inning, he asked what I thought of the Phils.

"They beat us 2 of 3," I said. "Look pretty ragged though."

"We won't see them until the 25th," he replied. "From what I'm hearing though, Baker's running out of money and may be looking for a buyer...or a new home."

"New as in Shibe Park?" I asked, referring to the Athletics.

"New as in out of Pennsylvania. The A's may be second division right this second, but they've done okay the past few years and most of the old Phil fans have turned."

I grew up watching the Phils when my dad could afford a game. I can't imagine baseball without them. "So what do we do?"

"Dunno, chum."
*******

Pittsburgh (6-9) (6th-T, -6g) at Chicago (4-11) (8th, -8g)

22: They score 2 in the first, but Rice answers with a 2 RBI single. Trailing 3-2 in the 8th PH Harry Taylor hits an RBI infield single followed by Rice again. Cubs 4-3
WP: Carlson (2-3), SV: Jonnard (1)

23: Harder knocks: We score 2 in the fifth, they answer with 3 in the seventh. We get 3 of our own in the eighth, so they add on 3 more to win it. Two homers lead our performance, while RP Jones ... can't hold on. Pirates 6-5
LP: Jones (0-2), HR: Hartnett (2), Rice (1)

24: Two doubles and two singles in the ninth, all with two outs, gives us what we need to surge ahead of Pitt and take the rubber match. Cubs 5-4
WP: Jones (1-2)
*******

A day off to enjoy our relative success, then it's off to Cincy.
*******

Chicago (6-12) (8th, -7g) at Cincinnati (10-8) (2nd-T, -3g)

26: Reds SP Carl Mays - the same guy who killed Chapman backed in '20 - holds us to four hits and no earned runs. Root meanwhile continues to give up 6+ earned runs a game. Reds 7-2
LP: Root (1-4)

27: Despite a last minute surge as Carlson tires, we hold out. Cuyler goes 2 for 2 with 2 runs, 2 RBIs and a homer. Cubs 6-5
WP: Carlson (3-3), SV: Jonnard (2), HR: Cuyler (3)

28: Bush gives up 2 in the first and two more in the second. Rice, Wilson and Hartnett put up solid numbers, but we can't score enough to satisfy Cincy. Reds 5-3
LP: Bush (1-2)
*******

I'm traveling with the team, and so get to chat with Jack Carr some more. We're both trying to get out of the Nationals' gutter. God knows we aren't catching the 16-5 Cards any time soon.
*******

Chicago (7-14) (8th, -9g) at Pittsburgh (9-13) (7th, -7.5g)

29: We have a team we can beat! We draw 2-2 until Cuyler scores Nehf on a single. Cuyler is responsible for all 3 of our RBIs today. Cubs 3-2
WP: Nehf (2-1), HR: Cuyler (4)

30: Just wow. Root gave up only 1 ER (4 R)in 7 innings, then Jones lets them back in the game giving up 5 in one. This gives them a 9-8 lead going into the last frame, where Dressen and Critz both single with men on to give us the game. Jonnard gets his third save, giving up only one hit in Pitt's half inning. Cubs 10-9
WP: Jones (2-2), SV: Jonnard (3), HR: Hartnett (3), Grimm (2), Beck (1)

5/1: Maybe a little too good to last, as Jones continues to insist on showing us how inconsistent he can be. He gives up 2 runs in the 8th...not that it matters as we already trailed. Pirates 8-5
LP: Carlson (3-4)
*******

New York shuts out Pitt the next day, which means entering May 3rd....

WE'RE NUMBER SEVEN!

Man, if only I could write stories like you...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13

Man, if only I could write stories like you...

---

A huge second here. Keep up the good work.

Potato, mbanghar: Thanks guys. Much appreciated!
*******

May 3, 1928

Standings

Code:

---

National League
Team            W    L    GB
St. Louis      18    6  --
Cincinnati      13  11    5
New York        13  12    5.5
Boston          12  12    6
Philadelphia    12  13    6.5
Brooklyn        11  13    7
Pittsburgh      10  16    9
Chicago          9  15    9

American League
Team            W    L    GB
St. Louis      15  10  --
New York        14  11    1
Chicago        12  12    2.5
Boston          12  12    2.5
Philadelphia    12  13    3
Washington      12  13    3
Cleveland      11  13    3.5
Detroit        11  15    4.5

---

*******

National League Leaders
Average: Paul Waner (PIT) .396, Ethan Allen (CIN) .375
HR: Three tied with 4
RBI: Paul Waner (PIT) 24, Wally Berger (BSN) 20
Steals: Jack Smith (BSN) 6, Two tied with 4

Wins: Pete Alexander (STL) 6, Four tied with 4
ERA: Flint Rhem (STL) 1.58, Dazzy Vance (BRO) 1.82
Strikeouts: Hal Carlson (CHC) 25, Dazzy Vance (BRO) 22
Saves: Three tied with 3

American League Leaders
Average: Pie Traynor (CLE) .442, Buddy Myer (BOS) .406
HR: Lou Gehrig (NYY) 8, Babe Ruth (NYY) 8
RBI: Lou Gehrig (NYY) 25, Al Simmons (PHA) 25
Steals: Ossie Bluege (WSH) 6, Six tied with 4

Wins: Six tied with 4
ERA: Howard Ehmke (PHA) 1.54, Dolly Gray (SLB) 1.80
Strikeouts: Lefty Grove (PHA) 30, Red Ruffing (BOS) 28
Saves: Steve Slayton (BOS) 6, Jess Doyle (SLB) 5

Chicago Cubs Leaders
Average: Gabby Hartnett .320
HR: Kiki Cuyler 4 (1st-T)
RBI: Harry Rice 17 (5th-T)
Steals: Kiki Cuyler 2 (9th-T)

Wins: Hal Carlson 3 (6th-T)
ERA: Art Nehf 2.61 (4th)
Strikeouts: Hal Carlson 25 (1st)
Saves: Claude Jonnard 3 (1st-T)
*******

Major Injuries

BSB-3B Les Bell (78) [26] (.319 0-12 0) - July
BRO-1B Babe Herman (87) [24] (.235 1-2 0) - September
NYG-SS Travis Jackson (85/94) [24] (.225 2-9 0) - June
PHI-C Jimmie Wilson (79) [27] (.267 0-4 0) - June
STL-3B Andy High (72) [30] (.222 0-5 0) - June

SLB-RP Ed Strelecki (70/77) [23] (1-1 9.00 0) - August
*******

Trades
CHC-CIN: 3B Elmer Yoter (64/68) [27] (.222 0-5 0 in 1927)
CHC-CIN: RF Cliff Heathcote (77) [30] (.294 2-25 6 in 1927)
CHC-CIN: SP Sheriff Blake (76) [28] (13-14 3.29 13 CG in 1927)
CIN-CHC: 3B Chuck Dressen (71) [29] (.292 2-55 7 in 1927)
CIN-CHC: 2B Hughie Critz (77) [27] (.278 4-49 7 in 1927)

CHC-DET: LF Riggs Stephenson (88) [30] (.294 1-7 1)
DET-CHC: LF Paul Easterling (69/88) [22] (Minors)
DET-CHC: RF Harry Rice (82) [26] (.275 0-10 1)

CLE-PIT: 3B George DeTore (55/65) [21] (Minors)
CLE-PIT: CF Luther Harvel (69/81) [22] (Minors)
CLE-PIT: 1B George Burns (81) [35] (.217 0-5 0)
PIT-CLE: C Johnny Gooch (75) [30] (.364 0-1 0)
PIT-CLE: 3B Pie Traynor (83) [29] (.400 0-6 0)
*******

Milestones
NYG-SS Travis Jackson (85/94) [24] (.225 2-9 0) - Hit for the Cycle
PHA-CF Tris Speaker (87) [40] (.213 0-6 0) - 1500 RBI
STL-SP Pete Alexander (92) [41] (6-0 2.63 3 CG) - 350 Wins
*******

Retirements

Lena Blackburne (SS, White Sox): 41 years, 1 season(!?)
1928: DNP. Released.
Career: .214 4-139 54: 387 H
Teams: White Sox (10, 12, 14-15, 27), Reds (18), Braves (19), Phillies (19)

Mike Gazella (3B, Yankees): 32 years, 3 seasons
1928: DNP. Released.
Career: .243 0-30 6: 72 H
Teams: Yankees (23, 26-27)

Billy Mullen (3B, Browns): 32 years, 0 seasons
1928: DNP. Released.
Career: .125 0-0 1: 4 H
Teams: Browns (20-21), Robins (23), Tigers (26)

Bernie Hungling (C, Browns): 32 years, 0 seasons
1928: DNP. Released.
Career: .217 1-13 2: 23 H
Teams: Robins (22-23)

Wally Gerber (SS, Browns): 36 years, 13 seasons
1928: DNP. Retired.
Career: .261 7-443 36: 1,225 H
Teams: Pirates (14-15), Browns (17-27)

Bill Morrell (RP, Giants): 35 years, 1 season
1928: DNP. Retired after moderate injury (3 wks).
Career: 3-3 5.30 1 CG 1 SV: 16 K 70 IP
Teams: Senators (26)

Art Delaney (RP, Braves): 33 years, 0 seasons
1928: DNP. Retired after minor injury.
Career: 1-0 1.80 1 CG: 2 K 20 IP
Teams: Cardinals (24)

Patsy Gharrity (C, Senators): 36 years, 8 seasons
1928: DNP. Retired after minor injury.
Career: .262 20-251 32: 513 H
Teams: Senators (16-23)

Clyde Manion (C, Browns): 31 years, 7 seasons
1928: DNP. Released.
Career: .227 0-40 1: 84 H
Teams: Tigers (20-24, 26-27)

May 2, 1928

I sat in the first row just above the visitor's dugout of Wrigley Field on a temperate, but humid day. My hat and coat occupied the slat seat next to me, my sleeves rolled up to my elbows as I leaned over the chair in front of me and studied 'my' team.

Joe McCarthy had the men lined up along the third base line, giving some sort of speech in staccato bursts emphasized with finger pointing and occasionally smacking his palm with his fist. I could hear only every third or fourth word - general encouragement, promises that work and sweat equated with victories, and promises of vengeance against our new sworn enemies, the Philadelphia Phillies.

If you're wondering when the Phils became our mortal enemies, get in line, chum. For the most part players nodded dutifully at the right points, no doubt thinking, "Yeah, sure skip," but the younger faces like relievers Lon Warneke and Bill Lee listened to him as gravely as if he were the Messiah offering a last shot at redemption.

Our 'enemies' had scouts of course. Two men sat exactly opposite me. The fatter one sat, like me, in a shirt loose at the collar with rolled up sleevers. His thinner friend seemed immune to the humidity, for he dressed as if about to take his lady to dinner and kept studious notes.

"Mister Catrett? Do you have a minute?"

I looked up to see another thin man, this one with thin black hair and wearing a ragged jacket that might have come off the rack in 1910 or so. "And you are?"

"Doug Raines, Chicago Tribune." He sketched a half bow and sat next to me. "How are you today?"

"On the record or off?"

Raines grinned. "I promise you, Mister Catrett. Everything you say today is off the record unless you say otherwise. I just want to ask some background questions."

I studied him. Nothing in his expression encouraged my trust, but of course if he betrayed me, he could be pretty well assured the Tribune would never hear from me again. "Alright."

"Off the record," he emphasized. "How do you think the Cubs are doing?"

"We're in eighth place by percentage points. How do you think we're doing?" I watched McCarthy, standing to one side of his line of players, drop his arm. This started a ragged, uneven race across the diamond to the line between first and second.

"Why do you think that is? That you're in eighth?"

"I don't think there's any particular reason. Several players are not playing up to their potential so far and..."

"Who?"

I shook my head. "No comment."

"Off the record?"

His magical phrase. I shook my head again. "Off the record, the stats speak for themselves."

"Clyde Beck batting .122 at short for example, after you used him to replace Woody English, who is batting .115?"

"That would be one example."

"And Hack Wilson's having trouble breaking .250, while Earl Webb sits on the bench with a .293 average."

"I've been back and forth with Joe on that." Indeed. We spent a good part of the morning arguing about it. McCarthy finally told me that switching spots on so many Cub veterans wasn't very fair to the team itself, and wasn't doing much for morale. "We've decided to give Hack a little while longer and see how he does."

"And if he doesn't produce, he'll be replaced?" Raines pressed.

"Possibly. Off the record, anything's possible."

Raines wrote a few more notes. "How about the pitching?"

"We're sending Percy Jones to one of the clubs we have a contract with. That's public record," I said. "As for the rest, we're going to make sure Nehf gets a lot more playing time." Art Nehf was 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA so far. "The rest we're going to go with for now."

"Now, ON the record." He held up one finger as a signal. "Tell me about the Phillies."

"What about them?" I asked uneasily, remembering my conversation with Jack Carr about their finances.

Raines looked at me as if I'd gone stupid. "Can we take 2 of 3?"

"I think so. We're here at Wrigley, and I'm sure the fans will support us." I smiled blandly. I could talk 'on the record' as well as most.

"Who are their dangerous players?"

I frowned. I didn't memorize Philly's lineup. After a moment, Raines prompted: "CF Freddy Leach is batting .340 with 4 homers. Clarence Mitchell is 3-3 with a 2.39 ERA, and their closer and setup hurlers both have ERAs as good if not better. Them maybe?"

"If you say so, Mister Raines." I didn't like feeling like an idiot.

A few more notes. "Alright, one last question. People saw you during a recent game visiting George "Bugs" Moran. What were you talking about?"

"On or off the record?"

Raines' turn to frown: "On?"

"As a guest at Wrigley Field, especially one who went to the trouble of renting a box, I took his request to meet me very seriously. The Cubs feel they have an obligation to make themselves accessible to their fans."

Raines nodded. "You learn fast, Mister Catrett. Alright. Off the record?"

"Territorial dispute." I grinned.
*******

Early May 1928

Well, I lied, chummers. Though not on purpose. It's true that we're nine games back just like the Pirates, but we are still in last place alone. Seems they've won one more game (and lost one more) than us, boosting their percentage.

Veeck's grown quiet on me. I wonder if Bugs is trying to convince him to give up 30% of the team again. It's not even his decision, but Wrigley's.

Charlie Grimm at first has been tired lately, and Tolson's been starting in his place. I wonder what's up.
*******

Philadelphia (12-13) (5th, -6.5g) at Chicago (9-15) (8th, -9g)

3: They score 1 in the first, and we answer with one in the third and fourth both. Things are going well until the eighth when Bush gives up three singles, a walk and a wild pitch to put this one out of reach. Phillies 4-2
LP: Bush (1-3)

4: They rock Carlson for 5 in the first. We struggle back with Cuyler's 5th homer and English (who apparently really likes being here) going 3 for 4 with 2 runs and a RBI of his own. Not enough chums. Phillies 5-4
LP: Carlson (3-5), HR: Cuyler (5)

5: Nehf is fantastic, getting a shutout and 2 of our 3 RBI! What else is there to say? Cubs 3-0
WP: Nehf (3-1)
*******

And just like that the Phils don't look so bad, sitting in a tie for fourth. I don't know who's going to catch the Cardinals though despite their losing four straight.

Now for a team that's gone to the birds.
*******

Brooklyn (13-14) (6th, -5g) at Chicago (10-17) (8th, -8g)

7: A pretty game that we didn't deserve, but got anyway. Trailing 3-0 then 5-1, we scored one in the 7th but left two on. In the ninth Danny Taylor hit a sac fly with the bases loaded, then Rice tripled to tie the game. With two outs and the bases once more loaded Charlie Grimm singled to right for the win. Cubs 6-5
WP: Warneke (1-0), HR: Rice (2)

8: Once more they squander a 5-1 lead. Cuyler and Hack hit home runs in the fifth, and Rice hits a 2 RBI single to tie the game after six. In the eighth English walked, stole second, and came home on McMillan's single. Ballgame. Cubs 6-5
WP: Osborn (1-1)

9: Too good to last. Nehf pitches effectively, but leaves after seven trailing 3-2. They add to it in the ninth. Tolson retaliates with a homer to start the ninth, but three batters later our winning streak ends. Robins 4-3
LP: Nehf (3-2), HR: Tolson (1)
*******

Setting up some interesting rivalries.

Charlie Grimm has almost no playing time since April. I finally asked Joe about Charlie's illness.

"Grimm is one for five since coming to the bench, and was doing much worse before hand," McCarthy replied. "Tolson routinely gets one to two hits a game. He's turning into one of the most productive players on the team."

"Aren't you the one who told me too many changes are bad for the team?"

He looked blank. "Grimm's played with us four years, Tolson three. They've played off each other for years. They're used to it."

Watching the way the two look at each other, I'm not so sure about that.

Meanwhile, Earl Webb keeps looking for ways to break back into the lineup. Here Joe proved even less conciliatory. "Have you watched his numbers fall? It's been over a week since the man has a hit. Any hit. As a pinch hitter he's a rally killer. No. Even Wilson, who's struggled, is at least reliable."

Webb's remained quiet after his initial complaint to me. Perhaps he, too, realizes he's not playing well. Or he's biding his time.
*******

Chicago (12-18) (8th, -7g) at New York (14-17) (6th, -5.5g)

10: Better. Bush avoids embarassing himself, though we do fall behind 3-1. Webb (PH for Bush) finally makes a contribution with an RBI double followed by Rice's RBI to tie it. In the eighth Critz scores Hartnett for the win. Cubs 4-3
WP: Osborn (2-1)

11: Root pitches his first game in ten days (as a result of being demoted to #4 starter) and is pathetic, giving up 7 R, 5 ER in 5.2 IP. New York's starter is even worse giving up 6 in 2. Tied up at six after two thanks primarily to Wilson's 2 RBI double in the second, we take the lead when Cuyler doubles, scores on Hartnett's triple, and our catcher comes home on a grounder. They retake the lead 9-8 in the sixth, and another rally makes it 10-9. They get two more in the eighth, and this time the Cubs can't come back. Wilson had 3 RBI, Hartnett and Tolson 2 each. Of the 30 combined hits and 21 combined runs, none are homers. Giants 11-10
LP: Osborn (2-2)

12: Our offense continues where it left off with a six run 1st led by McMillan's 2 RBI double. They nickel and dime, but we still lead 6-3 when we score four more in the ninth led by Hartnett's 2 RBI single with the bases loaded. This time they retaliate as Jonnard tries hard to lose this, giving up three in the last frame. Cubs 10-6
WP: Carlson (4-5)
*******

Not really enough to catch anyone, but at least we're no longer embarassing ourselves.

Received a nice letter from Ken Penner today. Penner's a reliever we had a reserve contract for. He had all of four games to his credit, going 1-0 for the Indians in 1916. He very nicely told me to shove off, that he wouldn't be pursuing a baseball career any more.

Sorry, chum, but you simply weren't good enough.

Meanwhile, Chuck Dressen sprained his ankle and will miss the next two weeks or so. Norm McMillan's been filling in when he can, and is so far batting .333. Dressen's .319.
*******

Boston (17-16) (2nd, -5g) at Chicago (14-19) (8th, -8g)

14: Our pitching tries very hard to give this one away but our offense, led by Chick Tolson (3 for 3, HR, R, 2 BI), won't let them. Time and time again we trade the lead until Wilson's 2 RBI 8th inning double ends it. Cubs 8-6
WP: Osborn (3-2), SV: Jonnard (4), HR: Rice (3), Tolson (2)

15: Bush decides not to give this one up, going the whole game. Wilson brings home all of our runs over three innings. Cubs 3-2
WP: Bush (2-3), HR: Wilson (3)

16: They score 3 in the eighth ruining Root's shutout, but by then it's too late. 5 singles, a double and an error in the 5th gives us more than enough as both Rice and Cuyler bring two in. Cubs 7-3
WP: Root (2-4)
*******

We beat one of the stronger teams in the league so far. Better, we swept them, and leapfrog in the standings.



National League

Cardinals (23-13) (--)
Robins (19-17) (4)
Reds (18-18) (5)
Pirates (18-20) (6)
Cubs (17-19) (6)
Braves (17-19) (6)
Phillies (17-20) (6.5)
Giants (17-20) (6.5)

American League: Yankees (22-15) lead Browns by 1 and Senators by 2.5

Just a quick note. I'm getting married on Sunday, and obviously that's going to keep me busy for a bit. I'll be back to this once things settle down again.

Take care all :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CatKnight

Just a quick note. I'm getting married on Sunday, and obviously that's going to keep me busy for a bit. I'll be back to this once things settle down again.

Take care all :)

---

Congrat's!

Just caught up reading this dynasty. I anxiously wait for the next installment, though obvouisly understand the reasons for the delay. My dynasties have suffered from neglect due to an increasingly crazy life as well, but good luck with the wedding and everything that goes with it.