The Year Chicago Died

[CatKnight]

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.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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

[gosensgo101]

"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.

[CatKnight]

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.

[Coach Owens]

I demand some compensation!

[CatKnight]

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!

[Coach Owens]

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?

[CatKnight]

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.

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

[CatKnight]

(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)

[petrel]

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

[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!

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

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.

[filihok]

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.

[CatKnight]

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.

[CatKnight]

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!