FABL - Cleveland Foresters Mediocrity at its worst

[DD Martin]

Originally Posted by mjj55409

I see the Foresters as being in the thick of the CA pennant race for the next couple of seasons. And of course, there is Max Morris's pursuit of 700 home runs.

Originally Posted by Tiger Fan

I agree completely and even though every Morris homer likely hurts my Brooklyn Kings I am cheering for him to get to 700.

I will be fun to see if he can get there. He’s 34 away but turns 40 in the off season. If he can stay healthy and squeeze out 2 seasons he will have a shot. His defense is fading at 1B but even though he only hit 26 bomb last season he still leading the CA in RBI’s with 123 while batting over 320.

[DD Martin]

As we head into the start of the off-season, we aren’t sure what to do. We have never been in this position before. What does one do when you win the whole thing and don’t have a 1st or 2nd round draft pick? My wife suggested a vacation to San Diego, we hadn’t been there in years. We had the parade on Sunday to celebrate the city’s first major pro sports championship.

We could provide a listing of our top 30 prospects but since we only have a handful in the top 300 that will be a short list (that will come soon). Mr Marshall has a task for me compiling team and financial information. He didn’t say why he needed it but it would likely take all day Monday. After that I think we will take the family to San Diego.

ooc - We don’t have a lot to do before the league draft. Yes the awards will be announced and we do have the amateur, Rule 5 and Indie drafts. We do have the situation with the location of the club which we will dive into with some non-baseball posts mixed in. They will always be at the bottom of a baseball post.

The Parade

The City (despite the stadium demands and issues with owner Elmer Marshall) had organized a parade and ceremony for the Sunday after the Series clinching 18-3 win. Why did they do it despite all the bad blood? Well the City had never won a major sports title like this and the Foresters had been around since 1890. With the effects of the Great Depression still being felt by almost everyone in the area, the City Officials felt it was best to give people a reason to celebrate. They also hoped the outpouring of civic goodwill and feeling would help persuade Elmer Marshall to reconsider his threat to move the team.

The celebration was going well through the route in downtown Cleveland. The joy the season and winning the championship had brought out many 10,000’s of thousands. Up at the podium in front of Forester Stadium, owner Elmer Marshall was sitting down waiting for the parade to arrive at the stadium. There would be some presentations and comments from various parties and then Marshall would speak or so we thought. The cars lined up and the players got out led by Max Morris, TR Goins and Roger Perry. Then the car with GM Martin, manager Jim Wilson pulled up. Everyone took their seats as the Mayor invited Morris and Wilson up to the podium to speak. The crowd cheered wildly. Then as the Mayor invited Elmer Marshall up to speak. As the 66-year-old owner rose to walk to the podium, a voice in the crowd yelled out….

Voice - Marshall, you try to move this team, you die…….

As a single gunshot was heard to ring out. Police quickly jumped on the man and subdued him. Elmer Marshall was whisked off in the craziness, taken inside the stadium........

[DD Martin]

The Cleveland P-I
Sports Section
October 1934

Goins named CA Allen Award Winner

T.R. Goins has been around Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues enough to know a good hot streak when he sees one -- and he got to see one firsthand all year. For his standout run through the 1934 season, he's taking home the Whitney Award in the Continental Association.

The Cleveland catcher put up a batting average of .349 with 35 doubles, 1 triple, 12 home runs and 87 RBIs.

He received 7 first place votes out of a possible 16. Harry Barrell of the Brooklyn Kings finished second in voting with 6 first place votes, while Pete Layton of the New York Stars finished third.

Player Team Votes
T.R. Goins- Cleveland Foresters - 7 - 163
Harry Barrell - Brooklyn Kings - 6 - 137
Pete Layton- New York Stars - 0 - 108
John Langille - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 79
Max Morris - Cleveland Foresters- 3 - 55
Leon Drake - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 55
Moxie Pidgeon - Cleveland Foresters- 0 - 51
Doug Lightbody - Brooklyn Kings- 0 - 48
Tom Taylor - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 47
Jake Shadoan - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 40
Jim Watson - Montreal Saints - 0 - 23
Dan Fowler - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 20
Joe Masters - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 20
Doc Love - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 19
Lou Kelly - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 8
Tom Roberts - Toronto Wolves - 0 - 6
George Dawson - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 5
Aaron Ward - Toronto Wolves - 0 - 4
Hank Barnett - Montreal Saints - 0 - 2
Dave Trowbridge - New York Stars - 0 - 2

The Cleveland P-I
Sports Section
Monday October 15th

Forester Celebration Marred by Ugly “Attempt” On Owner’s Life

What had gone on as a happy event quickly and eerily to a strange turn of events when a shooter emerged just as Forester Owner Elmer Marshall had taken to the podium to address the crowd. The man was identified as one Ottavio Lonardo 32 who has a known criminal record and ties to the local mafia syndicate. Lonardo has not spoken based on information regarding the crime or why his gun was filled with “blanks”.

A spokesman for the Foresters have also not released any statements so far. We will continue to follow and investigate this story.


===================


Later in the week, in GM DD Martin’s office, Mr. Marshall stopped in to ask about preparations on a report he was looking for. The GM had been busy all morning working on getting the information the owner had requested and stated the report should be finished in an hour or so. Martin then inquired about how Marshall was doing after the scary incident the other day at the celebration.

Marshall - Really I’m fine DD. When you’ve been around as long as me and in positions of power within a community, you acquire “enemies”. It’s clear what the City Council is trying to do.

Martin - The City Council? What do you mean sir?

Marshall - Besides being a bunch of liars, there are members of the Council who believe it or not have some shady dealings. It would not be a stretch to assume that one of those members reached out to “the family” and hired that guy to “take a shot at me” to try and scare me. Well I’m here to say that type of manipulation will not work with me. On the contrary it has only strengthened my resolve to leave this city.

Martin - So you’ve made up your mind?

Marshall - My mind has been made up for a very long time. And now, we are at the point that I will give those idiots until the close of business on Friday December 21st to reach a decision.

Martin - And if the City does not rebuild the stadium?

Marshall - Then I hope you enjoy Cincinnati, because that is where we will be moving to.

Martin - Not Charlotte?

Marshall - (laughs) I just used the City of Charlotte to improve my position with the Cincinnati people. I never had any intention of moving there. No I have always wanted to move to the Cincinnati market because it would be the way to hurt the City of Cleveland the most. Taking their beloved team and moving them cross state to the biggest “rival” town I can.

Martin - What about League President Belton? I thought he stated that he would not allow you to move.

Marshall - (scoffs) What is he going to do? He can try and take me to court if he wants, but my countersuit against the league will do nothing but just cost the league and the other owners a lot of money. Money that most of them do not have or want to waste in a court fight. Eventually I will get a favorable vote from the League to move the team.

[Tiger Fan]

I have a feeling Marshall will be going to jail and/or forced to sell his interests in the team. Is arranging a fake ‘hit’ on yourself illegal?

Hopefully a local group takes over and saves the Foresters.

[DD Martin]

Originally Posted by Tiger Fan

I have a feeling Marshall will be going to jail and/or forced to sell his interests in the team. Is arranging a fake ‘hit’ on yourself illegal?

Hopefully a local group takes over and saves the Foresters.

If that is the case I hope that the league will allow Elmer's son Rick Marshall to keep the team in the family. Hopefully someday the League President will feel that way if it comes to that someday.

[DD Martin]

Baseball's winter meetings

Well the winter meetings occurred this past week but the Cleveland Foresters had no one present at the meetings. It appears that the Forester's owner Elmer Marshall let the league know that no one from his organization would be attending this season. Where was Marshall? Apparently before he ran off to Cincinnati for meetings he was present at a Cleveland City Council Meeting.

Forester's make a trade despite not being at the Meetings

The Forester's traded their 5th round pick in the upcoming draft for a player that they wanted during last off-seasons indie league draft. 3B Don Hallam (23) was acquired from Montreal for the choice. In trading the pick Cleveland now just has 2 picks in the top 64 (first 4 rounds) at #48 and #64. The team only has 4 picks in the first 10 rounds.

Cleveland City Council

Cleveland City Council Chair

Today the head of the Cleveland City Council Fredrick Norman Charles III went public with the situation involving the Cleveland Foresters and the city regarding the stadium. He stated that in the latest meeting between the City and Forester owner Elmer Marshall, they discussed the stadium situation. Charles explained that the city did have an agreement with the owners late father to either replace the stadium or make significant upgrades once the 20-year lease was up with the city. That lease was up after the 1931 baseball season. He also explained that due to the Great Depression that started in 1929, that the City’s first priority is the health and safety of its citizens. Since so many people have suffered great losses during this time and the unprecedented unemployment in the city that is over 30%. The tax revenues are significantly down prior to the numbers that were discussed with the former owner. “it is just not feasible for the city to address the stadium at this time.”

Charles also explained why the rhetoric from Marshall has increased this season. Built into the agreement were 3 separate 1 year lease options for the city that they could and did exercise. Charles stated they executed those options for the 32, 33 and 34 seasons. There are no further options for the city to extend the agreement as the lease has now expired. He further stated that Marshall has given the city 60 days to resolve the issue and make good on their promises or he will be forced to move the team.

In this last meeting the City put forward a lease proposal that the team remain in Cleveland for the next 5 years as the City as well as the new Federal relief programs begin to help the City and Country dig out of the dire financial straits they are all in. The lease would be for $1 a game and the team could keep the team offices there year-a-round. When asked how Marshall responded the Councilman said, “he scoffed, got up and headed to the door stating the 60 days starts now.

Things look bleak for Cleveland retaining their team.

[DD Martin]

The Cleveland P-I
Sports Section
By Ronald William Apter

Foresters make another draft pick trade getting a ST in return

In what is becoming a common occurrence in Forester land GM DD Martin has traded another draft pick. This time to the Baltimore Cannons he has trade AAA OF/1B Leo Clark and their 6th round pick in the upcoming draft for ST Lee Drouillard (34).

Drouillard who has been a successful RP in the FABL for a number of years had his roughest season to date for the re-building Cannons. He went 4-6 with 6 saves with a 4.94 ERA. Drouillard who was unhappy as one of the last few remaining veteran presences on the Cannons will likely be much happier now that the deal is done and he heads to the defending champions.

Going to Baltimore is OF/1B Leo Clark who several years ago was on the verge of making the big league club out of spring training prior to the 33 season. He was out all year with a PCL knee injury and was assigned to Cincinnati for the 1934 season. Clark who hit a staggering 43 home runs at Cincinnati in 1932 returned to hit for a higher average (281) but with a little less pop with 18 home runs.

Martin who has been trying (with mixed results) to strengthen the Forester bullpen for many seasons appears to be at it again. Are the Foresters done?

We are about a week away from the amateur draft and the Foresters only have picks left in the first 10 rounds in rounds 3, 4, 8 and 10.

[DD Martin]

First 2 Rounds of the Draft are in

The first 2 rounds of the 1934 (Dec) FABL draft are in the books. The Cleveland Foresters traded away both their 1st and 2nd round picks in acquiring 3B Charlie Barry and SP Eddie Quinn. Those 2 trades worked out well for this season but the Foresters will have to begin rebuilding their farm system.

The draft has been a pretty "chalky" one for the most part, at least according to our scout Ollie Moses. Of the first 7 picks in the draft Ollie had them 4 of them in the top 7. He had 11 of the 16 first round picks rated in his top 16. The only player in his top 16 that has not been drafted through the first 2 rounds is RF Harry H Smith.

The draft is moving along fairly quickly and the Foresters first pick will be at the end of the 3rd round. They then will have a 4th round pick (again last in the round). Sources around the team feel that Cleveland is focusing on position players this year with their 4 picks in the first 10 rounds as the feeling is that this draft is slanted heavily towards hitters and all the truly high target pitchers will be long gone by time they have their first pick at #48 overall.

The first 3 players taken were all pitchers a SP Bobo White (1-Washington), Gus Goulding (2-Baltimore) and surprise pick Del Burns went to Detroit at #3.

On the teams deadline with the city on a new ballpark, we are roughly 2 weeks away from D-Day.

[Sevsdast]

Pain, why do we need to move? We can just renovate the stadium!!!

[DD Martin]

Originally Posted by Sevsdast

Pain, why do we need to move? We can just renovate the stadium!!!

The owner doesn't seem to like Cleveland much and the city won't do the reno or an new stadium. Some nonsense about a depression. Why stay in Cleveland when you can move to a much nicer city like Cincinnati

[Sevsdast]

Originally Posted by DD Martin

The owner doesn't seem to like Cleveland much and the city won't do the reno or an new stadium. Some nonsense about a depression. Why stay in Cleveland when you can move to a much nicer city like Cincinnati

True for some, but false for me because the way we need Cincinnati is expansion, and Cleveland loves their baseball, taking it away is like stealing money from the Yankees. They need it because it's almost all they have. Stay in the Area like Akron or Toledo.

[DD Martin]

The Foresters take 2 in the draft

After what seemed like an eternity, the Cleveland Foresters were finally on the clock. There were only 4 players left on scout Ollie Moses top 25 board.

The notice was sent to the league office and with the last pick in the 3rd round (#48 overall) the Cleveland Foresters had selected switch hitting SS Mel Hancock Jr. from Darnell State College in Dallas. Hancock nicknamed "pup" he is the son of former Washington and Brooklyn SS Mel "Bulldog" Hancock.

Ollie Moses account of Hancock who he had at #24 on his board.....the 21-year-old switch-hitter has the defensive prowess to stick at SS. He should demonstrate good plate discipline. He is average with the bat. Hancock needs to to translate his raw potential into reality to become a major league starter.

OSA chimed in on their #42 rated prospect in the draft.....He profiles to be above average defensively. At maturity he projects to be a 290 hitter (his father had a career average of 285). While not a fast runner he has very good base running instincts.

In his junior season in college Hancock hit 313/386/784 with 1 homer, 38 RBI's, 45 runs scored with 10 doubles and a triple. He stole 28 bases (80% success rate). He has played also at 3B and 2B in the infield as well as all spots in the outfield.

We will review him but he will likely start at class B Savannah, but if he impresses he could be quickly moved up to class A Reading.

In the 4th round

The Foresters were on the clock again at the bottom of the 4th round. They had seen a number of players that they had ranked slide off the board one by one. When it came time to pick only 2 players remained on their list that we under consideration. Talent was really getting thin at this point.

With their pick in the 4th round (#64 overall), the Foresters select 1B Willie Jones (21) from George Fox University (Philadelphia PA).

Jones was a left handed hitting 1B who hit 296/373/800 in his junior season in college at George Fox. He hit 5 home runs while driving in 45 RBI's and scoring 43 runs. He added 11 doubles and a triple and stole 13 bases (68% success) while walking 26 times and striking out only 9.

Ollie Moses report on his #35 rated prospect.....Shows promising pitch recognition skills. At maturity he should be a steady hitter with a 310 batting average. He will have to work hard but he could someday make the big league team.

OSA had Jones rated a little lower #78 simply said he demonstrates good plate discipline and should become an average hitter.

No one mentions his defense (pet grip inserted here - and because OOTP baseball doesn't give fielding stats in generated draft players we have no idea how he will be in the field....remember we are a stats only league).

The Foresters do not have another pick in the draft until the 8th round so it will be a long wait to grab a player that likely will never see the light of day in a big league uniform. But you never know......

[DD Martin]

2 more added to the Forester Organization in Draft

The (human portion) draft has not completed 10 rounds and we added to more players. In the 8th round we added 19-year-old switch hitting C Ken Vance a high school senior from Northwood HS. Vance was the #55 rated prospect on Scout Ollie Moses list so we feel fortunate to grab him here with the #96 pick in the draft.

Senior HS year stats - 551/579/1291 0-34 17 doubles 1 triple, 46 runs with 11-6 walk to strikeout ratio.

Ollie Moses sees Vance as a hitter who can make consistent contact and has improving pitch recognition. While he is not expected to be a top flight receiver he is someone who would be a useful backup down the road.

OSA isn't quite as generous with their thoughts (low) which is why he was likely passed over.....Vance needs to improve his pitch selection and better understand game situations to be any more than an average contact hitter. He makes routine plays on defense consistently.

Vance will be assigned to Class C Ottumwa if he signs his contract. If he doesn't sign he will go to Bardney College

In the 10th round we chose an athletic LF from Constitution State College (Hartford, CT) in right-handed hitting 21-year-old Chuck Mayberry. Mayberry was not listed in Ollie Moses hot 100 list of prospects but was taken as the #160th player overall in this draft.

Jr year college stat line 296/381/786 5HR 53 RBI's 58 runs scored with 9 doubles and 2 triples, 35 walks and only 14 strikeouts in what was considered "good" competition.

Moses.....Mayberry runs well and aggressively. He is considered an average LF. He is projected to have an overall good eye and should draw 50+ walks a year. I don't think he will make it to Cleveland, but if things break right he might someday.

OSA.....Mayberry has a chance to be an above average hitter with a loose, quick stroke that works inside the ball. Speed is a huge part of his game. He should demonstrate good plate discipline. Mayberry projects to be a solid starter at LF.

So we will see who is right.

Coming up next - The remainder of the draft (online through the game) and then the Rule 5 draft.

[DD Martin]

The 1934 Amateur Draft is Over

Mr. Irrelevant

As winners of the 1934 World Series the Foresters had the honor to select the last player taken in the draft this year…..aka Mr. Irrelevant. This year that honor goes to 3B Mike Barber.

1934 - Mike Barber Cleveland Foresters age 19 (was drafted 2 days before his birthday)
Personality - Advocates a regimen of gradual accumulations. Won’t force anything.

High school stats 385/484/1147 5-29 7 SB
Scouting - He has the potential to draw an average number of walks with his eye. However, he projects to hit for a low batting average and will strike out at a high rate. Barber unfortunately has no real future to speak of, other than providing minor league depth.
GM DD Martin has stated that Barber will get an opportunity to play at Class C Ottumwa this year and then we will see where things go from there.

Recent Year Mr. Irrelevant's

1933 - Billy Roberts (Chicago) age 20 2B
(Class C Lacrosse Lions) .083/.083/.083 0-2
The 1933 Mr. Irrelevant has a personality of “Shows up to perform, but heart’s not always in it.”

OSA Scouting - He is a good threat to steal a base. Looks like an above average defense 2B in the field. He’s eager to take a hack and this does not very often work in his favor. He isn’t projected to be an effective contributor.

1932 - Gene Smith (New York Stars) age 18 C (Class C Alexandria)
1933 stats (Class C) 246/316/606 0-5
1934 stats (Class C) 236-304/590 1-13

Personality outlook - “He is a bit of a mystery, with ups and downs”
Scouting - As Gene develops he’s expected to bea very athletic catcher. He has consistent average to above average bat speed. Smith should develop the ability to contribute at the big league level, but more a supplement than a star.

1931 - Mike Jones (New York Gothams) age 18 SP (Class B Fremont)
1932 stats (Class C) 3-10 9 saves 7.91 ERA 2.01 WHIP 4.4 BB/9 5.0 K/9
1933 stats (Class C) 3-10 16 saves 5.59 ERA 1.63 WHIP 5.0 BB/9 2.3 K/9
1934 stats (Class C/B) 3-6 3 saves 8.11 ERA 2.04 WHIP 5.3 BB/9 3.2 K/9
Personality outlook - “A solid teammate”

Scouting - Right hander speed tops out at 89. When fully developed his repertoire should include a changeup, slider, forkball and cutter. Home runs will be his kryptonite, but average control and decent stuff should help him counteract the long ball. Jones might secure a rotation spot but only if all other options are exhausted.

1930 - Al Hale (Philadelphia Sailors) age 18 RP
Player retired in 1934 after having been released by the Sailors prior to the start of the 1931 season and never pitched an inning in organized professional baseball.

1929 - Gil O’Sullivan (Detroit Dynamos) age 18 RF (Class B Wichita Russlers)
1930-32 seasons Class C Stats 78 games 305/357/500 6-19
1933 Class B Chattanooga stats 35 games 378/439/817 0-2
1933 Class A Wichita stats 5 games 333/350/850 0-1
1934 Class B Chattanooga 62 games 317/380/827 4-18

Personality - O’Sullivan puts in long hours (not that it seems to help)
Scouting - O’sullivan is still developing but isn’t expected to have either the bat or the glove to make the show.

1928 - Roland O’Neal (Philadelphia Sailors) age 18 RF
O’Neal was released before the start of the regular season on April 15, 1929. He played part of 1 season at Class A for the Oklahoma City Chiefs appearing as a sub in 20 games. He went 6-15 in those 400 and then retired at the end of the season.

1927 - Henry Harris (Philadelphia Keystones) age 18 LF
Harris was released prior to the minor league regular season and retired at the end of April just 2 weeks after being cut. He never played any games in professional baseball

1926 - Jake Green (New York Gothams) age 18 CF
Green played 8 minor league seasons rising as high as Class AA Jersey City with the Gothams before retiring after being released at the end of the 1934 season.

Career minor league stats line 824 games 264/332/738 99-358

1925 - Ernie Frost (Washington Eagles) age 18 LF
Originally drafted in the 1924 draft in the 9th round by the Chicago Chiefs, he didn’t sign and was drafted again in 1925 by the Eagles. He is by far an away the best Mr. Irrelevant selected since the human draft started in 1925. Prior to the start of the 1934 season he was included in a trade that sent him to the New York Gothams. Frost has actually made it to the big leagues and played in 176 games for the Eagles and also appeared this year in 81 games for the Gothams.

Personality - He’s usually in the center of whatever hijinks are going on in the clubhouse.
MBL career stat line 257 games 304/345/788 6-90 6 SB

Next - Quick draft review and then the Rule 5 Draft

[DD Martin]

The Cleveland P-I
December 23, 1934
Sports Section
By Ronald William Apter

Lots of news coming out of the Cleveland organization this week......

Draft Picks signed, sealed and delivered!

The Foresters signed their top 4 draft picks this last week as 3rd round pick (#48 overall) SS Mel Hancock Jr. with a $1,060 signing bonus. 4th round pick (#64 overall) 1B Willie Jones signed for an $800 signing bonus and 8th round pick C Ken Vance held the club up for a $1,750 bonus. Before last week 10th round pick Chuck Mayberry had already agreed to terms.

Forester Farm System lacking top talent

One of the costs for winning the World Series and all the trades that GM DD Martin made was the decimation of the Cleveland farm system. Oh don't get me wrong I believe he made the right decision to go for it and bring Cleveland home its first winner on the field and the current window is not closed at least for another year. That said the team had on a 3rd and 4th round draft pick in this past hitter heavy draft in the first 7 rounds. Never before has a team been so lacking in picks to bring in new talent.

Currently the Foresters have no players in the top 100 and are the only organization in the FABL that doesn't have at least 1 talent in the top 100 pool. CF Lou Balk was in the top 100 but with this draft having so many talented rookies being drafted, he has fallen to #119 overall. The Foresters have just 4 total players in the top 200 as besides Balk they have RHSP/OF Joel Kastner (#167). OF Fred Quinn who the club is very high on checks in at #174 and another highly thought of OF is #200 prospect Al Heard.

While the minor league system keeps winning with top prospects (Cleveland farm teams went a combined 417-283 .596 with 2 league championships (Class AA and C) and AAA Cincinnati was 2nd by 2 games in the Union League.

The incoming talent from the draft placed current picks at the following positions in the rankings.

C Ken Vance #234 (6th in the Cleveland system)
SS Mel Hancock Jr. #293 (8th in Cleveland system)
1B Willie Jones #328 (10th in Cleveland system)
OF Chuck Mayberry #492 (14th in Cleveland system)

Cleveland traded pick in Draft to Montreal for 3B Don Hallam

Just hours prior to the draft the Foresters traded their 5th round pick to Montreal for 3B Don Hallam. The Foresters were in on trying to acquire Hallam in the last indie league draft but Montreal had a higher position in the draft order. Since that time Forester GM DD Martin has had his eye on the 23-year-old who hit 303/339/795 13-79 in AAA for the Minneapolis Lumberjacks. He made a brief end of season run of 9 September games with Montreal where he hit just 229 in 37 plate appearances. Hallam checks in as the Foresters #9 prospect (#322 overall) and appears to be headed into a battle for the future 3B job with disappointing Johnny Turner at AAA Cincinnati this season. Hallam has 3 options years left so he has time while current 3B Charlie Barry plays out his career.

Rule 5 Draft

Compared to other years it was a fairly quiet Rule 5 Draft this year in the FABL. A total of 9 picks were made and as usual the always busy Chicago Cougars led the way with 5 choices.

Cleveland didn't lose anyone in the draft which was a little surprising but also not terribly a shocker either. The team protected P Lyman Weigel right before the draft to save some of their depth behind the starting rotation, but he is out of options so it will be interesting to see what happens this spring with Weigel (11-8 3.37 AAA Cincinnati).

The Foresters were actually one of the teams that acquired a player as they took 25-year-old P Bob Hake from Boston. The LHP was at class A Springfield and AA Worcester for the 1934 season going a combined 10-8 with a 3.30 ERA in 28 starts. Whether or not he sticks with the team will be something that will be decided in spring training. Last year the Foresters selected OF Hughie Fitts but then sent him back to Montreal in the early part of the season only to trade an 9th round pick to Montreal to bring him back to the Foresters in the minor leagues. Not sure the Foresters would do that again as Fitts has been solid but no spectacular at AA Portland last year hitting 301/366/744 5-54.

Rumors are Flying, Could GM Martin be headed out of town?

There are a lot of rumors about a trip Cleveland GM DD Martin and his family took to Toronto for Thanksgiving weekend. While it is true Martin's brother-in-law lives in the Canadian City and they were there visiting for the holiday. There is speculation that GM Martin might be growing tired of Cleveland owner Elmer Marshall and his threats of leaving Cleveland among other things.

Toronto owner David J. Welcombe (53) has acknowledged that his club does has a vacancy in the front office but has not released any names associated with opening.

Several sources in Toronto have confirmed that Martin did in fact meet up with the Wolves owner at the club offices over the Thanksgiving weekend. Could Martin leave Cleveland after his team won the 1934 World Series?

While I'd hate to see him leave, I also wouldn't blame him for leaving either.

City Deadline Passes December 21st

The deadline with the City has passed without the City Council approving a deal to build a new stadium in Cleveland. There has been no word out of Cleveland Owner Elmer Marshall, but the scrooge like owner has planned a press conference for December 25th. What a nice Christmas present to the city and also for me having to leave Christmas Day with the family to cover this clown.

(below is a picture of Mr. Irrelevant that I left off yesterday's post as well as a picture of new Rule 5 pick Hake)

[DD Martin]

Decision Time - Any thoughts?

To anyone out there reading this mediocre dribble about the Foresters I ask for input if anyone has it. Should GM Martin leave the Foresters for Toronto? The Wolves have been a rather lack luster team for going on 15 years with only 1 year where they were really in the thick of things finishing 3rd (technically T-2 2nd) in the 1927 season 1 game behind the eventual champions Brooklyn Kings.

Below is there record since 1921. They have gone 933-1221 for a 433 winning percentage.

Should Martin leave Cleveland? Thoughts anyone

[Sevsdast]

Originally Posted by DD Martin

Decision Time - Any thoughts?

To anyone out there reading this mediocre dribble about the Foresters I ask for input if anyone has it. Should GM Martin leave the Foresters for Toronto? The Wolves have been a rather lack luster team for going on 15 years with only 1 year where they were really in the thick of things finishing 3rd (technically T-2 2nd) in the 1927 season 1 game behind the eventual champions Brooklyn Kings.

Below is there record since 1921. They have gone 933-1221 for a 433 winning percentage.

Should Martin leave Cleveland? Thoughts anyone

no, he has done a fantastic job in Cleveland.

[DD Martin]

Originally Posted by Sevsdast

no, he has done a fantastic job in Cleveland.

Thanks I appreciate the vote of confidence, but then that probably means that the owner will fire me.

[DD Martin]

The Cleveland Post-Intelligencer
Christmas Eve Sports Edition
By Ronald William Apter

It was a holiday shake up Sunday in the FABL as 2 General Managers were on the move and neither of them was Cleveland's DD Martin. The rumored Toronto opening was filled when Chicago Chiefs GM JB decided he'd had enough of the Windy City and took the job north of the border. He has a huge challenge on his hands in Toronto but they do have a very solid draft class coming in and some pieces to the puzzle in place. Rumor has it one of the first things on the new GM's list is to perhaps fire manager Bob Warren who has had 6 horrendous seasons at the helm and somehow keeps getting extended contracts. Money should not be an issue so letting Warren go with 2 years left on his deal is probably best for Toronto Wolves business. Former Forester and Cougar skipper Hank Leitzke would be a good choice as Leitzke has signed on with Toronto's AA club in Chattanooga.

Not to be outdone, Chicago Chiefs owner W. Washington Whitney quickly moved to steal Montreal Saints GM mjj55409 to take over the struggling club. The irony here is the MJ inherits one of the managers he fired in Montreal last year in James Gentry who guided the Chiefs to a 34-28 record in the last part of the 1934 season. The Chiefs finished the year 74-80 and they still have some good hitters, but their pitching is lacking.

That leaves an opening in Montreal after the musical chairs stopped moving yesterday. It is not believed that Cleveland GM DD Martin is looking to move to Montreal so we will see who tries their hand there.

ooc: There is an opening in our league in Montreal. While the commish is checking with a few people if you have interest send me a direct message and I will put you in contact with our commissioner. This is a great fictional league with great history and really good GM's as you can see on these boards.

Next - Decision Time in Cleveland...will they stay or will they go

[DD Martin]

The next is part 1 of the Cleveland soap opera regarding the owner Elmer Marshall and his intent to take the team from the city of Cleveland. This will be a 2-part story and is not related to anything going on in the league besides the side drama in Cleveland. Part 2 will be posted later with the resolution of the situation. This is a bit of a corny take off on A Christmas Carol.....sorry

The deadline with the city had passed on Friday night and Elmer Marshall had sat back silently on Saturday and most of Sunday as the city waited for the official word on Christmas Day of the fate of the team. As he sat quietly in his mansion he reflected on all the events that had transpired since his father took ill first in 1925 (his father passed on July 2nd 1928). He had owned the Foresters for the last 6 ½ seasons and accomplished what his father could not, win a World Championship. He truly relished this fact that he slowly fell asleep as he laughed to himself.

Suddenly he “heard” the clock strike midnight…..he was still sitting in his den in front of the fire but he heard noise. Suddenly his father the late Harold Marshall burst into the room and stared at his son. Elmer began to speak when his father’s voice was heard.

Harold Marshall - Look at you. You are destroying the family name in a town that the Marshall family helped put on the map. I was right to have chosen your cousin to take over the Foresters. Because you are my only child, I’ve decided to give you a gift, a chance at redemption. You will be visited by 3 spirits tonight. With their help you will have a chance to do the right thing and save the family name and yourself. Expect the first to arrive when the clock strikes 1…

With that Harold Marshall disappeared…..Elmer shook his head and looked at the glass of wine he had and fell back asleep.

As the clock strikes 1 the room lights up in front of a now frightened Elmer. In front of him appears the image of someone he recognizes but asks who they are.

The spirit says that in life he was a former Forester player (C Harvey Reese who died this past season), but he is here as the ghost of baseball past. When Elmer asked if it was all baseball past the spirit said no, The Forester past. The spirit then instructed Marshall to get up and walk with him. As Marshall rose the room got foggy and they traveled back in time.

They viewed a large amount of scenes where Elmer Marshall had done some terrible things

• (1889) Harold Marshall is seen with his son by his side at a meeting with Border Association President James Tice. Harold Marshall had just secured the rights to a franchise to be placed in his hometown of Cleveland as his 21-year-old son Elmer looked on with a huge smile on his face.
• (Opening Day 1890 at old Cleveland Forester Stadium) - The Foresters won their home opener on this day 7-4 over the Toronto Provincials. The team would go onto a 68-72 opening season.
• (1893 Wedding) Elmer Marshall is seen getting set to get married but hours before the wedding he is caught kissing the bridesmaid. The wedding is called off as the scene shifts to the bride crying despondently
• (1896 actual wedding) Showing that Elmer isn’t all bad, is his wedding day to his wife Cindy. The spirit mentions the true look of happiness on both his face and his father. At the reception Harold Marshall is talking to a friend when he says “it looks like my boy is finally growing up”.
• (1901)A celebration as the Forester’s won the CA title for the first time (1901). The team would get swept in the World Series but the future looked bright.
• (1919) In an attempt to get his father to step down as club owner, Elmer Marshall is seen talking to the teams then superstar Max Morris. In an animated conversation it can be heard that Marshall is throwing the team, manager George Merritt and even his father. Elmer told Morris that he should go in and demand to be traded if the team couldn’t built a winner and if they didn’t trade him he would sit out and not play…….the scene shifts to Harold Marshall’s office when Morris goes in demanding the trade and a discouraged Harold Marshall reluctantly has his GM make a deal. Harold’s passion for baseball greatly subsides after this.
• (1920 World Series) - You had forced the trade of baseball’s top player out of Cleveland but something unexpected happened, the Foresters won the CA title without Morris. But Morris' new team the St Louis Pioneers had won the FA setting up a huge World Series. Morris was roundly booed by the Forester fans during the series but he had the last laugh as the Pioneers won games 3-5 appt Cleveland to wrap up the World Series 4 games to 1
• (1925) - After years of meddling your father gathers the family. Looked at the look on your face. All the scheming, it was all going to be paid off as you feel your father is going to step down. Instead he shocked everyone and announced that his nephew Charles Turnbow would take over as club President after the 1925 season.
• (May 1925) You are seen talking to the head of the Cleveland mob family handing over a briefcase and a photograph. As you leave you shake hands with the mob boss. 1 month later, your cousin Charles Turnbow disappears never to be seen again.
• (Your fathers deathbed) The entire family is around your father, except you are nowhere to be seen. Now listen to your fathers dying words…..
• Harold Marshall - Elmer promise me you will keep the team in Cleveland and give it to Ricky. Promise me to keep the team he…….

Spirit - My time with you is almost done. The next spirit will be here at the stroke of 2 am

The clock strikes 2……

The spirit of baseball 1934 looks a lot like Max Morris

Elmer - Max what….

Spirit - I am the spirit of the current baseball year. Rise and walk with me as we look at more recent and current events

• The 1934 All-Star game sees Elmer Marshall meeting with fired Chicago Cougar manager Dick Pozza. Pozza will be managing the all-star game for the CA despite being fired. You present him with the opportunity to attempt to fatigue or allow potential injury to Brooklyn King players in the game. You offer him money, a new car and a job to take over as manager of the Foresters next season. He refuses your offer as he has a job lined up in Montreal. As you leave you threaten him to keep his mouth shut or he likely will not make it to Canada.
• Meeting with the city council demanding that a city that has huge financial struggles over the depression with thousands of people out of work. When the present you with facts and financial numbers you simplify walk out.
• Meeting with folks in the city of Charlotte regarding the relocation of the Foresters to Charlotte. Your only motive to meet with these fine folks was to use them as a hammer to force Cincinnati to come up with more money to entice you to move there. Look at the crooked smile on your face Elmer
• The Foresters stage a remarkable rally and win 15 out of their last 16 to win the CA pennant. But Elmer Marshall doesn’t look pleased. Why Elmer? Because you feel that the team winning and then going onto win the World Series will complicate your attempts to move the team.
• You are again seen meeting with members of the mob. It’s obvious you have become very strong business partners with the mob and you have come up with another idea. You have arranged a fake hit on your life at the city’s celebration for your team winning the World Series.
• (shortly after the team parade) Your grandson’s birth as your son Ricky and his wife Amy have their second child and first son.
• You see 3B Charlie Barry serving meals at a Cleveland soup kitchen. Barry just won a World Series in city he has only been in for 4 months and yet he is giving back. He is talking with these people who are pleading with him to not allow their team to be taken from them. Barry says that the decision is not in his hands but that he prays every day for a solution that will keep the team in town as he sees how much the team means to them.

The Spirit - Elmer Marshall, I hope you have been moved by good in people like Charlie Barry, your son and others. May you see all the wrongdoings you have done in the name of your own greed. I leave you now, but immediately after I leave you will be visited by the very last spirit.

The Spirit of Baseball Future shows up and the mood and scene look very dark. He indicates that he will show you 3 things…….

The first is GM DD Martin donning a Saints baseball cap as he is introduced as the new manager of the Montreal Saints.


The second scene shows people have lined up as moving trucks are closing up Forester Stadium. Equipment, files and all items of the Foresters team are being moved. Police are on the scene as things with the crowd have become very tense. As the vehicles begin to pull away an explosion is heard…...people are crying and chaos ensues around the scene……..

Elmer - Your saying that I die, after all this work I die and don’t even get to profit from it….,

The scene shifts to a graveyard where the spirit turns and points to a grave marker……

Elmer begins to ask a question when the Spirit raises his arms and again points to the gravestone…….

Elmer steps up to see the name and immediately begins to weep and fall on his knees…….

The marker reads…….Ricky Marshall (Elmers son)

The scene fades to black…….