Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1913 — TRADES OLD CY YOUNG [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TRADES OLD CY YOUNG

Neat Engineering of Lake Sent Veteran to Cleveland. Manager Finds Hero of Many Bab ties Not to Strict Discipline and by Clever Manipulation Sells Him to Naps. The story of Cy Young’s sale to the Cleveland club, by the Boston Americans, is well worth th'e telling. James McGuire became disgusted with the work of the Red Sox under his management about the middle of the season and was given his release; Fred Lake, the club’s scout, was put in charge of the team, and was soon convinced that the veteran would not be subject to strict discipline. Manager Lake so advised the president of the club, and it was practically decided to make the best trade possible for the bld hero.

That year Cleveland was in the race up to the very last day. The club was shy on pitching talent, and it was not difficult to convince the Cleveland fans that with one reliable pitcher the Naps could land the honors for next season.

Fred Lake found a way to convince the Cleveland experts that a man like Young would give them a sure winner, and the Cleveland press boomed the idea. Cy Young was the man, but how Lo secure him from Boston was the question. Manager Lake was approached by the Cleveland scribes during the last trip of the Red Sox to Cleveland, and in answer said: "I don’t see how Boston can part with Cy Young, who seems as good today is ever. Still every club has a price.”

"Cleveland Can Secure Cy Young and Win the Championship," was the headline in a Cleveland paper the next day. The Cleveland fans were delighted with the idea, and President Charles Somers at once became a mark for the press and fans of Cleveland.

Then came the annual meeting ot the American league at the Hotel Walcott, New York, the Cleveland scribes were on hand, one of the most loyal band of men In the country. “We must have Cy Young," they said, when Fred Lake answered, "He will come pretty high, as Boston Is out for the pennant next season, and I am afraid that he would make your club too strong for the league, still we hive our price." After a conference of two hours, President Somers agreed to give his check for 112,000 and throw In two clever young pitchers valued at >5,000, or $17,000 for the release of the veteran Cy Young. The deal was closed then and there. Manager Lake reported to President John I. Taylor, who agreed to the deal by his manager. Cleveland had Cy Young the following year, but the club was never in the race. Mr. Young pitched a good, stiff game now and then, but was fast losing his knack of repeating. Fred Lake made a successful deal for the. Boston club by using his head. The two players given in trade were not American league timber, Ryan and Le Roy, but that check for >12,000 was cashed and was spent for several clever youngsters.

Cy Young.