2nd & Short: Of turkeys, catfish and other bizarre baseball trades
Posted: May 26, 2008, 9:00 AM by Sean Fitz-Gerald
The List
One weird trade inspires memories of some others. Last Tuesday, the Golden Baseball League, an eight-team circuit buried deep in the sport’s food chain, registered the following transaction:
“Calgary Vipers: Traded RHP John Odom to the Laredo Broncos of the United League for 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black, 34-inch, C243 style.”Odom, who said he does not “really care,” can take comfort in the fact he is not alone on the list of bizarre baseball trades.
Some of our favourites:
5. On April 25, 1962, the Cleveland Indians sent catcher Harry Chiti to the New York Mets for cash and a player to be named later. That player arrived on June 15 — and it was Chiti.
4. In 1931, Chattanooga Lookouts owner Joe Engel traded shortstop Johnny Jones to Charlotte for a 25-pound turkey, which he reportedly had prepared for the local media, saying Charlotte “came out ahead on that deal — that turkey was tough.”
3. Pitcher Tim Fortugno joined the Milwaukee Brewers’ organization in 1989, when his minor-league team, the Reno Silver Sox, agreed to pull the trigger on a deal for US$2,500 — and 12 dozen baseballs.
2. Before they could pry pitcher Ken Krahenbuhl from the Pacific Suns in 1998, the Greenville Bluesmen had to agree to part with cash, a player and 10 pounds of Mississippi catfish.
1. In a move that alters the meaning of “fantasy baseball,” New York Yankees pitchers Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich announced, in 1973, that they had traded not only their wives, but their children and pets. “We may have to call off Family Day,” general manager Lee MacPhail said.
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Image (Black and White): nydailynews.com
Image (Color): static.baseballtoaster.com
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