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Old 09-18-2006, 05:54 PM   #145
SelzShoes
High School Varsity
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
April 20, 1946: Obscure Men

"Worst ones are the ones you've never seen," Klem imparted to his rookie comrade. "But you know that better than most would," the dean of umpires chuckled. Nearly blind in one eye Bill Klem was lacing up the blues again. The expansion of the majors had resulted in a call for more major league umpires. Connie Mack had appointed him head of Contential umpires; too many men without the proper experience were on the diamonds. Klem was teaching on the field the nuances of the craft.

Butch Henline knew more than most. For all or parts of 11 seasons he had been a catcher in the majors. During the depression and war he'd made a decent supplement umpping in minor and industrial leagues. Now he was trying to make his mark all over again.

"Take this Negro Day, they say he throws as hard as Feller," Klem continued. "Being a National League Man, I didn't see much of Feller or Johnson, so that means nothing to me."

Klem took his spot at first, the only position he had the mobility to adequately man. Henline pulled down the mask and barked, "Play ball." Butch always felt best behind the plate.

Day was fast. Fast and on target. Reiser led off the game with a fluky triple. An overpowering strikeout and weak ground ball out later Day was on the verge of getting out of the inning down 1-0. The big Italian first baseman Dolph Camilli stepped in. Day fell behind in the count and Dolph raked a line shot into the right field seats.

Rookie outfielder Cal Abrams stepped into the box, "Watch your head," the catcher said.

Faster than a man could blink horsehide met the in turned shoulder of the kid batter. The ball bouncing back to the mound; the warning had prevented tragedy.

Abrams pointed his bat towards the mound, "I'm gonna beat your n----r a-down." Day dropped his glove and formed fist.

"You're outta here, Abrams," Henline found himself yelling. Cal snapped around, as Dodgers and Blues filled the field. "Outta here now." Durocher grabbed his outfielder and pulled him off the path of harm. As they walked off, Henline ejected Day as well.

A noticeable roar overcame the Stadium, nearly half the crowd was Negro, there to see the former Monarchs, Eagles and Elite Giants play together. Day stood for a moment as his teammates, black and white, surrounded him. Jeering at the visiting Dodgers. Peanuts and soda bottles flew at the Dodgers as they escorted the explosive Abrams to the dugouts.

Henline pointed at both managers, "Get your bench men off the field NOW!" Sukeforth and Durocher did not hesitate, calling the non-playing players in with authority. In moments, Bob Muncrief was pitching to Don Padgett as if nothing had happened.
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