No Money, No Beer, No Pennants. Scott H. Longert

calling for Wes Ferrell to relieve. In his first significant action as an Indian, Ferrell pitched a strong four and two-thirds innings. He did not allow a run, giving up only three hits. Gordon Cobbledick marveled at what he saw. He wrote in his column, “The big kid has a terrific fastball and a fine curve together with excellent control. Moreover he uses his head when he’s out there in the box.” Manager Peckinpaugh indicated Ferrell would soon get his chance to join the starting rotation.

      Even though the season was just two days old, Cleveland fans were starting to notice Averill and Ferrell. One was pounding out line drives all over League Park while the other showed some exceptional pitching. The new players brought instant excitement to the field, which was surely good for business. With these young stars in the lineup, the Indians really had a chance to win their share of games. Over the course of the season, the American League would feel their impact.

      Wes Ferrell was born on February 2, 1908, to Rufus and Alice Ferrell. The family lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, where his father worked for the Southern Railway. After twenty-five years of devoted labor, Rufus bought a large allotment of land just outside of Greensboro. In 1914, after some fiddling with the land, he added a herd of cows and started a dairy farm. The property had a great quantity of wide-open spaces where the seven Ferrell brothers learned to play baseball. They had an amazing team, with older brother Rick catching and other brother George in the outfield. Later, Rick would begin his Major League career with the St. Louis Browns. George played many years for Memphis in the Southern Association, compiling over two thousand hits before he retired.