The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-12-14
Stove League Chatter
BY EDDIE ASH

THE Bulldog of the National
n League, Burleigh Grimes, one
of the few moist delivery throwers
left in baseball and one of the big
salaried FASTENERS in the majors,
brought the small price of $40O
when first sold to a big league club.
Beginning his diamond career with
the Ottumwa Central Association
team in 1918, Grimes attracted De-
troit scouts and the Tigers paid
400 berries for him in June of that
year and three days later Detroit
turned him over to Chattanooga in
part payment for pitcher Stanley
Coveleski. The $500 busher of 1918
eventually developed into a star
drawing $4,000 salary.
Chattanooga overlooked Grimes poten-
tial ability and released him to Birm-
ingham in April of 1914. Birmingham
was skeptical and in MAY of 1914 sent
him to Richmond of the Virginia League
but was wise enough to hold strings
The Barons recalled the righthander in
1913 and he proceeded to win seventeen
games and lose Is that season and fol-
lowed with twenty triumphs and
eleven losses in 1916.
Il
Burleighs record at birmingham inter.
eSted Pittsburgh and he was purchased
measure UP aS a winner but hung on by
displaying the old aggressive spirit. He
ccouldn.t get going in mainstay, style with
the Pirates. however. and at the close of
1917 was traded to Brooklyn. 1t was with
BROOKLYN that Grimes started to click
and he. remained there nine years. until
after the 1926 season when the Dodgers
passed him on to the New York Giants
for catcher Butch Henline.
GRIMES caught his stride again
" under John McGraw in 1927,
and compiled nineteen wins against
eight setbacks. Burleigh evidently
set up wall for more salary and
was shunted to Pittsburgh for
second Sojourn in March of 1923,
McGraw taking Vic Aldridge in ex-
change and perhaps a roll of cur
rency. The Smoky City was to the
Stalwarts liking this time and in
1923 he annexed twenty-five tri-
umphS while losing fourteen tits.
In 1929 Grimes grabbed off seventeen
wins against seven losses with the BUGS
and then demanded an increase in pay
asking $4,000. Barney Dreyfuss heard
but failed to think we'll of the PROPOSE
ton and Burleigh was on his way again
this time to the Boston Braves in an ex-
change of PLAYERS and cash. the money
going to Pittsburgh amounting to $50. 900
it was said.
over winter Burleigh evidently per-
Furthermore there were reports of a salary
argument with Boston. Anyway. he re-
ported to the Braves after the 1880 cam
shape. He signed for $4,000 with the
Beantown Nationals.
FRIGHTENED at the figure on
4 Grimes contract, plus the fact
the veteran was not ready, the
Braves swung a deal with the ST.
Louis Cardinals and Burleigh made
another move, being traded for
pitcher. Sherdel and Farmhouse. st.
Louis assumed the $4,000 contract.
Burleigh helped the Cards to two
remnants, 1880 and 1881, and one
worlds series title, this year. Having
surplus of star hurlers, the
Cardinals few days ago traded
Grimes to the Cubs for Hack Wilson
and Bud Teachout.
n
No player in baseball can match the
travels Of Grimes in the big show. He has
been with six National League clubs and
was with Pittsburgh twice. Added to that
total Of different senior league teams. was
his stay for cup of coffee with Detroit
u the American Leagre N 1918. There
re sixteen hines in the ElioTs sni the
AAna Of RurleiEh Grimes will be found ON