The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-08-03

President William veeck an- nounced Hornsby's outright release as manager and player last night flor the best interests of the team" The announcement fol- lowed a long conference between them, behind closed doors after the teams arrival here from Brooklyn, where 1t lost three out of four games.
 Paid in Full
 Hornsby's. contract does not ex- pire until December 31, 1882. President Veeck announced that he would be paid in full. Grimm was given an increase in salary, and will continue to play first base.
 During Hornsby's .checkered ca- reer, in which he became the highest paid player in the Nation al league and second only to Babe Ruth, he played with four teams, managed three of them, and was transferred in three of baseball's most astounding deals.
 Hornsby's salary was said to be $40,00O q year.
 His dismissal came with the dra- matic suddenness of his transfer from the New York Giants to the Boston Braves in January, 1928, for two obscure players. At that time it also was announced that Hornsby was disposed of flor the best interests of the team"
 Before departing for Chicago to- day to adjust his personal affairs preparatory to returning to his farm at Ang1um, Mo, to spend the rest of the year, Hornsby expressed surprise at his release.
 Reaction
 "Yes." he said. Tit certainly was a surprise. I won't deny that. I thought we were doing pretty well under the circumstances. MT Veeck and I parted the best of friends, however, and there's no i'll feel ing"
 It was generally accepted that Veeck and other Cub officials be- lieved Hornsby had failed as a manager. HOrnsby's dismissal was believed hastened by a recent in- terview with New York newspa- per in which he characterized the Cubs outfield as lamentably weak. Veeck is said to have censured Hornsby for this story. =.
 Bad Feeling?
 Friction also developed between Veeck and Hornsby over the lat- ter's attempt to play regularly. Hornsby attempted to play the out field and later tried third base when Bill Jurgcs was shot in q quarrel with his sweetheart. Veeck Is understood to have ordered Hornsby to bench himself. Horns by played in 8 games and batted .22s.
 Hornsby plans to remain out of baseball the remainder of the sea- son, inasmuch as he'll draw two months salary. approximately $16,- 900 for remaining idle.
 "I don't expect to look for an- other job. this year." he said, "but If should receive very good of- fer I might he tempted"
 Back and Forth
 Hornsby was named manager of the Cubs September 23. 1880, after Joe Mccarthy. now manager of the New York Yankees, was let out by the late William Wrigley. Last season. Hornsby piloted the Cubs to third place. This season, he had them in first place several times and in the thick of the pennant fight until recently when they be- gan to lose.
 Grimm, the Cubs new leader, is 33, and has been with the team since 1925 when they obtained him from Pittsburg. In 15 years in the majors Grimm has a batting aver- age of 1892.
 He told the United Press he did not expect to inaugurate any new policies. but that he might make same shifts if the. teams hitting didn't improve.
 Up and at 'Em
 We've got to concentrate on more hitting," said Grimm.
 Stephenson and Cuyler have been doing all right lately but my self and some of the other boys have been in a slump. We've got fine pitching and should be able to make a fight for the pennant if We get the hitting"
 The late William Wrigley was a great admirer of Hornsby. and sanctioned the exchange of five players and $200,000, in cash to the Boston Braves in May, 1928, to get him. In his first year with the Cubs Hornsby batted .380.
 Wrigley personally selected Hornsby as the man to give him a world championship team when Mccarthy was given his release late in 1880. Wrigley was confi- dent Hornsby would hiring him that world championship. P. K Wrigley, new owner of the Cubs, has allowed Veeck complete au- thority in running the team.