April 26, 1929
Spring Training games begin tomorrow. Here are the UA’s top stories since the Winter Meetings:
- 37-year-old touring veteran LF Randy Sanders signs with the Trail Blazers. Some Prissley fans are concerned that Sanders may be past his prime. (11/30)
- SP Francisco Lia Taawa joins the Taawa Chargers. Lia Taawa was part of the Chargers team before they joined the UA, but left baseball under mysterious circumstances in 1925. His sister, Jodie Spitts, was embroiled in an organized crime scandal in Lia Kompos in the mid-20s. Some speculate that his unexplained hiatus from baseball may have had something to do with his sister’s criminal ties. He may have missed his prime years, but the Chargers believe he is still worth a 5-year contract. (12/16)
- The Brothers land star SP Mike Gurr from the Overlook B.C. touring club. Gurr was known to be the first man awake and outside exercising in his time in Overlook. He should fit right in with the hard-working Windsor Cup champs. (12/16)
- 40-year-old RP Jesus Rojatas signs with the Salvation Brothers. He was a few votes away from winning Reliever of the Year in 1928, but some fans and journalists believe that at 40 years old, he may not be worth the price tag. (1/11)
- UA league officials agree to suspend the Home Run Challenge during the All-Star break in 1929. Some players and coaches have been concerned that the HR Challenge results in altered swings that can affect players afterward when they return to competitive play. Many fans and journalists were unhappy with the head-to-head tournament format. The league will reevaluate the HR Challenge for 1930. (2/4)
- SP Ricardo Molina signs with the Taawa Chargers. Ricardo has an arrest record for gambling within the limits of Tiny Sea City. As a result of his record, he was on a controversial banned list with a handful of other players that the league felt might damage its reputation in its first year. Pressure from the Commissioner’s Office on the UA league board has put the list to rest, however, allowing the Chargers to acquire the talented junk pitcher. (4/5)
- SP Tim Farmer signs with the Lia Kompos Miners. Farmer was the top pitcher for the Red Rock Nomads touring club. He joins a Miners team in serious need of starting pitching.
- Legendary SP James Beach signs with the Northsouth Guardians. Beach has spent the last 12 years managing and playing for the Tawnton Dragons touring team. He reportedly once pitched two perfect games in three days against the Herders while the teams met on tour in Crawsburgh. (4/6)
- SP Jeffrey Irvin of the Corley Busters touring club signs with the Railey Rivals. Irvin was the last of the big stars on the Busters to leave for the UA, causing the team to fold. This will most likely become the fate of many more touring teams in years to come as players are leaving for the bright lights and big money of the UA in droves. (4/10)
- SP Travis Voelker heads to Redwood. The Owls pick up the former Stags pitcher for 3 years. (4/11)
Good luck to all the UA teams and to all the players working their hardest to make UA rosters in Spring Training!
Uplantic Sports Today 