Feller accepts pay cut

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Future Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller met with the Cleveland Indians brass on this day in baseball in 1950 and they agreed his pay would be cut $20,000 - about a third of what he made in 1946. Of course this was before the days of free agency. The owners pretty much dictated salary terms. Players could accept them or go work for a living. Feller seemed resigned to the pay cut. While negotiations were going on he told the Associated Press that he was "not altogether unhappy. We seem to agree on almost everything."

Feller was only 30-years old, but had already pitched 11 years in the majors. He was a lackluster 15-14 in 1946, but had to work through a shoulder injury. It turned out Feller had some productive years still in him. He went 16-11 in 1950 and startling 22-8 in 1951.

The Van Meter, Iowa native finished his career with 266 win and 162 losses, a .621 winning percentage, leading the American League in wins six times. Bob Feller was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1962.

Contributing sources:
Associated Press, January 18, 1947

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