Feller accepts pay cut

CLEVELAND, OHIO - Future Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller met with new Cleveland Indians General Manager Hank Greenberg on this date 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. He told the Associated Press that he was "not altogether unhappy. We seem to agree on almost everything." United Press quoted Feller as saying, "I feel the club has treated me very fairly."

Feller was only 31-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 a stunning 22-8 in 1951.

The Van Meter, Iowa native finished his career with 266 wins 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:
the Chicago Tribune, January 19, 1950
The Pittsburgh Press (The United Press), January 19, 1950 
The Associated Press, January 19, 1950

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