June 3rd 1911, 4PM – The city of Boston was done with the mediocrity that was their beloved Banshees. The 92 year old franchise owner Atticus Jones was under pressure to make a move. After all, these were hard times in the streets, as well as on the field. The fans needed and deserved better than the 1 playoff appearance the team had earned since 1895. Jones heard through the grapevine that a hot shot baseball GM named Michael Carroll from the state of Texas had just arrived in Boston. Things are a bit hairy down in Texas at the moment, as 20,000 troops had just been sent to the Mexican border by President Taft, and the 50 year old Carroll wanted nothing to do with that mess.
Jones sent a messenger to retrieve Carroll, who was staying in a hotel on the corner of Washington and Temple, by the Boston Theater. The message simply said, “Let’s meet for tea”. A meeting was arranged to have a sit down at Cafe Bova, which is locally famous for it’s coffee and tea selection. The two men shook hands, and the following conversation ensued:
- Jones: Mr. Carroll, thanks for meeting with me today
- Carroll: No problem sir, what can I do for you?
- Jones: I’ll get right to the point. My Boston Banshees aren’t good, and they haven’t been good for a long time.
- Carroll: I’m familiar, I’ve followed along for a while
- Jones: We’ve got a great crop of young talent, and I didn’t want it to be left to the guy who couldn’t seem to get things done. It’s been long enough, and frankly at my age I just don’t have the time. I want to know that the Banshees are in good hands when the good Lord calls me home
- Carroll: I understand, so does that mean you are offering me the job as the Boston GM?
- Jones: A change has to be made. This town has been through a lot, and deserves to see some movement. You’ll have free reign to make whatever changes you need.
- Carroll: I like it, let’s go to work.
- Jones: I’d like you to start on Monday with the home series against Brooklyn.
If You’re Going to Suck, You Might as Well be Young
June 5th 1911, 10AM – Carroll has a sit down with the coaching staff of the Banshees. Carroll assures that Manager, Thomas Dickey, that his job isn’t on the line. The two start to work together to come up with a different direction for Boston. Carroll and Dickey decide that the youth movement has to begin. “There’s too much young talent in the system to allow this team to sit idle. Let’s create some excitement in the streets and see if we can get some fans in Boston Yards”, said Carroll. It was obvious who had to go. The first moves were quick. RF Clyde Robley, SS Joshua Jackson, and CF Arvid Hunt were barely hitting their weight…literally. Robely weighs 205 and was hitting .217, Jackson weighs 160 and was hitting .191. Not to mention the average age of between them is 35 years old.
In their place, a new trio of younger talent would be brought forth. 26 yr old Center Fielder Rod Holden, 23 year old Right Fielder Elden Davis, and 26 year old pitcher Walter Wayatt. All 3 players were having fantastic seasons in AAA, and possess the qualities Carroll was looking for in his new team. Davis is the #28 prospect in the LBL. He makes great contact, runs with speed, and plays fantastic defense. Holden is another very strong defender who runs well and makes contact. Wayatt has a great sinker ball, that will promote weak contact. He’s also a great teammate that can lift the spirits of a club. All 3 players move into key roles right away. The addition of Holden, also allowed the Banshees to move bright young star Trudgeon from Center Field to Short Stop.
Projected Banshee Line Up
- 1B Carl Mullinger (26)
- 3B Elisha Ward (27)
- LF Walter Dingwall (23)
- C Charles Dixon (24)
- 2B Beryl Lovegrove (32)
- RF Elden Davis (23)
- SS Ashley Trudgen (23)
- CF Rod Holden (26)