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Boston by Moonlight
Boston Globe, April 14, 1940
RED SOX TRADE FOR VETERAN GRAHAM
“Moonlight” Brings Experience, Guidance To Young Team
BOSTON—Even a casual fan recognizes the abundance of young talent the Boston Red Sox have assembled during the past year or two. Players like Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Mike O’Farrell, and Dominic DiMaggio give the Red Sox the most exciting array of young players the team has possessed in years.
And, savvy baseball minds like general manager Pat O’Farrell and field general Bill Carrigan know that providing young players with veteran mentors gives them the best possible chance to develop into stars.
That’s why the Red Sox yesterday traded spare outfielder Moose Solters to the Chicago Cubs for Archie “Moonlight” Graham, a seven-time All Star and two-time batting champion who has smacked 2,607 hits and stolen 638 bases in his illustrious career.
Graham, 37, is undoubtedly a few steps slower than he was in his prime a decade ago, when he turned in consecutive seasons with batting averages of .342, .344, and .386 and won the National League stolen base crown seven consecutive times. Nevertheless, the lefty hitter is still a valuable asset, and Carrigan plans to start him in left field against right-handed pitchers. Graham can still play a mean outfield, and his throwing arm remains one of the best in the game.
And, Graham provides the Red Sox with another steady veteran presence, a player who won a World Series ring with the 1931 Cubs for whom he hit .386. He joins men like Lou Gehrig, Jim Weaver, Judy Johnson, and Martin Dihigo in a cadre of experienced players who provide the counterweight to the Red Sox’ youngsters.
Graham is also an old friend of O’Farrell’s; the two met in on the famous 1920 barnstorming trip that opened the doors for the racial integration of major league baseball. Then, O’Farrell was the veteran, while Graham was a raw teenager who wanted a chance to play professional ball.
“Pat O’Farrell could not have been a better inspiration and role model for me when I was starting out,” Graham said. “I’m very excited to come to Boston and return the favor by, hopefully, setting a good example for the young players Pat has signed.”
Then Graham grinned. “And I hope I’ll contribute a few base hits, too.”
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