As a 20-year-old pitcher, Strand won six games for the Braves in their 1914 "Miracle"
pennant drive. He then suffered arm trouble, and became a minor league outfielder.
With Salt Lake City (
Pacific Coast League) in 1923-24, he hit 71 homers, batting
.394 and .384. Philadelphia's
Connie Mack bought him for a reported $100,000. When
Strand batted .228 in 167 at-bats without a HR, Mack sold him to the minors for virtually
nothing.
(NLM)