Books and articles about Benny McCoy

McCoy was the prize among 91 Detroit farmhands set free by Commissioner Landis in 1939. He had just been sent to the Philadelphia A's in a trade for star outfielder Wally Moses, angering Detroit fans who believed McCoy, a Michigan native, belonged on their team. With the deal canceled, ten teams bid for McCoy. Connie Mack paid him an announced $45,000 bonus to sign with the A's and gave him a two-year contract at $10,000 a season. McCoy played in 1940 and 1941, spent the next four years in the Navy, and his baseball career ended. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » December 9, 1939: Wally Moses is traded by the Philadelphia A's to Detroit for Benny McCoy and George Coffman. The deal is later voided by Judge Landis, who declares McCoy a free agent because of a Tigers cover-up. He gets a $10,000 bonus to sign with the A's. » January 14, 1940: Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis gives free agency to 91 Detroit players and farm hands. Citing cover-ups in its organization, Landis hands freedom to Roy Cullenbine, Benny McCoy, Lloyd Dietz, and Steve Rachunok from the parent roster and orders $47,250 paid as compensation to 14 players. Johnny Sain is one of 23 players who will later make it to the ML. Landis's edict nullifies a deal that would have brought Wally Moses to the Tigers for Benny McCoy and George Coffman. McCoy is considered the plum of the emancipation, and several clubs bid for the 2B. Connie Mack keeps Moses and signs McCoy for a $45,000 bonus and 2-season contract at $10,000 a year. » July 7, 1942: A military all-star team that includes Bob Feller, Cecil Travis, Sam Chapman, Benny McCoy, Johnny Sturm, and Frank Pytlak loses 5-0 to AL stars in a game at Cleveland in front of more than 60,000 fans. Jim Bagby wins against his Indian teammate Feller. Military relief receives $160,000.