Back in 1931, Hack wasn't the only National Leaguer suffering at the plate. Suddenly, pitching was better throughout the league. It seemed the balls were mushier. Catcher Al Lopez recalled the change:

"In 1930 Bill Terry hit .401 and the following year he hit .349. It killed Hack Wilson. Just murdered Hack Wilson…. Hack was more of a right- center field hitter in the Cubs' ballpark. When they came in with a dead ball it was just an easy flyball."

English affirms that view. "Hack that year was hitting flyball outs. The balls that used to carry into the stands were just long flyballs. Unless you were a line drive hitter, you suffered quite a bit. I don't know whether the American League had the same ball that year or not. We knew that our ball was a lot deader. The balls that used to be hit real sharp, now they came down on two or three big bounces to you. And so the premium was now on pitching and defense."

Few people realize that when Hack Wilson hit his 200th career homer at Ebbets Field on June 18, 1931, he was only the fourth ballplayer in history to have achieved that milestone then. That ranked him fourth all-time in career home runs behind Ruth, Cy Williams, and Rogers Hornsby. Two days after Hack hit his 200th, Lou Gehrig knocked his 200th out of the park. In retroactive recognition in 1962, the American and National League awarded players who had hit 200 home runs (or their next of kin) a "200 Home Run Club" certificate encased in sterling silver frames. Most of the players or their descendants were tracked down and given the handsome plaques. But two certificates remained forever in the league offices -- those for the kin of Hack Wilson and Chuck Klein. They never appeared to pick up the honors.

By mid-June, Hack was playing only part-time, alternating in left field with Riggs Stephenson (until Stephenson broke his leg) and in center with Danny Taylor and the rookie Vince Barton. Hornsby, who was still slumping, sat himself down in favor of Footsie Blair. From then on Hornsby played in about half of the games, focusing instead on managing and keeping the Cubs in contention with New York, St. Louis and Brooklyn.

At this point, Hornsby made a trade with Pittsburgh for a favorite catcher of his, Rollie Hemsley. It was an odd affinity Hornsby held for Hemsley, who loved to drink as much as Hack and Malone. In fact, those three began hanging out together, venturing out to the speakeasies.

In late June, they all three ran afoul of Hornsby. Hack and Malone missed curfew; Hemsley made it back to his room before midnight, though stone-drunk. Hack and the catcher were suspended for one-day. Malone, given a reprieve for some reason, sweated and labored to victory a few days later in 95 degree heat in Philadelphia while Hornsby took silent delight in the pitcher's discomfort.

That summer rumors began to circulate that Hornsby had lost control of the team and had worn out his welcome with Wrigley. However, for the official record, the owner gave Hornsby a quick vote of confidence, and described his recent discipline problems as "just a hangover from last season." To Wrigley, a teetotaler and strong prohibitionist, abstinence from alcohol must have seemed more important than 56 homers, 191 RBIs and an MVP award. While McCarthy tried to shield Hack from Wrigley's judgment, Hornsby did not care to do so.

Hornsby was a perfectionist and an accomplished man. He didn't care what anyone thought either, and that included owners, with whom he battled throughout the years. On July 1, he told Joe Williams of the New York World Telegram: "Sure, I know there are a lot of people that dislike me. But then there are a lot of people I don't care for. I don't worry about not being popular. I have a notion that popularity won't do you much good if your team ain't up there."

That same day the Cubs played the Phillies as Hack returned to the lineup. It was a steamy day, around 100 degrees. In that game he drove his 10th homer into the bleachers in Wrigley Field, going three for five. Chuck Klein, his rival on the Phillies, hit his 21st home run to lead the league. The Cubs lost 11-6.

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