Friday, August 5, 1927: New York City
Sacco And Vanzetti (And Me)
For the last two days the newspapers have been plastered with stories about the now certain execution of Sacco and Vanzetti — ever since the Governor of Massachusetts announced that he will neither pardon them nor call call for a new trial.
The governor’s also announced that their execution date is August 10.
Thankfully, none of the newspapers carried the news that before our game against Detroit yesterday, Miller Huggins called me into his office to tell me that George Pipgras will be his fifth starter for the rest of the season.
“It may be a while before I call on you to pitch again — but I’m counting on you to stay ready,” Huggins said as he shook my hand.
I told him I understood his position, and that I’m sorry I haven’t been able to come through for the team on a more consistent basis.
“I promise you, Hugg, the only thing you’ll have to worry about from me is my cheering too loudly from the bench.”
“That’s exactly why you’re an important part of this team, Myles,” he said to me.
And all this time I thought it was my looks.
Last night I dreamed that I was Nicola Sacco, and Miller Huggins came to visit me in my prison cell.
“Sacco, I’m going to make Vanzetti our fifth starter for the rest of the season,” Huggins said to me.
“That-za no problem!” I replied to him.
“Stay ready, Sacco,” Huggins told me, as he strapped me into the electric chair and threw the switch.
