September 1st, 1923

Philadelphia, PA
W.P Earhart

Shocking news has just hit the newstands today as Bill Horton, manager of the Athletics announced that he will resign as skipper of the team at the close of the 1923 season.

"Bill's been a great manager for many years but the time has come for this ballclub to find a new face to lead the Athletics" a grim faced Ronan Keough said. Keough was asked if a new manager had been selected yet to which the GM replied that several candidates had been considered among them, possibly himself. Other candidates include bench coach Mick Rooker, AAA manager Larry Bright, former players Gus Kovacs and Fibber Paine, and current catcher Hal Demarest. "We'll sort this all out during the offseason and a decision will be made shortly after the World Series" Owner Gehrig Chadwick added.

There were signs early on that Horton's days were numbered in Philly. Many of the players of Horton's tenure were beginning to show their age. In just the last few years players like Kovacs, Demarest, Jim Pinkus, and Jimmy Hardy had begin to decline in performance. Horton wouldn't trade any of "his guys" as he put it, which led to a few rifts with owner Chadwick, including one incedent during the 1921 season when Chadwick ordered Hardy to the bullpen for 2 weeks only to see the team lose the pennant by two games to the New York Yankees. "Bill won't say it, but I will", snorted pitcher Marv Craft. "That demotion to the pen cost us a pennant."

Other problems Horton had with the players were the large influx of young, devil may care players intent on hitting homeruns and paying little attention to defense. Also Horton's midnight curfew was an issue with several of the Athletics eligible bachelors.

"I couldn't tell ya how many times me, Sully, Smokie (Steve Smoke) and Zabs snuck out right under Skips' nose" said the often hung-over Pinkus. Last season Pinkus was suspended by Horton for being suspected in a bootlegging operation outside St.Louis. The two settled their differences during this years spring training and it appeared that Pinkus was going to return to the form of pitcher that won 21 games in 1920, only to injure his arm early in the year.

So what do the rookies think about the upcoming changes? "I don't care who it is managing this team as long as he gives me the darn ball." said young headhunter Bob Slydell, recently traded from the Chicago Cubs. " I want to pitch and set these suckers (opponents) back on the bench where they belong."

More updates will be sure to come and this reporter will be the first to bring it to press.

by W.P. Earhart

PHILADELPHIA -  The Philadelphia Athletics today signed former Reds manager Ronan Keough to the position of General Manager, replacing owner Gehrig Chadwick, who ran the team during the 1921 season after the quiet resignation of Roy Edelstein, Jr., who is pursuing other business ventures.

“Ronan is my kind of guy,” said manager Bill Horton. “We see eye to eye on many issues and became friends during the '18 series.”....a series the Reds won in 6 games.  The players in the Philadelphia clubhouse seemed to welcome the news, none more so then starting pitcher Marty Unger, a former Reds hurler.

“I'm excited," said Unger. "It's great to have someone like him around. He may not be managing the team but I found out soon enough that he and Bill Horton think alike.”

When asked about his plans for the upcoming season Keough said that he is expecting the Athletics to compete this year and wants a pennant for the city of Philadelphia.

“The last pennant won in Philly was in 1912 up the street there” Ronan said as he gestured toward the Baker Bowl, home of the cross-town rival Phillies.” “We'd like to have one flying over Shibe Park soon.”

As for reuniting with Unger? “Marty kind of held down the fort here last year. He is a very competitive but quiet performer. He'll give you his best.” Ronan said. “He's a good friend of mine and I wouldn't be surprised to see him managing in the big leagues some day.”

Neither would we.