view raw text
Brooklyn Suspends Dora Newcombte Refuses to Pitch Batting Practice Management Takes Drastic - Action Following Hurlers Second Offense WithinWeek By NORMAN MILLER United Press Sports Writer ■ BROOKLYN, N. Y., May 5.— Don New-combe, a Brooklyn Dodger problem pitcher since his discharge from the Army early in 1954, was suspended today for "insubordination" when he refused to pitch batting practice prior to the game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The" hulking right hander was ordered off the field by E. J. "Buzz" Bavasi, vice-president and general manager of the Dodgers, and was ordered to stay home until ready to comply with the order of manager Walt Alston. Bavasi said it was the second time within a week that New-combe had refused to pitch in batting practice. Bavasi sent Newcombe the following telegram, with a copy to president Warren Giles of the national league: "Under provisions of major league rule 13-A, you are suspended indefinitely effective today without pay for insubordination. When you are ready to comply with the orders of your manager, you may apply for reinstatement." Action Comes as Surprise Newcombes suspension came as a big surprise in the midst of the Dodgers remarkable early season start. Following some grumbling by a few players during spring training and the early days of the campaign,, excellent spirit and harmony developed among the Dodgers as they sped to 17 victories in their first 19 games. It was known that Newcombe preferred to start in a game, and staged his "strike" against pitching batting practice when Alston would not start him since April 24. The six-foot-four, 225 -pound pitcher has won two decisions, although knocked out of the box in each of three starts. He lasted seven innings against the New York Giants, April 14, and was knocked out after six against the Philadelphia Phillies, April 19. He started again against the Giants, April 24, but was removed with no decision after four innings. Newcombe complained at the time that he "couldnt get. loose" in the cold weather. Bavasi said Alston had planned to start Newcombe twice on Brooklyns forthcoming western trip, against Cincinnati and Chicago. A 20-game winner for the Dodgers in 1951 before entering the service for two years, 28-year-old Newcombe has never measured up to that standard since his return to the club for the 1954 campaign. Before his 20-victory season, he won 17 games in 1949 when he was voted the National leagues Rookie of the Year, and won 19 the following season. -*« Upon his return from the Army, there, were reports that Newcombe was suffering from arm trouble, but he steadfastly denied this. He compiled a mediocre 9-8 record last season, pitching only six complete games. Major league rule 13-A under whichhe was suspended reads: "A club may suspend a player for insubordination or other misconduct or for violation by the player of any regulation or other provision of the players contract.. The club may impose a reasonable fine and deduct the amount thereof from the players salary or may suspend a player without salary for a period not exceeding 30 days or both. . . ."
