red sox
the Red Sox, Yankees and Chicago White Sox
had a détente; they were called "Insurrectos" because their
actions antagonized league president Ban Johnson. Although Frazee
owned the Boston Red Sox franchise, he did not own Fenway Park
(it was owned by the Fenway Park Trust), making his ownership a
precarious one; Johnson could move another team into the
ballpark. His club was in debt, but Frazee felt the need to
purchase its playing site (which he did in 1920). Further,
providing the Yankees with a box office attraction would help
that mediocre club, which had sided with him against Johnson and
"the Loyal Five" clubs. Finally, Ruth was considered a
serious disciplinary problem, a reputation he amply confirmed
while playing for the Yankees. Frazee moved Ruth to stabilize
Red Sox finances and cut distractions. It was a straight sale, no
players in return.
