Spokane and Dodgers - 1946

Spokane Indians Sign Working Agreement With Dodgers; Help Coming
SPOKANE — The Spokane Indians, struggling to maintain their position in the Western International baseball league since a bus crash killed nine players June 24, Wednesday signed a "working agreement" with the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National league, owner Sam Collins announced.
The agreement reached here with Branch Rickey Jr., Dodgers head scout, provides that the Indians' franchise and physical assets remain with Collins, but gives Brooklyn power to select players for the team.
Rickey said "we expect to get some real help to Spokane in the next few days."
Some players, he said, were on the way to join Spokane in its next series at Victoria, B. C., starting Friday.
The agreement is effective for the remainder of this season and next year.
Collins said that Ben Garaghty, still on crutches from injuries received in the bus crash, would managed the Indians next season. Brooklyn reserves the right under the agreement to confirm the team's manager, and Rickey said, "we approve of him for next year."

SPOKANE, July 31 - A benefit fund for families of Spokane baseball players killed or injured in a June 24 bus crash today totalled $70,417.21 with donations still arriving, committee secretary Jim Hamilton said.
The total includes $21,771.62 from benefit games across the country and $48,685 in outright donations.
- Wed., July 31, 1946