Adrian Zabala
Adrian Zabala was one of 13.
Back in 1946, Zabala was suspended by Major League Baseball Commissioner A. B. “Happy” Chandler for jumping to the Mexican League.
According to the Montreal Gazette from May 10, the ex-major league players were “ineligible” for five years. The story went on to include that the commissioner said players deserting organized ball for the south of the border circuit would be out.
Several of the players would return to the majors by 1949.
Zabala, who was born on this date in Cuba 100 years ago, played in the big leagues for just two seasons.
Pitching in the minors since 1937, Zabala made it to the majors in 1945 with the New York Giants. The 28-year old rookie would appear in 11 contests with a 2-4 record.
After his stint in the Mexican League, the lefthander came back to toss a complete game shutout in his first start for the Giants against the Cincinnati Reds in the second contest of a doubleheader at Crosley Field on July 31, 1949.
The Giants scored nine times in the second frame on their way to a 9-0 victory over the Reds. Zabala knocked in the run in the second and later had a single off Johnny Vander Meer, which would be his only hit that summer.
Zabala went the distance in his next start for a 3-1 win over in St. Louis over the Cardinals. However, from that point the 32-year old would fall in his next three decisions and finish the year with a 2-3 record and a 5.27 ERA.
The following season he would be back in the minors as he played in the American Association and the Pacific Coast League until retiring 1956. Zabala passed away in Florida in 2002.
The List of Suspended Players (from Montreal Gazette, May 10, 1945)
Adrian Zabala
Sal Maglie
Mickey Owen
Moe Franklin
Luis Olmo
Roland Gladu
Rene Monteagudo
George Hausmann
Roy Zimmerman
Nap Reyes
Harry Feldman
Danny Gardella
Ace Adams.
Of all of the players on this list, Maglie had the most success as he returned to the big leagues.
Maglie would become a two-time all-star in 1951 and 1952 with the Giants. He led the National League in wins in 1951 with a 23-6 mark. He was also a member of the 1954 world champion Giants.