As a 20-year-old pitcher, Strand won six games for the Braves in their 1914 “Miracle” pennant drive. He then suffered arm trouble, and became a minor league outfielder. With Salt Lake City (Pacific Coast League) in 1923-24, he hit 71 homers, batting .394 and .384. Philadelphia’s Connie Mack bought him for a reported $100,000. When Strand batted .228 in 167 at-bats without a HR, Mack sold him to the minors for virtually nothing.
