Doc Bennet returned from Chicago to lead the McCook club in 1931. This would be his most challenging year. G. L. Burney, president of the club retired and the team ownership was transferred to the town's chamber of commerce.
The only returning starter from the pennant winning 1930 club was Ig Walters leaving a whole bunch of holes for Doc to fill.
The team played their usual consistent ball with good pitching, fielding and hitting. They were not able to keep up with Grand Island and finished the year in second place.
Roster:
Ig Walters returned to McCook for the 1931 season. He
led the league with a .400 average. He also led the league in hits, total bases
and most games played.
Jimmy Summers played center field for McCook and he was runner up to Ig Walters for the batting championship in 1931 with a .388 average. He was picked up by Oklahoma City at the end of the season.
Nuckolls played third for 15 games.
Matuzak averaged .301 in 80 games.
Clark split his season between McCook and Grand Island
Daniels averaged .302 in 44 games.
Ewing played in left field for 71 games and averaged .333.
Washington tended the garden for 13 games and averaged .311.
Drost was an infielder who averaged .304.
Brooke played in 18 games and averaged .301.
Putting on the tools of ignorance was Thomas he averaged .282 in 82 games.
Hall averaged .254 in 32 games.
Harry Matuzak was 16-5 to lead the McCook pitchers. He made it to the major leagues in 1934.
Miller was 3-1.
Everitt had a 13-8 record in 24 appearances.
Bryan Wasson "Pat" Flanagan was a 20 year old from Mooringsport Louisiana. He had an 11-9 record in 1931.
Price was 1-1, Summers was 1-3, Mayer was 1-3 and Hoff was 1-6 in 1931.