The Sporting News reported that baseball history was made in 1932 when Glen (Victor) Salmon of Lincoln pitched against Tuna of Grand Island. Salmon beat Tuna.

The Los Angeles Times used the NSL as an example of a minor league that was surviving the depression. They indicated that the NSL was maintaining fiscal responsibility by rigorously enforcing a $75.00 per month per player salary cap. Total monthly salary could not be greater than $1,225.00 with 14 players on the roster. This was reduced to $50.00 per player and $200/month for a manager in 1933. It was also a league of young players as average age was under 21 with the exception of the player/manager.

The nation was in a deep depression. Average income dropped by 40% between 1929 and 1932. Average annual income was $1,500 per year. Milk was 14 cents a quart, eggs were 5 cents a dozen and bread was 9 cents a loaf. Nine thousand banks failed in three years and unemployment was at 33%. Farm prices were half of what they were in 1912. For the league to survive under such circumstances was amazing.

Lee Quillen who played for Lincoln in 1906 and for Chicago (American) in 1906 and 1907 was the lead umpire in the NSL in 1932.

Although Norfolk won both halves of the season, the playoffs belonged to Beatrice. The hero of the series was Cotton Pippen. Cotton pitched the third game of the series and won 5-3. He pitched a 2 hitter in the sixth game and did not allow a runner past second base as Beatrice won the sixth game 9-0. He played ironman in front of 3,000 fans in Beatrice and won the seventh game 4-3. He also aided his cause with the stick going 2 for 3 at the plate during the last game. Beatrice came from behind with 3 runs in the seventh inning to claim the pennant. For the playoffs Cotton was 4-0 with one victory over Lincoln and three over Norfolk. He did not give up an earned run in four games.

Cotton Pippen Play Ball Card

Don Gutteridge a twenty year old third baseman from Pittsburg Kansas broke into the Lincoln Links lineup early in the season. Don was noticed while playing semi-pro ball by Joe Becker of Joplin. Joe was a scout, umpire and business manager of the Joplin Miners. Joe was the key in getting Don to Lincoln for his first professional season. Don went on to be an all star in 1933 and made it to the majors in 1936. On his second day playing for the Cardinals he had six hits and stole home twice during a double header against Brooklyn. In one game he took part in a record 5 double plays. He played in the major leagues until 1948. In twelve years he had a .256 lifetime average and played in two world series. In 1969-1970 he managed the Chicago White Sox.

Nebraska State League All Stars 1932

Norfolk Elks 1932

Beatrice Blues 1932

Grand Island Islanders 1932

North Platte Buffaloes 1932

Lincoln Links 1932

McCook Generals 1932

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