Think about it from Arlett's POV. He was just about the biggest player in the PCL during his career and beloved by the fans, in the National League he was another "good" ballplayer and nothing more. Another thing to keep in mind that the ballclubs "owned" these players and had full control over their careers, look at Lefty Grove's record for Balto from 1920-24--Baltimore had tons of offers for Grove but they weren't willing to sell him. Arlett was the most popular player in Oakland for over a decade, Oakland probably had NO desire to sell him in his prime.
Keep in mind that while the PCL is a "Minor League" according to us today, back then it was the only game in town and these guys didn't really consider themselves Minor Leaguers like we do today.
Were I Arlett, I'd opt to stay where everybody knows your name rather then move East and give it a go (not that it was really up to Arlett at the end of the day).
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