How about Saturday at 11:59 PM? That way you can get a post up on Sunday that I won't have to wait until after school to read!
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How about Saturday at 11:59 PM? That way you can get a post up on Sunday that I won't have to wait until after school to read!
I can wait until you get back from school on Monday to post, I'll just stop receiving submissions from people at 11:59 on Sunday.
JUNE - JULY 1944
PART 1
May 31 - June 2: Philadelphia Phillies (33-20, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (31-21, 2nd, 1.5 GB)
31 – Paul Derringer tosses a four hit shutout, as the Phillies lose, and the Dodgers climb to within a half-game of first place.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 0
W: Paul Derringer (7-5) L: Gene Lambert (3-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (15), Nick Goulish (14)
***
I never thought that this day would come. RF Chuck Klein, a mainstay in the Phillies’ outfield for nearly 15 seasons, retired today. He played most of his career for the Phillies (1928-1933, 1936-1939, 1940-1944), but also had brief stints with the Cubs (1934-1936) and the Pirates (1939). He hangs up his cleats as perhaps the greatest hitter in Phillies’ history, owning most of the team’s batting records. He made 3 All-Star Games (1933, 1934, and 1942), and was the NL MVP in 1932 when he hit .348 with 38 HR and drove in 137 runs. His 330 career home runs rank 5th all-time, behind Mel Ott, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, and Babe Ruth. He leaves the game of baseball not only as one of it’s greatest sluggers, but one of it’s greatest players.
His Career Line: .317, 330 HR, 1353 RBI
***
Without Chuck, there is a gaping hole in our bench, so I make a trade with the Boston Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox receive:
SP Marius Russo (81)
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
CF Leon Culberson (73/81)
I needed a true centerfielder, and wanted to shed some payroll. Adding Culberson allows me to do that.
***
RF Enos Slaughter (STL) will be out 1 month with a stretched knee ligament. This might slow the Cardinals down in their pursuit of the Phillies and Dodgers.
***
1 – Boy, Chuck really retired at the wrong time. We lose again to the Dodgers, and they grab first place from us to boot.
Dodgers 8, Phillies 3
W: Carl Hubbell (7-3) L: Tommy Hughes (5-6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (13), Gil Hodges (9), Ron Northey (9)
2 – Vern Stephens and Gil Hodges knock in 2 runs apiece, as Charlie Ripple twirls a six-hit complete game in a Phillies victory. The Phillies are back in first place, but only by a half-game.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (8-3) L: Larry French (4-6)
2B: Vern Stephens 2 (17)
HR: Gil Hodges (9)
June 3-5: Boston Braves (20-36, 8th, 14 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-22, 1st, .5 GA)
3 – Jack Kraus copies the result from yesterday’s game, tossing a six-hit complete game as the Phillies beat the Braves. The Dodgers win to keep pace.
Phillies 4, Braves 2
W: Jack Kraus (5-5) L: Manny Salvo (1-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (14), Danny Murtaugh (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (5)
***
Johnny Blatnik will be out 2 weeks with a chipped kneecap. Ed Sanicki will be recalled from AAA Utica to fill his roster position.
Dodgers 1B Dolph Camilli will be out 2 weeks with a sprained back.
Indians SS Lou Boudreau will be out 2 weeks with a sprained ankle.
***
4 – Red Ruffing allows only 3 hits in a complete game effort that allows the Phillies offense time to wake up and mount a successful comeback. The Dodgers won again, so they remain a half-game back.
Phillies 5, Braves 4
W: Red Ruffing (6-5) L: Elmer Singleton (3-3)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (9)
3B: Gil Hodges (4)
5 – Tommy Hughes, despite giving up 6 runs, manages to get the win, thanks to a veritable offensive explosion. The Dodgers lost, pushing the league lead back to 1.5 games!
Phillies 10, Braves 6
W: Tommy Hughes (6-6) L: Warren Spahn (4-7)
2B: Larry Doby (11), Gil Hodges (10), Ed Sanicki (1), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (8), Ron Northey (6)
June 6: Day Off
STANDINGS (after games on June 6, 1944)
Code:JUNE 6 STANDINGS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 37-22 -
Brooklyn 35-23 1.5
St. Louis 32-26 4.5
Chicago 29-28 7
New York 29-29 7.5
Pittsburgh 27-31 9.5
Cincinnati 23-34 13
Boston 20-39 17
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 39-19 -
Cleveland 34-24 5
New York 33-24 5.5
Chicago 32-27 7.5
Washington 27-31 12
Detroit 25-33 14
St. Louis 21-37 18
Philadelphia 21-37 18
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
Boston Braves 20-39 -
Phila. A's 21-37 1.5
St. L. Browns 21-37 1.5
Cincinnati Reds 23-34 4
Detroit Tigers 25-33 5.5
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 33-20 -
Athletics 19-33 13.5
You Have 25 Hours To Get In Your Bids For 1 Of 5 Cities!!!
EDIT: Just kidding, you have until 11:59 PM on SUNDAY night to let me know you want one of the 5 remaining cities! Just keeping you on your toes!
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
*Free Choice*
11:59 Sunday night: let me know!
NOW you have 24 hours until the deadline:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
*Free Choice*
Just tell me that you want these teams, you don't have to have a full write-up. I can stall for you if you want. Just let me know by this time tomorrow, and you'll be included.
10 HOURS TO GET YOUR BIDS IN!!!
Only 4 potential teams remain:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
Get your name in...before it's too late
:( Wish I'd known about this earlier. I've been distracted by the novelty that is Wii and now trying to catch up on my own dynasty. When do you need it for? If it's not before this time next week I'd be interested in writing something. San Francisco is gone, maybe New Orleans would be interesting.
Alright, the time is now midnight, and the bids are closed! Thanks for everyone who participated. I'm going to spend some time organizing this stuff into 1 (or more) coherent posts, and get these up as soon as I can! Thanks again!
kevarms: I sent you a PM, whenever you get around to it is ok by me!
Well hurry up kevarms! I have only a certain amount of patience! ;)
Coach Owens: I hope this will tide you over, at least for the time being :D
1944 AMATEUR DRAFT
All 16 teams had gathered in Chicago for the 3rd annual Amateur Draft. We would be picking third, after Warren Giles of Cincinnati and Richard Zimmerman of the Browns. If Robin Roberts was there, we would gobble him up instantly, if not, then we’ll need to make a decision on which of the remaining pitchers is the most worthy of the #3 pick.
The new commissioner, Happy Chandler, strode to the podium.
“Gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you to Chicago and the 3rd Annual Amateur Draft. The rules are simple. There are only 6 rounds. Therefore, each team will get 6 selections. There is a 5-minute time limit between selections. Should you exceed that time limit, you will be moved to the end of the round, and we will move on. All controversies will be handled by Presidents Harridge and Frick, and me. If there are no further questions, then I will begin the timer. The Cincinnati Reds are on the clock.”
I had run the scenario over and over in my head: Warren Giles striding to the podium, readjusting the microphone, and saying “The Reds select Robin Roberts.” The Reds contingent, however, was involved in lively discussion. It was almost as if they were deliberating about who to pick! After settling the argument at his table, Giles got up and stepped to the podium. He seemed pleased, as though he had won the argument...
“With the first pick in the 1944 Amateur Draft, the Cincinnati Reds select OF Edwin Snider of Los Angeles, CA.”
They picked Snider?
Well, they did select a pitcher second overall last season, so one would have to conclude that they feel that Sam Jones is a better prospect than Robin Roberts. Plus, they need outfield help like we need air to breath, so you can’t fault them for drafting for need.
My good buddy Richard Zimmerman was now in the catbird’s seat. If he was so inclined, he could draft Roberts, and terrorize the AL for the next 20 years. Surely, Zimmerman must realize that Roberts live 100 miles away from St. Louis. I better start looking at backup choices.
Richard Zimmerman got up and walked to the podium. He grabbed the mic and readjusted it.
“With the second pick, the St. Louis Browns are proud to select SP Carl Erskine of Anderson, IN!”
That’s a great pick. Richie is building for the future, and Carl is a great complement to add to Bill Bevens and last year’s #4 pick Harry Byrd. I’m a little surprised that they didn’t take Roberts, but...
Wait a minute...
They didn’t take Roberts.
They didn’t take Roberts!
THEY DIDN’T TAKE ROBERTS!
I looked over at Nick, who had a smile about a mile long plastered to his face. I stumbled out of my chair, nearly flipped over the Yankees’ table, and almost knocked over a waiter, but I made it up to the podium, and announced our pick:
“With the third pick in the 1944 Amateur Draft, the Philadelphia Phillies select SP Robin Roberts of Springfield, IL!”
***
***Code:# TEAM PLAYER (PEAK)
1. Cincinnati Reds CF Duke Snider (94)
2. St. Louis Browns SP Carl Erskine (93)
3. Philadelphia Phillies SP Robin Roberts (94)
4. Chicago White Sox SP Lew Burdette (87)
5. Philadelphia Athletics SP Nicholas Hides (87)
6. Detroit Tigers SP Johnny Gray (91)
7. Pittsburgh Pirates SP Ralph Branca (86)
8. Boston Braves SP Chris Pfeffer (84)
9. Washington Senators SP Don Newcombe (84)
10. Cleveland Indians SP Mike Kume (91)
11. Chicago Cubs 1B Roy Sievers (93)
12. New York Giants RP Ray Moore (86)
13. Brooklyn Dodgers SP Bill Pierro (88)
14. Boston Red Sox RP Al Corwin (84)
15. New York Yankees RP Clem Labine (87)
16. St. Louis Cardinals 3B Eddie Yost (91)
19. Philadelphia Phillies SP Jake Thies (84)
35. Philadelphia Phillies 1B Dale Long (84)
51. Philadelphia Phillies SS Rudy Rufer (83)
67. Philadelphia Phillies 3B Jesse Levan (77)
83. Philadelphia Phillies RP Armando Roche (79)
17. Cincinnati Reds 2B Billy Goodman (86)
34. St. Louis Browns C Joe Garagiola (82)
45. Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Whitey Lockman (85)
Robin Roberts gets assigned to AAA Utica, while the other 5 draftees get sent to R Clearwater. Hopefully, I can restrain myself, and wait to bring Roberts up until next season.
***
JUNE 6, 1944
The team had a travel day today. I suppose that it was only fitting. As the bus arrived in Pittsburgh, we got wind of the biggest story since Pearl Harbor: the Allies had invaded France. “D-Day”, as everyone was calling it, was a massive invasion in the Normandy region in Northern France. General Eisenhower launched the attack under some inclement weather conditions, catching the Germans off-guard. Although there were a lot of casualties, the Allies won the day, and pushed the Germans back toward Paris.
I give all the credit in the world to our boys fighting the good fight. I know that they’re giving every last bit of effort they can muster, all to keep our way of life. I would serve if I could, but I suffered from asthma as a child, disqualifying me from active duty. I know a lot of boys from the greater Philadelphia area are enlisted, and I’m sure it warms their hearts to know that their Phillies are sitting in first place. We’ll certainly wait for them to get home, but we’ve got a pennant to win!
***
Woo-hoo! Robin Roberts and the Allies invade Normandy! Two big wins all around!
--Pet
Wait...if Robin Roberts is helping the Allies invade Normandy, how's he going to pitch!? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by petrel
Don't worry, Ted Williams will take his place!Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
ALL: I have found the answer to your questions: teleportation.
When Robin Roberts was a junior in high school, he discovered the secret to creating a teleporter. He naturally built it and entered it into his school's science fair. The judges, however, disqualified him, partially because they thought he had taken an aluminum trash can and painted it bright colors.
His career as a scientist over, he took up baseball, fortunately for the Phillies!
And that, my friends, is how he can be drafted on the 5th, invade France on the 6th, and be back in Utica for his AAA debut on the 8th.
Speaking of baseball...
JUNE – JULY 1944
PART II
June 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (37-22, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (27-31, 6th, 9.5 GB)
7 – Charlie Ripple pitches 7 strong innings en route to his league-leading 9th win of the season, as the Phillies offense records 4 runs in a wild first inning and never look back. Meanwhile, the Dodgers lose to the Cubs, giving the Phillies a 2.5 game lead in the National League.
Phillies 9, Pirates 6
W: Charlie Ripple (9-3) L: Max Butcher (4-5)
2B: Vern Stephens (18), Nick Goulish 2 (16), Phil Rizzuto (15), Gil Hodges (11), Andy Seminick (10)
***
Trade winds a-blowin’!
St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Derick Neufeld (68/80)
SP Bill Wight (72/82)
New York Yankees receive:
SP Bill Bevens (88) – 4-4, 3.05 ERA
Bevens returns to the Yankees after 23 months of exile with the Browns. After letting Red Ruffing explore free agency last winter and losing Lefty Gomez to injury in April, the Yankees are in desperate need of starting pitching. The Browns receive a few marginal prospects, but nothing too special.
***
8 – Despite being pushed into extra-innings, the Phillies bats have just enough life in them to strike for two runs in the 11th inning, as the Phillies win again, extending their win streak to 6 games. The Dodgers won, keeping pace.
Phillies 3, Pirates 1 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (3-0) L: Diomedes Olivo (1-2) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
2B: Gil Hodges (12)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (6)
***
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in Pittsburgh to watch the Phillies game today. I traveled up to Utica, where Robin Roberts would make his professional debut for our AAA Utica Blue Jays. He was mighty impressive, allowing only 3 runs on 8 hits over 7.1 IP, striking out 3. Even better, his teammates got him the win. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.
***
Looks like Richard Zimmerman is trying to shed some payroll, as it appears that he may go into debt this year.
St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Dutch McCall (72/82)
RP John Andre (67/78)
Chicago Cubs receive:
1B Jerry Witte (81/82) - .292, 2 HR, 18 RBI
Witte gives the Cubs a more viable bat at first base, and is a terrific fielder to boot. Meanwhile, the Browns get two prospects, but they’re marginal at best.
***
9 – Ralph Kiner’s 12th home run of the year is of the walk-off variety, handing the Phillies their first loss in a week. The Dodgers win, setting up an epic confrontation between the two frontrunners, with only 1.5 games separating them.
Pirates 7, Phillies 6 (15)
W: Harry Shuman (4-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (2-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (19), Gil Hodges (13), Larry Doby (12)
HR: Gil Hodges (10)
June 10-12: Brooklyn Dodgers (37-24, 2nd, 1.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-23, 1st, 1.5 GA)
10 – Carl Hubbell and Tommy Hughes duel to a 1-1 tie after 7 innings, but a passed ball by Roy Campanella in the bottom of the 9th allows the winning run to scamper home, and give the Phillies the victory, increasing their lead to 2.5 games.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
W: Ed Hanyzewski (3-3) L: Cy Buker (2-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (17), Larry Doby (13), Andy Seminick (11)
3B: Gil Hodges (5)
11 – Another tie game entering the bottom of the ninth inning, Ron Northey ends this one with a walk-off two-run home run to right-centerfield, giving the Phillies a 3.5 game lead over the 2nd-place Dodgers.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
W: Ed Hanyzewski (4-3) L: Cy Buker (2-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (16)
HR: Ron Northey (7)
12 – Jack Kraus walked 10 (!) Dodgers, but a 7-run 4th-inning explosion propels the Phillies to victory, completing the sweep of the Dodgers, giving us a 4.5 game lead over the Bums.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 3
W: Jack Kraus (6-5) L: Johnny Vander Meer (8-6)
2B: Nick Goulish (18), Phil Rizzuto (17), Andy Seminick (12)
HR: Vern Stephens (9)
SB: Nick Goulish (3)
June 13: Day Off
***
The Dodgers lost to their cross-town rivals today, leaving them a full 5 games behind the Phillies!
***
June 14-16: Chicago Cubs (33-31, 5th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (42-23, 1st, 5 GA)
14 – It wasn’t really a matter of poor pitching. The offense just couldn’t get anything going against Shaun Hale (1 run on 8 hits in a complete-game victory). The Dodgers won, cutting our lead to 4 games.
Cubs 4, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (5-7) L: Red Ruffing (6-6)
2B: Nick Goulish (19), Ron Northey 2 (11)
15 – I’m starting to regret giving up on Johnny Podgajny. He tosses a second great game against us and picks up his 7th win of the season. The Dodgers win again, cutting our lead to 3 games.
Cubs 7, Phillies 4
W: Johnny Podgajny (7-2) L: Tommy Hughes (6-7) SV: Whitey Miller (9)
16 – Uh oh.
Cubs 8, Phillies 4
W: Vern Olsen (5-3) L: Charlie Ripple (9-4) SV: Rube Melton (1)
2B: Larry Doby (14), Danny Murtaugh (10)
HR: Larry Doby (7)
***
Needless to say, the Dodgers cut the league lead to 2 games, but that wasn’t the biggest story on Saturday. It turns out that All-Star 3B Vern Stephens became arbitration-eligible. So I sat down with Vern, and hammered out a deal that will keep him with the team until 1950, with team and player options that extend into 1953, that will pay him $21,000 per season. It is important to me that the Phillies start a tradition of winning, and keeping our cornerstones here is priority #1, no matter the cost (although we are projected to lose money this year, hopefully at least 2 World Series games will help offset that)!
***
Also, “Fragile” Tommy Hughes (new nickname) will miss his next start after irritating his pitching hand. After his stress fracture in May, Bucky Harris is taking extra precaution with Fragile.
LF Charlie Keller will miss two weeks with a strained ankle ligament. Keller was powering the Yankees’ attack, leading the AL in home runs and runs batted in. With the Bronx Bombers sitting 4.5 games behind the Red Sox, the loss will definitely hurt their pursuit, but he should return in time for a huge late season push.
***
But even that wasn’t the big story of the day: I held a press conference to announce a special day at Shibe Park.
“On Saturday, July 7, the Philadelphia Phillies will be proud to bring you, the fans, Chuck Klein Day! Along with the city of Philadelphia, please join us in celebrating the legendary career of the outstanding outfielder.”
I’m not giving away any secrets, but I have a few things up my sleeve…
***
June 17: Day Off
June 18-20: Philadelphia Phillies (42-26, 1st, 2 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (26-41, 7th, 15.5 GB)
18 – Jack Kraus is outstanding, allowing 1 run over 8 innings, and striking out 5, as the Phillies rebound from the Cubs sweep with a road win. The Dodgers keep pace with a win of their own.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Jack Kraus (7-5) L: Bucky Walters (3-10) SV: Ike Pearson (6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (18), Gil Hodges (14), Danny Murtaugh (11)
19 – A two-out base hit by Mike McCormick scores the go-ahead run, giving the Reds a come-from-behind victory against Hugh Casey. The Cubs beat the Dodgers, keeping the Bums 2 back.
Reds 8, Phillies 7
W: Joe Beggs (7-4) L: Hugh Casey (3-1) SV: Walker Cress (4)
2B: Nick Goulish (20), Andy Seminick (13)
HR: Gil Hodges (11), Ron Northey (8), Andy Seminick (3)
20 – The Reds walk-off with a win against Hugh Casey, giving the Reds the series over the 1st-place Phillies. Meanwhile, the Cubs do their part, beating the Dodgers again, keeping the lead at 2 games.
Reds 2, Phillies 1
W: Joe Beggs (8-4) L: Hugh Casey (3-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (21), Vern Stephens (20), Ed Murphy (3)
STANDINGS (after games on June 20, 1944)
I, of course, missed the last game in Cincinnati (not that I would’ve wanted to see it), because I was in New York City, determining the future of the National League…Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 43-28 -
Brooklyn 41-30 2
St. Louis 39-32 4
Chicago 38-32 4.5
New York 36-35 7
Pittsburgh 30-40 12.5
Cincinnati 28-42 14.5
Boston 28-44 15.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 47-24 -
New York 42-28 4.5
Cleveland 40-30 6.5
Chicago 38-33 9
Washington 36-34 10.5
Detroit 30-42 17.5
St. Louis 25-45 21.5
Philadelphia 24-46 22.5
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
Phila. A's 24-46 -
St. L. Browns 25-45 1
Boston Braves 28-44 3
Cincinnati Reds 28-42 4
Detroit Tigers 30-42 5
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 43-28 -
Athletics 24-46 18.5
THE MUCH ANTICIPATED EXPANSION POST – COMING UP NEXT!!!