Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
Coach Owens: Seriously, I'm going to move the A's to Seattle. Then you can cheer for them to your hearts content! Look for the big moving vans screaming up I-90 in a few years. :D
MAY 6, 1945
The team has an off day, so I managed to get a (relatively) productive day in at the office. It certainly isn’t quite the same without Elizabeth. The baby is doing well, by the way. It’s supposed to be due in about 2 months, but you never can tell with babies.
I was most pleased with the sweep of the Reds. Perhaps we revealed the Reds as paper tigers, and exposed ourselves as the team to beat again. We have players at or near the top of every major statistical leaderboard.
It’s really hard to pinpoint a weakness on this team. Our starters are going deep into games (Ruffing, Ripple, Hughes, and Roberts are among the top 6 in the NL in Innings/Game). While certain members of the offense aren’t clicking yet (Vern Stephens, Ron Northey), others are stepping their games up (Andy Seminick, Larry Doby), and we’re still one of the most potent units in the National League.
Still, the dealer inside of me couldn’t keep quiet. I started calling up my fellow general managers with the offer of C Mickey Livingston, SS Harry Marnie, and minor league 3B Ted Cieslak. The response was good, but not great. So I went back to the drawing board, threw in a SP prospect in Charlie Sproull, and called again.
I first called the GM in New York. The man on the other end practically wet himself over the package. So I managed to swing a blockbuster…
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
MAY 7, 1945
The headlines across town screamed the news of yesterday’s trade.
DiMaggio to Phillies!
Unfortunately, the poor saps that bought the paper after reading the headline were to be in for a little letdown after reading the subhead.
Livingston, Marnie, 2 prospects to Giants for OF Vince
That’s right. Vince DiMaggio. Sorry for getting your hopes up.
New York Giants receive:
C Mickey Livingston (73) [30] – 2/5, 2B, 2 R
SS Harry Marnie (72/73) [26] – 1/4, RBI
SP Charlie Sproull (84/86) [26] – 3-3, 3.09 ERA (AAA)
3B Ted Cieslak (66/69) [28] - .469, 1 HR, 13 RBI (AA)
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
CF Vince DiMaggio (90) [32] – 6/12, 2 RBI
If there are any detractors out there, allow me to defend my actions.
Livingston is a backup catcher, plain and simple. I was paying him $4,000 a year to get into about 25-30 games a year, and most of those were late-inning-we-need-an-experienced-catcher situations. Besides, with Bill Peterman hitting .359 at AAA Utica, I felt that it was time for a change.
Marnie is in the same boat as Livingston: a backup. Unfortunately, because I was stupid enough to go to arbitration with the former Gold Glove winner, I was paying him $20,000 a year for 2 innings of defense per game. With Ray Hamrick, who is practically the same player, available, I felt that having a backup 3B/1B would be more beneficial than a player that is used only for defense. Enter 3B Ty LaForest (.301, 19 RBI) from AAA Utica, exit Marnie.
Cieslak was a throw-in, just to balance the talent levels and salaries.
Sproull I had some difficulty letting go. But while he is a talented prospect, he still has Ripple, Roberts, Hughes, Gerheauser, Mauney, Lambert, and many others that are younger and projected to be better than him. While it was not easy to part, I feel that it was best for both parties.
As for DiMaggio, he can play all 3 outfield positions, as well as some first base. He’s got good speed, a powerful bat, and an outstanding throwing arm. Plus, he was warming the bench for the Giants. Vince will get the chance to play left field and bat second in our new batting order.
SS Phil Rizzuto
LF Vince DiMaggio
CF Larry Doby
1B Gil Hodges
C Andy Seminick
3B Vern Stephens
RF Ron Northey
2B Danny Murtaugh
C Bill Peterman
1B Ed Murphy
IF Ray Hamrick
3B Ty LaForest
OF Nick Goulish
OF Leon Culberson
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
I volunteer to be your first detractor. :) A 4-for-1 trade? Dude you already have a powerhouse team, why steal from the AI like that?
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
I know, that was a sort of a rip off, you traded a B-B+ prospect and some junk for an A- player.... I am disappointed with you VP! ;)
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
Not the Dimaggio, not the other Dimaggio, but the other other Dimaggio. :D
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
They say Vince was the best singer, so you should incorporate that into the dynasty
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
3Run: Good to hear from you again! I really wanted to shore up my outfield after the Blatnik injury. Plus, by trading a few bench players, this allows me to 'unclog' my farm system a little bit to free up some potential starters from being trapped in the dark recesses of my system.
RedSoxRockies: I'm sorry to have failed you. Glad to see that you lost some signature weight, btw. :D
filihok: Trust me, I tried, but the Giants wouldn't take him back. Who knew?
gosensgo101: I am finding out every day why Vince is considered 'the 3rd DiMaggio'.
RedSoxRockies: Well, he'll have plenty of time to sing in his newest role, but you'll have to read on to find out!
APRIL-MAY 1945
PART III
May 6: Day Off
May 7-9: St. Louis Cardinals (12-19, 6th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (20-11, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
7 – The Phillies put up 4 runs in the first inning and never look back. Robin Roberts tosses a complete game, improving his record to 7-0. Vince DiMaggio goes 1-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Phillies 10, Cardinals 3
W: Robin Roberts (7-0) L: Max Lanier (1-7)
2B: Andy Seminick (8), Gil Hodges (4), Nick Goulish (4), Vince DiMaggio (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (7), Vern Stephens (6)
8 – Red Ruffing tosses a shutout, his first on the season, as the offense tallies 8 runs en route to a victory that puts the Phillies back in first place.
Phillies 8, Cardinals 0
W: Red Ruffing (3-4) L: Lon Warneke (2-3)
2B: Larry Doby (9), Vern Stephens (4)
HR: Vern Stephens (7), Ron Northey (2)
*
But that wasn’t the best news of the day. Direct from Berlin, the news we’ve been wanting to hear for 4 long years has finally come to fruition.
THE WAR IN EUROPE IS OVER!!!
A full surrender made late last night by the remaining German forces means Victory in Europe!
However, the Japanese still fight onward, but now we can concentrate our entire military on one enemy. The war is nearing its conclusion. I can feel it.
*
9 – The Phillies score early, and survive a wild ninth inning rally to complete the sweep. Charlie Ripple joins his teammate Robin Roberts as 2 of 4 unbeaten National League starters.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Charlie Ripple (5-0) L: Harry Gumbert (4-3) SV: Ike Pearson (5)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (13), Danny Murtaugh (4), Vince DiMaggio (2)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (6), Danny Murtaugh (3)
May 10-12: Pittsburgh Pirates (10-24, 8th, 13 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (23-11, 1st, 1 GA)
10 – Dick Mauney goes the distance, but the offense does not, leaving the tying run on base in the bottom of the 9th inning. The loss snaps the Phillies’ 7-game winning streak.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Ken Heintzelman (2-2) L: Dick Mauney (0-1) SV: Ace Adams (3)
2B: Vince DiMaggio (3)
HR: Andy Seminick (5)
*
Reds 1B John Corriden went 0-4 today, stopping his hitting streak at 20 games.
*
11 – Robin Roberts continues his incredible start to the season, tossing a complete game, as the offense overcomes 2 errors to beat the Pirates.
Phillies 6, Pirates 3
W: Robin Roberts (8-0) L: Bob Chesnes (1-7)
2B: Andy Seminick (9), Ray Hamrick (2)
3B: Gil Hodges (3)
HR: Ron Northey (3)
*
Baseball history was made in the Yankees 6-0 victory over the Athletics today. Yankees SP Tiny Bonham threw a complete game shutout, only throwing 76 pitches, striking out 2, walking none, and allowing 0 hits. The Yankees fielders, meanwhile, did not commit an error. In other words…
Tiny Bonham tossed a Perfect Game!
It is only the 6th perfect game in Major League history, and the first since Charlie Robertson turned the trick on April 30, 1922.
The perfect game lowered Bonham’s ERA to a miniscule 1.77.
*
12 – After getting out to a 4-0 lead, the Phillies survive several late charges by the Pirates, and manage to slam the door on the series.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4
W: Red Ruffing (4-4) L: Rip Sewell: (0-2) SV: Ike Pearson (6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (14), Larry Doby (10), Vern Stephens (5)
HR: Larry Doby (4)
May 13: Day Off
May 14-16: Philadelphia Phillies (25-12, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Chicago Cubs (17-19, 5th, 7.5 GB)
14 – It certainly doesn’t feel as though we’re average in terms of fielding percentage. 3 errors allow the game-winning 3-run home run to happen, as the Phillies lose the series opener.
Cubs 8, Phillies 5
W: Jesse Flores (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (3-3) SV: Whitey Miller (7)
2B: Vince DiMaggio (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (8)
15 – Claude Passeau tosses a five-hit shutout. The lone bright spot? Joe Page goes 2 scoreless innings in relief.
Cubs 5, Phillies 0
W: Claude Passeau (5-3) L: Dick Mauney (0-2)
16 – It had to happen. Robin Roberts finally lost a game, but there’s no shame in losing to Shaun Hale, who has been one of the best pitchers in the NL this season.
Cubs 3, Phillies 2
W: Shaun Hale (7-2) L: Robin Roberts (8-1) SV: Whitey Miller (8)
HR: Vince DiMaggio (1)
May 17-19: Boston Braves (15-25, 7th, 10 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (25-15, 1st, 1 GA)
17 – Red Ruffing tosses a four-hit shutout, as Gil Hodges and Larry Doby both hit 2-run home runs, and the Phillies snap their losing streak.
Phillies 5, Braves 0
W: Red Ruffing (5-4) L: Al Javery (5-3)
2B: Red Ruffing (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (9), Larry Doby (5)
18 – A sacrifice fly by the suddenly-surging Ron Northey gives the Phillies the victory in the bottom of the 10th, and extends their league lead to 2 games.
Phillies 5, Braves 4 (10)
W: Ike Pearson (2-1) L: Jim Hickey (0-1)
2B: Ron Northey (8), Charlie Ripple (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (10), Nick Goulish (2)
19 – Dick Mauney can’t buy a win.
Braves 4, Phillies 3
W: Ethan Gornitsky (2-6) L: Dick Mauney (0-3) SV: Elmer Singleton (2)
HR: Nick Goulish (3)
STANDINGS (after games on May 19, 1945)
Code:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 27-16 ---
New York 26-17 1.0
Cincinnati 25-18 2.0
Brooklyn 23-19 3.5
Chicago 21-21 5.5
St. Louis 17-26 10.0
Boston 16-27 11.0
Pittsburgh 16-27 11.0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 27-15 ---
Cleveland 25-17 2.0
New York 25-18 2.5
Washington 21-22 6.5
Philadelphia 21-23 7.0
Chicago 20-22 7.0
Detroit 17-25 10.0
St. Louis 14-28 13.0
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
This is it, The War is almost over for U.S.A. if we do we want Japan to have an MLB Team in the 50's if not, keep what we already did. (including LA and Dallas)
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
Yea, my signature appears to have shrunked. It went on that special K signature Beach diet, and stopped eating so many vowels, which were giving it a large waist line
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
Still going strong, potato! Think you can repeat? :)
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
AthleticsFan2k8: We'll see about Japan. I've already promised Coach a team in Seattle, so I have to honor that. I also have a plan for expansion. Let's just say that Chandler has a change of heart ;)
RedsoxRockies: Good for you! Hopefully, the voters can see the weight-loss and see that you're dedicated to making yourself (and these forums) better for us all! Go A.L.!
CatKnight: Just trying to fill the void left by your broken computer! :D As I said at the beginning of the season, it's going to be fun. With 5 teams within 6 games of each other, I'm going to have one heck of a battle just winning back-to-back pennants. And of course, the Yankees wait for the winner of this fight. I'd like to say yes, but it's incredibly difficult to pick a winner now.
APRIL – MAY 1945
PART IV
With Dick Mauney seemingly unable to win, it is time to make a change. Gene Lambert will become the new #3 starter, as Mauney gets relegated to long relief.
May 20-22: Philadelphia Phillies (27-16, 1st, 1 GA) at St. Louis Cardinals (17-26, 6th, 10 GB)
20 – The Phillies take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth, when a Hugh Casey blowup costs the team the game.
Cardinals 3, Phillies 2
W: Art Lopatka (2-3) L: Hugh Casey (3-4)
2B: Gil Hodges 2 (6)
SB: Ray Hamrick (1)
21 – Al Gerheauser does fabulously in his spot start, but Casey just hasn’t been on his game all season. He allows the winning run to score in the bottom of the 10th.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4 (10)
W: Ted Wilks (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (3-5)
3B: Ron Northey (2)
HR: Vern Stephens (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (7)
22 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 8 over 8 innings of work, allowing just a solo home run, as the offense finally wakes up with some run support.
Phillies 6, Cardinals 1
W: Charlie Ripple (6-0) L: Harry Gumbert (4-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (15), Larry Doby (11), Gil Hodges (7)
HR: Vern Stephens (9), Vince DiMaggio (2)
*
With Hugh Casey off his game, I don’t know where else to turn. I’ll try demoting him to short relief, and let Ed Hanyzewski try his hand in the setup role. Meanwhile, John Fick has been impressive, allowing only 4 hits in 8 innings of relief this season.
*
May 23-26: Philadelphia Phillies (28-18, 1st, 1 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (27-19, 2nd, 1 GB)
23 – Gene Lambert was phenomenal, tossing a complete game 2-hit shutout, as Ron Northey powered the offense with a 3-run home run, giving the Phillies the win.
Phillies 5, Reds 0
W: Gene Lambert (1-0) L: Bucky Walters (6-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (16), Larry Doby (12)
HR: Ron Northey (4)
24 – Robin Roberts continues his incredible run with a 5-hit performance today, outdueling Ewell Blackwell for his 9th win of the season. Andy Seminick’s home run proves the difference.
Phillies 2, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (9-1) L: Ewell Blackwell (4-3)
2B: Ron Northey (9)
HR: Andy Seminick (6)
SB: Vern Stephens (1)
25 – Red Ruffing tosses a 4-hit shutout, and even knocks in 2 runs to support his own cause, as the Phillies are firing on all cylinders.
Phillies 5, Reds 0
W: Red Ruffing (6-4) L: Frank Dasso (4-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (17)
SB: Vince DiMaggio (1)
26 – Despite overcoming a four-run deficit, the Phillies bullpen costs them the game, as Hanyzewski gets victimized by the walk-off win.
Reds 6, Phillies 5
W: Clayton Lambert (4-3) L: Ed Hanyzewski (1-2)
HR: Vern Stephens 2 (11)
May 27-29: Pittsburgh Pirates (19-30, T-7th, 11.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (31-19, 1st, 3 GA)
27 – This wasn’t pretty by any stretch of the imagination. Despite smacking 10 hits, the Phillies only score once, leaving the Pirates on an easy path to victory.
Pirates 4, Phillies 1
W: Paul Troughton (4-5) L: Gene Lambert (1-1)
*
Just as Tommy Hughes was about to come off the DL, Gene Lambert hops on. Lambert has a sprained back, and will be out until mid-June.
*
28 – Robin Roberts allows 7 doubles and 6 runs, as the Phillies comeback attempt falls just a little short.
Pirates 6, Phillies 5
W: Bob Chesnes (4-8) L: Robin Roberts (9-2) SV: Ace Adams (5)
2B: Andy Seminick (10)
3B: Danny Murtaugh (1), Ed Murphy (1)
HR: Larry Doby (6)
SB: Vince DiMaggio (2)
29 – Red Ruffing goes 8 innings, and the offense rallies in the bottom of the 8th to secure the win and avoid a sweep.
Phillies 4, Pirates 2
W: Red Ruffing (7-4) L: Harry Shuman (3-3) SV: Ike Pearson (7)
2B: Vern Stephens (6), Danny Murtaugh (5)
SB: Gil Hodges (1)
May 30: Day Off
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP
STANDINGS (after games on May 30, 1945)
Code:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 32-21 ---
New York 29-23 2.5
Cincinnati 29-24 3.0
Brooklyn 27-24 4.0
Chicago 26-25 5.0
St. Louis 23-29 8.5
Boston 21-31 10.5
Pittsburgh 21-31 10.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 32-20 ---
Cleveland 31-20 0.5
Boston 30-22 2.0
Washington 26-26 6.0
Philadelphia 25-28 7.5
Chicago 24-28 8.0
Detroit 20-31 11.5
St. Louis 19-32 12.5
SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader
BATTING
Code:
1945 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
LaForest, Ty PHI 2 .500 6 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 .500 .571
Culberson, Leon PHI 15 .333 15 5 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 1 5 .400 .444
Rizzuto, Phil PHI 51 .322 211 68 17 2 0 20 11 7 2 32 22 .422 .381
Peterman, Bill PHI 5 .308 13 4 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 3 1 .308 .357
Goulish, Nick PHI 43 .304 92 28 4 1 3 11 11 0 0 11 18 .467 .375
Doby, Larry PHI 53 .302 215 65 12 5 6 19 19 1 1 33 32 .488 .357
Murphy, Ed PHI 29 .300 30 9 0 1 0 6 1 0 0 3 7 .367 .405
Stephens, Vern PHI 53 .283 205 58 6 0 11 17 23 1 0 30 28 .473 .338
Seminick, Andy PHI 52 .277 191 53 10 0 6 30 20 0 0 31 19 .424 .377
Hodges, Gil PHI 50 .270 196 53 7 3 10 19 25 1 2 26 39 .490 .327
Lambert, Gene PHI 2 .250 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 .250
DiMaggio, Vince PHI 38 .245 94 23 4 0 2 10 18 2 0 10 9 .351 .314
Blatnik, Johnny PHI 18 .243 70 17 3 1 0 8 6 0 0 8 6 .314 .321
Ripple, Charlie PHI 13 .242 33 8 1 0 0 1 12 0 0 3 4 .273 .257
Northey, Ron PHI 50 .241 174 42 9 2 4 17 18 0 0 20 19 .385 .311
Murtaugh, Danny PHI 47 .237 118 28 5 1 0 14 13 3 2 12 6 .297 .321
Hamrick, Ray PHI 39 .231 65 15 2 0 0 3 9 1 0 4 6 .262 .265
Ruffing, Red PHI 13 .229 35 8 2 0 0 1 8 0 0 1 4 .286 .250
Roberts, Robin PHI 13 .200 35 7 1 2 0 4 11 0 0 8 5 .343 .275
Hughes, Tommy PHI 7 .176 17 3 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 1 .176 .222
Sanicki, Ed PHI 4 .100 10 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 .100 .250
Mauney, Dick PHI 4 .100 10 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 .100 .100
Gerheauser, Al PHI 1 .000 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 12 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Casey, Hugh PHI 16 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Page, Joe PHI 3 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
PITCHING
Code:
1945 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Fick, John PHI 8.0 0.00 6 0 1 0 0 4 3 7.88
Pearson, Ike PHI 13.2 1.98 12 0 2 1 7 6 3 7.90
Lambert, Gene PHI 15.0 2.40 2 2 1 1 0 9 4 9.60
Roberts, Robin PHI 105.0 2.49 13 13 9 2 0 31 36 11.23
Hughes, Tommy PHI 52.0 2.60 7 7 2 3 0 24 15 9.87
Ruffing, Red PHI 105.2 2.64 13 13 7 4 0 44 36 11.50
Ripple, Charlie PHI 93.0 3.48 13 13 6 0 0 70 29 12.19
Casey, Hugh PHI 24.1 3.70 16 0 3 5 1 10 7 11.47
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 19.2 4.12 12 0 1 2 2 12 3 11.90
Gerheauser, Al PHI 8.0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 14.63
Mauney, Dick PHI 29.0 4.66 4 4 0 3 0 12 13 14.59
Page, Joe PHI 5.1 5.06 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 13.50
LEAGUE LEADERS
Code:
NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Wally Judnich (NYG) .347
HR - Stan Musial (CIN) 15
RBI - Stan Musial (CIN) 48
SB - Jackie Robinson (BRO) 8
Jeff Cross (STL)
W - Robin Roberts (PHI) 9
ERA - Al Javery (BOB) 2.33
Shaun Hale (CHC)
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI) 70
SV - Whitey Miller (CHC) 10
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Barney McCosky (DET) .365
HR - Ted Williams (BOS) 14
RBI - Bobby Doerr (BOS) 45
SB - George Case (CHW) 10
W - Tiny Bonham (NYY) 9
Dizzy Trout (BOS)
ERA - Mickey Haefner (WSH) 2.23
K - Hal Newhouser (DET) 60
SV - Moe Burtschy (PHA) 9
I’m proud to announce a brand new segment in my dynasty. It’ll be a rundown of the movers and shakers in the Phillies’ minor league system. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I’m proud to present to you…
THE JOLLY FARM REVUE
TOP PROSPECT WATCH (peak of 90+)
SP Harvey Haddix (73/94) [19] – 4-1, 3.19 ERA, 23 K for AAA Utica
SP Jake Thies (58/92) [19] – 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 4 K for R Clearwater
RP Don Grate (80/93) [21] – 3-2, 2.21 ERA, 1 SV for AA Wilmington
1B Dale Long (56/95) [19] - .326, 3 HR, 13 RBI for R Clearwater
PROMOTIONS
FROM AA (Wilmington) TO AAA (Utica)
SP Bill McCahan – 6-0, 2.03 ERA in 62 IP
SP Eric Whelan – 6-0, 2.74 ERA in 69 IP
RP Don Grate – 3-2, 2.21 ERA, 1 SV in 53 IP
RP Hilly Flitcraft – 1-1, 2.85 ERA, 4 SV in 47 IP
C Bob Finley - .323, 32 RBI
3B Nick Picciuto - .401, 30 RBI
FROM A (Greensboro) TO AA (Wilmington)
SP Kent Bickett – 4-0, 2.65 ERA in 37 IP
SP Jeff Walker – 5-1, 3.00 ERA in 66 IP
3B Bert Hodge - .414, 41 RBI
SS John O’Neil - .416, 42 RBI
FROM R (Clearwater) TO A (Greensboro)
SP Jake Thies – 1-0, 3.00 ERA in 24 IP
1B Dale Long - .326, 3 HR, 13 RBI
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
JUNE – JULY 1945
PART I
The blockbuster trade I had hoped for has backfired to some degree. Vince DiMaggio is hitting only .207 (17/82) since putting on a Phillies uniform. He’ll be replaced in left field by Nick Goulish.
May 31 – June 2: Philadelphia Phillies (32-21, 1st, 2.5 GA) at New York Giants (29-23, 2nd, 2.5 GB)
31 – Charlie Ripple stays perfect on the season, striking out 5 over 8 innings, as Ike Pearson survives a scare to nail down the save.
Phillies 3, Giants 2
W: Charlie Ripple (7-0) L: Van Mungo (3-6) SV: Ike Pearson (8)
2B: Larry Doby (13), Gil Hodges (8)
SB: Nick Goulish (1)
1 – Larry Jansen goes 8 strong, and Tommy Hughes is again on the wrong end of the decision.
Giants 4, Phillies 3
W: Larry Jansen (5-4) L: Tommy Hughes (2-4) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (7)
2B: Gil Hodges (9)
2 – Robin Roberts continues his torrid season, becoming the first National League pitcher to 10 wins, as the Phillies roll to take the series from the Giants.
Phillies 6, Giants 1
W: Robin Roberts (10-2) L: Bill Voiselle (6-4)
2B: Andy Seminick (11), Gil Hodges (10), Danny Murtaugh (6)
*
The all-time leader in Saves officially retired today.
Johnny Murphy pitched 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the New York Yankees. He was a 4-time All-Star, and won 7 championships. His 103 saves is the all-time record, and is at least 1 great season away from being equaled.
*
June 3-5: Cincinnati Reds (32-24, 2nd, 2 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-22, 1st, 2 GA)
3 – A 14-inning thriller before a sellout crowd of 33,000, the Phillies manage to walk-off with a victory after Vern Stephen’s 12th home run of the season.
Phillies 5, Reds 4 (14)
W: Hugh Casey (4-5) L: Walker Cress (1-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (11), Vern Stephens (7), Red Ruffing 2 (4)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (12)
SB: Larry Doby (2)
4 – Everything was going great until a 5-run 7th inning by the Reds, giving Charlie Ripple his first loss of the season.
Reds 10, Phillies 1
W: Frank Dasso (6-3) L: Charlie Ripple (7-1)
2B: Charlie Ripple (2)
5 – The Phillies pound out 12 hits in support of Tommy Hughes, who only allows 2 runs over 8 innings of work, giving the Phillies the series.
Phillies 6, Reds 2
W: Tommy Hughes (3-4) L: Bucky Walters (7-4)
2B: Vern Stephens (8), Nick Goulish (5), Vince DiMaggio (5)
HR: Vern Stephens (13), Larry Doby (7)
Code:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 36-23 ---
Cincinnati 33-25 3.0
Brooklyn 31-25 4.0
Chicago 30-26 4.5
New York 31-26 4.5
Pittsburgh 24-34 11.5
St. Louis 23-34 12.0
Boston 23-35 12.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 36-21 ---
Boston 35-23 1.5
Cleveland 33-24 3.0
Washington 29-29 7.5
Chicago 28-30 8.5
Philadelphia 27-32 10.0
Detroit 22-35 14.0
St. Louis 20-36 15.5
*
Re: Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )
JUNE 5, 1945
MLB DRAFT
We were gathered in Chicago, almost 1 year exactly after the D-Day invasions. It would be decision time for many franchises as the 4th Annual Amateur Draft was set to take place. It was such a nice feeling having the last pick: I was like a hawk, carefully studying all that unfolded before me. I had run through about 20 different scenarios in my head, and had a plan for every one. Here was my mini-board as I sat at the table:
1. SP Billy Pierce
2. SP Bill Miller
3. CF Richie Ashburn
4. 1B Joe Adcock
5. RF Jackie Jensen
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However, the top 4 on my board were gone by the time I had a chance to think about it. Pierce went to Cincinnati at #3, Ashburn went to the Cubs at #7, Miller was taken at #10 by the Giants, and Adcock was selected right after by the Dodgers. So when I stepped up to the podium, my mind was pretty much made up.
“With the 16th pick, the Philadelphia Phillies select RF Jackie Jensen from San Francisco, CA.”
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In the 2nd round, I decided to address my 2nd base issue. Danny Murtaugh is the starter, but is putting up regrettable numbers. Ray Hamrick is the backup, but not only is he putting up worse numbers, I feel that he’s better as a utility player. With a few options available, I decided to take the kid from St. Thomas, PA: 2B Nellie Fox.
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Hudson and Arroyo are practically the same pitcher: lefty relievers with a power tendency. I only had 5 lefty pitchers in my minor league system, so those are the obvious choices.
I decided to take a flier on the 16-year-old Pullen. My report says that he can hit 95 consistently, so he could be a star in the making.
Usher was the best player, in my opinion, left after 95 others had gone before him.
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Jensen will begin his professional career in A Greensboro, while the other 5 draftees will report to R Clearwater.
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Code:
# TEAM PLAYER (PEAK)
1. St. Louis Browns RP Dick Weik (92)
2. Detroit Tigers RP Dick Welteroth (93)
3. Cincinnati Reds SP Billy Pierce (86)
4. Boston Braves SP Herm Wehmeier (92)
5. Philadelphia Athletics SP Dick Donovan (88)
6. Pittsburgh Pirates SP Chris Whalen (86)
7. Chicago Cubs CF Richie Ashburn (91)
8. Chicago White Sox SP Cloyd Boyer (91)
9. Washington Senators SP Brett Wade (85)
10. New York Giants SP Bill Miller (92)
11. Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Joe Adcock (95)
12. St. Louis Cardinals SP Cal Hogue (91)
13. Cleveland Indians RP Doug Shoemake (82)
14. Boston Red Sox RP Bob Chakales (86)
15. New York Yankees SP Jack Harshman (82)
16. Philadelphia Phillies RF Jackie Jensen (91)
32. Philadelphia Phillies 2B Nellie Fox (80)
48. Philadelphia Phillies RP Hal Hudson (81)
64. Philadelphia Phillies RP Luis Arroyo (78)
80. Philadelphia Phillies SP Jason Pullen (76)
96. Philadelphia Phillies 1B James Usher (72)
17. St. Louis Browns C Smoky Burgess (88)
33. St. Louis Browns RP Johnny Klippstein (83)
39. Chicago Cubs 1B Vic Power (84)
67. Cincinnati Reds 2B Davey Williams (81)
71. Chicago Cubs RP Tommy Lasorda (83)
92. St. Louis Cardinals LF Dusty Rhodes (71)
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Does anyone else find it weird that the top 5 players on my board all went to the top 5 teams in the National League?
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Unable to catch on with another team, free agent 1B Dolph Camilli retired today.
Dolph played 12 seasons with the Cubs, Phillies, and Dodgers, winning the MVP award in 1941 (.285, 34 HR, 120 RBI) and helping the Dodgers to the World Series. The 38-year-old Camilli was a 4-time All-Star, and finishes his career with 285 HR, which is good for 8th all-time.
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