For god's sake who is it!?!?!?
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For god's sake who is it!?!?!?
My Guess is Nick
RedsoxRockies: I guess I have been a little too "death-reliant" in this dynasty. It's just...once the blood starts flowing, you just can't stop it! :D
GoSensGo: Let me stall just a little bit longer...
...Okay, I think we're ready.
SEPTEMBER 30
*Quote:
Originally Posted by The Philadelphia Enquirer
Talk about bad timing.
Did your manager push him too hard?
GoSens: I don't want to give too much away, but it is really bad timing on his part.
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 3
With the team without a starter, Bucky Harris turned to the wily veteran, Red Ruffing, on only 2 days rest. Ruffing (18-10, 3.17 ERA, 154 K) started and lost Game 1, but willingly stepped forward to start today in place of the late Jack Kraus.
The Yankees would counter with Spud Chandler. The 20-game winner (22-6, 2.95 ERA) is making his first World Series start in 3 years. He has quite an arsenal of pitches, bringing a fastball, curve, slider, forkball, and a knuckler to the mound.
The rust on Ruffing was evident immediately, as he reached 3-ball counts on every batter in the first inning. With one out, Tommy Henrich doubled, then scored on a Harlond Clift single. Yankees 1, Phillies 0. Joe DiMaggio followed with a double of his own, scoring Clift. Yankees 2, Phillies 0. Fortunately, Ruffing was able to bear down and retire the Yankees without surrendering another run.
Chandler, however, was a bundle of nerves. With one out, Johnny Blatnik and Ron Northey both singled in front of Gil Hodges, who slashed a run-scoring double to left field. Yankees 2, Phillies 1. Vern Stephens followed with a double of his own, knocking in two. Phillies 3, Yankees 2.
Both teams recorded 2-out hits in the second, but could not score.
The Yankees ran themselves out of the third inning, when Joe DiMaggio tried to go from first to third on a single to left. Johnny Blatnik wasn’t having any of that, though, and threw Joe D. out at third.
With one out in the bottom of the third, Hodges walked, and Stephens singled, setting up Andy Seminick, who poked a single through the middle. Phillies 4, Yankees 2.
The Yankees were sent down in order in the 4th. The Phillies managed a two-out walk, but no runs.
Spud Chandler was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the 5th, and Russ Derry slapped a double to left field. 3 batters later, he was still on second, but Joe DiMaggio singled him home. Phillies 4, Yankees 3.
Ron Northey greeted reliever Hank Bowory with a base hit. After a strikeout and 2 walks, the Phillies had the bases loaded for pinch-hitter Ed Murphy, who took a 3-1 fastball up the middle for 2 RBI. Phillies 6, Yankees 3.
A leadoff double sets up a Yankees run, but Red Ruffing bore down, and retired the side without surrendering more. Phillies 6, Yankees 4.
With 2 out in the bottom of the 6th, Ron Northey (yes, him again) stepped up to the plate. He smashed a hanging curveball into the left field bleachers for his 3rd home run in as many games! Phillies 7, Yankees 4. Northey is now 1 homer away from tying Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig for the all-time record in a single Series.
But the story of the day was Red Ruffing. On only 2 days rest, the 39-year-old went 8 innings, allowing 4 runs on 12 hits and striking out 4. While it wasn’t his best performance of the season, it was certainly the most important. Ike Pearson came on in the ninth inning to nail down the victory, and the Phillies were all of a sudden in the drivers seat!
Phillies 7, Yankees 4
Phillies lead series, 2-1
W: Red Ruffing L: Spud Chandler SV: Ike Pearson
Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
September 30, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 12 0
Phillies (PHI) 3 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 x 7 13 0
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 5 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 .302
F. Hayes (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .259
B. Hassett (1B) 4 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 .307
S. Chandler (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .149
R. Derry (PH) 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .241
H. Borowy (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .067
H. Sauer (PH) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .220
A. Carrasquel (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
A. Robinson (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .429
TOTALS 37 12 1 4 0 4 4 0
2B: C. Ross, J. DiMaggio, T. Henrich, R. Derry, H. Sauer
CS: B. Hassett
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
S. Chandler 4.0 7 2 0 4 4 1 70 2.95
H. Borowy 1.0 3 2 0 2 2 1 25 2.28
A. Carrasquel 3.0 3 0 1 1 1 2 43 3.46
TOTALS 8.0 13 4 1 7 7 4 138
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 5 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 5 3 0 3 1 1 0 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 2 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 .277
H. Marnie (1B) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
V. Stephens (3B) 4 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
E. Murphy (PH) 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .226
R. Hamrick (2B) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
L. Doby (CF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235
R. Ruffing (P) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .160
I. Pearson (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 35 13 4 7 1 7 4 0
2B: P. Rizzuto, V. Stephens, G. Hodges
HR: R. Northey
GIDP: D. Murtaugh
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
R. Ruffing 8.0 12 1 0 4 4 4 139 3.17
I. Pearson 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2.51
TOTALS 9.0 12 1 0 4 4 4 146
WP: R. Ruffing
LP: S. Chandler
SV: I. Pearson
Temperature: 61F
Wind: 4 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 3:05
You should just start Red the rest of the season. :D
GoSensGo: I wish I could :D ! The problem, though, is that I don't know how much his 39-year-old arm can take.
GAME 4 is coming later TONIGHT!
Literally fell asleep at my computer. Sorry for the delay. Hope you weren't holding your breath!
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 4
As Red Ruffing had done the day before, Charlie Ripple would get the start today on only 2 days rest. The Yankees would send Game 1 winner Bill Bevens to the mound, hoping to even the series.
Charlie got 2 quick outs, surrendered 2 walks, then retired the fifth batter. His velocity isn’t as sharp as it normally is. Granted, he’s still throwing about 95, but he’s usually around 99.
“Scooter” Rizzuto led off with a walk, and came in to score the game’s first run on a double by Johnny Blatnik. Phillies 1, Yankees 0. Johnny would later score on a Gil Hodges’ sacrifice fly. Phillies 2, Yankees 0.
Larry Doby’s had a tough series. In the 2nd inning, he drops a fly ball that leads to a Yankees run, and he grounds into an inning-ending double play in the bottom half. Phillies 2, Yankees 1.
A leadoff walk in the top of the third inning sparks a two-run frame for the Bronx Bombers, giving them the lead. Yankees 3, Phillies 2.
The Phillies struck back big time in the bottom of the 4th. Ron Northey and Gil Hodges walked, setting up Vern Stephens, who blasted a 3-1 fastball over the left-field fence for a go-ahead 3-run home run! Phillies 5, Yankees 3.
The euphoria of the fans, however, was to be short lived, as Chet Ross promptly tied the game with a 2-run shot of his own in the top of the 5th. Phillies 5, Yankees 5. The Yanks would regain the lead with a sacrifice fly later in the inning. Yankees 6, Phillies 5.
The game had become a battle of the bullpens. The Yankees’ Butch Wensloff had come in after Stephens’ home run and had retired 8 straight entering the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Ed Hanyzewski had taken over for the Phillies, and he tossed a perfect 2 innings. Which brings us to the bottom of the 7th, with the score still 6-5 in favor of the visiting Yankees.
Danny Murtaugh led off with a sinking line drive down the right field line that the umpire ruled fair. As Danny flew around the bases, he decided to get greedy and try for third. However, a perfect relay throw by Joe Gordon nailed him at the bag! The Phillies Phaithful groaned, and were even louder when the next batter, Larry Doby, lined a single into right-centerfield. Surely, Murtaugh would’ve scored and tied the game on that play. Instead, the Phillies still trailed by a run. Needless to say, the Phils were kept off the board.
Ed Hanyzewski was still dealing, surrendering his first baserunner on a walk, but retiring the side easily.
And so we came to the bottom of the 8th inning: an inning which will forever be remembered as one of the most exciting innings in the history of baseball. Wensloff was still on the bump, and doing a great job. Until he plunked Johnny Blatnik with a wild knuckleball. Ron Northey followed with a Texas League double to the gap, sending Blatnik to third. Wensloff’s first pitch to Gil Hodges was another knuckler, but catcher Frankie Hayes let it get away! Blatnik scampered home to tie the game! Phillies 6, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Gil Hodges got the green light on 3-0, and poked a single into right field to score Northey. The Phillies had taken the lead! Phillies 7, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Vern Stephens chopped a 3-1 fastball deep toward the hole at short. Pee Wee Reese (one of the best fielding shortstops in the A.L.) reached down to get the ball…and came up without it. When the dust had settled, everyone was safe!
To make matters worse, Wensloff walked the next batter, Andy Seminick, to load the bases! Even worse, pinch-hitter Ed Murphy followed Andy’s walk with a walk of his own, walking in a run! Phillies 8, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Well, it was for Wensloff. Howie Krist came into the game to try and stop the bleeding, as Phillies closer Ike Pearson hurriedly warmed up for the save situation.
Larry Doby was up next, and while he didn’t get a hit, he did hit the ball deep enough for Stephens to tag and score another run! Phillies 9, Yankees 6!
Ed Hanyzewski was unable to get the bunt down, and ended up flying out to shallow centerfield.
But the inning wasn't over.
Phil Rizzuto, however, walked, loading the bases for Johnny Blatnik.
Johnny took Krist’s first pitch low and away for ball one. The second pitch, a 90-mph fastball right over the heart of the plate, was not taken. It was driven deep into the twilight sky at Shibe Park, eventually coming to rest amid a sea of Phillie Phanatics in the right-field bleachers for a GRAND SLAM! Phillies 13, Yankees 6!
And while Krist got Northey to strike out to end the frame, the damage had been done. 8 runs. In the span of a half-hour, the Yankees had gone from leading by 1 run, to trailing by 7.
From there, it was really elementary. Hanyzewski stayed out for the ninth, and pitched a perfect inning, slamming the door on the face of the disheartened Yankees.
Phillies 13, Yankees 7
Phillies lead series, 3-1
W: Ed Hanyzewski L: Butch Wensloff
HR: Vern Stephens, Chet Ross, Johnny Blatnik
The Yankees are in dire straights right now, but the following should be noted: the very same Yankees were in the same position the Phillies are in right now, up 3-1 with Game 5 at home. We all remember what happened last season: the Cardinals rallied to win the World Series in Game 7. Keep this nugget in the back of your mind, just for proof that no team, no matter how long the odds, should never be counted out until that last out is recorded.Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
October 1, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 9 1
Phillies (PHI) 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 8 x 13 9 1
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 4 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 5 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 3 1 0 1 1 3 2 0 .302
R. Derry (PH-LF) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
F. Hayes (C) 3 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 .259
O. Grimes (1B) 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 .255
B. Bevens (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .141
B. Wensloff (P) 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .333
H. Krist (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
TOTALS 34 9 6 6 1 6 7 1
2B: J. Gordon
HR: C. Ross
GIDP: J. DiMaggio
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
B. Bevens 3.1 3 4 1 5 5 1 60 3.14
B. Wensloff 3.2 5 2 0 6 2 1 65 3.48
H. Krist 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 1 19 1.79
TOTALS 8.0 9 7 2 13 7 3 144
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 3 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 4 2 0 3 1 5 0 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 4 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 2 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 .277
V. Stephens (3B) 4 2 0 2 1 3 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .277
E. Murphy (PH) 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 .226
R. Hamrick (2B) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
L. Doby (CF) 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .235
C. Ripple (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .202
E. Hanyzewski (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
TOTALS 29 9 7 13 2 12 3 0
2B: R. Northey, D. Murtaugh, J. Blatnik
HR: V. Stephens, J. Blatnik
HBP: J. Blatnik
GIDP: L. Doby, A. Seminick
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
C. Ripple 5.0 9 5 1 6 5 5 123 2.89
E. Hanyzewski 4.0 0 1 0 0 0 2 46 3.27
TOTALS 9.0 9 6 1 6 5 7 169
WP: E. Hanyzewski
LP: B. Wensloff
Temperature: 48F
Wind: 8 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 3:07
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 5
The Yankees were backed into a corner. Trailing 3-1 in the World Series, they needed to win today to head back home to the Stadium, where the Phillies’ 2-headed monster of Ruffing and Ripple would be waiting for them. However, if they don’t win today, there is no Game 6, so why not go out with guns a-blazin’! The Bombers gave the ball to their #1 pitcher, Tiny Bonham. Bonham pitched 7 innings in Game 2, getting a no decision when his team rallied to take him off the hook.
The Phillies, meanwhile, were going to go with 23-year-old Gene Lambert. With the untimely death of Jack Kraus and the injury to Tommy Hughes, it just makes sense for manager Bucky Harris to fall back on his spot starter. Lambert started 13 games for Philadelphia this season, compiling a 7-3 record with a 2.93 ERA in 104 IP, while recording 80 K.
Lambert retired the first 2 Yankees on fly outs, but ran into trouble, walking Harlond Clift, then allowing a single to Joe DiMaggio. Joe Gordon followed with a two-run double, and the Yankees grabbed the early lead. Yankees 2, Phillies 0. Chet Ross followed with a single, and Gordon came around to score. Yankees 3, Phillies 0.
The Phillies would strike back in the bottom half, as Gil Hodges singled home Phil Rizzuto to put the home team on the board. Yankees 3, Phillies 1.
The Yankees loaded the bases with 1 out in the 3rd inning, but an incredible leaping catch by Vern Stephens prevented a run from scoring.
Hodges drove in another run in the bottom of the 3rd, thanks to a sacrifice fly. Yankees 3, Phillies 2.
Both pitchers seemed to hit stride right about this time. Lambert and Bonham were both pitching great games, and the score remained 3-2 after 6 innings.
The Yankees managed to get two runners on against Lambert, but were unable to increase their lead.
With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Larry Doby stepped up to bat. He lashed a single to left, and advanced to second base when Ross misplayed the ball in the outfield. The Phillies had a golden opportunity to tie the game, but let it slip out of their grasp with 2 straight groundouts.
The Phillies had another chance in the 8th, when Bonham walked the leadoff batter. However, Ron Northey grounded into a double play, killing the rally.
Jim Hickey came on for the save, and mercifully retired Stephens, Seminick, and Murtaugh, to send the series back to the Bronx.
Yankees 3, Phillies 2
Phillies lead series, 3-2
W: Tiny Bonham L: Gene Lambert SV: Jim Hickey
Uh oh. :eek:Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
October 2, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 1
Phillies (PHI) 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 4 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .302
R. Derry (LF) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
F. Hayes (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .259
O. Grimes (1B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .255
T. Bonham (P) 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .157
A. Robinson (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .429
J. Hickey (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
TOTALS 34 7 3 3 0 3 2 0
2B: J. Gordon
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
T. Bonham 8.0 7 2 0 2 2 3 110 3.34
J. Hickey 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 3.72
TOTALS 9.0 7 2 0 2 2 3 122
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 3 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 .277
V. Stephens (3B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .277
L. Doby (CF) 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235
G. Lambert (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .139
E. Murphy (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
H. Casey (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 31 7 2 2 0 2 3 0
2B: V. Stephens
GIDP: R. Northey, G. Lambert
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
G. Lambert 7.0 7 3 0 3 3 2 118 2.93
H. Casey 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 1.85
TOTALS 9.0 7 3 0 3 3 2 139
WP: T. Bonham
LP: G. Lambert
SV: J. Hickey
Temperature: 50F
Wind: 2 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 2:34
Come on! Just one more win! One more!
--Pet
This is a great dynasty you have created, your style is great. GO PHILLIES
petrel: I would've liked to have done it at home, but Game 6 is just as nice, I suppose...
gogosox: Welcome and thanks! Always nice to get new readers.
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 6
While he may not be fully recovered from his Herculean efforts in Game 3, Red Ruffing will be our starter today. Red lost Game 1, but won Game 3, and now has a chance to clinch the World Series against the team that chose to let him go at the end of last season.
Spud Chandler will take the ball for the Yankees, completing the Game 3 rematch. Chandler lost Game 3, but is ready to redeem himself by forcing a deciding 7th game tomorrow!
Phil Rizzuto led off the game with a shot back through the box for a base hit. Scooter promptly stole second base, putting the Phillies in a great situation. Johnny Blatnik tapped a comebacker to the pitcher Chandler, who fired to third in time to get Rizzuto. A Ron Northey single afterwards only added to the Phillies’ misery, and the opportunity would be lost, as Chandler bore down to retire the side.
Meanwhile, Red was dealing. He set the Yanks down in order the first two innings. Both pitchers were tossing shutouts through 4.
Danny Murtaugh led of the top of the 5th with a ground out. Larry Doby bounced a ball back to the pitcher, but Chandler threw it into the grandstand, sending Larry to second base. After a Ruffing walk, Phil Rizzuto smacked a double to right-center, scoring Doby with the game’s first run. Phillies 1, Yankees 0. Johnny Blatnik followed with a 2-run single, and the Phillies were in command. Phillies 3, Yankees 0.
But not for long. Chet Ross led off with a double, and Frankie Hayes followed with a triple, plating the first run of the day for the home team. Phillies 3, Yankees 1. Oscar Grimes followed with a base hit of his own, cutting the deficit. Phillies 3, Yankees 2. 2 walks and 2 outs later, the bases were loaded for Joe DiMaggio. However, Joltin’ Joe grounded out to end the threat.
And it would stay 3-2 in favor of the Phillies until the 9th inning, when Ray Hamrick (a defensive replacement at 2B for Murtaugh) scampered home on a Howie Krist wild pitch. Phillies 4, Yankees 2. Ruffing’s day was done after another gutsy performance: 8 IP, 2 ER, 3 K on 119 pitches.
It was up to the closer, Ike Pearson, to finish the job.
Pearson had recorded 18 saves during the course of the season. Suffice to say, this was the most important.
One thing that I must mention now is the defensive replacement brought in by manager Bucky Harris. With a 2-run lead, he deemed it necessary to put Harry Marnie in at first base in place of Gil Hodges. I mention this now, because it will factor into the outcome of the game.
Ike was clearly a little nervous, going to a 3-0 count with the leadoff batter, Chet Ross. Ross would take the next pitch to right for a base hit.
‘Oh no’, I thought to myself, ‘this can’t be good.’
Aaron Robinson had grabbed a bat to pinch-hit for fellow catcher Frankie Hayes. He would put the bat back down two pitches later, after flying out to Doby in centerfield. 1 OUT.
Oscar Grimes stepped up to the plate, and Chet Ross took second on defensive indifference. With a 3-1 count, Grimes bounced a ball toward right field. Ray Hamrick dove at it, and knocked the ball down, but there wasn’t a play anywhere. The Yankees now had the winning run at the plate. It was going to be Hank Sauer.
If you remember, Sauer was in a similar situation in Game 2 of the Series. Trailing by 3 in the bottom of the 7th, Sauer smashed a game-tying pinch-hit 3-run home run. Now, representing the winning run, he had a chance to force a Game 7 with one swing of the bat.
The hoodlums in the bleachers were going crazy. The noise was deafening, I could barely hear myself think. Bucky had a worried look on his face in the dugout. Nick was gnawing at his fingertips. Elizabeth (of course I brought her) clutched at my arm, digging her Phillies’ red nails into my suit jacket.
Ike wiped the sweat from his brow. Andy Seminick went out to the mound to talk to him, then returned to his crouch behind home plate. Pearson reached back, and fired…
…low and away with a curveball. BALL ONE.
The outfielders nervously fidgeted, playing deep in the outfield. Preventing doubles was the name of the game, as the runner on first represented the tying run.
Pearson tossed the resin bag around for a few seconds, trying to regain composure. He toed the rubber, wheeled and fired a fastball…
…high. BALL TWO.
The fans were going bonkers. If it was loud before, it was ungodly now. Perhaps the baseball gods were biased towards the Yankees. Perhaps they are unbeatable.
Pearson stepped off again to collect his thoughts. He stepped back on, reared, and fired…
…waaaaaaay outside with a fastball. BALL THREE.
At that very moment, time seemed to stand still. I saw pitching coach Boom-Boom Beck relay the sign into Andy behind the plate. I could see the beads of sweat on Ike’s forehead. I could hear the screams of 70,000 Yankees fans. I could feel Elizabeth’s grip getting tighter and tighter around my arm. I could smell the delicious aroma of hot dogs and beer. I could taste victory, but it was slipping away…
Ike finally got a sign he liked. He nodded, and moved into the set position. He looked at Ross dancing up and down the third-base line. He flashed a glance over at Grimes at first base. Harry Marnie was playing behind the runner. This ball was going to the plate.
He wound and delivered. His wrist snapped off a curveball, just like he had done thousands of times. The sphere hurtled toward the plate. It was easily the best pitch of the at bat, low and away, but definitely in the zone. Sauer took a mighty cut at the ball…
…CRACK…
The ball shot off his bat down the first base line. Marnie took two steps and dove…
…SKIP…THUD…
The ball stuck in his glove, but time was running out. Ross was streaking towards home, Grimes was on his way to second, and Sauer was racing Pearson to the bag at first. Marnie, a former Gold Glover winner at shortstop, had to make a decision purely on instinct.
Harry scrambled to his feet, turned and fired the ball to second base.
Phil Rizzuto caught the ball, tapped the second base bag with his right foot, and fired back to first in one fluid motion.
Pearson set himself for the throw. Sauer stretched for the bag…
…BANGBANG…
The umpire paused a minute, as if trying to add to the suspense.
“OUT!”
Harry Marnie leapt into the waiting arms of Ike Pearson. The Phillies raced out of their dugout to join the pig pile at first base. Fans and players alike were crying, because the impossible had happened.
THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!!!
Phillies 4, Yankees 2
Phillies win series, 4-2
W: Red Ruffing L: Spud Chandler SV: Ike Pearson
MVP: Phillies RF Ron Northey - .400 (10/25), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 7 R, 1.000 F%
Despite going AWOL in the last 3 games, Ron deserves the award simply because he carried the offense with one of the more impressive performances you will ever see (HR in 3 consecutive World Series games). A strong case could’ve been made for Red Ruffing.
***
It was about 6:30 in the afternoon when the trophy was finally presented to us. I immediately gave it to Ron Northey, and let the players have their fun. I spoke with Bucky before I left, and made sure to tell him that he was in charge of getting that trophy back to Philadelphia for the parade on Friday. Meanwhile, I was going to have some fun of my own. Nick got us into a fancy restaurant, so I’m taking Elizabeth out tonight in celebration. And boy, is there a lot to celebrate! After 61 fruitless seasons, the Phillies were finally champions of the world!
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Congrats!
Bah!
Suspenseful. When you said defensive replacement, I immediently thought of Bill Buckner.
3Run, CatKnight: Thanks!
Coach: :D
GoSens: I know, suspense was what I was going for. There was the thought that he would hit another home run, which would've really screwed me, but thankfully, I had a SS playing at 1B!
Although, Gil won last year's 1B Gold Glove...
1944 SEASON AWARDS
NL MVP: Cardinals LF Stan Musial - .330, 31 HR, 115 RBI
Falling just 4 RBIs short of a Batting Triple Crown, Musial earns his 3rd MVP award in his 3rd season.
NL CY: Phillies SP Charlie Ripple – 21-9, 2.89 ERA, 194 K
NL ROY: Phillies SP Charlie Ripple - 21-9, 2.89 ERA, 194 K
Clearly the best pitcher in the National League. Unlike Musial, he won the Triple Crown (of pitching), and has an extraordinarily bright future ahead of him.
NL GG:
P – Tommy Hughes, Phillies (1)
C – Roy Campanella, Dodgers (2)
1B – Gil Hodges, Phillies (2)
2B – Frankie Gustine, Pirates (1)
3B – Bobby Rhawn, Giants (1)
SS – Huck Geary, Pirates (2)
OF – Stan Musial, Cardinals (2)
OF – Bob Elliott, Pirates (2)
OF – Joe Medwick, Dodgers (1)
AL MVP: Red Sox LF Ted Williams - .336, 38 HR, 117 RBI
What more can be said about the Splendid Splinter? This is his 2nd MVP award in 3 years, and he would’ve won last season if he didn’t get injured.
AL CY: Yankees SP Spud Chandler – 22-6, 2.95 ERA, 105 K
In a close race, Chandler beats out teammate Tiny Bonham and Cleveland ace Allie Reynolds. I think it was the no-hitter in August that tipped the scales.
AL ROY: Browns C Frank Mancuso - .209, 0 HR, 22 RBI
Seriously? This is the best rookie in the American League?
AL GG:
P – Dizzy Trout, Red Sox (1)
C – Ernie Lombardi, Indians (1)
1B – Rudy York, Tigers (2)
2B – Bobby Doerr, Red Sox (3)
3B – Ellis Clary, Senators (2)
SS – Pee Wee Reese, Yankees (2)
OF – Ted Williams, Red Sox (1)
OF – Tommy Henrich, Yankees (1)
OF – Stan Spence, Senators (1)
Now, for some in-house awards:
Chuck Klein Award for Best Major League Hitter
3B Vern Stephens
Grover Alexander Award for Best Major League Pitcher
SP Charlie Ripple
Crash Davis Award for Best Minor League Hitter
C Bill Peterman - .342, 4 HR, 96 RBI for AAA Utica
Ron Necciai Award for Best Minor League Pitcher
SP Charley Schanz – 11-2, 2.23 ERA, 28 K for AAA Utica
You should give out your own major league awards, then we wont have ROY like Mancuso.
RedsoxRockies: A great idea! My AL ROY probably would've gone to Mancuso's teammate, Babe Martin. The 24-year-old LF went .247/4HR/31RBI/8SB for the Browns this season. Again, not spectacular, but well above the actual winner.
MANAGIERIAL NEWS
Giants player-manager Mel Ott will not be back next season, as he was not renewed by the Giants.
Browns manager Luke Sewell was fired today, and will be replaced by owner-GM Richard Zimmerman.
1944 FREE AGENCY
Fortunately, we only had 2 arbitration cases to deal with, and we declined both of them, so RP Paul Masterson and RP Emil Kush are free to negotiate with any team.
*
However, we did clean up our minor league system of all the riffraff that may have clogged up the development of some of our top prospects, so happy trails to:
2B Al Glossop
CF Hal Jeffcoat
2B Bitsy Mott
SS Bill Burich
*
A lot of young players are starting to reach their arbitration dates. With 3 years of Major League service, some of the biggest names in the game are on the open market.
But without question, the biggest free agent prize is LF Stan Musial. The reigning 3-time NL MVP was declined arbitration by the Cardinals and released into the free agent pool. There are also many nice consolation prizes if you fail to land Stan the Man, including Lou Boudreau, Roy Campanella, and Ralph Kiner.
Here are some of the best available players:
The Cardinals will have basically a brand new outfield next season, as Musial, Slaughter, and Moore all look to be headed to different teams. Also, perhaps the Dodgers like that Berra kid they have in their system a lot more than Campy?Code:BEST HITTERS
01. LF Stan Musial (95)[23] - 4Y/$46,200
1944 STL - .330, 31 HR, 115 RBI
02. SS Lou Boudreau (93)[27] - 5Y/$35,300
1944 CLE - .303, 6 HR, 68 RBI
03. RF Enos Slaughter (93)[27] - 5Y/$34,600
1944 STL - .325, 15 HR, 80 RBI
04. RF Bob Elliott (93)[28] - 5Y/$34,600
1944 PIT - .291, 20 HR, 90 RBI
05. RF Augie Bergamo (93)[27] - 3Y/$25,800
1944 STL - .260, 5 HR, 22 RBI
06. C Roy Campanella (91)[22] - 3Y/$36,200
1944 BRO - .253, 25 HR, 110 RBI
07. LF Ralph Kiner (91)[21] - 3Y/$37,600
1944 PIT - .263, 30 HR, 106 RBI
08. C Walker Cooper (90)[29] - 4Y/$28,000
1944 STL - .245, 16 HR, 75 RBI
09. CF Milt Byrnes (88)[27] - 3Y/$24,700
1944 SLB - .249, 1 HR, 38 RBI
10. 1B Dolph Camilli (87)[37] - 2Y/$28,400
1944 BRO - .291, 23 HR, 69 RBI
11. 2B Frankie Gustine (86)[24] - 4Y/$25,700
1944 PIT - .297, 3 HR, 48 RBI
12. 3B Pinky Higgins (86)[35] - 3Y/$22,700
1944 DET - .263, 2 HR, 45 RBI
13. CF Terry Moore (86)[32] - 4Y/$25,500
1944 STL - .279, 9 HR, 52 RBI
14. 3B Ellis Clary (85)[28] - 2Y/$26,100
1944 WSH - .299, 2 HR, 54 RBI
15. 2B Eddie Stanky (84)[28] - 2Y/$20,400
1944 CHC/PHA - .272, 0 HR, 27 RBI
16. SS Marty Marion (84)[26] - 3Y/$21,400
1944 STL - .284, 0 HR, 20 RBI
17. C Clyde McCullough (84)[27] - 3Y/$19,600
1944 CHC - .239, 10 HR, 47 RBI
18. C Phil Masi (83)[28] - 4Y/$19,700
1944 BOB - .242, 11 HR, 46 RBI
19. CF Charlie Gilbert (83)[25] - 3Y/$15,100
1944 CHC - .302, 2 HR, 16 RBI
20. 3B Jim Tabor (82)[27] - 4Y/$20,000
1944 CHC - .269, 15 HR, 79 RBI
BEST PITCHERS
01. SP Tex Shirley (83)[26] - 2Y/$13,300
1944 PHA - 1-0, 3.60 ERA, 22 K
02. SP Mort Cooper (82)[31] - 3Y/$25,000
1944 STL - 4-2, 5.12 ERA, 36 K
03. SP Rube Melton (82)[27] - 2Y/$22,300
1944 CHC - 4-4, 3.81 ERA, 52 K
04. SP Dick Fowler (81)[23] - 2Y/$19,500
1944 PHA - 13-19, 4.74 ERA, 94 K
05. SP Paul Derringer (81)[37] - 2Y/$26,800
1944 BRO - 16-11, 3.63 ERA, 78 K
06. RP Gordon Maltzberger (81)[32] - 2Y/$11,600
1944 STL - 2-7, 3.19 ERA, 25 SV
07. SP Marius Russo (81)[30] - 3Y/$15,070
1944 PHI/BOS - 5-2, 3.88 ERA, 22 K
08. RP Emil Kush (80)[27] - 2Y/$14,200
1944 PHI - 0-0, 5.67 ERA, 0 SV
09. SP Yank Terry (79)[33] - 2Y/$25,500
1944 BOS - 14-5, 3.38 ERA, 73 K
10. SP Elmer Riddle (79)[30] - 3Y/$22,100
1944 CIN - 10-12, 4.00 ERA, 80 K
If anything, I’m just going to lay low, and hopefully I can scoop up Musial when the price is right. I know that I have a lot of work to get Stan to like Philadelphia (currently a D in compatability), but seriously, it’s the best hitter in the National League!
That's one heluva free agent pool.
When you have Campy rated 6th best in the market... I have to agree with you
God. Put those FAs together into a new team and they'd have a credible run at the pennant.
Gosensgo, RedsoxRockies, CatKnight: Yeah, if I had to pick a year to be in rebuilding mode, this would be it!
OCTOBER 15
Well, the Stan Musial Sweepstakes is over on the 2nd day of free agency. And surprisingly, it wasn’t the Yankees! Matter of fact, it wasn’t an East Coast team at all. The highest bidder is…
…the Cincinnati Reds!
The Reds immediately go from one of baseball’s worst teams to one of the middle teams. Good to see Powel Crosley spending some money to make some more at the gate.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4610/46479412dt5.jpg
The newest Cincinnati Red: LF Stan Musial
So what's going to happen to Seattle since they finished in like third or whatever? :(
Did I miss it or have you made the expansion post yet?
Yea who made it?
Coach: Something positive will happen with Seattle. I guarantee it! :D
Gosensgo & RedsoxRockies: No, you didn't miss the post yet. It'll be coming at the Winter Meetings, which are actually coming soon. But first...
NOVEMBER 8, 1944
I grabbed today’s Inquirer, and two stories caught my eye.
But the big one:Quote:
Originally Posted by Philadelphia Inquirer
Odd. How could a man that played for the team 10 years before I took over be calling me out? Unless I’ve dealt with him since I took over the team…Quote:
Originally Posted by Philadelphia Inquirer
Oh s***.
Can't wait for Mr. Fallenstein's Trial on the 27th of November, 1944
So Fallenstein is F, makes sense, his last name starts with it...
AthleticsFan2k8: Me neither, should be fun. Unless, of course, I decide to throw y'all a curveball!
RedsoxRockies: All the pieces are starting to fall into place, huh?
Just as an FYI, here are the Noll-Scully ratios of my dynasty compared against reality thus far (thanks to CatKnight for his nifty spreadsheet!):
1942 - 2.41 (100W=1, 90W=5, 90L=3, 100L=0) [IRL = 2.99]
1943 - 2.75 (100W=1, 90W=3, 90L=4, 100L=1) [IRL = 2.31]
1944 - 2.81 (100W=2, 90W=3, 90L=3, 100L=1) [IRL = 2.02]
Granted, the real-life 1944 had a lot more external issues than mine, but the trend is still a little troubling.
NOVEMBER 23
And so this long, twisted tale of betrayal, bitterness, and murder comes to a close. Finally, we can put this matter behind us and focus on baseball.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philadelphia Inquirer
[Look at the next comic in the the people who kill baseball player in their dynasties]
Catknight:I'm going to kill barry bonds in my dynasty
PatatoOfCoach23:I'm going to kill one of my pitchers!!
:Dlol:D
RIP - Ed Fallenstein
12/22/1908-11/23/1944
DarthJaker: Hi, I'm Potato, and I'm a death-a-holic... :D
AthleticsFan2k8: Yes, it is truly the end of an era. Next time I hire a spy, I'm doing a background check!
1944 WINTER MEETINGS
DECEMBER 7-10
DECEMBER 7
Elizabeth has been feeling a little under the weather, so I left her back in snowy Philadelphia, as I made my way to Miami for this year’s Winter Meetings. Nick said he might meet me down here, but I don’t think he will. He’s been less and less reliable as of late. I think he’s seeing someone.
Back on track, the cocktail party this year was decent. Nothing too special, except Richard Zimmerman got trashed and started dancing on tables. Aside from that, not much happened.
DECEMBER 8
PART I
Both leagues met separately today. The National League meeting was where the excitement was.
First off, the financial reports were due today. Amazingly, only 2 teams turned a profit: Cincinnati and us (Ed.’s Note: so that’s how they could sign Stan Musial!). The Cardinals had actually gone into debt, which is why they couldn’t resign their outfield. The league gave the Cardinals a $12,000 loan to pay back by 1950, and everyone was pleased.
Next, I presented plans for our new, city-financed open air stadium on the east bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Franklin Stadium, as it will be called, is a baseball-only, 40,000 seat stadium, with state-of-the-art services to our loyal fans. The dimensions from left to right are 325-375-415-380-330. The official groundbreaking will be held in April, so the stadium can be ready for 1946.
In uniform news, the Braves will be changing their home jerseys.
From a script ‘B’ on the left side of the jersey…
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5...veshomeeh9.jpg
…to pinstripes, and the word “BRAVES” spelled out across the torso. Also note the Indian head on the sleeves.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9...veshomeig9.jpg
Not a bad change in my book. You know, pinstripes might work for the Phillies, although I’m not sold on the blue ones. Maybe red?
Anyways, here’s our uniform, the same one since 1941, just for your reference.
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/2...niformswo5.jpg
*
Eddie Gaedel should be your next spy!
RedsoxRockies: that's not a bad idea...
CORRECTIONS DEPT:
It should be noted that St. Louis Browns pitcher Elden Auker compiled a 3-28 record this season, breaking the AL record for most losses in a single-season. So, congratulations?
A positive record was set by St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ted Wilks. He recorded a 17-5 record, setting a new Major League record 17 wins by a relief pitcher. He also recorded 12 saves in a setup role for the Cardinals. So a whole-hearted congratulations to Ted on his accomplishment!
One final note: the single-season Saves record has fallen. Boston Red Sox reliever James Atkins and St. Louis Cardinals closer Gordon Maltzberger both set a new standard this season with 25 saves. Congratulations James and Gordon!
DECEMBER 8
PART II
The reason we were all here, of course, was to talk about expansion. We had voted during the middle of the year in a secret ballot, and now we would get to hear the results.
Ford Frick took control.
“Only four cities managed to get multiple votes, so let’s isolate those 4.
“The four remaining candidates are:
Los Angeles
Dallas
San Francisco
New Orleans”
“Now wait a minute”, Branch Rickey interrupted, “I thought that we were going to expand to 2 teams. Why all this discussion about four cities?”
“Branch, I was thinking: we could expand to 2 cities, then move franchises to 2 others. I’m thinking we expand with Phil in LA and that Gilbert guy in New Orleans, then we move, say, Boston and New York to Dallas and San Francisco!”
“Wait a minute, Ford.” I had to interject. “I know you’re excited and all about expansion, and I know that I am too. Heck, I’m sure that every man in this room today would love to see the NL expand to 10, even 12 teams some day. However, we need to face reality here. Just an hour ago, we had to grant a loan to the Cardinals. Only 2 of our teams actually finished in the black this season. While I agree with your plan for expansion, I am a realist in the sense that we need the league to be on firm footing before we stretch ourselves too thinly.
“We have already voted, but we haven’t informed any of the press corps, any of the A.L. owners, or even Commissioner Chandler. I say that if we promise a city a team by, say, 1950, then we have plenty of time to get the league back on track, and still keep our expansion plans intact.”
“That’s mighty profound, Andrew”, said William Benswanger of the Pirates. Ironically, this was the first time I’d ever heard the man speak more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Benswanger continued: “I know that the Pirates are often considered a second class team to most of you. I understand that we have to spend money to make money, but I feel that the costs are getting a little out of hand. Mr. Walsh is absolutely correct in his statement. We should wait until the league is further stabilized. The promise of a team will give the ownership groups a deadline, and at the same time give them plenty of time to set any outstanding details.”
“Well, you two have certainly changed my mind.” Ford Frick reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a slip of paper.
“The winners of the voting were Los Angeles and Dallas.”
“Ford, those two cities are awfully far apart. How are we going to cope with travel costs?” Bob Quinn of the Braves spoke up.
“That’s what I wanted to ask you about. Both New Orleans and San Francisco also received multiple votes, and both are closer alternatives. So what we’re going to do is to make a package deal: we’re going to vote again, this time for either Dallas or Los Angeles. If you vote for Dallas, you are voting to add New Orleans and Dallas to the National League. If you vote for Los Angeles, you are voting to add L.A. and San Francisco. Does everyone understand?”
8 heads nodded in agreement.
“Alright, we’ll start with you, Phil. I assume you’ll be voting for Los Angeles?”
“That is correct.” Phil Wrigley would be in charge of the new LA team. It seemed unlikely that he would vote against himself.
“Bob Quinn, how do the Braves vote?”
“Dallas.” Quinn was clearly worried about travel costs, and it was cheaper to travel to Dallas than to LA.
“Horace [Stoneham], how about New York?”
“Los Angeles.”
“Branch, the Dodgers?”
“Los Angeles.”
“Powel, Cincinnati votes…?”
“Dallas.”
“Sam [Breadon], St. Louis.”
“Dallas.”
“Will, Pittsburgh?”
“Dallas.”
“Andrew?”
It was down to me. I could go with the majority and vote for Dallas, or I could elongate the process and vote for Los Angeles.
“Gentlemen, I always imagined baseball to be America’s game, so I must vote for a league which truly encompasses America. Los Angeles.”
“We have a 4-4 tie…”
“Actually”, Sam Breadon interrupted, “change my vote to Los Angeles.”
“Okay, we have a vote of 5-3 in favor of Los Angeles and San Francisco! Now, what year should we promise them for?”
“How about 1950? That seems like a good round number.”
“Then tomorrow, we’ll announce that we plan to expand to 10 teams by 1950!”
*
It turned out that our A affiliate Memphis team did not want to re-up with us, so I managed to sign a team from the Carolina league, the Greensboro Patriots. We agree to a one-year deal with the Patriots to become our new A team.
*
Coach, I guarantee you that Seattle will get a team by 1952. Just don't kill me, please!
Do we possibly have a mystery here? Did he die and the prison lose the body or did he fake his death somehow and fool the guards and fellow prisoners (or are they in on it) into thinking he was dead? Guess we just have to stay tuned. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
eick: nice catch! I should know better than to try and sneak stuff like that past you guys.
Also, sorry about the influx of posts. I kinda want to get to the end of the calendar year (1944), so once I start the 1945 season, I'll get back to regular schedule of about 1 a day.
And if I can make your viewing experience better in anyway possible, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know! If you guys need something that I'm not giving you, I'd be more than happy to oblige.
And as always: thanks for reading!
DECEMBER 9
“I can’t believe you went around my back to expand!”
It was an unseasonably warm day in Miami, made even hotter by the rage of Commissioner Happy Chandler. Ford Frick had made the announcement today that the National League was planning on West Coast expansion by the end of the decade, and Chandler was steamed about it.
“I am the commissioner of baseball! I deserve to know these sorts of things! I’m the one that makes these decisions, not you owners!”
“Mr. Commissioner, sir. I thought that you’d be pleased to know that we took the initiative to do this ourselves!” Ford Frick was trying to put a positive spin on the situation.
“Mr. Frick, sir, I was not amused. I feel that baseball is just fine the way it is, and changing the game will negatively impact the players, coaches, and us. Therefore, it is my decree that baseball will not be expanding in 1950 or any other time as long as I am Commissioner!”
*
DECEMBER 10
Today’s press conference was a disaster. Commissioner Chandler had to revoke the statement made yesterday about expansion. We all had to sit there and agree with him. This was a huge P.R. mess. Although the league may be in financial trouble, it is important that we continue to add new fans of the game, and I don’t see a better way then to bring a team to a new city.
I pulled my car up to my apartment, and got the messages from the desk. One in particular caught my eye: from Elizabeth, asking for me to see her as soon as I got back. I hopped back in my car and drove west.
*
I pulled up in front of Elizabeth’s house at around 9 PM. I had spent the whole day driving from New York to Philadelphia to West Chester. I was dog tired, and I dragged myself to her front door.
“Andy! Oh thank goodness you’re here! Listen, I have something to tell you…you might want to sit down for this…”
“Lizzie, what’s going on?”
“Andy,” she paused for what seemed like an eternity, “I’m pregnant.”
*
Yep, I was going to be a father. It hadn’t quite sunk in yet, but I’m sure it will soon. The baby is definitely mine. There is no question about that. However, the prospect of having a child was just too much for me to handle right now. I just need some time to think.
*
DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve. I certainly couldn’t think of a better moment. The air in downtown Philadelphia is celebratory, and I’m feeling particularly jovial tonight. Elizabeth and I were at a party hosted by the city of Philadelphia. It was around 11:50 when we decided to leave. I grabbed our coats, and we left. As we walked through the dimly-lit streets of Philadelphia, the countdown began.
10…
I looked deep into Elizabeth’s eyes.
9…
She looked back into mine.
8…
I reached into my jacket pocket. Yep, it was still there.
7…
I pulled a small, felt-covered box from my pocket and put it at my side.
6…
I got down on bended knee in front of her.
5…
“Elizabeth…”
4…
“Will you marry me?”
3…
I opened the box, exposing a small, diamond-set ring.
2…
Her eyes welled with tears, as she looked down at me. I could see her searching for the right word.
1…
“Yes!”
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I don't think nicknames were so popular in the '40s, Potato. Might want fix that possible historical inaccuracy!Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13