you should get married in las vegas by elvis! He should be cheap since he was not popular at that point
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you should get married in las vegas by elvis! He should be cheap since he was not popular at that point
That's because Elvis was nine years old. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by RedsoxRockies
Oooh! Think of the memories! Married by a 9 year old!
"You're now married! Ew! Can we go play now?"
lol :)
Coach: Historical accuracy be d***ed!
RedsoxRockies: I good idea in theory...
Coach: ... but yeah, there's that tiny obstacle :D
CatKnight: I think that's every woman's dream: getting married by a preteen :p
*
I really didn't want to post something tonight, but I'm so excited about the first Celtics championship in my lifetime, so I'll give you guys a little taste of 1945!
GO CELTICS!!!
*
FEBRUARY 1, 1945
“I do.”
And with that, perhaps the most hastily-prepared shotgun wedding had come to a conclusion. Andrew and Elizabeth Walsh. That definitely has a nice ring to it.
And with that, it’s off to the Caribbean for 20 days for our honeymoon, then it’s back to work: Spring Training is just around the corner!
I dont know, I think Elizabeth Mountain Landis sounds better. That would have been interesting if she dumped you for him if he survived. :)
RedsoxRockies: Alas, Landis is dead (I hope) so we have no fear of that happening (I hope).
CORRECTIONS DEPT.
I neglected to mention that the Yankees were sold! I guess in all the stress that planning a marriage in one month that I completely forgot about the sale of the Yankees! The Ruppert Estate sold the team, Yankee Stadium, and several minor league leases to Larry MacPhail, Del Webb, and Dan Topping for $2.8 million dollars. MacPhail will replace Ed Barrow as general manager.
FEBRUARY 6, 1945
I really shouldn’t be working on our honeymoon, but I just had to impart this nugget on you.
The Boston Red Sox unceremoniously dismissed player-manager Joe Cronin by trading him.
Chicago Cubs receive:
SS Joe Cronin (79)
C Matt Batts (72/75)
SP Joel Woodland (72/79)
Boston Red Sox receive:
1B Jerry Witte (81/82)
It appears that an era is over in Boston. With this move, Cronin is replaced as manager by GM Eddie Collins, and Jimmie Foxx appears to be relegated to a backup role.
*
By the way, the New York Giants named a new manager: former Giants pitcher Freddie Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons had retired after last season, and is now being brought back to the team.
MARCH 6, 1945
After being released today by the Dodgers, SP Carl Hubbell announced his retirement.
“King Carl” was one of the best pitchers of the last 15 years. The long-time Giant won 10+ games in all 17 of his seasons, winning a career 277 against 165 losses. The 2-time NL MVP (1933, 1936) and 10-time NL All-Star (1933-1938, 1940-1943) was most famous for using his devastating screwball to strike out 5 straight batters in the 1934 All-Star Game: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons, and Joe Cronin.
Career Stats:
602 Appearances (19th)
503 Starts (12th)
4050.1 IP (14th)
277 W (10th)
3.09 ERA (18th)
1884 K (11th)
263 CG
40 SO (18th)
33 SV
.249 BAA
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5...hubbellrm7.jpg
Future HOFer Carl Hubbell from a '37 Wheaties ad
*
MARCH 13, 1945
Finally got a chance to speak with the players today. Very interesting conversation with Andy Seminick. It appears that he’s not complacent with winning the title last season, so he spent the entire off-season working on his arm strength.
“Mr. Walsh, with all due respect, I want to be the best d*** catcher in all of baseball. I saw a weakness in my game, so I tried to solve the problem.”
“Andy, next off-season, you might want to work on that batting average!” I joked.
He shot a smile back at me. “Yeah, looks like my to-do list just got a little bit longer.”
*
FREE AGENCY UPDATE
Code:BEST HITTERS
01. LF Stan Musial (95)[23] - 4Y/$46,500
Signed 10/15 by Cincinnati Reds
02. SS Lou Boudreau (93)[27] - 5Y/$34,500
Signed 10/29 by Pittsburgh Pirates
03. RF Enos Slaughter (93)[27] - 4Y/$34,600
Signed 10/17 by New York Giants
04. RF Bob Elliott (93)[28] - 4Y/$34,600
Signed 10/16 by Detroit Tigers
06. C Roy Campanella (91)[22] - 2Y/$29,400
Signed 12/27 by Detroit Tigers
07. LF Ralph Kiner (91)[21] - 2Y/$35,100
Signed 11/17 by St. Louis Browns
08. C Walker Cooper (90)[29] - 4Y/$28,000
Signed 10/16 by Boston Braves
11. 2B Frankie Gustine (86)[24] - 4Y/$25,800
Signed 10/17 by Chicago Cubs
12. 3B Pinky Higgins (86)[35] - 2Y/$17,900
Signed 11/20 by Washington Senators
13. CF Terry Moore (86)[32] - 4Y/$25,600
Signed 10/15 by Boston Braves
15. 2B Eddie Stanky (84)[28] - 2Y/$19,600
Signed 10/23 by New York Giants
16. SS Marty Marion (84)[26] - 2Y/$16,600
Signed 11/23 by New York Giants
17. C Clyde McCullough (84)[27] - 2Y/$18,800
Signed 10/24 by Chicago White Sox
18. C Phil Masi (83)[28] - 2Y/$13,400
Signed 12/7 by Washington Senators
19. CF Charlie Gilbert (83)[25] - 3Y/$15,100
Signed 10/17 by Chicago White Sox
20. 3B Jim Tabor (82)[27] - 4Y/$20,000
Signed 1/8 by Detroit Tigers
21. RF Mel Ott (79)[35] - 2Y/$4,350
Signed 3/4 by Brooklyn Dodgers
22. SS Luke Appling (78)[37] - 2Y/$3,050
Signed 3/22 by Brooklyn Dodgers
UNSIGNED
05. RF Augie Bergamo (93)[27]
09. CF Milt Byrnes (88)[27]
10. 1B Dolph Camilli (87)[37]
14. 3B Ellis Clary (85)[28]
BEST PITCHERS
01. SP Tex Shirley (83)[26] - 2Y/$9,400
Signed 11/30 by Detroit Tigers
02. SP Mort Cooper (82)[31] - 2Y/$18,100
Signed 12/7 by Brooklyn Dodgers
03. SP Rube Melton (82)[27] - 2Y/$22,000
Signed 10/14 by New York Yankees
04. SP Dick Fowler (81)[23] - 2Y/$18,800
Signed 10/17 by Chicago Cubs
05. SP Paul Derringer (81)[37] - 2Y/$26,800
Signed 1/19 by Detroit Tigers
06. RP Gordon Maltzberger (81)[32] - 2Y/$5,100
Signed 1/1 by Detroit Tigers
07. SP Marius Russo (81)[30] - 3Y/$13,400
Signed 10/15 by Detroit Tigers
08. RP Emil Kush (80)[27] - 2Y/$13,700
Signed 10/18 by Pittsburgh Pirates
09. SP Yank Terry (79)[33] - 2Y/$25,500
Signed 10/17 by Chicago Cubs
10. SP Elmer Riddle (79)[30] - 2Y/$6,300
Signed 2/10 by St. Louis Browns
11. SP Lefty Gomez (77)[35] - 2Y/$25,700
Signed 10/20 by Chicago White Sox
Hubbell was one of the greats. I'm honored that he spent his last with the Dodgers.Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
filihok: yeah, Hubbell truly was great. He was (curiously) released after his contract expired, so he signed with the cross-town rivals.
Ironically, the same thing happened this season with Mel Ott.
DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS
I've been using more and more of these lately. Sorry guys!
I didn't update you on the Hall of Fame Class of 1944.
SP Carl Mays (207-126, 2.92 ERA, 231 CG, 31 SV)
Boston Red Sox 1915-1919
New York Yankees 1919-1923
Cincinnati Reds 1924-1928
New York Giants 1929
4-time WS Champion (1915, 1916, 1918, 1923)
AL Wins Leader - 1921 (27)
AL Saves Leader - 1915 (7), 1921 (7)
Most famous for hitting and killing Ray Chapman at home plate
Red Faber (254-213, 3.15 ERA, 273 CG, 28 SV)
Chicago White Sox 1914-1933
1 WS Championship (1917)
AL ERA Leader - 1921 (2.48), 1922 (2.81)
AL Saves Leader - 1914 (4)
DNP in the infamous 1919 World Series
*
While we're talking about HOF voting, there was no one elected to the Hall in 1945. The BBWAA didn't think anyone was deserving of the honor this year. Better luck next year, fellas!
No free agents for the Phillies? Spend some of that post-season cash!
3Run: Nope! As mentioned before, I love to make that virtual money. I'm stockpiling it so I can get a swimming pool like Scrooge McDuck :D
Plus, my team's average age is 25.1 years old, so I don't really need to spend big money on free agents. I just have to wait for my talent to peak.
1945 SEASON PREVIEW COMING UP NEXT
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; your defending World Series Champions… the 1945 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Red denotes Opening Day starter
* denotes 1944 All-Star
Andy is (one of) the best catcher(s) in baseball, and should only get better. Mickey’s job is in jeopardy, as Bill Peterman provides a serviceable backup that could do better at the plate than Livingston.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
21 C* Andy Seminick 24 89/94 .261, 13 HR, 73 RBI
6 C Mickey Livingston 30 73/73 .190, 1 HR, 7 RBI
Gil is one of the best power hitters in the National League, and at the tender age of 20, will also only get better. Murph is a talented backup that provides a big pinch-hitting bat off the bench.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
14 1B Gil Hodges 20 88/89 .277, 23 HR, 86 RBI
33 1B Ed Murphy 26 79/80 .226, 3 HR, 16 RBI
Vern provides a huge power bat and solid glovework from the hot corner. Phil is great at setting the table for our big boppers. Danny and Ray are practically the same player, though Hamrick is faster and a little better with the glove. Marnie is a defensive dynamo.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
2 2B Danny Murtaugh 27 76/76 .277, 0 HR, 28 RBI
5 3B Vern Stephens 24 93/94 .273, 19 HR, 106 RBI
10 SS* Phil Rizzuto 27 88/92 .283, 1 HR, 44 RBI, 12 SB
7 IF Harry Marnie 26 72/73 .226, 0 HR, 5 RBI
22 IF Ray Hamrick 23 78/84 .230, 0 HR, 18 RBI, 12 SB
Ron is outstanding. Larry will improve by leaps and bounds this season. Johnny and Nick are similar, but the nod goes to Blatnik, who had a higher average in fewer at bats last season. Culberson provides a steady hand as a 5th outfielder.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
16 LF Johnny Blatnik 24 80/95 .296, 6 HR, 37 RBI
23 CF Larry Doby 21 83/89 .235, 14 HR, 76 RBI
4 RF Ron Northey 24 88/93 .291, 15 HR, 74 RBI
17 OF Nick Goulish 28 87/88 .287, 8 HR, 58 RBI
24 OF Leon Culberson 25 76/83 .267, 0 HR, 7 RBI
Ruffing and Ripple provide a potent 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Red sits at 298 career wins, 2 shy of becoming the 8th pitcher all-time with 300 wins. Hughes hopes to regain his form from 1942, when he won 18 games. Roberts was the Phillies’ first draft pick last season, and is highly-touted as the future of the franchise after going 10-3 with a 3.23 ERA at AAA Utica after being drafted in early June.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
20 SP1* Red Ruffing 39 84/84 18-10, 3.17 ERA, 154 K
18 SP2* Charlie Ripple 24 87/94 21-9, 2.89 ERA, 194 K
28 SP3 Tommy Hughes 25 84/92 12-13, 3.87 ERA, 100 K
36 SP4 Robin Roberts 18 81/94 ROOKIE
Lambert and Mauney are starters stuck in the bullpen. Page has had some trouble adjusting to the big leagues. Fick is a rookie, hoping to make a big impact. Hanyzewski, Casey, and Pearson are perhaps the best back 3 of the bullpen in the National League.Code:## POS NAME AGE OVR/PK 1944 STATS
39 MU Gene Lambert 23 79/88 7-3, 2.93 ERA, 80 K
15 LR Dick Mauney 25 86/90 5-3, 4.00 ERA, 29 K
11 MR Joe Page 27 81/82 0-0, 6.59 ERA, 15 K
27 SR John Fick 23 73/91 ROOKIE
45 SR Ed Hanyzewski 24 82/87 10-5, 3.27 ERA, 29 K, 2 SV
25 SU Hugh Casey 31 81/81 4-7, 1.85 ERA, 23 K, 4 SV
12 CL Ike Pearson 28 82/82 6-2, 2.51 ERA, 11 K, 18 SV
PROSPECTS TO WATCHCode:## NAME COACH
37 Bucky Harris Manager
34 Hack Wilson Hitting Coach
41 Walter Beck Pitching Coach
48 Lee Riley Bench Coach
The best at each position
SP - Harvey Haddix, Utica
SP – Jake Thies, Clearwater
SP – Al Gerheauser, Utica
C - Bill Peterman, Utica
1B – Dale Long, Clearwater
2B – Mike Goliat, Utica
3B – Ty LaForest, Utica
SS – Rudy Rufer, Clearwater
OF – Ed Sanicki, Utica
OF – Hal Jeffcoat, Greensboro
OF – Joe Szekely, Clearwater
RP – Don Grate, Wilmington
RP – Hilly Flitcraft, Wilmington
AAA Utica Blue Jays
SP Al Gerheauser (85/90)
SP Harvey Haddix (73/94)
SP Charlie Sproull (86/88)
SP Charley Schanz (79/88)
RP Al Verdel (73/80)
RP Dale Matthewson (75/84)
RP Deacon Donahue (78/86)
RP Barney Mussill (77/78)
C Bill Peterman (79/80)
2B Mike Goliat (73/74)
SS Jack Albright (69/84)
3B Ty LaForest (76/88)
LF Ed Sanicki (76/84)
AA Wilmington Blue Rocks
SP Andy Lapihuska (70/82)
SP Bill McCahan (73/84)
SP Eli Hodkey (76/79)
SP Eric Whelan (70/76)
RP Lefty Scott (76/78)
RP Homer Spragins (73/76)
RP Hilly Flitcraft (72/86)
RP Don Grate (79/91)
RP Mike Budnkick (70/80)
C Bob Finley (73/74)
2B Moon Mullen (72/73)
3B Ted Cieslak (71/72)
3B Nick Picciuto (74/84)
A Greensboro Patriots
SP Lynn Lovenguth (73/82)
SP Kent Bickett (77/82)
SP Jeff Walker (64/75)
RP Mitch Chetkovich (75/77)
RP Vern Fear (71/74)
RP John Hall (69/79)
2B Ed Walczak (73)
SS John O’Neil (74/86)
3B Bert Hodge (72/73)
CF Hal Jeffcoat (63/79)
R Clearwater Phillies
SP Jake Thies (58/93)
SP Bob Trice (52/82)
RP Armando Roche (53/78)
C Ryan Scifo (63/69)
1B Dale Long (58/94)
SS Rudy Rufer (53/91)
RF Joe Szekely (59/80)
1945 AMERICAN LEAGUE PREVIEW
All stats are 1944
1. NEW YORK YANKEES
1944: 102-53 (1st, AL Pennant)
1945 PREDICTION: 98-56
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1944
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1942
MANAGER: Joe McCarthy (15th season, 9 pennants, 7 World Series)
2. BOSTON RED SOXCode:SP Tiny Bonham – 22-8, 3.34 ERA, 94 K
SP Spud Chandler – 22-6, 2.95 ERA, 105 K
SP Bill Bevens – 15-8, 3.14 ERA, 100 K
SP Atley Donald – 17-12, 4.20 ERA, 105 K
SU Joe Beggs – 11-10, 2.68 ERA, 28 K, 11 SV with Cincinnati
CL Howie Krist – 8-4, 1.79 ERA, 29 K, 15 SV
SS Pee Wee Reese – .293, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 13 SB
3B Harlond Clift – .281, 11 HR, 98 RBI
LF Charlie Keller – .338, 25 HR, 93 RBI
CF Joe DiMaggio – .333, 19 HR, 120 RBI
2B Joe Gordon – .267, 10 HR, 96 RBI
RF Tommy Henrich – .307, 21 HR, 99 RBI
C Bill Salkeld – .222, 14 HR, 47 RBI with Pittsburgh
1B Don Hanski - .257, 8 HR, 69 RBI with Chicago (AL)
1944: 101-54 (2nd, 1 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 93-61
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1918
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1918
MANAGER: Eddie Collins (1st season)
3. CLEVELAND INDIANSCode:SP Tex Hughson – 17-10, 3.40 ERA, 125 K
SP Dizzy Trout – 18-10, 3.37 ERA, 121 K
SP Sid Hudson – 14-8, 4.17 ERA, 81 K
SP Bill Butland – 15-8, 3.14 ERA, 120 K
SU Andy Karl – 8-7, 2.70 ERA, 27 K, 12 SV
CL James Atkins – 2-1, 2.27 ERA, 22 K, 25 SV
CF Dom DiMaggio – .282, 6 HR, 66 RBI, 14 SB
3B Bob Dillinger – .280, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 14 SB
2B Bobby Doerr – .297, 13 HR, 97 RBI
LF Ted Williams – .336, 38 HR, 117 RBI
1B Jerry Witte – .259, 3 HR, 27 RBI with Chicago (NL)
RF Ival Goodman – .304, 7 HR, 50 RBI
C Clyde McCullough – .239, 10 HR, 47 RBI with Chicago (NL)
SS Johnny Pesky - .268, 1 HR, 43 RBI
1944: 96-58 (3rd, 5.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 87-67
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1920
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1920
MANAGER: Roger Peckinpaugh (1st season – 3rd stint as CLE manager)
4. WASHINGTON SENATORSCode:SP Jim Bagby – 13-13, 4.53 ERA, 77 K
SP Les McCrabb – 14-8, 3.91 ERA, 110 K
SP Allie Reynolds – 14-7, 2.95 ERA, 158 K
SP Mike Garcia – 6-5, 4.01 ERA, 55 K
SU Steve Gromek – 11-4, 3.16 ERA, 56 K, 9 SV
CL Pete Center – 1-2, 2.08 ERA, 14 K, 18 SV
3B Stan Hack – .260, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 17 SB
CF Roy Weatherly – .356, 18 HR, 91 RBI
LF Jeff Heath – .308, 23 HR, 83 RBI
1B Luke Easter – .269, 32 HR, 100 RBI
RF Hank Edwards – .309, 9 HR, 66 RBI
C Ernie Lombardi – .287, 7 HR, 53 RBI
2B Whitey Wietelmann – .300, 1 HR, 30 RBI
SS Jackie Price - .216, 0 HR, 9 RBI
1944: 75-79 (4th, 26.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 76-78
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1933
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1924
MANAGER: Ossie Bluege (3rd season)
5. CHICAGO WHITE SOXCode:SP Bobo Newsom – 13-11, 3.71 ERA, 124 K
SP Dutch Leonard – 16-10, 3.37 ERA, 91 K
SP Early Wynn – 1-0, 3.52 ERA, 7 K
SP Dick Newsome – 5-16, 5.65 ERA, 52 K
SU Vern Curtis – 5-8, 3.48 ERA, 53 K, 3 SV
CL Bill Kennedy – 4-6, 3.41 ERA, 19 K, 22 SV
CF Walt Chipple – .277, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 21 SB
RF Chet Laabs – .283, 11 HR, 46 RBI
3B Pinky Higgins – .263, 2 HR, 45 RBI with Detroit
1B Mickey Vernon – .340, 16 HR, 86 RBI
LF Stan Spence – .249, 18 HR, 82 RBI
C Phil Masi – .242, 11 HR, 46 RBI with Boston (NL)
SS Johnny Berardino – .261, 1 HR, 40 RBI
2B Bill Knickerbocker - .240, 1 HR, 34 RBI
1944: 74-80 (5th, 27.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 68-86
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1919
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1917
MANAGER: Jimmie Dykes (12th season)
6. DETROIT TIGERSCode:SP Jim Tobin – 9-14, 3.92 ERA, 72 K
SP Ed Lopat – 16-9, 3.00 ERA, 102 K
SP Schoolboy Rowe – 10-17, 4.00 ERA, 90 K
SP Lefty Gomez – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 K with New York (AL)
SU Johnny Humphries – 3-2, 3.76 ERA, 26 K, 1 SV
CL Len Perme – 4-2, 4.52 ERA, 30 K, 9 SV
CF Charlie Gilbert – .302, 2 HR, 16 RBI with Chicago (NL)
2B Don Kolloway – .314, 3 HR, 53 RBI, 19 SB
1B Neill Sheridan - ROOKIE
LF Roy Cullenbine – .306, 12 HR, 68 RBI
3B Jimmy Grant – .284, 5 HR, 47 RBI
RF Bud Sketchley – .198, 1 HR, 28 RBI
SS Eddie Miller – .247, 7 HR, 50 RBI
C Ken O’Dea - .244, 11 HR, 61 RBI
1944: 55-99 (7th, 46.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 67-87
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1940
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1935
MANAGER: Steve O’Neill (3rd season)
7. PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICSCode:SP Paul Derringer – 16-11, 3.63 ERA, 78 K with Brooklyn
SP Hal Newhouser – 8-19, 4.53 ERA, 150 K
SP Brett Mathews – 3-7, 4.05 ERA, 30 K
SP Tommy Bridges – 5-17, 6.08 ERA, 87 K
SU Joe Orrell – 6-3, 3.94 ERA, 33 K, 2 SV
CL Al Benton – 2-3, 5.19 ERA, 28 K, 5 SV
CF Barney McCosky – .330, 2 HR, 48 RBI
RF Bob Elliott – .291, 20 HR, 90 RBI with Pittsburgh
C Roy Campanella – .253, 25 HR, 110 RBI with Brooklyn
1B Rudy York – .253, 24 HR, 86 RBI
LF Ned Harris – .311, 17 HR, 57 RBI, 14 SB
3B Jim Tabor – .269, 15 HR, 79 RBI with Chicago (NL)
2B Red Borom – .266, 0 HR, 12 RBI
SS Bobby Bragan - .217, 1 HR, 24 RBI
1944: 66-88 (6th, 35.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 65-89
LAST A.L. PENNANT: 1931
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1930
MANAGER: Connie Mack (45th season, 9 pennants, 5 World Series)
8. ST. LOUIS BROWNSCode:SP Ted Lyons – 13-20, 3.70 ERA, 96 K
SP Cy Blanton – 9-11, 3.28 ERA, 91 K with Washington
SP Thornton Lee – 13-15, 3.86 ERA, 95 K with Chicago (AL)
SP Greg Hill – 3-14, 7.70 ERA, 28 K
SU Tom Ferrick – 5-4, 2.18 ERA, 33 K, 8 SV
CL Moe Burtschy – 6-4, 1.80 ERA, 21 K, 15 SV
CF Woody Wheaton – .257, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 18 SB
3B Jimmy Brown – .281, 0 HR, 36 RBI
1B Elbie Fletcher – .275, 8 HR, 65 RBI
LF Danny Litwhiler – .307, 13 HR, 85 RBI
RF Taffy Wright – .339, 1 HR, 1 RBI
SS Jack Wallaesa – .277, 10 HR, 53 RBI
C Mickey Owen – .227, 2 HR, 20 RBI
2B Irv Hall - .191, 0 HR, 7 RBI
1944: 48-106 (8th, 53.5 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 62-92
LAST A.L. PENNANT: NONE
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: NONE
MANAGER: Richard Zimmerman (1st season)
*Code:SP Roger Wolff – 13-10, 3.22 ERA, 94 K with Philadelphia (AL)
SP Elmer Riddle – 10-12, 4.00 ERA, 80 K with Cincinnati
SP Whit Wyatt – 13-16, 3.20 ERA, 94 K
SP Butch Wensloff – 1-3, 3.48 ERA, 27 K with New York (AL)
SU Stan Ferens – 5-9, 3.64 ERA, 50 K, 1 SV
CL Lefty West – 6-6, 4.01 ERA, 49 K, 3 SV
CF Jess Pike – .212, 2 HR, 17 RBI
3B Billy Johnson – .261, 6 HR, 42 RBI
RF Willard Brown – .213, 5 HR, 57 RBI, 18 SB
LF Ralph Kiner – .263, 30 HR, 106 RBI with Pittsburgh
1B Roy Valdes - .204, 1 HR, 12 RBI
2B Stu Martin – .265, 2 HR, 44 RBI
SS Merl Combs – .206, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 10 SB
C Frank Mancuso - .209, 0 HR, 22 RBI
AL Awards Projections
AL MVP
1. Ted Williams, LF, BOS
2. Joe DiMaggio, CF, NYY
3. Mickey Vernon, 1B, WSH
AL CY
1. Allie Reynolds, SP, CLE
2. Ed Lopat, SP, CHW
3. Dizzy Trout, SP, BOS
AL ROY
1. Neill Sheridan, 1B, CHW
2. George Kell, 3B, PHA
3. Hank Bauer, RF, NYY
1945 NATIONAL LEAGUE PREVIEW
All stats are 1944
1. BROOKLYN DODGERS
1944: 89-65 (3rd, 7 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 88-66
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1941
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: NONE
MANAGER: Leo Durocher (7th season, 1 pennant)
2. ST. LOUIS CARDINALSCode:SP Johnny Vander Meer – 10-10, 3.61 ERA, 101 K
SP Kirby Higbe – 8-3, 4.19 ERA, 42 K
SP Mort Cooper – 4-2, 5.12 ERA, 36 K with St. Louis (NL)
SP Ed Head – 10-1, 2.65 ERA, 42 K
SU Cy Buker – 10-5, 2.19 ERA, 59 K, 4 SV
CL Jim Hughes – 4-4, 2.36 ERA, 31 K, 22 SV
SS Arky Vaughan - .318, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 10 SB
2B Jackie Robinson - .222, 0 HR, 1 RBI
RF Carl Furillo - .280, 4 HR, 24 RBI
1B Jack Graham – .252, 14 HR, 54 RBI
3B Ken Keltner - .278, 18 HR, 83 RBI
LF Joe Medwick - .277, 13 HR, 74 RBI
CF Pete Reiser - .290, 11 HR, 58 RBI
C Ferrell Anderson - .214, 0 HR, 1 RBI
1944: 94-60 (2nd, 2 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 85-69
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1943
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1943
MANAGER: Billy Southworth (6th season, 2 pennants, 1 World Series)
3. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIESCode:SP Lon Warneke – 16-10, 3.56 ERA, 92 K
SP Max Lanier – 13-3, 2.46 ERA, 98 K
SP Johnny Rigney – 8-8, 3.01 ERA, 85 K
SP Harry Gumbert – 17-6, 3.69 ERA, 86 K
SU Freddy Schmidt – 5-2, 2.92 ERA, 63 K, 5 SV
CL Ted Wilks – 17-5, 2.66, 51 K, 12 SV
SS Jeff Cross – .219, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 11 SB
2B Lou Klein – .263, 2 HR, 43 RBI
LF Johnny Hopp – .316, 1 HR, 25 RBI
1B Ray Sanders – .274, 14 HR, 70 RBI
3B Whitey Kurowski – .256, 10 HR, 47 RBI
CF Bill Howerton – ROOKIE
RF Harry Elliott – ROOKIE
C Ken Sears - ROOKIE
1944: 96-58 (1st, World Series Champions)
1945 PREDICTION: 81-73
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1944
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1944
MANAGER: Bucky Harris (3rd season, 1 pennant, 1 World Series)
4. NEW YORK GIANTSCode:SP Red Ruffing – 18-10, 3.17 ERA, 154 K
SP Charlie Ripple – 21-9, 2.89 ERA, 194 K
SP Tommy Hughes – 12-13, 3.87 ERA, 100 K
SP Robin Roberts - ROOKIE
SU Hugh Casey – 4-7, 1.85 ERA, 23 K, 4 SV
CL Ike Pearson – 6-2, 2.51 ERA, 11 K, 18 SV
SS Phil Rizzuto – .283, 1 HR, 44 RBI, 12 SB
LF Johnny Blatnik – .296, 6 HR, 37 RBI
RF Ron Northey – .291, 15 HR, 74 RBI
1B Gil Hodges – .277, 23 HR, 86 RBI
3B Vern Stephens – .273, 19 HR, 106 RBI
C Andy Seminick – .261, 13 HR, 73 RBI
CF Larry Doby – .235, 14 HR, 76 RBI
2B Danny Murtaugh - .277, 0 HR, 28 RBI
1944: 78-76 (4th, 18 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 80-74
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1937
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1933
MANAGER: Freddie Fitzsimmons (1st season)
5. CHICAGO CUBSCode:SP Van Mungo – 13-8, 2.96 ERA, 136 K
SP Hal Schumacher – 14-12, 4.41 ERA, 111 K
SP Larry Jansen – 12-7, 3.43 ERA, 98 K
SP Bill Voiselle – 7-3, 3.04 ERA, 61 K
SU Diomedes Olivo – 4-4, 2.52 ERA, 24 K, 19 SV with Pittsburgh
CL Hoyt Wilhelm – 4-6, 3.72 ERA, 29 K, 21 SV
3B Bobby Rhawn – .297, 6 HR, 40 RBI
RF Enos Slaughter – .325, 15 HR, 80 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
CF Wally Judnich – .293, 12 HR, 53 RBI
1B Johnny Mize – .327, 21 HR, 119 RBI
LF Monte Irvin – .249, 3 HR, 43 RBI
C Harry Danning – .250, 8 HR, 71 RBI
SS Eddie Joost – .252, 10 HR, 61 RBI
2B Eddie Stanky – .272, 0 HR, 27 RBI with Philadelphia (AL)
1944: 74-80 (5th, 22 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 79-75
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1938
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1908
MANAGER: Charlie Grimm (2nd season – 2nd stint as CHC manager, 3 pennants)
6. PITTSBURGH PIRATESCode:SP Claude Passeau – 13-14, 3.60 ERA, 135 K
SP Johnny Podgajny – 14-9, 3.16 ERA, 79 K
SP Shaun Hale – 13-17, 4.33 ERA, 77 K
SP Phil Marchildon – 5-14, 4.76 ERA, 86 K
SU Dale Alderson – 10-6, 2.51 ERA, 50 K, 8 SV
CL Whitey Miller – 3-5, 2.56 ERA, 11 K, 18 SV
2B Frankie Gustine – .297, 3 HR, 48 RBI with Pittsburgh
1B Garth Mann - .319, 20 HR, 82 RBI
CF Phil Cavarretta - .311, 13 HR, 75 RBI
LF Andy Pafko - .292, 17 HR, 72 RBI
RF Bill Nicholson - .314, 22 HR, 96 RBI
SS Joe Cronin – .307, 2 HR, 35 RBI with Boston (AL)
3B Cy Block - .256, 0 HR, 2 RBI
C Rick Ferrell - .198, 1 HR, 10 RBI
1944: 66-88 (6th, 30 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 71-83
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1927
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1925
MANAGER: Lou Boudreau (1st season)
7. BOSTON BRAVESCode:SP Max Butcher – 13-12, 3.34 ERA, 70 K
SP Paul Troughton – 1-2, 5.75 ERA, 3 K with Chicago (NL)
SP Bob Chesnes – 9-13, 4.60 ERA, 89 K
SP Ed Bahr – 6-6, 3.16 ERA, 51 K
SU Harry Shuman – 6-5, 4.28 ERA, 42 K, 2 SV
CL Ace Adams – 10-7, 2.40 ERA, 32 K, 4 SV
LF Jim Russell – .183, 2 HR, 18 RBI
RF Tommy O’Brien – .311, 0 HR, 6 RBI (1943)
SS Lou Boudreau – .303, 6 HR, 68 RBI with Cleveland
CF Wally Westlake – .225, 10 HR, 43 RBI
3B Bob Kennedy – .302, 7 HR, 58 RBI
1B Hank Sweeney – .292, 0 HR, 10 RBI
2B Jack Merson – ROOKIE
C Hank Camelli - .200, 0 HR, 1 RBI
1944: 62-92 (7th, 34 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 68-86
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1914
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1914
MANAGER: Bob Coleman (3rd season)
8. CINCINNATI REDSCode:SP Warren Spahn – 15-12, 3.45 ERA, 147 K
SP Al Javery – 14-10, 3.41 ERA, 110 K
SP Rob Kelley – 3-5, 5.64 ERA, 26 K
SP Ethan Gornitsky – 1-3, 5.12 ERA, 11 K
SU Elmer Singleton – 4-8, 4.02 ERA, 39 K, 4 SV
CL Jim Hickey – 6-6, 3.72 ERA, 41 K, 13 SV with New York (AL)
2B Frank Drews – .260, 1 HR, 21 RBI
CF Terry Moore – .279, 9 HR, 52 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
RF Tommy Holmes – .307, 9 HR, 67 RBI
1B Sam Gentile – .296, 13 HR, 75 RBI
C Walker Cooper – .245, 16 HR, 75 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
LF Max West – .239, 0 HR, 11 RBI with Washington
SS Alvin Dark – .234, 7 HR, 53 RBI
3B Sibby Sisti – .243, 3 HR, 13 RBI (1943)
1944: 57-97 (8th, 39 GB)
1945 PREDICTION: 64-90
LAST N.L. PENNANT: 1940
LAST WORLD SERIES WIN: 1940
MANAGER: Bill McKechnie (8th season, 1 pennant, 1 World Series)
*Code:SP Bucky Walters – 7-21, 4.07 ERA, 106 K
SP Arnold Carter – 7-4, 3.73 ERA, 30 K
SP Ewell Blackwell – 7-15, 5.30 ERA, 137 K
SP Frank Dasso – 3-13, 4.60 ERA, 104 K
SU Junior Thompson – 4-4, 3.49 ERA, 44 K, 4 SV
CL Walker Cress – 3-8, 4.63 ERA, 21 K, 8 SV
2B Lonny Frey - .264, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 16 SB
3B Red Rolfe - .280, 7 HR, 41 RBI
1B Babe Young - .214, 4 HR, 32 RBI
LF Stan Musial – .330, 31 HR, 115 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
RF Bruce Sloan - .244, 11 HR, 58 RBI
CF Fabian Gaffke - .245, 9 HR, 46 RBI
C Ray Murray – .213, 0 HR, 8 RBI
SS Charlie Brewster - .233, 0 HR, 19 RBI
NL Awards Projections
NL MVP
1. Stan Musial, LF, CIN
2. Johnny Mize, 1B, NYG
3. Vern Stephens, 3B, PHI
NL CY
1. Warren Spahn, SP, BOB
2. Charlie Ripple, SP, PHI
3. Kirby Higbe, SP, BRO
NL ROY
1. Robin Roberts, SP, PHI
2. Bill Howerton, CF, STL
3. Ken Sears, C, STL
WORLD SERIES PREDICTION
Dodgers over Yankees, 4-3
The Dodgers, led by the double-play tandem of Jackie Robinson and Arky Vaughan, take the series to the limit, winning their first World Series crown.
*
On a completely unrelated note, does anyone think it’s a little weird that 3 members of the same infield (1922-1926 Washington Senators) are now managers?
3B Ossie Bluege – WSH
SS Roger Peckinpaugh – CLE
2B Bucky Harris - PHI
Those teams managed 2 AL pennants and a victory in the 1924 World Series. Something in the water maybe?
*
Awesome!!! Let's make it happenQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
There's no way in **** that you don't win the Pennant.
filihok: Well, they have to get through the Phillies first! :D But it should be an incredibly exciting season.
Gosensgo: Yeah, the National League predictions are probably weighted too much on last year's results. The Cardinals will be (much) worse: I don't see how you can lose your starting outfield and still contend. The Reds will be better: Stan Musial alone makes them so.
Ultimately, I think that it will come down to three teams: the Dodgers, the Giants, and the Phillies. Whichever team gets the most wins, will win the pennant :p
APRIL 1, 1945
The baseball season is officially here! And while the Phillies don’t open until tomorrow, 4 games were finished today.
In Cincinnati, Stan Musial’s Reds debut was a happy one, as Stan goes 2-4 and the Reds beat the Pirates, 2-1.
In Boston, Warren Spahn tosses a complete game, and former Cardinals Walker Cooper and Terry Moore victimize their old team in the Braves’ 8-2 thumping of St. Louis.
In Brooklyn, the rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants was reignited in grand fashion, as the Dodgers, thanks to a home run by Jackie Robinson, eek out a victory, 3-2.
And in Cleveland, the Yankees get back-to-back home runs from Joes’ DiMaggio and Gordon, as they hang on to spoil the Indians’ home opener, 3-2.
*
Perhaps the most important event today, however, was the presentation of the World Series rings to the members of last season’s championship winning team. Nothing special, just something to wear next to my wedding band, but it does say “World Series Champions 1944”, and that’s special enough.
Coast to Coast babyQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
APRIL 2, 1945
PHILLIES’ OPENING DAY
The flag was raised today: “1944 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS”. It certainly looks nice flying in centerfield. Hopefully it’ll look that good when we move into our new home.
In a bizarre scheduling coincidence, the Cubs would help us open our home schedule, in what appears to be the last Phillies season in Shibe Park. Of course, last season, the Phillies rallied for 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th against Cubs closer Whitey Miller for the walk-off win, and in 1943, the Phillies rallied for 3 runs against Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm to win their home opener. Hopefully, we wouldn’t have to come from behind again this year, and with Red Ruffing on the hill, it didn’t look like we’d have to. The Cubs would counter with their ace and former Phillies starter, Claude Passeau.
Ruffing got off to a rough start. He allowed hits to the first two Cubs batters, setting up first and second with nobody out. Fortunately, he reached back into his 39-year-old arm and got the next three hitters in order. That would become a recurring theme.
The Phillies got a one-out double from Johnny Blatnik, but were unable to advance him.
The Cubs were set down in order in the second, while the Phillies wasted a leadoff single by Vern Stephens.
Both teams were retired in the third on less than 10 pitches.
While the Cubs went 1-2-3 in their fourth, the Phillies mounted a mini-rally. Singles by Ron Northey and Stephens put runners at first and third with two out. However, a groundout left the runners stranded, and the score deadlocked at zero.
The Cubs went in order in the 5th. Ruffing has retired 15 men in a row.
Danny Murtaugh led off the fifth with a walk, advanced to second on Ruffing’s sacrifice, and advanced to third on a sac fly by Phil Rizzuto. He scored on a single by Blatnik, and the Phillies drew first blood. Phillies 1, Cubs 0.
Ruffing went back to the mound and retired the first 3 Cubs batters, extending his streak to 18 straight.
The Phillies spoil another single by Vern Stephens, and they can’t extend their lead.
Both teams go down 1-2-3 in the 7th. Ruffing has set down 21 straight Cubs.
The top of the 8th inning is where the trouble started. Ruffing got Joe Cronin to line out for the first out, but gave up a single to Cy Block, ending his streak at 22 straight batters. Impressive, but he still needed to get out of the inning. A sacrifice by the catcher Ferrell made it two outs with a runner on second, but a walk to the pinch-hitting Reggie Otero brought up the top of the order. A non-scoring base hit later, Garth Mann delivered a bases-clearing double, giving the Cubs the lead. Cubs 3, Phillies 1. Ruffing retired the next man to end the inning, but the damage was done. Imagine dominating a team for 7.1 innings, and still being on the hook?
With one out in the bottom of the 8th, Ron Northey smashed a double against reliever Dale Alderson. Gil Hodges followed with an RBI single, and the deficit was cut in half. Cubs 3, Phillies 2. However, the offense couldn’t get any more runs, leaving the Phillies down a run entering the 9th.
Red Ruffing came out for the ninth inning, and retired the middle third of the Cubs lineup in order. Red was perfect for 7 innings, but it was that 8th inning collapse that cost him today.
It was a weird feeling of déjà vu at the ballpark, as Whitey Miller came in from the bullpen. Last year, the Cubs led 4-3 entering the bottom of the ninth, but a ferocious 2-out rally game the hometown team a come-from-behind win. The losing pitcher of that game? Whitey Miller.
Larry Doby was first up for the Phillies. Larry struggled all last season, but the 21-year-old definitely belongs in the big leagues. He proved his worth by smashing a triple into the right field corner. The tying run was 90 feet away! Ray Hamrick, a late-game defensive sub, stepped up the plate, but got under a fastball and popped out. Nick Goulish stepped up as a pinch-hitter for Ruffing, and drilled a 1-0 fastball into left-centerfield for a game-tying double! Phillies 3, Cubs 3! The fans were screaming as Harry Marnie, another late-game defensive replacement, and the catalyst for last season’s opening day comeback, stepped up to the dish. He worked a 1-1 count, then lined the ball…PAST THE DIVING SECOND BASEMAN! Goulish raced around third and slid home ahead of the throw, and the Phillies walk off with an Opening Day win AGAIN!
Phillies 4, Cubs 3
W: Red Ruffing (1-0, #299) L: Whitey Miller (0-1)
2B: Ron Northey (1), Johnny Blatnik (1), Nick Goulish (1)
3B: Larry Doby (1)
the Cubs should just try not to take the lead, they seem to lose when they do
RedsoxRockies: Yeah, that sounds like a great strategy...
APRIL-MAY 1945
PART I
April 2-4: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies
2 – See above
Phillies 4, Cubs 3
W: Red Ruffing (1-0) L: Whitey Miller (0-1)
2B: Ron Northey (1), Johnny Blatnik (1), Nick Goulish (1)
3B: Larry Doby (1)
3 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 5 over 7.2 IP, as he outduels Philly-killer Johnny Podgajny. The Phillies offense smacks 5 doubles to support their starter.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Charlie Ripple (1-0) L: Johnny Podgajny (0-1) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (1)
2B: Ron Northey (2), Johnny Blatnik (2), Gil Hodges (1), Vern Stephens (1), Larry Doby (1)
*
Gil Hodges will miss the next 3 games with a sore shoulder. Ed Murphy will get the starts at first base.
*
4 – Shaun Hale shuts down the Phillies offense, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits, and the Cubs manage to leave Philadelphia with a win.
Cubs 2, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (1-0) L: Tommy Hughes (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (1)
SB: Larry Doby (1)
*
Today was a special day. We broke ground on Franklin Stadium today (completely funded by the city, thank you very much!), setting in motion the plan to have 40,000 seats and a brand new grass field in place by next season. Adventurous, I know, but it can be done.
*
April 5-7: Brooklyn Dodgers (3-0) at Philadelphia Phillies (2-1)
5 – Robin Roberts was magnificent in his season debut, going 8 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits, but it took a pinch-hit double by Mickey Livingston in the bottom of the 8th inning to give the youngster his first Major League victory and the Phillies a share of first place.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
W: Robin Roberts (1-0) L: Cy Buker (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (1)
2B: Mickey Livingston (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto 2 (2)
6 - Would today be the day? All the conditions were set to perfection, the fans were eager with anticipation. The only thing that could stop history from happening would be those pesky Brooklyn Dodgers, for today, Red Ruffing would attempt to be the 8th man all-time to record 300 wins.
Well, you certainly can’t fault Red for not trying. He put forth a superhuman effort, going 10 innings, throwing 164 pitches, while striking out 5 Dodgers. Unfortunately, the Dodgers push a run across in the top of the 10th inning, and poor Red gets saddled with a loss.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 2 (10)
W: Cy Buker (1-1) L: Red Ruffing (1-1)
2B: Andy Seminick (1)
3B: Larry Doby (2)
*
Free agent RF Augie Bergamo has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds. He will join former Cardinals teammate Stan Musial in the Reds outfield. Stan the Man, meanwhile is 7-15 with 2 RBI to start the season.
*
The first trade of the new season.
Boston Red Sox receive:
3B Billy Johnson (85)
St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Leon Taragowski (66/80)
RP Cot Deal (67/80)
Panic move by Zimmerman brought on by the fact that Johnson is struggling at the plate (4-18).
WINNER: Red Sox
*
7 – After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, a Vern Stephens homer in the bottom of the 9th forces extra innings, where an RBI single by Gil Hodges in the bottom of the 10th wins the game for the Phillies. John Fick makes his ML debut, going 2 scoreless innings to pick up the win.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 5 (10)
W: John Fick (1-0) L: Cy Buker (1-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (2), Andy Seminick (2)
HR: Vern Stephens (1)
April 8-10: Philadelphia Phillies (4-2) at New York Giants (2-4)
8 – Tommy Hughes gets roughed up for 10 hits, as the Phillies’ offense has no answer for Larry Jansen (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER).
Giants 3, Phillies 1
W: Larry Jansen (1-1) L: Tommy Hughes (0-2) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (1)
2B: Ron Northey (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (2)
9 – Today’s pitching match-up was one of epic proportions: the NL ERA co-leaders (0.00). Despite giving up 10 hits and 3 walks, Robin Roberts only allows 2 runs over 8 innings, giving the offense time to put up just enough for the win.
Phillies 3, Giants 2
W: Robin Roberts (2-0) L: Bill Voiselle (1-1) SV: Ike Pearson (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (3), Andy Seminick (3)
*
Free agent 3B Ellis Clary signed today with the Detroit Tigers.
*
10 – Perhaps today will be the day that Red Ruffing joins the 300 Win club. Alas, the Giants were not willing to assist Red today, as they put up 5 runs against him and take the series.
Giants 5, Phillies 3
W: Adrian Zabala (1-0) L: Red Ruffing (1-2)
April 11: Day Off
*
While our pitching has been fantastic (2.56 team ERA – 2nd in NL), our offense has been pathetic (2.88 R/G – 7th in NL). To solve this problem, we’re going to switch up the batting order a little bit.
SS Phil Rizzuto
C Andy Seminick
CF Larry Doby
1B Gil Hodges
3B Vern Stephens
RF Ron Northey
2B Danny Murtaugh
LF Johnny Blatnik
*
April 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (5-4) at Boston Braves (7-2)
12 – Well, the changes worked, thank goodness. Charlie Ripple gave up 5 runs, but the offense exploded for 7, thanks to Andy Seminick (3-5, 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Larry Doby (game-winning 2-run home run in the top of the 9th).
Phillies 7, Braves 5
W: Hugh Casey (1-0) L: Elmer Singleton (1-2)
2B: Andy Seminick (4)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (2), Larry Doby (1)
*
The Yankees will have to cope without Joe DiMaggio for three weeks. He suffered a stress fracture in his left (catching) hand while making a diving grab on a soft liner. Tommy Henrich slides over to center, while Chet Ross will get the starts in right.
*
Sorry to make your feel BLUE Red. Better luck next timeQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
filihok: Just wait until you see who Red gets his 300th against... :D
APRIL 13, 1945
Unfortunately, the season hasn’t quite gotten into full swing yet, and international events force baseball to grind to a halt. This morning, the team woke in Boston to find out that the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, had passed away last night.
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1...3773409xt8.jpg
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945)
I had grown somewhat close to the President. I first met him back in 1942 on a trip to Pittsburgh, and we’ve stayed in contact ever since. He was instrumental in keeping ballplayers home to entertain the home front. Most notably, he suggested to the owners of baseball that we insert Happy Chandler as commissioner
Commissioner Chandler has cancelled all games scheduled for today. Fortunately, every team has an off day scheduled over the next week, so the schedule will be pushed back 1 day until we can get all square again on the 19th.
APRIL-MAY 1945
PART I continued
14 – Maybe I ought to keep those lineup changes. Every starter collects a hit, as Tommy Hughes tosses a complete game to pick up his first win of the season. The win creates a three-way tie atop the National League, with the Dodgers, Braves and Phillies sporting matching 7-4 records.
Phillies 9, Braves 1
W: Tommy Hughes (1-2) L: Rob Kelley (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (4), Larry Doby (2), Danny Murtaugh (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (3)
15 – In a match-up that will certainly occur many times over the next decade, the bullpens decide the final outcome. Robin Roberts and Warren Spahn dueled for 8 innings, but the Phillies rallied against the Braves bullpen to tie the game, and eventually win it in 12 innings.
Phillies 7, Braves 5 (12)
W: Ike Pearson (1-0) L: Elmer Singleton (1-3) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
2B: Andy Seminick (5), Vern Stephens (2), Nick Goulish (2)
3B: Larry Doby (3), Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (2)
April 16-18: St. Louis Cardinals (4-9) at Philadelphia Phillies (8-4)
16 – The third time was the charm for Red Ruffing. On this day, he tosses a complete game, allowing only 1 run on 8 hits, as the Phillies offense gives him a big lead to work with.
Congratulations to Red Ruffing, who becomes the 8th member of the 300 Win Club with his victory today!
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9...finghofcb8.jpg
300-Game winner Red Ruffing
Phillies 7, Cardinals 2
W: Red Ruffing (2-2) L: Max Lanier (0-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (5), Larry Doby (3), Gil Hodges (2), Red Ruffing (1)
3B: Ron Northey (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (1)
17 – A pinch-hit single by Ed Murphy in the bottom of the 9th breaks a 1-1 tie and give the Phillies (and Charlie Ripple, who tossed a complete game) the victory.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
W: Charlie Ripple (2-0) L: Art Lopatka (0-1)
18 – Tommy Hughes is again the beneficiary of an offensive explosion, as the Phillies score 8 runs and cruise to a comfortable victory to sweep the Cardinals.
Phillies 8, Cardinals 1
W: Tommy Hughes (2-2) L: Harry Gumbert (1-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (6), Larry Doby (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (3), Larry Doby (2), Ron Northey (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (2)
*
Another trade between the Red Sox and Browns.
Boston Red Sox receive:
RP Stan Ferens (80) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 SV in 13.2 IP
RF Willard Brown (79/80) - .211, 7 RBI, 6 2B in 57 AB
3B Bill Sommers (63/77) - .250, 4 RBI (R)
St. Louis Browns receive:
RP James Atkins (76/78) – 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 SV in 1.1 IP
SP Randy Heflin (80/82) – 1-1, 5.40 ERA in 15 IP (AAA)
I don’t understand this trade, but the Browns win.
WINNER: Browns
*
STANDINGS (after games on April 18, 1945)
*Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 11-4 ---
New York 11-5 0.5
Cincinnati 10-5 1.0
Brooklyn 9-6 2.0
Boston 7-8 4.0
Chicago 6-9 5.0
St. Louis 4-12 7.5
Pittsburgh 3-12 8.0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 10-5 ---
Cleveland 9-6 1.0
Washington 8-7 2.0
Boston 8-7 2.0
Chicago 8-7 2.0
Detroit 7-8 3.0
Philadelphia 6-9 4.0
St. Louis 4-11 6.0
Potato, will you support the AL party?
Congrats RED!!!
I have officially announced my candidacy for Sports Mogul President!
Please support the Players League aka Da Playas Party in our effort to win the most prestigious figurehead position in the Sports Mogul forums!
APRIL 18, 1945
Well, I didn’t get to see Nick, but he dropped off his yearly scouting report at the office today. For someone that doesn’t even have his own office, he certainly does nice work. Here’s Nick’s Top 10 Prospects from the upcoming 1945 Amateur Draft:
SP Billy Pierce – Detroit, MI (18)
The lefty from the Motor City has got three decent pitches, but control is an issue. If he can learn to harness his pitches, he’ll lead the league in strikeouts someday.
80 END, 57 CON, 85, POW, 68 MOV, 81 HEA
FASTBALL 78, CURVE 70, CHANGE 64
RP Dick Weik – Waterloo, IA (17)
He’s got a big league fastball, but a sub par curve. His pitches have great movement on them, and if he can learn the art of control, he’ll have a long, successful career.
48 END, 52 CON, 78 POW, 94 MOV, 76 HEA
FASTBALL 93, SLOW CURVE 67
CF Richie Ashburn – Tilden, NE (18)
With a little more speed, he’d be the perfect leadoff batter. Brings a good arm to centerfield, but glove work is a question. Not much power, but will make contact and draw walks.
71 CON, 60 POW, 78 SPD, 87 EYE, 86 ARM, 73 RNG, 66 FLD, 93 HEA
CURVE +20, PALM -5
SP Bill Miller – Minersville, PA (17)
A powerful lefty that can hit 95 MPH, he already has two great pitches. If he can develop that curveball from poor to above average, just to keep hitters honest, he’s a potential Cy Young winner.
64 END, 53 CON, 80 POW, 56 MOV, 75 HEA
FASTBALL 73, CURVE 47, FORKBALL 71
1B Joe Adcock – Coushatta, LA (17)
Big (6’4”, 220) and powerful (42 high school HR, including 16 this year), Adcock is also athletic enough to play in the corners of the outfield. However, he is slow afoot, so keeping this future slugger at first would probably be wisest.
64 CON, 78 POW, 57 SPD, 69 EYE, 70 ARM, 59 RNG, 71 FLD, 80 HEA
RP Dick Welteroth – Williamsport, PA (17)
Prototypical relief prospect: solid power, good movement, poor control. Will become a great closer if he develops a third pitch.
32 END, 54 CON, 65 POW, 77 MOV, 73 HEA
FASTBALL 72, SLOW CURVE 65
C Smoky Burgess – Caroleen, NC (18)
Already adept at game calling. The hitting (especially power) will come with time, as will the fielding. The speed however, will not. Loves the ball low in the zone.
67 CON, 69 POW, 59 SPD, 77 EYE, 69 ARM, 86 HND, 64, FLD, 74 HEA
FORKBALL +10, SINKER +5, EEPHUS -15
SP Jim McDonald – Grants Pass, OR (18)
His low sidearm delivery allows him to keep his pitches low in the zone. Again, though, unless he develops a fastball, he’s not going to have much success at this level.
50 END, 54 CON, 61 POW, 67 MOV, 77 HEA
SINKER 62, FORKBALL 63
SP Dick Donovan – Boston, MA (17)
Without a fastball in his arsenal, Donovan gets by with location and guts. He has two great breaking pitches, but I just don’t see him getting anywhere at the next level without a fastball.
75 END, 61 CON, 69 POW, 59 MOV, 69 HEA
CHANGE 55, SLIDER 67, CURVE 61
RF Jackie Jensen – San Francisco, CA (18)
Really developed his power stroke his senior year, hitting 14 home runs. Plays average defense in the outfield, with a solid throwing arm. His strength is hitting, and he should become a major power threat in any lineup.
63 CON, 70 POW, 69 SPD, 79 EYE, 75 ARM, 64 RNG, 64 FLD, 82 HEA
*
Well, better not pick Donovan!
Coach: Hopefully, he'll be gone by the time I pick 16th! Although I honestly don't know if I have room for another talented young player. I mean, I have so many right now... :D
APRIL-MAY 1945
PART II
April 19-21: Philadelphia Phillies (11-4, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (3-12, 8th, 8 GB)
19 – Robin Roberts keeps his hot start rolling, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 8 innings, and the offense keeps on swinging (16 hits).
Phillies 9, Pirates 2
W: Robin Roberts (3-0) L: Ed Bahr (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (7), Johnny Blatnik (3)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (1)
*
Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson had his 21-game hitting streak stopped today. Jackie is hitting .281 with 2 HR and 12 RBI in the young season.
*
20 – It was purely a case to too little, too late, as a ninth-inning rally falls short, ending the Phillies’ winning streak at 7 games, and knocking them out of first place.
Pirates 5, Phillies 3
W: Paul Troughton (1-2) L: Red Ruffing (2-3) SV: Ace Adams (1)
21 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 over 8 innings, and the offense pounds out 14 hits to get the Phillies back in the win column.
Phillies 9, Pirates 1
W: Charlie Ripple (3-0) L: Ken Heintzelman (1-1)
2B: Ron Northey (4), Nick Goulish (3), Gil Hodges (3)
*
After going 2-4 with 3 runs scored today, Johnny Blatnik crumpled to the ground chasing Hank Camelli’s triple in the 9th inning. While he finished the game, the news is not good. Johnny Blatnik has a broken fibula. The injury will keep the 2nd year player out until mid-August. Nick Goulish will get the starts in left field, while Ed Sanicki will return from the minor leagues to be the 4th outfielder.
*
After being released by the Yankees today, RF Paul Waner announced his retirement.
For years, Paul and little brother Lloyd (now a reserve outfielder for the Dodgers) patrolled 2/3rds of the Pirates outfield. He led the Pirates to the 1927 National League Pennant, and was rewarded with MVP honors for his efforts. He appeared in 5 All-Star games (1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, and 1942), and was one of the most feared hitters in the National League throughout the 1930’s.
He was a noted alcoholic, and had the ability to hit quite well when hung over. He was also nearsighted, but overcame both of these afflictions to be one of the greatest hitters in history.
CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
.332 AVG (18th)
121 HR
1375 RBI (20th)
644 2B (4th)
204 3B (8th)
1700 R (13th)
2668 GP (6th)
10187 AB (4th)
3378 Hits (4th)
One of 7 men in the 3000 Hit Club.
http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/5476/be2ngkcvfz8.jpg
Future HOFer Paul Waner
*
Wow, just 5 days before he actually retired in real life! :eek:
Coach: Freaky, huh? I sometimes marvel at the similarities between reality and the game. This is one of those instances where it's head-scratchingly weird (and yes, I think I just made up the word 'head-scratchingly').
APRIL - MAY 1945
PART II continued
April 22: Day Off
April 23-25: Philadelphia Phillies (13-5, 2nd, 0.5 GB) at St. Louis Cardinals (4-15, 8th, 10 GB)
23 – Don Bollweg smashed 2 home runs, as Tommy Hughes continues to make life difficult for himself, giving up 5 runs, as the Cardinals snap their 11-game losing streak.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
W: Harry Gumbert (2-2) L: Tommy Hughes (2-3) SV: Art Lopatka (1)
24 – Robin Roberts overcomes 3 errors by allowing only 2 hits and 1 unearned run in 8 innings. The Phillies manage to break a 1-1 tie in the top of the 9th, thanks to a Vern Stephens home run.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
W: Robin Roberts (4-0) L: Al Lyons (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (3)
2B: Ron Northey 2 (6), Larry Doby (5)
HR: Vern Stephens (3)
25 – Red Ruffing gets destroyed, giving up 14 hits in 5.2 IP, as the offense can only muster a late Larry Doby home run to avoid the shutout.
Cardinals 13, Phillies 2
W: Lon Warneke (1-1) L: Red Ruffing (2-4)
HR: Larry Doby (3)
April 26-28: New York Giants (15-7, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (14-7, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
26 – A 6-run 6th inning propels the Phillies to victory. Larry Doby goes 2-5 with 3 RBI, as Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 in 6 IP.
Phillies 9, Giants 7
W: Charlie Ripple (4-0) L: Hal Schumacher (2-2) SV: Ike Pearson (4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (8), Larry Doby (6), Ray Hamrick (1)
27 – Tommy Hughes leaves with a 4-3 lead, but a tired Ed Hanyzewski gives up 3 runs in the 8th inning for the loss.
Giants 6, Phillies 4
W: Slim Emmerich (1-0) L: Ed Hanyzewski (0-1) SV: Ken Trinkle (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto 2 (10), Andy Seminick 2 (7)
3B: Gil Hodges (1), Nick Goulish (1)
28 – Robin Roberts goes 3-4 with 2 triples, and Larry Doby drives in 4 runs, as the Phillies take first place from the Giants on the weight of Roberts’ first career CG.
Phillies 8, Giants 2
W: Robin Roberts (5-0) L: Van Mungo (3-3)
2B: Danny Murtaugh 2 (3)
3B: Larry Doby (4), Robin Roberts 2 (2)
April 29 – May 2: Philadelphia Phillies (16-8, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (6-18, 8th, 10 GB)
29 – Example #2,704,586,601 on how life is unfair: we tie the game in the top of the 9th on a home run by Gil Hodges, then lose the game on the first pitch of the bottom of the 9th thanks to Johnny Wyrostek’s walk-off home run.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Harry Shuman (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (1-1)
HR: Gil Hodges (5)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (4)
*
The war has taken one giant step towards its conclusion.
Today, just 2 days after the death of Benito Mussolini, the Italian forces officially surrendered.
The Axis powers of Germany and Japan have vowed to fight on, but I’m not sure how much longer they can last, especially with Allied forces closing in on Berlin and Tokyo.
*
30 – Example #2,704,586,602 on how life is unfair: an error by Vern Stephens in the bottom of the 9th opens the floodgates, allowing the Pirates to force extra innings, where they win in the bottom of the 10th.
Pirates 9, Phillies 8 (10)
W: Harry Shuman (2-1) L: Ike Pearson (1-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11)
HR: Andy Seminick (3), Nick Goulish (1)
1 – Example #2,704,586,603 on how life is unfair: Tommy Hughes allows 1 hit over 7 innings. Hugh Casey allows 1 hit in his relief stint. That’s 2 hits total. The hit off of Casey? A game-winning home run.
Pirates 1, Phillies 0
W: Emil Kush (1-0) L: Hugh Casey (1-2) SV: Ace Adams (2)
*
Honestly, is it too much to ask Tommy Hughes to stay healthy? Tommy will be out until the end of the month with a chipped knee cap. Dick Mauney will fill his role as the #3 starter, and Al Gerheauser will get the call-up from AAA Utica.
*
2 – Well, it wasn’t pretty, but Robin Roberts prevented an embarrassing 4-game sweep at the hands of the worst team in the National League. Robin himself went 2-3 with a double and 2 runs scored, as he improves his record to 6-0.
Phillies 10, Pirates 7
W: Robin Roberts (6-0) L: Bob Chesnes (1-6) SV: Hugh Casey (1)
*
Hitler is dead. The German dictator has killed himself. The Ruskies have taken Berlin. The war in Europe is on its last legs.
*
May 3-5: Cincinnati Reds (19-9, 1st, 2 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (17-11, T-2nd, 2 GB)
3 – A 2-run 8th inning rally rescues victory from the jaws of defeat, and the Phillies pull to 1 game behind the Reds.
Phillies 2, Reds 1
W: Hugh Casey (2-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-1)
3B: Larry Doby (5)
4 – Ron Northey drives in 3, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 12th inning, as the Phillies help create a three-way tie atop the National League standings (the Giants are also involved).
Phillies 6, Reds 5 (12)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (1-1) L: Clayton Lambert (2-2)
2B: Larry Doby (8), Ron Northey (7)
HR: Vern Stephens (5)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (5)
5 – Leon Culberson’s bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 12th inning plates the winning run, and allows the Phillies to sweep the Reds.
Phillies 5, Reds 4 (12)
W: Hugh Casey (3-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12), Vern Stephens (3), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (4)
STANDINGS (after games on May 5, 1945)
Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 20-11 ---
New York 20-11 ---
Brooklyn 19-11 0.5
Cincinnati 19-12 1.0
Chicago 14-16 5.5
St. Louis 12-19 8.0
Boston 10-21 10.0
Pittsburgh 9-22 11.0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 18-12 ---
New York 17-13 1.0
Washington 17-13 1.0
Cleveland 16-14 2.0
Chicago 15-15 3.0
Philadelphia 15-15 3.0
Detroit 13-17 5.0
St. Louis 9-21 9.0
Go A's! :D
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…
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
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?
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! ;)
Veto!!!