technically an "early morning owl"
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technically an "early morning owl"
It's shaping up to be an exciting September. Glad to hear that it won't be going on hiatus, or worse.
RedsoxRockies: Well, if you want to delve into technicalities... :D
filihok: Yeah, now if the American League can get with the program...
AUGUST 23, 1945
This was it. The stretch run was upon us, and the top 2 teams in the National League were meeting in Philadelphia this afternoon. The results of this 3-game series would go a long way toward deciding the NL Pennant. The visiting Reds, winners of 3 straight and current leaders, were poised to take a huge step towards an unprecedented worst-to-first season with a good showing. The hometown Phillies, losers of 2 straight and in 2nd by a half-game, were ready to embarrass the Reds and grab a firm hold on the league lead with 1 month to play. 900 miles away, in St. Louis, the 3rd-place Dodgers sat 4.5 games back. They were eager to see the top 2 teams beat each other up while they sweep over the Cardinals, bringing them back into the pennant picture.
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The first game could’ve doubled as the Robin Roberts Show. As he has done all season, the 18-year-old wunderkind dominated the opposition, striking out 7 Reds in a complete-game victory.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (21-6) L: Junior Thompson (2-5)
2B: Nick Goulish (22), Ron Northey (18), Robin Roberts (4)
SB: Nick Goulish (8)
*
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Dodgers 3, Cardinals 0
Giants 5, Pirates 2
PENNANT RACE
*Code:TEAM GB
Phillies ---
Reds 0.5
Dodgers 4.0
Giants 7.5
The Washington Senators, by virtue of a Yankees win, are eliminated from pennant contention.
*
AUGUST 24, 1945
The Reds offense showed up big time today, pounding out 7 runs and 11 hits against starter Red Ruffing. The Phillies offense couldn’t do anything to match that type of production, and the Reds regained the lead in the National League
Reds 7, Phillies 4
W: Travis Robbins (2-13) L: Red Ruffing (9-10) SV: Howie Fox (1)
2B: Larry Doby (26), Andy Seminick (16)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (13)
*
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Dodgers 4, Cardinals 2
Giants 6, Pirates 0
PENNANT RACE
*Code:TEAM GB
Reds ---
Phillies 0.5
Dodgers 3.5
Giants 7.0
AUGUST 25, 1945
In a bit of a surprise, Dick Mauney was tapped to start the rubber match. The recently-recalled Mauney proved up to the challenge, outdueling Bucky Walters for 8 innings before giving way to closer Ike Pearson, who slammed the door and gave the Phillies the National League lead.
Phillies 5, Reds 3
W: Dick Mauney (1-3) L: Bucky Walters (15-6) SV: Ike Pearson (17)
2B: Ron Northey (19)
*
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Cardinals 5, Dodgers 3
Giants 5, Pirates 4
PENNANT RACE
*Code:TEAM GB NEXT
Phillies --- 4 at Pittsburgh
Reds 0.5 Day off, then 3 at New York
Dodgers 4.0 4 at Chicago
Giants 6.5 Day off, then 3 v. Cincinnati
STANDINGS (after games on August 25, 1945)
Italics denotes eliminated
*Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 74-55 ---
Cincinnati 74-56 0.5
Brooklyn 70-59 4.0
New York 68-62 6.5
Chicago 65-64 9.0
Boston 59-70 15.0
St. Louis 54-75 20.0
Pittsburgh 53-76 21.0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 88-41 ---
Boston 77-53 11.5
Cleveland 72-57 16.0
Chicago 68-62 20.5
Washington 60-70 28.5
Detroit 56-73 32.0
Philadelphia 52-77 36.0
St. Louis 45-85 43.5
BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns 45-85 ---
Phila. A's 52-77 7.5
Pitts. Pirates 53-76 8.5
St.L. Cardinals 54-75 9.5
Detroit Tigers 56-73 11.5
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 74-55 ---
Athletics 52-77 22.0
AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1945
PART III
August 26-29: Philadelphia Phillies (74-55, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (53-76, 8th, 21 GB)
26 – Bob Chesnes tosses a 5-hit shutout, outdueling Tommy Hughes, and moving the Phillies down into a tie for 1st with the Reds. The Dodgers lose, as the Cubs have won 7 straight to pull to 8 back.
Pirates 2, Phillies 0
W: Bob Chesnes (12-14) L: Tommy Hughes (10-10)
27 – Robin Roberts tosses a complete-game 7-hitter, as the Phillies jump to a win. The Reds and Cubs win, which means the Dodgers and Giants lose.
Phillies 4, Pirates 1
W: Robin Roberts (22-6) L: Paul Troughton (9-20)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (29), Nick Goulish (23)
HR: Gil Hodges (23)
28 – Red Ruffing tosses 8 strong innings, and the Phillies regain sole possession of 1st place. The Reds and Dodgers lose, meaning the Giants and Cubs (who are on a tear, having won 9 straight) win.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4
W: Red Ruffing (10-10) L: Dick Conger (8-6) SV: Ike Pearson (18)
2B: Ron Northey (20), Vern Stephens (12)
HR: Nick Goulish (8)
29 – Ken Heintzelman outduels Dick Mauney, as the Pirates split the series. The Cubs and Giants win, keeping the Reds 1 game back.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Ken Heintzelman (12-8) L: Dick Mauney (1-4) SV: Harry Shuman (5)
2B: Gil Hodges (20), Vince DiMaggio (9)
3B: Ed Walczak (4)
August 30 – September 1: Boston Braves (62-71, 6th, 14 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-57, 1st, 1 GA)Code:TEAM GB NEXT
Phillies --- 3 v. Boston
Reds 1.0 3 v. Pittsburgh
Dodgers 6.0 3 v. New York
Giants 6.0 3 at Brooklyn
Cubs 7.0 3 at St. Louis
30 – Tommy Hughes tosses a 2-hit shutout, as Gil Hodges (2-3, HR, 3 RBI) and the Phillies win again. The Reds, Giants, and Cubs all win, keeping pace.
Phillies 7, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (11-10) L: Rob Kelley (7-14)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (30)
HR: Gil Hodges (24)
*
An extremely odd event occurred today: a triple-elimination.
The Cardinals, the Pirates, and the White Sox all lost, and with Yankees and Phillies wins, those 3 teams are eliminated from pennant contention.
*
Bad news on the injury front: 1945 4th-round draft pick RP Luis Arroyo will miss almost a full year with a torn rotator cuff. Arroyo was 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 23 innings at R Clearwater.
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With the win today, we officially clinch our 2nd consecutive Liberty Bell Trophy, awarded to the best team in the city of Philadelphia!
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7...m20radiac2.jpg
Isn't it a beautiful trophy? Better get used to those.
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31 – Larry Doby goes 4-6, and hits a walk-off 3-run home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Phillies an incredible comeback victory. The Cubs have won 12 straight with their win today, and the Dodgers and Reds were also victorious.
Phillies 7, Braves 6 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (7-4) L: George Dockins (1-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (31), Larry Doby (27), Ron Northey (21), Vern Stephens (13), Ed Walczak (7)
HR: Larry Doby (17), Ron Northey (13)
SB: Vince DiMaggio (3)
*
It’s September, which means it’s time for rosters to expand! Here are the 15 lucky minor leaguers that get their tickets punched to the show!
SP Charlie Ripple
SP Harvey Haddix
SP Al Gerheauser
RP Don Grate
RP Hilly Flitcraft
RP Charley Schanz
C Bob Finley
2B Ray Hamrick
2B Mike Goliat
3B Nick Picciuto
SS Jack Albright
LF Ed Sanicki
LF Johnny Blatnik
2B Moon Mullen
SS John O’Neil
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1 – Apparently, the team has a thing for 3-run walk-off home runs, as Ron Northey makes it 2 straight in the bottom of the 9th today. The Dodgers are the only chasers to win today, giving us 2 games on the nearest team, the Reds.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Ed Hanyzewski (8-4) L: Jim Hickey (5-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (21)
HR: Ron Northey (14)
September 2: Day OffCode:TEAM GB NEXT
Phillies --- Day off, then 3 at Chicago
Reds 2.0 Day off, then 3 at St. Louis
Dodgers 7.0 3 at Pittsburgh, then day off
Giants 8.0 Day off, then 3 at Boston
Cubs 8.0 Day off, then 3 v. Philadelphia
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The Dodgers lost their opening game with the Pirates, moving them 7.5 back.
*
The Cleveland Indians lost, eliminating themselves from pennant contention.
*
September 3-6: Philadelphia Phillies (79-57, 1st, 2 GA) at Chicago Cubs (71-65, T-4th, 8 GB)
3 – Gene Lambert gets shelled in (hopefully) his last start of the season, and the Phillies don’t have the pop to come back. The Dodgers are the only other chasers to win, keeping our lead at 2 games.
Cubs 6, Phillies 3
W: Phil Marchildon (2-3) L: Gene Lambert (6-8) SV: Dale Alderson (7)
2B: Nick Goulish (24)
3B: Ron Northey (5)
4 – Andy Seminick hits 2 home runs, and Tommy Hughes lowers his ERA with 8 shutout innings, as the Phillies roll. The Reds lose, increasing our lead to 3 games
Phillies 4, Cubs 0
W: Tommy Hughes (12-10) L: Claude Passeau (15-16)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (32), Nick Goulish (25)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (16)
SB: Nick Goulish (9), Larry Doby (5)
*
With a loss today coupled with our victory, the Boston Braves are knocked out of pennant contention
*
5 – Robin Roberts makes history today, setting the record for most wins by an 18-year old in one season, and does so emphatically, tossing a 4-hit shutout. The Reds win, keeping our lead at 3 games.
Phillies 2, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (23-6) L: Shaun Hale (18-9)
2B: Gil Hodges (22)
HR: Larry Doby (18)
*Code:TEAM GB NEXT
Phillies --- 3 v. St. Louis
Reds 3.0 3 v. Boston
1945 #7 overall pick CF Richie Ashburn made his Major League debut today for the Cubs, going 1-4 in a losing effort. The only reason Ashburn is playing is injuries: Phil Cavarretta and Bill Nicholson are both out for at least another week, so Ashburn should see a fair amount of playing time.
*
September 6-8: St. Louis Cardinals (58-81, T-7th, 23 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (81-58, 1st, 3 GA)
6 – This was ugly, but if ugly wins ballgames, I’ll take ugly any day of the week, especially if Larry Doby has 7 RBI. Even better, the Reds lost on a beautiful 3-hitter by Warren Spahn, increasing our lead to 4 games.
Phillies 11, Cardinals 10
W: Joe Page (1-0) L: Ray Yochim (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (19)
2B: Nick Goulish (26), Ron Northey (22)
3B: Larry Doby (9)
HR: Larry Doby (19)
7 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 8, and an Andy Seminick home run leads the Phillies to another victory. The Reds win, keeping pace.
Phillies 5, Cardinals 3
W: Charlie Ripple (11-6) L: Johnny Beazley (4-4) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (7)
2B: Ed Walzcak (8), Leon Culberson (6), Charlie Ripple (4)
3B: Vern Stephens (3)
HR: Andy Seminick (17)
8 – 3 Cardinals pitchers combine for a 7-hit shutout, as Tommy Hughes’ performance (1 ER in 7 innings) is wasted. The Reds beat the Braves, bringing themselves to 3 GB.Cardinals 2, Phillies 0
W: Harry Gumbert (8-12) L: Tommy Hughes (12-11) SV: Art Lopatka (6)
2B: Ed Murphy (6)
*
With a loss by the Red Sox today, the inevitable was finally a reality:
THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
Another season, another pennant for the dynastic Yankees. This makes 5 straight AL flags for the Bronx Bombers, 9 in 10 years, and 16 of the last 24. Since 1919, the Yankees have only finished below 3rd once.
STANDINGS (after games on September 8, 1945)
Italics denotes eliminated
12 GAMES REMAINING
*Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 83-59 --
Cincinnati 80-62 3
New York 76-66 7
Brooklyn 73-69 10
Chicago 73-69 10
Boston 64-78 19
Pittsburgh 60-82 23
St. Louis 59-83 24
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 97-45 --
Boston 83-59 14
Cleveland 75-67 22
Chicago 73-69 24
Detroit 66-76 31
Washington 64-78 33
Philadelphia 60-82 37
St. Louis 50-92 47
BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns 50-92 --
St.L. Cardinals 59-83 9
Phila. A's 60-82 10
Pitts. Pirates 60-82 10
Wash. Senators 64-78 14
Boston Braves 64-78 14
WINNER OF THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Philadelphia Phillies (2 straight)
Ok, you need to stop those yankees
RedsoxRockies: Yeah, I'm seriously considering the reassignment draft this offseason. I thought that the Red Sox had caught up to the Yankees, but they took a few steps backwards this offseason by putting Jimmie Foxx on the bench in favor of Jerry Witte, among other things.
The American League, I'm sure, would love to break up the dominance of the Bronx Bombers, although I'm not too sure that some of the smaller market teams (such as the Browns and Pirates) would be able to absorb the larger salaries that the Yankees have stockpiled in AAA.
AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1945
PART IV
I’ll be honest with you, I’m a little under the weather. The doctor thinks I have a case of PENNANT FEVER!!! With the Phillies leading the Reds by 3 games with 12 to play, I’d like to assume that it was over. However, the Reds still have 3 more games against us this season, so we’re not out of the woods yet.
September 9-11: Pittsburgh Pirates (60-82, 7th, 23 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (83-59, 1st, 3 GA)
9 – A match-up between the NL leaders in shutouts doesn’t disappoint, but the Pirates offense gets to the Phillies bullpen to pull out the win. The Reds pick up a half-game by virtue of their off day.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Harry Shuman (5-9) L: Ed Hanyzewski (8-5) SV: Ace Adams (10)
2B: Ron Northey (23)
10 – Red Ruffing dominates the Pirates lineup, giving up only 2 hits en route to a shutout victory. The Reds also win, keeping pace.
Phillies 2, Pirates 0
W: Red Ruffing (11-10) L: Paul Troughton (10-21)
2B: Bill Peterman (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (14)
11 – Charlie Ripple solidifies his league lead in strikeouts by adding 7 more over 8 innings of work. The Reds win, staying 2.5 back.
Phillies 5, Pirates 2
W: Charlie Ripple (12-6) L: Max Butcher (1-4)
2B: Ron Northey (24)
HR: Gil Hodges (25)
*
SS Phil Rizzuto will miss the next 3 months with a broken tibia! This is absolutely the worst timing for Phil to go down. As our catalyst and leadoff man, he was doing an outstanding job, and he tied his career high with 14 SB this season.
FINAL STATS: .287, 51 RBI, 68 R, 32 2B, 6 3B, 14 SB
With Scooter’s injury, the office descended into chaos. Ray Hamrick will fill in a shortstop for now, but losing Phil hurt. Badly.
*
The Chicago Cubs, thanks to a loss of their own, are eliminated from pennant contention.
*
September 12: Day Off
*
The Brooklyn Dodgers lose, eliminating themselves from pennant contention.
*
Meanwhile, the Reds continue to win, pulling to 2 games back with only 9 to play. The Giants have also hit a hot streak, winning 8 straight to pull to 6 back. They also have 3 remaining games against the Phillies. Here’s how the schedules shake out for these 3 teams:
Phillies: 3 @ BSN, 3 v. CIN, 3 @ NYG
Reds: 3 @ NYG, 3 @ PHI, 3 v. CHC
Giants: 3 v. CIN, 3 @ PIT, 3 v. PHI
*
September 13-15: Philadelphia Phillies (85-60, 1st, 2 GA) at Boston Braves (66-79, 6th, 19 GB)
13 – Andy Seminick blasts 2 home runs, injecting the offense with a huge boost, and the Phillies take the victory. The Reds beat the Giants, keeping Cincinnati 2 back.
Phillies 10, Braves 2
W: Tommy Hughes (13-11) L: Jocko Thompson (4-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (23)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (19)
*
Yankees 3B Harlond Clift drove in his 1000th career RBI today.
*
14 – The Phillies overcome a grand slam by Connie Creeden, thanks to homers by Gil Hodges and Andy Seminick, as Robin Roberts collects his 24th win of the season. The Giants beat the Reds, expanding our lead to 3 games.
Phillies 5, Braves 4
W: Robin Roberts (24) L: Bob Barthelson (1-1) SV: Ike Pearson (20)
2B: Ron Northey (25), Gil Hodges (24)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (26), Andy Seminick (20)
15 – In a classic pitcher’s duel, the student (Warren Spahn) outduels the teacher (Red Ruffing). Fortunately, the Giants rally to win, keeping the Reds 3 back with 6 to play.
Braves 3, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (14-13) L: Red Ruffing (11-11)
2B: Ed Walczak (9)
HR: Andy Seminick (21), Ron Northey (15)
*
The single-season record for saves lasted all of one season. Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm closed the door on the Reds, giving him 26 saves on the season.
*
COMING UP NEXT…
The epic showdown between good and evil: the Reds and Phillies square off in a crucial 3-game series.
Who will survive!?!?!?!
Here we go!Quote:
the Reds and Phillies square off in a crucial 3-game series.
RedsoxRockies: Who indeed?
filihok: And we're off!
(Sorry, I couldn't think of anything wittier. I'll do better next time, I promise.)
AUGUST 16, 1945
The season had come down to the final 6 games. 3 teams were mathematically alive, but only the 2 squaring off today in Philadelphia had a legitimate shot at walking away with the National League pennant. The Phillies’ Magic Number was 4, and the Reds were 3 games back. However, playing head-to-head is the best way to make up ground, and the Reds were here on the doorstep, ready for battle.
September 16-18: Cincinnati Reds (84-64, 2nd, 3 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (87-61, 1st, 3 GA)
16 – What a game! After the Reds jumped out to a 3-0, the Phillies come back to tie the game in the 6th inning, and take the lead in the 8th! The Reds, thanks to a defensive mishap by the Phillies, regain the lead with 2 in the top half, but the Phillies answer to tie, and leave the winning run at 3rd base! After 9, the game was tied at 5. After a 1-2-3 top half, the Phillies plate the winning run, thanks to a pinch-hit single by Ed Sanicki!
Phillies 6, Reds 5
W: Ike Pearson (5-3) L: Junior Thompson (2-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (25), Vern Stephens (14)
3B: Gil Hodges (4)
HR: Andy Seminick (22)
SB: Ed Walczak (3)
*
With our win, the New York Giants are officially eliminated from pennant contention.
*
Go Seminik!!
RedsoxRockies: Yeah, Andy has been a beast this season. He started off getting on base, and was among the league leaders in OBP for the first half of the season. Lately, his power stroke has been coming along, as evidenced by his 20+ home runs. Plus, his arm is much improved, nailing 41.4% of would-be base stealers, up from 34.8% in 1944. I'm very glad I locked him up long-term!
SEPTEMBER 17, 1945
With the table set for 2 great pitching match-ups (Walters v. Hughes and Blackwell v. Roberts), the fans are certainly getting their moneys worth. I’m just glad the money is coming to Philadelphia!
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17 – Walters was getting the better of Hughes, allowing only 1 run through the first 7 innings. However, the 8th inning rolled around, and the floodgates opened. The Phillies loaded the bases with no outs, then a single, an RBI groundout, and a double, and the Phillies had a 5-3 lead! With a 2-run lead, closer Ike Pearson gave up a leadoff single, but retired the next 2 men.
That brought up Stan Musial.
Stan the Man worked a 3-1 count, then took a vicious cut at a fastball. Fortunately, he got over the ball, and bounced a grounder to second base. Danny Murtaugh scooped the ball, and fired to first.
THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!!
Phillies 5, Reds 3
W: Tommy Hughes (14-11) L: Bucky Walters (16-8) SV: Ike Pearson (21)
2B: Larry Doby (28), Nick Goulish (27), Ron Northey (26), Vern Stephens (15)
*
And so, the World Series will be a rematch of last season’s memorable affair, except the Phillies have the home-field advantage.
*
Boo!
Nice writeup
Coach Owens: Yeah, I understand your frustration. You have my word that I'll do everything in my power to slow down the Yankees! :D
michaelg123789: Thank you! Hopefully you'll keep following the ongoing saga that is the Phillies!
AUGUST 18, 1945
Without a season hanging in the balance, this remarkable pitching match-up lost a lot of its luster. However, the starters didn’t disappoint, as Robin Roberts tosses a complete game for his 25th victory of the season, outdueling Ewell Blackwell.
Phillies 3, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (25-6) L: Ewell Blackwell (15-6)
2B: Ron Northey (27)
3B: Ed Walczak (5)
*
Another bit of history: never before have 2 pitchers won their 300th game in the same season. That is, until today, when Athletics starter Ted Lyons notched his 300th victory, becoming the 9th man to achieve that feat.
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It won't help. The Yankees could lose all their minor leaguers and they'd still win. They'll just fill any holes in their line-up with the cream of the free agent crop. Money talks in Mogul.Quote:
Yeah, I'm seriously considering the reassignment draft this offseason.
Reassignment won't hurt. It won't do much, but it won't hurt.
If you don't mind being artificial about it, lowering the Yanks' cash reserve to $1 should force the AI to start trying to dump payroll.
Equalizing the league and playing with the settings may also help.
Petrel managed to finally break 'his' Yankees by manipulating the fan loyalty levels league wide to narrow the gap between the haves and have nots. Controlling the BUDGET is the real way to keep everyone more or less aligned.
3Run, Cat: Anything to help break these guys! I'm going to try a few things without messing with the cash reserves. Among them include the reassignment draft and reinputing city information, hopefully that will help out. If that doesn't work, I'll have to take more drastic measures...
*
September 19: Day Off
September 20-22: Philadelphia Phillies (90-61, NL Champion) at New York Giants (82-69, 3rd, 8 GB)
With the pennant clinched, it’ll be a skeleton crew for the last 3 games of the season. Look for several youngsters to grab some Major League experience.
20 – The Giants jump all over Gene Lambert, scoring 5 runs early, and hang on for a win. The Giants are still fighting for second place, giving these games some meaning.
Giants 5, Phillies 2
W: Hal Schumacher (12-13) L: Gene Lambert (6-9) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (27)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (9), Johnny Blatnik (4)
3B: John O’Neil (1)
*
Hal Schumacher’s victory today was the 200th of his career.
*
Red Sox OF Gee Walker knocked in his 1000th career RBI.
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21 – Dick Mauney allows only 3 hits in 8 innings, as the Phillies win.
Phillies 5, Giants 1
W: Dick Mauney (2-4) L: Van Mungo (14-17)
2B: Gil Hodges (26), Leon Culberson (7)
3B: Dick Mauney (1)
HR: Johnny Blatnik (1)
22 – Harvey Haddix pitches 6 strong, but a bullpen collapse costs the Phillies the game.
Giants 4, Phillies 2
W: Max Lanier (12-16) L: John Fick (2-2) SV: Ken Trinkle (12)
2B: Ray Hamrick (3)
HR: Ed Walczak (1)
END OF SEASON
You could just kill off a few Yanks, or plunk them on a deserted island... :D
Whew, finally got caught up, what a ride! Take out those Yanks in the Series!:)
RedsoxRockies: Ah yes, 'Old Faithful' :D
Overbay17: Welcome back! I'll do my best. The Yankees dominated the American League, so our team had best be ready!
UPDATE COMING IN A FEW MINUTES
Just wanted to post #500!
1945 YEAR IN REVIEW
1945 FINAL STANDINGS
SEASON STATISTICSCode:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 91-63 --
Cincinnati 85-69 6
New York 84-70 7
Brooklyn 80-74 11
Chicago 78-76 13
Boston 69-85 22
Pittsburgh 66-88 25
St. Louis 63-91 28
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York 108-46 --
Boston 89-65 19
Cleveland 85-69 23
Chicago 78-76 30
Detroit 70-84 38
Washington 68-86 40
Philadelphia 65-89 43
St. Louis 53-101 55
1946 DRAFT ORDER
St. L. Browns 53-101
St.L. Cardinals 63-91
Phila. A's 65-89
Pitts. Pirates 66-88
Wash. Senators 68-86
WINNER OF THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Philadelphia Phillies (2 straight)
Red denotes League Leader
BATTING
PITCHINGCode:1945 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
O'Neil, John PHI 4 1.000 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3.000 1.000
Casey, Hugh PHI 28 .667 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .667 .667
Haddix, Harvey PHI 1 .500 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .500 .500
Rizzuto, Phil PHI 131 .287 520 149 32 6 0 67 49 14 7 68 51 .371 .370
Culberson, Leon PHI 57 .286 105 30 7 1 0 17 13 0 0 16 11 .371 .390
Goulish, Nick PHI 139 .281 455 128 27 3 8 73 43 9 2 64 61 .407 .379
Doby, Larry PHI 149 .278 546 152 28 9 19 60 54 5 2 73 95 .467 .347
LaForest, Ty PHI 27 .274 84 23 4 0 0 13 13 0 1 10 6 .321 .374
Seminick, Andy PHI 148 .261 506 132 16 1 22 70 62 0 0 76 69 .427 .350
Walczak, Ed PHI 88 .260 277 72 9 5 1 19 30 3 1 28 21 .339 .305
Murphy, Ed PHI 84 .257 136 35 6 1 0 18 13 0 1 16 10 .316 .346
Stephens, Vern PHI 150 .256 531 136 15 3 23 58 71 4 1 69 76 .426 .329
Hodges, Gil PHI 148 .256 527 135 26 4 26 70 72 1 2 75 91 .469 .341
Northey, Ron PHI 134 .252 441 111 27 5 15 58 50 0 2 62 53 .438 .341
Sanicki, Ed PHI 6 .250 12 3 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 3 .250 .357
Lambert, Gene PHI 15 .242 33 8 1 0 0 4 4 0 0 8 3 .273 .324
DiMaggio, Vince PHI 112 .240 204 49 9 0 6 34 34 3 0 28 26 .373 .347
Hamrick, Ray PHI 64 .231 108 25 3 0 0 7 16 1 1 9 11 .259 .276
Murtaugh, Danny PHI 98 .229 205 47 9 1 0 23 28 4 4 16 11 .283 .309
Peterman, Bill PHI 29 .222 81 18 1 0 0 7 13 0 0 10 4 .235 .286
Blatnik, Johnny PHI 28 .220 91 20 4 2 1 8 11 0 0 9 9 .341 .283
Ripple, Charlie PHI 31 .216 74 16 4 0 0 3 23 0 1 6 8 .270 .238
Ruffing, Red PHI 30 .213 75 16 4 0 0 2 17 0 0 3 6 .267 .231
Roberts, Robin PHI 38 .179 106 19 4 2 0 8 30 0 0 18 11 .255 .233
Gables, Ken PHI 38 .167 6 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 .333 .167
Hughes, Tommy PHI 31 .164 73 12 0 0 0 4 19 0 0 5 2 .164 .208
Mauney, Dick PHI 10 .118 17 2 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 3 .235 .118
Finley, Bob PHI 1 .000 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .333
Goliat, Mike PHI 3 .000 7 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 .000 .125
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 57 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Fick, John PHI 30 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Page, Joe PHI 9 .000 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 .000 .000
Gerheauser, Al PHI 1 .000 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
LEAGUE LEADERSCode:1945 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Roberts, Robin PHI 309.1 2.39 38 38 25 6 0 130 85 10.45
Hughes, Tommy PHI 226.0 2.55 31 31 14 11 0 101 67 10.43
Pearson, Ike PHI 40.1 2.68 35 0 5 3 21 14 10 9.37
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 72.1 2.74 57 0 8 5 7 28 17 9.95
Haddix, Harvey PHI 6.0 3.00 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 13.50
Mauney, Dick PHI 56.0 3.54 10 7 2 4 0 24 17 12.05
Ripple, Charlie PHI 221.1 3.58 31 31 12 6 0 165 70 11.67
Ruffing, Red PHI 232.0 3.61 30 30 11 11 0 105 87 12.92
Page, Joe PHI 17.1 3.63 9 0 1 0 0 9 7 16.10
Lambert, Gene PHI 105.0 3.86 15 15 6 9 0 76 35 12.60
Gables, Ken PHI 56.1 4.15 38 0 3 4 5 25 21 12.46
Gerheauser, Al PHI 8.0 4.50 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 14.63
Casey, Hugh PHI 41.2 4.75 28 0 5 6 1 16 10 11.88
Fick, John PHI 47.0 4.79 30 0 2 2 1 35 19 13.60
Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Andy Pafko (CHC) .330
HR - Stan Musial (CIN) 34
RBI - Stan Musial (CIN) 127
SB - Jackie Robinson (BRO) 22
W - Robin Roberts (PHI) 25
ERA - Ewell Blackwell (CIN) 2.23
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI) 165
SV - Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG) 27*
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Joe DiMaggio (NYY) .349
HR - Ted Williams (BOS) 48
RBI - Joe DiMaggio (NYY) 131
SB - George Case (CHW) 42
W - Tiny Bonham (NYY) 24
ERA - Tiny Bonham (NYY) 2.14
K - Dizzy Trout (BOS) 144
Lefty Gomez (CHW)
SV - Len Perme (CHW) 20
* = Major League Record
How did Pojdganny Fair?
309 innings pitched!
A man after Dusty Baker's heartQuote:
Originally Posted by gosensgo101
Ugh. Time to get the Browns out of St Louis?Quote:
St. L. Browns 53-101
St.L. Cardinals 63-91
Just so you know, your league's starting to lose balance. : points at our old friends:
I'd do the following after the playoffs:
NYY: Lower cash to $1
Lower fan loyalty to C-
SLB: Raise fan loyalty to A
Make sure THEY get the first FA pick. Sign that person to a NTC.
All: Make sure no one's out of money.
RedsoxRockies: After his breakout year last season which included a no-hitter (at our expense), Johnny Podgajny fell waaaay back down to earth this season, posting a disappointing 8-15 record with an above-average 3.46 ERA. His BABIP jumped nearly 20 points from this season to last season, suggesting that 1944 was a one-time deal. He is a pending free agent, so it will be interesting to see how the Cubs approach this.
Gosensgo101: Yeah, he's a workhorse! But his season was incredible to watch!
filihok: I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult, so thanks? :D
3RunHomer: Well, not so fast. The Browns may have had a bad season, but they do have several good players. In fact, they are one of the best teams in the AL in terms of available cash. However, Richard Zimmerman will want to move the franchise as soon as he can. I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
CatKnight: I've actually gone past the playoffs in my sim. I reinputed correct population data for cities (every city went up, except New York, which I left alone) and brought fan loyalty for every team to a B+, B, or B-. The Browns are also very active in free agency, and while they didn't land the big one, they are still helping their cause.
I'll also be implementing a reassignment draft very similar to petrel's in January, so I think that'll be it for my offseason changes. If the results don't improve in 1946, I'll have to take more drastic measures.
1945 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
1945 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
World Series Appearances: 2
World Series Victories: 1
Last World Series: 1944 (W 4-2 NYY)
BATTING ORDER
LF Nick Goulish - .281, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 9 SB
2B Ed Walczak - .260, 1 HR, 21 RBI
1B Gil Hodges - .256, 26 HR, 91 RBI
CF Larry Doby - .278, 19 HR, 95 RBI
3B Vern Stephens - .256, 23 HR, 76 RBI
C Andy Seminick - .261, 22 HR, 69 RBI
RF Ron Northey - .252, 15 HR, 53 RBI
SS Ray Hamrick - .231, 0 HR, 11 RBI
PITCHING STAFF
SP Tommy Hughes – 14-11, 2.55 ERA, 101 K/67 BB, 226 IP
SP Robin Roberts – 25-6, 2.39 ERA, 130 K/85 BB, 309.1 IP
SP Charlie Ripple – 12-6, 3.58 ERA, 165 K/70 BB, 221.1 IP
SP Red Ruffing – 11-11, 3.61 ERA, 105 K/87 BB, 232 IP
SU Ed Hanyzewski – 8-5, 2.74 ERA, 7 SV
CL Ike Pearson – 5-3, 2.68 ERA, 21 SV
KEY INJURIES
SS Phil Rizzuto (OUT) - .287, 0 HR, 51 RBI, 14 SB
*
NEW YORK YANKEES
1945 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
World Series Appearances: 15
World Series Victories: 10
Last World Series: 1944 (L 2-4 PHI)
BATTING ORDER
SS Pee Wee Reese - .324, 9 HR, 70 RBI, 122 R
3B Harlond Clift - .282, 9 HR, 69 RBI
LF Charlie Keller - .263, 21 HR, 89 RBI, 102 R
CF Joe DiMaggio - .349, 22 HR, 131 RBI
2B Joe Gordon - .251, 18 HR, 96 RBI
C Bill Salkeld - .264, 20 HR, 81 RBI
RF Tommy Henrich - .283, 10 HR, 63 RBI
1B Don Hanski - .258, 9 HR, 54 RBI
PITCHING STAFF
SP Tiny Bonham – 24-4, 2.14 ERA, 80 K/59 BB, 252.1 IP
SP Spud Chandler – 15-7, 3.79 ERA, 101 K/131 BB, 237.1 IP
SP Bill Bevens – 14-11, 3.39 ERA, 114 K/82 BB, 217.2 IP
SP Vic Raschi – 13-3, 3.44 ERA, 91 K/61 BB, 154.1 IP
SU Bret Shepard – 4-9, 3.11 ERA, 81 IP
CL Ted Wilks - 4-6, 3.14 ERA, 18 SV
KEY INJURIES
None
*
PREDICTION
Phillies in 7. This has the potential to be an all-time great series, and these 2 teams won't dissappoint!
When you get that far, could Kurt Cobain and Alice and Chains stay alive?(And Duvall not join them?)?
RedsoxRockies: That's an awfully long way away! I'll try and stick by historical events as they happen, but I've already deviated a little from that (see: FDR influencing baseball). I will guarantee that Dave Grohl will start the Foo Fighters, because I'm a big fan. As for Nirvana and Alice in Chains? Time will tell. I do have a lot of time to think about it though (45ish game years).
SEPTEMBER 26, 1945
1945 WORLD SERIES
GAME 1
Perhaps there is nothing quite as special as late September baseball. The cool air has a magical feel to it, something beyond comprehension that turns men into boys, and boys into heroes.
This season, the two groups of heroes would come from New York and Philadelphia again, as the Yankees and Phillies squared off at Shibe Park for Game 1. The visiting Yankees would send Tiny Bonham to the mound. Tiny was one of the best pitchers in the American League, leading the junior circuit in wins (24) and ERA (2.14). The Phillies would counter with Tommy Hughes. After an outstanding 1942 season, he suffered through 2 injury-plagued seasons before reasserting himself this year, going 14-11, while posting the 3rd-best ERA in the National League (2.55).
*
The Yankees were sent down in order in the 1st inning. The Phillies managed a base hit by Ed Walczak, but would get nothing more.
Bill Salkeld smacked a 2-out double, but was left at second base. The Phillies went in order.
Don Hanski led off the 3rd inning with a single to left field, and advanced to second base on a sacrifice. Pee Wee Reese smashed a triple deep into right-center field, scoring Hanski. Yankees 1, Phillies 0. Harlond Clift followed with a base hit. Yankees 2, Phillies 0. One out later, Joe DiMaggio walked, and Joe Gordon followed with a 2-run double. Yankees 4, Phillies 0. The next batter was Salkeld, who blasted a fastball into the left-centerfield bleachers for a home run. Yankees 6, Phillies 0. Tommy Henrich would’ve had another hit, but a great defensive play by Vern Stephens robbed him, and mercifully ended the inning.
The Phillies would get a 2-out walk by Nick Goulish, but Bonham would shut them down. For the rest of the game. In arguably the greatest pitching performance in World Series history, Tiny Bonham tosses a 1-hit shutout, as the Yankees offense adds 4 more against reliever Ken Gables, giving the visitors the blowout victory.
Yankees 10, Phillies 0
Yankees lead series, 1-0
W: Tiny Bonham L: Tommy Hughes
F! the Yankees...
Hate the Yankees. Hate them.
I also love the Foo fighters, HEY I HAVE AN IDEA!!! HAVE GROHLS PARENTS SING THE ANTHEM!!!!
filihok: D*** Yankees! Always making the World Series with their hitting and pitching and such...
3RunHomer: You'd really hate these guys. They've just been so dominant over the last 8 or 9 seasons, that it's bordered on ridiculousity (is that even a real word? because if it isn't I so call dibs!)...
RedsoxRockies: That's a great idea! Maybe it can get us a victory in Game 2...
SEPTEMBER 27, 1945
1945 WORLD SERIES
GAME 2
Today’s match-up is an intriguing one. With the Phillies trailing the series, they send the youngest starter in baseball against one of the oldest.
Robin Roberts had arguably the greatest season ever for a pitcher under 20. With a sparkling 25-6 record and a 2.39 ERA, he has quickly established himself as the future of the National League.
On the other end, Spud Chandler was 38 years old, but still good enough to notch 15 wins with a 3.79 ERA
Both offenses were held in check until the bottom of the 6th inning, when the Phillies drew first blood with a Ron Northey RBI single. Phillies 1, Yankees 0. The Yankees struck back in the top of the 7th on an RBI groundout. Phillies 1, Yankees 1.
The starting pitchers matched the hype that had been building. Chandler managed 7 innings, allowing only the one run. Roberts went 9 innings, also allowing only 1 run. However, with the score still knotted at 1 after 9, extra innings would have to decide Game 2.
It would remain deadlocked until the 12th inning, when a 2-out RBI single by Don Hanski gave the Yankees the lead. Yankees 2, Phillies 1. The top of the Phillies order had no answer, and the Yankees took a 2-0 lead back to the Bronx.
Yankees 2, Phillies 1 (12)
Yankees lead series, 2-0
W: Ted Wilks L: Ed Hanyzewski SV: Joe Beggs
*
If there is any bright spot about this game, it’s this:
Joe DiMaggio will miss the remainder of the series with a chipped knee cap.
However, I wonder if it’ll be simply a case of too little, too late.
*
I wonder if it'll end up like his famous foot injury?Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
BOOOOO I hate the Yankees!
Maybe Vince had something to do with it. :D
CoachOwens: I guess only time will tell. It will certainly help our chances of getting this series back to Philly.
RedsoxRockies: A perfectly acceptable hate, at that. :D
gosensgo101: Perhaps. Maybe an incident at the DiMaggio family pasta dinner, where Dom, bitter that Joe's Yankees keep dominating the A.L., coerced Vince into breaking Joe's foot...
SEPTEMBER 28, 1945
1945 WORLD SERIES
TRAVEL DAY
“What the h*** was that!?”
Needless to say, I was furious. And I was letting Bucky Harris hear it.
“What happened to the team that won the National League this season, because that sure as h*** wasn’t them? D***it Bucky! What are you gonna do?”
“Well, I suppose we just need to bats to wake up…”
“And how the h*** are we gonna do that? What the f***? Tommy couldn’t win, Robin couldn’t win. We’ve got Charlie going tomorrow, and if we lose that one, we’re up a creek without a paddle!”
“Look, Andrew, I need you to calm down. The series isn’t over, we just need to make some minor adjustments to the batting order…”
“I don’t want excuses, Bucky! I want results! I want some godd*** results!!!”
“HEY!” Bucky’s tone got much sterner. “Now you listen here! I’m the manager of this team! You’ve just assembled the talent! I’ve had to deal with this s*** for 3 years, and quite frankly, I’m tired of you sticking your nose in my godd*** business!!! I am the field manager! It is my responsibility to put the best team on the field, not yours!”
“Now you listen here, Harris, I pay your salary every month. I can find a trained monkey to put the best team on the field. I think I know what’s best for my ballclub!”
“Well, then consider this my week as manager. After this series, I never want to be associated with YOUR team anymore.”
*
I stormed out of the train car, and made my way to the bar. I was never really a heavy drinker, but I needed something to soothe my nerves. A nice glass of scotch will certainly do the trick…
At least he was good for something.Quote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
Yes, I agree, that just won Vince the MVP, and Cy Young Award, and maybe the Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and Fireman of the Year Award
gosensgo: Yeah, that 4-for-1 trade back in May was totally worth it now... :rolleyes: :D
RedsoxRockies: Haha, yeah :dies a little inside:
SEPTEMBER 29, 1945
1945 WORLD SERIES
GAME 3
Charlie Ripple had a lot of weight on his shoulders. After going 12-6 with a 3.58 ERA and 165 strikeouts, he had to pitch a critical Game 3 for the Phillies. Should the visitors lose, they’d be facing a nearly-insurmountable 3-0 deficit. The Yankees countered with Bill Bevens (14-11, 3.39 ERA), hoping the push the Phillies to the brink of elimination.
This game started out as a pitcher’s duel, as both starters held the opposing lineups scoreless through 4 innings. The Yankees drew first blood in the 5th inning with a Don Hanski solo shot. Yankees 1, Phillies 0. They followed that with back-to-back doubles by Harlond Clift and Charlie Keller an inning later. Yankees 2, Phillies 0.
With the score still 2-0 in the bottom of the 8th, the Yankees exploded for 4 runs, thanks to back-to-back homers by Joe Gordon and Bill Salkeld. Yankees 6, Phillies 0.
Bill Bevens was magnificent today, tossing an 8-hit shutout, and giving the Yankees a huge advantage, with the opportunity to close out the series at home tomorrow.
Yankees 6, Phillies 0
Yankees lead series, 3-0
W: Bill Bevens L: Charlie Ripple