Gustav is a GOOD player.
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He's a 65 looking for a Major League contract. That's just a wasted expense. ;)
Well, I would sign him, but I've already got Vern Stephens manning the hot corner, so I think I'm all set for now.
Besides, he's already signed with the last-place Chicago Cubs, who promptly put him in the C-level minors.
So when's Seattle getting a team?
CoachOwens: No later than 1952. But I can always go sooner, if you catch my meaning... ;)
CatKnight: Don't count your eggs before they hatch! Commissioner Chandler may realize the benefits of expansion and change his thinking. Or, he could always move a team... :D
APRIL – MAY 1946
PART III
*
The Chicago Cubs made a bit of a splash. No, not one on the field, where they’ve lost 6 straight. They managed to sign a 22-year-old Norwegian 3B, Gustav Forkhann to a one year contract. Forkhann, if he makes the show, will be the 4th Nordic ML ballplayer in history.
*
April 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (5-4) at Pittsburgh Pirates (3-6)
12 – In what has been a recurring theme so far this young season, Ed Hanyzewski was victimized for 2 runs in 1 inning, costing the Phillies the game.
Pirates 8, Phillies 6
W: Emil Kush (1-0) L: Ed Hanyzewski (1-1) SV: Len Perme (1)
2B: Gil Hodges (2), Nick Goulish (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (4), Ron Northey (2)
SB: Don Kolloway (2)
13 – It was a day for the little guy, as Phil Rizzuto and Don Kolloway both hit home runs in a Phillies victory.
Phillies 6, Pirates 2
W: Charlie Ripple (1-2) L: Bob Chesnes (0-2)
2B: Ron Northey (1)
HR: Phil Rizzuto (1), Don Kolloway (1)
14 – Finally! After 2 rough starts, Harvey Haddix earns his first career victory: a complete-game where he took a shutout into the 9th inning to win the series for the Phillies.
Phillies 2, Pirates 1
W: Harvey Haddix (1-2) L: Jim Hopper (3-1)
2B: Don Kolloway (4), Phil Rizzuto (2)
*
Yankees SS Pee Wee Reese hit for the cycle in the Yankees’ win today.
*
April 15: Day Off
April 16-18: Philadelphia Phillies (7-5, 3rd, 2 GB) at New York Giants (9-3, 1st, 0.5 GA)
16 – A run in the bottom of the 8th inning breaks the 1-1 tie and gives the Giants another win against the bullpen.
Giants 2, Phillies 1
W: Max Lanier (2-1) L: Hugh Casey (0-1) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (3)
2B: Gil Hodges (3), Robin Roberts (1)
3B: Vern Stephens 2 (2)
17 – Hal Schumacher tosses a complete game shutout, extending the Giants’ lead to 1.5 games over the Dodgers.
Giants 4, Phillies 0
W: Hal Schumacher (4-0) L: Tommy Hughes (1-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (3)
18 – An error by Vern Stephens allows the tying and winning runs to score in the bottom of the 9th inning, as the Giants sweep the Phillies.
Giants 3, Phillies 2
W: Sal Maglie (2-0) L: Charlie Ripple (1-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (2), Larry Doby (1)
April 19-21: Boston Braves (8-7, 3rd, 4 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (7-8, T-4th, 5 GB)
19 – After falling behind 2-0, the Phillies score a run in each of the next 4 innings, giving Harvey Haddix (8 IP, 2 R, 9 H) the victory.
Phillies 4, Braves 2
W: Harvey Haddix (2-2) L: Rob Kelley (0-2) SV: Ike Pearson (1)
2B: Vern Stephens (2)
3B: Don Kolloway (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (4), Larry Doby (3)
SB: Don Kolloway (3)
*
20 - It was a beautiful day in Philadelphia, as another sellout crowd packed the gates of Franklin Stadium to witness two important events: a pitcher’s duel between Warren Spahn and Robin Roberts, and the honoring of one of the games’ greatest pitchers. I managed to bring my camera, so I’ve assembled a little photo album.
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1...stadiumhd0.jpg
The sellout crowd at Franklin Stadium, ready for gametime!
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3...andergcze4.jpg
“Ol’ Pete” Alexander, from his glory days
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/9...lexandebj9.jpg
The banner, hung next to Chuck Klein’s on the upper deck wall.
On the field, Robin Roberts lived up to his end of the deal. Warren Spahn, meanwhile, was roughed up for 4 runs in the first inning, and the Phillies cruise.
Phillies 7, Braves 2
W: Robin Roberts (4-0) L: Warren Spahn (2-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (4), Gil Hodges (4), Vern Stephens (3), Robin Roberts (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (5), Vern Stephens (5), Nick Goulish (2)
*
21 – A 16-inning marathon, the Phillies get 8 shutout innings from their bullpen, as Hanyzewski, Pearson, and Casey allow only 3 hits as the Phillies walk off with a bases-loaded single.
Phillies 5, Braves 4 (16)
W: Hugh Casey (1-1) L: Frank Hiller (0-1)
2B: Gil Hodges (5)
3B: Nick Goulish (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (1)
April 22-24: Philadelphia Phillies (10-8, 3rd, 5 GB) at Pittsburgh Pirates (5-13, 8th, 10 GB)
22 – Despite Gil Hodges’ 6th home run of the year, the Pirates get to Ike Pearson in the bottom of the 10th inning to walk off with a win.
Pirates 4, Phillies 3 (10)
W: Jim Hooks (1-1) L: Ike Pearson (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (5), Don Kolloway (5)
HR: Gil Hodges (6)
SB: Nick Goulish (2)
23 – Harvey Haddix is the beneficiary of an offensive explosion, as the Phillies pound out 14 hits in the victory.
Phillies 10, Pirates 1
W: Harvey Haddix (3-2) L: Bob Chesnes (1-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (6), Larry Doby 2 (3), Nick Goulish (3), Harvey Haddix (1)
3B: Butch Nieman (1)
SB: Nick Goulish (3)
24 – Babe Young’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth ends a great pitchers’ duel, giving the Pirates the series in the process.
Pirates 2, Phillies 1
W: Emil Kush (2-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (1-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (4), Bill Peterman (1)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (1)
SB: Vern Stephens (1)
STANDINGS (after games on April 24, 1946)
Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York 16-4 --
Brooklyn 15-6 1.5
Philadelphia 11-10 5.5
Boston 10-11 6.5
Cincinnati 9-12 7.5
Chicago 8-12 8.0
St. Louis 7-14 9.5
Pittsburgh 7-14 9.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 17-4 --
New York 14-7 3.0
Washington 12-9 5.0
Detroit 11-9 5.5
St. Louis 8-13 9.0
Cleveland 7-13 9.5
Chicago 7-13 9.5
Philadelphia 6-14 10.5
Its a sellout, and yet the upper left field deck and right field bleachers are empty, hmm...just kidding. Is that The Met though, it looks like it but I can't be sure.
Mr. Walsh, you invented color photography!
RedsoxRockies: And the internet! Although I'm probably not going to get credit for it... :(
CDuffy: We sold all the tickets! That's a sellout! :D
And yes, it is Metropolitan Stadium in Minneapolis. Since Franklin Stadium is fictional, I had to find something with similar capacity for the photo. I guess you all can use your imagination in this one. I mean, you use it pretty frequently for all these great dynasties!
APRIL 25, 1946
“Andrew, sweetie, can you feed Sam tonight?”
“Sure thing honey.”
I grabbed the spoon and the plate of vegetables. Sam didn’t like veggies. I think he preferred wearing them to eating them, quite frankly. I wasn’t so fond of wearing broccoli. Unfortunately, that decision wasn’t up to me.
*RING RING*
The phone! My escape!
“I’ll get it!”, I shouted to Elizabeth.
“This doesn’t relieve you of dinner duty!”, she shouted back.
D***, my plan had failed! I picked up the receiver and walked back towards the table.
“Andrew Walsh.”
“Andrew! This is Ford Frick.”
I hadn’t heard from the man since my panicked call almost a month ago. “Ford! I trust you’re giving me a pep talk to win the World Series this year!”
“Now’s not the time to try out your comedy routine. I’m calling purely from a business standpoint. Do you have time to talk?”
“Sure, I’m just feeding Sammy. I can talk”, I said as more broccoli fell on my shirt. I’m sure if Sam could express thought in coherent sentences, he’d say something about his distaste for the green veggie. Sadly for him, he’s going to have to deal with it.
“You might need to put that aside for now.”
*
Ford doesn't like broccoli either?
Ford just put bussiness over a human life! Now Sammy is going to starve! Call PETA!:D
3RunHomer: Can't say that he's weird. Lots of people don't like broccoli. I, on the other hand, love it. Especially when it's raw! Les crudites sont delicieux!!!
RedsoxRockies: I think that you should leave PETA out of this. Besides, their forte is more animals. Last time I checked (and it was a while ago), babies were humans. I think you should be calling Amnesty International... :D
UPDATE COMING SOONish
RedsoxRockies: Oh she's an animal alright... ;) :cool: :D
*
I ran off to my study, taking the phone with me. “What is it?”
“I met with Commissioner Chandler today. He wants all the owners to meet at the All-Star Game to discuss the future of the Major Leagues.”
That certainly didn’t sound good, but it was a somewhat normal procedure for the All-Star break. Still, Ford wouldn’t be calling me unless he felt something was wrong. “So?”
“So!? He wants to talk about cities for relocation! This means that Zimmerman has found a city!”
Richard Zimmerman was the owner of the St. Louis Browns. He was a bit of an eccentric man, and had even threatened to move the Browns to Queens. He (and Donald Barnes before him) was complaining that St. Louis wasn’t viable for 2 teams, and was looking for places to relocate.
“And you’re afraid he’s picked Los Angeles.”
“Exactly, so we need to go in there and be aligned against a move to LA and San Francisco…”
“Ford, what’s the big deal? I mean, there’s going to need to be another team out on the West Coast just to make traveling easier on everyone. Zimmerman isn’t going anywhere unless he can take another AL team with him. And besides, I don’t think that Chandler would force our hand when he’s got the Yankees in October.”
“Andrew, something is up. You’ll see at the All-Star Break…”
*
APRIL – MAY 1946
PART IV
April 25: Day Off
*
Dodgers SS Arky Vaughan drove in his 1000th career RBI today.
*
April 26-28: St. Louis Cardinals (8-14, T-7th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (11-10, 3rd, 5 GB)
26 – Back-to-back errors by Rizzuto and Kolloway in the top of the 8th inning prove costly as the Phillies can’t retie the game.
Cardinals 4, Phillies 3
W: Ken Holcombe (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (1-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (5), Vern Stephens (4), Ron Northey (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (4), Vern Stephens (2)
27 – Charlie Ripple’s bases-clearing double opens the floodgates for the Phillies offense, pulling Philadelphia above .500.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 4
W: Charlie Ripple (2-3) L: Johnny Podgajny (0-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (7), Charlie Ripple 2 (2)
SB: Ron Northey (1)
28 – Harvey Haddix is masterful, striking out 5 Cardinals en route to a 3-hit shutout, his first career blanking, as the offense explodes all over the ballpark.
Phillies 10, Cardinals 0
W: Harvey Haddix (4-2) L: Lon Warneke (1-3)
2B: Don Kolloway (6)
HR: Gil Hodges (7), Nick Goulish (3)
*
Another trade for the Yankees:
Chicago Cubs receive:
1B Herb Conyers - .355, 1 HR, 12 RBI
New York Yankees receive:
SP Ward MacAlonie – 1-1, 5.57 ERA (A)
RP Ed Blake – 0-0, 3.00 ERA (D)
RP Whitey Miller – 1-0, 3.18 ERA, 8 K/4 BB
C Chico Hernandez - .304, 9 RBI
WINNER: Yankees
With the Northsiders almost out of contention already, the Yankees get much needed bullpen help to try and reel in the BoSox.
*
April 29: Day Off
April 30 – May 2: Philadelphia Phillies (13-11, 3rd, 5 GB) at Brooklyn Dodgers (18-7, 2nd, 0.5 GB)
30 – Robin Roberts is dominant again, tossing a 5-hit shutout, as the Phillies pick up a game on the Dodgers.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 0
W: Robin Roberts (5-0) L: Kirby Higbe (2-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (8)
SB: Nick Goulish (5)
1 – Every Phillies starter had at least 1 hit, as Johnny Vander Meer is the victim of an offensive explosion.
Phillies 12, Dodgers 6
W: Tommy Hughes (2-1) L: Johnny Vander Meer (5-2)
2B: Larry Doby (4), Ron Northey (3), Ed Murphy (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (6), Ron Northey (3)
2 – Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson scores 3 times, as the Dodgers overcome a sluggish start from Mort Cooper to salvage the last game of the series. More bad news, as Phil Rizzuto’s 20-game hitting streak comes to an end in the loss.
Dodgers 5, Phillies 3
W: Paul Erickson (2-0) L: Charlie Ripple (2-4)
2B: Nick Goulish (6), Vern Stephens (5)
*
The Yankees are usually renowned for their shrewd personnel moves. However, one trade that flew under the radar in January may come back to haunt them. On January 18, the Yankees shipped new free-agent signing (and former Phillie) Gene Lambert and 2 others to Boston for 4 players in return. Lambert is now the ace of the 22-5 Red Sox, going 4-0 with a 2.72 ERA in April, as the Red Sox look to win the pennant for the first time in 28 years.
*
May 3-5: Cincinnati Reds (12-16, T-4th, 7.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (15-12, 3rd, 4 GB)
3 – It definitely wasn’t pretty, but the Phillies pound out 17 hits to the Reds’ 10, doubling up the Cincinnati nine.
Phillies 12, Reds 6
W: Harvey Haddix (5-2) L: Bucky Walters (2-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (9), Don Kolloway (7), Gil Hodges (6), Vern Stephens (6), Larry Doby (5)
SB: Ron Northey (2)
*
Ron Northey twisted his knee after stealing second base in the game today. He’ll be out for 2 weeks, meaning that we get to see Johnny Blatnik come up from A Utica to replace him on the active roster.
*
4 – Robin Roberts has a rate bout of wildness, walking 6 batters, as the Reds hang on for the road victory.
Reds 3, Phillies 2
W: Pat Scantlebury (2-3) L: Robin Roberts (5-1) SV: Earl Harrist (2)
2B: Nick Goulish (7), Andy Seminick (2)
3B: Vern Stephens (3)
5 – Tommy Hughes limits the Reds to only 3 hits over 8 innings of work, and Ike Pearson nailed the door shut with a hitless 9th, giving the Phillies the win.
Phillies 2, Reds 0
W: Tommy Hughes (3-1) L: Frank Dasso (2-5) SV: Ike Pearson (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (10), Vern Stephens (7)
HR: Andy Seminick (2)
May 6: Day Off
May 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (17-13, 3rd, 5 GB) at Boston Braves (12-19, T-7th, 10.5 GB)
7 – Larry Doby drives in 6 runs on his 2 home runs, and Charlie Ripple strikes out 8 in a complete game victory.
Phillies 7, Braves 1
W: Charlie Ripple (3-4) L: Rob Kelley (1-5)
2B: Vern Stephens (8), Don Kolloway (8)
HR: Gil Hodges (8), Larry Doby 2 (5)
8 – Johnny Blatnik’s pinch-hit RBI double in the top of the 7th inning makes a winner out of Harvey Haddix, and Hugh Casey goes a hitless 3 innings for the save, extending the Braves losing streak to 7 games.
Phillies 2, Braves 1
W: Harvey Haddix (6-2) L: Warren Spahn (2-4) SV: Hugh Casey (1)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (3)
9 – Robin Roberts allows 6 hits over 8 innings of work, and the Phillies rally from an early 2-0 deficit to steal the sweep. The Phillies have won 4 straight, while the Braves have lost 8 straight.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Robin Roberts (6-1) L: Al Javery (2-5) SV: Ike Pearson (3)
2B: Nick Goulish (8)
SB: Nick Goulish (6)
*
After throwing the final pitch of the game, Ike Pearson grabbed his right shoulder. Turns out he dislocated it on his final delivery, and he’ll miss 2 weeks. Ed Hanyzewski will be the interim closer, Hugh Casey gets pushed into the setup role, and Don Grate will get the call-up from A Utica to fill the short relief role.
*
May 10-12: Pittsburgh Pirates (14-20, T-5th, 10 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (20-13, 3rd, 3.5 GB)
10 – Despite taking a 3-0 lead early, a four-run 8th inning looked to doom the Phillies. However, Larry Doby’s lead-off home run in the bottom of the 9th sends the game to extra innings, and Johnny Blatnik hits a first-pitch walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to win the game.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (2-2) L: Emil Kush (3-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (9)
HR: Gil Hodges (9), Larry Doby (6), Johnny Blatnik (1)
SB: Don Kolloway (4), Phil Rizzuto (2)
11 – Trailing 7-5 entering the bottom of the 9th, the Phillies tie the game on a 2-RBI double by Gil Hodges, then two batters later, win it on a walk-off home run by Andy Seminick, their 2nd straight walk-off win. Don Grates ML debut: 2 IP, 2 R (earned) 4 H, 2 BB.
Phillies 10, Pirates 7
W: Hugh Casey (3-2) L: Emil Kush (3-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (7), Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (10), Larry Doby (7), Andy Seminick (4)
*
The Yankees pitching staff was dealt a huge blow today, as Spud Chandler tore his rotator cuff. He’ll be out for 14 months.
*
12 – No need for walk-offs in this one, as the Phillies get 4 in the 5th inning to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Harvey Haddix wins his league-leading 7th game.
Phillies 5, Pirates 3
W: Harvey Haddix (7-2) L: Max Butcher (1-5) SV: Hugh Casey (2)
2B: Vern Stephens (9), Larry Doby (6), Andy Seminick (3), Ed Murphy (2)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (1)
May 13: Day Off
STANDINGS (after games on May 13, 1946)
*Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York 26-10 --
Brooklyn 24-13 2.5
Philadelphia 23-13 3.0
St. Louis 18-20 9.0
Cincinnati 16-21 10.5
Chicago 14-23 12.5
Pittsburgh 14-24 13.0
Boston 13-24 13.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 30-6 --
New York 23-13 7.0
Cleveland 19-18 11.5
Philadelphia 17-20 13.5
Washington 16-20 14.0
Detroit 15-22 15.5
Chicago 15-23 16.0
St. Louis 12-25 18.5
BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox are off to an incredible start (30-6), thanks in large part to their top to bottom offensive attack. The Sox have a team batting average of .304, despite Bobby Doerr’s lack of productivity (.243, 5 HR, 19 RBI). The rotation includes great performances by Tex Hughson (4-0, 2.68), Dizzy Trout (4-0, 3.00), and Gene Lambert (5-0, 3.33). The bullpen has been fantastic as well, led by Jim Hickey, Al Verdel, and Emmett O’Neill (combined 11-1, 1.58 ERA in 62.1 IP). If they can keep this up, then they could be the greatest team in baseball history.
*
Meanwhile the other team in Boston is in last.....
They've been slowly sneaking up as you focused so much on the Yankee dominance I guess.
RedsoxRockies: The Braves are suffering from a huge lack of offense. During their recent 10-game losing streak (snapped on the 12th), they've scored 4 or more runs only once. Warren Spahn has been outstanding (2.40 ERA), but he hasn't had enough run support to win games (3-4). They've also been hit hard by injuries. CF Sam Jethroe is out for the season, and LF Max West will miss another 2 months. Hopefully this is just a bad stretch, but you never know...
gosensgo101: Having a team that's not the Yankees lead in the American League is not necessarily a bad problem to have! But I think the Red Sox have just been really lucky. On the flip side, however, the Sox are a combined 11-1 against the Indians and Yankees, so this could just be a magical season...
MAY 13, 1946
Right on time, it’s Nick’s annual draft report!
SP Whitey Ford – New York, NY (17)
The consensus #1 pick, according to everyone I’ve spoken with. Already has a great fastball, a solid curve, and is developing a changeup and a slider. Better prospect at this stage than last year’s #3 pick, Billy Pierce, but like Pierce, control is an issue.
89 END, 59 CON, 87 POW, 72 MOV, 83 HEA
81 FASTBALL, 73 CURVE, 66 CHANGE, 60 SLIDER
SP Willard Nixon – Taylorsville, GA (17)
Has the potential to be just as good as Ford, but is a long way away. The right-hander has the 3 standard pitches (fastball, curve, and change), but isn’t outstanding at any of them yet. He’ll need time to live up to his potential.
80 END, 53 CON, 71 POW, 57 MOV, 74 HEA
60 FASTBALL, 66 CURVE, 54 CHANGE
RP Ray Narleski – Camden, NJ (17)
A ground-ball specialist, he allowed only 5 home runs during his 130 innings in high school. Has an impressive arsenal of pitches, but will only be effective if he learns the art of control. The batters in the minors won’t be as free-swinging as those in high school.
41 END, 54 CON, 79 POW, 62 MOV, 77 HEA
73 FOUR-SEAMER, 66 SLIDER, 60 CUTTER, 55 CURVE, 50 CHANGE
SP Bob Buhl – Saginaw, MI (17)
After an outstanding junior season, he struggled with home runs and other extra base hits in his senior year. Recorded 12 complete games in his career, which means he can finish when called upon to do so. Already has displayed a great slider, but will need another pitch to complement that and his fastball.
83 END, 55 CON, 75 POW, 62 MOV, 84 HEA
63 FASTBALL, 70 SLIDER
RF Al Smith – Kirkwood, MO (18)
A power hitter with a good eye, Smith had a nearly 3-to-1 ratio of walks to strikeouts, all while hitting 31 home runs in his high school career. Glovework is a concern as his arm may not be strong enough for right field.
61 CON, 69 POW, 64 SPD, 74 EYE, 71 ARM, 63 RNG, 63 FLD, 85 HEA
-10 CHANGE, -10 CURVE
CF Gus Bell – Louisville, KY (17)
Power hitting centerfielder should bring a formidable bat to the middle of a lineup in a few years. However, he is still very raw, and will cause headaches at the plate and in the outfield.
64 CON, 69 POW, 68 SPD, 66 EYE, 78 ARM, 70 RNG, 66 FLD, 81 HEA
RP Hersh Freeman – Gadsden, AL (17)
A promising sign: he got better each year at the high school level. Odds are against him to better his 1.54 ERA as a senior, but he is a potential top notch closer. Not very fast (88 MPH), but has a solid fastball and a good curve.
23 END, 63 CON, 74 POW, 64 MOV, 71 HEA
72 TWO-SEAMER, 65 CURVE
3B Don Hoak – Roulette, PA (18)
It’s a pretty safe bet taking the kid from Roulette. He can already hit lefties at a replacement-player level, and still has plenty of room to grow. Doesn’t have a lot of range in the field, which may deter a lot of teams.
62 CON, 68 POW, 60 SPD, 75 EYE, 65 ARM, 59 RNG, 69 FLD, 80 HEA
RF Jim Lemon – Covington, VA (18)
Arguably the best power hitting prospect in the draft, Lemon hit 27 home runs the past 2 seasons. He also has a great eye, drawing his fair share of walks as well. His downfall may be his fielding, as he is still a little raw in the outfield.
60 CON, 71 POW, 63 SPD, 69 EYE, 73 ARM, 63 RNG, 62 FLD, 64 HEA
+10 CURVE, +5 CHANGE
1B Pete Runnels – Lufkin, TX (18)
A versatile player, Runnels can play first, second, and short, which is good, because while his batting eye is outstanding, he really isn’t good enough as a power hitter to stay at first base. Range is an issue, due in large part to his lack of speed, but if he can get to the ball, he’s very sure-handed.
65 CON, 60 POW, 62 SPD, 77 EYE, 69 ARM, 57 RNG, 74 FLD, 86 HEA
+10 CURVE, +5 CHANGE
2B Jim Gilliam – Nashville, TN (17)
Blessed with a terrific batting eye, Gilliam would be a great #8 hitter in any lineup. His speed is great, but he leaves something to be desired when he takes the field. He’ll need a lot of practice with grounders.
65 CON, 59 POW, 76 SPD, 86 EYE, 72 ARM, 56 RNG, 65 FLD, 91 HEA
*
Not the best draft class I have seen in this dynasty, but Imagine Whitey Ford in your already beastly rotation
RedsoxRockies: (salivates) :D
*
Before I begin, I'd like to thank everyone for reading, as this dynasty reaches another milestone. Today, Trapped in the Basement became the 5th dynasty with 25,000 views, a milestone that couldn't have been reached without your help! Hopefully, you'll keep reading, so we can have a successful 25,000 (or more) views!
*
APRIL – MAY 1946
PART V
May 14-16: Philadelphia Phillies (23-13, 3rd, 3 GB) at Cincinnati Reds (16-21, 5th, 10.5 GB)
14 – A showdown between 2 of the best pitchers in the National League lived up to its billing, but Robin Roberts was stronger, going the distance, allowing only 6 hits, as the Phillies take advantage of the Reds bullpen.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (7-1) L: Ewell Blackwell (3-1)
HR: Larry Doby (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (3)
15 – Given the opportunity of a spot start, Dick Mauney allows only 2 runs over 8 innings of work, and Gil Hodges smashes 2 more home runs to up his league leading total to 12, as the Phillies have now won 9 straight games.
Phillies 6, Reds 4
W: Dick Mauney (1-0) L: Frank Dasso (3-6)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (3)
HR: Gil Hodges 2 (12), Vern Stephens (7)
*
Ron Northey is fully healed, and will return to his spot in right field. Johnny Blatnik has played too well to be demoted, however, so Leon Culberson will be sent back to Utica after a disappointing (.174, 2 R) start to the season.
*
16 – Despite allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extras, the bullpen is solid, and an RBI single by Larry Doby in the top of the 15th inning gives the Phillies the victory, their 10th straight.
Phillies 5, Reds 4 (15)
W: Hugh Casey (4-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-1)
HR: Gil Hodges (13), Johnny Blatnik (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (7)
May 17-19: St. Louis Cardinals (19-21, 4th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (26-13, 2nd, 1 GB)
17 – The Cardinals stage a furious rally, scoring 4 runs in the 8th inning, to extend the game, but for the 4th time in their winning streak, the Phillies win in their last at bat, with a walk-off home run by Andy Seminick, extending their streak to 11 games.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 6 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (2-2) L: Al Jurisich (3-1)
2B: Nick Goulish (10), Larry Doby (7)
HR: Larry Doby 2 (10), Andy Seminick (5)
18 – The good times keep on coming, as the Phillies score 7 times to support Robin Roberts to his 8th win of the season. The Phillies have now won 12 straight games.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 2
W: Robin Roberts (8-1) L: Howie Pollet (3-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (11), Gil Hodges (8), Andy Seminick (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (14), Andy Seminick (6), Don Kolloway (2)
19 – The Phillies trailed 4-3 entering the bottom of the 8th. However, an RBI groundout by Larry Doby tied the game, and Andy Seminick homered in his 3rd straight game, giving the Phillies the lead, and their 13th straight win! Meanwhile, the Giants lost, moving the Phillies into a tie for first place!
Phillies 6, Cardinals 5
W: Hugh Casey (5-2) L: Ken Holcombe (2-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (12), Johnny Blatnik (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (15), Andy Seminick (7)
*
Just a note, Gil Hodges is currently on pace to hit 55 home runs. I know it’s a little early to be talking records, but it’ll just be something I’ll keep track of.
*
The Dodgers will be lacking some serious firepower for the rest of the season. SS Arky Vaughan will be sidelined with a torn ankle ligament, and OF Joe Medwick will be out with a broken vertebrae in his back.
*
May 20-22: Brooklyn Dodgers (27-16, 3rd, 2.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (29-13, T-1st, 2.5 GA)
20 – Gil Hodges goes 3-4, hitting his 16th home run of the season, as Hugh Casey and the Phillies hang on to extend their winning streak to 14 games. With the Giants on an off day, the Phillies move into first place!
Phillies 6, Dodgers 5
W: Charlie Ripple (4-4) L: Louis Benz (5-3) SV: Hugh Casey (3)
2B: Larry Doby (8), Charlie Ripple (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (16), Nick Goulish (4)
21 – Both teams put up crooked numbers in the 8th inning. However, all good things must come to an end, and the Dodgers just put up 1 more run than the Phillies, ending their winning streak, and knocking them from first place.
Dodgers 6, Phillies 5
W: Mort Cooper (4-3) L: Harvey Haddix (7-3) SV: Jim Hughes (6)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (5), Ron Northey (4)
HR: Vern Stephens (8)
*
With the close of the 14-game winning streak, it’s time to look back at some of the good times:
- Back when the streak started, the Phillies were 5 games out. Now, they are a half-game.
- Gil Hodges hit .302, with 9 home runs and 15 RBI.
- Andy Seminick hit 6 home runs, and raised his average from .241 to .300.
- The pitching was great allowing more than 5 runs only once, average only 3.2 runs against per game.
*
22 – Robin Roberts gets roughed up, but the offense explodes for nine runs, and the Phillies bounce back with a win.
Phillies 9, Dodgers 6
W: Robin Roberts (9-1) L: Kirby Higbe (4-5) SV: Hugh Casey (4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11), Johnny Blatnik (6)
HR: Gil Hodges (17), Vern Stephens (9), Andy Seminick (8)
May 23: Day Off
May 24-26: Philadelphia Phillies (31-14, T-1st, 3.5 GA) at St. Louis Cardinals (20-26, 5th, 11.5 GB)
24 – Despite Gil Hodges’ 18th home run, the Phillies bullpen blows another game. Fortunately, the Giants lose as well, leaving the teams deadlocked atop the National League.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Al Jurisich (4-1) L: Don Grate (0-1)
2B: Don Kolloway (9)
3B: Vern Stephens (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (18)
*
In the American League, the Yankees have quietly won 3 straight. That, coupled with 2 straight losses by the Red Sox, moves the Bronx Bombers to within 6 games of first place. This race isn’t over yet, not by a long shot!
*
25 – Charlie Ripple reverts back to 1944 form, striking out 10 Cardinals over 8 innings, and Ed Hanyzewski tosses a perfect inning for his first save of the year. A Giants loss moves the Phillies into sole possession of first place in the National League.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Charlie Ripple (5-4) L: Charlie Condorcet (0-2) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12)
26 – Gil Hodges’ solo home run in the top of the 9th inning (his ML-leading 19th) gives the Phillies the win in spectacular fashion. It also keeps the Phillies unbeaten on Saturdays this season.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Hugh Casey (6-2) L: Freddy Schmidt (2-1)
2B: Larry Doby 2 (10)
HR: Gil Hodges (19)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (1)
May 27: Day Off
*
Ike Pearson has fully recovered, and will be moved back into his closer role. Unfortunately, John Fick hasn’t shown a whole lot of promise in his time with the big club, so he’ll get bumped down in favor of Don Grate
*
May 28-30: New York Giants (32-16, 2nd, 1 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (33-15, 1st, 1 GA)
28 – The Phillies stage a furious 4-run rally in the bottom of the 8th inning, extending their league lead to 2 games over the Giants.
Phillies 6, Giants 5
W: Hugh Casey (7-2) L: Diomedes Olivo (0-2)
2B: Larry Doby (11)
SB: Larry Doby (1)
*
Well, the Red Sox won, snapping an ugly 4-game losing streak, but the damage has certainly been done. The Yankees have currently won 6 straight, moving to 4 games back. The 3rd place Indians have done one better, winning 7 consecutive, and have pulled to 8.5 back. Even the 4th place Senators are closing, having won 4 straight contests.
*
29 – Today’s game was really an episode of the Ron Northey show. The Phillies rightfielder hit 3 home runs, and the pitching staff survived a late rally to hang on.
Phillies 6, Giants 5
W: Tommy Hughes (4-1) L: Hal Schumacher (5-2) SV: Ike Pearson (4)
2B: Tommy Hughes (1)
HR: Ron Northey 3 (6)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (4), Gil Hodges (1)
30 – Roy Zimmerman’s pinch-hit 2-run home run off Ed Hanyzewski in the top of the 9th salvages the series for the Giants, as the Phillies’ lead shrinks to 2 games.
Giants 4, Phillies 2
W: Larry Jansen (5-2) L: Ed Hanyzewski (2-3) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (11)
HR: Ron Northey (7)
*
FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP COMING NEXT
FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP
STANDINGS (after games on May 30, 1946)
SEASON STATISTICSCode:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 35-16 --
New York 33-18 2.0
Brooklyn 29-23 6.5
Chicago 24-29 12.0
St. Louis 23-29 12.5
Cincinnati 22-30 13.5
Pittsburgh 22-31 14.0
Boston 20-32 15.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 38-14 --
New York 34-18 4.0
Cleveland 30-21 7.5
Washington 26-25 11.5
Philadelphia 21-30 16.5
Detroit 21-31 17.0
Chicago 21-32 17.5
St. Louis 16-36 22.0
Red denotes League Leader
BATTING
PITCHINGCode:1946 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 16 1.000 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1.000 1.000
LaForest, Ty PHI 4 .400 5 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 .400 .571
Murtaugh, Danny PHI 11 .385 13 5 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 2 .385 .429
Blatnik, Johnny PHI 18 .367 30 11 6 0 2 4 2 1 0 9 11 .767 .417
Peterman, Bill PHI 7 .346 26 9 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 .385 .346
Rizzuto, Phil PHI 51 .316 209 66 12 1 1 28 22 4 3 32 19 .397 .397
Goulish, Nick PHI 51 .303 201 61 12 2 4 28 29 7 2 34 25 .443 .392
Seminick, Andy PHI 46 .301 166 50 4 0 8 23 17 0 0 25 28 .470 .395
Northey, Ron PHI 41 .301 146 44 4 0 7 21 11 2 0 21 28 .473 .398
Hodges, Gil PHI 49 .292 195 57 8 0 19 27 24 1 1 38 41 .626 .378
Kolloway, Don PHI 51 .287 174 50 9 1 2 9 18 4 1 18 12 .385 .326
Doby, Larry PHI 51 .249 201 50 11 0 10 21 26 1 0 24 31 .453 .318
Stephens, Vern PHI 51 .242 198 48 9 4 9 24 22 2 1 27 22 .465 .323
Hughes, Tommy PHI 12 .222 27 6 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 4 .259 .214
Ripple, Charlie PHI 13 .219 32 7 3 0 0 0 10 0 0 4 5 .313 .219
Nieman, Butch PHI 17 .190 21 4 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 5 .286 .261
Culberson, Leon PHI 11 .174 23 4 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 2 0 .174 .240
Haddix, Harvey PHI 12 .147 34 5 1 0 0 1 10 0 0 2 1 .176 .171
Murphy, Ed PHI 20 .125 24 3 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 .208 .222
Roberts, Robin PHI 13 .086 35 3 2 0 0 4 13 0 0 3 1 .143 .179
Mauney, Dick PHI 1 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Casey, Hugh PHI 17 .000 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Gables, Ken PHI 1 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
LEAGUE LEADERSCode:1946 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Gerheauser, Al PHI 5.0 0.00 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 7.20
Casey, Hugh PHI 33.0 1.36 17 0 7 2 4 7 6 8.45
Pearson, Ike PHI 6.1 1.42 6 0 0 1 4 0 2 8.53
Roberts, Robin PHI 105.1 2.22 13 13 9 1 0 44 28 10.08
Mauney, Dick PHI 8.0 2.25 1 1 1 0 0 5 3 14.63
Hughes, Tommy PHI 90.0 3.20 12 12 4 1 0 45 25 11.20
Ripple, Charlie PHI 92.2 3.59 13 13 5 4 0 66 34 13.40
Haddix, Harvey PHI 91.2 3.83 12 12 7 3 0 45 32 12.08
Grate, Don PHI 7.1 4.91 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 14.73
Gables, Ken PHI 3.0 6.00 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 15.00
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 18.2 8.20 16 0 2 3 1 15 12 18.32
Fick, John PHI 6.1 8.53 6 0 0 0 0 5 2 19.89
JOLLY FARM REVUECode:NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Harry Walker (STL) .340
HR - Gil Hodges (PHI) 19
RBI - Gil Hodges (PHI) 41
SB - Jackie Robinson (BRO) 9
Jeff Cross (STL)
W - Robin Roberts (PHI) 9
ERA - Robin Roberts (PHI) 2.22
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI) 66
SV - Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG) 11
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Mickey Vernon (WSH) .374
HR - Ted Williams (BOS) 13
RBI - Ted Williams (BOS) 41
SB - Barney McCosky (DET) 6
Jerry Priddy (PHA)
W - Dizzy Trout (BOS) 7
Allie Reynolds (CLE)
Bobo Newsom (WSH)
ERA - Mel Harder (CLE) 2.05
K - Gene Lambert (BOS) 65
SV - Whitey Miller (NYY) 12
Code:PROMOTIONS
SP Andy Lapihuska - Wilmington to Utica
SP Kent Bickett - Wilmington to Utica
SP Lynn Lovenguth - Greensboro to Wilmington
SP Jake Thies - Greensboro to Wilmington
RP Vern Fear - Greensboro to Wilmington
RP Phil Haugstad - Greensboro to Wilmington
C Ryan Scifo - Greensboro to Wilmington
CF Hal Jeffcoat - Greensboro to Wilmington
SP Bob Trice - Clearwater to Greensboro
SP Jason Pullen - Clearwater to Greensboro
RP Hal Hudson - Clearwater to Greensboro
RF Joe Szekely - Clearwater to Greensboro
FULL RUNDOWN
* denotes Top Prospect
LEVEL A - UTICA, NY
SP Bill McCahan* - 5-1, 2.51 ERA
SP Eric Whelan - 6-1, 2.69 ERA
RP Hilly Flitcraft - 4-2, 3.58 ERA, 3 SV
RP Charley Schanz* - 3-0, 3.16 ERA
RP Deacon Donahue - 1-1, 3.95 ERA, 1 SV
RP Barney Mussill - 1-2, 2.03 ERA, 3 SV
RP Dale Matthewson - 2-0, 3.02 ERA, 5 SV
RP John Fick* - DNP (Majors)
C Bob Finley - .293, 0 HR, 28 RBI
- out for season (broken vertabrae)
2B Ed Walczak - .297, 10 RBI, 4 SB
3B Nick Picciuto - .333, 0 HR, 22 RBI
SS Jack Albright - .413, 1 HR, 44 RBI
IF Ray Hamrick - .401, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 4 SB
OF Leon Culberson - .259, 0 HR, 5 RBI
LEVEL B - WILMINGTON, DE
SP Andy Lapihuska - 3-0, 3.78 ERA
SP Eli Hodkey - 4-4, 3.92 ERA
SP Kent Bickett - 3-1, 2.55 ERA
SP Jeff Walker - 4-2, 3.66 ERA
RP Lefty Scott - 1-1, 2.78 ERA, 1 SV
RP Homer Spragins - 2-2, 5.64 ERA, 1 SV
RP Mitch Chetkovich - 0-4, 4.42 ERA, 2 SV
RP John Hall - 2-2, 5.26 ERA, 1 SV
2B Moon Mullen - .402, 38 RBI, 5 SB
3B Bert Hodge - .393, 1 HR, 32 RBI
SS John O'Neil - .409, 1 HR, 45 RBI, 5 SB
OF Jackie Jensen* - .311, 4 HR, 32 RBI
LEVEL C - GREENSBORO, NC
SP Lynn Lovenguth - 1-1, 4.43 ERA
SP Jake Thies* - 1-2, 4.50 ERA
RP Vern Fear - 3-3, 2.57 ERA
RP Phil Haugstad - 2-3, 4.06 ERA, 2 SV
RP Armando Roche - 1-2, 2.31 ERA, 3 SV
C Ryan Scifo - .273, 0 HR, 20 RBI
1B Dale Long* - .312, 3 HR, 26 RBI
2B Nellie Fox - .360, 27 RBI, 2 SB
3B Jesse Levan - .294, 31 RBI, 2 SB
SS Rudy Rufer - .238, 20 RBI, 5 SB
CF Hal Jeffcoat - .347, 25 RBI, 2 SB
LEVEL D - CLEARWATER, FL
SP Bob Trice* - 3-1, 4.47 ERA
SP Jason Pullen - 1-2, 3.60 ERA
RP Hal Hudson* - 0-0, 2.25 ERA, 1 SV
RP Luis Arroyo - DNP (injury)
- out until late July (rotator cuff)
1B James Usher - .269, 1 HR, 10 RBI
2B Mike Goliat - .420, 2 HR, 19 RBI
RF Joe Szekely - .404, 19 RBI, 2 SB
Nice to see Ripple pitching good again like his triple crowner.
I'm ashamed of Roberts' lack of production at the plate. :D
RedsoxRockies: Yeah, me too. Charlie has really stepped it up again this year. Then again, it's always a good sign when your #3 pitcher is a former Triple Crown winner!
gosensgo101: Me too! If he's Superman on the mound, why can't he be Superman at the dish as well! :D
RSR: I think he's doing well enough in the areas he specializes in to stay with the big club. For now...
JUNE – JULY 1946
PART I
May 31 – June 2: Cincinnati Reds (22-30, 6th, 13.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (35-16, 1st, 2 GA)
31 – The Phillies put up 5 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to put this one away early. Harvey Haddix records his 8th win.
Phillies 10, Reds 3
W: Harvey Haddix (8-3) L: Bucky Walters (4-5)
2B: Gil Hodges (9)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (2)
*
And that concludes a month where the Phillies went 22-5, pulling themselves from a 4 game hole, dusting themselves off, and blowing by the Dodgers and Giants to grab a 2 game lead. Hopefully this continues until September.
*
1 – It’s simply a case of too little too late, as Ewell Blackwell gets the better of Robin Roberts and the Phillies this time around.
Reds 2, Phillies 1
W: Ewell Blackwell (4-2) L: Robin Roberts (9-2) SV: Earl Harrist (5)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (20)
2 – Tommy Hughes goes 7 innings allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits, as the Phillies take the rubber game of the series.
Phillies 4, Reds 2
W: Tommy Hughes (5-1) L: Frank Dasso (6-7) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (9)
June 3-5: Philadelphia Phillies (37-17, 1st, 1 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (31-24, 3rd, 6.5 GB)
3 – Charlie Ripple allows only 1 run on 5 hits over 8 innings of work, as the Phillies take the game thanks to a big day from Johnny Blatnik (2-5, 2 R).
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (6-4) L: Louis Benz (5-5)
2B: Don Kolloway (10), Johnny Blatnik (7)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (10)
4 – Harvey Haddix makes it 3 straight quality starts for the Phillies, going 8 and allowing only 1 run.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 1
W: Harvey Haddix (9-3) L: Mort Cooper (5-4)
3B: Vern Stephens (5)
SB: Larry Doby (2)
5 – Robin Roberts becomes the first pitcher to notch double digits in victories, as he tosses a complete game as the Phillies sweep the Dodgers.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
W: Robin Roberts (10-2) L: Kirby Higbe (5-6)
2B: Nick Goulish 2 (14), Andy Seminick (5)
HR: Larry Doby (11), Andy Seminick (11)
*
With his 3 pitch performance today, Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm became the 3rd man in Major League history with 100 saves. Still only 23 years old, Wilhelm will easily shatter the record this season, as he is on pace for a single-season record 34 saves. I fear that the all-time record will be whatever he says it is…
*
June 6: Day Off
STANDINGS (after games on June 6, 1946)
*Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 40-17 --
New York 38-19 2.0
Brooklyn 31-27 9.5
St. Louis 27-31 13.5
Chicago 26-33 15.0
Cincinnati 25-33 15.5
Pittsburgh 24-35 17.0
Boston 21-37 19.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 43-15 --
New York 38-20 5.0
Cleveland 33-25 10.0
Washington 31-27 12.0
Philadelphia 23-34 19.5
Detroit 23-35 20.0
Chicago 22-37 21.5
St. Louis 19-39 24.0
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns 19-39 --
Boston Braves 21-37 2.0
Chi. White Sox 22-37 2.5
Detroit Tigers 23-35 4.0
Phila. A's 23-34 4.5
RACE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 40-17 --
Athletics 23-34 17.0
The A's have all but clinched the liberty bell trophy, eh?
RedsoxRockies: They're certainly doing their best to let me win for another year!
CoachOwens: Maybe they can get those pitchers after they move to Seattle... :D
JUNE 6, 1946
1946 AMATEUR DRAFT
“With the first pick in the draft, the St. Louis Browns…”
Gee, where have I heard that one before? Oh yes! I remember! It was just last year, when the Browns picked RP Dick Weik over consensus #1 prospect Billy Pierce, who somehow slipped past Detroit as well and into the waiting arms of the Cincinnati Reds.
This year, however, promised to be different.
“..select LHP Whitey Ford, from New York.”
So instead of having 2 potential aces, Richard Zimmerman and company will have to settle for one. Browns fans are still beating themselves up over these decisions…
The other St. Louis team, the Cardinals, were picking second (wow, St. Louis had a really crappy year!). They also make a sensible choice in SP Bob Buhl.
The Philadelphia Athletics, as much as it pains me to say it, are very much in decline. With the Phillies now succeeding, it’s getting increasingly tough to draw fans to the stadium, and with the awfulness of the Browns, it’s getting increasingly difficult to the get best amateur player. I think Mr. Mack may have left the room for this pick though. RP Rinty Monahan was a late-bloomer. Not very highly regarded by most experts, this kid from Brooklyn with the blazing fastball caught Connie’s eye. Apparently trying to find the next Rube Waddell, the A’s selected him at #3. But, as any good kid from Brooklyn is taught to do, Monahan hates Philly.
OF Gus Bell went to the Pirates at #4, while SP Willard Nixon rounds out the top 5 going to the Senators.
Without an ‘urgent’ need at this time, I decided to draft for depth, getting 3 young starters as well as filling out my lower minors with some needs. I grabbed Runnels because of his versatility: he may come in handy sometime down the road…Code:# TEAM PLAYER (PEAK)
1. St. Louis Browns SP Whitey Ford (91)
2. St. Louis Cardinals SP Bob Buhl (87)
3. Philadelphia Athletics RP Rinty Monahan (90)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates CF Gus Bell (91)
5. Washington Senators SP Willard Nixon (93)
6. Boston Braves SP Normie Roy (93)
7. Detroit Tigers RP Ray Narleski (92)
8. Chicago Cubs SP Alex Leclear (84)
9. Chicago White Sox RP Hersh Freeman (86)
10. Brooklyn Dodgers 3B Don Hoak (93)
11. New York Giants SP Joe Nuxhall (86)
12. Cincinnati Reds RP Frank Smith (84)
13. Cleveland Indians RF Al Smith (93)
14. Boston Red Sox 1B Dick Gernert (91)
15. Philadelphia Phillies 1B Pete Runnels (90)
16. New York Yankees RP Bob Ross (88)
31. Philadelphia Phillies SP Remy Poynings (76)
47. Philadelphia Phillies SP Douglas Anderson (74)
63. Philadelphia Phillies CF Herb Adams (78)
79. Philadelphia Phillies SP Brian Roberts (73)
95. Philadelphia Phillies C Charlie White (67)
18. St. Louis Cardinals RF Jim Lemon (91)
26. Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jim Gilliam (86)
36. Pittsburgh Pirates RP Roy Face (82)
45. Cleveland Indians SP Jose Santiago (80)
All draftees will begin their professional careers in D-level Clearwater.
*
Wow, I just got Runnels in a trade LOL. He has a good eye.
RedsoxRockies: Yeah, he definitely was a first-round talent, especially in this weak class. What really drew me was his ability to play 3 positions really well. Besides, he was pretty much the best player available. I think that he can find a home here in Philly, primarily as a utility infielder. I don't think his bat will be good enough to play everyday, but I guess there's only one way to find out...
JUNE – JULY 1946
PART II
June 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (40-17, 1st, 2 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (25-33, 6th, 15.5 GB)
7 – A 4-run 1st inning is all the Reds need n this one, as Ewell Blackwell strikes out 7 en route to a win.
Reds 10, Phillies 3
W: Ewell Blackwell (5-2) L: Tommy Hughes (5-2)
HR: Larry Doby (12)
8 – Despite (another) 9th inning comeback by the Reds, the Phillies outlast the home team, scoring the winning run in the top of the 11th inning for the win.
Phillies 2, Reds 1 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (1-1) L: Earl Harrist (0-5) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (3)
2B: Don Kolloway (11), Ron Northey (5)
9 – In a duel between the first two #5 picks, Travis Robbins (1942) allows only 3 hits in 8 innings, beating Harvey Haddix (1943).
Reds 4, Phillies 1
W: Travis Robbins (3-3) L: Harvey Haddix (9-4) SV: Earl Harrist (7)
June 10-13: Philadelphia Phillies (41-19, 1st, 2 GA) at New York Giants (39-21, 2nd, 2 GB)
10 – Robin Roberts gets roughed up, allowing 6 runs in the first inning, as the Giants take the game, and cut the Phillies lead to 1 game.
Giants 9, Phillies 6
W: Max Lanier (6-3) L: Robin Roberts (10-3) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (14)
2B: Vern Stephens (10), Andy Seminick 2 (7)
HR: Gil Hodges (21)
11 – Tommy Hughes tosses a complete game, as the offense explodes for crooked numbers in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th innings to restore the league lead to 2 games.
Phillies 12, Giants 1
W: Tommy Hughes (6-2) L: Hal Schumacher (6-4)
2B: Nick Goulish 2 (16), Don Kolloway (12), Vern Stephens (11), Ron Northey (6)
3B: Gil Hodges (1), Ron Northey (1)
*
Dodgers 3B Ken Keltner was unable to get a hit today, snapping his 23-game streak.
*
12 – Charlie Ripple and Ed Hanyzewski combine for a 4-hit shutout, as the Giants fall to 3 games back with the Phillies victory.
Phillies 4, Giants 0
W: Charlie Ripple (7-4) L: Bill Voiselle (3-2)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (8)
HR: Andy Seminick (12), Vern Stephens (10)
13 – Harvey Haddix and Larry Jansen duel to a 1-1 tie after 7 innings, then the bullpens take control. Unfortunately, a 10th inning walk-off double by Eddie Stanky gives the Giants the win and the split of the series.
Giants 2, Phillies 1 (10)
W: Ken Trinkle (4-3) L: Ike Pearson (1-2)
2B: Butch Nieman (1)
HR: Ron Northey (8)
June 14-16: Pittsburgh Pirates (25-40, 8th, 18.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (43-21, 1st, 2 GA)
14 – Despite being given an early lead thanks to Gil Hodges’ 22nd home run, Robin Roberts can’t hang on, losing his 2nd straight decision.
Pirates 5, Phillies 3
W: Paul Troughton (3-7) L: Robin Roberts (10-4) SV: Len Perme (5)
2B: Robin Roberts (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (22)
15 – Butch Nieman’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning allows the Phillies to escape with a walk-off win, after rallying from 2 runs down in the 8th inning.
Phillies 6, Pirates 5 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (3-3) L: Emil Kush (3-7)
2B: Nick Goulish (17), Don Kolloway (13), Gil Hodges (10), Tommy Hughes (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (13)
*
In Chicago, Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm recorded his 15th save of the season. Not only that, it was the 103rd save of his career, tying him for the all-time record for saves with former Yankees reliever Johnny Murphy.
*
16 – As batterymate Andy Seminick was busy gunning down Pirates (3 CS), Charlie Ripple was busy keeping them off the bases, allowing only 6 hits in the shutout victory.
Phillies 4, Pirates 0
W: Charlie Ripple (8-4) L: Max Butcher (3-11)
2B: Andy Seminick (8), Ron Northey (7), Ty LaForest (1)
3B: Ty LaForest (1)
June 17: Day Off
June 18-20: Chicago Cubs (31-37, 6th, 14.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (45-22, 1st, 3 GA)
18 – 3 Phillies errors open the floodgates for the Cubs offense, as they score 9 times after the 5th inning to win easily.
Cubs 9, Phillies 3
W: Claude Passeau (5-7) L: Harvey Haddix (9-5)
2B: Don Kolloway (14), Ron Northey (8)
*
The Phillies lost more than just the game today. Starting LF Nick Goulish will be out for the season with a ruptured cervical disk. This is Nick’s 2nd season-ending injury in his four year career (he missed the 1944 postseason with a broken hip, missing out on World Series rings). SEASON FINAL STATS: .284, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 7 SB, 17 2B
Leon Culberson will be recalled from A Utica, and Johnny Blatnik gets to (again) try his luck as the regular left fielder.
*
19 – Robin Roberts bounces back after a few rough outings, tossing a complete game, as the offense keeps him in the lead with an impressive performance.
Phillies 6, Cubs 2
W: Robin Roberts (11-4) L: Shaun Hale (6-9)
2B: Gil Hodges (11)
3B: Robin Roberts (1)
SB: Don Kolloway (5)
20 – Tommy Hughes tosses a 7-hit shutout, as the Phillies only need Vern Stephens’ first-inning RBI double for the victory.
Phillies 2, Cubs 0
W: Tommy Hughes (7-2) L: Vern Olsen (5-7)
2B: Vern Stephens (12), Johnny Blatnik (9)
STANDINGS (after games on June 20, 1946)
*Code:JUNE 20 STANDINGS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 47-23 --
New York 44-26 3.0
Brooklyn 36-35 11.5
St. Louis 35-36 12.5
Cincinnati 34-37 13.5
Chicago 32-39 15.5
Pittsburgh 28-44 20.0
Boston 27-43 20.0
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 52-19 --
New York 46-24 5.5
Cleveland 41-29 10.5
Washington 36-34 15.5
Philadelphia 30-40 21.5
Detroit 26-44 25.5
Chicago 26-45 26.0
St. Louis 25-47 27.5
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns 25-47 --
Chi. White Sox 26-45 1.5
Detroit Tigers 26-44 2.0
Boston Braves 27-43 3.0
Pitts. Pirates 28-44 3.0
RACE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 47-23 --
Athletics 30-40 17.0
JUNE 20, 1946
With the team set to travel to St. Louis for a 3-game series with the Cardinals, I was busy late at the office tonight. Travel arrangements, accommodations, and such: the usual hassles involved with the everyday operations of running a baseball team. Maybe I should hire an assistant…
Recently, however, stress was finding its way back to me even at my home. Elizabeth has been feeling a little under the weather lately, being nauseous and always seeming to be tired. Sam was now almost a year old, and waddling his way everywhere. I can’t believe she can put up with him 24 hours a day.
Anyways, I finally got home, happy to see my family again. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was sitting in the living room, waiting for me to arrive. I could tell the news wasn’t great. She didn’t have the best poker face in the world.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“Andrew, I’m not sure but, I think I might be pregnant again.”
*
Ooh, can I name the kid?????
You should name him/her Nicholas Cage Walsh! :D
No, I am naming him either Layne Staley Walsh or Jose' Pierre Gonzalgodes Walsh, after Andrew's father