Trapped in the Basement: The Philadelphia Phillies (1942 - )

JUNE 28
10:01 AM

“Are you Mr. Walsh?”
“Yes, who’s asking?”
The mysterious stranger pulled up a chair in the corner of my office, where I couldn’t get a good look at his face. “None of that matters now,” he said, “but what does matter is that I want to work for you.”
“That’s all well and good, but come payday, who do I make the checks out to?” I said, trying to get him to reveal his identity.
“Just leave an envelope in the third mailbox from the right at 3:00 PM on Friday. I’ll come pick it up, and my identity can stay a secret.”
I had had just about enough of this. “Well, what do you do? We certainly could use another groundskeeper...”
“I don’t keep grounds,” he interrupted, “I sow the seeds of knowledge. I am an informant. I played in the Major Leagues and still have some connections, and my connections have connections. I figure that I am at least 1 contact removed from 10 players in each locker room, even your own.”
“Interesting, and you’ve spoken with Nick?”
“Nick was the one that started the search for me. I must admit, I thought I was hiding pretty well, but he found me. Smart kid.”
“Yeah, it’s all a front” I said. “Listen, I’m going to need something to call you by just so I know it’s you and not some nutcracker off the street.”
“Call me ‘F’”, he said. “That should be easy for you to remember, Ivy Leaguer.”
“Easy there, F. So $100 a week, third mailbox from the right, every Friday at 3?”
“Mr. Walsh, you will not regret this.”
“Just don’t get yourself made”, I shouted as he walked out the door.
He turned slowly to face me, looking over the rims of his dark glasses. For the first time I could see his eyes. They were the strangest color I had ever seen. “Mr. Walsh, you have bigger things to worry about. Leave this to me.”

Baseball is coming soon, I promise.

LOL at your new secretary. I'm enjoying your dynasty so far. Good choice for your #1 draft pick by the way.

I meant to mention... I remember the Up documentaries. We had to watch them in school and even then they were pretty old. Those kids must be approaching middle age by now. Great idea to check up on draft picks. I do that with my former players, never thought about doing it with draft picks. Interesting.

Kevarms: thanks so much for the support. My primary goal is to entertain, so I'm glad to hear that the mission is being accomplished, even if I have to pull the ol' switcheroo :D

As for checking up on the draft picks, I'm always left wondering what happened to so-and-so after they got drafted in other dynasties, so hopefully I can shed some light on those and other questions that people have.

If anyone has any questions, comments, ideas, death notes, anything really, just shoot 'em over to me and I'll get back to you ASAP. I should have the first part of July up by midnight tonight, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

F looks pretty interesting. At least he's not 005 or 006 :)

As for your secretary....yes, LOL!

CatKnight: I tried to make him as eccentric as possible for someone (a real person, btw) that I know absolutely nothing about. You'll have to keep reading: I might drop some clues... ;)

Just a point of clarification: Mrs. Stephens is not going to be my secretary. It was just the opening of a future storyline, giving Andrew the idea to look for his own secretary. Trust me, she will be younger, and childless, and single. Although I do understand the hilarity of the situation, this will be better long-term. Trust me.

Sorry if anyone is disappointed.

LATE JUNE-JULY 1942
PART I

With ‘F’ on the payroll, and the All-Star break in the books, the Phillies look toward the second half of the season. They get 3 games in June before continuing on to July, and with the trade deadline looming on the 31st, expect a lot of teams shuffling players for a last minute push.

Speaking of trades, one was approved over the All-Star break.
Brooklyn receives:
P Johnny Vander Meer (86)
Cincinnati receives:
P Joe Black (60/83)*
P Johnny Van Cuyk (58/78)
RF Gene Hermanski (63/75)
As a penalty for trading a draft pick in his first year, the Dodgers surreneder Hermanski to the Reds. It doesn’t matter though. Unless Black develops into a star closer, this deal with favor the Dodgers.

Back to baseball!

June 28 – July 1: Boston (7th, 31-49, 22 GB) at Philadelphia (6th, 32-48, 21 GB)
28 – Both starters get rocked for 7 earned, and the battle of the bullpens turns up in the Phillies’ favor. FYI Nahem: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R. Hoerst: 2 IP, 1 H.
Phillies 10, Braves 9 (10)
W: Lefty Hoerst (4-5) L: Jim Hickey (2-3)
HR: Chuck Klein (14)

29 – Tommy Hughes did something that no Phillie has done since 1940: win 10 games in a season. This ties the season long win streak at 3.
Phillies 7, Braves 2
W: Tommy Hughes (10-8) L: Manny Salvo (2-11)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (10)

30 – Johnny Podgajny gets rocked, a late comeback falls short, and the Braves add some insurance. That’s all there is to it.
Braves 10, Phillies 5
W: Al Javery (6-5) L: Johnny Podgajny (1-5) SV: Johnny Hutchings (1)

1 – Danny Litwhiler goes 3-4 with 2 RBI as the Phillies take 3 of 4 from the last place Braves, and put some distance between them and the 7th place Reds.
Phillies 4, Braves 3
W: Rube Melton (5-8) L: Bill Donovan (0-1) SV: Lefty Hoerst (1)

JUNE AWARDS

Batter of the Month: RF Chuck Klein
Pitcher of the Month: P Tommy Hughes
The Phillies’ only All-Star gets his 2nd consecutive award, after his performance in the Midsummer Classic and throughout the month of June. Hughes went 4-2 this month, cementing his place as a pitcher to watch for the future.

Minor League Batter of the Month: 1B Gil Hodges
Minor League Pitcher of the Month: P Charlie Ripple
Was there really another choice? Hodges batted .433 at Rome (A), and started life at Trenton (AA) by going 4-for-8 with 3 RBI. Two-time winner Ripple was outstanding in his three A-ball victories, allowing only 6 hits over 18 innings.

July 2-4: Brooklyn (2nd, 52-32, 2 GB) at Philadelphia (6th, 35-49, 19 GB)
2 – Drama in Philadelphia! A bases-loaded, walk-off hit-by-pitch caps the 3-run bottom of the ninth inning comeback to give the Phillies the incredible win.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
W: Lefty Hoerst (5-5) L: Les Webber (1-2)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (11)

3 – Tommy Hughes allows 1 run over 8 innings of spectacular pitching, and the Phillies use their bats to remain the hottest NL team out of the All-Star break (the Yankees have won 8 straight).
Phillies 8, Dodgers 3
W: Tommy Hughes (11-8) L: Curt Davis (7-6)
HR: Chuck Klein (15)

4 – It appears our only weakness is backup starters. Johnny Pod (my new nickname for Podgajny) does an ok job, but 3rd round pick Frank Wurm allows only 4 hits over 8 innings in his Major League debut as the Dodgers avoid the sweep.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 1
W: Frank Wurm (1-0) L: Johnny Podgajny (1-6) SV: Jim Hughes (8)

July 5-8: Philadelphia (6th, 37-50, 19 GB) at New York (3rd, 51-36, 5 GB)
5 – In a slugfest where 26 total hits were tallied, the Giants victimized Lefty Hoerst after the Phillies tied it up in the top of the 8th.
Giants 10, Phillies 7
W: Ace Adams (10-4) L: Lefty Hoerst (5-6)

6 – Another slugfest where the Phillies fall behind, tie the score, then lose because a relief pitcher allows too many runs to make up. Welcome back to the club, George Hennessey. We’ve been expecting you.
Giants 15, Phillies 14
W: Woody Abernathy (1-0) L: George Hennessey (1-4) SV: Ace Adams (4)

7 – Poor Sam Nahem. He keeps getting trusted with leads or in tie game situations, and he continually blows it.
Giants 6, Phillies 4
W: Larry Jansen (3-0) L: Sam Nahem (3-6)

8 – Johnny Pod got another start, probably the last one of his Phillies career. Carl Hubbell just taught the youngster a lesson on how to pitch, that’s for sure. 5 straight losses for the Phillies.
Giants 5, Phillies 3
W: Carl Hubbell (10-5) L: Johnny Podgajny (1-7) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (11)

9 – DAY OFF
I pulled the trigger on a trade.
New York (AL) receives:
CF Vance Dinges (70/75)
Philadelphia (NL) receives:
3B Billy Johnson (60/78)
$1,000
Don’t know why they were so eager to get rid of Johnson, but I’ll happily give them an older, more expensive player that I’m not using for a younger, inexpensive player that I’m probably not going to use.

Cy Blanton is ready to return. Same deal as last time: Gerheauser to the bullpen, Leon to AAA.

In MLB News, the Yankees have 12 of their last 13 and 23 of their last 25, opening up an 11 game lead over the Cleveland Indians in the AL.

July 10-12: Philadelphia (6th, 37-54, 22 GB) at St. Louis (1st, 59-32, 4 GA)
10 – Rube Melton enters the 8th inning with a 4-1 lead. After the inning, the score is tied at 4. In the bottom of the ninth, the Cardinals load the bases with one out, and from there, it’s elementary. The losing streak hits six games.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Clyde Shoun (6-3) L: Lefty Hoerst (5-7)

11 – GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! (Four-hit shutout for Lohrman, seven-game losing streak)
Cardinals 1, Phillies 0
W: Bill Lohrman (9-1) L: Cy Blanton (5-6)

12 – I got a trade offer for Lefty Hoerst before I read the game’s recap. I should’ve taken that offer. Four runs in the bottom of the ninth!? 8 straight losses, at least it can’t get any worse...
Cardinals 9, Phillies 7
W: Howie Krist (6-3) L: Lefty Hoerst (5-8) SV: Clarence Beers (4)

With the trade deadline approaching, I might as well unload some unwanted cargo.
New York (AL) receives:
RP Sam Nahem (72/76)
RP Lefty Hoerst (74/79)
$5,000
Philadelphia (NL) receives:
RP Johnny Johnson (64/70)
RP Joe Page (67/80)
Hahahahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (Translation: I win the trade. About time I won something...)

July 13-15: New York (2nd, 56-38, 6 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 37-57, 25 GB)
13 – Alright, this is too cruel. We rally to tie in the ninth, play until the 15th, and then a suicide squeeze plates the game-winning run. Ladies and gentlemen, your exercise in futility, the 1942 Philadelphia Phillies!
Giants 5, Phillies 4 (15)
W: Bill McGee (4-1) L: Izzy Leon (0-1)

14 – Sound the church bells! Cancel all classes! Declare a state holiday! THE PHILLIES WON! Si Johnson threw a complete game to finally end this long, dreadful losing streak.
Phillies 6, Giants 4
W: Si Johnson (6-7) L: Van Mungo (6-7)
HR: Chuck Klein (16), Ed Freed (4)

15 – You knew that after a win like that, a blowout would be on the horizon. Well, thanks to Johnny Mize, cousin Cliff Melton obliterates cousin Rube.
Giants 13, Phillies 2
W: Cliff Melton (9-7) L: Rube Melton (5-9)

STANDINGS AS OF JULY 16

Code:

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis        64-33        -
Brooklyn        59-38        5
New York        58-39        6
Pittsburgh        49-48        15
Chicago                45-52        19
Cincinnati        38-59        26
Philadelphia        38-59        26
Boston                37-60        27

AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York        67-30        -
Cleveland        56-41        11
Boston                54-43        13
Washington        47-50        20
Chicago                45-52        22
Philadelphia        44-53        23
St. Louis        38-59        29
Detroit                37-60        30

RACE TO THE #1 PICK
Boston (NL)        37-60        -
Detroit (AL)        37-60        -
Philly (NL)        38-59        1
Cincinnati (NL)        38-59        1
St. Louis (AL)        38-59        1
Philly (AL)        44-53        7
Chicago (NL)        45-52        8
Chicago (AL)        45-52        8

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Athletics        44-53        -
Phillies        38-59        6

---

JULY 16
After 3 payments, I finally got a note from my ‘advisor’ F. However it’s written in code. So now I have try and decipher it on the train to Pittsburgh. It reads a little something like this:

I don’t trust the other tenants of your building, so I’ve written this in code. It is up to you to decipher. I have left another clue in Pittsburgh. You will find it when you get there. Only you can get the code.
F

BA1HK9NOB5

"A judge sits with a man who cannot stand.
Beneath a ball of fire, they discuss
Two chosen ones: one chosen by thousands,
One chosen by tribe. Both birdies now fly
And land at sea, where more will join them
Soon, unless the man who cannot stand
Decree it be so. Go to him, and make it so,
Save the birds from certain end."

Anyone out there have any guesses?

A judge sits....

Keensaw Mountain Landis

... with a man who cannot stand.

Franklin Roosevelt

Beneath a ball of fire, they discuss
Two chosen ones: one chosen by thousands,
One chosen by tribe.

...Robinson and Doby. Not sure where the thousands comes in, but the Tribe is the Indians.

Both birdies now fly
And land at sea, where more will join them

Landis is trying to get them sent to the War!

Soon, unless the man who cannot stand
Decree it be so. Go to him, and make it so,
Save the birds from certain end."

Unless Roosevelt immediately comes out against Robinson and Doby, you should go influence him otherwise.

My guess: F's elevator doesn't go all the way to the top.

Are you playing Billy Johnson? If that nut-job F does predictions, he might tell you that Billy has some pretty decent years in his career. Billy must be about 24 years old so it's time for him to get a shot, and his ratings might progress quickly with major league playing time.

CatKnight: You're incredibly close. I must confess I didn't think that anyone would get that close, but you proved me wrong. Congratulations!

3RunHomer: Billy Johnson (60/78) is currently in AAA, and is 23 years old. My current third baseman Pinky May is 31, so there will be plenty of opportunity for Johnson to break through.

And F isn't a nut job, he's just delightfully eccentric. And good at what he does.

I'm planning on finishing up with the riddle storyline shortly, then continuing on to finish July. Thanks for reading!

JULY 17
PART I

I got off the train in Pittsburgh, tired and worn out from trying to solve that stupid puzzle. Why was I even paying F? If he was just going to lead me on a wild goose chase, he is messing with the wrong fellow. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a man, dressed completely in black. I stopped and stared, but couldn’t see his face too well. He stood up, put his paper away, and looked over the top of his dark glasses. Those eyes! It was F! I realized this and started walking towards him, but he disappeared into the crowd. I had to stand on a bench just to spot his black fedora. He was heading straight for Forbes Field! There was no choice, I had to follow him. I got through the gate, and spotted him making his way up the owner’s boxes. He had to have been an athlete at some point, because he just flew up those stairs, and I lost sight of him. After I caught my breath, I started looking around in the first suite. It was immaculately clean for one. There were papers all over a desk, and I started to rifle through them, until I found a handwritten note:

“I met with Landis on the 12th. He doesn’t know I work for you. He told me his plan to exact revenge for how you embarrassed him in April. I’ll meet you in Boston and explain everything for you. Good work, Mr. Walsh.”

I stuck the note in my coat pocket, happy that I had finally ended this goose chase.
“Excuse me, can I help you?”
The voice startled me. “No, no I’m all set, thank you...”
I stopped the sentence short as I turned around, because I couldn’t believe who was blocking my exit.
“...Mr. President.”

JULY 17
PART II

“Mr. Walsh! How nice to see you! I was planning on going to Philadelphia to meet with you personally but I suppose we can do that here. Please have a seat.”
“Why, thank you sir.” I was absolutely dumbfounded. I had come here to watch a game, but was now sitting down with THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! I tried to make small talk. “So, how’s the war going?”
“Jumping right into business? I had you pegged for a man who enjoyed his small talk.”
Business? What was he talking about? “Well, we can talk baseball if you like.”
“I’d be glad to, Mr. Walsh.”
“Please, call me Andrew.”
And we spent the next hour and three innings talking about baseball. Thankfully, my boys had put up a 6-1 lead by then.
“So what brings you to Pittsburgh, sir? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”
“Well, Andrew, few people know this about me, but I absolutely love baseball. I mean, I grew up right around the turn of the century. As I was in my 20’s, I would watch Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, a real who’s who of the Majors. And with 3 teams in New York City, there was plenty of baseball to go around. Now that I’m president, that hasn’t changed, and I still make it my mission to see every ballpark each year. I’ll be in Philadelphia next month for a doubleheader.”
The Pirates brought in a new pitcher and Ed Freed flied out.
“Sir, I’ll be looking forward to it. But now, I have to ask you about business.”
“Well, Andrew, to be honest, I have given it much thought. So I suppose I could let you in on another secret of FDR’s. Back in the 1920’s I had been really sick. I was practically confined to my house for extended periods of time. As a matter of fact, the only thing that kept me alert and alive, was listening to radio. When baseball started on the radio, it was almost like Christmas had come early. Being able to listen to Babe Ruth and his Yankees was a godsend. And I still attribute baseball as being one of the keys to my survival.”
I remembered listening to those same broadcasts when I was still a child, and just the thought sent so many happy memories back. The Pittsburgh reliever got out of the inning.
“So Mr. Walsh, you wanted ballplayers to stay here and entertain the home front? Consider it done. When I get back to Washington tomorrow, I’ll make it an executive order.”
“Thank you very much, sir. But what about the ballplayers already serving, like Hank Greenberg and Bob Feller?”
Of course! These were the two birds that F was talking about! Feller was considered by many to be the best pitcher in the game today, and Greenberg was of Jewish faith, which, the Bible says, was broken into 12 tribes! ‘One chosen by thousands, one chosen by tribe’! It all made sense now!
“Well, Andrew, there’s really not a lot I can do about that. They do have to serve out their enlistment, but when that’s finished, they will be free to return to their respective teams.”
“Thank you very much, sir.”
The game continued, as the Phillies added 2 more runs in the 6th, making the score 8-1. At the seventh inning stretch, the President started to leave.
“Mr. President, before you go, let me say it was truly an honor to speak with you today.”
“It was my pleasure, Andrew. Anytime I can talk with someone as devoted to baseball as myself, it always is a pleasure.” He turned to go, but he turned back. “Oh Andrew? Don’t get too caught up with this losing. I know you’re a fantastic owner, and in a few years, you’ll be back where champions roam. Take care now.” Well, if the President says it, then it must be true!

Hm....maybe you shot over it, but I didn't see Walsh ask players to stay at home. If so, then someone (Judge Landis!?) asked FOR him... The plot thickens!

Well done!

I have an off day of August 1st, that's when I'm meeting F.

He'll explain everything.

JULY 1942
PART II

Before we got started on the (hopefully) better half of the month, we made our third trade of the year.
Boston (AL) receives:
1B Nick Etten (76)
Philadelphia (NL) receives:
3B Ty LaForest (60/73)
$2,000
Purely a salary dump. With better players waiting in the wings, it was Etten’s time to go.

I had been thinking more and more about what had gone on over the last few weeks. Not on the field of course. That could drive a man to depression. When I was in Newark last month, I was presented with a “secretary”, although she remains with her husband in Albany. Maybe Nick was right though. Running this office all by myself has really started to wear me down, and an extra body to take care of some things couldn’t hurt right? I’ll type up a classified in the morning.

George Hennessey came into my office today and officially told me he was going to retire. George was 1-4 with a 6.63 ERA and a save. He never recorded a full season in the big leagues. (CAREER: 1-5, 7.62, 1 SV)

Back to baseball!

July 17-19: Philadelphia (6th, 38-59, 26 GB) at Pittsburgh (4th, 49-48, 15 GB)
17 - 35-year-old Lee Riley got the call-up to make his first major league start at second base today. He went 1 for 3, and Cy Blanton went 8 strong to notch the win.
Phillies 9, Pirates 2
W: Cy Blanton (6-6) L: Johnny Lanning (5-4)

18 – The natural order of things continues to resurface, and once again, after a Phillies win, the Phillies lose the next game.
Pirates 4, Phillies 1
W: Luke Hamlin (8-5) L: Si Johnson (6-8) SV: Diomedes Olivo (16)

Two trades today.
St. Louis (AL) receives: SP Bill Bevens (73/86)
New York (AL) receives: 3B Harlond Clift (88)
Both teams should win, but if you’ve followed baseball over the last 20 years, you know the Yankees always win.

Brooklyn receives: SP Paul Derringer (87)
Cincinnati receives: 1B John Corriden (68/86)
Corriden’s a pretty talented prospect for a pitcher with a 5-10 record, but Derringer provides some depth for an already talented rotation, and I suppose his 3.10 ERA shouldn’t be overlooked.

Lee Riley retired. He had the option of going back to AAA or retiring, and he took the latter. He thanked me for giving him the opportunity to realize his dream: play a game in the Major Leagues. As a bonus, he got a hit and drove in a run. Very smart guy. Maybe I can have him comeback next year to manage... (CAREER: 1 G, 1/3, RBI, BB)

19 – Despite tying the game in the ninth to send it to extras, it really was inevitable, as the Pirates win the game in the 10th.
Pirates 4, Phillies 3 (10)
W: Jack Hallett (5-4) L: Paul Masterson (0-2)

July 20-23: Philadelphia (7th, 39-61, 28 GB) at Boston (6th, 40-60, 27 GB)
20 – Rube Melton gets roughed up for 6 runs in the first 2 innings, leading to a simple result for our heroes.
Braves 6, Phillies 3
W: Jim Tobin (10-9) L: Rube Melton (5-10) SV: Jim Hickey (5)

The Red Sox made a trade in a desperate (read: stupid) attempt to catch the Yankees.
Boston (AL) receives:
SP Schoolboy Rowe (81)
Detroit receives:
SP Rex Cecil (62/74)
RP Mel Deutsch (64/76)
The Red Sox win this trade, only because Rowe is signed through next season. The prospects they gave up should amount to marginal players at best.

21 – With Cy Blanton gunning for a complete game, manager Hans Lobert left him in with a 2-run 9th inning lead. The Braves scored twice, loaded the bases and won the game with a single.
Braves 6, Phillies 5
W: Johnny Hutchings (7-4) L: Cy Blanton (6-7)

22 – If the game is anywhere close to a lead, you know the bullpen will be there to set things right. This time, a tie turns into a four-run deficit, a lead too big for our comeback.
Braves 7, Phillies 5
W: Dick Errickson (2-4) L: Johnny Podgajny (1-8) SV: Johnny Hutchings (3)

23 – You ever have days where you wish you could save some offense? Well, that was today. Tommy Hughes was brilliant, spinning a five-hit shutout as the offense backs him well.
Phillies 6, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (12-8) L: Manny Salvo (4-14)

I was a little miffed that I didn’t get to see F like he said. However, I got a telegram from our team’s road manager, reading something like this.

DID NOT BAIL STOP
GOT HELD UP OVERSEAS STOP
WILL MEET YOU IN PHILLY STOP

Oh well.

Also, Bennie Warren became eligible for arbitration at season’s end. He might as well save the lawyer fees, because he won’t be back. Despite his cannon arm (46.4 RTO%, 1st in the NL), we have a catcher in AAA that will be taking over next season: Andy Seminick.

July 24-27: Philadelphia (7th, 40-64, 30 GB) at Brooklyn (2nd, 64-40, 6 GB)
24 – Johnny Vander Meer strikes out 7 in a five-hit complete game victory, closing the Dodgers to within 5 of the Cardinals, and moving the Phillies into sole possession of last place.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 1
W: Johnny Vander Meer (13-4) L: Rube Melton (5-11)

After the game, I get a call from my manager at AA Trenton. He’s calling as a favor to Gil Hodges, whom he thinks should be promoted. After getting all his vital stats from him (.413, 4 HR, 22 RBI in 80 AB), I tell the manager to tell Hodges, he’s heading to one of the independent AAA teams we keep in stock. I have to get us a AAA affiliate.

25 – Cy Blanton again entered the ninth with a two-run lead, looking for a complete game. This time, he only allows one run, in a game where both teams only mustered 7 hits combined.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
W: Cy Blanton (7-7) L: Larry French (7-8)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (12)

I spoke with the owner of the Fort Worth Cats, a minor league team in the Texas League. He was willing to become our affiliate for the remainder of the season, for a small fee of course. I paid the man, and moved all of our AAA players to the Fort Worth Cats.

26 – About time Johnny Pod gets some lucky breaks. Podgajny is the beneficiary of 2 eighth-inning home runs as the Phillies have taken 3 of their last 4.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 5
W: Johnny Podgajny (2-8) L: Newt Kimball (1-4)
HR: Ed Murphy (3), Pinky May (1)

27 – Tommy Hughes (7 IP, 2 ER on 6 H) was terrific, but Paul Derringer was magnificent (CG four-hitter), giving the Dodgers the series split.
Dodgers 2, Phillies 1
W: Paul Derringer (6-12) L: Tommy Hughes (12-9)

A trade was announced, as the deadline moves closer.
New York (NL) receives:
LF Bob Johnson (83)
Philadelphia (AL) receives:
C Jim Gladd (62/82)
It’s always hard to find good catching prospects, and trading one for a 36-year-old outfielder makes this trade a draw. For now.

July 28-31: Philadelphia (7th, 42-66, 31 GB) at St. Louis (1st, 73-35, 7 GA)
28 – Rube Melton implodes in the 5th inning, giving up 5 runs and the game. Johnny Pod is certainly adapting to the bullpen well, though (3 perfect innings in relief).
Cardinals 5, Phillies 3
W: Howie Pollet (4-7) L: Rube Melton (5-12) SV: Art Lopatka (1)

29 – Dick Mauney made his Major League debut today, getting the spot start for Cy Blanton, who was complaining of headaches. I’m sure he didn’t want to start against 11-1 Bill Lohrman, but he showed no fear, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits, and Paul Masterson hung on for the 6-out save.
Phillies 5, Cardinals 4
W: Dick Mauney (1-0) L: Bill Lohrman (11-2) SV: Paul Masterson (1)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (13)

Another trade involving the New York Giants.
New York (NL) receives:
SP Denny Galehouse (79)
St. Louis (AL) receives:
2B Artie Wilson (58/77)
The Giants must think they can make up a 9-game deficit with 41 to play. Although they do have 4 at home against St. Louis to close the season...

30 – Despite four errors, the Cardinals manage to steal victory from the jaws of defeat due to, yep, another bullpen collapse (4 runs in the bottom of the 8th).
St. Louis 5, Philadelphia 4
W: Howie Krist (7-3) L: Paul Masterson (0-3) SV: Art Lopatka (2)

31 – Tommy Hughes was fantastic: 8 innings of outstanding pitching allowing only 2 hits and 0 runs. As a bonus, manager Hans Lobert went with closer Ike Pearson in the 9th, just so he could try and ruin it, but he escaped, and so did the Phillies.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 0
W: Tommy Hughes (13-9) L: Harry Gumbert (7-8) SV: Ike Pearson (10)

Two deadline deals:
Cleveland receives:
RF Ival Goodman (81)
Cincinnati receives:
C Ray Murray (64/74)
3B Eddie Turchin (60/76)
Trade two future bench players for a 34-year-old outfielder? Where do I sign? WINNER: Cincinnati

Boston (AL) receives:
C Mike Tresh (75)
RF Wally Moses (82)
3B Leo Wells (68/73)
Chicago (AL) receives:
P Ken Chase (80)
RF Lou Finney (75)
C Danny Doyle (61/70)
WINNER: No one.

JULY RECAP

STANDINGS

Code:

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NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis        75-37        -
New York        67-45        8
Brooklyn        67-45        8
Pittsburgh        57-55        18
Chicago                49-63        26
Boston                47-65        28
Philadelphia        44-68        31
Cincinnati        42-70        33

AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York        78-34        -
Cleveland        65-47        13
Boston                61-51        17
Chicago                53-59        25
Washington        52-60        26
St. Louis        50-62        28
Philadelphia        50-62        28
Detroit                39-73        39

RACE TO THE #1 PICK
Detroit Tigers        39-73        -
Cincinnati Reds        42-70        3
Phila. Phillies        44-68        5
Boston Braves        47-65        8
Chicago Cubs        49-63        10
2 tied at        50-62        11

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Athletics        50-62        -
Phillies        44-68        6

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SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader

BATTING

Code:

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1942 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Mauney, Dick              PHI    1  .667    3    2  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    1    1  .667  .667
Johnson, Billy            PHI    3  .417    12    5  3  0  0    2    0    0  0    2    5  .667  .500
Klein, Chuck              PHI  107  .314  354  111  27  4  16  31  42    2  1  59  71  .548  .371
Waner, Lloyd              PHI  96  .311  180  56  5  2  0  14  16    2  1  20  29  .361  .359
Murphy, Ed                PHI  43  .279  111  31  8  0  3  17  10    2  1  13  20  .432  .380
Freed, Ed                PHI  105  .279  405  113  27  3  4  44  50    9  3  64  41  .390  .357
Murtaugh, Danny          PHI  95  .259  328  85  22  1  0  26  39    6  5  34  35  .332  .312
Litwhiler, Danny          PHI  108  .255  369  94  24  4  13  37  31    1  0  54  53  .447  .324
May, Pinky                PHI  112  .252  441  111  27  2  1  43  41    2  0  59  32  .329  .321
Bragan, Bobby            PHI  65  .252  155  39  6  0  2    9  20    4  0  13  18  .329  .291
LaForest, Ty              PHI    7  .233    30    7  3  0  0    1    7    0  0    3    4  .333  .250
Livingston, Mickey        PHI  46  .229    96  22  6  0  1    4  10    1  0  10    7  .323  .260
Tyson, Turkey            PHI  12  .227    22    5  0  1  0    4    2    0  0    3    2  .318  .346
Marnie, Harry            PHI  97  .221  285  63  9  1  0  18  28    3  1  35  22  .260  .265
Warren, Bennie            PHI  99  .210  319  67  11  2  4  42  34    1  1  32  28  .295  .305
Benjamin, Stan            PHI  63  .203  123  25  5  2  0    7  16    3  2  14  10  .276  .244
Glossop, Al              PHI  24  .179    28    5  1  0  0    4    2    0  0    4    2  .214  .281
Johnson, Si              PHI  28  .175    63  11  0  0  0    1  13    0  0    3    4  .175  .188
Melton, Rube              PHI  24  .161    56    9  2  0  0    1  15    0  1    5    5  .196  .175
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  28  .127    71    9  0  0  0    6  17    0  0    5    4  .127  .195
Blanton, Cy              PHI  20  .113    53    6  0  0  0    1  15    0  0    2    1  .113  .130
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  22  .111    27    3  0  1  0    0    8    0  0    0    1  .185  .111
Masterson, Paul          PHI  23  .000    2    0  0  0  0    0    2    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    4  .000    6    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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PITCHING

Code:

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1942 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Mauney, Dick              PHI    7.0  1.29    1  1  1  0  0    1    2 11.57
Kraus, Jack              PHI    3.0  3.00    2  0  0  0  0    0    1  9.00
Pearson, Ike              PHI  17.1  3.12  15  0  1  1  10    5    6  9.35
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  211.1  3.41  28  28  13  9  0  96  97 12.56
Johnson, Si              PHI  196.2  3.66  28  28  6  8  0  84  53 12.17
Johnson, Johnny          PHI    4.0  4.50    3  0  0  0  1    3    1 11.25
Melton, Rube              PHI  163.2  4.62  24  24  5  12  0  86  114 15.34
Blanton, Cy              PHI  150.2  4.78  20  20  7  7  0  80  45 13.50
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  92.2  4.95  22  9  2  8  0  39  42 14.96
Masterson, Paul          PHI  27.0  7.00  23  0  0  3  1  15  15 18.67
Leon, Izzy                PHI    1.0  9.00    1  0  0  1  0    1    0 18.00
Gerheauser, Al            PHI  18.0 10.50    4  2  0  1  0    6  14 23.50

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LEAGUE LEADERS

Code:

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NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Stan Musial (STL)                .339
HR - Johnny Mize (NYG)                23
RBI - Johnny Mize (NYG)                104
SB - Gee Walker (CIN)                15
W - 2 tied with                       
14

ERA - Bill Lohrman (STL)        2.57
K - Johnny Vander Meer (BRO)        105
SV - Diomedes Olivo (PIT)        16
                               
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Barney McCosky (DET)        .355
HR - Ted Williams (BOS)                26
RBI - Joe DiMaggio (NYY)        90
SB - Walt Chipple (WAS)                17
W - 2 tied with                        15
ERA - Joe Dobson (BOS)                2.34
K - Hal Newhouser (DET)                110
SV - 3 tied with                12

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MILESTONES
7/4: CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY): Hit for the Cycle
7/10: SS Arky Vaughan (BRO): 1000th Run

MAJOR INJURIES
7/1: SP Lon Warneke (STL) out 2 weeks with a broken finger.
7/3: SP Whit Wyatt (BRO) out 3 weeks with a torn hamstring.
7/4: SS Johnny Pesky (BOS) out for the season with a ruptured cervical disk. (Final Stats: .277, 0 HR, 11 RBI)
7/5: SP Tex Hughson (BOS) out 5 weeks with a broken wrist.
7/10: SP Eddie Smith (CHW) out 2 weeks with a broken ankle.
7/13: SP Thornton Lee (CHW) out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder.
7/21: SP Al Javery (BSN) out 2 weeks with a broken hand.
7/21: SP Tiny Bonham (NYY) out 2 weeks with a broken finger.
7/24: SP Tommy Bridges (DET) out 2 weeks with a broken foot.
7/24: SP Lon Warneke (STL) out 5 weeks with completely separated shoulder.
7/29: LF Gee Walker (CIN) out 2 weeks with a broken foot.
7/29: 1B Elbie Fletcher (PHA) out 3 weeks with a dislocated shoulder.
7/31: SP Virgil Trucks (DET) out 2 weeks with a broken ankle.

NOTABLE RETIREMENTS
7/27: SP Jim Turner
1937-1939 Boston Braves
1940-1942 Cincinnati Reds
1938 All-Star
60-57, 3.20 ERA, 71 CG

AUGUST 1
PART I

I sat in front of Independence Hall. The Birthplace of America, as some folk like to call it. This is where a lot of history was made: the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are just the major events everyone likes to focus on. It was here back in 1883 that Al Reach and John Rogers announced to the faithful that they would be getting a baseball team. It was here back in 1915, when I was still in diapers, when the Phillies won their only pennant that fans came to celebrate en masse, causing massive damage to several city properties. Alas, those are the high points for Phillies fans. These are some of the best fans in the league. How often do you see 27,000 screaming fans turn out for a team 40 games under .500? It’s really a shame that a city has suffered so much heartbreak, so much pain, and having to suffer a city only 2 hours northeast winning year after year after year. No wonder Philadelphia fans are miserable.
It was now 6:52 AM. I had no idea why F wanted to meet me here so early. All I know is that I was getting an explanation for this Landis-Roosevelt meeting or else. As usual, he came without much notice, this time sneaking up behind me.
“Let’s walk.”
We started east on Chestnut Street, towards New Jersey. It was silence for the first block.
“Well,” he said, almost reluctantly, “what do you want to know?”
“Everything. I want to know all about this secret meeting between Roosevelt and Landis. Then I want to know what kept you from meeting me in Boston. Then I want to know just who the h*** you really are.”
“Easy there, one thing at a time, and by the looks of it, we might only get to the first two.”
“What the ... oh whatever. I won’t forget this though.”
“Alright, the ‘secret meeting’: as it turns out, Judge Landis has been harboring some feelings of resentment towards you. I spoke with him last month. He doesn’t know I’m working for you, and it would be nice if it stays that way, understood? Anyhow, he had been in contact with one of the President’s aides, and he asked for a meeting so he could discuss how baseball could help the war effort. The whole thing was rotten to begin with. Lots of leading questions from Landis, looking for the opening he needed. The minute FDR mentioned the possibility of having a draft, Landis sprung his trap. He volunteered Major League players for a special private draft, which Roosevelt agreed to, with much hesitation, as I understand. Fortunately, you were able to get to him soon enough to prevent that from ever happening.”
“Why the draft though? What does that have to do with me?”
“Easy. The judge could do this multiple ways, but the easiest would be to weight the individual players, so that they have three, four, five or more entries into the draft pool. This makes it easier for your players, or Branch’s or MacPhail’s players to be drafted into service, and increase the chances that they don’t return, thus putting you out of business.”
“So wait, he’s plotting against all the dissenters?”
“Correct: you, the Cardinals, Brooklyn, the Cubs, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. All personnel have a figurative black mark next to their name in the office of the Judge. Especially you.”
I could see why. I mean, I’d just foiled two of the Commissioner’s plots.
“I think your best hope is to hold out until he dies. I mean, the man’s 75 years old, so it can’t be too far off. And let’s face facts: he’s certainly not the most well liked man in the world.”
This was absolutely true. Most owners had grown tired of the iron fist that Landis ruled baseball with, and while none of them would dare to make it public, all secretly couldn’t wait to see the old man six feet under. By this time, we had rounded back onto Market Street.
“So what’s the Judge’s next move?”
“I’m pretty sure he has at least 1 more trick up his sleeve before he moves on. I’m sure it will be much more difficult to stop also. You know what they say: ‘save the best for last’.”
“Thanks for the info. Remember to stop by every Friday. I don’t want to have the bums reaching into the mailbox and finding $100.”
“I’ll do what I can. But I have to go. I’m already late.”
“Late for what?”
He smiled knowingly back at me, and looked over the top of his dark glasses, revealing his bizarre eyes. “You think I only work for you? I’ve got to keep my options open.”
With that he stepped out into the street, ignoring the oncoming car. I screamed for him to watch out, but the car zipped past before I could get the words out. I turned away for a second, then looked back expecting to see the worst. Instead, I saw no mutilated carcass, but some fingers slipping below the cover of a manhole just before it closed. Maybe I’ll get all the answers someday.

Uh-oh. Better hope the Judge kicks it soon!:eek:

This storyline is getting pretty exciting...good work!:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Overbay17

Uh-oh. Better hope the Judge kicks it soon!:eek:

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Everyone was thinking it! It had to be said! :D

Thanks again for reading and commenting. I do appreciate the comments. They really help drive me to keep going late into the night and early in the morning.

AUGUST 1
PART II

Boy, do I sure love coffee! It helps take the edge off, makes people more pleasant, and helps jar you awake after you’ve walked a mile around downtown Philadelphia at 7 AM. Anyhow, I’m back at the office (no rest for the weary) with a major decision on my hands: who do I hire as my secretary? I’ve narrowed the choices down to three women. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Mary Stephens
Well, it looks like Nick’s mother really wants this job! She applied for it and made the final cut. However, I’m not sure how much Mr. Stephens would like his wife working over 200 miles away, and I’m not sure how comfortable I’d feel working with a Stephens that isn’t Nick. Thank you, but we’ve decided on another direction.

Prudence Walker
First impression: she’s ridiculously old. I mean, this lady was literally alive for the Civil War (the North won, by the way). She’s the sweetest old lady, but I don’t think she can physically outlast the daily grind for a few days, much less a few years. Thank you, but I think we’re going to look elsewhere to...

Elizabeth Harris
Talk about the total package. She’s smart, pretty, reliable, pretty, clean, pretty, and a great typist. Did I mention she’s pretty? A recent graduate of Villanova and a resident of nearby West Chester, she certainly knows the area well. Oh yeah, and she’s pretty. Did I already say that?

I guess the choice wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. With that out of the way, looks like we can head back to the daily grind.

So...you hired the old lady? Am I right?:p:D

Overbay17: she was a close second :D

AUGUST 1942
PART I

Batter of the Month: do I have to give one out? No one really deserved it.
Pitcher of the Month: Tommy Hughes. (2-1, 2.47 ERA) He’s threatening to be the NL Wins Leader.

Minor League Batter: Gil Hodges (.413, 4 HR, 22 RBI - AA Trenton). The kid is flying through the system.
Minor League Pitcher: Charlie Ripple (4-0, 3.62 ERA – AA Trenton). Speaking of flying...

The dog days of summer have hit Philadelphia. Unfortunately, no one has come down with a case of pennant fever, so the doctors have to worry about actual diseases. A few promotions and demotions to set the minor league roster for the remainder of the season, and it’s back to baseball!

August 2-5: Cincinnati (8th, 42-70, 33 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 44-68, 31 GB)
2 – Cy Blanton goes the distance, allowing only 1 run on 7 hits to put a little more separation between the two bottom-dwellers of the NL.
Phillies 3, Reds 1
W: Cy Blanton (8-7) L: Bucky Walters (10-8)

3 – Si Johnson one-ups his teammate, pitching a seven-hit shutout, and the offense goes off on the mediocre at best Reds pitching. Let’s hope this one-ups-manship continues until some throws a no-no.
Phillies 7, Reds 0
W: Si Johnson (7-8) L: Ewell Blackwell (4-4)

The Tigers won, keeping them (mathematically) alive for the pennant, but their elimination number is down to 2.

4 – Is it so wrong to want a four-game win streak that you’ll do anything for it? Not today as Reds pitchers dance around trouble all day, while Hughes finds it immediately.
Reds 7, Phillies 2
W: Pat Scantlebury (1-1) L: Tommy Hughes (13-10) SV: Joe Beggs (4)

With the Yankee win, the Tigers elimination number drops to 1. Detroit won to stay alive for another day.

5 – As if I didn’t already know my major weakness, the bullpen keeps piling on, giving me reminder after reminder after painful reminder (tying and go-ahead runs score in the ninth inning).
Reds 3, Phillies 2
W: Frank Dasso (1-0) L: Paul Masterson (0-4) SV: Walker Cress (8)

The Detroit Tigers lose, and are officially eliminated from pennant contention.

August 6-9: Brooklyn (3rd, 69-47, 8 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 46-70, 31 GB)

6 – A masterful performance doesn’t get rewarded, but this is a rare instance where I’m not mad. Cy Blanton allows 1 hit over 8 innings, but is lifted for a pinch hitter. Paul Masterson gets the win, as this one is settled on 6 combined hits.
Phillies 1, Dodgers 0
W: Paul Masterson (1-4) L: Kirby Higbe (6-2)

7 – Two crucial errors spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E for the Phillies, as the Dodgers capitalize off of both, and add some insurance late.
Dodgers 7, Phillies 1
W: Larry French (8-9) L: Si Johnson (7-9)

8 – Tommy Hughes again comes up big for us, pitching eight innings of 4 hit ball, and Ike Pearson records the save without breaking a sweat. Hughes is now tied for the league lead in victories with Vander Meer (BRO) and Fitzsimmons (BRO).
Phillies 3, Dodgers 2
W: Tommy Hughes (14-10) L: Whit Wyatt (10-6) SV: Ike Pearson (11)

9 – The skeleton crew put up a darn good fight, but they just couldn’t get that tying run across in the bottom of the ninth as we conclude our season series with the Dodgers.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 3
W: Paul Derringer (8-13) L: Rube Melton (5-13) SV: Kirby Higbe (1)
HR: Chuck Klein (17)

Cincinnati’s elimination number is 2. That means that ours is 4.

August 10-12: Boston (6th, 51-69, 28 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 48-72, 31 GB)
10 – 2 early runs are all we get, as Boston knocks 13 hits and Jim Tobin only allows 5 over 8 innings of work to get the win.
Braves 4, Phillies 2
W: Jim Tobin (12-12) L: Cy Blanton (8-8) SV: Jim Hickey (6)

The Cardinals win and the Reds lose, eliminating Cincinnati from the pennant chase. Our own elimination number is down to 1.

11 – Si Johnson hurls a five-hit shutout as the offense peppers the Braves pitchers with five doubles and a triple.
Phillies 4, Braves 0
W: Si Johnson (8-9) L: Warren Spahn (9-15)

Our win and a loss by the Cardinals keeps us theoretically alive. The Browns aren’t as lucky, and are eliminated from playoff contention.

12 – How disappointing. To have your playoff dreams crushed by a 5-15 minor leaguer.
Braves 2, Phillies 0
W: Manny Salvo (6-15) L: Tommy Hughes (14-11)

We’re out. The Senators managed to survive, but the Athletics are also in danger now.

AUGUST 13 – DAY OFF
Not for me of course. Today is Elizabeth’s first day, so everything has to be just right. I have butterflies the size of tanks rumbling through my stomach.

August 14-17: Chicago (5th, 53-70, 28 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 49-74, 32 GB)
14 – Finally! The day has come where my boys get to victimize someone else’s bullpen! 5 runs in the bottom of the eighth flips the score, giving us the win.
Phillies 6, Cubs 5
W: Cy Blanton (9-8) L: Claude Passeau (12-9) SV: Ike Pearson (12)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (14)

Both the Athletics and the Senators lose, and the Yankees win, knocking both teams out of the pennant race.

15 – I could really get used to this rallying thing. The Phillies did it again, coming back from a 1-run deficit with one in the eighth and the winner in the ninth. Paul Masterson goes 2 no-hit innings of solid relief.
Phillies 4, Cubs 3
W: Paul Masterson (2-4) L: Emil Kush (4-4)

16 – Tommy Hughes rebounds from a poor outing last time with 8 shutout innings this go-round. The win re-ties him for the league lead in wins, and is the most by a Phillies pitcher since Wayne LeMaster in 1937.
Phillies 6, Cubs 0
W: Tommy Hughes (15-11) L: Joey Lothian (4-22)

17 – Well, it took the whole season, but I finally have my four-game winning streak, and a sweep of the Cubs to boot!
Phillies 10, Cubs 3
W: Rube Melton (6-13) L: Paul Troughton (1-4)
HR: Bennie Warren (5), Ed Freed (5)

Both Chicago teams (Cubs and White Sox) are eliminated on the same day, as both leaders win.

August 18-21: Philadelphia (6th, 53-74, 28 GB) at Cincinnati (8th, 46-81, 35 GB)
18 – The surprise of our 5th consecutive win was great, but the surprise after the game is what caught me off guard.
Phillies 6, Reds 3
W: Cy Blanton (10-8) L: Elmer Riddle (4-12)
HR: Ed Freed (6)

First, Cy Blanton will be out a week with a twisted ankle. Second, Rube Melton will be out 2 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. Finally, Si Johnson will be out for the season, miss the start of next season, and possibly be forced to retire due to severed knee ligaments (Final Stats: 8-9, 3.42 ERA, 3 SO). This gives me an opportunity to use my younger talents in key roles though. Jack Kraus, Dick Mauney and Johnny Podgajny take over the rotation spots. Joe Page gets called up from AAA to take Johnson’s roster spot.

19 – I had to expect this with all the injuries.
Reds 7, Phillies 0
W: Ewell Blackwell (5-4) L: Johnny Podgajny (2-9)

20 – Thank goodness for the one constant on my team: Tommy Hughes. Another 8-inning performance to write about: 7 hits, 1 earned run. He sits alone atop the leader board for wins in the NL.
Phillies 7, Reds 2
W: Tommy Hughes (16-11) L: Pat Scantlebury (1-3)
HR: Bennie Warren (6)

Danny Litwhiler pulled up lame during the game today. Later tests showed that Danny will be out for the rest of the season with a torn quadriceps muscle (Final Stats: .262, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 13 assists). Ron Northey will be called up from AAA to take his roster spot.

21 – Dick Mauney has found a permanent home in the rotation of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 22-year-old rookie from Concord, NC walked the third man he faced, then retired the next 17 in succession before giving up the only hit of the game. That’s right: a one-hit shutout in his second major league start.
Phillies 6, Reds 0
W: Dick Mauney (2-0) L: Bucky Walters (10-11)

In the American League, it’s all over but the crying, as the Yankees are running away with their 12th pennant since 1921. In the National League, it’s started to get down to the wire, as St. Louis can’t seem to find a win, because Brooklyn and New York are using them all. The Dodgers have won 8 of 10, while the Giants had pulled to within 2 games, but have since fallen back slightly.

STANDINGS AS OF AUGUST 22
23 games remaining
Green denotes eliminated

Code:

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NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis        83-48        -
Brooklyn        80-51        3
New York        79-52        4
Pittsburgh        63-68        20
Boston                60-71        23
Chicago                56-75        27
Philadelphia        56-75        27
Cincinnati        47-84        36

AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York        92-39        -
Cleveland        76-55        16
Boston                71-60        21
Chicago                62-69        30
Washington        61-70        31
Philadelphia        60-71        32
St. Louis        57-74        35
Detroit                45-86        47

RACE TO THE #1 PICK
Detroit Tigers        45-86        -
Cincinnati Reds        47-84        2

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Athletics        60-71        -
Phillies        56-75        4

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Sorry for not keeping up with this with my usual speedy postings. I've been a little busy lately, but I will return soon to finish off this season and continue on through the 1940's in search of a World Series Championship!

AUGUST 22

I got a pleasant surprise today, as my good friend and co-owner Nick Stephens actually drove down from Newark to meet me in Philadelphia.
“Hey Andy! Just came to see how my majority owner is doing!”
“Nick! Good to see you, pal! What brings you to Philadelphia?”
“Well, I’m here for a little vacation. I’m starting here, going to spend the next 4 days in Chicago with you, then I’m flying down to Atlantic City to meet my cousin Vince. You remember him?”
“Yeah, I remember Vince.” Vince was a stereotypical Italian with a heavy Jersey accent. He always smelled like wine, and always had his shirt unbuttoned to show his chest hair. I hated having to remember Vince.
“Sounds like fun. You ready to go to Chicago?”
“You bet.”
As we left my office, I turned to my new secretary.
“Elizabeth, I’m taking Mr. Stephens to Chicago for the weekend. I’ll be back on Monday. You can take Saturday and Sunday off if you want to.”
“Thank you, Mr. Walsh.”
“Please, call me Andy.”

As we sat on the plane (first class all the way), Nick began to talk.
“So glad you took up my secretary idea. She’s a nice catch.”
“Yeah, she is easy on the eyes. So what exactly did you want to talk about?”
“I just wanted to check in on my investment and see how we were doing this year. That little spurt we had last week probably helped us avoid last place, and now with the Cubs falling apart, we could move as high as 5th!”
“That would be something. Imagine us turning around a 100-loss team into a 5th-place team almost overnight?”
“We also have a talented farm system, so we can easily supplant the players that we’re not going to resign. I would like to establish a permanent AAA club, instead of the rental you got us from Fort Worth. Hopefully somewhere closer. You know, I’ll talk to my friends up in Utica, they’ve been wanting to move the Braves out of the Can-Am League for a few years. Maybe we can help with that.”
“Is there anything you want me to do?” I asked.
“Actually yes, there is. I need you to speak before the Philadelphia City Council.”
“What?”
“How much money are we going to make this season?”
“About $25,000. Why are you asking?”
“Andy, I want the Phillies to have their own stadium.”
“Well, I can ask the folks at the Baker Bowl to see if we can play there next season...”
He cut me off: “No Andy, I want the Phillies to have a brand new stadium.”
I had had plans for building a separate stadium for the Phillies, but this caught me aback. “Now? During wartime? Where will we get supplies? How are we going to finance this?”
“Easy, Andy, calm down. We don’t need to buy the supplies. We just need to buy the land. The stadium comes later. Just meet with the City Council after the season and get back to me with the cost of buy a plot along the Schuylkill River. There’s a whole bunch of parkland that could be ripe for the taking”
“I’ll talk with them. But how will we get the money?”
“Sell the contracting license. We take some money from the company and invest it in the team, and have enough money to hire a construction company to build a new stadium.”
“Hang on. First: don’t take money away from the company. Second: How am I going to get the City Council to sell park land to a struggling baseball team?”
“Don’t worry about that now. Wait until after the season. Tonight, let’s just enjoy Chicago!”

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1942

With the Yankees riding high in the AL, and the NL race going down to the wire, I’ll keep you posted on any and all updates concerning the pennant race.

August 23-26: Philadelphia (6th, 56-75, 27 GB) at Chicago (6th, 56-75, 27 GB)
23 – Jack Kraus made his first Major League start, and didn’t disappoint, pitching a complete game six-hitter with only 2 walks. However, those walks were back-to-back in the bottom of the 8th inning, and two sacrifice bunts later, the Cubs had the only run of the game.
Cubs 1, Phillies 0
W: Emil Kush (5-4) L: Jack Kraus (0-1)

The Boston Braves lost, eliminating themselves from pennant contention. The top 3 NL teams all won, while the Yankees picked up a full game on the Indians (MAGIC NUMBER: 6).

24 – Johnny Pod does a fantastic job, allowing 2 runs on seven hits, and Ike Pearson needs 8 pitches to retire the side in order to record the save.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Johnny Podgajny (3-9) L: Vern Olson (5-13) SV: Ike Pearson (13)

The NL’s top 3 all won again, but Pittsburgh didn’t, so the Pirates are eliminated. The Yankees continue to win, and the Indians continue to lose, dropping the Yankees’ magic number down to 4.

25 – In an odd twist of fate, the league leader in wins faces the league leader in losses. But neither Tommy Hughes nor Joey Lothian factor into the decision, as Babe Dahlgren hits for the cycle and hammers a walk-off 2-run home run to beat the Phillies.
Cubs 7, Phillies 5
W: Emil Kush (6-4) L: Paul Masterson (2-5)

The Boston Red Sox lost leaving just the Indians able to catch the Yankees, who won again (Magic Number: 3). The Cardinals won, and both the Giants and the Dodgers lost, giving the Cards leads of 4 and 5 games, respectively.

26 – Everyone was on pins and needles to see if Dick Mauney would be able to do it again. There questions were answered early, as he gave up 5 runs in the first inning, and the Phillies get shut out.
Cubs 7, Phillies 0
W: Shaun Hale (9-11) L: Dick Mauney (2-1)

The Yankees won their fifth straight, cutting their magic number to 2. The Cardinals won and both New York teams lost, so the Cards pick up another game. We host St. Louis at Shibe Park, while the Giants host the Dodgers in a make-or-break series.

August 27-30: Philadelphia () at St. Louis ()
27 – A late inning tie forces extra-innings, where the Phillies prevail thanks to a walk-off single by Bobby Bragan.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2 (10)
W: Ike Pearson (2-1) L: Art Lopatka (0-3)

The Giants beat the Dodgers 4-3, moving them into a tie with said Dodgers 5 games behind St. Louis.

A Cleveland loss coupled with a Yankee win confirms the obvious:

THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

This is the Yankees’ 2nd consecutive pennant, their 6th in seven years, and 13th in 21 years.

28 – Joe Page’s first two innings of relief are outstanding, allowing the Phillies to come back and take the lead. In his third, he gives up the tying runs, but the offense saves the day with their second consecutive walk-off win. The win also clinches the Phillies’ first winning month since we bought the team.
Phillies 8, Cardinals 7
W: Joe Page (1-0) L: Howie Krist (7-4)

The Dodgers beat the Giants 8-3, pulling themselves to within 4 games of the Cardinals with 17 games to play. The Giants sit 5 behind the leaders.

29 – Chuck Klein’s 18th home run of the season is not enough for the Phillies to overtake the Cardinals again, thanks to Lon Warneke’s complete game.
Cardinals 4, Phillies 2
W: Lon Warneke (14-4) L: Tommy Hughes (16-12)
HR: Chuck Klein (18)

The Dodgers won their second straight, 5-4, over the Giants, keeping them 4 games back, while the Giants fall to 6 back.

30 – Dick Mauney continues to impress, going the distance for the victory. This means that the Phillies split the season series with the Cardinals (11-11).
Phillies 5, Cardinals 3
W: Dick Mauney (3-1) L: Howie Pollet (8-10)

The Dodgers beat the Giants for the 3rd straight day, 5-4, putting them 3 behind the NL-leading Cardinals. The Giants’ loss keeps them 6 back with 15 to play. The Giants come to Philly for four games, while the Dodgers host the 6th-place Braves, and the Cardinals host the struggling Pirates.

August 31 – September 3: New York (3rd, 82-57, 6 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 60-79, 28 GB)
31 – Cy Blanton makes his return to the rotation, and pitches a complete-game gem, allowing just 2 runs on 8 hits in a winning effort.
Phillies 3, Giants 2
W: Cy Blanton (11-8) L: Denny Galehouse (14-9)

21-year-old Stan Musial is practically trying to will his team to the pennant. The Cardinals outfielder is hitting .500 (15/30) over his last 10 games, including his 18th home run in today’s victory. The Dodgers lost, increasing the Cardinals’ lead to 4 games with 14 to play.

1 – Once again, my manager (Hans Lobert) leaves a starter (Johnny Pod) in to try and get a complete game, but it backfires, when my opponent (the Giants) scores runs (3), causing my team to trail (and ultimately lose). On a brighter note, September call-ups were made. The complete list is posted below, but one Gil Hodges made his Major League debut today, popping out to end the game with the tying run on second.
Giants 5, Phillies 4
W: Ken Trinkle (2-2) L: Johnny Podgajny (3-10) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (21)

Both the Cardinals and Dodgers win, keeping the deficit at 4 games with 13 to play. These Cardinals will certainly have to work for their pennant: they have the Dodgers in penultimate series and the Giants (7 GB) in the final one.

Code:

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SEPTEMBER 1 CALLUPS
OF Danny Litwhiler (84) [19] - .262, 14, 61 for Philadelphia
OF Johnny Blatnik (64/93) - .326, 9, 76 in 2 stops (AA-AAA)
C Andy Seminick (70/93) - .290, 7, 81 in 2 stops (AA-AAA)
1B Gil Hodges (69/92) - .383, 8, 60 since Draft Day (6/5)
3B Billy Johnson (64/76) - 5/12, 5 RBI for NYY in 1942
OF Earl Naylor (71/93) - 11/15 SB % in minors
SS Ralph LaPointe (64/88) - .326, 1, 38 at AA Trenton
2B Ray Hamrick (66/80) - .977 fielder at AAA Fort Worth
C Benny Culp (68/70) - 28 year old lifer looking for first game

SP Si Johnson (73) [242] - 8-9, 3.42 with Philadelphia (NL)
SP Charlie Ripple (64/90) - 13-6, 3.70 ERA in 4 stops (R-AAA)
RP Dale Matthewson (66/78) - 3-1, 2.77 ERA in over 100 IP
SP Jocko Thompson (65/84) - 6-4, 3.30 ERA in 2 stops (AA-AAA)
SP Gene Lambert (66/84) - 2-6, 4.32 at AAA Fort Worth
SP Charlie Sproull (63/85) - 8-3, 2.94 ERA in 3 stops (A-AAA)

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2 – It was a match-up to die for: 16-12 Hal Schumacher vs. 16-12 Tommy Hughes. Hughes, however, didn’t live up to his end of the bargain, allowing 6 runs over 7 innings.
Giants 9, Phillies 3
W: Hal Schumacher (17-12) L: Tommy Hughes (16-13)
HR: Ron Northey (1)

A strange double whammy after the game: 1B Ed Murphy will be out for the season with a broken wrist (final stats: .273, 3 HR, 28 RBI). Joining him, Bobby Bragan will be out for the season after suffering a sprained finger (final stats: .258, 2 HR, 24 RBI).

All 3 of the top NL teams won, keeping them the same distance apart with only 12 games to play.

3 – Late-season call-up and August surprise Dick Mauney keeps it rolling into September, striking out 9 Giants on the way to an 8-inning, 2-hit performance. Ike Pearson nailed down the save.
Phillies 2, Giants 0
W: Dick Mauney (4-1) L: Cliff Melton (13-13) SV: Ike Pearson (14)

The Dodgers win, but the Cardinals lose, so the Dodgers move up a game (3 GB), but the Giants stand pat (7 GB). The Cardinals travel to Pittsburgh next, the Dodgers square off against the Braves in Boston, and we travel to the Polo Grounds to face the Giants.

September 4: Off Day

September 5-7: Philadelphia (7th, 62-81, 29 GB) at New York (3rd, 84-59, 7 GB)
5 – A 13-inning marathon where we just ran out of good pitchers to throw at them (read: Manager Lobert used the wrong guy).
Giants 3, Phillies 2
W: Ace Adams (13-6) L: Izzy Leon (0-2)

Both the Dodgers and the Cardinals lost, pulling the Giants to within 6 games of the lead with 10 to play. It’s not impossible...

6 – Chuck Klein’s home run did more than enough to support Tommy Hughes, who bounces back with an outstanding 8-inning, 5-hit, 1-run performance.
Phillies 5, Giants 1
W: Tommy Hughes (17-13) L: Van Mungo (10-10)
HR: Chuck Klein (19)

The Cardinals lost, but the Dodgers won, pulling the Bums to 2 games out of first place.

7 – Joe Page’s 3 scoreless innings of relief are rewarded as the team rallies for an 8th-inning run to give the Fireman the win.
Phillies 4, Giants 3
W: Joe Page (2-0) L: Hal Schumacher (17-13)

Both the Cardinals and the Dodgers lose, freezing the standings.

With 8 games remaining, here’s how the National League stands:

Code:

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TEAM                        GB        REMAINING SCHEDULE
St. Louis Cardinals        -        4 vs BRO, 4 at NYG
Brooklyn Dodgers        2 GB        4 at STL, 4 at CHC
New York Giants                6 GB        4 at CHC, 4 vs STL

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It's conceivable that the pennant could come down to the last pitch of the season! The only thing more exciting would be if the Phillies were actually in this race.

SEPTEMBER 1942
PART II: The End of the Season
I got a call from Nick, saying that he was going to stay in Atlantic City until next week, when he’ll meet me here for the season finale. I told him not to lose all his money, but he laughed me off and claimed he was in the middle of a ‘business’ meeting. I was puzzled but wished him well.

September 8-11: Philadelphia (6th, 64-82, 27 GB) at Cincinnati (8th, 57-89, 34 GB)
8 - Despite Billy Johnson going 4 for 5, Paul Masterson blows another game, giving up a pinch-hit 3-run home run to Ernie Koy.
Reds 7, Phillies 5
W: Bucky Walters (13-11) L: Paul Masterson (2-6) SV: Walker Cress (10)

The Giants beat the Cubs 10-3, but don’t make up ground as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers 5-3, dropping the Dodgers to 3 games back with 7 to play.

Dick Mauney broke his hand receiving too many high-fives and congratulatory handshakes, so he’s out for the season (final stats: 4-1, 2.68 ERA, .241 BAA).

9 – Elmer Riddle twirls a three-hit shutout, as the Phillies are blanked for the 11th time this season.
Reds 1, Phillies 0
W: Elmer Riddle (6-14) L: Cy Blanton (11-9)

A Giants loss and a Cardinals win eliminates the Giants from pennant contention. The Dodgers now are 4 back of the Cardinals with 6 to play. The only hope for the Bums is to win their next two in St. Louis, and hope that New York doesn’t give up against these same Cardinals. CARDINALS’ MAGIC NUMBER: 3.

10 – Tommy Hughes allows 0 earned over seven innings, but a Turkey Tyson home run isn’t enough to stop the Reds from taking 3 straight from us.
Reds 2, Phillies 1
W: Ewell Blackwell (7-6) L: Tommy Hughes (17-14)

St. Louis beats Brooklyn again. The Cardinals have a chance to clinch the pennant tomorrow in St. Louis

11 – I don’t want to talk about just getting swept by the last place Reds.
Reds 8, Phillies 5
W: Junior Thompson (3-8) L: Rube Melton (6-14) SV: Joe Beggs (6)
HR: Bennie Warren (8)

The Dodgers stave off elimination with a big win. However, if they are to win the pennant, they can’t drop a game to Chicago, and have to hope that the Giants sweep the Cardinals. If that happens, there would be a playoff.
September 12: Off Day

September 13-16: Pittsburgh (4th, 71-79, 23 GB) at Philadelphia (7th, 64-86, 30 GB)
13 – Don’t want to talk about it.
Pirates 10, Phillies 3
W: Max Butcher (12-9) L: Johnny Podgajny (3-11)

The Dodgers beat the Cubs, and the Giants beat the Cardinals, cutting the lead to 3 games with 3 to play.

14 – I’ll talk about this one: every starter gets a hit, and Cy Blanton throws a six-hit complete game, as the Phillies lock up 7th place.
Phillies 8, Pirates 1
W: Cy Blanton (12-9) L: Johnny Lanning (6-10)

The Cardinals finally beat the Giants today. The Dodgers knew the outcome before they stepped onto the field:

THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

This is their first pennant since 1934, and their 6th overall.

15 – With nothing but individual titles now on the line, Tommy Hughes makes one last stab at a share of the Wins title. He notches his 18th with 8 innings of four-hit shutout ball.
Phillies 2, Pirates 0
W: Tommy Hughes (18-14) L: Ken Heintzelman (6-7) SV: Ike Pearson (15)

16 – Tonight’s theme might as well have been ‘The Future is Now’. Lobert, in his final game as manager (I made sure he knew that), started all of our top prospects, including Andy Seminick, Ron Northey, Ralph LaPointe, and Gil Hodges, with Chuck Klein. Charlie Ripple got to make his Major League debut as the starter. In the end, however, it was Paul Masterson, who’s been with the team all year, who blew the game for us.
Pirates 5, Phillies 3
W: Nick Strincevich (8-4) L: Paul Masterson (2-7) SV: Diomedes Olivo (21)

SEASON OVER

Congratulations on meeting the goal of not losing 100 games. :) Hopefully more improvement to follow next year. Hope you get that stadium land. And, in the meantime, hoping the Cardinals manage to pull out a World Series Title, but not betting on it.

1942 SEASON REVIEW

STANDINGS

Code:

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NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis        95-59        -
Brooklyn        91-63        4
New York        91-63        4
Pittsburgh        73-81        22
Boston                69-85        26
Chicago                69-85        26
Philadelphia        66-88        29
Cincinnati        62-92        33
                       
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York        106-48        -
Boston                92-62        14
Cleveland        92-62        14
Washington        72-82        34
Philadelphia        70-84        36
St. Louis        65-89        41
Chicago                64-90        42
Detroit                55-99        51

RACE TO THE #1 PICK
Detroit Tigers                -
Cincinnati Reds                7
Chicago White Sox        9
St. Louis Browns        10
Philadelphia Phillies        11

Detroit will pick first in 1943. The Phillies will pick 5th.

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Athletics        70-84        -
Phillies        66-88        4

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SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader

BATTING

Code:

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1942 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Northey, Ron              PHI  24  .352    71  25  6  1  1  12  12    1  0  10    9  .507  .452
Johnson, Billy            PHI    9  .324    34  11  3  1  0    5    2    0  0    4    8  .471  .415
Waner, Lloyd              PHI  129  .308  234  72  7  4  0  19  21    3  1  24  39  .372  .357
Klein, Chuck              PHI  148  .288  483  139  35  5  19  41  54    6  1  76  85  .499  .348
Tyson, Turkey            PHI  50  .282  103  29  3  1  1  10    8    1  1  15  14  .359  .342
Freed, Ed                PHI  144  .276  548  151  34  3  6  63  61  15  6  85  57  .381  .356
Murphy, Ed                PHI  69  .273  205  56  13  0  3  25  25    2  1  29  28  .380  .359
Murtaugh, Danny          PHI  131  .271  451  122  31  1  0  38  51  10  8  43  44  .344  .325
Litwhiler, Danny          PHI  123  .262  423  111  26  4  14  41  37    1  0  59  61  .442  .330
Bragan, Bobby            PHI  92  .258  229  59  9  1  2  14  27    5  0  21  24  .332  .299
Marnie, Harry            PHI  132  .242  364  88  13  2  0  24  34    4  1  46  29  .288  .285
May, Pinky                PHI  150  .236  572  135  34  2  1  52  57    2  1  69  41  .308  .302
LaForest, Ty              PHI    7  .233    30    7  3  0  0    1    7    0  0    3    4  .333  .250
Livingston, Mickey        PHI  61  .222  117  26  6  0  1    7  14    1  0  11  11  .299  .272
Mauney, Dick              PHI    5  .214    14    3  1  0  0    0    4    0  0    1    2  .286  .214
Warren, Bennie            PHI  137  .209  440  92  19  2  8  56  49    1  1  44  44  .316  .300
Benjamin, Stan            PHI  82  .208  154  32  7  3  0    9  19    4  3  18  11  .292  .250
Kraus, Jack              PHI    7  .200    5    1  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .200  .200
Glossop, Al              PHI  39  .195    41    8  2  0  0    4    4    0  0    5    4  .244  .267
Johnson, Si              PHI  32  .162    74  12  0  0  0    1  16    0  0    3    5  .162  .173
Melton, Rube              PHI  29  .159    69  11  2  0  0    1  20    0  1    6    6  .188  .171
Blanton, Cy              PHI  30  .139    79  11  0  0  0    1  22    0  0    5    3  .139  .150
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  39  .129    93  12  1  0  0    9  26    0  0    6    5  .140  .206
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  29  .111    36    4  0  1  0    2    9    0  0    0    1  .167  .158
Hodges, Gil              PHI    4  .000    7    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
LaPointe, Ralph          PHI    4  .000    4    0  0  0  0    1    2    0  0    1    0  .000  .200
Seminick, Andy            PHI    1  .000    4    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Blatnik, Johnny          PHI    3  .000    8    0  0  0  0    3    1    0  0    1    0  .000  .273
Ripple, Charlie          PHI    2  .000    2    0  0  0  0    0    0    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    6  .000    6    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Masterson, Paul          PHI  41  .000    2    0  0  0  0    0    2    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Page, Joe                PHI    6  .000    2    0  0  0  0    0    0    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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PITCHING

Code:

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1942 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Pearson, Ike              PHI  25.1  2.13  22  0  2  1  15    8  10  8.17
Kraus, Jack              PHI  20.1  2.21    7  2  0  1  0    2  10 12.84
Mauney, Dick              PHI  37.0  2.68    5  5  4  1  0  21  11  9.97
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  290.1  3.13  39  39  18  14  0  129  131 12.31
Johnson, Si              PHI  228.2  3.42  32  32  8  9  0  105  61 11.85
Blanton, Cy              PHI  229.2  3.88  30  29  12  9  0  116  65 12.46
Ripple, Charlie          PHI    9.0  4.00    2  1  0  0  0    8    2 12.00
Johnson, Johnny          PHI    4.0  4.50    3  0  0  0  1    3    1 11.25
Melton, Rube              PHI  197.2  4.60  29  29  6  14  0  103  138 15.57
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  135.2  4.91  29  15  3  11  0  50  54 14.86
Leon, Izzy                PHI    3.2  4.91    4  0  0  2  0    1    3 22.09
Page, Joe                PHI  12.0  6.75    6  0  2  0  0    5  10 18.00
Masterson, Paul          PHI  51.1  6.84  41  0  2  7  1  32  27 17.18
Gerheauser, Al            PHI  22.0  9.41    6  2  0  1  0    6  16 20.86

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LEAGUE LEADERS

Code:

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NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Stan Musial (STL)                .348
HR - Johnny Mize (NYG)                29
RBI - Johnny Mize (NYG)                128
SB - Billy Werber (NYG)                23
W - Hal Schumacher (NYG)        18
    Tommy Hughes (PHI)                18
ERA - Paul Derringer (BRO)        2.82
      Max Butcher (PIT)                2.82
K - Johnny Vander Meer (BRO)        161
SV - Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG)                22
                               
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Ted Williams (BOS)        .346
HR - Ted Williams (BOS)                41
RBI - Ted Williams (BOS)        125
SB - George Case (WSH)                29
W - Red Ruffing (NYY)                21
ERA - Tex Hughson (BOS)                2.77
K - Red Ruffing (NYY)                147
SV - Tom Ferrick (CLE)                22

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MILESTONES

8/5: OF Mel Ott (NYG): 2500th Hit
8/17: 1B Joe Kuhel (CHW): 1000th Run
8/21: 2B Billy Herman (BRO): 2000th Hit
8/25: 1B Babe Dahlgren (CHC): Hit for the Cycle
8/29: OF Bob Johnson (NYG): 1000th Run
9/9: 2B Billy Herman (BRO): 1000th Run

MAJOR INJURIES
8/3: OF Joe Medwick (BRO) out 2 weeks with a sprained back.
8/5: 3B Ken Keltner (CLE) out 5 weeks with a broken collarbone.
8/8: SP Dizzy Trout (DET) out 2 weeks with a sprained finger.
8/11: SP Ken Chase (CHW) out for the season with a broken ankle. (Final Stats: 9-12, 4.94 ERA for Boston (AL) and Chicago (AL))
8/17: SP Carl Hubbell (NYG) out 4 weeks with ruptured knee ligaments.
8/18: C Walker Cooper (STL) out 3 weeks with a sprained back.
8/20: SP Tommy Bridges (DET) out 2 weeks with a broken finger.
8/20: SP Harry Gumbert (STL) out 2 weeks with a stretched ankle ligament.
8/26: OF Tommy Henrich (NYY) out for the season with a broken ankle. (Final Stats: .328, 27 HR, 108 RBI)
8/29: CF Barney McCosky (DET) out for the season with a torn quadriceps muscle. (Final Stats: .333, 5 HR, 59 RBI)
8/31: SP Mort Cooper (STL) out 2 weeks with a sprained back.
9/3: SP Paul Derringer (BRO) out for the season with a broken finger.
(Final Stats: 11-14, 2.82 ERA, 4 CG)
9/7: SS Joe Cronin (BOS) out for the season with a broken foot.
(Final Stats: .301, 8 HR, 77 RBI)
9/7: SP Lon Warneke (STL) out for the season with a spiked achilles tendon. (Final Stats: 15-5, 3.25 ERA, 9 CG)
9/10: C Walker Cooper (STL) out for the season spiked achilles tendon. (Final Stats: .328, 15 HR, 104 RBI)
9/11: C Bill Dickey (NYY) out for the season with broken neck vertebra. (Final Stats: .335, 19 HR, 111 RBI)

NOTABLE RETIREMENTS
None

1942 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

1942 AL CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES
C Aaron Robinson - .184, 1 HR, 5 RBI
1B Buddy Hassett - .288, 2 HR, 71 RBI
2B Joe Gordon - .272, 14 HR, 94 RBI
3B Harlond Clift - .300, 8 HR, 67 RBI
SS Phil Rizzuto - .300, 3 HR, 58 RBI
LF Charlie Keller - .302, 26 HR, 115 RBI
CF Joe DiMaggio - .323, 14 HR, 116 RBI
RF George Selkirk - .269, 1 HR, 21 RBI

SP1 Lefty Gomez - 19-6, 3.73 ERA, 135 K
SP2 Red Ruffing - 21-7, 3.33 ERA, 147 K
SP3 Tiny Bonham - 12-3, 3.81 ERA, 78 K
CL Johnny Murphy - 1-3, 1.88 ERA, 16 SV

KEY INJURIES:
C Bill Dickey
RF Tommy Henrich

The Yankees look to ride their dominant season to another World Championship. The losses of Dickey and Henrich hurt a lot, but look for the pitching staff to pick up as much slack as possible, and the 1-2 punch of Keller and DiMaggio can never be overlooked.

1942 NL CHAMPION ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
C Ken O'Dea - .268, 2 HR, 16 RBI
1B Johnny Hopp - .290, 8 HR, 65 RBI
2B Creepy Crespi - .295, 2 HR, 61 RBI
3B Jimmy Brown - .272, 1 HR, 58 RBI
SS Marty Marion - .272, 1 HR, 59 RBI
LF Stan Musial - .348, 21 HR, 127 RBI
CF Terry Moore - .301, 8 HR, 49 RBI
RF Enos Slaughter - .282, 11 HR, 63 RBI

SP1 Mort Cooper - 16-4, 3.21 ERA, 121 K
SP2 Harry Gumbert - 9-9, 3.93 ERA, 60 K
SP3 Bill Lohrman - 13-4, 3.34 ERA, 77 K
CL Max Lanier - 4-4, 3.02 ERA, 9 SV

KEY INJURIES:
SP Lon Warneke
C Walker Cooper
1B Ray Sanders (will return after game 1)

The Cardinals don't pack as much pop as much as the Yankees but they win in the old-fashioned manner: pitching and defense. 21-year-old rookie turned NL batting champ Stan Musial spearheads the offensive attack.

MY PREDICTION:
Yankees in 6
MVP - Joe DiMaggio

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Overbay17

Congratulations on meeting the goal of not losing 100 games. :) Hopefully more improvement to follow next year. Hope you get that stadium land. And, in the meantime, hoping the Cardinals manage to pull out a World Series Title, but not betting on it.

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I second everything you said.

Thanks for reading!

World Series Game 1 coming up today!

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 1

We arrived at Yankee Stadium about 2 hours before the first pitch was scheduled. Nick brought a baseball out on the field with him, so we tossed it around while the players were warming up. It was intimidating to be walking on the field at Yankee Stadium. Just standing there and thinking about Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and all the great ones that played at Yankee Stadium gave me goosebumps, and I’m not even a player.

The first pitch would be thrown out by 4 men: the Hall of Fame Class of 1942.

Rogers Hornsby
National League batting champion 7 years – 1920 to 1925; 1928. Lifetime batting average .358 highest in NL history. Hit .424 in 1924, 20th century Major League record. Manager 1926 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. MVP in 1925 and 1929.

Harry Heilmann
Right-handed hitting outfielder and first baseman, won American League batting championship 4 times: 1921, 1923, 1925, and 1927. In 1923, batted .403. Collected 2660 hits and 183 home runs in 2146 Major League games. Had lifetime batting average of .342 and fielding mark of .975.

Frankie Frisch
Jumped from college to the Majors, the “Fordham Flash” was an outstanding infielder, base-runner, and batter. Had a lifetime batting mark of .316. Holds many records. Played in 50 World Series games. Managed St. Louis from 1933 through 1938 and won World Series in 1934. Current manager of Pittsburgh (1940 – 1942)

Bill Terry
Batted .401 and tied NL record for base hits with 254 in 1930. Made 200 or more hits in six seasons. Retired with lifetime batting average of .341, a modern NL record for left-handed batters. 1930 NL MVP. Succeeded John McGraw as manager in 1932 and won pennants in 1933, 1936, and 1937

Every one of them is deserving of that honor.

The game started out as a pitcher’s duel, but the Yankees loaded the bases in the second, and proceeded to score 4 runs. That was all they would need, as Lefty Gomez kept the Cardinals off balance all day.
Yankees 4, Cardinals 1 (Yankees lead series, 1-0)
W: Lefty Gomez L: Mort Cooper

MVP: P Lefty Gomez (NYY) – CG, 1 ER, 5 H, 6 K (W)
LVP: STL 1-5 hitters – combined 1-19 (hitless until 9th inning)

Game 2 is tomorrow at Yankee Stadium again, and there are rumors floating that the great Babe Ruth will be here tomorrow!

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 2

Another beautiful day in the Bronx, as Yankee fans went to the stadium in droves to cheer on their team. Also in attendance was the immortal Babe Ruth, who happily strode out to the pitcher’s mound and fired a strike for the best first pitch I’ve ever seen.

The game started with AL Wins Leader Red Ruffing getting hammered. No matter where he threw the ball, the Cardinals hit it hard. After allowing a first-inning run, the Yankees seemed to settle down, and soon the Cards starting hitting lasers right at the Yankee fielders. In the Yankee second, Joe Gordon lashed a single to right, and tried to stretch it into a double. A good throw by Enos Slaughter cut him down, a mistake magnified by the next batter, George Selkirk, who blasted a home run. Yankees fans wondered if Gordon’s baserunning mistake would cost their team.

Their thoughts were later shelved, however as in the third inning, the Bronx Bombers scored three more times, twice on a Charlie Keller HR. Both teams’ pitchers proceeded to shut down the batters through the 6th inning: Yankees 4, Cardinals 1 after 6 innings.

In the seventh, a Stan Musial groundout scored a runner from third, cutting the lead to two. The Yankees managed to put a runner on third base, but couldn’t get him home. The Cards went in order in the 8th, while the Yankees again left a runner stranded at third.

In a move that will be questioned for years, Yankee manager Joe McCarthy brought in Norm Branch instead of relief ace Johnny Murphy. The first man reached on an error, and Terry Moore followed with a home run, tying the game at 4 and forcing extra innings. Yankees 4, Cardinals 4 after 9 innings.

In the 10th, Branch started the inning, but couldn’t retire either of the two men he faced, and was lifted in favor of old friend Lefty Hoerst. Lefty allowed the two runs to score, and the Yankees were stopped by a borderline third strike called against Keller with DiMaggio waiting on deck. Cardinals 6, Yankees 4 (10)
(Series tied, 1-1)
W: Max Lanier L: Norm Branch SV: Art Lopatka
HR: George Selkirk, Charlie Keller, Terry Moore

MVP: CF Terry Moore (STL) – 3-5, BB, 3 R, HR 2 RBI, SB
LVP: CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY) – 0-4, K (0-8 in the series)

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 3

It is said that postseason baseball makes heroes out of the unlikeliest sources. This series is no different, while the big stars like Joe DiMaggio and Stan Musial (2-17 combined, Joe D hitless) are struggling mightily, the lesser known players like Marty Marion (5-9, RBI) and George Selkirk (3-8, HR) are shining brightly. However it is also said that the biggest players make the biggest plays in the biggest games: so we’ll see which old adage holds true during Game 3 tonight in St. Louis.

The game started, and the stars had the upper hand: Phil Rizzuto walked, stole second, and scored on Joe DiMaggio’s first hit of the series: a double. The Cardinals would answer in the second, with a walk and two singles. After that, both Bill Lohrman and Tiny Bonham clamped it on, and there was only one difference in the stat line come the end of the fifth inning:

Code:

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    R H E
NYY 1 2 1
STL 1 2 0

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The Cardinals struck again in the 6th, with back-to-back RBI hits by Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial, but the Yankees countered right back, with home runs by Joe DiMaggio and Aaron Robinson accounting for 3 runs, putting the Bombers back on top after 7: Yankees 4, Cardinals 3.

The 8th inning would be the Yankees’ demise, however. 2 errors, a few sacrifice bunts and another Musial RBI single produced 2 runs, and gave the lead back to the Cardinals, where it would stay when Art Lopatka retired the side in order in the ninth inning. Cardinals 5, Yankees 4. (Cardinals lead series, 2-1)
W: Max Lanier (2) L: Tiny Bonham SV: Art Lopatka (2)
HR: Joe DiMaggio, Aaron Robinson

MVP: LF Stan Musial (STL): 2-4, 2 RBI
LVP: 3B Harlond Clift and LF Charlie Keller (NYY): 0-8 combined

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 4

With the Cardinals leading the series 2-1, and with two games still to play at Sportsman’s Park, the spirits were high in St. Louis. However, Game 4 would be a pitching rematch of Game 1, and Lefty Gomez looked ready to duplicate his efforts in order to get the series back to New York.

You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you know you’re watching something special unfold? Well, that was the feeling today. Baseball purists everywhere were rejoicing over this game. Lefty Gomez was phenomenal. Mort Cooper was every bit as good, but made two crucial errors: back-to-back home runs for Harlond Clift and Charlie Keller. The Yankees had already scored a run in the second, but the 2 homers would be the first, second, and only hits the Yanks would get. As for Gomez, he limited the Cardinals to 1 hit for 7 innings, allowing another in the eight before giving the ball to Norm Branch, who closed the door. Yankees 3, Cardinals 0 (Series tied, 2-2)
W: Lefty Gomez (2) L: Mort Cooper (2) SV: Norm Branch
HR: Harlond Clift, Charlie Keller (2)

MVP: SP Lefty Gomez (NYY): 8 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 6 K
LVP: STL 3-8 hitters: 0-19, 5 K

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 5

With the prospect of facing Lefty Gomez again in Game 7, the Cardinals were left with one option: win two straight, and avoid Game 7 altogether. However, I think the line score best sums this game up:

Code:

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          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  R  H E
New York  0 0 5 2 5 0 0 1 0 13 15 0
St. Louis  1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1  7 1

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Yankees lead series, 3-2
W: Red Ruffing L: Harry Gumbert
HR: Charlie Keller (3)

Cardinal fans started leaving during the fourth inning. By the 6th inning, they were streaming out of the ballpark. By game’s end, only the diehards were left, facing the grim reality that was the rest of the World Series. The Cardinals needed to win 2 straight from the Yankees. Both wins would have to come at Yankee Stadium, and the Game 7 starter would almost assuredly be Lefty Gomez, who has been phenomenal for the Yankees so far (2-0, 0.53 ERA, 12 K in 17 IP). Things looked very bleak for the Redbirds.

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 6

With their season on the line, the Cardinals would turn to Bill Lohrman (season: 13-4, 3.34; playoffs: 7 IP, 4 ER, ND in Game 3). The Yankees would counter with their Game 3 starter, Tiny Bonham (season: 12-3, 3.81; playoffs: 5 R in 7.2 IP, loser of Game 3).

The Cardinals were obviously inspired by the urgency of the situation and put up a run in their first inning. The Yankees, however, were just as keen about wanting to put their NL opponents away. With the bases loaded and two outs, George Selkirk came up with a base hit, scoring two runs, and giving the Yanks the lead. Yankees 2, Cardinals 1.

In the third inning, Joe DiMaggio reaches on an error, and one batter later, Selkirk is there again, notching another RBI single. Yankees 3, Cardinals 1.

(NOTE: It should be acknowledged that Tommy Henrich was one of the best clutch hitters in history. Therefore, it is somewhat ironic that his injury replacement, Selkirk, would come up in such key moments that normally would be reserved for Henrich, and still be able to follow through.)

The Cardinals valiantly tried to get back in the game, but they were facing two enemies out on the field today: Tiny Bonham and themselves. The Redbirds grounded into 3 inning-ending double plays in 3 consecutive innings. In the bottom of the 6th, the floodgates opened, and the Yankees started pour on runs. A 4-run inning all but sealed the game. A late Ray Sanders home run was the only thing standing between the Yankees and another world championship. As Bonham got Creepy Crespi to pop up to Aaron Robinson to end the game, Yankee Stadium erupted in jubilation, and the now-familiar phrase was again heard throughout the nation.

THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!

Yankees 7, Cardinals 3 (Yankees win series, 4-2)
W: Tiny Bonham L: Bill Lohrman
HR: Ray Sanders

Lefty Grove was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series (2-0, 0.53 ERA, 12 K in 17 IP). I don’t necessarily agree with the media on most matters, but it was tough to argue with this selection.

As the Yankees celebrated, the Cardinals were left in their third-base dugout, gazing longingly at the celebration, wondering what might’ve been. Oh well. As Dodger fans have always said: “there’s always next year.”

FYI

The complete list of players who suited up for the Phillies this season:

C Bennie Warren
C Mickey Livingston
1B Ed Murphy
1B Nick Etten
2B Danny Murtaugh
SS Harry Marnie
3B Pinky May
IF Bobby Bragan
IF Al Glossop
LF Danny Litwhiler
CF Ed Freed
RF Chuck Klein
OF Lloyd Waner
OF Stan Benjamin
SP Cy Blanton
SP Si Johnson
SP Tommy Hughes
SP Rube Melton
SP Johnny Podgajny
RP Boom-Boom Beck
RP George Hennessey
RP Paul Masterson
RP Lefty Hoerst
RP Sam Nahem
RP Ike Pearson

SP Dick Mauney
SP Jack Kraus
SP Charlie Ripple
RP Joe Page
RP Al Gerheauser
RP Izzy Leon
C Andy Seminick
1B Turkey Tyson
1B Gil Hodges
IF Billy Johnson
IF Ralph LaPointe
OF Ron Northey
OF Johnny Blatnik
OF Earl Naylor
OF Lee Riley

SEPTEMBER 28, 1942
SEASON AWARDS

NL MVP: LF Stan Musial (STL) – .348, 21 HR, 127 RBI
A well-deserved honor for the 21-year-old. After leading his team to the World Series, the sky is the limit for this future superstar.

NL CY: P Mort Cooper (STL) – 16-4, 3.21 ERA, 7 CG
There was no clear favorite in this year’s field, so the voters gave it to the ace of the league champions.

NL ROY: LF Stan Musial (STL) – .348, 21 HR, 127 RBI
That’s right. He was a rookie this year too.

NL GG:
P Bucky Walters (CIN)
C Bennie Warren (PHI)
1B Frank McCormick (CIN)
2B Stu Martin (PIT)
3B Stan Hack (CHC)
SS Harry Marnie (PHI)
OF Mel Ott (NYG)
OF Terry Moore (STL)
OF Andy Pafko (CHC)

AL MVP: LF Ted Williams (BOS) - .346, 41 HR, 125 RBI
You know you’re good when you hit .346 and it lowers your career average. Williams has won 2 Triple Crowns, and is only 24 years old.

AL CY: Red Ruffing (NYY) – 21-7, 3.33 ERA, 13 CG
Major League Wins Leader with 21, Ruffing also finished in the top 10 of every other major pitching category in the AL.

AL ROY: Walt Chipple (WSH) - .267, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 21 SB
Chipple finished 2nd in the AL in steals, and was one of the few bright spots for Washington this season.

AL GG:
P Johnny Rigney (CHW)
C Bill Dickey (NYY)
1B Elbie Fletcher (PHA)
2B Bobby Doerr (BOS)
3B Harlond Clift (NYY)
SS Lou Boudreau (CLE)
OF Barney McCosky (DET)
OF Wally Judnich (SLB)
OF Billy Bowers (CHW)

Now for some team awards:
Chuck Klein Award for Best Major League Hitter:
RF Chuck Klein

Grover Cleveland Alexander Award for Best Major League Pitcher:
SP Tommy Hughes

Minor League Batter of the Year
1B Gil Hodges

Minor League Pitcher of the Year
SP Charlie Ripple

OCTOBER 1942
PART I

With only a few players still unsigned from this year, this should be an easy process. I also made only 3 trades this year, giving me room to sign 2 free agents.

C Bennie Warren (75): .209, 8 HR, 44 RBI
I would much rather have a 22-year-old with lots of room to improve put up those numbers than an aging 30-year-old. Sorry Bennie, but you and your Gold Glove will have to find work elsewhere.

OF Lloyd Waner (78): .308, 39 RBI, 24 R
Lloyd deserves to go to the Hall of Fame. So does his brother Paul. However, he’s 36, and I have plenty of young, talented outfielders that are ready to step in. Good luck, Lloyd. Thanks for the great season.

OF Stan Benjamin (68): .208, 11 RBI, 18 R
Same reasons for release as Lloyd Waner, only Stan isn’t nearly as good.

IF Bobby Bragan (72): .258, 2 HR, 24 RBI
Could very well return to us before all is said and done. Solid backup player with surprising power for a middle infielder.

SP Cy Blanton (81): 12-9, 3.88 ERA, 11 CG
Very well could’ve resigned with us, but was asking for over $20,000 a year: way too much money to give to a 34-year-old pitcher that was out over a month with injuries last season.

SP Si Johnson (73): 8-9, 3.42 ERA, 3 SO
Suffered a severed knee ligament in August, and won’t be back until May at the earliest. Thanks for your good work, but no thanks.

With my business done it’s time to look at the open market. Here are the top position players and pitchers.

Code:

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PITCHERS
RP Howie Krist: 8-4, 3.05, 4 SV with St. Louis (NL)
        (79/84), 26 years old, 4 seasons
SP Ernie White: 4-1, 4.57 with St. Louis (NL)
        (80/82), 26 years old, 3 seasons
SP Nick Strincevich: 8-4, 2.47, 4 CG with Pittsburgh
        (79/82), 27 years old, 3 seasons
RP Newt Kimball: 1-4, 3.02 with Brooklyn
        (77/82), 27 years old, 5 seasons
SP Cy Blanton: 12-9, 3.88, 11 CG with Philadelphia (NL)
        (81), 34 years old, 9 seasons

CATCHERS
C Ken O'Dea: .268, 2 HR, 16 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
        (77), 29 years old, 8 seasons
C Mickey Owen: .279, 3 HR, 26 RBI with Brooklyn
        (77), 26 years old, 6 seasons
C Bennie Warren: .209, 8 HR, 44 RBI with Philadelphia (NL)
        (75), 30 years old, 4 seasons

1ST BASEMEN
1B Frank McCormick: .300, 11 HR, 84 RBI with Cincinnati
        (84), 31 years old, 7 seasons


1B Nick Etten: .281, 14 HR, 89 RBI with PHI/BOS
        (78), 29 years old, 4 seasons
1B Oscar Grimes: .210, 1 HR, 20 RBI with Cleveland
        (74), 27 years old, 5 seasons

2ND BASEMEN
2B Charlie Gehringer: .262, 8 HR, 39 RBI with Detroit
        (79), 39 years old, 19 seasons
2B Bill Knickerbocker: .280, 1 HR, 70 RBI with Phila. (AL)
        (77), 30 years old, 10 seasons
2B Stu Martin: .302, 1 HR, 49 RBI with Pittsburgh
        (75), 29 years old, 7 seasons

3RD BASEMEN
3B Bob Kennedy: .254, 12 RBI with Chicago (AL)
        (72/91), 22 years old, 4 seasons
3B Jimmy Brown: .272, 1 HR, 58 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
        (76), 32 years old, 6 seasons
3B Jack Lohrke: .339, 6 HR, 27 RBI in high school
        (50/75), 18 years old, rookie

SHORTSTOPS
SS Pee Wee Reese: .241, 11 RBI with Brooklyn
        (90/94), 24 years old, 3 seasons
SS Johnny Bernardino: .284, 31 RBI with St. Louis (AL)
        (76/86), 25 years old, 4 seasons
SS Marty Marion: .272, 1 HR, 59 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
        (79), 24 years old, 3 seasons

OUTFIELDERS
CF Vince DiMaggio: .261, 12 HR, 63 RBI with Pittsburgh
        (84), 30 years old, 6 seasons
RF Chet Laabs: .270, 6 HR, 55 RBI with St. Louis (AL)
        (83), 30 years old, 6 seasons
LF Gee Walker: .268, 7 HR, 17 SB with Cincinnati
        (83), 34 years old, 12 seasons
RF Taffy Wright: .289, 5 HR, 62 RBI with Chicago (AL)
        (82), 31 years old, 5 seasons
RF Johnny Rizzo: .298, 4 HR, 18 RBI with Brooklyn
        (81), 30 years old, 5 seasons
RF Paul Waner: .322, 2 HR, 44 RBI with Boston (NL)
        (79), 39 years old, 17 seasons
CF Lloyd Waner: .308, 39 RBI with Philadelphia (NL)
        (78), 36 years old, 16 seasons

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Personally, I’ve got my eyes on a few targets. Hopefully, I can land two of them.
SS Pee Wee Reese (90/94)
3B Bob Kennedy (72/91)
RP Hugh Casey (80)
SP Joe Krakauskas (79)
SP Bill Lohrman (78)