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Yeah, he's listed as a 1Bman in the 1943 draft. I saw him listed, and I just had to draft him!
He was putting up some solid numbers at A Memphis when I "coerced" him to retire, but I don't think the novelty would be quite as unique as it would be with Bill Veeck.
C'mon. The Phillies just have to have a job for a very small acrobat. You gotta keep Gaedel!
--Pet
"The Philadelphia Phillies are working toward a goal of having a first-class organization. Having a sideshow certainly hinders our chances of achieving that goal.
Thank you,
Andrew Walsh
P.S. These ain't your father's Phillies!"
NEXT SET OF RESULTS COMING TONIGHT
I'm loving this dynasty, great trade you mde as well to shore up your starting rotation. I see no reason why you can't win the division. Keep up the good work.
UK Cubs Fan: Thank you very much! I hope that I can win not only the pennant, but the World Series too! The Phillies' Phaithful deserve it!
APRIL – MAY 1944
PART IV
May 14-16: Philadelphia Phillies (26-11, 1st, 5.5 GA) at Chicago Cubs (20-16, 2nd, 5.5 GB)
14 – The Phillies pound out 21 hits, and Gil Hodges and Vern Stephens both hit grand slam home runs, as the Phillies trounce the Cubs, extending their lead to 6.5 games.
Phillies 19, Cubs 7
W: Red Ruffing (4-4) L: Claude Passeau (5-2)
2B: Vern Stephens 2 (11), Nick Goulish (11), Phil Rizzuto (8), Danny Murtaugh (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (6), Gil Hodges (6)
15 – Dick Mauney goes 8 strong innings, allowing only 2 runs on 11 hits, as the Phillies win their third straight game. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have leapfrogged the Cubs, and now sit a full 7 games behind the Phillies in second place.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Dick Mauney (3-0) L: Shaun Hale (3-5) SV: Ike Pearson (5)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (9), Larry Doby (7)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (2)
16: It was a duel between the old (Johnny Podgajny) and the new (Charlie Ripple). In the 10th inning, the Cubs managed to walk off with a win, and stave off the sweep. The Cardinals won, cutting the lead to 6 games.
Cubs 4, Phillies 3 (10)
W: Dale Alderson (3-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (1-2)
HR: Vern Stephens (7)
May 17-19: Pittsburgh Pirates (17-23, T-6th, 11 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (28-12, 1st, 6 GA)
17 – Jack Kraus gets demolished, as he gives up 11 runs in 3.2 innings pitched, and the Pirates win in a laugher. The Cardinals remain red-hot, winning again and closing the lead to 5 games.
Pirates 11, Phillies 2
W: Ed Bahr (4-1) L: Jack Kraus (4-5)
2B: Larry Doby (8)
18 – Red Ruffing tosses a five-hit shutout, and the Phillies get back to their winning ways with a blowout of their own. The Cardinals lose, increasing the Phillies’ lead to 6 games.
Phillies 7, Pirates 0
W: Red Ruffing (5-4) L: Rip Sewell (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (10), Gil Hodges (6)
***
A trio of injuries that will certainly affect the early stages of the pennant race occurred today.
SS Joe Cronin (BOS) will be out 2 months with a torn knee ligament.
CF Wally Judnich (NYG) will be out 5 weeks with a broken collarbone.
SP Jack Kraus (PHI) will be out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder.
***
19 – Max Butcher only allows 4 base runners (three hits and a walk) over eight fantastic innings, and the Pirates shut out the Phillies in the series finale. The Cardinals (naturally) won, closing the gap down to 5 games.
Pirates 3, Phillies 0
W: Max Butcher (4-4) L: Tommy Hughes (4-4) SV: Diomedes Olivo (6)
2B: Larry Doby (9)
May 20-22: Philadelphia Phillies (29-14, 1st, 5 GA) at New York Giants (19-24, T-5th, 10 GB)
20 – The Giants get to Charlie Ripple early, scoring 7 runs in 3 innings, and coasting to the easy victory. The Cardinals win again, cutting the lead to 4 games.
Giants 7, Phillies 3
W: Hal Schumacher (4-5) L: Charlie Ripple (6-2)
2B: Vern Stephens (12), Ron Northey (7), Johnny Blatnik (3)
***
1B Jimmie Foxx (BOS) will be out for 3 months with a ruptured cervical disk. This is a huge blow to a Red Sox lineup already without Joe Cronin, at puts more pressure on Ted Williams (who, by the way, has an on-base percentage of .515).
***
21 – Ed Hanyzewski goes 4 innings of 3-hit relief, as the Phillies break a 3-3 tie with a 3-run eighth inning to get back to their winning ways. The Cardinals are victorious, and keep pace.
Phillies 6, Giants 4
W: Ed Hanyzewski (2-2) L: Ken Trinkle (1-7)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11), Danny Murtaugh (4)
HR: Larry Doby (5)
22 – Red Ruffing gets roughed up, and Larry Jansen holds the Phillies to 5 hits over 7 innings of work, and the Giants win the rubber game. The Cardinals won again, cutting the lead to 3. The Dodgers have won 7 straight, and now sit 4 back.
Giants 6, Phillies 3
W: Larry Jansen (2-0) L: Red Ruffing (5-5) SV: Ken Trinkle (1)
***
Red Ruffing will be out 12 days with a twisted knee. Gene Lambert slides into the rotation, and Al Gerheauser come back from AAA Utica.
***
May 23-26: Philadelphia Phillies (30-16, 1st, 3 GA) at Boston Braves (17-29, 8th, 13 GB)
23 – Tommy Hughes and Emil Kush combine for the shutout, as the Phillies provide 3 home runs in an easy victory. We gain a half-game on the idle Cardinals, so the lead is now 3.5 games.
Phillies 5, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (5-4) L: Warren Spahn (4-5)
HR: Gil Hodges (7), Larry Doby (6), Nick Goulish (4)
24 – Gil Hodges falls a triple shy of the cycle, as the Phillies put a hurt on Braves starter Al Javery, and manage to hold on for a win. The Cardinals lost, leaving them tied with the Dodgers 4.5 games behind us.
Phillies 9, Braves 6
W: Charlie Ripple (7-2) L: Al Javery (4-5)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12), Larry Doby (10), Gil Hodges (7), Danny Murtaugh (5)
HR: Gil Hodges (8)
25 – I don’t care how much Andy Seminick needs a rest, the team just doesn’t perform as well with Mickey Livingston behind the plate. Dick Mauney gives up all 7 runs, as the Braves snap their 8-game losing skid. Both the Dodgers and the Cardinals won, moving the deficit back to 3.5 games.
Braves 7, Phillies 2
W: Manny Salvo (1-3) L: Dick Mauney (3-1) SV: Jim Hickey (1)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (6)
26 – Chuck Klein’s solo home run is all the Phillies can muster, as Jim Tobin throws a complete-game five-hitter to embarrass the Phillies. Brooklyn won, but St. Louis lost, leaving the Dodgers in sole possession of 2nd, only 2.5 games back. The Boys in Blue have won 10 straight games.
Braves 7, Phillies 1
W: Jim Tobin (3-7) L: Gene Lambert (3-2)
HR: Chuck Klein (1)
May 27-29: St. Louis Cardinals (28-21, 3rd, 3.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (32-18, 1st, 2.5 GA)
27 – The Phillies just can’t push the tying run across en route to their third straight loss. Fortunately, the Dodgers are idle, so they only pick up a half-game.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Max Lanier (3-1) L: Tommy Hughes (5-5) SV: Freddy Schmidt (2)
2B: Vern Stephens (13), Nick Goulish (12), Gil Hodges (8), Danny Murtaugh (7)
28 – WHAT THE H*** IS HAPPENING TO MY TEAM!!! We get shut out, and now the 2nd-place Cardinals (the Dodgers finally lost) are now only 1.5 games behind us!
Cardinals 4, Phillies 0
W: Harry Gumbert (8-2) L: Charlie Ripple (7-3)
***
Furthermore, tomorrow’s starter, Dick Mauney, will be out for nearly 2 months with a dislocated hip. Al Gerheauser will get thrown into the fire tomorrow, while we wait for Jack Kraus and Red Ruffing to return from injury.
***
29 – The fact that we won the game was simply a miracle. Al Gerheauser pitched the game of his life, going the distance, allowing only 1 run, and the offense was just good enough to beat the Cardinals. The Dodgers won, leapfrogging the Cardinals, and now sit 2 games back of first.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 1
W: Al Gerheauser (1-0) L: Johnny Beazley (3-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (14), Nick Goulish (13), Ron Northey (8)
3B: Danny Murtaugh (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (3)
May 30: Day Off
***
The Dodgers won on the 30th, moving to 1.5 games back, and setting up a huge series at Ebbets Field between the National League’s top 2 teams.
***
NL President Ford Frick called me today. He seemed as though he was in a rush, trying to spit out a sentence all at once.
“Andrew, I’m afraid that this situation with the Browns will threaten the balance of power between the two leagues. Therefore, I’m calling an emergency meeting on June 20.”
“What’s this meeting going to be about?”
“Expansion.”
“Mr. Frick, didn’t you say yourself that it was foolish to expand during the war?”
“Yes, but it’s not going to officially happen. It’s just so we can claim cities before the AL does. If we can promise the city that we’ll get a team there in, say, 5 years after the war ends, then they won’t go to the American League with their proposal. Hopefully, we can get a jump on the American League, and establish ourselves as the dominant league.”
“So which cities will be there?”
“The seven we discussed (Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Kansas City, New Orleans, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Baltimore) as well as 3 others that I’d like to keep a secret.”
Frick had certainly caught my attention. This meeting will be interesting, to say the least...
***
HEY DYNASTY READERS!
Do you like this dynasty? Would you like to participate in the development of the National League? Do you have a lot of free time on your hands? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re the perfect candidate for this next meeting!
What I’d ideally like to do is get some audience participation going here. If you want, you can represent any of the 10 cities at the expansion meeting on June 20, 1944! Hurry and send me a PM, because there are limited spots. Just prepare a brief statement covering the proposed teams’ stadium, financial backing, fanbase, and any other miscellaneous information that you deem important, and get yourself into this dynasty!
(If you want to be one of the “secret cities” just PM me with your city, and I’ll let you be that one. There are only 3 of these, so they will go quickly.)
Any questions? Just post here, or shoot me a PM, and I’ll get back to you.
Good luck, and may the best proposal win!
AVAILABLE CITIES
Baltimore
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
New Orleans
San Francisco
???
???
???
Act now, because (I hope) cities will be going fast!
I'd have to do work? Out of the question.;)
The Norfolk/Virginia Beach metro area is hungry for a team, but the 40s is probably a little early.
If you want it, you got it...
I was just kidding, but okay. I'll write something and send it to you. I'll get out my book of Norfolk history ...
Oh. I finally noticed the date (May 30, 1944) and the date of the meeting. You have interesting timing.
As of 12:05am, there are 8 cities still available.
Los Angeles
Baltimore
San Francisco
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
2 "secret cities"
If you want one of these babies, get your name in and claim it!
I'll claim one of the cities. Don't care which, but either LA, San Fran, or N'awlins.
Is it cool if you get San Francisco? If not, let me know.
What exactly are we supposed to do in our "short writeups"?
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
But what do you mean by that? :p
Nah, San Frans fine. When do you need it in by?
Whenever you get around to it. I can always postpone the meeting :p
Yep so PMed you. Hope it's right! :p
I'll get it into you by Thursday. Is that good?
As of right now, the following teams are available:
Los Angeles
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
1 "secret city"
Only 6 spots remain, who will lay claim to them?
FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP
STANDINGS (after games on May 30, 1944)
SEASON STATSCode:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 33-20 -
Brooklyn 31-21 1.5
St. Louis 30-22 2.5
Chicago 26-25 6
New York 24-28 8.5
Pittsburgh 24-28 8.5
Cincinnati 20-31 12
Boston 20-33 13
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 34-18 -
Cleveland 32-19 1.5
New York 30-21 3.5
Chicago 26-27 8.5
Washington 23-28 10.5
Detroit 23-29 11
St. Louis 20-32 14
Philadelphia 19-33 15
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 33-20 -
Athletics 19-33 13.5
Red denotes League Leader
BATTING
PITCHINGCode:1944 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Gerheauser, Al PHI 1 .500 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .500 .667
Murtaugh, Danny PHI 34 .390 82 32 7 1 0 8 4 3 0 14 7 .500 .444
Blatnik, Johnny PHI 21 .320 25 8 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 4 7 .560 .370
Rizzuto, Phil PHI 49 .310 203 63 12 3 0 21 25 4 2 32 20 .399 .381
Marnie, Harry PHI 28 .282 39 11 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 6 3 .333 .300
Goulish, Nick PHI 53 .281 196 55 13 3 4 25 26 2 0 31 33 .439 .365
Stephens, Vern PHI 53 .275 193 53 14 3 7 28 24 0 0 28 38 .487 .375
Hodges, Gil PHI 52 .275 200 55 8 3 8 25 21 0 1 30 32 .465 .356
Klein, Chuck PHI 27 .268 56 15 1 0 1 3 4 0 1 5 11 .339 .317
Seminick, Andy PHI 52 .258 178 46 9 2 2 20 20 0 1 27 20 .365 .343
Hamrick, Ray PHI 40 .258 97 25 5 1 0 6 9 3 0 10 9 .330 .308
Northey, Ron PHI 50 .249 181 45 8 2 5 21 20 1 0 23 18 .398 .330
Doby, Larry PHI 53 .244 201 49 10 4 6 19 29 1 2 22 29 .423 .309
Ripple, Charlie PHI 13 .229 35 8 1 0 0 2 11 0 0 2 4 .257 .270
Murphy, Ed PHI 21 .217 23 5 2 0 0 3 4 0 0 2 1 .304 .308
Ruffing, Red PHI 12 .206 34 7 1 0 0 4 5 0 0 4 2 .235 .289
Lambert, Gene PHI 7 .188 16 3 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 1 .313 .235
Kraus, Jack PHI 11 .167 24 4 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 1 .167 .167
Hughes, Tommy PHI 11 .160 25 4 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 1 .160 .192
Mauney, Dick PHI 5 .143 14 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 .143 .143
Livingston, Mickey PHI 7 .000 14 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 2 0 .000 .125
Casey, Hugh PHI 16 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 12 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Page, Joe PHI 6 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Russo, Marius PHI 1 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
LEAGUE LEADERSCode:1944 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Casey, Hugh PHI 23.0 0.78 16 0 3 0 1 4 8 9.00
Pearson, Ike PHI 9.2 0.93 9 0 2 0 5 3 4 9.31
Gerheauser, Al PHI 9.0 1.00 1 1 1 0 0 4 2 11.00
Ripple, Charlie PHI 95.2 3.10 13 13 7 3 0 60 37 12.79
Ruffing, Red PHI 96.2 3.26 12 12 5 5 0 52 27 10.52
Hughes, Tommy PHI 81.0 3.44 11 11 5 5 0 33 27 12.00
Hanyzewski, Ed PHI 22.1 3.63 12 0 2 2 1 9 9 12.90
Mauney, Dick PHI 36.1 3.72 5 5 3 1 0 11 11 11.64
Lambert, Gene PHI 49.1 4.01 7 6 3 2 0 46 21 12.41
Kraus, Jack PHI 78.1 4.37 11 11 4 5 0 38 31 13.10
Kush, Emil PHI 10.0 6.30 8 0 0 0 0 4 2 14.40
Russo, Marius PHI 7.0 6.43 1 1 0 1 0 5 3 18.00
Page, Joe PHI 8.0 6.75 6 0 0 0 0 4 10 21.38
Masterson, Paul PHI 3.2 7.36 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 17.18
***Code:MAY 30 LEAGUE LEADERS
NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Enos Slaughter (STL) .371
HR - Roy Campanella (BRO) 14
RBI - Roy Campanella (BRO) 47
SB - Sam Jethroe (BSN) 9
W - Harry Gumbert (STL) 8
ERA - Ed Bahr (PIT) 1.81
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI) 60
SV - Jim Hughes (BRO) 12
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS
AVG - Ted Williams (BOS) .374
HR - Charlie Keller (NYY) 17
RBI - Charlie Keller (NYY) 52
SB - Thurman Tucker (CHW) 14
W - Yank Terry (BOS) 8
Jim Bagby (CLE)
ERA - Roger Wolff (PHA) 1.75
K - Bobo Newsom (WSH) 62
SV - Luis Aloma (CHW) 8
5 cities remain in the expansion shuffle:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
1 "secret city"
Grrr. Hurry up other people! I want the Expansion post to happen!
5 cities still remain:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
1 city of your choosing
It'll be fun...
***
MAY 30
Nick stopped by the office to present his report on the head of the draft class. It was obvious to me who the #1 pick should be: SP Robin Roberts. The kid was 7-2 during his senior season. I don’t know how the heck he could get 2 losses with the numbers he put up: 1.03 ERA, 97 K, .177 BAA. These stats are just ridiculous! If Cincinnati and St. Louis are dumb enough to pass on him, I’ll going to set a land-speed record getting to the podium to announce our pick.
Here is the best of the draft class of 1944:
SP Robin Roberts
CF Duke Snider
1B Roy Sievers
SP Carl Erskine
SP Lew Burdette
SP Ralph Branca
SP Don Newcombe
SP Chris Pfeffer
SP Nicholas Hides
SP Johnny Gray
***
I was busy at night as well. I had another proposal to present before the Philadelphia City Council, this one was sure to pass, because I told no one about it. After what happened last time, I was afraid that the plan might fall through.
As it turns out, Major League Baseball had been dragging its feet as far as buying the plot of land that housed the Baker Bowl was concerned. With the right offer, I would try and buy that plot, as well as one on the Schuylkill River, next to the Fairmount Park System.
It wasn’t going to be easy. There were quite a few board members that were against my buying of parkland. Their concerns were eased somewhat, however, when I told about the plan to rebuild the Baker Bowl into a recreation center, including a 1:2 scale replica of Shibe Park, and later, a replica of the Phillies’ new ballpark.
It was a close vote, but I think the $1 million offer that I presented to them was too much for them to turn down. (Thank you Nick for selling our brokerage firm!)
The Philadelphia Phillies now own the Baker Bowl and the plot of land south of the East Park Reservoir, east of the Schuylkill River, and west of N 33rd Street.
Big things are set to happen in Philadelphia...
It's kind of fun to watch draft picks end up with the same teams for which they played in real life. It's even better when its a player of the caliber of Robin Roberts.
--Pet
EDIT: SPOILER ALERT!
Well, to be honest, I had to play around with the settings to get Roberts. Let's just say I suffered a brief bout with "multiple personalities"... ;)
***
By the way, the same 5 cities remain:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
1 city of your choosing
If they're unclaimed by Sunday at 11:59PM, then I'll just do it myself, and YOU'LL FEEL BAD FOR MISSING OUT ON THE FUN!!!
How about Saturday at 11:59 PM? That way you can get a post up on Sunday that I won't have to wait until after school to read!
I can wait until you get back from school on Monday to post, I'll just stop receiving submissions from people at 11:59 on Sunday.
JUNE - JULY 1944
PART 1
May 31 - June 2: Philadelphia Phillies (33-20, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (31-21, 2nd, 1.5 GB)
31 – Paul Derringer tosses a four hit shutout, as the Phillies lose, and the Dodgers climb to within a half-game of first place.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 0
W: Paul Derringer (7-5) L: Gene Lambert (3-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (15), Nick Goulish (14)
***
I never thought that this day would come. RF Chuck Klein, a mainstay in the Phillies’ outfield for nearly 15 seasons, retired today. He played most of his career for the Phillies (1928-1933, 1936-1939, 1940-1944), but also had brief stints with the Cubs (1934-1936) and the Pirates (1939). He hangs up his cleats as perhaps the greatest hitter in Phillies’ history, owning most of the team’s batting records. He made 3 All-Star Games (1933, 1934, and 1942), and was the NL MVP in 1932 when he hit .348 with 38 HR and drove in 137 runs. His 330 career home runs rank 5th all-time, behind Mel Ott, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, and Babe Ruth. He leaves the game of baseball not only as one of it’s greatest sluggers, but one of it’s greatest players.
His Career Line: .317, 330 HR, 1353 RBI
***
Without Chuck, there is a gaping hole in our bench, so I make a trade with the Boston Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox receive:
SP Marius Russo (81)
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
CF Leon Culberson (73/81)
I needed a true centerfielder, and wanted to shed some payroll. Adding Culberson allows me to do that.
***
RF Enos Slaughter (STL) will be out 1 month with a stretched knee ligament. This might slow the Cardinals down in their pursuit of the Phillies and Dodgers.
***
1 – Boy, Chuck really retired at the wrong time. We lose again to the Dodgers, and they grab first place from us to boot.
Dodgers 8, Phillies 3
W: Carl Hubbell (7-3) L: Tommy Hughes (5-6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (13), Gil Hodges (9), Ron Northey (9)
2 – Vern Stephens and Gil Hodges knock in 2 runs apiece, as Charlie Ripple twirls a six-hit complete game in a Phillies victory. The Phillies are back in first place, but only by a half-game.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (8-3) L: Larry French (4-6)
2B: Vern Stephens 2 (17)
HR: Gil Hodges (9)
June 3-5: Boston Braves (20-36, 8th, 14 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-22, 1st, .5 GA)
3 – Jack Kraus copies the result from yesterday’s game, tossing a six-hit complete game as the Phillies beat the Braves. The Dodgers win to keep pace.
Phillies 4, Braves 2
W: Jack Kraus (5-5) L: Manny Salvo (1-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (14), Danny Murtaugh (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (5)
***
Johnny Blatnik will be out 2 weeks with a chipped kneecap. Ed Sanicki will be recalled from AAA Utica to fill his roster position.
Dodgers 1B Dolph Camilli will be out 2 weeks with a sprained back.
Indians SS Lou Boudreau will be out 2 weeks with a sprained ankle.
***
4 – Red Ruffing allows only 3 hits in a complete game effort that allows the Phillies offense time to wake up and mount a successful comeback. The Dodgers won again, so they remain a half-game back.
Phillies 5, Braves 4
W: Red Ruffing (6-5) L: Elmer Singleton (3-3)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (9)
3B: Gil Hodges (4)
5 – Tommy Hughes, despite giving up 6 runs, manages to get the win, thanks to a veritable offensive explosion. The Dodgers lost, pushing the league lead back to 1.5 games!
Phillies 10, Braves 6
W: Tommy Hughes (6-6) L: Warren Spahn (4-7)
2B: Larry Doby (11), Gil Hodges (10), Ed Sanicki (1), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (8), Ron Northey (6)
June 6: Day Off
STANDINGS (after games on June 6, 1944)
Code:JUNE 6 STANDINGS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 37-22 -
Brooklyn 35-23 1.5
St. Louis 32-26 4.5
Chicago 29-28 7
New York 29-29 7.5
Pittsburgh 27-31 9.5
Cincinnati 23-34 13
Boston 20-39 17
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 39-19 -
Cleveland 34-24 5
New York 33-24 5.5
Chicago 32-27 7.5
Washington 27-31 12
Detroit 25-33 14
St. Louis 21-37 18
Philadelphia 21-37 18
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
Boston Braves 20-39 -
Phila. A's 21-37 1.5
St. L. Browns 21-37 1.5
Cincinnati Reds 23-34 4
Detroit Tigers 25-33 5.5
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 33-20 -
Athletics 19-33 13.5
You Have 25 Hours To Get In Your Bids For 1 Of 5 Cities!!!
EDIT: Just kidding, you have until 11:59 PM on SUNDAY night to let me know you want one of the 5 remaining cities! Just keeping you on your toes!
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
*Free Choice*
11:59 Sunday night: let me know!
NOW you have 24 hours until the deadline:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
*Free Choice*
Just tell me that you want these teams, you don't have to have a full write-up. I can stall for you if you want. Just let me know by this time tomorrow, and you'll be included.
10 HOURS TO GET YOUR BIDS IN!!!
Only 4 potential teams remain:
Baltimore
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
Get your name in...before it's too late
:( Wish I'd known about this earlier. I've been distracted by the novelty that is Wii and now trying to catch up on my own dynasty. When do you need it for? If it's not before this time next week I'd be interested in writing something. San Francisco is gone, maybe New Orleans would be interesting.
Alright, the time is now midnight, and the bids are closed! Thanks for everyone who participated. I'm going to spend some time organizing this stuff into 1 (or more) coherent posts, and get these up as soon as I can! Thanks again!
kevarms: I sent you a PM, whenever you get around to it is ok by me!
Well hurry up kevarms! I have only a certain amount of patience! ;)
Coach Owens: I hope this will tide you over, at least for the time being :D
1944 AMATEUR DRAFT
All 16 teams had gathered in Chicago for the 3rd annual Amateur Draft. We would be picking third, after Warren Giles of Cincinnati and Richard Zimmerman of the Browns. If Robin Roberts was there, we would gobble him up instantly, if not, then we’ll need to make a decision on which of the remaining pitchers is the most worthy of the #3 pick.
The new commissioner, Happy Chandler, strode to the podium.
“Gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you to Chicago and the 3rd Annual Amateur Draft. The rules are simple. There are only 6 rounds. Therefore, each team will get 6 selections. There is a 5-minute time limit between selections. Should you exceed that time limit, you will be moved to the end of the round, and we will move on. All controversies will be handled by Presidents Harridge and Frick, and me. If there are no further questions, then I will begin the timer. The Cincinnati Reds are on the clock.”
I had run the scenario over and over in my head: Warren Giles striding to the podium, readjusting the microphone, and saying “The Reds select Robin Roberts.” The Reds contingent, however, was involved in lively discussion. It was almost as if they were deliberating about who to pick! After settling the argument at his table, Giles got up and stepped to the podium. He seemed pleased, as though he had won the argument...
“With the first pick in the 1944 Amateur Draft, the Cincinnati Reds select OF Edwin Snider of Los Angeles, CA.”
They picked Snider?
Well, they did select a pitcher second overall last season, so one would have to conclude that they feel that Sam Jones is a better prospect than Robin Roberts. Plus, they need outfield help like we need air to breath, so you can’t fault them for drafting for need.
My good buddy Richard Zimmerman was now in the catbird’s seat. If he was so inclined, he could draft Roberts, and terrorize the AL for the next 20 years. Surely, Zimmerman must realize that Roberts live 100 miles away from St. Louis. I better start looking at backup choices.
Richard Zimmerman got up and walked to the podium. He grabbed the mic and readjusted it.
“With the second pick, the St. Louis Browns are proud to select SP Carl Erskine of Anderson, IN!”
That’s a great pick. Richie is building for the future, and Carl is a great complement to add to Bill Bevens and last year’s #4 pick Harry Byrd. I’m a little surprised that they didn’t take Roberts, but...
Wait a minute...
They didn’t take Roberts.
They didn’t take Roberts!
THEY DIDN’T TAKE ROBERTS!
I looked over at Nick, who had a smile about a mile long plastered to his face. I stumbled out of my chair, nearly flipped over the Yankees’ table, and almost knocked over a waiter, but I made it up to the podium, and announced our pick:
“With the third pick in the 1944 Amateur Draft, the Philadelphia Phillies select SP Robin Roberts of Springfield, IL!”
***
***Code:# TEAM PLAYER (PEAK)
1. Cincinnati Reds CF Duke Snider (94)
2. St. Louis Browns SP Carl Erskine (93)
3. Philadelphia Phillies SP Robin Roberts (94)
4. Chicago White Sox SP Lew Burdette (87)
5. Philadelphia Athletics SP Nicholas Hides (87)
6. Detroit Tigers SP Johnny Gray (91)
7. Pittsburgh Pirates SP Ralph Branca (86)
8. Boston Braves SP Chris Pfeffer (84)
9. Washington Senators SP Don Newcombe (84)
10. Cleveland Indians SP Mike Kume (91)
11. Chicago Cubs 1B Roy Sievers (93)
12. New York Giants RP Ray Moore (86)
13. Brooklyn Dodgers SP Bill Pierro (88)
14. Boston Red Sox RP Al Corwin (84)
15. New York Yankees RP Clem Labine (87)
16. St. Louis Cardinals 3B Eddie Yost (91)
19. Philadelphia Phillies SP Jake Thies (84)
35. Philadelphia Phillies 1B Dale Long (84)
51. Philadelphia Phillies SS Rudy Rufer (83)
67. Philadelphia Phillies 3B Jesse Levan (77)
83. Philadelphia Phillies RP Armando Roche (79)
17. Cincinnati Reds 2B Billy Goodman (86)
34. St. Louis Browns C Joe Garagiola (82)
45. Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Whitey Lockman (85)
Robin Roberts gets assigned to AAA Utica, while the other 5 draftees get sent to R Clearwater. Hopefully, I can restrain myself, and wait to bring Roberts up until next season.
***
JUNE 6, 1944
The team had a travel day today. I suppose that it was only fitting. As the bus arrived in Pittsburgh, we got wind of the biggest story since Pearl Harbor: the Allies had invaded France. “D-Day”, as everyone was calling it, was a massive invasion in the Normandy region in Northern France. General Eisenhower launched the attack under some inclement weather conditions, catching the Germans off-guard. Although there were a lot of casualties, the Allies won the day, and pushed the Germans back toward Paris.
I give all the credit in the world to our boys fighting the good fight. I know that they’re giving every last bit of effort they can muster, all to keep our way of life. I would serve if I could, but I suffered from asthma as a child, disqualifying me from active duty. I know a lot of boys from the greater Philadelphia area are enlisted, and I’m sure it warms their hearts to know that their Phillies are sitting in first place. We’ll certainly wait for them to get home, but we’ve got a pennant to win!
***
Woo-hoo! Robin Roberts and the Allies invade Normandy! Two big wins all around!
--Pet
Wait...if Robin Roberts is helping the Allies invade Normandy, how's he going to pitch!? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by petrel
Don't worry, Ted Williams will take his place!Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
ALL: I have found the answer to your questions: teleportation.
When Robin Roberts was a junior in high school, he discovered the secret to creating a teleporter. He naturally built it and entered it into his school's science fair. The judges, however, disqualified him, partially because they thought he had taken an aluminum trash can and painted it bright colors.
His career as a scientist over, he took up baseball, fortunately for the Phillies!
And that, my friends, is how he can be drafted on the 5th, invade France on the 6th, and be back in Utica for his AAA debut on the 8th.
Speaking of baseball...
JUNE – JULY 1944
PART II
June 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (37-22, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (27-31, 6th, 9.5 GB)
7 – Charlie Ripple pitches 7 strong innings en route to his league-leading 9th win of the season, as the Phillies offense records 4 runs in a wild first inning and never look back. Meanwhile, the Dodgers lose to the Cubs, giving the Phillies a 2.5 game lead in the National League.
Phillies 9, Pirates 6
W: Charlie Ripple (9-3) L: Max Butcher (4-5)
2B: Vern Stephens (18), Nick Goulish 2 (16), Phil Rizzuto (15), Gil Hodges (11), Andy Seminick (10)
***
Trade winds a-blowin’!
St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Derick Neufeld (68/80)
SP Bill Wight (72/82)
New York Yankees receive:
SP Bill Bevens (88) – 4-4, 3.05 ERA
Bevens returns to the Yankees after 23 months of exile with the Browns. After letting Red Ruffing explore free agency last winter and losing Lefty Gomez to injury in April, the Yankees are in desperate need of starting pitching. The Browns receive a few marginal prospects, but nothing too special.
***
8 – Despite being pushed into extra-innings, the Phillies bats have just enough life in them to strike for two runs in the 11th inning, as the Phillies win again, extending their win streak to 6 games. The Dodgers won, keeping pace.
Phillies 3, Pirates 1 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (3-0) L: Diomedes Olivo (1-2) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
2B: Gil Hodges (12)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (6)
***
Unfortunately, I wasn’t in Pittsburgh to watch the Phillies game today. I traveled up to Utica, where Robin Roberts would make his professional debut for our AAA Utica Blue Jays. He was mighty impressive, allowing only 3 runs on 8 hits over 7.1 IP, striking out 3. Even better, his teammates got him the win. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.
***
Looks like Richard Zimmerman is trying to shed some payroll, as it appears that he may go into debt this year.
St. Louis Browns receive:
SP Dutch McCall (72/82)
RP John Andre (67/78)
Chicago Cubs receive:
1B Jerry Witte (81/82) - .292, 2 HR, 18 RBI
Witte gives the Cubs a more viable bat at first base, and is a terrific fielder to boot. Meanwhile, the Browns get two prospects, but they’re marginal at best.
***
9 – Ralph Kiner’s 12th home run of the year is of the walk-off variety, handing the Phillies their first loss in a week. The Dodgers win, setting up an epic confrontation between the two frontrunners, with only 1.5 games separating them.
Pirates 7, Phillies 6 (15)
W: Harry Shuman (4-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (2-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (19), Gil Hodges (13), Larry Doby (12)
HR: Gil Hodges (10)
June 10-12: Brooklyn Dodgers (37-24, 2nd, 1.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-23, 1st, 1.5 GA)
10 – Carl Hubbell and Tommy Hughes duel to a 1-1 tie after 7 innings, but a passed ball by Roy Campanella in the bottom of the 9th allows the winning run to scamper home, and give the Phillies the victory, increasing their lead to 2.5 games.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
W: Ed Hanyzewski (3-3) L: Cy Buker (2-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (17), Larry Doby (13), Andy Seminick (11)
3B: Gil Hodges (5)
11 – Another tie game entering the bottom of the ninth inning, Ron Northey ends this one with a walk-off two-run home run to right-centerfield, giving the Phillies a 3.5 game lead over the 2nd-place Dodgers.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
W: Ed Hanyzewski (4-3) L: Cy Buker (2-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (16)
HR: Ron Northey (7)
12 – Jack Kraus walked 10 (!) Dodgers, but a 7-run 4th-inning explosion propels the Phillies to victory, completing the sweep of the Dodgers, giving us a 4.5 game lead over the Bums.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 3
W: Jack Kraus (6-5) L: Johnny Vander Meer (8-6)
2B: Nick Goulish (18), Phil Rizzuto (17), Andy Seminick (12)
HR: Vern Stephens (9)
SB: Nick Goulish (3)
June 13: Day Off
***
The Dodgers lost to their cross-town rivals today, leaving them a full 5 games behind the Phillies!
***
June 14-16: Chicago Cubs (33-31, 5th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (42-23, 1st, 5 GA)
14 – It wasn’t really a matter of poor pitching. The offense just couldn’t get anything going against Shaun Hale (1 run on 8 hits in a complete-game victory). The Dodgers won, cutting our lead to 4 games.
Cubs 4, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (5-7) L: Red Ruffing (6-6)
2B: Nick Goulish (19), Ron Northey 2 (11)
15 – I’m starting to regret giving up on Johnny Podgajny. He tosses a second great game against us and picks up his 7th win of the season. The Dodgers win again, cutting our lead to 3 games.
Cubs 7, Phillies 4
W: Johnny Podgajny (7-2) L: Tommy Hughes (6-7) SV: Whitey Miller (9)
16 – Uh oh.
Cubs 8, Phillies 4
W: Vern Olsen (5-3) L: Charlie Ripple (9-4) SV: Rube Melton (1)
2B: Larry Doby (14), Danny Murtaugh (10)
HR: Larry Doby (7)
***
Needless to say, the Dodgers cut the league lead to 2 games, but that wasn’t the biggest story on Saturday. It turns out that All-Star 3B Vern Stephens became arbitration-eligible. So I sat down with Vern, and hammered out a deal that will keep him with the team until 1950, with team and player options that extend into 1953, that will pay him $21,000 per season. It is important to me that the Phillies start a tradition of winning, and keeping our cornerstones here is priority #1, no matter the cost (although we are projected to lose money this year, hopefully at least 2 World Series games will help offset that)!
***
Also, “Fragile” Tommy Hughes (new nickname) will miss his next start after irritating his pitching hand. After his stress fracture in May, Bucky Harris is taking extra precaution with Fragile.
LF Charlie Keller will miss two weeks with a strained ankle ligament. Keller was powering the Yankees’ attack, leading the AL in home runs and runs batted in. With the Bronx Bombers sitting 4.5 games behind the Red Sox, the loss will definitely hurt their pursuit, but he should return in time for a huge late season push.
***
But even that wasn’t the big story of the day: I held a press conference to announce a special day at Shibe Park.
“On Saturday, July 7, the Philadelphia Phillies will be proud to bring you, the fans, Chuck Klein Day! Along with the city of Philadelphia, please join us in celebrating the legendary career of the outstanding outfielder.”
I’m not giving away any secrets, but I have a few things up my sleeve…
***
June 17: Day Off
June 18-20: Philadelphia Phillies (42-26, 1st, 2 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (26-41, 7th, 15.5 GB)
18 – Jack Kraus is outstanding, allowing 1 run over 8 innings, and striking out 5, as the Phillies rebound from the Cubs sweep with a road win. The Dodgers keep pace with a win of their own.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Jack Kraus (7-5) L: Bucky Walters (3-10) SV: Ike Pearson (6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (18), Gil Hodges (14), Danny Murtaugh (11)
19 – A two-out base hit by Mike McCormick scores the go-ahead run, giving the Reds a come-from-behind victory against Hugh Casey. The Cubs beat the Dodgers, keeping the Bums 2 back.
Reds 8, Phillies 7
W: Joe Beggs (7-4) L: Hugh Casey (3-1) SV: Walker Cress (4)
2B: Nick Goulish (20), Andy Seminick (13)
HR: Gil Hodges (11), Ron Northey (8), Andy Seminick (3)
20 – The Reds walk-off with a win against Hugh Casey, giving the Reds the series over the 1st-place Phillies. Meanwhile, the Cubs do their part, beating the Dodgers again, keeping the lead at 2 games.
Reds 2, Phillies 1
W: Joe Beggs (8-4) L: Hugh Casey (3-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (21), Vern Stephens (20), Ed Murphy (3)
STANDINGS (after games on June 20, 1944)
I, of course, missed the last game in Cincinnati (not that I would’ve wanted to see it), because I was in New York City, determining the future of the National League…Code:NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia 43-28 -
Brooklyn 41-30 2
St. Louis 39-32 4
Chicago 38-32 4.5
New York 36-35 7
Pittsburgh 30-40 12.5
Cincinnati 28-42 14.5
Boston 28-44 15.5
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Boston 47-24 -
New York 42-28 4.5
Cleveland 40-30 6.5
Chicago 38-33 9
Washington 36-34 10.5
Detroit 30-42 17.5
St. Louis 25-45 21.5
Philadelphia 24-46 22.5
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
Phila. A's 24-46 -
St. L. Browns 25-45 1
Boston Braves 28-44 3
Cincinnati Reds 28-42 4
Detroit Tigers 30-42 5
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies 43-28 -
Athletics 24-46 18.5
THE MUCH ANTICIPATED EXPANSION POST – COMING UP NEXT!!!