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

I wouldn't make it a "poll" poll, because then everyone only gets one vote, and it actively discourages people from explaining themselves. Those explanations might prove useful.

When you're ready, I would probably start a separate thread, copying (or linking to) each city's presentation, then say:

"If you were an NL owner in 1944, knowing the League wouldn't expand until after the War, which entries would you take seriously enough to give the green light to? Please vote for only two."

Given the pretty strong success of petrel's "Hall of Fame" threads in the Sports Talk area, you might get some interesting feedback!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CatKnight

I wouldn't make it a "poll" poll, because then everyone only gets one vote, and it actively discourages people from explaining themselves. Those explanations might prove useful.

When you're ready, I would probably start a separate thread, copying (or linking to) each city's presentation, then say:

"If you were an NL owner in 1944, knowing the League wouldn't expand until after the War, which entries would you take seriously enough to give the green light to? Please vote for only two."

Given the pretty strong success of petrel's "Hall of Fame" threads in the Sports Talk area, you might get some interesting feedback!

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Can't you make it a multiple choice poll?

Just checked. Yes...you can. I'd still hesitate to do so.

1) The option's just "Multiple Choice", so that someone could vote for 7 cities instead of 2. Granted you can have it show who voted for what and get rid of invalid votes, but...

2) An opening poll really discourages interaction. It may even discourage people from reading through all the presentations. After all, if my choices are RIGHT THERE why not just pick my favorite cities and to heck with what anyone else wrote? Polls work well if you can summarize the options on your introductory post, but that'd be difficult if not impossible here.

Up to Potato, of course. I think I wouldn't use the poll option, just ask everyone to respond with two choices.

Alright, I set up a separate thread for the voting.

Here

Please only vote for 2! Thanks everyone!

Boy, it seems like forever since baseball's been happening hasn't it? Well, voting will continue on the other thread until the end of this season (1944), and I promise I'll get some baseball action in soon! With the Phillies smack dab in the middle of a pennant race, every game matters.

JUNE 21

With the meeting over, I drove back to Philadelphia. With the lead still intact, the Phillies were looking good, and poised to make a run at our first pennant in 29 years. Seriously, I was in diapers the last time the Phillies won a pennant!

Ford Frick took all the ballots and is sorting them out. We had a secret ballot. The results will be announced after the World Series (OOC: just to give you guys time to vote for your 2 preferences for expansion HERE). I don't mind the secrecy, but I think it's a bit much.

By the way, I voted for Los Angeles and San Francisco. For the sake of the National League, I thought it would be best to expand to the biggest markets possible, and it doesn't get much bigger than LA (5th in population, according to the 1940 U.S. Census) and SF (12th). Although Baltimore was ranked 7th in population, I was a little uneasy about putting an expansion franchise in a big market so close to Philadelphia. I always felt that the Phillies give NL fans around the Washington-Baltimore area a team to root for, and an expansion team in Baltimore would seriously damage our bottom line.

I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a hot date tonight (I'm taking Elizabeth out for some fancy French cuisine). ;)

JUNE – JULY 1944
PART III

June 21-23: Philadelphia Phillies (43-28, 1st, 2 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (41-30, 2nd, 2 GB)

21 – What pressure? Rookie Charlie Ripple notches his 10th win of the season, as the Phillies score 5 times in the 4th inning to take game 1 of the series, and extend their league lead to 3 games.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
W: Charlie Ripple (10-4) L: Johnny Vander Meer (8-7) SV: Hugh Casey (2)
2B: Vern Stephens (21), Larry Doby (15)

***
Yankees CF Joe DiMaggio scores his 1000th career run, as the Bronx Bombers beat the White Sox, 13-7.
***

22 – Ken Keltner’s 1st-inning grand slam is all the Dodgers would need to win today. Kirby Higbe was terrific, and Jack Kraus never recovered. The Dodgers pull to 2 games back.
Dodgers 7, Phillies 3
W: Kirby Higbe (3-0) L: Jack Kraus (7-6)
2B: Ed Murphy (4)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (4)
HR: Ron Northey (9), Andy Seminick (4)

***
The Yankees made 2 times the news today.

First, C Bill Dickey joined teammate Joe DiMaggio in the 1000 runs club, as the Bombers beat the ChiSox 7-2.

Second, the Bronx brain trust made a trade with the hapless Braves.

New York Yankees receive:
LF Chet Ross - .330, 6 HR, 29 RBI
Boston Braves receive:
RP Frank Hiller – (AA) 3-1, 2.14 ERA, 67 IP
SP Duane Pillette – (A) 7-4, 3.11 ERA, 81 IP

I guess that the Yankees couldn’t wait 10 days until Charlie Keller comes back from injury. MAJOR edge goes to the Braves, who pick up 2 outstanding pitching prospects in an effort to shed some salary.
***

23 – Red Ruffing throws 155 pitches (!) but finishes the job, giving the Phillies the series victory and a three-game lead over the Dodgers.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
W: Red Ruffing (7-6) L: Carl Hubbell (8-5)
2B: Gil Hodges (15)
SB: Danny Murtaugh 2 (5)

***
As we were leaving Brooklyn, I took one look at the schedule. As it turns out, this is our second-to-last trip here this season. The next time we visit Ebbets Field? September 20, 21, and 22, the last three days of the season. If it comes down to that, I’m going to have a heart attack.

Time to feast on the bottom of the NL, with three in Boston, then three at home against the Reds after a day off.
***

June 24-26: Philadelphia Phillies (45-29, 1st, 3 GA) at Boston Braves (29-46, T-7th, 16.5 GB)

24 – Phil Masi’s 3-run home run in the 1st inning gives the Braves a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, as Al Javery goes 8.2 innings for the victory. The Dodgers win, pulling to 2 games back.
Braves 4, Phillies 1
W: Al Javery (8-7) L: Tommy Hughes (6-8) SV: George Diehl (7)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (12)

***
The Braves unload another of their preseason “Big 3”.

Boston Braves receive:
SP George Dockins – (AAA) 7-2, 2.16 ERA
RP Fred Bradley – (AA) 1-2, 3.19 ERA, 2 SV
RP Bill Reeder – (A) 2-1, 3.76 ERA, 2 SV
Chicago White Sox receive:
SP Jim Tobin – 6-8, 3.80 ERA, 5 CG

The White Sox get a front-line starter for 3 aging/marginal prospects. Despite being 10 back, the ChiSox have a hope of contending still. Meanwhile, the Braves are done and getting done-er.
***
The 1000 Run club has been getting a quite a run of membership lately. Today Cubs 3B Stan Hack crosses the plate, joining the milestone club.
***

25 – The Phillies’ bats awaken, backing rookie Charlie Ripple with an 8-run effort. The Dodgers win, keeping pace.
Phillies 8, Braves 0
W: Charlie Ripple (11-4) L: Rob Kelley (0-1)
2B: Larry Doby (16), Mickey Livingston (1)
HR: Ron Northey (10)
SB: Ray Hamrick 2 (5)

26 – Andy Seminick’s 2-run 8th-inning home run breaks a 1-1 tie, and gives the Phillies the victory. The Dodgers lose, bumping them back to 3 games back. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have pulled to 3.5 back with 4 straight wins.
Phillies 4, Braves 1
W: Jack Kraus (8-6) L: Jim Hickey (3-3) SV: Ike Pearson (7)
2B: Ed Murphy (5), Johnny Blatnik (4)
HR: Andy Seminick (5)

***
Bad news on the injury front: Jack Kraus had to leave the game after 8 innings with a stress fracture in his ankle. He’ll miss three weeks. Gene Lambert will get his spot in the rotation, while I keep Harvey Haddix and Robin Roberts in AAA by calling up Paul Masterson. He’ll meet us in Philadelphia, as we start a long homestand that will take us to the All-Star break.

By the way, we are now officially at our midway point. Through 77 games, we’re 47-30.
***

June 27: Day Off

***
On the day off, the Cardinals and Dodgers swap places: the Cards won, and the Dodgers lost. This leaves the Redbirds 3 games back, and the Bums 3.5 games back.
***

June 28-30: Cincinnati Reds (29-47, 8th, 17.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (47-30, 1st, 3 GA)

28 – Red Ruffing strikes out 6 in a 5-hit shutout, and the Phillies capitalize on 4 Reds errors for the victory. The Cardinals win their 6th straight, keeping 3 back of the Phillies.
Phillies 2, Reds 0
W: Red Ruffing (8-6) L: Elmer Riddle (3-7)
2B: Red Ruffing (2)

29 – The Phillies jump all over the Reds today, scoring 3 in the first thanks to a home run by Vern Stephens, and Tommy Hughes pitches 8 solid innings for the victory. The Cardinals’ hot streak is snapped by the Dodgers, putting us 4 games ahead of the St. Louis 9.
Phillies 8, Reds 3
W: Tommy Hughes (7-8) L: Ewell Blackwell (3-7)
HR: Vern Stephens (10)

***
Dodgers 1B and former Phillies star Dolph Camilli becomes the 4th player in 8 days to reach the 1000 run plateau.
***

30 – The Phillies score 3 in the first again, putting the Reds down for the sweep. Meanwhile, the Dodgers beat the Cardinals again, moving them into second place, now 4.5 back of the league-leading Phillies!
Phillies 6, Reds 2
W: Charlie Ripple (12-4) L: Frank Dasso (1-8)
2B: Nick Goulish (22), Vern Stephens (22), Andy Seminick (14)

July 1-3: Chicago Cubs (40-39, 5th, 9.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (50-30, 1st, 4.5 GA)

1 – Gene Lambert tosses a beauty, going the distance, striking out 9 Cubs and allowing only 3 hits for the shutout victory. Both the Dodgers and the Cardinals lost, giving the Phillies a 5.5 game lead over Brooklyn.
Phillies 5, Cubs 0
W: Gene Lambert (4-3) L: Claude Passeau (9-8)
2B: Nick Goulish (23), Gil Hodges (16), Ron Northey 2 (13), Danny Murtaugh (13)

2 – Probably one of the best pitchers duels that I’ve ever seen. The Cubs push a run across in the first inning, and nothing else. Shaun Hale and Red Ruffing allow only 7 hits in 18 combined innings, as the Cubs steal one from the Phillies. Fortunately, the Dodgers and Cardinals both lose, keeping the Phillies at 5.5 games up.
Cubs 1, Phillies 0
W: Shaun Hale (9-7) L: Red Ruffing (8-7)

***
Well, Richard Zimmerman is having a yard sale.

St. Louis Browns receive:
1B Roy Valdes - .194, 1 HR, 8 RBI
Chicago White Sox receive:
LF Roy Cullenbine - .298, 7 HR, 35 RBI

I think that the White Sox are out of it, but acquiring a 3-time All-Star certainly can’t hurt. The Browns get a promising young first baseman with loads of potential, so I’ll have to wait before declaring a winner. Talk to me in 5 years.
***

3 – A rare (based on recent history) bullpen collapse allows 2 Cubs runs in the 10th inning, costing the Phillies the win, and allowing the victorious Dodgers to pull to 4.5 back with a huge 4-game series pending.
Cubs 5, Phillies 3 (10)
W: Dale Alderson (4-2) L: Ike Pearson (3-1)
2B: Gil Hodges (17), Larry Doby (17)

***
Happy 4th of July! Looks like 4’s are wild today, as the 2nd place Dodgers are in town for 4 games be-4 the All-Star break. By the way, the Dodgers are 4.5 back (almost pulled it off, but not quite. Sorry).
***

July 4-7: Brooklyn Dodgers (47-37, 2nd, 4.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (51-32, 1st, 4.5 GA)

4 – It is said that every member of the 25-man roster is necessary to win a pennant. Well, Leon Culberson made his contribution today. In the bottom of the 14th, a pinch-hit triple drives in the winning run, giving the Phillies a 5 game lead over the Cardinals (who won today).
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1 (14)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (5-3) L: Walt Masterson (0-1)
2B: Nick Goulish (24), Vern Stephens (23), Johnny Blatnik (5), Charlie Ripple (2)
3B: Nick Goulish (4), Leon Culberson (1)
SB: Vern Stephens (1)

5 – For the second time in 3 days, the Phillies bullpen collapses. This time, Hugh Casey gives up 4 runs in the 9th inning, costing the Phillies the game, and allowing the suddenly-streaking Cardinals to pull within 4 games of the Phillies.
Dodgers 7, Phillies 4
W: Cy Buker (5-5) L: Hugh Casey (3-3) SV: Jim Hughes (16)
2B: Nick Goulish (25), Gil Hodges (18), Larry Doby (18)

6 – After falling behind 2-0, the Dodgers score 8 unanswered runs to pull within 3.5 games of the Phillies. They remain in 3rd place, as the Cardinals win again, and are now 3 games back.
Dodgers 8, Phillies 2
W: Johnny Vander Meer (9-7) L: Red Ruffing (8-8)
2B: Nick Goulish (26)
HR: Ed Murphy (1)

7 – The first half ends with a 3-game losing streak, as Tommy Hughes gets bludgeoned by the Dodgers bats. Fortunately, the Cardinals lose, moving the Dodgers into second place, only 2.5 back.
Dodgers 7, Phillies 4
W: Larry French (7-7) L: Tommy Hughes (7-9) SV: Jim Hughes (17)
2B: Nick Goulish (27), Gil Hodges (19)
3B: Danny Murtaugh (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (6)

July 8: Day Off

***

Well, the first half of the season is in the books, and the Phillies hold a slim lead over the field. It’s now off the Pittsburgh, for the 1944 All-Star Game!

STANDINGS (as of July 8, 1944)

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NATIONAL LEAGUE               
Philadelphia        52-35        -
Brooklyn        50-38        2.5
St. Louis        49-38        3
New York        47-41        5.5
Chicago                43-42        8
Pittsburgh        41-45        10.5
Boston                34-54        18.5
Cincinnati        31-54        20
                       
AMERICAN LEAGUE               
Boston                58-29        -
New York        54-32        3.5
Cleveland        51-36        7
Washington        45-41        12.5
Chicago                45-42        13
Detroit                33-55        25.5
Philadelphia        32-55        26
St. Louis        29-57        28.5
                       
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
St. L. Browns        29-57        -
Cincinnati Reds        31-54        2.5
Phila. A's        32-55        2.5
Detroit Tigers        33-55        3
Boston Braves        34-54        4

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies        52-35        -
Athletics        32-55        20

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1944 ALL STAR GAME
1944 Home Run Showdown

Code:

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FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Ted Williams (BOS)                  11
Stan Musial (STL)                    8
Johnny Mize (NYG)                    7
Joe DiMaggio (NYY)                  6
Dolph Camilli (BRO)                  5
Roy Campanella (BRO)                5
Jeff Heath (CLE)                    4
Roy Weatherly (CLE)                  3
Charlie Keller (NYY)                2
Ralph Kiner (PIT)                    2

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Ted Williams (BOS)                  3
Joe DiMaggio (NYY)                  3
Johnny Mize (NYG)                    2
Stan Musial (STL)                    1

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
TED WILLIAMS (BOS)                  5
Joe DiMaggio (NYY)                  4

    WINNER: Ted Williams

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1944 ALL STAR GAME

Forbes Field would host the 12th annual All-Star Game. Controversy would shroud NL manager Billy Southworth’s decision for his starting pitcher. Rather than choosing pitchers like Charlie Ripple (12-4, 3.05), Van Mungo (9-2, 2.47), or Harry Gumbert (11-3, 2.98), he settled on Cincinnati’s Bucky Walters (5-11, 3.27).

AL ALL-STARS

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STARTERS                # ALL STAR GAMES
C  Bill Dickey (NYY)        10
1B Mickey Vernon (WSH)        1
2B Bobby Doerr (BOS)        3 (2 straight)
3B Harlond Clift (NYY)        3 (2 straight)
SS Pee Wee Reese (NYY)        2 consecutive
LF Ted Williams (BOS)        5 consecutive
CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY)        9 consecutive
RF Charlie Keller (NYY)        5 consecutive
SP Ed Lopat (CHW)        1
                       
C Birdie Tebbetts (WSH)        3 (2 straight)
*C Ernie Lombardi (CLE)        7 (2 straight)
2B Joe Gordon (NYY)        5
SS Lou Boudreau (CLE)        4
3B Jimmy Grant (CHW)        1
OF Jeff Heath (CLE)        3 (2 straight)
OF Roy Weatherly (CLE)        1
                       
P  Dizzy Trout (DET)        1
P  Roger Wolff (PHA)        2
P  Whit Wyatt (SLB)        6 consecutive
P  Tiny Bonham (NYY)        1
P  Mel Harder (CLE)        6
P  Yank Terry (BOS)        1       
P  Moe Burtschy (PHA)        1
P  James Atkins (BOS)        1
P  Sid Peterson (SLB)        1
P  Bill Kennedy (WSH)        2 consecutive
P  Bill Bevens (NYY)        1
P  Bobo Newsom (WSH)        4
P  Allie Reynolds (CLE)        1
P  Emmett O'Neill (BOS)        1

First-Timers: 13
Team Breakdown:
8 - Yankees
6 - Indians
5 - Red Sox
4 - Senators
2 - White Sox, Athletics, Browns
1 - Tigers

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

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NL ALL-STARS

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STARTERS                # ALL-STAR GAMES
C  Roy Campanella (BRO)        2 consecutive
1B Johnny Mize (NYG)        6
2B Frank Gustine (PIT)        2 consecutive
3B Ken Keltner (BRO)        3
SS Arky Vaughan (BRO)        11 consecutive
LF Ralph Kiner (PIT)        2 consecutive
CF Stan Musial (STL)        3 consecutive
RF Bill Nicholson (CHC)        4 (2 straight)
SP Bucky Walters (CIN)        6       
                       
C  Andy Seminick (PHI)        1
C  Harry Danning (NYG)        6
1B Dolph Camilli (BRO)        4 (2 straight)
1B Sam Gentile (BSN)        1
*2B Lonny Frey (CIN)        3
SS Phil Rizzuto (PHI)        1
OF Enos Slaughter (STL)        3 (2 straight)
OF Andy Pafko (CHC)        1
                       
P  Red Ruffing (PHI)        8 (7 straight)
P  Van Mungo (NYG)        4
P  Max Butcher (PIT)        1
P  Harry Gumbert (STL)        1
P  Paul Derringer (BRO)        7 (2 straight)
P  Charlie Ripple (PHI)        1
P  Jim Hughes (BRO)        2
P  Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG)        1
P  Whitey Miller (CHC)        2 consecutive
P  G. Matlzberger (STL)        1
P  Ted Wilks (STL)        1
P  Diomedes Olivo (PIT)        1
P  J. Vander Meer (BRO)        3

First-Timers: 11
Team Breakdown:
7 - Dodgers
5 - Cardinals
4 - Giants, Phillies, Pirates
3 - Cubs
2 - Reds
1 - Braves

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

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However, all the thoughts were put to rest in the 4th inning. Trailing 2-1, the National League loaded the bases for Dodger catcher Roy Campanella. Campy worked the count 3-1, and started sitting on a fastball. Sure enough, Yankee pitcher Tiny Bonham obliged, and Campanella blasted the offering over the right field fence for a GRAND SLAM! The Nationals would score twice more in the inning, and Campy would strike again with a solo shot in the 5th.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 9, AMERICAN LEAGUE 2

Harry Gumbert pitched a perfect 3rd inning for the victory.
Tiny Bonham got the loss, giving up 6 runs in 1.1 innings.
As if there was a question, Roy Campanella won the MVP award. He became the first black man to win the MVP award, and clobbered the first grand slam in All-Star game history. He also set or tied numerous batting records, including:
Most HR (2 – tie)
Most RBI (6)
Most Hits (4 - tie)
Most Total Bases (10)

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/4...achmenteu1.jpg

The Phillies had 4 representatives in this year’s All-Star Game, the most in team history:
SP Red Ruffing – 2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB
SP Charlie Ripple - DNP
C Andy Seminick – 0/1, K
SS Phil Rizzuto – 1/1

JUNE – JULY 1944
PART IV

Well, looks like the Baltimore proposal may have just gone up in smoke (pun intended). It appears that on July 3, a fire broke out at the ballpark. This might not have been a major problem, had the stadium not been a completely wood structure. Everything on the premises was burned to the ground.

For now, the minor league Orioles will play in Municipal Stadium, but a huge wrench has been thrown into the expansion conversation. I know from talking with a fellow owner that he’s asked Ford Frick for his ballot back.

For the record, I had nothing to do with the fire. Although I was anti-Baltimore, I would never go as far as to sabotage a city’s dream of getting a baseball team. The fire, as far as I’m concerned, was completely accidental.

With the day off on the 11th, we hope to right the ship after losing 3 straight with a series at Chicago.

*

July 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (52-35, 1st, 2.5 GA) at Chicago Cubs (43-42, 5th, 8 GB)

12 – I’m really starting to regret letting Johnny Podgajny go. He tosses 8 innings of terrific ball, as the Phillies losing streak hits 4 games. Brooklyn stays hot, moving to 1.5 back.
Cubs 4, Phillies 3
W: Johnny Podgajny (8-3) L: Charlie Ripple (12-5) SV: Whitey Miller (12)
2B: Larry Doby (19)
HR: Nick Goulish (5)

13 – Gil Hodges explodes, hitting 2 home runs and driving in 5, while Gene Lambert pitches 8 solid innings for the win. Meanwhile, the Dodgers lose, moving the victorious Cardinals into second place, a full 2 games back of us.
Phillies 7, Cubs 1
W: Gene Lambert (5-3) L: Joey Lothian (3-7)
2B: Nick Goulish 2 (29)
HR: Gil Hodges 2 (13)

*
As the trade deadline inches closer, the Braves throw more of their talent to contenders.

Boston Braves receive:
SP Bob Porterfield – (A) 3-2, 1.79 ERA, 13 GS
New York Yankees receive:
RP Jim Hickey – 4-5, 3.30 ERA, 7 SV, 46 APP

The Yankees are the short term winners, but if Porterfield can develop nicely, then all bets are off.
*

14 – As regretful as I am that I didn’t resign Johnny Pod, I’m just as glad that I traded for Red Ruffing. Red tosses his 4th shutout as a member of the Phillies, and Gil Hodges and Nick Goulish both hit home runs in a winning effort. Brooklyn and St. Louis leapfrog again, moving the Dodgers into 2nd place, 2.5 games back.
Phillies 5, Cubs 0
W: Red Ruffing (9-8) L: Claude Passeau (9-10)
2B: Gil Hodges (20)
3B: Ron Northey (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (14), Nick Goulish (6)

July 15-17: Pittsburgh Pirates (43-47, 6th, 11 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (54-36, 1st, 2.5 GA)

15 – The Phillies had multiple chances to put the game away, put couldn’t hang on to a 5 run cushion, and the bullpen blows another lead. The Dodgers are off, but the Cardinals win, putting both Brooklyn and St. Louis 2 games behind us.
Pirates 9, Phillies 8
W: Ace Adams (6-3) L: Hugh Casey (3-4) SV: Diomedes Olivo (10)
2B: Nick Goulish (30), Ron Northey (14)
3B: Ray Hamrick (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (7)
SB: Nick Goulish (4), Harry Marnie (1)

16 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 over 8 innings, and another Gil Hodges home run propels the Phillies to victory. A Dodger win and a Cardinal loss breaks the tie for 2nd, keeping Brooklyn 2 back.
Phillies 4, Pirates 1
W: Charlie Ripple (13-5) L: Bob Chesnes (4-6) SV: Ike Pearson (8)
2B: Vern Stephens (24), Ron Northey (15)
HR: Gil Hodges (15)

17 – Larry Doby drives in 7 runs with 2 home runs (including a grand slam), as the Phillies hang on in the end to beat the Pirates. The Dodgers lose, moving them back into a tie for 2nd with the Cardinals, 3 games back.
Phillies 10, Pirates 7
W: Gene Lambert (6-3) L: Rip Sewell (1-11)
2B: Joe Page (1)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (5)
HR: Larry Doby 2 (9)

*
Dodgers SP Johnny Vander Meer will be out 6 weeks with a separated shoulder.
*

July 18-21: Philadelphia Phillies (56-37, 1st, 3 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (33-59, 8th, 22.5 GB)

18 – Red Ruffing tosses his 2nd straight shutout, as the Phillies ride Ron Northey (3 RBI) to an easy victory. The Cardinals are off, dropping a half-game, but the Dodgers win to keep pace.
Phillies 5, Reds 0
W: Red Ruffing (10-8) L: Frank Dasso (2-9)
2B: Vern Stephens (25)
SB: Larry Doby (2)

19 – Ron Northey carries the team again, this time with an 11th-inning home run to lift the Phillies to victory. The Dodgers lose, but the Cardinals win, moving into 2nd place, only 3.5 back.
Phillies 4, Reds 3 (11)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (6-3) L: Walker Cress (3-6) SV: Ike Pearson (9)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (6)
HR: Ron Northey (11), Nick Goulish (7)

*
The Tigers, obviously planning for next year, trade away their lone All-Star.

Boston Red Sox receive:
SP Dizzy Trout – 9-8, 3.30 ERA, 73 K
Detroit Tigers receive:
LF Loyd Christopher – (AAA) .323, 3 HR, 28 RBI
RF Sam Mele – (AA) .366, 7 HR, 65 RBI

The Red Sox are willing to mortgage their future to let it ride this year. Dumb move. Although Trout is a frontline starter, Christopher and Mele could develop into outstanding corner outfielders.
*

20 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 8 batters while allowing only 2 runs through 7.2 innings, as the Phillies romp. The Dodgers win and the Cardinals lose, leaving Brooklyn in second place by 4 games.
Phillies 12, Reds 5
W: Charlie Ripple (14-5) L: Bucky Walters (5-12)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (7), Ed Murphy (6), Charlie Ripple (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (11), Nick Goulish (8), Ed Murphy (2)

*
3 major news bulletins from the injury front:
SP Jack Kraus is healthy, and will get the start tomorrow
SP Dick Mauney is healthy, and will be moved into the alternate starter role.
LF Nick Goulish will be out for the season with a broken hip. His promising rookie year ends with a .287 average, 8 HR, and 58 RBI.

Johnny Blatnik will get the remainder of the starts in left field, while Al Gerheauser and Paul Masterson get sent to AAA Utica. OF Ed Sanicki will get the callup, as Goulish goes on the DL.
*
After losing the first game after the All-Star break, the Boston Red Sox have been on a tear, reeling off 9 consecutive wins, and putting the Yankees 7.5 games back.
*

21 – The Phillies welcome Jack Kraus back in a big way, as Kraus’ battery mate Andy Seminick goes 4-6, driving in 6 runs and falls a triple shy of the cycle. The Dodgers (4 GB) and the Cardinals (4.5 GB) keep pace with wins.
Phillies 13, Reds 3
W: Jack Kraus (9-6) L: Elmer Riddle (5-9)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (19), Ron Northey (16), Andy Seminick (15), Johnny Blatnik (8)
HR: Andy Seminick (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (7)

July 22-24: New York Giants (53-44, 4th, 7 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-37, 1st, 4 GA)

22 – The Giants score 4 times in the 2nd inning, and the bullpen does its job as the visitors snap the Phillies’ 6 game winning streak. Both the Dodgers (3 GB) and the Cardinals (3.5 GB) keep pace with victories.
Giants 4, Phillies 2
W: Larry Jansen (8-4) L: Red Ruffing (10-9) SV: Ken Trinkle (6)
2B: Larry Doby (20), Ron Northey (17)

23 – Tommy Hughes reverts to 1942 form, pitching a complete game, as the offense provides enough support despite the absence of most of its power. The Dodgers and Cardinals both win.
Phillies 4, Giants 2
W: Tommy Hughes (8-9) L: Hal Schumacher (11-8)
2B: Harry Marnie (3)
HR: Mickey Livingston (1)
SB: Ray Hamrick (6)

*
A blockbuster trade between two unlikely partners occurred today.

Philadelphia Athletics receive:
2B Eddie Stanky (84) - .275, 13 RBI
LF Bob Johnson (75) - .213, 2 HR, 8 RBI
Chicago Cubs receive:
SP Phil Marchildon (81) – 5-11, 4.18 ERA, 82 K
RP Lum Harris (79) – 1-1, 4.18 ERA

A weird trade because the Cubs are shedding payroll on a team that’s worse than them. They didn’t really get a good deal either. Word out of Chicago is that Phil Wrigley is having trouble finding a buyer for his Cubs. Of course, the expansion vote hasn’t been approved yet, so he’s really putting all his eggs in one basket. I guess he thinks that shedding some expenses will make the club more attractive on the market.
*

24 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 11 Giants, but its not enough to prevent Van Mungo from 5-hitting the Phillies. Naturally, the Dodgers and Cardinals continue their winning ways, moving to 2 and 2.5 back, respectively.
Giants 5, Phillies 1
W: Van Mungo (11-3) L: Charlie Ripple (14-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (21), Phil Rizzuto (20)

TO BE CONTINUED (d*** 10000 character limit)

...PART IV CONTINUED

July 25-28: Philadelphia Phillies (61-39, 1st, 2 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (33-66, 8th, 27.5 GB)

25 – Andy Seminick’s 10th-inning home run gives the Phillies the lead, but it would require a gutsy performance by Hugh Casey to slam the door on the Reds. The Dodgers are idle, but the Cardinals win, putting both teams 2.5 games back.
Phillies 6, Reds 5 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (4-4) L: Walker Cress (3-8)
2B: Larry Doby 2 (22)
HR: Andy Seminick (9)
SB: Harry Marnie (2)

*
The Tigers, with another lost season on their hands, dump some salary.

Washington Senators receive:
SP Virgil Trucks (84) – 0-2, 5.08 ERA
Detroit Tigers receive:
RP Forrest Thompson (73/86) – (AAA) 8-1, 2.03 ERA

Pretty smart deal by the Tigers.
*

26 – Despite another outstanding outing by Red Ruffing, the bullpen allows the Reds to walk-off with a victory. Naturally, the Dodgers and Cardinals pull to 2.5 back with victories of their own.
Reds 3, Phillies 2
W: Joe Beggs: (9-8) L: Hugh Casey (4-5)
2B: Gil Hodges (22)
HR: Ron Northey (12)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (8)

27 – Tommy Hughes tosses his 2nd straight complete game, and the Phillies bats pound out a dozen hits to support him on the way to a victory. St. Louis remains 1.5 back after their 7th straight win, but the Dodgers lose, knocking them 2.5 back.
Phillies 3, Reds 1
W: Tommy Hughes (9-9) L: Ewell Blackwell (3-11)
2B: Vern Stephens (26), Phil Rizzuto (21), Danny Murtaugh (14), Johnny Blatnik (9), Mickey Livingston (2)

28 – Bucky Walters 5-hits us. Thankfully, the Cardinals lost, tying them and the victorious Dodgers at 1.5 games back.
Reds 3, Phillies 0
W: Bucky Walters (6-12) L: Charlie Ripple (14-7)
2B: Gil Hodges (23), Danny Murtaugh (15)

July 29-31: Philadelphia Phillies (63-41, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Boston Braves (38-66, 7th, 25 GB)

29 – Dick Mauney gets the spot start and pitches beautifully, allowing only 2 runs in a complete game victory. The Cardinals win (1.5 back), but the Dodgers lose a fall back a game (2.5 back)
Phillies 6, Braves 2
W: Dick Mauney (4-1) L: Ethan Gornitsky (0-2)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (6)
HR: Vern Stephens (12), Johnny Blatnik (2)

30 – Gene Lambert gets the spot start and goes 8 innings of 5 hit baseball, while Ed Sanicki’s first career home run propels the offense. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers win.
Phillies 7, Braves 2
W: Gene Lambert (7-3) L: Rob Kelley (0-4)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (16)
HR: Gil Hodges (16), Ed Sanicki (1)

*
The Yankees and Browns pull off another trade.

St. Louis Browns receive:
RP Joey Werner (61/72) – (A) 3-1, 2.88 ERA
New York Yankees receive:
SP Bob Muncrief (77) – 4-3, 3.76 ERA
*

31 – Tommy Hughes gets roughed up, as Warren Spahn tosses a complete game. Fortunately, the Dodgers are the only chasing team to win, pulling them into a tie for 2nd with the Cardinals 1.5 games back.
Braves 12, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (8-8) L: Tommy Hughes (9-10)
2B: Ron Northey (18)

*
3B Red Rolfe of the Cincinnati Reds scored his 1000th run today.
*

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP COMING UP NEXT

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP

STANDINGS (after games on July 31)

Code:

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE               
Philadelphia        65-42        -
Brooklyn        63-43        1.5
St. Louis        63-43        1.5
New York        57-49        7.5
Chicago                50-54        13.5
Pittsburgh        49-57        15.5
Boston                39-68        26
Cincinnati        38-68        26.5
                       
AMERICAN LEAGUE               
Boston                73-34        -
New York        66-39        6
Cleveland        66-40        6.5
Washington        54-52        18.5
Chicago                51-55        21.5
Philadelphia        44-63        29
Detroit                39-68        34
St. Louis        32-74        40.5
                       
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
St. L. Browns        32-74        -
Cincinnati Reds        38-68        6
Detroit Tigers        39-68        6.5
Boston Braves        39-68        6.5
Phila. A's        44-63        11.5

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies        65-42        -
Athletics        44-63        21

---

SEASON STATISTICS
League Leaders in Red

BATTING

Code:

---

1944 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Rizzuto, Phil            PHI  100  .290  390  113  21  6  0  49  45    8  5  68  34  .374  .372
Stephens, Vern            PHI  105  .262  385  101  26  3  12  42  49    1  1  53  71  .439  .342
Doby, Larry              PHI  105  .231  377  87  22  4  9  41  49    2  3  39  52  .382  .309
Hodges, Gil              PHI  102  .285  369  105  23  5  16  56  42    0  2  60  61  .504  .377
Seminick, Andy            PHI  101  .263  357  94  15  2  9  34  35    0  1  50  49  .392  .336
Northey, Ron              PHI  102  .261  356  93  18  3  12  39  46    1  0  43  49  .430  .338
Goulish, Nick            PHI  95  .287  355  102  30  4  8  40  37    4  0  56  58  .462  .360
Murtaugh, Danny          PHI  88  .284  264  75  16  2  0  25  30    5  2  40  19  .360  .345
Hamrick, Ray              PHI  73  .230  135  31  5  2  0  15  14    6  0  15  10  .296  .311
Blatnik, Johnny          PHI  47  .271  107  29  9  0  2    8  11    0  1  14  11  .411  .322
Marnie, Harry            PHI  49  .222    81  18  3  0  0    3  12    2  1  10    4  .259  .250
Murphy, Ed                PHI  51  .214    70  15  6  0  2    9    9    0  0    7    7  .386  .300
Ripple, Charlie          PHI  26  .227    66  15  3  0  0    3  18    0  0    4    8  .273  .261
Ruffing, Red              PHI  24  .200    65  13  2  0  0    9  13    0  0    6    5  .231  .297
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  24  .161    56    9  0  0  0    2  15    0  0    4    2  .161  .186
Livingston, Mickey        PHI  21  .191    47    9  2  0  1    5    8    0  0    4    7  .298  .264
Kraus, Jack              PHI  18  .159    44    7  0  0  0    1  14    0  0    3    1  .159  .178
Lambert, Gene            PHI  14  .139    36    5  2  0  0    2    9    0  0    4    1  .194  .184
Culberson, Leon          PHI  14  .206    34    7  1  1  0    2    7    0  0    2    5  .294  .250
Sanicki, Ed              PHI    7  .368    19    7  1  0  1    2    6    0  1    3    3  .579  .455
Mauney, Dick              PHI    7  .167    18    3  0  0  0    0    3    0  0    2    0  .167  .167
Casey, Hugh              PHI  37  .000    6    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Page, Joe                PHI  11  .400    5    2  1  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .600  .400
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI  24  .000    4    0  0  0  0    0    4    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    1  .500    2    1  0  0  0    1    0    0  0    0    0  .500  .667

---

PITCHING

Code:

---

1944 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    9.0  1.00    1  1  1  0  0    4    2 11.00
Casey, Hugh              PHI  55.1  2.28  37  0  4  5  2  17  23 11.22
Pearson, Ike              PHI  19.0  2.37  17  0  3  1  9    5    5 10.89
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI  48.2  2.59  24  0  6  3  2  23  18  9.80
Lambert, Gene            PHI  102.1  2.99  14  13  7  3  0  77  43 11.61
Ruffing, Red              PHI  198.1  3.13  24  24  10  9  0  111  66 10.62
Ripple, Charlie          PHI  187.0  3.13  26  26  14  7  0  132  70 12.85
Mauney, Dick              PHI  50.1  3.40    7  7  4  1  0  19  16 12.34
Kraus, Jack              PHI  134.0  3.69  18  18  9  6  0  62  57 12.63
Kush, Emil                PHI  18.0  4.00  17  0  0  0  0  10    3 11.50
Hughes, Tommy            PHI  173.2  4.25  24  24  9  10  0  75  66 12.75
Masterson, Paul          PHI    3.2  7.36    2  0  0  0  1    1    2 17.18
Page, Joe                PHI  17.0  7.94  11  0  0  0  0    9  17 20.12

---

LEAGUE LEADERS

Code:

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Johnny Mize (NYG)                .349
HR - Stan Musial (STL)                23
RBI - Johnny Mize (NYG)                87
SB - Sam Jethroe (BSN)                15
                               
W - Charlie Ripple (PHI)        14
ERA - Van Mungo (NYG)                2.48
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI)        132
SV - Jim Hughes (BRO)                19
                               
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS               
AVG - Roy Weatherly (CLE)        .378
HR - Ted Williams (BOS)                29
RBI - Ted Williams (BOS)        87
SB - George Case (CHW)                26
                               
W - Tiny Bonham (NYY)                15
ERA - Cy Blanton (WSH)                2.92
K - Bobo Newsom (WSH)                120
SV - James Atkins (BOS)                18

---

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER PREVIEW

47 Games remaining
25 Home
22 Away

Key matchups:
August 2-4 at New York
August 16-18 vs. Cardinals
August 26-29 at St. Louis
September 6-8 vs. Giants
September 9-11 vs. Cardinals
September 20-22 at Brooklyn (season finale)

Strap yourself in good and tight, the pennant race might be going down to the wire!!!

I just caught up, amazing job!

Thanks a lot Redsox! Hopefully I can keep everyone entertained.

In my haste to get back to baseball, I realized just now that I forgot about "Chuck Klein Day". Well, as an excuse to cover for my absent-mindedness, Chuck had a family emergency, and could not attend. "Chuck Klein Day" has since been rescheduled for August 18.

I apoligize for any inconvenience.

***

And remember to keep voting on your choices for expansion! Click on the link in my signature for all the details!

As I wrote way back in reply #173: "Johnny Pod is only 23 and rated 84? I hope you don't regret cutting him loose." :p

I actually thought Pod was performing well, just not getting run support. Put him on a better team, and you have a annual 12-18 game winner at least

3Run & Redsox: I know, and he's proving it to me everytime we face him :Pounds head against wall repeatedly:

I have been getting some great performances out of Charlie Ripple, and with Robin Roberts and Harvey Haddix just sitting in AAA (I'm so very tempted to call them up immediately, but showing a great deal of self-restraint), hopefully I made the right decision long term.

Meanwhile...

***

AUGUST 1

I met with the city council again today.

This time, I brought blueprints and everything. I had my friend Tony draw up some plans for the stadium that I’ve been planning. All in all, it calls for a 40,000 seat baseball stadium along the Schuylkill River, on the piece of land that I’ve purchased from the city.

“How much will this new stadium cost?”

“Well, councilman, my estimates show that it’ll cost a little over $2.5 million (almost $31 million in 2007 money). Fortunately, I’ve lined up some sponsors to take care of about $500,000 worth. I was hoping that the city would cover half the remaining cost, and the Phillies would take care of the other half.”

The councilors broke out into laughter.

“Mr. Walsh, there is no possible way that we’re going to pay $1 million dollars for a stadium!”

“Compared to some of the city programs you waste money on, I thought that this might be a minor expense.”

The head councilor spoke up. “I’ll tell you what, Mr. Walsh. I consider myself to be a fair man, so let’s make a deal. You win the World Series, and we’ll cover the remaining $2 million for the stadium.”

“You mean, if the Phillies win the Series, you’re buying us a new stadium?”

“Precisely. Do we have a deal?”

“Absolutely.”

Looks like I have some extra incentive to win it all...

So can I go insane if Seattle loses the expansion poll?

You could, but remember that Richard Zimmerman (owner of the Browns) is looking to relocate.

There might be some special benefit down the line for the city that comes in 3rd, if you catch my meaning... ;)

Will we ever hear from "F" again and find out his identity?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13

You could, but remember that Richard Zimmerman (owner of the Browns) is looking to relocate.

There might be some special benefit down the line for the city that comes in 3rd, if you catch my meaning... ;)

---

I think the fine people of Baltimore called dibs on the Browns.

Of course that might mean that it's time for the hapless Senators to be relocated too. And shouldn't something be done about that other team in Philadelphia? Maybe you could hint to them that Seattle is right pretty in the summertime. Seattle Athletics has a nice ring.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 3RunHomer

I think the fine people of Baltimore called dibs on the Browns.

Of course that might mean that it's time for the hapless Senators to be relocated too. And shouldn't something be done about that other team in Philadelphia? Maybe you could hint to them that Seattle is right pretty in the summertime. Seattle Athletics has a nice ring.

---

I dislike the Athletics more than I dislike homework, and that's saying something.

Redsox: I suppose that I can work 'F' into another story. Of course, I'd have to swallow my pride, but we'll see... ;)

3Run: I like the way you think. St. Louis is actively shopping itself, while a pennant run may be enough to turn Philly into a one-team town. Also, Boston might be interested in looking at options for the Braves, with the recent success of the Red Sox. The times, they are a-changin'...

Coach: Well, if the A's move to Seattle in, say, 1950 (hypothetically), you'll have plenty of time to like them. Or hate them even more. Whatever works for you.

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1944
PART I

August 1: Day Off

*
The Dodgers are the only top 3 team to play today, and they win, cutting the deficit to 1 game.
*

August 2-4: Philadelphia Phillies (65-42, 1st, 1 GA) at New York Giants (57-49, 4th, 7.5 GB)

2 – Well, we survived. Joe Page allows 4 runs in the bottom of the ninth, as the Giants force extra innings, but the offense manages to push a run across in the 11th for the huge road win. The Cardinals lose, dropping to 2.5 GB, but the Dodgers win to stay 1 back.
Phillies 8, Giants 7 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (4-1) L: Hoyt Wilhelm (2-4) SV: Hugh Casey (3)
2B: Vern Stephens 2 (28), Larry Doby (23), Danny Murtaugh (17), Charlie Ripple (4)

3 – Jack Kraus allows 2 runs in 8 innings of work, and the offense provides just enough run support for the victory. The Cardinals and Dodgers both win, keeping pace.
Phillies 3, Giants 2
W: Jack Kraus (10-6) L: Van Mungo (12-4) SV: Ike Pearson (10)
2B: Vern Stephens (29), Ron Northey (19)

4 – Red Ruffing tosses his 11th complete game for the Phillies, as he finishes off a huge road sweep for us. However, we can’t gain any ground on the Dodgers (1 back) or the Cardinals (2.5 back).
Phillies 7, Giants 2
W: Red Ruffing (11-9) L: Freddie Fitzsimmons (7-7)
2B: Vern Stephens (30), Ron Northey 2 (21)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (7)

*
Richard Zimmerman’s St. Louis Browns become the first team to be eliminated from pennant contention. Perhaps he’s right that St. Louis isn’t viable for two teams. Either that or he’s really, really frugal.
*

August 5-8: Cincinnati Reds (41-69, 7th, 27 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (68-42, 1st, 1 GA)

5 – Larry Doby drives in 5 runs, and the Phillies hang on despite a ninth-inning scare. The Dodgers (finally) and the Cardinals lose, moving us 2 and 3.5 games ahead, respectively.
Phillies 11, Reds 7
W: Tommy Hughes (10-10) L: Bucky Walters (6-13) SV: Ike Pearson (11)
2B: Larry Doby (24)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Larry Doby (10), Johnny Blatnik (3), Phil Rizzuto (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (9)

6 – Talk about bad luck. Charlie Ripple allows 1 run over 7 innings, but gets upstaged thanks to a shutout performance by Elmer Riddle. The Dodgers lose, but the Cardinals win, moving to 2.5 back.
Reds 1, Phillies 0
W: Elmer Riddle (7-9) L: Charlie Ripple (14-8)
2B: Ron Northey (22), Danny Murtaugh (18), Johnny Blatnik (10)

7 – The Phillies ride the strength of 7 extra-base hits to support Jack Kraus (8 IP, 4 R) to the victory. The Dodgers and Cardinals both win.
Phillies 6, Reds 4
W: Jack Kraus (11-6) L: Frank Dasso (3-11) SV: Ike Pearson (12)
2B: Vern Stephens (31), Phil Rizzuto 2 (23), Danny Murtaugh (19), Andy Seminick (16), Ed Murphy (7)
3B: Vern Stephens (4)

8 – Red Ruffing continues to be stellar, notching another complete game as the Phillies win again. The Dodgers win, but the Cardinals lose, knocking them 3.5 back.
Phillies 5, Reds 2
W: Red Ruffing (12-9) L: Ewell Blackwell (4-12)
2B: Ed Sanicki (2)

COMING UP
Proving 3Run right, again...

AUGUST 9

Needless to say, I am livid that I let Johnny Podgajny go, especially after today’s game.

Tommy Hughes didn’t pitch poorly. 3 hits over 8 innings would get you the win in most instances. However, today wasn’t like most instances.

Johnny Pod retired the first 2 batters, walked Ron Northey, then set down the next 25 batters. In succession. Without allowing a hit. That’s right…

Johnny Podgajny threw a no-hitter against us today!

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7959/wpe15pt4.gif

Excuse me, while I cry myself to sleep tonight…

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1944
PART II

August 9-11: Philadelphia Phillies (71-43, 1st, 2 GA) at Chicago Cubs (51-61, 6th, 19 GB)

9 – See above. The Dodgers lose, but the Cardinals win.
Cubs 1, Phillies 0
W: Johnny Podgajny (10-5) L: Tommy Hughes (10-11)

10 – Andy Seminick goes 3-4, driving in 3 runs, as his battery mate Charlie Ripple picks up his league-leading 15th win. Both the Dodgers and Cardinals lost, giving the Phillies a 3 game lead in the NL
Phillies 9, Cubs 5
W: Charlie Ripple (15-8) L: Shaun Hale (11-12)
2B: Larry Doby (25), Andy Seminick (17)
HR: Andy Seminick (10)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (1)

*
Vern Stephens has developed a blister on his right hand, so he’ll be out for a few days.
*

11 – The Phillies commit 3 errors, leading to 5 unearned runs, including the winner in the bottom of the 8th. Both the Dodgers and Cardinals win, moving to 2 and 2.5 back, respectively.
Cubs 6, Phillies 5
W: Rube Melton (3-4) L: Hugh Casey (4-6) SV: Whitey Miller (14)

August 12: Day Off

August 13-15: Pittsburgh Pirates (55-61, 5th, 16.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (72-45, 1st, 2 GA)

13 – Red Ruffing tosses another complete game (yawn), and the offense rallies for the big win. The Cardinals win (2.5 GB), and the Dodgers lose (3 GB).
Phillies 4, Pirates 3
W: Red Ruffing (13-9) L: Ed Bahr (6-6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (24)
HR: Ron Northey (13), Larry Doby (11)

*
Reigning AL MVP Charlie Keller suffered a broken ankle today, and will be out for the rest of the regular season and all of the postseason. His final line: .338, 25 HR, 93 RBI
*

14 – The offense explodes, and Tommy Hughes and Emil Kush combine for the shutout victory. St. Louis wins (2.5 back) but the Dodgers lose again (4 GB).
Phillies 9, Pirates 0
W: Tommy Hughes (11-11) L: Max Butcher (10-7)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (20), Johnny Blatnik 2 (12), Tommy Hughes (1)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (8)
HR: Gil Hodges (17), Larry Doby (12)

*
The Detroit Tigers lost, eliminating them from the pennant chase.
*

15 – A Bill Salkeld home run was all the Pirates would need, as they hold on for the win. The Cardinals win, closing to 1.5 back.
Pirates 4, Phillies 3
W: Ken Heintzelman (10-8) L: Charlie Ripple (15-9) SV: Diomedes Olivo (17)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (13)
SB: Ed Sanicki (1)

*
Just 6 days after Johnny Podgajny tossed a no-hitter, Yankees pitcher Spud Chandler does the same, doing the deed against the St. Louis Browns.
*

STANDINGS (after games on August 15, 1944)

Code:

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE               
Philadelphia        74-46        ---
St. Louis        72-47        1.5
Brooklyn        70-50        4.0
New York        61-59        13.0
Chicago                57-62        16.5
Pittsburgh        56-63        17.5
Boston                45-76        29.5
Cincinnati        44-76        30.0
                       
AMERICAN LEAGUE               
Boston                84-37        ---
New York        78-42        5.5
Cleveland        70-50        13.5
Washington        60-60        23.5
Chicago                55-65        28.5
Philadelphia        50-70        33.5
Detroit                47-73        36.5
St. Louis        37-84        47.0
                       
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
St. L. Browns        37-84        ---
Cincinnati Reds        44-76        7.5
Boston Braves        45-76        8.0
Detroit Tigers        47-73        10.5
Phila. A's        50-70        13.5

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies        74-46        -
Athletics        50-70        24

---

COMING UP NEXT...
A HUGE 3-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals...

Booo! Go St. Louis Cardinals!

Hm. Yeah. Go Cards! :runs: :)

Coach & Cat: I know you don't mean it... :D


AUGUST 16

Suffice to say, I’m definitely going to be at Shibe Park for these 3 games. With the National League as close as it is, this 3-game series between the Phillies and Cardinals will go a long way toward deciding the eventual pennant winner.

Game 1 pits Redbird righty Harry Gumbert (14-4, 3.48 ERA) against Phillies southpaw Jack Kraus (11-6, 3.55 ERA).

Despite allowing two 2-out singles to Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial, Kraus gets out of the first unscathed.

Gumbert isn’t so lucky. Phil Rizzuto walked to lead off, then Ed Sanicki singled. Johnny Blatnik takes a curve the other way for a double down the first-base line, scoring the first run of the game. Phillies 1, Cardinals 0. After Gil Hodges struck out, Vern Stephens knocks home a run with an RBI groundout. Phillies 2, Cardinals 0. Gumbert gets out of the inning with no further damage.

A one-out double for John Antonelli is all the Cardinals can muster in the 2nd.

Danny Murtaugh led off the Phillies 2nd with a double to center. He scored on a 2-out base hit by Sanicki. Phillies 3, Cardinals 0. Blatnik followed with another double, and Sanicki’s slide just beat the relay throw home. Phillies 4, Cardinals 0. Gumbert again stopped the bleeding.

A one-out single for Terry Moore prevents a 1-2-3 inning, but the Cards can’t do any serious damage.

The Phillies manage a single and a walk, but both runners are stranded.

The Cards threaten in the 4th, putting runners on the corners with 1 out. But Kraus rears back and strikes out Marty Marion, then gets pinch hitter Augie Bergamo to ground out to end the threat.

Sanicki led of the 4th with a single, and he came around to score in Gil Hodges’ base knock. Phillies 5, Cardinals 0. Cardinals reliever Murry Dickson would load the bases with consecutive walks, but gets Murtaugh to fly out to end the inning.

Lou Klein led off the 5th with a base hit, and the Kraus started to get wild. With 1 out, he walked Slaughter, Musial, and Ray Sanders on 13 pitches, pushing across a run. Phillies 5, Cardinals 1. Walker Cooper then hit a ball deep in the hole at short that Rizzuto had to hold the ball, scoring another run. Phillies 5, Cardinals 2. Antonelli chopped one back to Kraus, who went to second rather than home to get one out. Phillies 5, Cardinals 3. However, Frank McCormick popped out to end the inning.

The first 1-2-3 inning of the game: the Phillies’ 5th.

Pinch hitter Johnny Hopp led off the 6th with a double, and later scored on a Terry Moore single. Phillies 5, Cardinals 4. The Cards would get runners on the corners before Kraus settled down and retired the side.

Johnny Blatnik led off the 6th with his 3rd double of the game, and he scored 2 batters later on an RBI single by Stephens. Phillies 6, Cardinals 4. The Phils would load the bases with 2 outs, but Kraus struck out to end the threat.

Kraus regained his form somewhat, allowing only a hit batsman in the Cardinal 7th.

Phil Rizzuto walked and stole second, then scored on a base hit by Leon Culberson. Phillies 7, Cardinals 4. The Phillies would again strand men on the corners.

Hugh Casey came on for the Phillies in the 8th. Despite some tense moments (like having Stan Musial being the tying run at the plate), Casey got out of tough spots in both the 8th and 9th innings.

FINAL SCORE: Phillies 7, Cardinals 4
W: Jack Kraus (12-6) L: Harry Gumbert (14-5) SV: Hugh Casey (4)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (21), Johnny Blatnik 3 (16)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (10)

The loss drops the Cardinals to 2.5 games back.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers won, so they stay 4 back.

*
The Philadelphia Athletics lost today, eliminating themselves from pennant contention.
*

I finally caught up and all I have to say is, great dynasty.

Well, that's not all I have to say, but its all that's necessary.

Anyways, you've done a great job assembling a young team. I've always loved trading/drafting for those 70+ overall, high peak players because they can have a impact quickly, and they make for a great future.

I wonder if such a young team has ever won a pennant.

It looks like its going to go down the wire in the NL. Can't say that for the AL, but atleast it looks like the Yankees won't be on top. Go Phillies!

gosensgo101: Thank you for your support. It's always nice to get compliments from people that have written outstanding dynasties themselves. Of course, I'm always looking for new ways to keep you, the reader, entertained, so any and all suggestions on how to make this better are welcome!

I know that the 1950 'Whiz Kids' were the youngest at the time to win a pennant (average age: 26). My Phillies average at 24.2 years old (!), which would be history, but I've also laid the foundation for a very bright future.

Thank God that the Yankees look to be on the wrong side of the standings. They've won 7 of 8 pennants and 6 World Series titles in that 8-year span. Hopefully, Ted Williams will have a strong enough supporting cast to outlast the Bombers.

Oh, and thanks for voting in my expansion poll! If you want to cast your vote, please click on the link in my signature!

AUGUST 17

After losing in the first game, the Cardinals send lefty Max Lanier (9-2, 2.17 ERA) to the mound. Lanier is a reliever-turned-starter, and is having the best year of his career.

Bucky Harris’ Phillies counter by sending the old veteran Red Ruffing (13-9, 2.96 ERA) to start. After a poor start with the Braves, a midseason trade has revitalized the old arm, and Red is closing in a milestone 300th win (293 and counting).

Ruffing retired the side without incident in the first inning.

The Phillies struck in the bottom of the 1st. With 2 outs, Johnny Blatnik laced a double to left-centerfield. The next batter, Gil Hodges, blooped a Texas Leaguer into right-center for a double of his own, and Blatnik came around to score. Phillies 1, Cardinals 0.

And it would stay that way for quite some time. Lanier was fantastic, allowing only the 1 run on 4 hits with 6 strikeouts over 7 innings. Ruffing was every bit as good, allowing 4 hits over the first 8 innings. However, neither team was able to capitalize on the few offensive opportunities granted by the two pitchers, and the score remained 1-0 entering the ninth.

The most dangerous man in the National League led of the top of the 9th, but Stan Musial flied out on the first pitch. Ray Sanders walked, and Walker Cooper bunted him to second. John Antonelli slapped the ball just past the outstretched glove of shortstop Harry Marnie, and Sanders came around to score the tying run. Phillies 1, Cardinals 1.

The Phillies would get their chance in the bottom of the inning. With 1 out, Vern Stephens poked a single through the right side. Andy Seminick lined a shot through the box, and the Phillies were in business for CF Larry Doby. Doby, a lefty, had struggled all day against Lanier, but now, righty Ted Wilks was toeing the rubber, and Larry lined a first-pitch fastball into right-centerfield, and the Phillies walked off with a win!

FINAL SCORE: Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
W: Red Ruffing (14-9) L: Ted Wilks (14-3)
2B: Gil Hodges (24), Johnny Blatnik (17)

The Cardinals fall to 3.5 games back, while the Dodgers win, holding steady at 4 back.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13;1067920

[B

The Cardinal fall to 3.5 games back,[/B]

---

Why is Stanford in the MLB? :D

D'oh! Nice save, Coach

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13

D'oh! Nice save, Coach

---

They don't call me Will "Eagle Eye" "Homedog" "Better than PotatoOfCourch13 in every way possible" "Somebody who everyone is jealous of" Thompson for nothing! :D

2 exciting games so far. Too bad the ALCS isn't around yet. That'd be one **** of a series.

Coach Owens: I guess so :D

Gosensgo101: This series has been exciting, and it's a good thing that I've won the first two.

And I'd pay good money to see that ALCS. Maybe I oughta speed up this expansion process... :p

AUGUST 18
CHUCK KLEIN DAY

A capacity crowd of 33,000 people packed Shibe Park this afternoon. Yes, the 1st-place Phillies were looking to complete a sweep of the 2nd-place Cardinals, but there was an ulterior motive for a lot of fans in attendance. At about 12:05pm, an hour before today’s game. I stepped up to the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, baseball fans of all ages: thank you for coming to Shibe Park today for what promises to be a historic afternoon. Today, we celebrate one of Philadelphia’s greatest athletes. Today, we look back and honor the legendary career of #3, Chuck Klein!”

Thunderous applause resonated throughout the grandstand as Chuck Klein made his way from the home team’s dugout to the row of chairs situated behind the microphone at home plate.

“At this time,” I continued, “I’d like to welcome several dignitaries to today’s festivities. First, I’d like to welcome the Mayor of our fair city of Philadelphia, Bernard Samuel.”

Mayor Samuel stood to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He pulled a speech from his jacket pocket.

“Thank you, citizens of Philadelphia. As many of you know, I have been an ardent baseball fan for many, many years. And while there hasn’t been a lot of winning over the last decade, it truly has been a joy to watch this man patrol rightfield for the last 17 seasons. On behalf of the City Council, and all the baseball fans in the city of Philadelphia, I am proud to present Chuck Klein with the key to the city!”

The crowd erupted in applause as Klein shook the mayor’s hand, and graciously accepted the key.

I returned to the mic.

“Next, we have two gentlemen from Major League Baseball here. Please, give a warm Philly welcome to National League President Ford Frick and Commissioner Albert Chandler!”

The fans were relatively indifferent.

“Thank you, Mr. Walsh, and thank you, fans of Philadelphia!” ‘Happy’ Chandler was going to do the talking. “Y’all know that I’m from Kentucky, but I’ve always been partial to the city of Philadelphia. And perhaps no one has had such an impact on the history of the Philadelphia Phillies as the man we’re honoring today. He is only 1 of 7 players in this game’s history to record over 300 home runs, and the National League and the Office of the Commissioner would like to pay tribute with this silver platter.”

“Thank you, Commissioner.” I was back on the mic. “Now, ladies and gentlemen, the Philadelphia Phillies organization would like to pay special tribute to Chuck Klein.”

As I finished, the players started walking out of the dugout toward the pitchers mound. All 25 active players wore jerseys with Chuck’s old number 3 on them. The team stopped at the first base line. Pretty soon, the Cardinals joined us on the third base line.

“At this point, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present one final award to our guest of honor this afternoon. In cooperation with the National League, and the Office of the Commissioner, we would like to do something that has never been done before. If you will please direct your attention to the outfield fence in rightfield…”

Stationed in rightfield were 2 members of our grounds crew. After I gave them the signal, they removed a giant sheet of paper covering a 5x5 section of wall, revealing a circle with some printing in it:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2...ckkleinrf5.jpg

I continued: “From this day forth, the number 3 will never be issued for another Phillie. Consider it retired, in honor of the greatest hitter to ever don a Phillies uniform.”

The crowd erupted. Chuck gave a little speech, thanking everyone and all that good stuff. He then went to the locker room and spoke before the team. It looked like his chat really fired everyone up.

AUGUST 18

The Cardinals were in desperate need of a win, so they sent out their #1 pitcher, Lon Warneke (13-7, 3.22 ERA).

Bucky Harris decided to stick to the rotation, meaning Tommy Hughes (11-11, 3.82 ERA) would get the start. Tommy has been inconsistent, to say the least. I’m hoping he snaps out of it today.

Hughes got off to a wild start. A walk, a single, and another walk loaded the bases. With one out, Ray Sanders singled to drive in the first run of the day. Cardinals 1, Phillies 0. Hughes induced a double play to end the threat with the bases loaded.

The Phillies struck back in their half. Phil Rizzuto singled, and Johnny Blatnik reached second on a throwing error by SS Marty Marion. An RBI groundout by Ron Northey tied the game. Phillies 1, Cardinals 1.

Tommy Hughes would continue to have trouble with his control. He would walk 3 men over the next 2 innings, but would somehow get out of the jam both times.

Phil Rizzuto led off the bottom of the 3rd with a triple, and scampered home on a wild pitch. Phillies 2, Cardinals 1. Ron Northey slashed a double down the line, and scored on a Vern Stephens base knock. Phillies 3, Cardinals 1.

In the bottom of the 4th, Danny Murtaugh led off with a single, then advanced to second on a sacrifice, when Rizzuto singled him home. Phillies 4, Cardinals 1.

Lou Klein led of the top of the 5th with a triple, and scored on a Terry Moore sacrifice fly. Phillies 4, Cardinals 2.

Ron Northey slashed a base hit to start the bottom of the 5th. With one out, reliever Al Jurisich balked. Obviously rattled, Jurisich grooved a fastball to Vern Stephens, who launched it into the leftfield bleachers for a home run. Phillies 6, Cardinals 2.

The Cardinals scratched out another run on a walk and two singles in the top of the 6th. Phillies 6, Cardinals 3.

It would stay that way until the top of the ninth, when Ike Pearson was brought in to nail down the save. Pearson allowed a leadoff single to Lou Klein, then a Texas League double to Terry Moore. One out later, Stan Musial strode to the plate as the tying run. He didn’t hit a home run, but he still drove in a run with a single to right. Phillies 6, Cardinals 4. Ray Sanders followed with a single to centerfield, scoring another run and sending Musial to third. Phillies 6, Cardinals 5. On the ensuing play, Sanders broke up a potential double play, allowing Musial to score the tying run. Phillies 6, Cardinals 6.

Ted Wilks had started in the 8th inning. He was obviously smarting from yesterday’s walk-off loss, and I’m sure that it was in the back of his mind. Wilks got Rizzuto to fly out, but Johnny Blatnik yanked a fastball down the line, fair by inches. As it rattled around in the leftfield corner, Blatnik raced around the bases, sliding headfirst into third base with a triple. Ron Northey stepped in, and calmly stroked a single to center, giving the Phillies their second straight walk-off win, and completing the sweep.

FINAL SCORE: Phillies 7, Cardinals 6
W: Ike Pearson (5-1) L: Ted Wilks (14-4)
2B: Ron Northey (23)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (9), Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Vern Stephens (13)
SB: Mickey Livingston (1)

The loss drops the Cardinals into 3rd place, 4.5 games back. The Dodgers sit in 2nd, 4 games back, after a win today.

*
The Cincinnati Reds, by virtue of our win today, become the first team to be eliminated in the National League.
*

With 31 games remaining on our schedule, here’s how it breaks down:

HOME
6 with Boston – 29.5 GB
3 with Pittsburgh – 20.5 GB
3 with New York – 16 GB
3 with St. Louis – 4.5 GB

AWAY
6 with Pittsburgh – 20.5 GB
4 with St. Louis – 4.5 GB
3 with Chicago – 17.5 GB
3 with Brooklyn – 4 GB

With 10 games with Brooklyn and St. Louis still to play, the race isn’t over by a long shot.

Nice sweep! Looks like you just might be able to do this!

CatKnight: I hope so. I'm a little wary, though, especially because of the 7 games against the Cardinals. I just wish the season could end right now!

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1944
PART III

With only 4.5 games separating the remaining 5 contenders in both leagues (Red Sox, Yankees (4.5), Phillies, Dodgers (4), Cardinals (4.5)), both pennant races should be decided late in September. With the season ending on September 22, we might see a World Series extend into October. Heck, we might even see a World Series without the Yankees!

August 19-21: Philadelphia Phillies (77-46, 1st, 4 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (56-66, 6th, 20.5 GB)

19 – Andy Seminick’s pinch-hit home run broke a 1-1 tie, and propelled the offense to another victory. Charlie Ripple wins his league-leading 16th game. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers win.
Phillies 6, Pirates 1
W: Charlie Ripple (16-9) L: Ken Heintzelman (10-9)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (25)
HR: Vern Stephens (14), Andy Seminick (11)
SB: Ed Murphy (1)

*
A loss, coupled with our win, officially eliminates the Boston Braves.
*

20 – Andy Seminick goes 3-5 with a double and 3 RBI, as Dick Mauney takes his spot starting opportunity and turns it into a win. Both the Cardinals and Dodgers win again.
Phillies 7, Pirates 4
W: Dick Mauney (5-1) L: Bob Chesnes (5-12) SV: Ike Pearson (13)
2B: Johnny Blatnik 2 (19), Andy Seminick (18)
SB: Johnny Blatnik 2 (3)

*
Dodgers OF Carl Furillo hit for the cycle today.
*
With the White Sox on the verge of elimination, 2B Charlie Gehringer announced his retirement.

The 6-time All-Star won the 1937 AL MVP award for the Detroit Tigers, with whom he spent the majority of his 21-year career. He is one of only 7 men with at least 3,000 hits in a career (Cobb, Speaker, Wagner, Paul Waner, Eddie Collins, Lajoie). In 5 years, he will undoubtedly be elected into the Hall of Fame.

FINAL CAREER LINE: .314, 3055 H, 623 2B, 151 3B, 198 HR, 1521 RBI, 1891 R, 202 SB
*

21 – Dick Conger went 0-8 last season for Pittsburgh. He had been mired in A ball all season. He was called up today to start against us. Mismatch? I’ll say. Red Ruffing didn’t know what was coming. The Cardinals leapfrog Brooklyn with a win and a Dodgers loss, moving the Redbirds 3.5 back.
Pirates 7, Phillies 0
W: Dick Conger (1-0) L: Red Ruffing (14-10)

*
The Chicago White Sox lost today, eliminating themselves from the pennant.
*
I was perusing the free agent market, and saw a 17-year-old Bob Trice. So I figured, why not?
Bob Trice signs for $3,400 through 1945, with a 3-year player option worth $3,300.

August 22: Day Off

*
The Cardinals beat the Dodgers in the first game of a 4-game series between the two. I hope that they can destroy each other, while I beat up on the Braves.
*

August 23-25: Boston Braves (49-78, 7th, 30.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (79-47, 1st, 3 GA)

23 – A pinch-hit single by Ed Sanicki in the bottom of the 14th gives the Phillies the extra-innings win. The Dodgers beat the Cardinals, evening their 4-game set, and helping us extend our lead to 4 games.
Phillies 3, Braves 2 (14)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (7-3) L: Roy Talcott (2-2)
2B: Gil Hodges (25), Ed Murphy (8)

24 – Ed Murphy’s pinch-hit home run in the bottom of the 8th inning lifts the Phillies over the Braves bullpen again. The Dodgers win, leapfrogging the Cardinals, and holding steady at 4.5 games back.
Phillies 2, Braves 1
W: Charlie Ripple (17-9) L: Roy Talcott (2-3) SV: Ike Pearson (14)
2B: Andy Seminick (19)
HR: Gil Hodges (18), Ed Murphy (3)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (4)

*
Giants SP Freddie Fitzsimmons recorded his 250th career win today. This puts him 15th all-time on the career wins list, and he is the 4th overall among active pitchers, behind Carl Hubbell (277), Ted Lyons (280), and Red Ruffing (294).
*

25 – Roy Talcott exacts a measure of revenge, as he and the rest of the Braves bullpen allow only 1 run in 4.2 IP, giving the offense time to come back and win. The Cardinals beat the Dodgers, moving into second place, 4 games back.
Braves 8, Phillies 7
W: Roy Talcott (3-3) L: Ed Hanyzewski (7-4) SV: Elmer Singleton (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (26)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (5)

STANDINGS (after games on August 25, 1944)
Italics denotes eliminated

Code:

---

NATIONAL LEAGUE               
Philadelphia        81-48        ---
St. Louis        77-52        4.0
Brooklyn        77-53        4.5
New York        65-64        16.0
Chicago                63-66        18.0
Pittsburgh        58-71        23.0
Boston                50-80        31.5
Cincinnati        46-83        35.0
                       
AMERICAN LEAGUE               
Boston                90-40        ---
New York        84-46        6.0
Cleveland        76-53        13.5
Washington        65-64        24.5
Chicago                59-70        30.5
Philadelphia        56-74        34.0
Detroit                49-80        40.5
St. Louis        39-91        51.0
                       
1945 #1 PICK SWEEPSTAKES
St. L. Browns        39-91        ---
Cincinnati Reds        46-83        7.5
Detroit Tigers        49-80        10.5
Boston Braves        50-80        11.0
Phila. A's        56-74        17.0

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies        81-48        -
Athletics        56-74        25.5

---

COMING UP…
4 games at Sportsman’s Park against the 2nd place Cardinals.