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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

FIRST HALF RECAP

STANDINGS

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Brooklyn	49-31	-
New York	47-33	2
Chicago		46-34	3
St. Louis	46-34	3
Boston		38-42	11
Pittsburgh	36-44	13
Philadelphia	30-50	19
Cincinnati	28-52	21
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York	55-25	-
Boston		50-30	5
Cleveland	44-36	11
Washington	43-47	12
Detroit		39-41	16
Chicago		31-49	24
St. Louis	31-49	24
Philadelphia	27-53	28

RACE TO THE 1944 #1 PICK
Phila. Athletics  -
Cincinnati Reds	  1
Phila. Phillies	  3
St. Louis Browns  4
Chicago White Sox 4

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Phillies	30-50	-
Athletics	27-53	3

SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader

BATTING STATS

1943 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Klein, Chuck              PHI   79  .328   262   86  17   2   8   17   31    6   3   34   36  .500  .371
Rizzuto, Phil             PHI   78  .311   296   92  13   3   0   29   32    8  12   33   27  .375  .372
Tyson, Cecil              PHI   62  .300   120   36   7   0   4   13   19    0   0   15   22  .458  .368
May, Pinky                PHI   68  .291   247   72  14   2   0   26   22    2   0   19   16  .364  .364
Dallessandro, Dom         PHI   57  .280   107   30   9   1   2   11   13    1   0   15   17  .439  .347
Stephens, Vern            PHI   78  .274   317   87  15   3   6   20   35    1   2   34   37  .397  .318
Litwhiler, Danny          PHI   75  .267   258   69  13   5   7   17   29    1   4   31   40  .438  .312
Livingston, Mickey        PHI   14  .250    32    8   1   0   0    2    3    1   0    3    2  .281  .294
Seminick, Andy            PHI   77  .245   265   65   6   0   9   28   29    0   0   34   34  .370  .324
Northey, Ron              PHI   71  .244   234   57  11   3   3   17   20    1   0   26   19  .355  .294
Mauney, Dick              PHI   16  .229    35    8   1   0   0    0   10    0   0    1    3  .257  .229
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI   16  .212    33    7   2   0   0    0   11    0   0    3    3  .273  .212
Hodges, Gil               PHI   69  .211   213   45   6   1   6   32   29    3   2   32   27  .333  .315
Marnie, Harry             PHI   54  .206   126   26   3   1   0    3   18    1   0   12    6  .246  .225
Murtaugh, Danny           PHI   65  .174   178   31   6   1   0   26   25    7   1   16   10  .219  .279
Naylor, Earl              PHI   46  .168   131   22   6   0   0   10   19    2   0   12   13  .214  .238
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    9  .167    18    3   0   0   0    0    2    0   0    2    1  .167  .167
Lambert, Gene             PHI    9  .111    18    2   2   0   0    1    6    0   0    2    2  .222  .158
Kraus, Jack               PHI   20  .071    42    3   1   0   0    4   12    0   0    2    1  .095  .149
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   13  .031    32    1   0   0   0    0   12    0   0    0    2  .031  .031
Murphy, Ed                PHI    2  .000     2    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    1    0  .000  .000
Page, Joe                 PHI   24  .000     2    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Masterson, Paul           PHI    9  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

PITCHING STATS

1943 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Casey, Hugh               PHI   20.2  1.74   14   0   2   2   6    9    8  8.71
Kush, Emil                PHI   38.0  2.13   28   0   1   4   2   17   16 11.61
Kraus, Jack               PHI  141.0  2.87   20  20   9   8   0   52   39 10.66
Mauney, Dick              PHI  111.1  3.72   16  16   5   5   0   47   33 11.56
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   93.0  3.97   13  13   5   5   0   45   34 12.29
Page, Joe                 PHI   42.2  4.22   24   0   3   2   1   22   30 14.98
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  112.0  4.42   16  16   3  11   0   34   51 13.74
Masterson, Paul           PHI   17.0  5.29    9   0   0   1   1    9   11 16.41
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   24.0  5.63   18   0   0   1   0   11   13 13.88
Lambert, Gene             PHI   58.1  6.94    9   9   1   5   0   38   32 14.66
Gerheauser, Al            PHI   48.1  7.26    9   6   1   5   0   19   30 17.88
Matthewson, Dale          PHI    6.1  9.95    4   0   0   1   0    5    5 24.16

LEAGUE LEADERS

NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Phil Cavarretta (CHC)	.344
HR - Dolph Camilli (BRO)	22
RBI - Bill Nicholson (CHC)	82
SB - Sam Jethroe (BSN)		23
W - Whit Wyatt (BRO)		14
ERA - Lon Warneke (STL)		2.43
K - Warren Spahn (BSN)		89
SV - Jim Hughes (BRO)		13
     Art Lopatka (STL)		13
				
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Luke Appling (CHW)	.356
HR - Ted Williams (BOS)		23
RBI - Jimmie Foxx (BOS)		76
SB - Walt Chipple (WSH)		13
W - Jim Bagby (CLE)		13
ERA - Lefty Gomez (NYY)		2.40
K - Hal Newhouser (DET)		111
SV - Tom Ferrick (CLE)		12

MILESTONES

SS Luke Appling (CHW): 1000th Run (5/13)
CF Lloyd Waner (DET): 2500th Hit (5/26)
RF Bill Nicholson (CHC): 4 HR in 1 Game (5/26)
SP Mel Harder (CLE): 200th Win (5/31)
CF Doc Cramer (DET): 2000th Hit (6/1)
SP Larry French (BRO): 200th Win (6/2)
SP Lon Warneke (STL): 200th Win (6/4)
SP Paul Derringer (BRO): 200th Win (6/9)
3B Harlond Clift (NYY): 1000th Run (6/16)
SS Luke Appling (CHW): 2000th Hit (6/19)
LF Ned Harris (DET): 22-Game Hitting Streak (6/20)
CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY): 1000th RBI (6/22)

MAJOR INJURIES

5/1: SP Larry French (BRO) out 2 weeks with a hairline fracture.
5/13: SP Lon Warneke (STL) out 2 weeks with a pulled groin.
5/20: C Bill Dickey (NYY) out 3 weeks with a ruptured knee ligament.
5/23: CF Barney McCosky (DET) out 3 weeks with a stress fracture.
5/30: LF Charlie Keller (NYY) out 3 weeks with a sprained thumb.
6/14: SP Whit Wyatt (BRO) out 2 weeks with a dislocated shoulder.
6/23: 3B Bill Hart (BRO) out for the season with a broken wrist (Final Stats: .252, 0 HR, 12 RBI).

NOTABLE RETIREMENTS

SP Curt Davis retired. Davis pitched in 9 seasons for the Phillies (1934-36), the Cubs (1936-37), the Cardinals (1938-40), and the Dodgers (1940-42). He appeared in the 1936 and 1939 All-Star Games. His career line: 121-100, 3.55 ERA, 559 K in 1766.1 IP.

[Donny Ballgame]

Rough first half, that was. At least you've got some young players on your squad, and maybe you can be the best team in Philly.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Donny: That's the moral dillemma I was facing: do I try and do the best I can, or try and lose games so I can get Robin Roberts? Although, if the Reds and the Athletics keep losing like they are, it really won't matter.

I have played up to the trade deadline (lots of fun trades still to come!), but I'll get the All-Star break posted sometime overnight.

I'd like to take this opportunity to ask for some feedback: how do you think I'm doing so far? I'll take any comments and questions, ranging from layout of the posts to personnel moves. Just shoot me a PM, or post it here. I wouldn't be this far if it wasn't for you reading, and I like to let you call the shots sometimes.

[CatKnight]

HOW do you know about Roberts?

What I mean, is that if you started a fresh game to look at the next draft, fair enough...but since you're still in mid season, if the game generated the next draft something is wrong.

The next draft shouldn't come up on screen until April 1.
*****

That said...God, you have a really tough choice. I hate tanking....but Roberts is SO **** good. And you really can't go anywhere this year as far as making a pennant run.

Then again, if Landis (or Frick) find out you're manipulating the standings there will be h*** to pay. (and if Landis doesn't, he'll be laughing at your ineptitude all the way to the grave.)

[PotatoOfCouch13]

CatKnight: I started new games for 1944-1946 just to see what was upcoming in terms of talent. As a matter of fact, here are the best available draftees for those seasons.

1944
SP Robin Roberts
CF Duke Snider
SP Lew Burdette
SP James Hein
SP Don Newcombe
SP Mike Watson
1B Roy Sievers
SP Paul Ross

1945
RP Dick Weik
CF Richie Ashburn
SP Jack Harshman
SP Jim McDonald
SP Ariel Dove
RF Jackie Jensen
2B Nellie Fox
1B Joe Adcock

1946
SP Whitey Ford
SP Bob Buhl
CF Gus Bell
RP Ray Nerleski
RP Hersh Freeman
LF Rip Repulski
SP Jay Klehm
RP Ken Lehman

As for this whole "tanking" issue, the other teams are making it awfully hard for me to pick up ground, and the team is actually starting to show signs of coming around.

HOME RUN SHOWDOWN

Ted Williams was obviously miffed about not getting out of the first round last season, so he exploded for 15 HR, just to ensure that he'd see another round of pitches. Joining him in the semifinals were Charlie Keller, Luke Easter, and Ralph Kiner.

The Splendid Splinter slugged another 7 HR in the second round to advance to the final against Luke Easter, the Indians first baseman, who outlasted Kiner and Keller to advance.

Easter, however, was no match for Terrible Ted today. Williams jacked another 5 HR in the final to easily win his first Home Run Showdown.

1943 Home Run Showdown

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Ted Williams (BOS)                  15
Charlie Keller (NYY)                 9
Luke Easter (CLE)                    6
Ralph Kiner (PIT)                    6
Bob Johnson (NYG)                    5
Bill Nicholson (CHC)                 4
Rudy York (DET)                      3
Roy Campanella (BRO)                 3
Jimmie Foxx (BOS)                    2
Dolph Camilli (BRO)                  2

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Ted Williams (BOS)                   7
Luke Easter (CLE)                    5
Ralph Kiner (PIT)                    4
Charlie Keller (NYY)                 3

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
TED WILLIAMS (BOS)                   5
Luke Easter (CLE)                    3

     WINNER: Ted Williams

[PotatoOfCouch13]

1943 ALL-STAR GAME

The Philadelphia Athletics are the official host team, but I’ve had to shoulder a lot of responsibility as the game is being played in our home ballpark. A sellout crowd of 33,000 is expected, probably the only time all season that Shibe Park will be sold out. It’ll be a matchup of Early Wynn for the Americans and Jim Tobin for the Nationals.

AL ALL-STARS

STARTERS		# ALL STAR GAMES
C  Ernie Lombardi (CLE)	6
1B Jimmie Foxx (BOS)	11 (consecutive)
2B Bobby Doerr (BOS)	2
3B Harlond Clift (NYY)	2
SS Pee Wee Reese (NYY)	1
LF Ted Williams (BOS)	4 (consecutive)
CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY)	8 (consecutive)
RF Jeff Heath (CLE)	2
SP Early Wynn (WSH)	2 (consecutive)
			
C  Rick Ferrell (SLB)	8 (2 consecutive)
1B Rudy York (DET)	4 (3 consecutive)
SS Luke Appling (CHW)	6 (5 consecutive)
LF Gee Walker (PHA)	2
LF Roy Cullenbine (SLB)	3 (consecutive)
C Birdie Tebbetts (DET)	2
CF Dom DiMaggio (BOS)	2
LF Charlie Keller (NYY)	4 (consecutive)
RF Wally Moses (BOS)	2
1B Luke Easter (CLE)*	1
SS Joe Cronin (BOS)	8
			
P  Lefty Gomez (NYY)	8
P  Red Ruffing (NYY)	7 (6 consecutive)
P  Tex Hughson (BOS)	1
P  Jim Bagby (CLE)	1
P  Atley Donald (NYY)	1
P  Bill Butland (BOS)	1
P  Bill Kennedy (WSH)	1
P  Mace Brown (BOS)	2
P  Tom Ferrick (CLE)	1
P  Norm Branch (NYY)	1

First-Timers: 9
Team Breakdown:
9 - Red Sox
8 - Yankees
5 - Indians
2 - Senators, Browns
1 - White Sox, Athletics, Tigers

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

NL ALL-STARS

STARTERS		# ALL-STAR GAMES
C  Roy Campanella (BRO)	1
1B Dolph Camilli (BRO)	3
2B Jack. Robinson (BRO)	1
3B Stan Hack (CHC)	5 (3 consecutive)
SS Arky Vaughan (BRO)	10 (consecutive)
LF Bob Johnson (NYG)	5
CF Stan Musial (STL)	2 (consecutive)
RF Bill Nicholson (CHC)	3
SP Jim Tobin (BSN)	1
			
LF Ralph Kiner (PIT)	1
LF Ernie Koy (CIN)	1
C Walker Cooper (STL)	2 (consecutive)
C Phil Masi (BSN)	1
2B Frank Gustine (PIT)	1
3B Vern Stephens (PHI)	1
RF Mel Ott (NYG)	10 (consecutive)
CF P. Cavarretta (CHC)	2 (consecutive)
RF Bob Elliott (PIT)	2
RF Enos Slaughter (STL)	2
			
P  Jack Kraus (PHI)	1
P  Whit Wyatt (BRO)	5 (consecutive)
P  Hal Schumacher (NYG)	3
P  Mort Cooper (STL)	1
P  Lon Warneke (STL)	7 (3 consecutive)
P  Paul Derringer (BRO)	6
P  Art Lopatka (STL)	1
P  Whitey Miller (CHC)	1
P  Jim Hughes (BRO)	1
P  Carl Hubbell (NYG)	10 (4 consecutive)

First-Timers: 
Team Breakdown:

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

Both teams went quietly in the first, but the AL struck with back-to-back walks and a Harlond Clift RBI single. AL 1, NL 0.

The National League would answer in the 4th, when they loaded the bases with only 1 out. They could only push one run across, however, but they did tie the game. AL 1, NL 1.

The AL would regain the lead on an RBI groundout by Joe DiMaggio in the 6th inning. AL 2, NL 1.

The NL would take its first lead of the game in the 8th inning, when it scored twice, but left the bases loaded. NL 3, AL 2.

Whitey Miller came in to try and shut the door on another exciting All-Star Game. He allowed the first two men to reach, then surrendered a one-out RBI double by Luke Appling that tied the game. NL 3, AL 3. The American’s weren’t finished, however, as the next 5 batters all reached base and scored, culminating in a Jimmie Foxx home run. When the dust had cleared, it was AL 10, NL 3. Needless to say, the NL’s balloon had been deflated, and they went quietly in the 9th.

AMERICAN LEAGUE 10, NATIONAL LEAGUE 3

Mace Brown threw 7 pitches in the bottom of the 8th inning and picked up the win.
Whitey Miller gave up 6 runs in 1/3 of an inning, and was charged with the loss.
Jimmie Foxx (BOS) was awarded the MVP award, although there were many deserving candidates. “Double X” went 1-5 with the 3-run home run that sealed the game for the AL.

The Phillies were well represented. Although Vern Stephens struck out in his pinch-hitting situation, Jack Kraus pitched a perfect 4th inning, that allowed the NL to tie the game.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JUNE 27

After the All-Star Game, the Cardinals and the White Sox hammered out a trade.

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
SP Johnny Rigney (84)
Chicago White Sox receive:
SP Glenn Gardner (73/81)
SP George Dockins (68/78)
RP Bill Reeder (66/79)

I think the White Sox win this: three solid prospects for a starter only signed through this season.

With the first half of the season in the books, it’s time to look back, and see what was good and what needs work.

ROTATION
“Young and inexperienced” is about as accurate a description you’re going to find. This group overcame a slew of injuries in the first half to manage respectable numbers, especially from All-Star Jack Kraus (9-8, 2.87 ERA). With Tommy Hughes and Dick Mauney back at full strength, this unit should be better in the second half.

BULLPEN
I would go so far as to say that this is the best unit on my team. The bullpen has improved drastically over last season: the group sports a 3.67 ERA, just a hair over the league average. Key additions Hugh Casey and Emil Kush have kept their ERA’s around 2, and Ed Hanyzewski has really improved after a jittery start. Ike Pearson is fully healed, so that means this unit can only get stronger.

LINEUP
Chuck Klein has starting hitting like a 25-year-old, which is good because Danny Murtaugh has started hitting like a 38-year-old. The transition to big-league pitching has been hard on all my youngster, especially Andy Seminick and Gil Hodges. Danny Litwhiler and Vern Stephens provide Klein with protection and add some pop to the middle of the order.

BENCH
A solid unit. Not too much to brag about, but very capable as backups.

MINOR LEAGUES
Expect to see the following before the season ends:
LF Johnny Blatnik
2B Ray Hamrick
SP Charlie Ripple

These three have been tearing apart AAA Utica. They’ll make a bigger impact next season, but they’ll lay that foundation this season.

SP Harvey Haddix?

My first round pick of this season has been outstanding at A Memphis, and has warranted a promotion to AA Trenton. If he keeps this up, he’ll be in the Majors before you know it.

Now, on with the second half!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

LATE JUNE – JULY
PART I

June 28-July 1: Boston Braves (38-42, 5th, 11 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (30-50, 7th, 19 GB)

28 – Warren Spahn welcomes the Phillies back from their break with a complete-game victory, striking out 5 while allowing only 6 hits.
Braves 5, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (10-6) L: Tommy Hughes (5-6)

29 – Trailing 7-2 entering the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies explode for 10 runs and win the game going away.
Phillies 12, Braves 7
W: Emil Kush (2-4) L: Jim Hickey (3-5)

30 – Cecil Tyson’s bases-clearing pinch-hit double gives the Phillies a lead they will not relinquish, and Ike Pearson pitches a perfect ninth for his first save of the year.
Phillies 5, Braves 3
W: Dick Mauney (6-5) L: Manny Salvo (2-10) SV: Ike Pearson (1)

1 – Jim Tobin outduels Gene Lambert in the series finale, and the Braves manage to leave Philly with a split.
Braves 3, Phillies 2
W: Jim Tobin (10-7) L: Gene Lambert (1-6) SV: Jim Hickey (2)

I made one more trade today.
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
SP Marius Russo (79)
$3,000
Cincinnati Reds receive:
3B Pinky May (79)

Yes, this was the best deal I could get for May. I’m disappointed in myself. Ray Hamrick gets the call from AAA Utica to make his Major League debut tomorrow in Brooklyn.

July 2-4: Philadelphia Phillies (32-52, 7th, 20 GB) at Brooklyn Dodgers (52-32, 1st, 3 GA)

2 – The Phillies rally to tie in the top of the 9th inning, but the Dodgers win the game on a walk-off walk by Billy Herman.
Dodgers 6, Phillies 5
W: Les Webber (6-1) L: Joe Page (3-3)
HR: Andy Seminick (10), Chuck Klein (9), Vern Stephens (7)

3 – The Phillies only manage 4 hits. However, Tommy Hughes and Hugh Casey hold the Dodgers to only 1 hit, giving the Phils the road win.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 0
W: Tommy Hughes (6-6) L: Whit Wyatt (14-3) SV: Hugh Casey (7)

Izzy Leon retired. Izzy pitched in 4 games for us in his only season last year, going 0-2 with a 4.91 ERA.

4 – Vern Stephens and Gil Hodges drove in 3 runs apiece, and Hugh Casey nailed down the 6-out save as the Phillies take 2 of 3 from the league-leading Dodgers.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 4
W: Jack Kraus (10-8) L: Johnny Vander Meer (5-8) SV: Hugh Casey (7)
HR: Vern Stephens (8), Gil Hodges (7)

Marius Russo ruptured a knee ligament, and will miss 5 weeks. Johnny Podgajny will be recalled from AAA Utica to take his place.

July 5-8: Pittsburgh Pirates (38-49, 6th, 15 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-53, 7th, 19 GB)

5 – Dick Mauney holds the Pirates at bay for 7 innings, as the offense systematically attacks Dick Conger for 7 runs in 4.2 IP.
Phillies 7, Pirates 4
W: Dick Mauney (7-5) L: Dick Conger (0-3)

6 – Another late attempt at a comeback falls short for the Phillies, as their 3-game win streak is ended by Max Butcher’s strong outing.
Pirates 6, Phillies 5
W: Max Butcher (9-8) L: Johnny Podgajny (3-12) SV: Harry Shuman (6)

The Browns shift into rebuilding mode, with Richard Zimmerman at the helm.

St. Louis Browns receive:
SS Merl Combs (66/76)
Boston Red Sox receive:
3B Bob Dillinger (71/76)

Let’s call this a draw, because there isn’t a clear winner with this trade.

7 – A solo home run is all the damage that the Pirates pin on Tommy Hughes, as last season’s wunderkind rolls to a complete game victory.
Phillies 4, Pirates 1
W: Tommy Hughes (7-6) L: Ken Heintzelman (5-8)
HR: Danny Litwhiler (8), Gil Hodges (8)

Our last trade before we hit the deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies receive:
RF Jimmy Wasdell (77)
SP Bil McCahan (70/82)
RP Mike Budnick (66/80)
Philadelphia Athletics receive:
LF Danny Litwhiler (87)

A cross-town trade? Absolutely, especially if I get two promising pitching prospects for someone who’s only hit better than .280 once in his career that’s eligible for arbitration. Plus, this makes the A’s better immediately, so I have more hope of getting that #1 pick.

8 – Jack Kraus pitches 8 innings, allowing only 2 runs on 7 hits, and picks up his team-leading 11th victory of the season as the Phillies win again.
Phillies 8, Pirates 2
W: Jack Kraus (11-8) L: Bob Chesnes (1-2)

July 9 – Day Off

July 10-12: Chicago Cubs (51-40, 4th, 5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (37-54, 7th, 19 GB)

10 – Andy Seminick’s 9th-inning home run tied the game, but the Cubs would prevail in 12 thanks to Eddie Stanky’s RBI double.
Cubs 6, Phillies 5 (12)
W: Whitey Miller (4-4) L: Joe Page (3-4) SV: Vern Olsen (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (11)

Ray Hamrick will miss 2 weeks with a sprained knee. Al Glossop will return to the big club from AAA Utica.

I mention this now, because it could have a profound effect on the AL pennant race. Red Sox LF Ted Williams will be out for the season with a broken leg. With his .333, 25 HR, 69 RBI line, it is unlikely that Terrible Ted will make it consecutive MVP awards. The Red Sox will use Tom McBride, with all 21 of his career hits, as Williams' replacement.

11 – The Phillies score 4 runs in the 8th inning to force extras, but their 11th inning rally falls one run short as the Cubbies take another one in extra-innings.
Cubs 7, Phillies 6 (11)
W: Whitey Miller (5-4) L: Ike Pearson (0-1)

Another trade from Richard Zimmerman.

St. Louis Browns receive:
CF Jess Pike (80/90)
New York Giants receive:
CF Wally Judnich (92/93)

Trading a backup for one of the best centerfielders in the game today? I think the Giants won this trade hands down.

12 – A terrific pitcher’s duel is won by Shaun Hale, who tosses a complete game four-hitter as the Cubs sweep the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Cubs 2, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (12-7) L: Emil Kush (2-5)

July 13-15: Philadelphia Phillies (37-57, 7th, 20 GB) at Pittsburgh Pirates (39-55, 6th, 18 GB)

13 – Bob Chesnes hurls a shutout, as the Phillies throw the game away on the defensive end (3 errors leading to 5 unearned runs).
Pirates 6, Phillies 0
W: Bob Chesnes (2-2) L: Jack Kraus (11-9)

14 – Another game thrown away by the Phillies defense, as the Pirates push the winning run across home in the 10th inning. The Phillies have lost 5 straight.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2 (10)
W: Diomedes Olivo (3-5) L: Hugh Casey (2-3)

15 – The Phillies bullpen throws 5 scoreless innings, allowing the offense to come back from an early 4-1 hole and win the game in extra-innings.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (3-3) L: Harry Shuman (3-4) SV: Ike Pearson (2)

July 16: Day Off

STANDINGS

NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York	60-37	-
Brooklyn	58-39	2
Chicago		56-41	4
St. Louis	56-41	4
Boston		46-51	14
Pittsburgh	41-56	19
Philadelphia	38-59	22
Cincinnati	33-64	27
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York	66-31	-
Boston		62-35	4
Cleveland	53-44	13
Washington	50-47	16
Detroit		45-52	21
Chicago		39-58	27
St. Louis	37-60	29
Philadelphia	36-61	30

RACE TO THE 1944 #1 PICK
Cincin. Reds	33-64	-
Phila. A's	36-61	3
St. L. Browns	37-60	4
Phila. Phillies	38-59	5
Chi. White Sox	39-58	6

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Phillies	38-59	-
Athletics	36-61	2

[3RunHomer]

I noticed from the all-star rosters that Harlond Clift is playing for the Yankees. The poor Browns -- Clift should be the foundation of their team along with catcher Ferrell.

About next season's draft -- Roberts may fall to you without tanking. He's "supposed" to play for the Phillies and that may be enough to make the AI choose other players for the earlier drafting teams.

But if the Browns make an early jump to Baltimore, they'd be a natural team for Roberts too.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

3RunHomer: Well, Ferrell is still there! Clift was traded last season to the Yankees for SP Bill Bevens. He got himself a shiny championship ring, and looks to get another this season. The Browns are in decent shape, for all their losing. Although they traded Wally Judnich to the Giants, they still have Roy Cullenbine and a young talent in Milt Byrnes to patrol their outfield. Their problem is pitching. They don't have nearly enough talent in their rotation to be competitive.

My new strategy in the Roberts sweepstakes is to finish with the second-worst record. There is almost no chance I'm going to catch the Reds (they are awful), so I'll just try and edge out the Browns, White Sox, and Athletics for that second pick, and hope Powel Crosley "overthinks" and takes Duke Snider (or another pitcher) instead.

LATE JUNE-JULY
PART II

July 17-19: New York Giants (60-37, 1st, 2 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (38-59, 7th, 22 GB)

17 – Vince DiMaggio’s pinch-hit 3-run home run opens the floodgates for the Giants offense as they extend their winning streak to 9 games with a shutout victory.
Giants 6, Phillies 0
W: Freddie Fitzsimmons (8-8) L: Al Gerheauser (1-6)

18 – Vern Stephens falls a single shy of the cycle, as the Phillies put up 5 runs in the second inning and coast to an easy win behind Jack Kraus.
Phillies 8, Giants 3
W: Jack Kraus (12-9) L: Cliff Melton (2-1)
HR: Vern Stephens (9)

19 – A Chuck Klein error erased a 7-1 lead, but the bullpen went 5.1 IP of scoreless baseball, setting up Gil Hodges for a walk-off single in the 13th inning.
Phillies 8, Giants 7 (13)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (1-1) L: Ken Trinkle (4-2)
HR: Ron Northey (4)

July 20-23: Philadelphia Phillies (40-60, 7th, 21 GB) at Boston Braves (47-53, 5th, 47-53)

20 – Warren Spahn only allows a Ron Northey home run, as the Boston lefty dominates the rest of the Phillies order.
Braves 4, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (12-7) L: Johnny Podgajny 3-13)
HR: Ron Northey (5)

21 – Tommy Hughes and Hugh Casey combine for a one-hitter, shutting down the Braves offense as the Phillies rally late to take the win.
Phillies 3, Braves 1
W: Tommy Hughes (8-6) L: Al Javery (10-10) SV: Hugh Casey (9)

22 – Ron Northey smashes his third home run in four games and falls a triple shy of the cycle, as the Phillies rally late to record the win. Emil Kush and Hugh Casey combine for 4 innings of 2-hit relief.
Phillies 6, Braves 3
W: Emil Kush (3-5) L: Elmer Singleton (1-2) SV: Hugh Casey (10)
HR: Gil Hodges (9), Ron Northey (6)

As the deadline approaches, the Yankees and White Sox make a deal.

New York Yankees receive:
SP Eddie Smith (81)
Chicago White Sox receive:
SP David Utley (62/76)
RP Rugger Ardizoia (61/75)
SS Joe Buzas (63/73)

The Yankees have won 8 straight. Someone needs to let the White Sox know about quality over quantity.

23 – The offense tallies 3 runs before Dick Mauney even touches the pitching rubber, and he wouldn’t need anymore, as Mauney tosses a four-hit shutout.
Phillies 6, Braves 0
W: Dick Mauney (8-5) L: Jim Tobin (12-10)

July 24-27: Brooklyn Dodgers (63-41, 1st, 1 GA) at Philadelphia Phillies (43-61, 7th, 20 GB)

24 – Despite outhitting the Dodgers 13-9, the Phillies commit two costly errors and allow the Dodgers to steal a victory in the top of the 9th inning.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 3
W: Les Webber (8-1) L: Hugh Casey (3-4) SV: Jim Hughes (18)

25 - In one of the best pitcher’s duels I’ve seen in a long time, Tommy Hughes and Paul Derringer battle to a 0-0 tie after 8 innings. Dolph Camilli’s RBI double in the top of the ninth is the game’s only run.
Dodgers 1, Phillies 0
W: Les Webber (9-1) L: Hugh Casey (3-5)

26 – Jack Kraus pitches 8 strong innings and Ike Pearson survives a wild 9th inning to nail down the save as the Phillies get back in the win column.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 3
W: Jack Kraus (13-9) L: Larry French (11-7) SV: Ike Pearson (3)

Ray Hamrick is healthy, so Al Glossop goes back to AAA Utica.

2 trades today.

New York Yankees receive:
C Frankie Hayes (84)
Pittsburgh Pirates receive:
SP Stew Hinds (66/76)
RP Karl Drews (66/78)

New York Giants receive:
SP Joe Haynes (81)
Chicago White Sox receive:
RP Jack Bruner (68/78)

The Yankees and Giants win their trades. The other teams just don’t get enough in return.

27 – Dick Mauney just doesn’t have his stuff today, as the Dodgers jump all over him and keep pace with the red hot Cardinals, who have won 8 straight and are now tied for the NL lead.
Dodgers 11, Phillies 3
W: Whit Wyatt (17-5) L: Dick Mauney (8-6)

July 28-31: Chicago Cubs (63-45, 3rd, 3 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (44-64, 7th, 22 GB)

28 – After a first-inning run, Gene Lambert settles down and goes 7 strong inning, as Ron Northey powers the offense to victory.
Phillies 3, Cubs 1
W: Gene Lambert (2-6) L: Joey Lothian (6-11) SV: Hugh Casey (11)

The White Sox unload more talent in a rebuilding effort.

Washington Senators receive:
RF Chet Laabs (86)
Chicago White Sox receive:
1B Roy Valdes (70/86)

The White Sox win, only because the Senators think they can contend from 21 GB.

29 – The Cubbies jump all over spot starter Al Gerheauser, as Claude Passeau pitches a complete game 6-hitter for the win.
Cubs 4, Phillies 2
W: Claude Passeau (9-6) L: Al Gerheauser (2-7)
HR: Vern Stephens (10)

30 – Nearly an exact replay of yesterday’s game, except Shaun Hale allows 7 hits in his complete game victory.
Cubs 4, Phillies 2
W: Shaun Hale (15-8) L: Johnny Podgajny (3-14)

31 – A great pitcher’s duel, the two starters both pitch complete games, but Dick Mauney allows one fewer run than his counterpart Bill Lee.
Phillies 2, Cubs 1
W: Dick Mauney (9-6) L: Bill Lee (12-8)

4 trades made at the deadline this season:

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
RP Gordon Maltzberger (80/82)
Chicago White Sox receive:
SS Solly Hemus (71/82)

The Cardinals get a solid reliever for solid prospect. We'll reevlauate after 5 years.

Boston Red Sox receive:
LF Gee Walker (84)
Philadelphia Athletics receive:
C Eddie McGah (63/78)
C Leslie Aulds (63/78)

The Sox get a replacement for Ted Williams.

Boston Red Sox receive:
C Tom Turner (74)
Chicago White Sox receive:
SP Bobby Smale (60/71)

Someone want to explain this one to me?

And one more involving the Phillies...

TO BE CONTINUED...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JULY 31

I suppose that this story actually begins last night. The thunder kept me awake, although it wasn’t just the thunder.

I like to dream about baseball. I know a lot of you might give me the hairy eyeball, but hear me out. I like to dream about the Phillies, specifically, playing in the World Series.

Last night I dreamt that it was Game 7, and the Phillies had a lead. The Yankees were up in the top of the 9th inning, and had loaded the bases for Joe DiMaggio. Ike Pearson was on to close the door, and worked a full count on DiMaggio. The payoff pitch was true, but DiMaggio tore through the ball, sending it on a line to centerfield. Earl Naylor took off after the ball. However, his shadow was moving faster than he was. Naylor’s shadow caught up to the projectile, but Naylor didn’t. The ball went for a bases-clearing triple, and we lost the Series.

I woke up in a cold sweat. Every time I was able to fall back asleep, Naylor’s shadow was doing something spectacular, while Earl was not. Every time I woke up, I grew more and more confused. The shadow was an outstanding player, while Earl was an ordinary one. Something was missing. I don’t know what exactly, but I know that Earl Naylor is not the answer in centerfield.

This morning, I woke up at around 9 AM (it’s good to be the owner) and grabbed the Philadelphia Inquirer. Today they had their minor league statistics, and I was always interested in seeing how my youngsters were doing down on the farm. However, when I was looking at the A-ball statistics, one name stood out from the rest: Larry Doby.

Doby was a 19-year-old centerfielder in the Indians organization. He was the first African-American to play in an American League game, and the second ever (after Jackie Robinson). He was tearing apart A ball, hitting .401 with 12 HR and 75 RBI. Last season, he hit .411 in rookie ball. He has the potential to be an outstanding hitter, and an outstanding player.

I called up Roger Peckinpaugh, the General Manager of the Indians. Peckinpaugh, in an example of how small the baseball world really is, was the shortstop of the 1924 World Champion Washington Senators, a team managed by player-manager Bucky Harris, who was the second baseman on that team, and is the current manager of the Phillies!

“Roger, what is the asking price for Larry Doby?”

I could sense that I caught his attention. Doby had been languishing in the depths of the Indians’ system, so Peckinpaugh obviously wasn’t a fan.

“Well, we’d need an outfielder of comparable skill, and a solid young first baseman.”

“How about Nick Goulish and Cecil Tyson?”

“Let me check.”

He did an awfully poor job covering the receiver. I could hear every word he said to his scouts that had assembled in his office.

He returned to the line. “We want Naylor instead of Goulish.”

“Well, I suppose that’ll be alright. Can I call you back? I want to run through this once more with my staff.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Roger said as I hung up.

I didn’t have any staff present. I just wanted to think about this in my head. I just had a few questions about how he would adapt, and how the city would welcome him, and how the team would welcome him. If only there was someone with the experience and the knowledge that I could talk to!

As luck would have it, baseball’s Grand Old Man strode by the office.

“Mr. Mack! Can I speak with you for a moment?”

“Why certainly, Andrew. What is it that’s on your mind?”

Connie Mack had certainly earned the respect of every Major Leaguer ever. He had been a part of this game for almost 60 years, as a player, manager, and owner. The 80-year-old Mack showed no signs of slowing down, and was so very helpful to a certain young owner trying to get acclimated.

“Well, Mr. Mack, I guess I have some qualms about this trade possibility I’m thinking about. I mean, I’d really like to get this outstanding centerfielder, Doby, from Cleveland, but I’m worried that Philadelphia may not be ready for a black ballplayer.”

“Andrew, I fully understand your situation. The problem is, the city of Philadelphia doesn’t make decisions, you do. It doesn’t matter if they’re not ready for a black man to play baseball in this town. If you’re ready, then they’ll have to be ready. You will certainly lose some fans, but you will gain the respect and endearment of the blacks in this city, which will more than make up for it. If I was in your shoes, Andrew, I would do it.”

I sat and thought about what Connie had to say, before I dismissed myself.

“Excuse me, Mr. Mack, but I have a trade to approve.”

Connie smiled at me, and went on his way.

Philadelphia Phillies receive:
CF Larry Doby (80/90)
$9,000
Cleveland Indians receive:
CF Earl Naylor (77/94)
1B Cecil Tyson (77/79)

[PotatoOfCouch13]

TRADE DEADLINE RECAP

STANDINGS
42 GAMES REMAINING

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Brooklyn	68-44	-
St. Louis	68-44	-
Chicago		65-47	3
New York	63-49	5
Boston		55-57	13
Pittsburgh	48-64	20
Philadelphia	46-66	22
Cincinnati	35-77	33
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE
New York	79-33	-
Boston		72-40	7
Cleveland	60-52	19
Washington	58-54	21
Detroit		47-65	32
Chicago		46-66	33
St. Louis	44-68	35
Philadelphia	42-70	37

RACE TO THE 1944 #1 PICK
Cincin. Reds	35-77	-
Phila. A's	42-70	7
St. L. Browns	44-68	9
Phila. Phillies	46-66	11
Chi. White Sox	46-66	11

RACE FOR CITY SUPREMACY
Phillies	46-66	-
Athletics	42-70	4

SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader

Batting Statistics

1943 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Kush, Emil                PHI   37 1.000     1    1   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0 1.000 1.000
Klein, Chuck              PHI  109  .311   376  117  23   2   9   25   41    7   5   47   52  .455  .356
Rizzuto, Phil             PHI  106  .309   395  122  20   4   0   40   40   10  14   54   33  .380  .374
Dallessandro, Dom         PHI   84  .307   166   51  13   2   2   17   19    2   1   20   28  .446  .374
Northey, Ron              PHI   98  .277   336   93  19   4   6   26   26    2   1   41   35  .411  .332
Stephens, Vern            PHI  108  .269   443  119  25   4  10   29   49    2   2   51   57  .411  .314
Livingston, Mickey        PHI   27  .254    59   15   2   0   0    7    6    1   0    7    7  .288  .333
Hamrick, Ray              PHI   13  .244    41   10   0   0   0    5    5    1   0    3    2  .244  .326
Seminick, Andy            PHI  104  .225   351   79   8   0  11   46   39    0   0   42   40  .342  .325
Hodges, Gil               PHI  101  .218   326   71  10   1   9   56   40    5   2   47   41  .337  .332
Mauney, Dick              PHI   24  .218    55   12   2   0   0    0   18    0   0    3    3  .255  .218
Marnie, Harry             PHI   75  .213   164   35   3   1   0    4   23    2   0   18   11  .244  .232
Murtaugh, Danny           PHI   88  .207   241   50   9   1   0   29   29    7   3   21   14  .253  .298
Wasdell, Jimmy            PHI   24  .195    41    8   0   0   0    4    7    0   1    2    4  .195  .267
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI   21  .186    43    8   2   0   0    0   13    0   0    3    3  .233  .186
Lambert, Gene             PHI   12  .174    23    4   2   0   0    1    8    0   0    3    2  .261  .208
Russo, Marius             PHI   18  .143    28    4   1   0   0    0    9    0   0    2    1  .179  .143
Gerheauser, Al            PHI   11  .136    22    3   0   0   0    0    3    0   0    2    1  .136  .136
Kraus, Jack               PHI   27  .083    60    5   1   0   0    4   18    0   0    4    3  .100  .138
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   18  .047    43    2   0   0   0    0   16    0   0    1    2  .047  .047
Murphy, Ed                PHI    2  .000     2    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    1    0  .000  .000
Glossop, Al               PHI    5  .000     3    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Casey, Hugh               PHI   35  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Page, Joe                 PHI   27  .000     3    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Masterson, Paul           PHI   10  .000     2    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

Pitching Statistics

1943 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Kush, Emil                PHI   55.1  1.95   37   0   3   5   2   26   25 11.39
Casey, Hugh               PHI   52.1  2.06   35   0   3   5  11   23   18  9.29
Kraus, Jack               PHI  189.2  2.99   27  27  13   9   0   60   63 11.77
Hughes, Tommy             PHI  132.0  3.27   18  18   8   6   0   63   45 10.98
Mauney, Dick              PHI  170.0  3.49   24  24   9   6   0   72   63 11.65
Page, Joe                 PHI   46.1  4.27   27   0   3   4   1   24   34 15.54
Masterson, Paul           PHI   22.0  4.50   10   1   0   1   1   11   13 14.73
Podgajny, Johnny          PHI  145.0  4.66   21  21   3  14   0   45   67 13.84
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   28.2  5.02   23   0   1   1   0   12   14 13.50
Lambert, Gene             PHI   81.2  5.40   12  12   2   6   0   54   40 13.56
Pearson, Ike              PHI    8.0  5.63    6   0   0   1   3    1    2  9.00
Russo, Marius             PHI  101.0  5.70   18  18   2   8   0   45   56 15.59
Gerheauser, Al            PHI   64.2  6.82   11   8   1   7   0   27   41 17.12
Matthewson, Dale          PHI    6.1  9.95    4   0   0   1   0    5    5 24.16

LEAGUE LEADERS

NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Pete Reiser (BRO)		.329
HR - Bill Nicholson (CHC)	29
RBI - Bill Nicholson (CHC)	109
SB - Sam Jethroe (BSN)		28
				
W - Whit Wyatt (BRO)		17
ERA - Jim Tobin (BSN)		2.73
K - Warren Spahn (BSN)		124
SV - Jim Hughes (BRO)		20
				
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Jeff Heath (CLE)		.338
      Roy Weatherly (CLE)	
HR - Jimmie Foxx (BOS)		27
RBI - Jimmie Foxx (BOS)		99
SB - Walt Chipple (WSH)		21
				
W - Tex Hughson (BOS)		15
    Jim Bagby (CLE)		
    Lefty Gomez (NYY)		
    Red Ruffing (NYY)		
    Early Wynn (WSH)		
ERA - Bill Butland (BOS)	2.41
K - Hal Newhouser (DET)		140
SV - Tom Ferrick (CLE)		15

MILESTONES

LF Charlie Keller (NYY): Hit for the Cycle (6/30)
2B Charlie Gehringer (CHW): 3000th Hit (7/5)
1B Jimmie Foxx (BOS): 2000th RBI (7/21)
SS Arky Vaughan (BRO): 2000th Hit (7/23)

MAJOR INJURIES

7/10: LF Ted Williams (BOS) out for the season with a broken fibula (Final Stats: .333, 25 HR, 69 RBI).
7/14: LF Bob Johnson (NYG) out 5 weeks with a broken foot.
7/17: CF Sam Jethroe (BSN) out 2 weeks with a chipped knee cap.
7/21: SP Red Ruffing (NYY) out for the season with a broken wrist (Final Stats: 15-4, 2.73 ERA, 91 K, 4 SO).
7/22: C Bill Dickey (NYY) out 1 month with a stress fracture.

NOTABLE RETIREMENTS

C Gus Mancuso retired. Mancuso played 14 seasons in the Majors for 5 different teams: the Cardinals (1928, 1930-32, 1941-42), the Giants (1933-38), the Cubs (1939), the Dodgers (1940), and the Red Sox (1943). He played in 2 All-Star Games: 1935 and 1937. His career line: .275, 50 HR, 478 RBI.

[CatKnight]

I see what you mean about Cincy: They want that number one pick BAD.

Regarding Doby....well, the scouting numbers don't agree with you, but that doesn't mean anything. He should be able to start helping Philly almost immediately!

[Coach Owens]

*Sniff sniff* And to think that PotatoOfCouch was once a new user that nobody knew. Now he's writing a dynasty that ranks up near Cat's. I'm so proud of him! Luckily I taught him everything I know.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

CatKnight: I said it at the beginning of the year, and you'll hear it again before the end: the Reds are awful.

Coach Owens: Thanks for the high praise! And for all the pointers! Thank goodness I took such detailed notes!

AUGUST 1

Well, we certainly got top billing.

“PHILLIES DEAL FOR DOBY”, screamed the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“WALSH PULLS DOBY OUT OF HAT AT DEADLINE”, proclaimed the Philadelphia Record.
“DOBY JOINS PHILLIES, TEAM INTEGRATES”, shouted the Philadelphia Tribune, the primarily black paper.
“PHILS GIVE UP ON SEASON”, lamented the Philadelphia Bulletin. I never liked them. They may be the biggest game in town, but they’re always so negative.

No reporting about our big win, though.

The fervor was so huge, that I decided to hold a press conference at Shibe Park this afternoon, introducing Larry to the Philadelphia media.

I got to speak with our new centerfielder before the presser. For someone who’s only 19, he’s a very self-motivated, very charismatic young man. I have no doubts now that he’ll be able to withstand the pressure of carrying a whole race of people on his back.

The biggest problem we had was with uniform numbers. Larry wanted to wear #14, but that belonged to Gil Hodges. Larry just switched to Cecil Tyson’s old #23.