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

[petrel]

1. Chuck Klein...not taking the field on opening day? There oughta be a law against it! Expect some boos from the crowd if they see you in a box seat.

2. Good to see that Joe DiMaggio made it back from the Army all right. Paul Waner won't have to patrol center field.

3. How's Pete Gray doing? It looks like that in this timeline, we won't see him making those one-armed catches in the Browns outfield.

--Pet

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Petrel: allow me answer in reverse order.

3. Pete Gray is currently in the AA level of the Browns minor leagues. He has had 92 major league at bats in the past 2 seasons, going .228 with 1 HR and 9 RBI. So he has made some one-armed catches. No outfield assists, though.

2. Joe DiMaggio never went to the army. In this universe, the President allowed all players not enlisted in July 1942 to stay at home and continue playing baseball. Those that were already signed up, like Greenberg and Feller, had to finish their service time.

1. Funny you should mention that...


MARCH 31, 1944

I called Chuck Klein into my office today. Bucky Harris had just laid out his Opening Day starters, and Chuck wasn’t one of them. The fixture in right field was to be replaced by Ron Northey.

“Hey Chuck, I wanted to talk to you about the roster.”

“Mr. Walsh, I’m over that. I know that I’m not a kid anymore, but I know that I can still help out as a pinch hitter. And if I want to play next season, I know that the Phillies organization will gladly keep me on the payroll. But to be honest, Mr. Walsh, none of that really matters to me anymore. I’m just so tired of this losing. I’m tired of being the laughingstock of the league. I’m tired of these second-division finishes. Let’s face it, I’m tired. If starting Ronnie and Nick ahead of me will help us win the pennant, then I’ll just be happy to assume the mentor role and help these kids along.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear. Thanks Chuck.”

“Oh, Mr. Walsh: you might want to try and add a veteran starter. It might help the young staff down the stretch to have a vet they can turn to. Just a thought.”

“Thanks, Chuck. I’ll look into that.”

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL 1, 1944

(One quick note about the format. I’ll be modifying the format a little bit. I’ll still give constant standings updates, but the season stats and league leaders and the like will be consolidated into three over the course of a season: one in mid-late May, one at the trade deadline, and another that finishes the season. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions that will help you read this easier.)

Before we started deliberating on the new commissioner, the owners unanimously agreed on one thing: term limits. We approved a resolution limiting the Commissioner to four 5-year terms starting in 1946. This means that in December of 1945, we’ll gather to elect a new Commissioner (or re-elect the existing one). This also means that the guy we elect today will serve until 1950, getting a de facto 6-year term. Lucky dog.

Now, onto more pressing matters.

It had been a struggle against time. Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis’ passing was dutifully reported by all the papers, but no one seemed surprised. The former Commissioner had been ill for quite some time. Although he had made his fair share of enemies (including yours truly), he had done a lot for the game of baseball. He was instrumental in cleaning the game up, from a gambler-infested hobby to a proud institution of America. He had broken the color-barrier, and players like Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, and Roy Campanella were making him look like a genius. He was gone, however, and baseball would survive. It just needed a new figurehead.

The task was daunting though. It appeared that every executive had brought forth his own candidate. At 9:05 AM, we had 13 candidates. Through a process of elimination and biography reading and analysis, we were able to get the list down to 8 by the time lunch rolled around. In no particular order, here is our list:

William Harridge - AL President
Ford C. Frick - NL President
Thomas E. Dewey - Governor of New York
John W. Bricker - Governor of Ohio
Fred M. Vinson - Director of the Office of Economic Stabilization
James A. Farley – Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee
Robert E. Hannegan – Chairman of the Democratic National Committee
Frank J. Lausche – Mayor of Cleveland, OH

There was an extraordinarily long lunch break. I think that Tom Yawkey treated everyone with him to drinks, and Tom can really throw them down.

We got back at 1:30 PM, and had made absolutely zero progress come 4 PM.

“Well, fellas, if we need to, we can appoint a temporary commissioner. I know that [American League attorney] Joseph Hostetler is interested in serving on an interim basis”, Richard Zimmerman said.

“What good is a temporary commissioner? We still need to find a qualified individual just to fill an interim spot”, argued William Benswanger.

Warren Giles lamented, “There isn’t anyone that really stands out. Perhaps we should wait until after the war, when other, more qualified candidates will be available.”

I couldn’t hold my tongue anymore. “We can’t wait until after the war. First, who knows how long it’s going to last? Secondly, imagine the public’s reaction when we announce that we don’t have a commissioner. How sad will it look that 16 of the most powerful men in America can’t decide on someone to police them? Gentlemen, for our sake and for the sake of this great game, we need to make a decision tonight.”

“Powerful words, Mr. Walsh.” The voice was familiar, but it wasn’t one of the owner’s. It had come from the suddenly-open door...

“We asked for a closed session, now please...”, Ed Barrow froze as he saw the figure. “My mistake, Mr. President, please come in!”

Franklin Delano Roosevelt wheeled himself into the room and occupied a position at the head of the table.

“Thank you gentlemen for accommodating me on such short notice. I do hope I haven’t missed the decision.”

“No Mr. President, we can’t seem to get this list narrowed”, Alva Bradley said.

“Well, I certainly hate to have to add to the confusion, but I’m here for a friend that’s interested in your commissioner vacancy.”

“Well, might as well throw another hat in the ring”, joked Sam Breadon.

“I think you might like him, Sam. He actually came with me.”

Albert B. “Happy” Chandler walked in behind FDR’s wheelchair. Chandler was a former governor of Kentucky and was currently serving in the U.S. Senate as the junior senator from Kentucky.

“Hello, y’all. Glad to meet you. I’m Albert, but everyone calls me Happy!”

For 30 minutes, the owners grilled Happy, from everything to his political stance to his devotion to the game. As it turns out, Happy was ultimately prepared for every question lobbed his way, smashing each answer back towards the owners with that jovial smile of his.

After the questions were exhausted, President Roosevelt and Senator Chandler excused themselves, and the 16 owners took a vote. Well, we tried. It turns out that Ed Barrow and Warren Giles were both anti-Happy, while Branch Rickey, Sam Breadon, and Clark Griffith were for him. After some more quarrelling and arguing, we finally took the vote on Chandler. A 3/4 majority (12 votes) was needed to instill him as the new commissioner.

“Cincinnati votes no.”
“The Browns vote yes.”
“The Phillies vote yes.”
“The White Sox vote yes.”
“The Athletics vote no.”
“The Pirates vote yes.”
“The Tigers vote yes.”
“The Braves vote yes.”
“The Senators vote no.”
“The Indians vote yes.”
“The Cubs vote yes.”
“The Giants vote yes.”
“The Dodgers vote yes.”
“The Cardinals vote yes.”
“The Yankees vote no.”

Tom Yawkey would cast the deciding vote.

“The Red Sox vote yes.”

And so it was official. At 5:21 PM on April 1, 1944, Happy Chandler became baseball’s second commissioner.

Unfortunately, the lateness of the meeting forced all of us to miss all 4 Opening Day games. Oh well, with a new Commissioner in place, and that being the worst of our worries, I’d say that we were on easy street.

[CatKnight]

Well, Happy seems....Happy. I'm a little surprised Yawkey voted for him. Historically Happy brought integration, and he seems pro-civil rights for most of his career. Didn't the BoSox fight integration as long as they could?

It'll be interesting to see if Chandler's obvious charisma can win him the support to push baseball into the post-war era. Also, since HE doesn't have to integrate the game anymore, I wonder if it'll help his prospects in the '50 election!

[petrel]

From the book "Divide and Dissent: Kentucky Politics 1930-1963".

"...in this statement are contained many hints to the resiliency of Happy Chandler the politician. His ability to rationalize his own conduct and to condemn with great indignation others engaging in the same conduct; his habit of interpreting as sin actions which, committed by him, became virtue; and his willingness to state as fact things that the record showed were made up of whole cloth -- such tactics, employed consistently, stood the man in good stead throughout a long career."

It might give you some hint to his personality.

--Pet

[PotatoOfCouch13]

CatKnight: Well, I wanted to put Happy in as commissioner, and baseball had already been integrated, so I sort of looked past that.

Petrel: Thanks! That'll really help out when I have to interact with the new commish later on!


APRIL 2

There is nothing like Opening Day in Philadelphia. The sun is shining, the grass is green, and there’s a full house at Shibe Park! Now, after a busy and tumultuous offseason, let’s Play Ball!

Jack Kraus went out to the mound to start the game for the Phillies. Our ‘ace’ last season, he went 19-13 with a 3.17 ERA, and was one of the finalists for the NL Cy Young Award. He got Andy Pafko to ground out, but plunked Rick Ferrell. He got out of the inning unscathed, as he got two more groundouts from Phil Cavarretta and Bill Nicholson to end the inning.

Claude Passeau would start the season for the Cubs. Passeau is an ex-Phillie, having played for the team from 1936-1939. He went 14-8 with a 3.40 ERA for the Cubs last season. He retired Phil Rizzuto, Ron Northey, and Gil Hodges in order.

Kraus managed to get Reggie Otero and Cy Block out, but surrendered a double to Pete Coscarart. He was obviously rattled, as he hit Tony York. But the thread was nullified when Passeau flied out to end the frame.

Passeau got Vern Stephens, Larry Doby, and Andy Seminick in order in the 2nd inning.

After retiring Pafko and Ferrell, Kraus allowed a Cavarretta double, but stranded him at second base by inducing a Nicholson fly out.

The bottom third of the order, Nick Goulish, Ray Hamrick, and Kraus does nothing against Claude Passeau, who cruises through the order without incidents.

Jack Kraus ran into trouble in the 4th. He walked Otero and Block, putting runners on first and second with nobody out. Coscarart struck out, but Tony York lifted a blooper into left field. It took a fine sliding catch by Nick Goulish to record the out, but it was a fantastic play. However, it would be topped by the next pitch. Claude Passeau smashed a vicious line drive that looked like a certain double, but little Phil Rizzuto stretched every part of his 5’6” frame to snag the ball at the peak of his jump! Jack Kraus gave him a well-deserved pat on the back, as two fine defensive plays keep the Cubbies off the scoreboard.

Rizzuto followed up his amazing play by lining the Phillies’ first hit back through the box. However, he managed to get picked off of first base. Not the way you want to start the season. As he sulked in the dugout, I saw Hack Wilson go over and talk to Scooter. Hack should know something about making bad plays. He misplayed a “routine” fly ball in the 1930 World Series that led to a 10-run inning, allowing the Philadelphia Athletics to seize momentum and win the World Series. Hopefully the kid can get his head on straight when we need him. Northey and Hodges both flied out to end the inning.

Pafko struck out to lead off the Cubs’ fifth, but Ferrell followed with a double. He was left standing on second, as Cavarretta struck out and Nicholson popped up to the second baseman.

Vern Stephens led off the Phillies’ fifth with a base knock. Doby struck out, but Seminick walked. Nick Goulish followed with a single to right, and Vern came around to score. Phillies 1, Cubs 0. Hamrick grounded out to end the threat.

The lead wouldn’t last, as Jack Kraus immediately allowed a triple to Reggie Otero, who scored on Cy Block’s RBI single. Phillies 1, Cubs 1. A sac bunt advanced the runner to second, when Garth Mann pinch hit for Tony York. Mann flied out, and Passeau popped out to end the threat.

Kraus, Rizzuto and Northey were retired in order.

Andy Pafko led off the 7th inning with a walk, and advanced to second on a Ferrell sacrifice. Cavarretta bounced a vicious shot back at Kraus, but Jack was able to stab it in midair, and wheeled to third to nab Pafko! The heads-up play goes for naught, however, as Bill Nicholson strokes an RBI double to give the Cubs their first lead. Cubs 2, Phillies 1. Otero struck out to end the inning.

Gil Hodges popped out the start the 7th, but Vern Stephens walked. Larry Doby followed with a base hit, and Andy Seminick lashed a double down the left field line, scoring Stephens and tying the game. Cubs 2, Phillies 2. With two runners in scoring position and 1 out, rookie Nick Goulish stepped up to the plate, and sat back down in the dugout after striking out. The crowd roared as long-time Phillies outfielder Chuck Klein was called up to pinch hit for Ray Hamrick. Chuck got a 2-1 fastball and yanked it down the line. A towering fly ball that had every intention of going out was held up by a gust of wind, and fell harmlessly into Nicholson’s waiting glove, wasting the Phillies’ golden opportunity to bust the game open.

Cy Block led off the 8th with a single, took a wide turn and tried for second. But Larry Doby raced over and fired a perfect strike to Danny Murtaugh, who spun and applied the tag for the first out. I know one thing: Earl Naylor NEVER makes that play. Pete Coscarart and Eddie Stanky are retired and the inning ends.

Jack Kraus is lifted for a pinch hitter, Ed Murphy, to start the Phillies’ 8th. Murphy doesn’t disappoint, blooping a double into centerfield. Phil Rizzuto laces a single to right field, and Murphy scampers around third base to score just ahead of the tag! Phillies 3, Cubs 2. After outs to Northey and Hodges, Stephens singles, and Rizzuto slides into third base. He is stranded, though, as Doby grounds out harmlessly.

Ike Pearson was brought in to close out the game, and Harry Marnie was brought in at second base. I mention this now, because it will become crucial later.

The inning started innocently enough. Bob Johnson pinch hit for Passeau, and drew a walk. Pafko laid down a sacrifice, and Ferrell lined out on another outstanding defensive play by Goulish. Phil Cavarretta bounced a routine grounder to Marnie at second.

Now, Harry is listed as a shortstop, but is a second baseman by trade, and can play Gold Glove-caliber defense anywhere on the infield. He fielded the grounder, and inexplicably looked to third base. I don’t know if he was trying to get the lead runner (which you’re NOT supposed to do in this situation), but something distracted him enough to land his throw...in the second row of the grandstand. Johnson scored, and Cavarretta took second. Phillies 3, Cubs 3. Bill Nicholson followed with a single, and Cavarretta came around to score. Cubs 4, Phillies 3. Otero walked, but Block flied out. However, the damage was done.

Or was it? Whitey Miller came in to close the game for the Cubs. He got Seminick to pop out and Goulish to fly out. With two outs, Harry Marnie stepped up to bat. Obviously, he wanted to make up for his error in the top of the inning, so he battled. He must’ve fouled off 3 tough pitches before he got his fastball, and went the other way with it for a base hit. The Phillies were still breathing, but had rookie Johnny Blatnik coming up as a pinch-hitter. Blatnik, with nerves of steel, battled to a 3-1 count, then lined a fastball...past the diving Clyde McCullough at first base and down the right-field line! Marnie slid home safely, and the game was tied on Blatnik’s RBI double! Cubs 4, Phillies 4. Phil Rizzuto, signified the top of the order, and worked the count 3-0. He slapped a 95-mile-an-hour fastball towards deep short. Blatnik, who has excellent speed, took off on contact toward third base. Eddie Stanky tried to knock the ball down...BUT IT GOT PAST HIM INTO LEFT FIELD! Blatnik raced around third, touched home, and leapt into the waiting arms of Ron Northey! Rizzuto touched first, and joined in the celebration. Andy Pafko picked the ball up in left field, and just put it in his pocket. For the second consecutive year, the Phillies had won their home opener in walk-off fashion!

Phillies 5, Cubs 4
W: Ike Pearson (1-0) L: Whitey Miller (0-1)

2B: Andy Seminick (1), Ed Murphy (1), Johnny Blatnik (1)

I left the stadium a few hours after the game had ended, and I was in a sea of self-doubt. After the six NL teams that played on the first split their first two games, the 1-0 Philadelphia Phillies sit alone atop the National League. Maybe this team does have the stuff to make a run for the pennant? Something just doesn’t look right about this team, though. It’s missing something, but I just can’t put my finger on it...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL – MAY 1944
PART I

April 2-4: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies

2 – See recap above

3 – A fan was spotted with a sign that read: “Magic Number: 153”. I thought that was a little much, but the fans haven’t had a lot to cheer about in the past decade. On to the game: Tommy Hughes twirls a dandy, a four-hit shutout, and Nick Goulish stays hot with his first career home run.
Phillies 6, Cubs 0.
W: Tommy Hughes (1-0) L: Shaun Hale (0-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (1)
3B: Vern Stephens (1)
HR: Nick Goulish (1)

***

I suppose that renegotiating after a shutout victory with the winning pitcher is bad practice, but Tommy Hughes and I agreed to a long term extension: $18,000 per year through 1950, with 3-year options for the team ($23,000) and the player ($30,000). I know that he’s somewhat fragile, but when he’s on his game, he’s one of the best pitchers in the National League, and I want to keep a talent like that among my ranks.

***

Congratulations to Dodgers 1B Dolph Camilli. The former Phillie knocked in the 1000th RBI of his career as the Dodgers trounced the Reds, 14-2.

***

4 – The same fan was back today, holding a “Magic Number: 152” sign. It was funny the first day, buddy, but now it’s getting kind of lame! Anyways: Dick Mauney tosses a complete game, as Larry Doby has quite the day with a home run, a stolen base, and some fine defensive plays out in centerfield as the Phillies open their season with a sweep of the Cubs.
Phillies 6, Cubs 1.
W: Dick Mauney (1-0) L: Paul Troughton
HR: Larry Doby (1)
SB: Larry Doby (1)

***

Congratulations to Red Sox SS Joe Cronin, who knocked in his 1500th career RBI today in a 6-1 Red Sox win over the New York Yankees.

***

April 5-7: Cincinnati Reds (1-2, T-5th, 2 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (3-0, 1st, 1 GA)

5 – Nick Goulish goes 3-3 (2 doubles and a triple) with 2 RBI, and Charlie Ripple pitches well in 7 innings of work to pick up his first Major League victory.
Phillies 8, Reds 5
W: Charlie Ripple (1-0) L: Ewell Blackwell (0-1) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (1)
2B: Nick Goulish 2 (2), Andy Seminick (2), Charlie Ripple (1)
3B: Nick Goulish (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (1)

***

Bad news for the defending AL Champions: Ace SP Lefty Gomez will miss the remainder of the season with a broken wrist. Team doctors also say that the wrist may never fully recover. Tough break for the Bombers.

OF Gene Moore retired. Moore played in 12 Major League seasons for the Reds (1931), the Cardinals (1933-1935), the Braves (1936-1938, 1940-1941), the Dodgers (1939-1940), and the Senators (1942-1943). He made the 1937 All-Star team as a representative of the Braves. His career stat line: .276, 48 HR, 320 RBI.

***

6 – Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the 8th inning, Ron Northey and Gil Hodges hit back-to-back triples, and Vern Stephens follows with a double, giving Jack Kraus (CG, 3 R, 9 H) his first victory of the season.
Phillies 4, Reds 3
W: Jack Kraus (0-1) L: Bucky Walters (0-2)
2B: Vern Stephens (1)
3B: Ron Northey (1), Gil Hodges (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (2)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (1)

***

SS Billy Jurges retired. Jurges played 12 Major League seasons for the Cubs (1931-1938) and the Giants (1939-1942). He was a member of 3 NL All-Star teams: 1937, 1939, and 1940. His career stat line: .263, 35 HR, 571 RBI.

***

7 – Well, you can’t win them all. The Reds strike for 5 runs in the 7th and 8th to pull ahead and stay ahead, despite a last-minute push by the home team.
Reds 6, Phillies 4
W: Earl Harrist (1-0) L: Tommy Hughes (1-1) SV: Walker Cress (1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (2), Gil Hodges 2 (2), Ray Hamrick (1)
SB: Ray Hamrick (1)

***

The Dodgers lost a key component today, when it was announced that 2B Jackie Robinson will miss the rest of the regular season with a torn Achilles tendon. If the Dodgers win the pennant, he will be able to return for the World Series.

In our nation’s capital, the Senators found out that their ace, SP Early Wynn, will be out for the season with a torn ACL.

And I thought Tommy Hughes was fragile. Dick Mauney will miss 5 weeks with a dislocated hip. Dick has been injury-riddled, and has gone on the DL four times in his brief (1+ seasons) tenure in the major leagues. Gene Lambert will take his spot in the rotation while Al Gerheauser gets the call-up from AAA Utica.

***

The New York Giants have won 5 in a row, tying us for the NL lead.

The Chicago White Sox are blazing hot, winning 4 straight and pulling to within one game of the 5-1 Washington Senators, who lead the AL. The Philadelphia A’s are still the only team that has yet to win a ballgame.

We now have to face our toughest test so far: a three-game trip to Brooklyn to face off with the Dodgers.

***

April 8-10: Philadelphia Phillies (5-1, T-1st, 1 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (4-2, 3rd, 1 GB)

8 – The Phillies use the strength of a 5-run third inning, and ride the great performance by Gene Lambert (7.1 IP, 3 R, 7 H) to pick up the road win.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 3
W: Gene Lambert (1-0) L: Carl Hubbell (1-1) SV: Paul Masterson (1)
HR: Larry Doby (2)

9 – The Phillies string together enough hits and walks to score 4 runs in the fourth inning, and Charlie Ripple controls the Dodgers offense for 8 innings, and the Phillies win again.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (2-0) L: Larry French (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (1)

***

The Giants lost to the Cardinals, giving the Phillies sole possession of first place!

***

10 – Ron Northey was just 4-38 on the season before today’s game. He goes 2-4 with a key 9th-inning three-run home run to put the game on ice for Jack Kraus (8 IP, 2 ER, 5 H) and the Phillies sweep the Dodgers in Brooklyn.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 2
W: Jack Kraus (2-0) L: Johnny Vander Meer (2-1)
2B: Nick Goulish (3), Johnny Blatnik (2)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (2), Andy Seminick (1)
HR: Ron Northey (1)

***

The Giants lost to the Cardinals again, increasing the Phillies’ lead to 2 games!

We take a day off on the 11th to travel to Pittsburgh for our first meeting with the Pirates. The Giants lost on our off day, so our lead increases to 2 1/2 games!

(For those of you wondering, our Magic Number is 143 )

***

April 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (8-1, 1st, 2.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (3-6, T-7th, 5 GB)

12 – Gil Hodges’ 9th-inning RBI single helps Tommy Hughes to his second victory of the season, and keeps the Phillies on their newfound winning ways.
Phillies 3, Pirates 2
W: Tommy Hughes (2-1) L: Ace Adams (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (2)
2B: Nick Goulish (4), Ray Hamrick (2), Ron Northey (1)

13 – Vern Stephens hits a grand slam, but the Phillies need a second four-run inning to put the Pirates away, and extend their winning streak to 5 games.
Phillies 8, Pirates 5
W: Gene Lambert (2-0) L: Harry Shuman (1-1)
2B: Larry Doby (1), Gene Lambert (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (1)

***

The National League Leader in batting average has been bitten by the injury bug. LF Bobby Estalella (CIN) will miss 2 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. He was hitting .475 (19-40) at the time of his injury.

The Giants are unable to keep pace with the torridly-hot Phillies, and drop another game in the standings, leaving them 3.5 back.

***

14 – The Pirates rally for 5 runs in the 8th inning, thanks to a Gil Hodges error, and avoid the sweep. I could get used to winning 5 of 6, though.
Pirates 7, Phillies 4
W: Bill Brandt (1-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (0-1) SV: Diomedes Olivo (2)
2B: Ray Hamrick (3)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (2), Ray Hamrick (2), Nick Goulish (1)

***

The Giants win, so they pick up a game on us.

***

April 15: Off Day

We got back to Philadelphia late on Saturday (the 14th) night. With Sunday off, I wanted to get the players home so they could prep for our big series with the Giants starting on Monday. Waiting for us at Shibe Park was a throng of fans, maybe 200 deep! It was a madhouse! It was great to see so many people ready to welcome the team back home, and with 3 upcoming against the second-place Giants, I hope that they can fill the park with the same raucous atmosphere that they greeted us with!

STANDINGS (AFTER GAMES ON APRIL 15, 1944)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	10-2	 -
New York	8-5	2.5
Boston		7-5	 3
St. Louis	6-6	 4
Brooklyn	6-7	4.5
Chicago		5-7	 5
Pittsburgh	4-8	 6
Cincinnati	3-9	 7
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Washington	8-4	 -
Boston		7-5	 1
Cleveland	7-5	 1
New York	6-6	 2
Chicago		6-6	 2
Detroit		6-7	2.5
Philadelphia	5-8	3.5
St. Louis	4-8	 4

[CatKnight]

Magic number 140!

*joining the fan with the sign*

[Coach Owens]

Booo! Go A's!

[petrel]

As a St. Louis fan might put it, "yeah, but you've not played New York or St. Louis yet. Let's see how well you do when you play a good team."

My definition of a good team: one with Gil Hodges, Phil Rizzuto and Larry Doby.

--Pet

[PotatoOfCouch13]

CatKnight: Trust me, I know. That same guy must have season tickets...

Coach Owens: But the A's aren't as good as the Phillies...and you're a Mariners fan

Petrel: Yes, I'm aware that I've been beating up the bottom half of the NL. Funny that you mention the Cardinals and Giants: The Phillies' next 9 games are against those two teams.

APRIL – MAY 1944
PART II

Turns out that the Sporting News was keen to our hot start, so they sent a reporter to get a story for next month’s issue. I gave some terrific quotes, while attributing all the success to the players and coaches. I don’t bust my butt every night, I just assemble the talent and pay the bills. Maybe I should’ve given myself more credit...

April 16-18: New York Giants (8-5, 2nd, 2.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (10-2, 1st, 2.5 GA)

16 – Harry Danning and Johnny Mize drive in all of the Giants’ runs, and the Phillies’ 9th-inning comeback attempt falls just short.
Giants 3, Phillies 2
W: Hal Schumacher (2-2) L: Jack Kraus (2-1) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (3), Larry Doby (2)
3B: Ron Northey (2)

17 – The Phillies almost make more errors than hits, as Van Mungo dominates the Philadelphia order, tossing a 5-hit shutout to pull the Giants within a half game of first place.
Giants 11, Phillies 0
W: Van Mungo (2-0) L: Tommy Hughes (2-2)

18 – With first place on the line, the Phillies under-whelm, managing only one run against Cliff Melton, who went the distance to move the Giants into first place.
Giants 3, Phillies 1
W: Cliff Melton (2-0) L: Gene Lambert (2-1)
2B: Gil Hodges (3), Vern Stephens (2)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (3), Ray Hamrick (3)

***

Wow. Well, at least the Giants will be without CF Wally Judnich for two weeks (separated shoulder).

***

April 19-21: Philadelphia Phillies (10-5, 2nd, .5 GB) at St. Louis Cardinals (7-8, T-4th, 3.5 GB)

19 – Andy Seminick goes 2-5 with 3 RBI as the Phillies snap their losing streak and keep pace with the first-place Giants.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 5
W: Charlie Ripple (3-0) L: Howie Pollet (1-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (5), Andy Seminick (3)

20 – Jack Kraus gets roughed up, giving up 2 home runs in 6 innings, as the Phillies don’t stand a chance today. Thankfully the Giants lose, keeping the Phillies 1/2 game back.
Cardinals 8, Phillies 3
W: Harry Gumbert (3-0) L: Jack Kraus (2-2)
2B: Vern Stephens (3)

21 – Gil Hodges and Vern Stephens hit back-to-back home runs...in an 11-0 game. The Giants lose again, so the Phillies manage to keep pace despite another poor showing.
Cardinals 11, Phillies 2
W: Lon Warneke (3-1) L: Tommy Hughes (2-3)
2B: Larry Doby (3)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (2), Andy Seminick (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (3), Vern Stephens (2)

April 22: Day Off

***

Congratulations to Red Sox SS Joe Cronin, who recorded his 2500th career hit in an 8-7 win over the Senators.

We get the day off to rest up for another huge confrontation with the Giants, this time at the Polo Grounds.

***

April 23-25: Philadelphia Phillies (11-7, 2nd, .5 GB) at New York Giants (12-7, 1st, .5 GA)

23 – Chuck Klein’s pinch-hit RBI groundout in the top of the 9th inning puts the Phillies ahead to stay, and gives the visitors sole possession of first place.
Phillies 5, Giants 4
W: Hugh Casey (1-0) L: Ken Trinkle (0-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (4), Gil Hodges (4), Andy Seminick (4), Ron Northey (2), Gene Lambert (2)
3B: Gil Hodges (2), Vern Stephens (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (1)

***

Last season’s #1 overall pick, RP Clarence Marshall, will miss 1 month with some ruptured knee ligaments.

***

24 – The most consistent starter for the first-place Phillies? Rookie Charlie Ripple, whose 8 innings of 3-run ball is enough for the win, and to extend the lead to 1.5 games.
Phillies 6, Giants 3
W: Charlie Ripple (4-0) L: Walter Ockey (0-2) SV: Ike Pearson (3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (5), Ron Northey (3)
3B: Ray Hamrick (1)
HR: Ron Northey (2)

25 – Jack Kraus and Emil Kush combine to shut out the Giants offense, and the Phillies return the favor, sweeping the Giants in their home stadium. Revenge is sweet.
Phillies 6, Giants 0
W: Jack Kraus (3-2) L: Hal Schumacher (2-3)
2B: Andy Seminick (5), Vern Stephens (4), Ron Northey (4)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (3)

***

The excitement of an early-season pennant run certainly has Phillies fans all agog: we’ve actually recorded some sellouts! I’m not going to lie: this is certainly the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been here. We’re going to need a whole lot of fans tomorrow, as we start a huge series with the Dodgers.

***

April 26-28: Brooklyn Dodgers (12-10, T-2nd, 2.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (14-7, 1st, 2.5 GA)

26 – Perhaps there is nothing better than baseball on a Thursday night under the lights! Well, there is something better: a Phillies win on a Thursday night under the lights! Tommy Hughes allows 4 runs over 8 innings, but still picks up the win as Emil Kush survives a wild 9th inning. The Giants win to keep pace.
Phillies 9, Dodgers 8
W: Tommy Hughes (3-3) L: Larry French (0-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (5)
3B: Larry Doby (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (3), Nick Goulish (2)

27 – In a complete 180, today’s game features a pitching clinic by Gene Lambert. The 23-year-old from Crenshaw, MS struck out 11 Dodger hitters, en route to a complete-game five-hit victory. The Giants lost, giving the Phillies a 3.5 game lead.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 1
W: Gene Lambert (3-1) L: Johnny Vander Meer (3-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto 2 (7), Nick Goulish (6)

***

SP Vern Kennedy retired. Kennedy pitched 10 seasons in the Major Leagues, with the White Sox (1934-1937), the Tigers (1938-1939), the Browns (1939-1941), the Senators (1941), the Indians (1942), and the Giants (1943). He was selected to 2 All-Star Games: 1936 & 1938. His career stat line: 88-97, 5.00 ERA, 100 CG in 212 starts.

***

28 – Larry Doby falls a double shy of the cycle, going 4-5 with 5 RBIs, helping rookie Charlie Ripple to a perfect 5-0 record. The Giants lose again, giving a 4.5 game advantage to the Phillies who have won 6 straight.
Phillies 7, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (5-0) L: Paul Derringer (2-4)
2B: Nick Goulish (7), Vern Stephens (6), Ray Hamrick (4)
3B: Larry Doby (2)
HR: Larry Doby (3)

***

It may take the New York Giants a little longer to catch us than usual. Team doctors announced that RF Mel Ott will be out for nearly 2 months after getting hit by 2 pitches in today’s game. Also, Giant C Harry Danning will miss 2 weeks with a mild shoulder separation.

***

April 29 – May 2: Philadelphia Phillies (17-7, 1st, 4.5 GA) at St. Louis Cardinals (11-13, T-5th, 6 GB)

29 – Jack Kraus holds the Cardinals to 5 hits in 7 innings of work. However, Johnny Beazley holds the Phillies to 3 hits in 8.1 innings. With the rest of the NL idle, the Phillies give a half-game back to field, leaving the Giants 4 back.
Cardinals 2, Phillies 1
W: Johnny Beazley (1-1) L: Jack Kraus (3-3) SV: Gordon Maltzberger (3)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (4)

***

Another injury hits the Phillies rotation, as NL strikeout leader Gene Lambert will miss 2 weeks of action with a sprained back. Marius Russo will get the call up from AAA Utica.

***

30 – A 13-inning marathon that the Phillies win with an RBI single by Andy Seminick. The Giants loss moves the Cubs into second place, now 4.5 games behind the league-leading Phillies.
Phillies 2, Cardinals 1 (13)
W: Hugh Casey (2-0) L: Gordon Maltzberger (0-1)
2B: Nick Goulish (8), Andy Seminick (6), Ron Northey (5), Harry Marnie (1)
3B: Nick Goulish (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (2)

1 – Marius Russo digs the Phillies into a 5-0 hole that the offense just can’t quite get out of. The Cubs win, cutting the league lead to 3.5 games.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Johnny Rigney (2-5) L: Marius Russo (0-1) SV: Gordon Maltzberger (4)
2B: Larry Doby (4)
HR: Johnny Blatnik (1)

2 – Charlie Ripple is in rare form, as he holds the Cardinals to just 3 hits over 8 innings of outstanding work, and Emil Kush comes in to complete the shutout. The Cubs lose, moving the Giants back into second place, 4 games back.
Phillies 5, Cardinals 0
W: Charlie Ripple (6-0) L: Harry Gumbert (4-2)
2B: Harry Marnie (2)
3B: Larry Doby (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (4)

STANDINGS (After games on May 2, 1944)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	19-9	 -
New York	15-13	 4
Chicago		14-13	4.5
Cincinnati	13-14	5.5
Brooklyn	13-15	 6
St. Louis	13-15	 6
Boston		12-18	 7
Pittsburgh	12-18	 7
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	18-9	-
Boston		17-10	1
Cleveland	16-11	2
Washington	15-12	3
Detroit		13-14	5
Chicago		12-15	6
Philadelphia	9-18	9
St. Louis	8-19	10

[Coach Owens]

Why do the teams I cheer for always suck?

[CatKnight]

Well why the heck did you pick the A's? By 1944 they're well into "we really, really suxx0r" mode.

4 games in front entering May! Awesome job! Now...can you hold the lead?


Oh, lest I forget: Magic Number 123!

[petrel]

My rule has always been that it's okay to split a series with a good team, or even drop such a series on the road. But you have to mop the floor with crappy teams!

I think this Phillies team can go all the way.

--Pet

[Coach Owens]

My rule has always been that it's okay to split a series with a good team, or even drop such a series on the road. But you have to mop the floor with crappy teams!

I think this Phillies team can go all the way.

--Pet

2007 Mariners anyone?