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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach Owens: Don't think of them as sucking. Think of it as "perpetual rebuilding".

CatKnight: I certainly hope a 4-game lead can be held. Especially with the fun I'm having with trades right now (blockbuster coming up - stay tuned)!

Petrel: I certainly hope you're right!

MAY 1, 1944

LOOK OUT, NL, HERE COME THE PHILLIES?
Young upstarts off to a blistering start.
By Stanley J. Smith, SN staff writer

For having two perennial losers for baseball teams, the city of Philadelphia has its hopes high that someday, a team will bust through with the right assemblage of talent and leadership and capture a World Series title for their fair city.

Perhaps that this season’s version of the Phillies will be that team.

It has been over 28 years since the Phillies won their only pennant. The 1915 team included two future Hall-of-Famers in Grover Alexander and Eppa Rixey, as well as superhuman performances from Gavvy Cravath and Dave Bancroft.

This season, the Phillies are made up of kids.

The Phillies only field two players over the age of 30: outfielder Chuck Klein and reliever Hugh Casey. Only one other player has more than four years of Major League experience under his belt. While the experience is not there, the talent certainly shows.

“The kids are fantastic players, and have the world ahead of them,” says manager Bucky Harris. “If they can all stay healthy, they could bring multiple championships to Philadelphia.

“It really has been remarkable to see the transformation from glossy-eyed rookie to regular player. Each one of these guys has turned into a reliable player.”

Perhaps the brain trust behind the team could shed some light on why the Phillies are having such success: “I guess that it just clicked for all of them at the same time,” says team owner Andrew Walsh. “The results tend to be unpredictable when you get a bunch of young guys together. Fortunately, they’ve reacted with a fantastic start.”

Walsh should get more credit than he lets on. With a series of smart personnel moves, he’s quite possibly put together the best team under 25 ever. Trades for Phil Rizzuto, Vern Stephens, and Larry Doby are really just the tip of the iceberg for Walsh.

“We take great pride in developing our own talent. The Cardinals get a lot of praise for such a great farm system, but if you look at our roster, we have plenty of home-grown talents that are putting up great performances for us.

“Our rotation is entirely home-grown. [Jack] Kraus, [Tommy] Hughes, [Dick] Mauney, and [Charlie] Ripple have all come up from the minors and put up great performances so far. We have Andy Seminick behind the plate, Ron Northey and Nick Goulish in the outfield, and Ray Hamrick and Gil Hodges on the right side. I think that our system is really paying dividends.”

Walsh should know about dividends. He was a Wall Street stockbroker, who purchased the Phillies from Gerald Nugent after he ran out of money. It may have been the smartest business decision of his life.

But how are the players reacting to their newfound success? Elder statesman Chuck Klein, who has witnessed 14 seasons worth of losing in a Phillies uniform:

“They’re great. They bring a youthful energy to the team, and I really think that they believe in themselves, and that’s what counts.”

Sophomore catcher Andy Seminick gives credit to Klein: “Chuck has been a huge influence on us all. He’s been around the block a few times, so if we have questions, we know we can go to him and [Hugh] Casey.”

With a 10-2 record as of April 15, the Phillies are the best team in baseball. But the question on everyone’s mind is: do they have the discipline and the stamina to lead for the remaining 142 games?

“I think they do”, manager Harris said. “They’re a very driven, very talented bunch. If they feel that the pennant is within their grasp, they’re gonna try and take it.”

“Even if we don’t get it this year”, continued Walsh, “we’ll certainly put the rest of the National League on notice. This isn’t just a one-time thing. This team is built for 5, 10, even 15 years down the road. We could be a perennial force like the Yankees.”

Seminick has a different take. “When it all comes down to it, it doesn’t matter if we win the pennant this year. We’re just 25 guys that like to have fun. It is just a game, after all.”

Although that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, the young catcher is right. However, if the Phillies keep winning their games, these ‘Whiz Kids’ could be parading down Broad Street with their first World Series title come October.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL – MAY 1944
PART III

May 3-5: Boston Braves (12-16, T-7th, 7 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (19-9, 1st, 4 GA)

We’ll get the best the Braves have to offer, with Tobin, Ruffing, and Spahn scheduled to start for the visitors. We’ll counter with Kraus, Hughes, and Marius Russo.

3 – Despite shutting the Braves out for the first 5 innings, Jack Kraus needed to throw four more, and the Braves jumped all over Phillies pitching in the last four to pick up the win.
Braves 7, Phillies 3
W: Jim Tobin (2-4) L: Jack Kraus (3-4)
2B: Vern Stephens (7), Chuck Klein (1)
HR: Ron Northey (3)

***

Well, we won’t counter with Marius Russo in game 3 of this series: turns out that Russo has a stress fracture in his ankle, and will be out 2 weeks. We need a replacement, and fast. I went to the Braves’ hotel in downtown Philadelphia, and made this deal:

Boston Braves receive:
SP Jocko Thompson (77/80) – 0-1, 3.94 ERA at AAA Utica
Philadelphia Phillies receive:
SP Red Ruffing (86) – 2-4, 3.86 ERA for Boston
$10,000

A veritable coup, if you will. Yes, Ruffing is 39 years old, but we needed a veteran pitcher to lead the staff. Plus, with all the injuries to our rotation (Russo, Lambert, and Mauney), this trade should add much needed depth should someone else get injured. It’s awfully difficult to see a downside to this deal from our perspective.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have leapfrogged the Giants into second place, capitalizing with a win, cutting the Phillies lead to 3.5 games.

***

4 – Tommy Hughes gets plenty of support from 3 home runs, as he goes and shuts out the Braves, as the Phillies rough up former teammate Jocko Thompson (7 hits in relief).
Phillies 5, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (4-3) L: Bob Klinger (0-1)
HR: Vern Stephens (5), Gil Hodges (4), Ron Northey (4)

***

I’m so glad I made that trade yesterday, because Tommy Hughes will miss two weeks with a broken hand.

***

5 – Now I’m really glad I made that trade. A capacity crowd of 33,000 (our 11th consecutive sellout) cheers as Red Ruffing shuts out his former team in his first start as a Phillie.
Phillies 4, Braves 0
W: Red Ruffing (3-4) L: Warren Spahn (3-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (9), Gil Hodges (5)
HR: Andy Seminick (2)

***

The Cubs lost, increasing our lead to 4.5 games.

The Senators lost 1B Mickey Vernon for 2 weeks with a sprained ankle.

***

May 6: Day Off

May 7-9: New York Giants (16-15, 3rd, 5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (21-10, 1st, 4.5 GA)

7 – Rookie sensation Charlie Ripple had given up only 3 hits through 8 innings, but was left out in the ninth with a 3-0 lead. The Giants stormed back with 5 runs, but the Phillies tied it with a two-out triple by Nick Goulish, forcing extras. In the bottom of the 10th, Ron Northey hit a walk-off two-run home run to win the game for the Phillies.
Phillies 7, Giants 5 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (3-0) L: Hoyt Wilhelm (0-1)
2B: Larry Doby (5), Danny Murtaugh (1)
3B: Nick Goulish (3)
HR: Ron Northey (5)

8 – Trailing 8-2 entering the bottom of the 8th, the Phillies offense explodes for 7 runs, pulling out the most amazing of victories with an incredible comeback.
Phillies 9, Giants 8
W: Ed Hanyzewski (1-1) L: Ken Trinkle (0-4) SV: Ike Pearson (4)
2B: Vern Stephens (8), Andy Seminick (7), Larry Doby (6), Ron Northey (6)
HR: Nick Goulish (3)

9 – Bucky Harris decides to bump Red Ruffing up a spot, due to the injury to Tommy Hughes. Red goes 8 strong, but the game would be decided on a 12th-inning walk-off home run by Gil Hodges, as the Phillies sweep the Giants.
Phillies 4, Giants 3 (12)
W: Ike Pearson (2-0) L: Dave Koslo (1-2)
2B: Vern Stephens (9), Ray Hamrick (5), Ed Murphy (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (5)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (1)

***

Despite our sweep, we are unable to increase our lead over the Cubs, as they swept the Braves. Right now, the top of the NL features 3 teams on a roll:

Philadelphia	24-10   -   W5
Chicago		19-14  4.5  W3
St. Louis	18-16   6   W4

***

May 10-12: St. Louis Cardinals (18-16, 3rd, 6 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (24-10, 1st, 4.5 GA)

10 – We got a big surprise, as Dick Mauney was cleared to play about a week earlier than expected. He returned to form, allowing only 4 hits over 7 innings, as the Phillies won their 6th straight game in front of their 15th straight sellout crowd.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Dick Mauney (2-0) L: Murry Dickson (1-1) SV: Hugh Casey (1)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (2)
HR: Larry Doby (4)

11 – Rookie sensation Charlie Ripple gets tagged with his first loss of the season, through no fault of his own: 8 IP, 1 ER on 8 hits. The offense just couldn’t touch Harry Gumbert today.
Cardinals 1, Phillies 0
W: Harry Gumbert (6-2) L: Charlie Ripple (6-1) SV: Gordon Maltzberger (7)
2B: Nick Goulish (10)

12 – Jack Kraus is able to coast to his 4th victory of the season thanks to an offensive explosion, led by the 5-8 hitters in the Phillies lineup (Northey, Doby, Seminick, and Murtaugh: 9-16, 5 R, 9 RBI combined).
Phillies 11, Cardinals 3
W: Jack Kraus (4-4) L: Max Lanier (0-1)
2B: Andy Seminick (8)
3B: Larry Doby (4), Gil Hodges (3)

***

While we were taking 2 of 3 from the Cardinals, the Cubs were losing 2 of 3 to the Dodgers, increasing our league lead to 5.5 games.

Many condolences to Bob Elliott of the cross-town Athletics, whose 24-game hitting streak was snapped today in a 1-0 loss to the Senators.

***

May 13: Off Day

STANDINGS (after games on May 13, 1944)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	26-11	-
Chicago		20-16	5.5
St. Louis	19-18	7
Brooklyn	18-19	8
New York	18-20	8.5
Cincinnati	16-20	9.5
Pittsburgh	16-21	10
Boston		15-23	11.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Cleveland	24-13	-
Boston		22-14	1.5
New York	22-15	2
Washington	18-18	5.5
Detroit		17-20	7
Chicago		17-21	7.5
Philadelphia	15-22	9
St. Louis	12-24	11.5

[petrel]

That trade turned out to be quite fortuitous. Maybe luck is on the Phillies' side after all this time.

Careful, though. You don't want a 1964-esque downturn.

--Pet

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Petrel: Knock on wood, it looks like that we might be on the right track. I shouldn't get ahead of myself though, as there are still over 115 games left in the season.

MAY 13

“Andy, Nick Stephens is on the phone for you.”

“Thank you Elizabeth.”

It had been a while since I’d heard from Nick. He was always so interested in traveling. I couldn’t blame him for not settling down back in New Jersey. When you’re young and have a million dollars at your disposal, you have the world at your feet. I picked up the receiver.

“Nick! How are you doing?”

“I’m great Andy! Listen, I was hoping that you could meet me for lunch downtown. Cheesesteaks on me!”

“Well, you know I can’t turn down a free cheesesteak. I’ll meet you in 30 minutes.”

***

We settled on a crowded diner. Not the fanciest place in town, but they made some mighty fine steaks!

“So what drove you to call the office?”

“Well, Andy, as you know, I’ve been doing quite a lot of traveling lately. I just wanted to let you in on where I was.” He reached into his satchel and pulled out a large wad of papers, neatly stapled.

“What is this?”

“This, my friend, is a complete, thorough analysis of our minor league system. I spoke with everyone: players, coaches, even the groundskeepers. I traveled to Utica, Wilmington, Memphis, and Clearwater. I compiled every possible statistic known to man in that report. There isn’t a stone left unturned.”

I flipped through the pages. He had done an outstanding job: Heights, weights, dates of birth, hometowns, batting averages, earned run averages, and many more.

“Oh, I was meaning to tell you. You know that first baseman you drafted last season? Gaedel?”

“Edward. Yeah I know him. What about him?”

“Turn to his page.”

I flipped to his bio:

GAEDEL, EDWARD CARL (EDDIE) – A Memphis Chickasaws
Born: June 8, 1925
Birthplace: Chicago, IL
Bats: R
Throws: L
Height: 3’7”
Weight: 65 lbs.

“Andy, you drafted a midget.”

I flashed back to last year’s draft...

“What about this Gaedel kid?”
One of my scouts chuckled: “Well, he’s a little undersized.” The other scouts were trying to contain their laughter.

Those sneaky sons of...

“Nick, I need to run into the office. You better come too, because I’m giving you a new title.”

***

“Jerry, Dick, and Ross! I need to see you in my office NOW!”

The three scouts hustled from their respective offices into mine. As much as I tried to hide it, there was an underlying anger in my voice.

“Did you three know about Eddie Gaedel last June?”

“Well, sir, yes we did.”

“And you decided to let me draft a midget?”

“We, uh, tried to, um, warn you?”

“You did nothing of the sort. I’ve had enough of your fooling around. Clean out your desks, all of you! I’m making my good friend Nick Stephens Director of Amateur and Professional Scouting.”

“Wow, thanks Andy!”

“No problem. Now, you get to travel, and you get paid to do it! Now, I’d like for you to take a few trips to scout out this upcoming draft class. I hear there are some talented young pitchers that will be available for us at #3.”

“I’ll get right on it. I’ll have that report ready for you before draft day!”

“It won’t do us much good if it arrives afterwards.”

***

I spoke with Eddie Gaedel after I fired my scouts. He thanked me for the opportunity, but he felt that he just wasn’t cut out for baseball. I can’t say that I don’t blame him. I suppose that it must be really tough to be just 3’7” at 18 years old, but I’m glad that I could’ve made his day a little brighter just by drafting him.

[CatKnight]

Gaedel is in the game!?

COOL!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Yeah, he's listed as a 1Bman in the 1943 draft. I saw him listed, and I just had to draft him!

He was putting up some solid numbers at A Memphis when I "coerced" him to retire, but I don't think the novelty would be quite as unique as it would be with Bill Veeck.

[petrel]

C'mon. The Phillies just have to have a job for a very small acrobat. You gotta keep Gaedel!

--Pet

[PotatoOfCouch13]

"The Philadelphia Phillies are working toward a goal of having a first-class organization. Having a sideshow certainly hinders our chances of achieving that goal.

Thank you,

Andrew Walsh

P.S. These ain't your father's Phillies!"

NEXT SET OF RESULTS COMING TONIGHT

[UK Cubs Fan]

I'm loving this dynasty, great trade you mde as well to shore up your starting rotation. I see no reason why you can't win the division. Keep up the good work.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

UK Cubs Fan: Thank you very much! I hope that I can win not only the pennant, but the World Series too! The Phillies' Phaithful deserve it!

APRIL – MAY 1944
PART IV

May 14-16: Philadelphia Phillies (26-11, 1st, 5.5 GA) at Chicago Cubs (20-16, 2nd, 5.5 GB)

14 – The Phillies pound out 21 hits, and Gil Hodges and Vern Stephens both hit grand slam home runs, as the Phillies trounce the Cubs, extending their lead to 6.5 games.
Phillies 19, Cubs 7
W: Red Ruffing (4-4) L: Claude Passeau (5-2)
2B: Vern Stephens 2 (11), Nick Goulish (11), Phil Rizzuto (8), Danny Murtaugh (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (6), Gil Hodges (6)

15 – Dick Mauney goes 8 strong innings, allowing only 2 runs on 11 hits, as the Phillies win their third straight game. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have leapfrogged the Cubs, and now sit a full 7 games behind the Phillies in second place.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Dick Mauney (3-0) L: Shaun Hale (3-5) SV: Ike Pearson (5)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (9), Larry Doby (7)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (2)

16: It was a duel between the old (Johnny Podgajny) and the new (Charlie Ripple). In the 10th inning, the Cubs managed to walk off with a win, and stave off the sweep. The Cardinals won, cutting the lead to 6 games.
Cubs 4, Phillies 3 (10)
W: Dale Alderson (3-1) L: Ed Hanyzewski (1-2)
HR: Vern Stephens (7)

May 17-19: Pittsburgh Pirates (17-23, T-6th, 11 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (28-12, 1st, 6 GA)

17 – Jack Kraus gets demolished, as he gives up 11 runs in 3.2 innings pitched, and the Pirates win in a laugher. The Cardinals remain red-hot, winning again and closing the lead to 5 games.
Pirates 11, Phillies 2
W: Ed Bahr (4-1) L: Jack Kraus (4-5)
2B: Larry Doby (8)

18 – Red Ruffing tosses a five-hit shutout, and the Phillies get back to their winning ways with a blowout of their own. The Cardinals lose, increasing the Phillies’ lead to 6 games.
Phillies 7, Pirates 0
W: Red Ruffing (5-4) L: Rip Sewell (0-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (10), Gil Hodges (6)

***

A trio of injuries that will certainly affect the early stages of the pennant race occurred today.

SS Joe Cronin (BOS) will be out 2 months with a torn knee ligament.
CF Wally Judnich (NYG) will be out 5 weeks with a broken collarbone.
SP Jack Kraus (PHI) will be out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder.

***

19 – Max Butcher only allows 4 base runners (three hits and a walk) over eight fantastic innings, and the Pirates shut out the Phillies in the series finale. The Cardinals (naturally) won, closing the gap down to 5 games.
Pirates 3, Phillies 0
W: Max Butcher (4-4) L: Tommy Hughes (4-4) SV: Diomedes Olivo (6)
2B: Larry Doby (9)

May 20-22: Philadelphia Phillies (29-14, 1st, 5 GA) at New York Giants (19-24, T-5th, 10 GB)

20 – The Giants get to Charlie Ripple early, scoring 7 runs in 3 innings, and coasting to the easy victory. The Cardinals win again, cutting the lead to 4 games.
Giants 7, Phillies 3
W: Hal Schumacher (4-5) L: Charlie Ripple (6-2)
2B: Vern Stephens (12), Ron Northey (7), Johnny Blatnik (3)

***

1B Jimmie Foxx (BOS) will be out for 3 months with a ruptured cervical disk. This is a huge blow to a Red Sox lineup already without Joe Cronin, at puts more pressure on Ted Williams (who, by the way, has an on-base percentage of .515).

***

21 – Ed Hanyzewski goes 4 innings of 3-hit relief, as the Phillies break a 3-3 tie with a 3-run eighth inning to get back to their winning ways. The Cardinals are victorious, and keep pace.
Phillies 6, Giants 4
W: Ed Hanyzewski (2-2) L: Ken Trinkle (1-7)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11), Danny Murtaugh (4)
HR: Larry Doby (5)

22 – Red Ruffing gets roughed up, and Larry Jansen holds the Phillies to 5 hits over 7 innings of work, and the Giants win the rubber game. The Cardinals won again, cutting the lead to 3. The Dodgers have won 7 straight, and now sit 4 back.
Giants 6, Phillies 3
W: Larry Jansen (2-0) L: Red Ruffing (5-5) SV: Ken Trinkle (1)

***

Red Ruffing will be out 12 days with a twisted knee. Gene Lambert slides into the rotation, and Al Gerheauser come back from AAA Utica.

***

May 23-26: Philadelphia Phillies (30-16, 1st, 3 GA) at Boston Braves (17-29, 8th, 13 GB)

23 – Tommy Hughes and Emil Kush combine for the shutout, as the Phillies provide 3 home runs in an easy victory. We gain a half-game on the idle Cardinals, so the lead is now 3.5 games.
Phillies 5, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (5-4) L: Warren Spahn (4-5)
HR: Gil Hodges (7), Larry Doby (6), Nick Goulish (4)

24 – Gil Hodges falls a triple shy of the cycle, as the Phillies put a hurt on Braves starter Al Javery, and manage to hold on for a win. The Cardinals lost, leaving them tied with the Dodgers 4.5 games behind us.
Phillies 9, Braves 6
W: Charlie Ripple (7-2) L: Al Javery (4-5)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12), Larry Doby (10), Gil Hodges (7), Danny Murtaugh (5)
HR: Gil Hodges (8)

25 – I don’t care how much Andy Seminick needs a rest, the team just doesn’t perform as well with Mickey Livingston behind the plate. Dick Mauney gives up all 7 runs, as the Braves snap their 8-game losing skid. Both the Dodgers and the Cardinals won, moving the deficit back to 3.5 games.
Braves 7, Phillies 2
W: Manny Salvo (1-3) L: Dick Mauney (3-1) SV: Jim Hickey (1)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (6)

26 – Chuck Klein’s solo home run is all the Phillies can muster, as Jim Tobin throws a complete-game five-hitter to embarrass the Phillies. Brooklyn won, but St. Louis lost, leaving the Dodgers in sole possession of 2nd, only 2.5 games back. The Boys in Blue have won 10 straight games.
Braves 7, Phillies 1
W: Jim Tobin (3-7) L: Gene Lambert (3-2)
HR: Chuck Klein (1)

May 27-29: St. Louis Cardinals (28-21, 3rd, 3.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (32-18, 1st, 2.5 GA)

27 – The Phillies just can’t push the tying run across en route to their third straight loss. Fortunately, the Dodgers are idle, so they only pick up a half-game.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Max Lanier (3-1) L: Tommy Hughes (5-5) SV: Freddy Schmidt (2)
2B: Vern Stephens (13), Nick Goulish (12), Gil Hodges (8), Danny Murtaugh (7)

28 – WHAT THE H*** IS HAPPENING TO MY TEAM!!! We get shut out, and now the 2nd-place Cardinals (the Dodgers finally lost) are now only 1.5 games behind us!
Cardinals 4, Phillies 0
W: Harry Gumbert (8-2) L: Charlie Ripple (7-3)

***

Furthermore, tomorrow’s starter, Dick Mauney, will be out for nearly 2 months with a dislocated hip. Al Gerheauser will get thrown into the fire tomorrow, while we wait for Jack Kraus and Red Ruffing to return from injury.

***

29 – The fact that we won the game was simply a miracle. Al Gerheauser pitched the game of his life, going the distance, allowing only 1 run, and the offense was just good enough to beat the Cardinals. The Dodgers won, leapfrogging the Cardinals, and now sit 2 games back of first.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 1
W: Al Gerheauser (1-0) L: Johnny Beazley (3-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (14), Nick Goulish (13), Ron Northey (8)
3B: Danny Murtaugh (1)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (3)

May 30: Day Off

***

The Dodgers won on the 30th, moving to 1.5 games back, and setting up a huge series at Ebbets Field between the National League’s top 2 teams.

***

NL President Ford Frick called me today. He seemed as though he was in a rush, trying to spit out a sentence all at once.

“Andrew, I’m afraid that this situation with the Browns will threaten the balance of power between the two leagues. Therefore, I’m calling an emergency meeting on June 20.”

“What’s this meeting going to be about?”

“Expansion.”

“Mr. Frick, didn’t you say yourself that it was foolish to expand during the war?”

“Yes, but it’s not going to officially happen. It’s just so we can claim cities before the AL does. If we can promise the city that we’ll get a team there in, say, 5 years after the war ends, then they won’t go to the American League with their proposal. Hopefully, we can get a jump on the American League, and establish ourselves as the dominant league.”

“So which cities will be there?”

“The seven we discussed (Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Kansas City, New Orleans, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Baltimore) as well as 3 others that I’d like to keep a secret.”

Frick had certainly caught my attention. This meeting will be interesting, to say the least...

***

[PotatoOfCouch13]

HEY DYNASTY READERS!

Do you like this dynasty? Would you like to participate in the development of the National League? Do you have a lot of free time on your hands? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re the perfect candidate for this next meeting!

What I’d ideally like to do is get some audience participation going here. If you want, you can represent any of the 10 cities at the expansion meeting on June 20, 1944! Hurry and send me a PM, because there are limited spots. Just prepare a brief statement covering the proposed teams’ stadium, financial backing, fanbase, and any other miscellaneous information that you deem important, and get yourself into this dynasty!

(If you want to be one of the “secret cities” just PM me with your city, and I’ll let you be that one. There are only 3 of these, so they will go quickly.)

Any questions? Just post here, or shoot me a PM, and I’ll get back to you.

Good luck, and may the best proposal win!

AVAILABLE CITIES
Baltimore
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
New Orleans
San Francisco
???
???
???

Act now, because (I hope) cities will be going fast!

[3RunHomer]

I'd have to do work? Out of the question.

The Norfolk/Virginia Beach metro area is hungry for a team, but the 40s is probably a little early.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

If you want it, you got it...

[3RunHomer]

I was just kidding, but okay. I'll write something and send it to you. I'll get out my book of Norfolk history ...

Oh. I finally noticed the date (May 30, 1944) and the date of the meeting. You have interesting timing.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

As of 12:05am, there are 8 cities still available.

Los Angeles
Baltimore
San Francisco
Milwaukee
New Orleans
Minneapolis
2 "secret cities"

If you want one of these babies, get your name in and claim it!