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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JUNE 21

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

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JUNE – JULY 1944
PART III

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 27: Day Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 8: Day Off

***

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

STANDINGS (as of July 8, 1944)

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

1944 ALL STAR GAME
1944 Home Run Showdown

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

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

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

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

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

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

     WINNER: Ted Williams

[PotatoOfCouch13]

1944 ALL STAR GAME

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

AL ALL-STARS

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

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

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

NL ALL-STARS

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

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

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY

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

NATIONAL LEAGUE 9, AMERICAN LEAGUE 2

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JUNE – JULY 1944
PART IV

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*
A blockbuster trade between two unlikely partners occurred today.

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

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

...PART IV CONTINUED

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

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

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

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

Pretty smart deal by the Tigers.
*

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

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

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

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

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

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

*
The Yankees and Browns pull off another trade.

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

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

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

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP COMING UP NEXT

[PotatoOfCouch13]

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP

STANDINGS (after games on July 31)

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

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

SEASON STATISTICS
League Leaders in Red

BATTING

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

PITCHING

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

LEAGUE LEADERS

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

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER PREVIEW

47 Games remaining
25 Home
22 Away

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

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

[RedsoxRockies]

I just caught up, amazing job!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

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

I apoligize for any inconvenience.

***

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

[3RunHomer]

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

[RedsoxRockies]

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

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

Meanwhile...

***

AUGUST 1

I met with the city council again today.

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

“How much will this new stadium cost?”

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

The councilors broke out into laughter.

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

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

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

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

“Precisely. Do we have a deal?”

“Absolutely.”

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

[Coach Owens]

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

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