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

[RedsoxRockies]

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

[3RunHomer]

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

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

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

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

[Coach Owens]

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1944
PART I

August 1: Day Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMING UP
Proving 3Run right, again...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST 9

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

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

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

Johnny Podgajny threw a no-hitter against us today!



Excuse me, while I cry myself to sleep tonight…

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1944
PART II

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

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

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

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

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

August 12: Day Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STANDINGS (after games on August 15, 1944)

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

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

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

[Coach Owens]

Booo! Go St. Louis Cardinals!

[CatKnight]

Hm. Yeah. Go Cards! :runs:

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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


AUGUST 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The loss drops the Cardinals to 2.5 games back.

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

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

[gosensgo101]

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

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

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

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

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

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

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

AUGUST 17

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

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

Ruffing retired the side without incident in the first inning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Coach Owens]

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

Why is Stanford in the MLB?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

D'oh! Nice save, Coach

[Coach Owens]

D'oh! Nice save, Coach

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