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

[filihok]

Lasorda drafted by the Cubbies? This could change history. I hope he'll still make his way to LA.

Tough break on your draft. Some good players didn't fall to you.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

filihok: Who knows? If Los Angeles even gets a team, it will be interesting to see if Lasorda joins the team. He might end up managing the Cubbies!

It would've been a real coup if I had landed Miller or Pierce. Heck, I would've been pleased with Ashburn or Adcock also. But Jensen was the best player available IMO, and I addressed a need with Fox in the 2nd round. And I'm really hoping that Pullen will develop into a great player.

JUNE – JULY 1945
PART II

June 6: Day Off

June 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (36-23, 1st, 3 GA) at Boston Braves (23-35, T-7th, 12.5 GB)

7 – Thanks to 4 home runs by the Phillies offense, Robin Roberts survives a rough outing to pick up the win, his 11th.
Phillies 11, Braves 6
W: Robin Roberts (11-2) L: Tom Earley (1-1)
2B: Ed Murphy (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (14), Larry Doby (8), Andy Seminick (7), Ron Northey (5)
SB: Nick Goulish (2)

8 – Despite another 3 home runs, the Phillies find hard luck in the bottom of the 10th, when the Braves push home the walk-off winner.
Braves 5, Phillies 4, (10)
W: Jim Hickey (1-2) L: Ike Pearson (2-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (18), Danny Murtaugh (7)
HR: Vern Stephens (15), Ron Northey (6), Vince DiMaggio (3)

9 – Al Javery allows only 3 hits in a complete-game effort, giving the Braves the series victory over the NL leaders.
Braves 4, Phillies 1
W: Al Javery (7-4) L: Charlie Ripple (7-2)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (4)

June 10-12: New York Giants (32-29, 5th, 4.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (37-25, 1st, 3 GA)

10 – Tommy Hughes goes 8 innings, allowing 7 hits while striking out 6, as Ron Northey’s go-ahead home run in the bottom of the 8th makes winners out of the home team.
Phillies 2, Giants 1
W: Tommy Hughes (4-4) L: Ken Trinkle (7-2) SV: Ike Pearson (9)
2B: Andy Seminick (12)
HR: Ron Northey (7)

11 – Despite giving up only 5 hits over 8 innings, Robin Roberts has to rely on an 8th-inning tie-breaking run to earn his 12th win of the season.
Phillies 5, Giants 4
W: Robin Roberts (12-2) L: Ken Trinkle (7-3) SV: Ike Pearson (10)
2B: Larry Doby (14), Nick Goulish (6), Ty LaForest (1)
HR: Larry Doby (9)

*

With Gene Lambert set to come off the DL, it figures that someone else gets injured: Ray Hamrick will be out for the next 2 months with a torn elbow ligament. I am starting to regret this DiMaggio trade, because Harry Marnie could’ve stepped in effortlessly. Instead, I have to reach deep into my minor league system to pull out someone who can capably man the middle infield positions for 2 months. 29-year-old Ed Walczak, who has never played a game above A level, will get the call, and make his Major League debut tomorrow.

*

12 – Ed Walczak is impressive, going 3-4 with a run and an RBI, but Enos Slaughter and the Giants use a 6-run 2nd inning to propel themselves to victory.
Giants 10, Phillies 7
W: Hal Schumacher (4-7) L: Red Ruffing (7-5) SV: Ken Trinkle (5)
2B: Larry Doby (15)
HR: Gil Hodges (11), Ron Northey (8)

June 13: Day Off

June 14-16: Chicago Cubs (35-29, T-3rd, 3.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-26, 1st, 2 GA)

14 – Despite recording 14 hits, the Phillies still fall a run shy, though don’t blame Walczak: he goes 3-4 with a triple and 2 RBI.
Cubs 5, Phillies 4
W: Vern Olson (6-1) L: Charlie Ripple (7-3) SV: Dale Alderson (4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (19), Larry Doby (16), Nick Goulish (7)
3B: Ed Walczak (1)

15 – Tommy Hughes gets rocked for 6 runs in the first four innings, as the Phillies can’t seem to find enough runs to come back.
Cubs 6, Phillies 4
W: Phil Marchildon (1-3) L: Tommy Hughes (4-5) SV: Jesse Flores (1)
2B: Gil Hodges (12)
HR: Nick Goulish (4)

16 – Robin Roberts is quickly developing into one of baseball’s best pitchers. He tosses his first career shutout today, striking out a career-high 8 batters, while the offense runs wild on the basepaths (3 SB)
Phillies 3, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (13-2) L: Claude Passeau (6-9)
2B: Ron Northey (10)
3B: Larry Doby (6), Nick Goulish (2)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (8), Larry Doby (3), Vern Stephens (2)

June 17: Day Off

*

As we near the All-Star break, Boston and Pittsburgh make a trade.

Boston Red Sox receive:
RP Emil Kush (82/83) [28] – 1-3, 3.47 ERA, .189 BAA

Pittsburgh Pirates receive:
2B Mel Hoderlein (68/79) [21] - .355, 37 RBI, 7 SB (A)
3B Bill Sommers (63/77) [22] - .346, 34 RBI, 34 R (A)

The Pirates get marginal prospects for their off-season bullpen acquisition.
WINNER: Red Sox

*

June 18-20: Philadelphia Phillies (40-28, 1st, 1.5 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (36-31, 4th, 3.5 GB)

18 – Pete Reiser goes 3-4, hitting 2 home runs, and driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th with a walk-off double, giving the Dodgers the win.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 3
W: Cy Buker (5-7) L: Ed Hanyzewsi (1-3)

*

Red Ruffing was being tended to by the trainer after the game, and the news isn’t good: Red will be out over a month with a stress fracture in his right (throwing) wrist. Gene Lambert will slide into Red’s rotation spot, and Al Gerheauser will make his way down from AAA Utica to meet us in Brooklyn.

*

19 – After falling behind 3-0 early, the Phillies just can’t quite get the tying run across the plate, as Mort Cooper and the Dodgers drop the Phillies out of 1st place.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 2
W: Mort Cooper (7-4) L: Charlie Ripple (7-4) SV: Jim Hughes (9)
2B: Gil Hodges (13), Nick Goulish 2 (9)

20 – Tommy Hughes surrenders 7 runs in 3 innings of work, and it’s all downhill from there, as the Dodgers sweep the Phillies.
Dodgers 10, Phillies 6
W: Louis Benz (3-2) L: Tommy Hughes (4-6)
3B: Vern Stephens (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (8)

STANDINGS (after games on June 20, 1945)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Cincinnati	42-30	---
Philadelphia	40-31	1.5
Brooklyn	39-31	2.0
Chicago		39-31	2.0
New York	36-35	5.5
St. Louis	31-40	10.5
Boston		29-41	12.0
Pittsburgh	27-44	14.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	47-25	---
Boston		42-28	4.0
Cleveland	40-30	6.0
Washington	36-34	10.0
Chicago		33-38	13.5
Detroit		30-40	16.0
Philadelphia	30-41	16.5
St. Louis	24-46	22.0

BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns	24-46	---
Pitts. Pirates	27-44	2.5
Boston Braves	29-41	5.0
Phila. A's	30-41	5.5
Detroit Tigers	30-40	6.0

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	40-31	---
Athletics	30-41	10.0

[filihok]

L.A.'s got to get a team. That's a rather large untapped market-once cross-contenental travel becomes a bit more viable...

A small smile for the Dodger sweep...i will confess.

Robin Roberts for mayor!!!

[RedsoxRockies]

Wow Cincy is turning around quick since the Musial aquisition. How is old Stan the Man doing, btw?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

filihok: There would've been a team destined for Los Angeles (under the guidance of Cubs owner Phil Wrigley) if Commissioner Chandler hadn't stepped in. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

And forget mayor, let's get this man the presidency! Amend the Constitution to let 18-year-olds run!

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, the Reds have been a HUGE surprise this season. While there offense is much improved with the acquisition of Musial, their pitching has been outstanding. Bucky Walters, Ewell Blackwell, Frank Dasso, and Pat Scantlebury have all performed above expectations.

Stan is cruising towards another banner season. He's once again a leading contender to pull off the Triple Crown, with his outstanding offensive numbers. He's also playing great defense, leading the NL with 5 outfield assists. But what to you expect from someone nicknamed "The Man"?

JUNE – JULY 1945
PART III

Big news: General Dwight Eisenhower will be making an appearance at today’s game in New York City. Fortunately for him, he gets to see Robin Roberts in action!

Bad news: RF Ron Northey will be out over a week with a twisted knee. Nick Goulish slides over to right field, Vince DiMaggio starts in left, and Ed Sanicki rejoins the bench from AAA Utica.

June 21-23: Philadelphia Phillies (40-31, 2nd, 1.5 GB) at New York Giants (36-35, 5th, 5.5 GB)

21 – Perhaps General Eisenhower summed it up best: “If I wanted to see a football game, I would’ve waited until September.”
Phillies 13, Giants 11
W: John Fick (2-0) L: Ken Trinkle (7-4) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (20), Gil Hodges (14)
HR: Gil Hodges (12) Andy Seminick 2 (10)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (9)

22 – Gene Lambert surrenders 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th, earning the loss despite a 9-strikeout performance.
Giants 4, Phillies 1
W: Van Mungo (4-8) L: Gene Lambert (1-2) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (10)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (21), Larry Doby (17)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (10)

23 – Ike Pearson crumbles in the bottom of the ninth, allowing 2 runs, and turning a Phillies win into a Phillies loss.
Giants 3, Phillies 2
W: Sal Maglie (2-1) L: Ike Pearson (2-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (22)
HR: Andy Seminick (11)

June 24-26: Philadelphia Phillies (41-33, 3rd, 2.5 GB) at Cincinnati Reds (44-31, 1st, 2 GA)

24 – A 12-inning slugfest sees 3 doubles and a home run by Augie Bergamo, but a 12th-inning error allows the Phillies to steal the opener.
Phillies 12, Reds 10 (12)
W: Ike Pearson (3-3) L: Howie Fox (4-1) SV: John Fick (1)
2B: Nick Goulish (10)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (5)
HR: Nick Goulish (5)

25 – Despite striking out 9 Reds, Robin Roberts gives up 2 home runs in a losing effort, as the offense can’t touch Ewell Blackwell (6-4)
Reds 3, Phillies 1
W: Ewell Blackwell (6-4) L: Robin Roberts (13-3) SV: Walker Cress (5)
2B: Larry Doby (18), Robin Roberts (2), Ed Walczak (1)

26 – Our offense has been so sporadic lately, one can never tell if the good Phillies (the ones that put up 12 on Sunday) or the bad Phillies (yesterday and today) will show up.
Reds 3, Phillies 2
W: Pat Scantlebury (6-5) L: Gene Lambert (1-3) SV: Walker Cress (6)
HR: Vern Stephens (16)
SB: Nick Goulish (3)

June 27: Day Off

*

Mickey Vernon’s 20-game hitting streak was snapped today, going 0-5 against Cleveland ace Jim Bagby.

*

June 28-30: Brooklyn Dodgers (43-33, 2nd, 1.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (42-35, 3rd, 3 GB)

28 – Frustrations continue to mount, as the loss of Ron Northey to injury continues to plague our offense.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 2
W: Kirby Higbe (9-2) L: Charlie Ripple (7-5) SV: Jim Hughes (11)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (23), Vern Stephens (9), Charlie Ripple (3)
3B: Larry Doby (7)
HR: Andy Seminick (12)

29 – Finally! Tommy Hughes strikes out 5 en route to a complete-game victory, as the offense wakes up to the tune of 9 runs on 14 hits.
Phillies 9, Dodgers 3
W: Tommy Hughes (5-6) L: Mort Cooper (7-6)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (24), Gil Hodges (15), Nick Goulish (11), Vince DiMaggio (6)
HR: Larry Doby (10), Nick Goulish (6), Vince DiMaggio (4)

30 – Here today, gone tomorrow, I suppose. The offensive outburst was short lived, as Robin gets only 1 run of support in a tough luck loss.
Dodgers 2, Phillies 1
W: Louis Benz (5-2) L: Robin Roberts (13-4) SV: Jim Hughes (12)

July 1-3: Chicago Cubs (40-39, 5th, 5.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (43-37, 3rd, 3 GB)

1 – How can we be so consistently inconsistent? After a dismal 10-16 June, the Phillies turn to July with their bats facing the right direction.
Phillies 13, Cubs 2
W: Gene Lambert (2-3) L: Shaun Hale (10-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (16), Vince DiMaggio (7), Gene Lambert (1)
HR: Larry Doby (11)

*

That Vince DiMaggio trade really hurt us. Not only is Vince playing poorly, but it really undermined our depth along the bench. Ray Hamrick’s injury made us even thinner, and now we’re practically paper thin. Phil Rizzuto will be out for 2 weeks with a sprained knee. Mike Goliat will make his Major League debut tomorrow, as he gets the call from AAA Utica.

*

2 – Ron Northey hits 2 home runs, including a walk-off 2-run shot in the bottom of the 10th inning, to rescue the Phillies and bring them to victory.
Phillies 3, Cubs 2
W: Ed Hanyzewski (2-3) L: Dale Alderson (2-2)
3B: Andy Seminick (1)
HR: Ron Northey 2 (10)

3 – Tommy Hughes hurls a 4-hit shutout, as the Phillies, powered by Vern Stephens’ 17th home run, sweep the Cubs.
Phillies 3, Cubs 0
W: Tommy Hughes (6-6) L: Claude Passeau (6-12)
2B: Andy Seminick (13)
HR: Vern Stephens (17)

*

I was putting the finishing touches on a day at the office, and ready to come home, when I got a phone call at around 11:30pm.

“Andy! The baby! Coming! Now!”

I grabbed my briefcase and ran to my car.

*

[gosensgo101]

With Lasorda being drafted by the Cubbies and Wrigley looking for a team in Los Angeles...lots of things could happen.

Isn't it interesting how the stars always align.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

gosensgo101: this game is especially good at imitating reality. Big props to Clay and co. who do a great job with every facet of the game!

JULY 4, 1945

What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday with the birth of your first child: Samuel Jackson Walsh!

Why Samuel? He was born on July 4th, so we felt that Uncle Sam wouldn’t mind too much.

Why Jackson? It’s my middle name, it seemed fitting.

(Go ahead, make all the jokes you want: Snakes on a Plane, Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, etc.)

*

July 4-7: New York Giants (44-40, 4th, 5.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (46-37, 3rd, 3 GB)

4 – I hope that Sam appreciates the gift that Robin Roberts gave him: a complete game victory.
Phillies 3, Giants 1
W: Robin Roberts (14-4) L: Van Mungo (5-10)
2B: Larry Doby (20), Nick Goulish (12)

5 – Larry Jansen goes 8 innings, allowing only 4 hits, as the Giants take a game back.
Giants 4, Phillies 0
W: Larry Jansen (8-5) L: Gene Lambert (2-4)
SB: Nick Goulish (4)

6 – What happened to Charlie Ripple’s magic touch? Perhaps opponents figured out that he only throws a fastball and a sidearm curve…
Giants 6, Phillies 2
W: Bill Voiselle (9-5) L: Charlie Ripple (7-6) SV: Ken Trinkle (7)
2B: Nick Goulish (13), Ed Walczak (2)

7 – Vince DiMaggio hits a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to end the first half of the season on a high note.
Phillies 2, Giants 1
W: Ed Hanyzewski (3-3) L: Ken Trinkle (7-5)
HR: Vince DiMaggio (5)

*

Yankees SS Pee Wee Reese had his 21-game hitting streak snapped today.

*

STANDINGS (at midseason break)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Cincinnati	51-37	---
Brooklyn	48-37	1.5
Philadelphia	48-39	2.5
New York	46-42	5.0
Chicago		42-43	7.5
Boston		39-47	11.0
St. Louis	38-50	13.0
Pittsburgh	35-52	15.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	59-29	---
Boston		51-35	7.0
Chicago		47-40	11.5
Cleveland	44-42	14.0
Washington	41-46	17.5
Detroit		40-47	18.5
Philadelphia	37-50	21.5
St. Louis	28-58	30.0

BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns	28-58	---
Pitts. Pirates	35-52	6.5
Phila. A's	37-50	8.5
St.L. Cardinals	38-50	9.0
Boston Braves	39-47	11.0

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	48-39	---
Athletics	37-50	11.0

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JULY 10, 1945

With the country still at war, and flight restrictions still enforced, the owners agreed to cancel this years All-Star Game. Instead, they decided on inter-league games between all 16 teams. I personally wanted the All-Star game, but there’s something to be said for numbers.

Thankfully, we beat the Athletics in our game. We called up Harvey Haddix to start, and he performed above expectations. Harvey is really developing nicely. He’s complemented his excellent fastball with a plus slider, an average curve, and is currently developing a changeup. If Red Ruffing were to hang up his spikes at the end of this season, Haddix would be the early favorite to take his spot in the rotation.

Elizabeth and Sam are doing very well. They arrived home from the hospital yesterday, and Sam is in great condition. Despite the mid-July heat, he never seems to be uncomfortable in it. In fact, he never seems to cry. He’s got great makeup for a pitcher…

As for the team, I think we’re in good shape. After a dismal 10-16 month of June, we’ve started 5-2 in July. We’ve hit 73 home runs, best in the Majors, and are the only team with 5 players with 10+ homers: Ron Northey, Larry Doby, Andy Seminick, Gil Hodges, and Vern Stephens. Our pitching has been fantastic, allowing the fewest runs in the National League (320).

The 2 major problems we’ve had are consistency and health. Although we’ve got such power and great pitching, it seems very rare that we can put both together on the same day. As for the injuries, 6 members of our Opening Day roster have spent time on the disabled list, including Phil Rizzuto and Ray Hamrick, forcing our minor league infielders like Ed Walczak and Mike Goliat to step up to the big club.

Sitting just 2.5 games behind the surprising Cincinnati Reds, there is still plenty of time left in the season to make a run. As a matter of fact, with the top 5 NL teams separated by only 7.5 games, it’s still anybody’s race.

The American League is a different story, however. The Yankees are dominant, having staked an 8 game lead over the Red Sox. It looks as though the Bronx Bombers have all but punched their ticket to another Fall Classic...

[RedsoxRockies]

Sam was born like 3-4 months premature!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Not really. We just found out about it in December. If you flash back 9 months...

Meanwhile, I was going to have some fun of my own. Nick got us into a fancy restaurant, so I’m taking Elizabeth out tonight in celebration. And boy, is there a lot to celebrate! After 61 fruitless seasons, the Phillies were finally champions of the world!

JUNE – JULY 1945
PART IV

July 11: Day Off

July 12-14: Philadelphia Phillies (48-39, 3rd, 2.5 GB) at Chicago Cubs (42-43, 5th, 7.5 GB)

12 – Robin Roberts tosses his 2nd shutout of the season, as Vern Stephens ties himself for the league lead with his 18th home run.
Phillies 5, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (15-4) L: Claude Passeau (6-13)
2B: Nick Goulish (14)
HR: Vern Stephens (18)

*

On a bunt single, Indians 3B Stan Hack recorded his 2000th career hit.

*

13 – Vern Stephens’ 19th home run sparks a 4-run 8th inning, giving the Phillies (and Gene Lambert) the victory.
Phillies 7, Cubs 4
W: Gene Lambert (3-4) L: Dale Alderson (2-3)
2B: Gil Hodges (17)
HR: Vern Stephens (19)

14 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 7 over 8 innings, as Gil Hodges’ 3-run home run in the 9th inning rescues the Phillies from defeat and brings them to a half-game back of the league-leading Reds.
Phillies 5, Cubs 3
W: Charlie Ripple (8-6) L: Whitey Miller (1-3) SV: Ike Pearson (11)
HR: Gil Hodges (13), Larry Doby (12)
SB: Vern Stephens (3)

*

After being exiled in AAA for the season, Dodgers SS Luke Appling retired.

Appling spent 14 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, where he became one of the best leadoff hitters in the game. A noted hypochondriac, he was nicknamed “Old Aches and Pains” due to his constant complaining. He was also famous for his great bat control. He once fouled off 10 straight pitches to convince management to purchase new baseballs.

CAREER STATS:

.316 AVG, 28 HR, 864 RBI, 1074 R, 2109 H

*

July 15-17: Boston Braves (41-49, 6th, 10.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (51-39, 2nd, 0.5 GB)

15 – A 4-run 1st inning for the Phillies provides Tommy Hughes enough support to cruise to victory, keeping pace with the Reds.
Phillies 5, Reds 3
W: Tommy Hughes (7-6) L: Ethan Gornitsky (5-11) SV: Ike Pearson (12)
2B: Nick Goulish (15)

16 – After loading the bases in the 1st inning, an Ed Walczak double and a Ron Northey home run bring home 5 runs against Warren Spahn, and the Phillies hang on for their 6th straight win.
Phillies 6, Braves 4
W: Robin Roberts (16-4) L: Warren Spahn (8-10) SV: Ike Pearson (13)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (8), Ed Walczak (3)
HR: Ron Northey (11)
SB: Ed Walczak (

17 – Another big inning for the Phillies, this time a 6-run 3rd, gives the Phillies a laugher, and, thanks to a Reds loss, THE PHILLIES ARE IN FIRST PLACE!
Phillies 13, Braves 5
W: Gene Lambert (4-4) L: Al Javery (8-8)
2B: Andy Seminick (14)
3B: Ron Northey (3), Nick Goulish (3)
HR: Vern Stephens (20)

*

With the red-hot Phillies riding a 7-game winning streak, we gleefully welcome back our catalyst at the top of the lineup, Phil Rizzuto. Scooter will reassume the leadoff spot, and Mike Goliat returns to AAA.

SS Phil Rizzuto
LF Nick Goulish
1B Gil Hodges
CF Larry Doby
3B Vern Stephens
C Andy Seminick
RF Ron Northey
2B Ed Walczak

*

July 18-21: Philadelphia Phillies (54-39, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (52-40, 3rd, 1.5 GB)

18 – With 2 outs in the top of the 9th, the Phillies stage a furious rally, scoring twice to rally for the victory, their 8th straight.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
W: Ed Hanyzewski (4-3) L: Max Macon (5-5)
2B: Vern Stephens (10)
3B: Ron Northey (4)

*

National League Triple Crown candidate Andy Pafko will miss 3 weeks with a chipped knee cap. With the Cubs 10.5 games out, the season looks to be a lost cause.

.334 AVG (1st)
19 HR (2nd)
72 RBI (2nd)

*

19 – Tommy Hughes allows only 3 hits over 8 innings, and a Larry Doby home run gives the Phillies a desperately needed insurance run, as Ike Pearson (eventually) slams the door for the Phillies’ 9th straight win.
Phillies 3, Dodgers 2
W: Tommy Hughes (8-6) L: Mort Cooper (8-7) SV: Ike Pearson (14)
HR: Larry Doby (13)
SB: Nick Goulish (5)

20 – The Phillies erupt for 4 runs in the 8th inning, turning Robin Roberts from a loser to winner for the 17th time this season.
Phillies 7, Dodgers 4
W: Robin Roberts (17-4) L: Paul Erickson (3-2) SV: Ike Pearson (15)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (25), Leon Culberson (2)

*

Giants RF Enos Slaughter will miss 2 weeks with a sprained back.

*

The Reds, looking for pitching help, made a trade.

Cincinnati Reds receive:
SP Travis Robbins (84) [24] – 0-10, 6.56 ERA, 37/64 K/BB

St. Louis Browns receive:
RP Rocky Stone (72/82) [26] – 1-2, 2.52 ERA, 2 SV, 27/22 K/BB (AAA)
RP Jack Niemes (67/77) [25] – 0-4, 2.98 ERA, 3 SV, 36/25 K/BB (AA)

Robbins, a former 1st-round draft pick (#5 overall, 1942), never quite lived up to expectations in St. Louis, going 6-9, 4-20, and 0-10 in his past 2.5 seasons. He’ll get a second chance in Cincinnati.
WINNER: Reds

*

21 – Gene Lambert strikes out 6 over 8 innings, as Gil Hodges and the Phillies keep on rolling with their 11th straight win.
Phillies 5, Giants 2
W: Gene Lambert (5-4) L: Louis Benz (5-4) SV: Ike Pearson (16)
HR: Gil Hodges (14)

*

Ike Pearson will miss 2 weeks with a hairline fracture in his left wrist. Ed Hanyzewski will become the interim closer, and Red Ruffing will return to the active roster.

*

STANDINGS (after games on July 21, 1945)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	58-39	---
Cincinnati	55-42	3.0
Brooklyn	52-44	5.5
New York	52-45	6.0
Chicago		45-49	11.5
St. Louis	42-55	16.0
Boston		41-55	16.5
Pittsburgh	40-56	17.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	67-31	---
Boston		55-42	11.5
Chicago		53-45	14.0
Cleveland	51-46	15.5
Detroit		44-52	22.0
Washington	44-54	23.0
Philadelphia	41-56	25.5
St. Louis	33-62	32.5

BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns	33-62	---
Pitts. Pirates	40-56	6.5
Phila. A's	41-56	7.0
Boston Braves	41-55	7.5
St.L. Cardinals	42-55	8.0

BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	58-39	---
Athletics	41-56	17.0

*

[filihok]

July 18-21: Philadelphia Phillies (54-39, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (52-40, 3rd, 1.5 GB)

Boo...

no offense

[PotatoOfCouch13]

filihok: None taken. The Dodgers are a d*** good team, they've just had a string of bad luck for the past 4 seasons.

1941: Mickey Owen's dropped 3rd strike
1942: Stan Musial's Cardinals
1943: Stan Musial's Cardinals
1944: "The Wiz Kids", the Philadelphia Phillies

They've been in the top 3 in the National League for the past 4 years. They just haven't had that last push to get them over the hump. They could've made it last season, but Jackie Robinson missed all but 8 games with a torn Achilles. Without him, the offense was just station to station. He's back this season, but they lost a lot with the departure of Roy Campanella in free agency.

JUNE – JULY 1945
PART V

July 22-24: St. Louis Cardinals (42-55, 6th, 16 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (58-39, 1st, 3 GA)

22 – Not a good day to be a pitcher. The 2 teams combine for 22 hits, but the Phillies score more runs, giving them their 12th straight victory.
Phillies 9, Cardinals 7
W: Charlie Ripple (9-6) L: Harry Gumbert (6-7)
2B: Nick Goulish (16)
3B: Vern Stephens (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (15)

*

Charlie Ripple will be out until the beginning of August with a separated shoulder. Gene Lambert hops back into the rotation, this time at the #2 spot.

*

23 – The ride is over. After a 4-run 1st inning, the Phillies offense just can’t provide the pop to catch up, ending the winning streak at 12 games.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
W: Charlie Condorcet (1-0) L: Tommy Hughes (8-7) SV: Ted Wilks (13)
2B: Ron Northey (11)
HR: Larry Doby (14), Ron Northey (12)

*

Athletics LF Bill Burgo’s 21-game hitting streak ended today.

*

24 – Andy Seminick’s 2nd career grand slam gets the Phillies and Robin Roberts (8 IP, 2 R, 8 H, 4 K) back on the winning track.
Phillies 8, Cardinals 2
W: Robin Roberts (18-4) L: Max Lanier (6-13)
2B: Nick Goulish (17)
3B: Ed Walczak (2), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (13)

July 25-28: Philadelphia Phillies (60-40, 1st, 2 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (53-46, 4th, 6.5 GB)

25 – Trailing 7-3 entering the 8th inning, the Phillies mount an epic comeback, scoring twice in the 8th and 3 times in the 9th, then icing the game with 2 more in the 10th inning.
Phillies 10, Dodgers 8 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (5-5) L: Cy Buker (7-8) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (4)
2B: Ed Walczak (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (16), Andy Seminick (14), Vince DiMaggio (6)

*

With the prospect of arbitration facing many of our core players, I decided to lock up backup 1B Ed Murphy. Murphy agreed to an extension through 1948 worth $10,000 a year.

*

26 – Johnny Vander Meer returns to form, allowing only 3 hits over 7 innings of work, as the Dodgers take the second game of the series.
Dodgers 4, Phillies 1
W: Johnny Vander Meer (6-9) L: Gene Lambert (5-5) SV: Cy Buker (9)
2B: Leon Culberson (3)

27 – Gil Hodges’ solo home run is the only offense we can muster against Mort Cooper, who goes the distance to cut another game off our league lead.
Dodgers 3, Phillies 1
W: Mort Cooper (9-8) L: Tommy Hughes (8-8)
HR: Gil Hodges (17)

*

Cincinnati, still looking for help despite being only 1 game down, made a trade:

Cincinnati Reds receive:
CF Milt Byrnes (88/92) [28] - .430, 0 HR, 46 RBI (AAA)

Philadelphia Athletics receive:
RP Jake Eisenhart (71/82) [22] – 1-0, 6.10 ERA, 4/9 K/BB (A)
RP Art Fowler (70/80) [23] – 3-1, 2.84 ERA, 19/12 K/BB (A)
RP George Burpo (69/80) [23] – 0-1, 3.54 ERA, 7 SV, 33/30 K/BB (A)

The A’s traded a really good outfielder for 60 cents on the dollar.
WINNER: Reds

*

The Giants, looking to make a late surge, made a deal for some pitching help:

New York Giants receive:
SP Max Lanier (90) [29] – 6-13, 4.29 ERA, 89/36 K/BB

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
C Ray Noble (77/91) [26] - .371, 9 HR, 42 RBI (AAA)

This is a really even trade. Lanier’s numbers are deceiving, as he’s a good pitcher on a bad team. Noble has a chance to be great, and he’ll get that chance in St. Louis.
WINNER: Giants, but not by much. Come see me in 5 years.

*

28 – Ed Murphy makes the most of a rare start to show exactly why I extended his contract: he hits 3 doubles, but the Phillies lose in extra innings, bringing them into a tie for first with the Reds.
Dodgers 2, Phillies 1 (11)
W: Jim Hughes (3-2) L: Ed Hanyzewski (4-4)
2B: Ed Murphy 3 (4)

July 29-31: Philadelphia Phillies (61-43, T-1st, 4.5 GA) at Cincinnati Reds (61-43, T-1st, 4.5 GA)

29 – Red Ruffing is handily outdueled by Arnold Carter, who allows only 7 hits in complete game victory, vaulting the Reds into sole possession of 1st place, and extending the Phillies’ losing streak to 4 games.
Reds 5, Phillies 1
W: Arnold Carter (3-1) L: Red Ruffing (7-6)
2B: Nick Goulish (18)

*

Cardinals 1B Ray Sanders hit for the cycle today, in a 13-7 Cardinals win over the Giants.

*

30 – The Phillies score 5 runs in the first 2 innings, and Ed Hanyzewski slams the door for his 5th save, retying Philly and Cincy atop the National League.
Phillies 5, Reds 2
W: Gene Lambert (6-5) L: Frank Dasso (10-5) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (5)
2B: Ty LaForest (2)

*

The Red Sox, in a desperate (read: futile) effort to catch the Yankees, made a trade.

Boston Red Sox receive:
RP Vern Curtis (83/84) [25] – 4-1, 2.83 ERA, 4 SV, 48/16 K/BB

Washington Senators receive:
RP Harry Dorish (73/85) [24] – 7-2, 2.22 ERA, 16/19 K/BB (AA)

The Sox manage to pry one of the true “bullpen aces” in the AL away from Washington.
WINNER: Red Sox

*

With the trade deadline looming, I decided to make one last trade to shore up our bullpen.

Philadelphia Phillies receive:
RP Ken Gables (84/85) [26] – 3-4, 4.06 ERA, 5 SV, 24/17 K/BB

Pittsburgh Pirates receive:
RP Mike Budnick (72/82) [25] – 6-4, 4.20 ERA, 29/27 K/BB (AA)

We get a good reliever with the hopes of stabilizing the bridge from the starter to the closer.
WINNER: Phillies

*

31 – Gil Hodges smashes 2 home runs, as the Phillies add to Travis Robbins’ misery (now 0-12 on the season) and take sole possession of 1st place.
Phillies 6, Reds 1
W: Tommy Hughes (9-8) L: Travis Robbins (0-12)
2B: Ron Northey 2 (13)
HR: Gil Hodges 2 (19)

*

The Yankees made 2 trades today, gearing up for the World Series.

New York Yankees receive:
RP Ted Wilks (85/86) [29] – 2-3, 1.50 ERA, 13 SV, 14/4 K/BB

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
C Gus Niarhos (71/84) [24] - .304, 0 HR, 23 RBI (AA)
1B Dick Teed (54/84) [19] - .351, 1 HR, 11 RBI ®

I hope that Wilks doesn’t get comfortable in New York. After being traded to the Yankees and back during the offseason, Wilks returns to the Big Apple for at least 2 months.
WINNER: Yankees

*

New York Yankees receive:
RP Bert Shepard (81/82) [25] – 2-6, 3.83 ERA, 1 SV, 37/19 K/BB

Washington Senators receive:
SP Mike Partee (63/76) [21] – 13-3, 2.99 ERA, 11/62 K/BB (A)
RP Royce Mills (66/79) [21] – 5-3, 3.55 ERA, 11/48 K/BB (A)

Shepard will provide a nice bridge from starter to closer.
WINNER: Yankees

*

Minor League News:

I resigned SP Bob Trice through 1946 at $4,200 per.

RP Al Verdel was released.

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[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Hey Potato, I just got around to reading your house rules, would you mind if I borrowed and adapted some of them into my dynasty?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Go right ahead. They aren't as strict as I would've liked, but feel free to adapt them to your liking!

Congratulations on your impeding 1000th post, by the way!

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Go right ahead. They aren't as strict as I would've liked, but feel free to adapt them to your liking!

Congratulations on your impeding 1000th post, by the way!

Cool. Thanks on both fronts .