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

[RedsoxRockies]

technically an "early morning owl"

[filihok]

It's shaping up to be an exciting September. Glad to hear that it won't be going on hiatus, or worse.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Well, if you want to delve into technicalities...

filihok: Yeah, now if the American League can get with the program...

AUGUST 23, 1945

This was it. The stretch run was upon us, and the top 2 teams in the National League were meeting in Philadelphia this afternoon. The results of this 3-game series would go a long way toward deciding the NL Pennant. The visiting Reds, winners of 3 straight and current leaders, were poised to take a huge step towards an unprecedented worst-to-first season with a good showing. The hometown Phillies, losers of 2 straight and in 2nd by a half-game, were ready to embarrass the Reds and grab a firm hold on the league lead with 1 month to play. 900 miles away, in St. Louis, the 3rd-place Dodgers sat 4.5 games back. They were eager to see the top 2 teams beat each other up while they sweep over the Cardinals, bringing them back into the pennant picture.

*

The first game could’ve doubled as the Robin Roberts Show. As he has done all season, the 18-year-old wunderkind dominated the opposition, striking out 7 Reds in a complete-game victory.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (21-6) L: Junior Thompson (2-5)
2B: Nick Goulish (22), Ron Northey (18), Robin Roberts (4)
SB: Nick Goulish (8)

*

AROUND THE LEAGUE
Dodgers 3, Cardinals 0
Giants 5, Pirates 2

PENNANT RACE

TEAM	  GB
Phillies  ---
Reds	  0.5
Dodgers	  4.0
Giants	  7.5

*

The Washington Senators, by virtue of a Yankees win, are eliminated from pennant contention.

*

AUGUST 24, 1945

The Reds offense showed up big time today, pounding out 7 runs and 11 hits against starter Red Ruffing. The Phillies offense couldn’t do anything to match that type of production, and the Reds regained the lead in the National League
Reds 7, Phillies 4
W: Travis Robbins (2-13) L: Red Ruffing (9-10) SV: Howie Fox (1)
2B: Larry Doby (26), Andy Seminick (16)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (13)

*

AROUND THE LEAGUE
Dodgers 4, Cardinals 2
Giants 6, Pirates 0

PENNANT RACE

TEAM	  GB
Reds	  ---
Phillies  0.5
Dodgers	  3.5
Giants	  7.0

*

AUGUST 25, 1945

In a bit of a surprise, Dick Mauney was tapped to start the rubber match. The recently-recalled Mauney proved up to the challenge, outdueling Bucky Walters for 8 innings before giving way to closer Ike Pearson, who slammed the door and gave the Phillies the National League lead.
Phillies 5, Reds 3
W: Dick Mauney (1-3) L: Bucky Walters (15-6) SV: Ike Pearson (17)
2B: Ron Northey (19)

*

AROUND THE LEAGUE
Cardinals 5, Dodgers 3
Giants 5, Pirates 4

PENNANT RACE

TEAM	  GB	NEXT
Phillies  ---	4 at Pittsburgh
Reds	  0.5	Day off, then 3 at New York
Dodgers	  4.0	4 at Chicago
Giants	  6.5	Day off, then 3 v. Cincinnati

*

STANDINGS (after games on August 25, 1945)
Italics denotes eliminated

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	74-55	---
Cincinnati	74-56	0.5
Brooklyn	70-59	4.0
New York	68-62	6.5
Chicago		65-64	9.0
Boston		59-70	15.0
St. Louis	54-75	20.0
Pittsburgh	53-76	21.0
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	88-41	---
Boston		77-53	11.5
Cleveland	72-57	16.0
Chicago		68-62	20.5
Washington	60-70	28.5
Detroit		56-73	32.0
Philadelphia	52-77	36.0
St. Louis	45-85	43.5
			
BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns	45-85	---
Phila. A's	52-77	7.5
Pitts. Pirates	53-76	8.5
St.L. Cardinals	54-75	9.5
Detroit Tigers	56-73	11.5
			
BATTLE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	74-55	---
Athletics	52-77	22.0

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1945
PART III

August 26-29: Philadelphia Phillies (74-55, 1st, 0.5 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (53-76, 8th, 21 GB)

26 – Bob Chesnes tosses a 5-hit shutout, outdueling Tommy Hughes, and moving the Phillies down into a tie for 1st with the Reds. The Dodgers lose, as the Cubs have won 7 straight to pull to 8 back.
Pirates 2, Phillies 0
W: Bob Chesnes (12-14) L: Tommy Hughes (10-10)

27 – Robin Roberts tosses a complete-game 7-hitter, as the Phillies jump to a win. The Reds and Cubs win, which means the Dodgers and Giants lose.
Phillies 4, Pirates 1
W: Robin Roberts (22-6) L: Paul Troughton (9-20)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (29), Nick Goulish (23)
HR: Gil Hodges (23)

28 – Red Ruffing tosses 8 strong innings, and the Phillies regain sole possession of 1st place. The Reds and Dodgers lose, meaning the Giants and Cubs (who are on a tear, having won 9 straight) win.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4
W: Red Ruffing (10-10) L: Dick Conger (8-6) SV: Ike Pearson (18)
2B: Ron Northey (20), Vern Stephens (12)
HR: Nick Goulish (8)

29 – Ken Heintzelman outduels Dick Mauney, as the Pirates split the series. The Cubs and Giants win, keeping the Reds 1 game back.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Ken Heintzelman (12-8) L: Dick Mauney (1-4) SV: Harry Shuman (5)
2B: Gil Hodges (20), Vince DiMaggio (9)
3B: Ed Walczak (4)

TEAM	  GB	NEXT
Phillies  ---	3 v. Boston
Reds	  1.0	3 v. Pittsburgh
Dodgers	  6.0	3 v. New York
Giants	  6.0	3 at Brooklyn
Cubs	  7.0	3 at St. Louis

August 30 – September 1: Boston Braves (62-71, 6th, 14 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (76-57, 1st, 1 GA)

30 – Tommy Hughes tosses a 2-hit shutout, as Gil Hodges (2-3, HR, 3 RBI) and the Phillies win again. The Reds, Giants, and Cubs all win, keeping pace.
Phillies 7, Braves 0
W: Tommy Hughes (11-10) L: Rob Kelley (7-14)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (30)
HR: Gil Hodges (24)

*

An extremely odd event occurred today: a triple-elimination.

The Cardinals, the Pirates, and the White Sox all lost, and with Yankees and Phillies wins, those 3 teams are eliminated from pennant contention.

*

Bad news on the injury front: 1945 4th-round draft pick RP Luis Arroyo will miss almost a full year with a torn rotator cuff. Arroyo was 1-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 23 innings at R Clearwater.

*

With the win today, we officially clinch our 2nd consecutive Liberty Bell Trophy, awarded to the best team in the city of Philadelphia!

Isn't it a beautiful trophy? Better get used to those.

*

31 – Larry Doby goes 4-6, and hits a walk-off 3-run home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Phillies an incredible comeback victory. The Cubs have won 12 straight with their win today, and the Dodgers and Reds were also victorious.
Phillies 7, Braves 6 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (7-4) L: George Dockins (1-1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (31), Larry Doby (27), Ron Northey (21), Vern Stephens (13), Ed Walczak (7)
HR: Larry Doby (17), Ron Northey (13)
SB: Vince DiMaggio (3)

*

It’s September, which means it’s time for rosters to expand! Here are the 15 lucky minor leaguers that get their tickets punched to the show!

SP Charlie Ripple
SP Harvey Haddix
SP Al Gerheauser
RP Don Grate
RP Hilly Flitcraft
RP Charley Schanz
C Bob Finley
2B Ray Hamrick
2B Mike Goliat
3B Nick Picciuto
SS Jack Albright
LF Ed Sanicki
LF Johnny Blatnik
2B Moon Mullen
SS John O’Neil

*

1 – Apparently, the team has a thing for 3-run walk-off home runs, as Ron Northey makes it 2 straight in the bottom of the 9th today. The Dodgers are the only chasers to win today, giving us 2 games on the nearest team, the Reds.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Ed Hanyzewski (8-4) L: Jim Hickey (5-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (21)
HR: Ron Northey (14)

TEAM	  GB	NEXT
Phillies  ---	Day off, then 3 at Chicago
Reds	  2.0	Day off, then 3 at St. Louis
Dodgers	  7.0	3 at Pittsburgh, then day off
Giants	  8.0	Day off, then 3 at Boston
Cubs	  8.0	Day off, then 3 v. Philadelphia

September 2: Day Off

*

The Dodgers lost their opening game with the Pirates, moving them 7.5 back.

*

The Cleveland Indians lost, eliminating themselves from pennant contention.

*

September 3-6: Philadelphia Phillies (79-57, 1st, 2 GA) at Chicago Cubs (71-65, T-4th, 8 GB)

3 – Gene Lambert gets shelled in (hopefully) his last start of the season, and the Phillies don’t have the pop to come back. The Dodgers are the only other chasers to win, keeping our lead at 2 games.
Cubs 6, Phillies 3
W: Phil Marchildon (2-3) L: Gene Lambert (6-8) SV: Dale Alderson (7)
2B: Nick Goulish (24)
3B: Ron Northey (5)

4 – Andy Seminick hits 2 home runs, and Tommy Hughes lowers his ERA with 8 shutout innings, as the Phillies roll. The Reds lose, increasing our lead to 3 games
Phillies 4, Cubs 0
W: Tommy Hughes (12-10) L: Claude Passeau (15-16)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (32), Nick Goulish (25)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (16)
SB: Nick Goulish (9), Larry Doby (5)

*

With a loss today coupled with our victory, the Boston Braves are knocked out of pennant contention

*

5 – Robin Roberts makes history today, setting the record for most wins by an 18-year old in one season, and does so emphatically, tossing a 4-hit shutout. The Reds win, keeping our lead at 3 games.
Phillies 2, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (23-6) L: Shaun Hale (18-9)
2B: Gil Hodges (22)
HR: Larry Doby (18)

TEAM	  GB	NEXT
Phillies  ---	3 v. St. Louis
Reds	  3.0	3 v. Boston

*

1945 #7 overall pick CF Richie Ashburn made his Major League debut today for the Cubs, going 1-4 in a losing effort. The only reason Ashburn is playing is injuries: Phil Cavarretta and Bill Nicholson are both out for at least another week, so Ashburn should see a fair amount of playing time.

*

September 6-8: St. Louis Cardinals (58-81, T-7th, 23 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (81-58, 1st, 3 GA)

6 – This was ugly, but if ugly wins ballgames, I’ll take ugly any day of the week, especially if Larry Doby has 7 RBI. Even better, the Reds lost on a beautiful 3-hitter by Warren Spahn, increasing our lead to 4 games.
Phillies 11, Cardinals 10
W: Joe Page (1-0) L: Ray Yochim (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (19)
2B: Nick Goulish (26), Ron Northey (22)
3B: Larry Doby (9)
HR: Larry Doby (19)

7 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 8, and an Andy Seminick home run leads the Phillies to another victory. The Reds win, keeping pace.
Phillies 5, Cardinals 3
W: Charlie Ripple (11-6) L: Johnny Beazley (4-4) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (7)
2B: Ed Walzcak (8), Leon Culberson (6), Charlie Ripple (4)
3B: Vern Stephens (3)
HR: Andy Seminick (17)

8 – 3 Cardinals pitchers combine for a 7-hit shutout, as Tommy Hughes’ performance (1 ER in 7 innings) is wasted. The Reds beat the Braves, bringing themselves to 3 GB.Cardinals 2, Phillies 0
W: Harry Gumbert (8-12) L: Tommy Hughes (12-11) SV: Art Lopatka (6)
2B: Ed Murphy (6)

*

With a loss by the Red Sox today, the inevitable was finally a reality:

THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!

Another season, another pennant for the dynastic Yankees. This makes 5 straight AL flags for the Bronx Bombers, 9 in 10 years, and 16 of the last 24. Since 1919, the Yankees have only finished below 3rd once.

STANDINGS (after games on September 8, 1945)
Italics denotes eliminated

12 GAMES REMAINING

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	83-59	--
Cincinnati	80-62	3
New York	76-66	7
Brooklyn	73-69	10
Chicago		73-69	10
Boston		64-78	19
Pittsburgh	60-82	23
St. Louis	59-83	24
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
New York	97-45	--
Boston		83-59	14
Cleveland	75-67	22
Chicago		73-69	24
Detroit		66-76	31
Washington	64-78	33
Philadelphia	60-82	37
St. Louis	50-92	47
			
BATTLE FOR THE #1 PICK (1946)
St. L. Browns	50-92	--
St.L. Cardinals	59-83	9
Phila. A's	60-82	10
Pitts. Pirates	60-82	10
Wash. Senators	64-78	14
Boston Braves	64-78	14
			
WINNER OF THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Philadelphia Phillies (2 straight)

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Ok, you need to stop those yankees

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, I'm seriously considering the reassignment draft this offseason. I thought that the Red Sox had caught up to the Yankees, but they took a few steps backwards this offseason by putting Jimmie Foxx on the bench in favor of Jerry Witte, among other things.

The American League, I'm sure, would love to break up the dominance of the Bronx Bombers, although I'm not too sure that some of the smaller market teams (such as the Browns and Pirates) would be able to absorb the larger salaries that the Yankees have stockpiled in AAA.

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1945
PART IV

I’ll be honest with you, I’m a little under the weather. The doctor thinks I have a case of PENNANT FEVER!!! With the Phillies leading the Reds by 3 games with 12 to play, I’d like to assume that it was over. However, the Reds still have 3 more games against us this season, so we’re not out of the woods yet.

September 9-11: Pittsburgh Pirates (60-82, 7th, 23 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (83-59, 1st, 3 GA)

9 – A match-up between the NL leaders in shutouts doesn’t disappoint, but the Pirates offense gets to the Phillies bullpen to pull out the win. The Reds pick up a half-game by virtue of their off day.
Pirates 3, Phillies 2
W: Harry Shuman (5-9) L: Ed Hanyzewski (8-5) SV: Ace Adams (10)
2B: Ron Northey (23)

10 – Red Ruffing dominates the Pirates lineup, giving up only 2 hits en route to a shutout victory. The Reds also win, keeping pace.
Phillies 2, Pirates 0
W: Red Ruffing (11-10) L: Paul Troughton (10-21)
2B: Bill Peterman (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (14)

11 – Charlie Ripple solidifies his league lead in strikeouts by adding 7 more over 8 innings of work. The Reds win, staying 2.5 back.
Phillies 5, Pirates 2
W: Charlie Ripple (12-6) L: Max Butcher (1-4)
2B: Ron Northey (24)
HR: Gil Hodges (25)

*

SS Phil Rizzuto will miss the next 3 months with a broken tibia! This is absolutely the worst timing for Phil to go down. As our catalyst and leadoff man, he was doing an outstanding job, and he tied his career high with 14 SB this season.

FINAL STATS: .287, 51 RBI, 68 R, 32 2B, 6 3B, 14 SB

With Scooter’s injury, the office descended into chaos. Ray Hamrick will fill in a shortstop for now, but losing Phil hurt. Badly.

*

The Chicago Cubs, thanks to a loss of their own, are eliminated from pennant contention.

*

September 12: Day Off

*

The Brooklyn Dodgers lose, eliminating themselves from pennant contention.

*

Meanwhile, the Reds continue to win, pulling to 2 games back with only 9 to play. The Giants have also hit a hot streak, winning 8 straight to pull to 6 back. They also have 3 remaining games against the Phillies. Here’s how the schedules shake out for these 3 teams:

Phillies: 3 @ BSN, 3 v. CIN, 3 @ NYG
Reds: 3 @ NYG, 3 @ PHI, 3 v. CHC
Giants: 3 v. CIN, 3 @ PIT, 3 v. PHI

*

September 13-15: Philadelphia Phillies (85-60, 1st, 2 GA) at Boston Braves (66-79, 6th, 19 GB)

13 – Andy Seminick blasts 2 home runs, injecting the offense with a huge boost, and the Phillies take the victory. The Reds beat the Giants, keeping Cincinnati 2 back.
Phillies 10, Braves 2
W: Tommy Hughes (13-11) L: Jocko Thompson (4-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (23)
HR: Andy Seminick 2 (19)

*

Yankees 3B Harlond Clift drove in his 1000th career RBI today.

*

14 – The Phillies overcome a grand slam by Connie Creeden, thanks to homers by Gil Hodges and Andy Seminick, as Robin Roberts collects his 24th win of the season. The Giants beat the Reds, expanding our lead to 3 games.
Phillies 5, Braves 4
W: Robin Roberts (24) L: Bob Barthelson (1-1) SV: Ike Pearson (20)
2B: Ron Northey (25), Gil Hodges (24)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (26), Andy Seminick (20)

15 – In a classic pitcher’s duel, the student (Warren Spahn) outduels the teacher (Red Ruffing). Fortunately, the Giants rally to win, keeping the Reds 3 back with 6 to play.
Braves 3, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (14-13) L: Red Ruffing (11-11)
2B: Ed Walczak (9)
HR: Andy Seminick (21), Ron Northey (15)

*

The single-season record for saves lasted all of one season. Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm closed the door on the Reds, giving him 26 saves on the season.

*

COMING UP NEXT…

The epic showdown between good and evil: the Reds and Phillies square off in a crucial 3-game series.

[RedsoxRockies]

Who will survive!?!?!?!

[filihok]

the Reds and Phillies square off in a crucial 3-game series.

Here we go!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Who indeed?

filihok: And we're off!

(Sorry, I couldn't think of anything wittier. I'll do better next time, I promise.)

AUGUST 16, 1945

The season had come down to the final 6 games. 3 teams were mathematically alive, but only the 2 squaring off today in Philadelphia had a legitimate shot at walking away with the National League pennant. The Phillies’ Magic Number was 4, and the Reds were 3 games back. However, playing head-to-head is the best way to make up ground, and the Reds were here on the doorstep, ready for battle.

September 16-18: Cincinnati Reds (84-64, 2nd, 3 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (87-61, 1st, 3 GA)

16 – What a game! After the Reds jumped out to a 3-0, the Phillies come back to tie the game in the 6th inning, and take the lead in the 8th! The Reds, thanks to a defensive mishap by the Phillies, regain the lead with 2 in the top half, but the Phillies answer to tie, and leave the winning run at 3rd base! After 9, the game was tied at 5. After a 1-2-3 top half, the Phillies plate the winning run, thanks to a pinch-hit single by Ed Sanicki!
Phillies 6, Reds 5
W: Ike Pearson (5-3) L: Junior Thompson (2-6)
2B: Gil Hodges (25), Vern Stephens (14)
3B: Gil Hodges (4)
HR: Andy Seminick (22)
SB: Ed Walczak (3)

*

With our win, the New York Giants are officially eliminated from pennant contention.

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Go Seminik!!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, Andy has been a beast this season. He started off getting on base, and was among the league leaders in OBP for the first half of the season. Lately, his power stroke has been coming along, as evidenced by his 20+ home runs. Plus, his arm is much improved, nailing 41.4% of would-be base stealers, up from 34.8% in 1944. I'm very glad I locked him up long-term!

SEPTEMBER 17, 1945

With the table set for 2 great pitching match-ups (Walters v. Hughes and Blackwell v. Roberts), the fans are certainly getting their moneys worth. I’m just glad the money is coming to Philadelphia!

*

17 – Walters was getting the better of Hughes, allowing only 1 run through the first 7 innings. However, the 8th inning rolled around, and the floodgates opened. The Phillies loaded the bases with no outs, then a single, an RBI groundout, and a double, and the Phillies had a 5-3 lead! With a 2-run lead, closer Ike Pearson gave up a leadoff single, but retired the next 2 men.

That brought up Stan Musial.

Stan the Man worked a 3-1 count, then took a vicious cut at a fastball. Fortunately, he got over the ball, and bounced a grounder to second base. Danny Murtaugh scooped the ball, and fired to first.

THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!!

Phillies 5, Reds 3
W: Tommy Hughes (14-11) L: Bucky Walters (16-8) SV: Ike Pearson (21)
2B: Larry Doby (28), Nick Goulish (27), Ron Northey (26), Vern Stephens (15)

*

And so, the World Series will be a rematch of last season’s memorable affair, except the Phillies have the home-field advantage.

*

[Coach Owens]

Boo!

[michaelg123789]

Nice writeup

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Coach Owens: Yeah, I understand your frustration. You have my word that I'll do everything in my power to slow down the Yankees!

michaelg123789: Thank you! Hopefully you'll keep following the ongoing saga that is the Phillies!

AUGUST 18, 1945

Without a season hanging in the balance, this remarkable pitching match-up lost a lot of its luster. However, the starters didn’t disappoint, as Robin Roberts tosses a complete game for his 25th victory of the season, outdueling Ewell Blackwell.
Phillies 3, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (25-6) L: Ewell Blackwell (15-6)
2B: Ron Northey (27)
3B: Ed Walczak (5)

*

Another bit of history: never before have 2 pitchers won their 300th game in the same season. That is, until today, when Athletics starter Ted Lyons notched his 300th victory, becoming the 9th man to achieve that feat.

*

[3RunHomer]

Yeah, I'm seriously considering the reassignment draft this offseason.

It won't help. The Yankees could lose all their minor leaguers and they'd still win. They'll just fill any holes in their line-up with the cream of the free agent crop. Money talks in Mogul.