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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Oh she's an animal alright...

*

I ran off to my study, taking the phone with me. “What is it?”

“I met with Commissioner Chandler today. He wants all the owners to meet at the All-Star Game to discuss the future of the Major Leagues.”

That certainly didn’t sound good, but it was a somewhat normal procedure for the All-Star break. Still, Ford wouldn’t be calling me unless he felt something was wrong. “So?”

“So!? He wants to talk about cities for relocation! This means that Zimmerman has found a city!”

Richard Zimmerman was the owner of the St. Louis Browns. He was a bit of an eccentric man, and had even threatened to move the Browns to Queens. He (and Donald Barnes before him) was complaining that St. Louis wasn’t viable for 2 teams, and was looking for places to relocate.

“And you’re afraid he’s picked Los Angeles.”

“Exactly, so we need to go in there and be aligned against a move to LA and San Francisco…”

“Ford, what’s the big deal? I mean, there’s going to need to be another team out on the West Coast just to make traveling easier on everyone. Zimmerman isn’t going anywhere unless he can take another AL team with him. And besides, I don’t think that Chandler would force our hand when he’s got the Yankees in October.”

“Andrew, something is up. You’ll see at the All-Star Break…”

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

APRIL – MAY 1946
PART IV

April 25: Day Off

*

Dodgers SS Arky Vaughan drove in his 1000th career RBI today.

*

April 26-28: St. Louis Cardinals (8-14, T-7th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (11-10, 3rd, 5 GB)

26 – Back-to-back errors by Rizzuto and Kolloway in the top of the 8th inning prove costly as the Phillies can’t retie the game.
Cardinals 4, Phillies 3
W: Ken Holcombe (1-1) L: Hugh Casey (1-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (5), Vern Stephens (4), Ron Northey (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (4), Vern Stephens (2)

27 – Charlie Ripple’s bases-clearing double opens the floodgates for the Phillies offense, pulling Philadelphia above .500.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 4
W: Charlie Ripple (2-3) L: Johnny Podgajny (0-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (7), Charlie Ripple 2 (2)
SB: Ron Northey (1)

28 – Harvey Haddix is masterful, striking out 5 Cardinals en route to a 3-hit shutout, his first career blanking, as the offense explodes all over the ballpark.
Phillies 10, Cardinals 0
W: Harvey Haddix (4-2) L: Lon Warneke (1-3)
2B: Don Kolloway (6)
HR: Gil Hodges (7), Nick Goulish (3)

*

Another trade for the Yankees:

Chicago Cubs receive:
1B Herb Conyers - .355, 1 HR, 12 RBI

New York Yankees receive:
SP Ward MacAlonie – 1-1, 5.57 ERA (A)
RP Ed Blake – 0-0, 3.00 ERA (D)
RP Whitey Miller – 1-0, 3.18 ERA, 8 K/4 BB
C Chico Hernandez - .304, 9 RBI

WINNER: Yankees
With the Northsiders almost out of contention already, the Yankees get much needed bullpen help to try and reel in the BoSox.

*

April 29: Day Off

April 30 – May 2: Philadelphia Phillies (13-11, 3rd, 5 GB) at Brooklyn Dodgers (18-7, 2nd, 0.5 GB)

30 – Robin Roberts is dominant again, tossing a 5-hit shutout, as the Phillies pick up a game on the Dodgers.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 0
W: Robin Roberts (5-0) L: Kirby Higbe (2-3)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (8)
SB: Nick Goulish (5)

1 – Every Phillies starter had at least 1 hit, as Johnny Vander Meer is the victim of an offensive explosion.
Phillies 12, Dodgers 6
W: Tommy Hughes (2-1) L: Johnny Vander Meer (5-2)
2B: Larry Doby (4), Ron Northey (3), Ed Murphy (1)
HR: Vern Stephens (6), Ron Northey (3)

2 – Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson scores 3 times, as the Dodgers overcome a sluggish start from Mort Cooper to salvage the last game of the series. More bad news, as Phil Rizzuto’s 20-game hitting streak comes to an end in the loss.
Dodgers 5, Phillies 3
W: Paul Erickson (2-0) L: Charlie Ripple (2-4)
2B: Nick Goulish (6), Vern Stephens (5)

*

The Yankees are usually renowned for their shrewd personnel moves. However, one trade that flew under the radar in January may come back to haunt them. On January 18, the Yankees shipped new free-agent signing (and former Phillie) Gene Lambert and 2 others to Boston for 4 players in return. Lambert is now the ace of the 22-5 Red Sox, going 4-0 with a 2.72 ERA in April, as the Red Sox look to win the pennant for the first time in 28 years.

*

May 3-5: Cincinnati Reds (12-16, T-4th, 7.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (15-12, 3rd, 4 GB)

3 – It definitely wasn’t pretty, but the Phillies pound out 17 hits to the Reds’ 10, doubling up the Cincinnati nine.
Phillies 12, Reds 6
W: Harvey Haddix (5-2) L: Bucky Walters (2-4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (9), Don Kolloway (7), Gil Hodges (6), Vern Stephens (6), Larry Doby (5)
SB: Ron Northey (2)

*

Ron Northey twisted his knee after stealing second base in the game today. He’ll be out for 2 weeks, meaning that we get to see Johnny Blatnik come up from A Utica to replace him on the active roster.

*

4 – Robin Roberts has a rate bout of wildness, walking 6 batters, as the Reds hang on for the road victory.
Reds 3, Phillies 2
W: Pat Scantlebury (2-3) L: Robin Roberts (5-1) SV: Earl Harrist (2)
2B: Nick Goulish (7), Andy Seminick (2)
3B: Vern Stephens (3)

5 – Tommy Hughes limits the Reds to only 3 hits over 8 innings of work, and Ike Pearson nailed the door shut with a hitless 9th, giving the Phillies the win.
Phillies 2, Reds 0
W: Tommy Hughes (3-1) L: Frank Dasso (2-5) SV: Ike Pearson (2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (10), Vern Stephens (7)
HR: Andy Seminick (2)

May 6: Day Off

May 7-9: Philadelphia Phillies (17-13, 3rd, 5 GB) at Boston Braves (12-19, T-7th, 10.5 GB)

7 – Larry Doby drives in 6 runs on his 2 home runs, and Charlie Ripple strikes out 8 in a complete game victory.
Phillies 7, Braves 1
W: Charlie Ripple (3-4) L: Rob Kelley (1-5)
2B: Vern Stephens (8), Don Kolloway (8)
HR: Gil Hodges (8), Larry Doby 2 (5)

8 – Johnny Blatnik’s pinch-hit RBI double in the top of the 7th inning makes a winner out of Harvey Haddix, and Hugh Casey goes a hitless 3 innings for the save, extending the Braves losing streak to 7 games.
Phillies 2, Braves 1
W: Harvey Haddix (6-2) L: Warren Spahn (2-4) SV: Hugh Casey (1)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (3)

9 – Robin Roberts allows 6 hits over 8 innings of work, and the Phillies rally from an early 2-0 deficit to steal the sweep. The Phillies have won 4 straight, while the Braves have lost 8 straight.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Robin Roberts (6-1) L: Al Javery (2-5) SV: Ike Pearson (3)
2B: Nick Goulish (8)
SB: Nick Goulish (6)

*

After throwing the final pitch of the game, Ike Pearson grabbed his right shoulder. Turns out he dislocated it on his final delivery, and he’ll miss 2 weeks. Ed Hanyzewski will be the interim closer, Hugh Casey gets pushed into the setup role, and Don Grate will get the call-up from A Utica to fill the short relief role.

*

May 10-12: Pittsburgh Pirates (14-20, T-5th, 10 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (20-13, 3rd, 3.5 GB)

10 – Despite taking a 3-0 lead early, a four-run 8th inning looked to doom the Phillies. However, Larry Doby’s lead-off home run in the bottom of the 9th sends the game to extra innings, and Johnny Blatnik hits a first-pitch walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to win the game.
Phillies 5, Pirates 4 (10)
W: Hugh Casey (2-2) L: Emil Kush (3-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (9)
HR: Gil Hodges (9), Larry Doby (6), Johnny Blatnik (1)
SB: Don Kolloway (4), Phil Rizzuto (2)

11 – Trailing 7-5 entering the bottom of the 9th, the Phillies tie the game on a 2-RBI double by Gil Hodges, then two batters later, win it on a walk-off home run by Andy Seminick, their 2nd straight walk-off win. Don Grates ML debut: 2 IP, 2 R (earned) 4 H, 2 BB.
Phillies 10, Pirates 7
W: Hugh Casey (3-2) L: Emil Kush (3-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (7), Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Gil Hodges (10), Larry Doby (7), Andy Seminick (4)

*

The Yankees pitching staff was dealt a huge blow today, as Spud Chandler tore his rotator cuff. He’ll be out for 14 months.

*

12 – No need for walk-offs in this one, as the Phillies get 4 in the 5th inning to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Harvey Haddix wins his league-leading 7th game.
Phillies 5, Pirates 3
W: Harvey Haddix (7-2) L: Max Butcher (1-5) SV: Hugh Casey (2)
2B: Vern Stephens (9), Larry Doby (6), Andy Seminick (3), Ed Murphy (2)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (1)

May 13: Day Off

STANDINGS (after games on May 13, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
New York	26-10	--
Brooklyn	24-13	2.5
Philadelphia	23-13	3.0
St. Louis	18-20	9.0
Cincinnati	16-21	10.5
Chicago		14-23	12.5
Pittsburgh	14-24	13.0
Boston		13-24	13.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		30-6	--
New York	23-13	7.0
Cleveland	19-18	11.5
Philadelphia	17-20	13.5
Washington	16-20	14.0
Detroit		15-22	15.5
Chicago		15-23	16.0
St. Louis	12-25	18.5

*

BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox are off to an incredible start (30-6), thanks in large part to their top to bottom offensive attack. The Sox have a team batting average of .304, despite Bobby Doerr’s lack of productivity (.243, 5 HR, 19 RBI). The rotation includes great performances by Tex Hughson (4-0, 2.68), Dizzy Trout (4-0, 3.00), and Gene Lambert (5-0, 3.33). The bullpen has been fantastic as well, led by Jim Hickey, Al Verdel, and Emmett O’Neill (combined 11-1, 1.58 ERA in 62.1 IP). If they can keep this up, then they could be the greatest team in baseball history.

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Meanwhile the other team in Boston is in last.....

[gosensgo101]

They've been slowly sneaking up as you focused so much on the Yankee dominance I guess.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: The Braves are suffering from a huge lack of offense. During their recent 10-game losing streak (snapped on the 12th), they've scored 4 or more runs only once. Warren Spahn has been outstanding (2.40 ERA), but he hasn't had enough run support to win games (3-4). They've also been hit hard by injuries. CF Sam Jethroe is out for the season, and LF Max West will miss another 2 months. Hopefully this is just a bad stretch, but you never know...

gosensgo101: Having a team that's not the Yankees lead in the American League is not necessarily a bad problem to have! But I think the Red Sox have just been really lucky. On the flip side, however, the Sox are a combined 11-1 against the Indians and Yankees, so this could just be a magical season...

MAY 13, 1946

Right on time, it’s Nick’s annual draft report!

SP Whitey Ford – New York, NY (17)
The consensus #1 pick, according to everyone I’ve spoken with. Already has a great fastball, a solid curve, and is developing a changeup and a slider. Better prospect at this stage than last year’s #3 pick, Billy Pierce, but like Pierce, control is an issue.
89 END, 59 CON, 87 POW, 72 MOV, 83 HEA
81 FASTBALL, 73 CURVE, 66 CHANGE, 60 SLIDER

SP Willard Nixon – Taylorsville, GA (17)
Has the potential to be just as good as Ford, but is a long way away. The right-hander has the 3 standard pitches (fastball, curve, and change), but isn’t outstanding at any of them yet. He’ll need time to live up to his potential.
80 END, 53 CON, 71 POW, 57 MOV, 74 HEA
60 FASTBALL, 66 CURVE, 54 CHANGE

RP Ray Narleski – Camden, NJ (17)
A ground-ball specialist, he allowed only 5 home runs during his 130 innings in high school. Has an impressive arsenal of pitches, but will only be effective if he learns the art of control. The batters in the minors won’t be as free-swinging as those in high school.
41 END, 54 CON, 79 POW, 62 MOV, 77 HEA
73 FOUR-SEAMER, 66 SLIDER, 60 CUTTER, 55 CURVE, 50 CHANGE

SP Bob Buhl – Saginaw, MI (17)
After an outstanding junior season, he struggled with home runs and other extra base hits in his senior year. Recorded 12 complete games in his career, which means he can finish when called upon to do so. Already has displayed a great slider, but will need another pitch to complement that and his fastball.
83 END, 55 CON, 75 POW, 62 MOV, 84 HEA
63 FASTBALL, 70 SLIDER

RF Al Smith – Kirkwood, MO (18)
A power hitter with a good eye, Smith had a nearly 3-to-1 ratio of walks to strikeouts, all while hitting 31 home runs in his high school career. Glovework is a concern as his arm may not be strong enough for right field.
61 CON, 69 POW, 64 SPD, 74 EYE, 71 ARM, 63 RNG, 63 FLD, 85 HEA
-10 CHANGE, -10 CURVE

CF Gus Bell – Louisville, KY (17)
Power hitting centerfielder should bring a formidable bat to the middle of a lineup in a few years. However, he is still very raw, and will cause headaches at the plate and in the outfield.
64 CON, 69 POW, 68 SPD, 66 EYE, 78 ARM, 70 RNG, 66 FLD, 81 HEA

RP Hersh Freeman – Gadsden, AL (17)
A promising sign: he got better each year at the high school level. Odds are against him to better his 1.54 ERA as a senior, but he is a potential top notch closer. Not very fast (88 MPH), but has a solid fastball and a good curve.
23 END, 63 CON, 74 POW, 64 MOV, 71 HEA
72 TWO-SEAMER, 65 CURVE

3B Don Hoak – Roulette, PA (18)
It’s a pretty safe bet taking the kid from Roulette. He can already hit lefties at a replacement-player level, and still has plenty of room to grow. Doesn’t have a lot of range in the field, which may deter a lot of teams.
62 CON, 68 POW, 60 SPD, 75 EYE, 65 ARM, 59 RNG, 69 FLD, 80 HEA

RF Jim Lemon – Covington, VA (18)
Arguably the best power hitting prospect in the draft, Lemon hit 27 home runs the past 2 seasons. He also has a great eye, drawing his fair share of walks as well. His downfall may be his fielding, as he is still a little raw in the outfield.
60 CON, 71 POW, 63 SPD, 69 EYE, 73 ARM, 63 RNG, 62 FLD, 64 HEA
+10 CURVE, +5 CHANGE

1B Pete Runnels – Lufkin, TX (18)
A versatile player, Runnels can play first, second, and short, which is good, because while his batting eye is outstanding, he really isn’t good enough as a power hitter to stay at first base. Range is an issue, due in large part to his lack of speed, but if he can get to the ball, he’s very sure-handed.
65 CON, 60 POW, 62 SPD, 77 EYE, 69 ARM, 57 RNG, 74 FLD, 86 HEA
+10 CURVE, +5 CHANGE

2B Jim Gilliam – Nashville, TN (17)
Blessed with a terrific batting eye, Gilliam would be a great #8 hitter in any lineup. His speed is great, but he leaves something to be desired when he takes the field. He’ll need a lot of practice with grounders.
65 CON, 59 POW, 76 SPD, 86 EYE, 72 ARM, 56 RNG, 65 FLD, 91 HEA

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Not the best draft class I have seen in this dynasty, but Imagine Whitey Ford in your already beastly rotation

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: (salivates)

*

Before I begin, I'd like to thank everyone for reading, as this dynasty reaches another milestone. Today, Trapped in the Basement became the 5th dynasty with 25,000 views, a milestone that couldn't have been reached without your help! Hopefully, you'll keep reading, so we can have a successful 25,000 (or more) views!

*

APRIL – MAY 1946
PART V

May 14-16: Philadelphia Phillies (23-13, 3rd, 3 GB) at Cincinnati Reds (16-21, 5th, 10.5 GB)

14 – A showdown between 2 of the best pitchers in the National League lived up to its billing, but Robin Roberts was stronger, going the distance, allowing only 6 hits, as the Phillies take advantage of the Reds bullpen.
Phillies 4, Reds 1
W: Robin Roberts (7-1) L: Ewell Blackwell (3-1)
HR: Larry Doby (8)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (3)

15 – Given the opportunity of a spot start, Dick Mauney allows only 2 runs over 8 innings of work, and Gil Hodges smashes 2 more home runs to up his league leading total to 12, as the Phillies have now won 9 straight games.
Phillies 6, Reds 4
W: Dick Mauney (1-0) L: Frank Dasso (3-6)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (3)
HR: Gil Hodges 2 (12), Vern Stephens (7)

*

Ron Northey is fully healed, and will return to his spot in right field. Johnny Blatnik has played too well to be demoted, however, so Leon Culberson will be sent back to Utica after a disappointing (.174, 2 R) start to the season.

*

16 – Despite allowing 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to send the game to extras, the bullpen is solid, and an RBI single by Larry Doby in the top of the 15th inning gives the Phillies the victory, their 10th straight.
Phillies 5, Reds 4 (15)
W: Hugh Casey (4-2) L: Joe Krakauskas (0-1)
HR: Gil Hodges (13), Johnny Blatnik (2)
SB: Nick Goulish (7)

May 17-19: St. Louis Cardinals (19-21, 4th, 8.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (26-13, 2nd, 1 GB)

17 – The Cardinals stage a furious rally, scoring 4 runs in the 8th inning, to extend the game, but for the 4th time in their winning streak, the Phillies win in their last at bat, with a walk-off home run by Andy Seminick, extending their streak to 11 games.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 6 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (2-2) L: Al Jurisich (3-1)
2B: Nick Goulish (10), Larry Doby (7)
HR: Larry Doby 2 (10), Andy Seminick (5)

18 – The good times keep on coming, as the Phillies score 7 times to support Robin Roberts to his 8th win of the season. The Phillies have now won 12 straight games.
Phillies 7, Cardinals 2
W: Robin Roberts (8-1) L: Howie Pollet (3-3)
2B: Nick Goulish (11), Gil Hodges (8), Andy Seminick (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (14), Andy Seminick (6), Don Kolloway (2)

19 – The Phillies trailed 4-3 entering the bottom of the 8th. However, an RBI groundout by Larry Doby tied the game, and Andy Seminick homered in his 3rd straight game, giving the Phillies the lead, and their 13th straight win! Meanwhile, the Giants lost, moving the Phillies into a tie for first place!
Phillies 6, Cardinals 5
W: Hugh Casey (5-2) L: Ken Holcombe (2-2)
2B: Nick Goulish (12), Johnny Blatnik (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (15), Andy Seminick (7)

*

Just a note, Gil Hodges is currently on pace to hit 55 home runs. I know it’s a little early to be talking records, but it’ll just be something I’ll keep track of.

*

The Dodgers will be lacking some serious firepower for the rest of the season. SS Arky Vaughan will be sidelined with a torn ankle ligament, and OF Joe Medwick will be out with a broken vertebrae in his back.

*

May 20-22: Brooklyn Dodgers (27-16, 3rd, 2.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (29-13, T-1st, 2.5 GA)

20 – Gil Hodges goes 3-4, hitting his 16th home run of the season, as Hugh Casey and the Phillies hang on to extend their winning streak to 14 games. With the Giants on an off day, the Phillies move into first place!
Phillies 6, Dodgers 5
W: Charlie Ripple (4-4) L: Louis Benz (5-3) SV: Hugh Casey (3)
2B: Larry Doby (8), Charlie Ripple (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (16), Nick Goulish (4)

21 – Both teams put up crooked numbers in the 8th inning. However, all good things must come to an end, and the Dodgers just put up 1 more run than the Phillies, ending their winning streak, and knocking them from first place.
Dodgers 6, Phillies 5
W: Mort Cooper (4-3) L: Harvey Haddix (7-3) SV: Jim Hughes (6)
2B: Johnny Blatnik (5), Ron Northey (4)
HR: Vern Stephens (8)

*

With the close of the 14-game winning streak, it’s time to look back at some of the good times:

- Back when the streak started, the Phillies were 5 games out. Now, they are a half-game.

- Gil Hodges hit .302, with 9 home runs and 15 RBI.

- Andy Seminick hit 6 home runs, and raised his average from .241 to .300.

- The pitching was great allowing more than 5 runs only once, average only 3.2 runs against per game.

*

22 – Robin Roberts gets roughed up, but the offense explodes for nine runs, and the Phillies bounce back with a win.
Phillies 9, Dodgers 6
W: Robin Roberts (9-1) L: Kirby Higbe (4-5) SV: Hugh Casey (4)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (11), Johnny Blatnik (6)
HR: Gil Hodges (17), Vern Stephens (9), Andy Seminick (8)

May 23: Day Off

May 24-26: Philadelphia Phillies (31-14, T-1st, 3.5 GA) at St. Louis Cardinals (20-26, 5th, 11.5 GB)

24 – Despite Gil Hodges’ 18th home run, the Phillies bullpen blows another game. Fortunately, the Giants lose as well, leaving the teams deadlocked atop the National League.
Cardinals 5, Phillies 4
W: Al Jurisich (4-1) L: Don Grate (0-1)
2B: Don Kolloway (9)
3B: Vern Stephens (4)
HR: Gil Hodges (18)

*

In the American League, the Yankees have quietly won 3 straight. That, coupled with 2 straight losses by the Red Sox, moves the Bronx Bombers to within 6 games of first place. This race isn’t over yet, not by a long shot!

*

25 – Charlie Ripple reverts back to 1944 form, striking out 10 Cardinals over 8 innings, and Ed Hanyzewski tosses a perfect inning for his first save of the year. A Giants loss moves the Phillies into sole possession of first place in the National League.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Charlie Ripple (5-4) L: Charlie Condorcet (0-2) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (1)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (12)

26 – Gil Hodges’ solo home run in the top of the 9th inning (his ML-leading 19th) gives the Phillies the win in spectacular fashion. It also keeps the Phillies unbeaten on Saturdays this season.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 2
W: Hugh Casey (6-2) L: Freddy Schmidt (2-1)
2B: Larry Doby 2 (10)
HR: Gil Hodges (19)
SB: Danny Murtaugh (1)

May 27: Day Off

*

Ike Pearson has fully recovered, and will be moved back into his closer role. Unfortunately, John Fick hasn’t shown a whole lot of promise in his time with the big club, so he’ll get bumped down in favor of Don Grate

*

May 28-30: New York Giants (32-16, 2nd, 1 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (33-15, 1st, 1 GA)

28 – The Phillies stage a furious 4-run rally in the bottom of the 8th inning, extending their league lead to 2 games over the Giants.
Phillies 6, Giants 5
W: Hugh Casey (7-2) L: Diomedes Olivo (0-2)
2B: Larry Doby (11)
SB: Larry Doby (1)

*

Well, the Red Sox won, snapping an ugly 4-game losing streak, but the damage has certainly been done. The Yankees have currently won 6 straight, moving to 4 games back. The 3rd place Indians have done one better, winning 7 consecutive, and have pulled to 8.5 back. Even the 4th place Senators are closing, having won 4 straight contests.

*

29 – Today’s game was really an episode of the Ron Northey show. The Phillies rightfielder hit 3 home runs, and the pitching staff survived a late rally to hang on.
Phillies 6, Giants 5
W: Tommy Hughes (4-1) L: Hal Schumacher (5-2) SV: Ike Pearson (4)
2B: Tommy Hughes (1)
HR: Ron Northey 3 (6)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (4), Gil Hodges (1)

30 – Roy Zimmerman’s pinch-hit 2-run home run off Ed Hanyzewski in the top of the 9th salvages the series for the Giants, as the Phillies’ lead shrinks to 2 games.
Giants 4, Phillies 2
W: Larry Jansen (5-2) L: Ed Hanyzewski (2-3) SV: Hoyt Wilhelm (11)
HR: Ron Northey (7)

*

FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP COMING NEXT

[PotatoOfCouch13]

FIRST TRIMESTER RECAP

STANDINGS (after games on May 30, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	35-16	--
New York	33-18	2.0
Brooklyn	29-23	6.5
Chicago		24-29	12.0
St. Louis	23-29	12.5
Cincinnati	22-30	13.5
Pittsburgh	22-31	14.0
Boston		20-32	15.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		38-14	--
New York	34-18	4.0
Cleveland	30-21	7.5
Washington	26-25	11.5
Philadelphia	21-30	16.5
Detroit		21-31	17.0
Chicago		21-32	17.5
St. Louis	16-36	22.0

SEASON STATISTICS
Red denotes League Leader

BATTING

1946 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   16 1.000     1    1   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    1 1.000 1.000
LaForest, Ty              PHI    4  .400     5    2   0   0   0    2    0    0   0    0    0  .400  .571
Murtaugh, Danny           PHI   11  .385    13    5   0   0   0    1    2    1   0    1    2  .385  .429
Blatnik, Johnny           PHI   18  .367    30   11   6   0   2    4    2    1   0    9   11  .767  .417
Peterman, Bill            PHI    7  .346    26    9   1   0   0    0    1    0   0    2    3  .385  .346
Rizzuto, Phil             PHI   51  .316   209   66  12   1   1   28   22    4   3   32   19  .397  .397
Goulish, Nick             PHI   51  .303   201   61  12   2   4   28   29    7   2   34   25  .443  .392
Seminick, Andy            PHI   46  .301   166   50   4   0   8   23   17    0   0   25   28  .470  .395
Northey, Ron              PHI   41  .301   146   44   4   0   7   21   11    2   0   21   28  .473  .398
Hodges, Gil               PHI   49  .292   195   57   8   0  19   27   24    1   1   38   41  .626  .378
Kolloway, Don             PHI   51  .287   174   50   9   1   2    9   18    4   1   18   12  .385  .326
Doby, Larry               PHI   51  .249   201   50  11   0  10   21   26    1   0   24   31  .453  .318
Stephens, Vern            PHI   51  .242   198   48   9   4   9   24   22    2   1   27   22  .465  .323
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   12  .222    27    6   1   0   0    0    5    0   0    2    4  .259  .214
Ripple, Charlie           PHI   13  .219    32    7   3   0   0    0   10    0   0    4    5  .313  .219
Nieman, Butch             PHI   17  .190    21    4   0   1   0    2    2    0   1    2    5  .286  .261
Culberson, Leon           PHI   11  .174    23    4   0   0   0    2    5    0   0    2    0  .174  .240
Haddix, Harvey            PHI   12  .147    34    5   1   0   0    1   10    0   0    2    1  .176  .171
Murphy, Ed                PHI   20  .125    24    3   2   0   0    3    2    0   0    2    2  .208  .222
Roberts, Robin            PHI   13  .086    35    3   2   0   0    4   13    0   0    3    1  .143  .179
Mauney, Dick              PHI    1  .000     2    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Casey, Hugh               PHI   17  .000     4    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Gables, Ken               PHI    1  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

PITCHING

1946 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    5.0  0.00    3   0   0   0   0    3    2  7.20
Casey, Hugh               PHI   33.0  1.36   17   0   7   2   4    7    6  8.45
Pearson, Ike              PHI    6.1  1.42    6   0   0   1   4    0    2  8.53
Roberts, Robin            PHI  105.1  2.22   13  13   9   1   0   44   28 10.08
Mauney, Dick              PHI    8.0  2.25    1   1   1   0   0    5    3 14.63
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   90.0  3.20   12  12   4   1   0   45   25 11.20
Ripple, Charlie           PHI   92.2  3.59   13  13   5   4   0   66   34 13.40
Haddix, Harvey            PHI   91.2  3.83   12  12   7   3   0   45   32 12.08
Grate, Don                PHI    7.1  4.91    4   0   0   1   0    2    3 14.73
Gables, Ken               PHI    3.0  6.00    1   0   0   0   0    0    1 15.00
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   18.2  8.20   16   0   2   3   1   15   12 18.32
Fick, John                PHI    6.1  8.53    6   0   0   0   0    5    2 19.89

LEAGUE LEADERS

NATIONAL LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Harry Walker (STL)	.340
HR - Gil Hodges (PHI)		19
RBI - Gil Hodges (PHI)		41
SB - Jackie Robinson (BRO)	9
     Jeff Cross (STL)		
				
W - Robin Roberts (PHI)		9
ERA - Robin Roberts (PHI)	2.22	
K - Charlie Ripple (PHI)	66
SV - Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG)		11
				
AMERICAN LEAGUE LEADERS		
AVG - Mickey Vernon (WSH)	.374
HR - Ted Williams (BOS)		13
RBI - Ted Williams (BOS)	41
SB - Barney McCosky (DET)	6
     Jerry Priddy (PHA)		
				
W - Dizzy Trout (BOS)		7
    Allie Reynolds (CLE)	
    Bobo Newsom (WSH)		
ERA - Mel Harder (CLE)		2.05
K - Gene Lambert (BOS)		65
SV - Whitey Miller (NYY)	12

JOLLY FARM REVUE

PROMOTIONS
SP Andy Lapihuska - Wilmington to Utica
SP Kent Bickett - Wilmington to Utica

SP Lynn Lovenguth - Greensboro to Wilmington
SP Jake Thies - Greensboro to Wilmington
RP Vern Fear - Greensboro to Wilmington
RP Phil Haugstad - Greensboro to Wilmington
C Ryan Scifo - Greensboro to Wilmington
CF Hal Jeffcoat - Greensboro to Wilmington

SP Bob Trice - Clearwater to Greensboro
SP Jason Pullen - Clearwater to Greensboro
RP Hal Hudson - Clearwater to Greensboro
RF Joe Szekely - Clearwater to Greensboro

FULL RUNDOWN
* denotes Top Prospect

LEVEL A - UTICA, NY
SP Bill McCahan* - 5-1, 2.51 ERA
SP Eric Whelan - 6-1, 2.69 ERA
RP Hilly Flitcraft - 4-2, 3.58 ERA, 3 SV
RP Charley Schanz* - 3-0, 3.16 ERA
RP Deacon Donahue - 1-1, 3.95 ERA, 1 SV
RP Barney Mussill - 1-2, 2.03 ERA, 3 SV
RP Dale Matthewson - 2-0, 3.02 ERA, 5 SV
RP John Fick* - DNP (Majors)

C Bob Finley - .293, 0 HR, 28 RBI
    - out for season (broken vertabrae)
2B Ed Walczak - .297, 10 RBI, 4 SB
3B Nick Picciuto - .333, 0 HR, 22 RBI
SS Jack Albright - .413, 1 HR, 44 RBI
IF Ray Hamrick - .401, 1 HR, 32 RBI, 4 SB
OF Leon Culberson - .259, 0 HR, 5 RBI

LEVEL B - WILMINGTON, DE
SP Andy Lapihuska - 3-0, 3.78 ERA
SP Eli Hodkey - 4-4, 3.92 ERA
SP Kent Bickett - 3-1, 2.55 ERA
SP Jeff Walker - 4-2, 3.66 ERA
RP Lefty Scott - 1-1, 2.78 ERA, 1 SV
RP Homer Spragins - 2-2, 5.64 ERA, 1 SV
RP Mitch Chetkovich - 0-4, 4.42 ERA, 2 SV
RP John Hall - 2-2, 5.26 ERA, 1 SV

2B Moon Mullen - .402, 38 RBI, 5 SB
3B Bert Hodge - .393, 1 HR, 32 RBI
SS John O'Neil - .409, 1 HR, 45 RBI, 5 SB
OF Jackie Jensen* - .311, 4 HR, 32 RBI

LEVEL C - GREENSBORO, NC
SP Lynn Lovenguth - 1-1, 4.43 ERA
SP Jake Thies* - 1-2, 4.50 ERA
RP Vern Fear - 3-3, 2.57 ERA
RP Phil Haugstad - 2-3, 4.06 ERA, 2 SV
RP Armando Roche - 1-2, 2.31 ERA, 3 SV

C Ryan Scifo - .273, 0 HR, 20 RBI
1B Dale Long* - .312, 3 HR, 26 RBI
2B Nellie Fox - .360, 27 RBI, 2 SB
3B Jesse Levan - .294, 31 RBI, 2 SB
SS Rudy Rufer - .238, 20 RBI, 5 SB
CF Hal Jeffcoat - .347, 25 RBI, 2 SB

LEVEL D - CLEARWATER, FL
SP Bob Trice* - 3-1, 4.47 ERA
SP Jason Pullen - 1-2, 3.60 ERA
RP Hal Hudson* - 0-0, 2.25 ERA, 1 SV
RP Luis Arroyo - DNP (injury)
    - out until late July (rotator cuff)

1B James Usher - .269, 1 HR, 10 RBI
2B Mike Goliat - .420, 2 HR, 19 RBI
RF Joe Szekely - .404, 19 RBI, 2 SB

[RedsoxRockies]

Nice to see Ripple pitching good again like his triple crowner.

[gosensgo101]

I'm ashamed of Roberts' lack of production at the plate.

[RedsoxRockies]

I'm ashamed of Roberts' lack of production at the plate.

I agree, he should go alll the way down to Greensboro

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, me too. Charlie has really stepped it up again this year. Then again, it's always a good sign when your #3 pitcher is a former Triple Crown winner!

gosensgo101: Me too! If he's Superman on the mound, why can't he be Superman at the dish as well!

RSR: I think he's doing well enough in the areas he specializes in to stay with the big club. For now...

JUNE – JULY 1946
PART I

May 31 – June 2: Cincinnati Reds (22-30, 6th, 13.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (35-16, 1st, 2 GA)

31 – The Phillies put up 5 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning to put this one away early. Harvey Haddix records his 8th win.
Phillies 10, Reds 3
W: Harvey Haddix (8-3) L: Bucky Walters (4-5)
2B: Gil Hodges (9)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (2)

*

And that concludes a month where the Phillies went 22-5, pulling themselves from a 4 game hole, dusting themselves off, and blowing by the Dodgers and Giants to grab a 2 game lead. Hopefully this continues until September.

*

1 – It’s simply a case of too little too late, as Ewell Blackwell gets the better of Robin Roberts and the Phillies this time around.
Reds 2, Phillies 1
W: Ewell Blackwell (4-2) L: Robin Roberts (9-2) SV: Earl Harrist (5)
3B: Phil Rizzuto (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (20)

2 – Tommy Hughes goes 7 innings allowing only 2 runs on 5 hits, as the Phillies take the rubber game of the series.
Phillies 4, Reds 2
W: Tommy Hughes (5-1) L: Frank Dasso (6-7) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (2)
HR: Andy Seminick (9)

June 3-5: Philadelphia Phillies (37-17, 1st, 1 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (31-24, 3rd, 6.5 GB)

3 – Charlie Ripple allows only 1 run on 5 hits over 8 innings of work, as the Phillies take the game thanks to a big day from Johnny Blatnik (2-5, 2 R).
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
W: Charlie Ripple (6-4) L: Louis Benz (5-5)
2B: Don Kolloway (10), Johnny Blatnik (7)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (10)

4 – Harvey Haddix makes it 3 straight quality starts for the Phillies, going 8 and allowing only 1 run.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 1
W: Harvey Haddix (9-3) L: Mort Cooper (5-4)
3B: Vern Stephens (5)
SB: Larry Doby (2)

5 – Robin Roberts becomes the first pitcher to notch double digits in victories, as he tosses a complete game as the Phillies sweep the Dodgers.
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
W: Robin Roberts (10-2) L: Kirby Higbe (5-6)
2B: Nick Goulish 2 (14), Andy Seminick (5)
HR: Larry Doby (11), Andy Seminick (11)

*

With his 3 pitch performance today, Giants closer Hoyt Wilhelm became the 3rd man in Major League history with 100 saves. Still only 23 years old, Wilhelm will easily shatter the record this season, as he is on pace for a single-season record 34 saves. I fear that the all-time record will be whatever he says it is…

*

June 6: Day Off

STANDINGS (after games on June 6, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	40-17	--
New York	38-19	2.0
Brooklyn	31-27	9.5
St. Louis	27-31	13.5
Chicago		26-33	15.0
Cincinnati	25-33	15.5
Pittsburgh	24-35	17.0
Boston		21-37	19.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		43-15	--
New York	38-20	5.0
Cleveland	33-25	10.0
Washington	31-27	12.0
Philadelphia	23-34	19.5
Detroit		23-35	20.0
Chicago		22-37	21.5
St. Louis	19-39	24.0
			
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns	19-39	--
Boston Braves	21-37	2.0
Chi. White Sox	22-37	2.5
Detroit Tigers	23-35	4.0
Phila. A's	23-34	4.5
			
RACE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	40-17	--
Athletics	23-34	17.0

*

[RedsoxRockies]

The A's have all but clinched the liberty bell trophy, eh?

[Coach Owens]

The A's have all but clinched the liberty bell trophy, eh?

Well, maybe if they had better pitchers who got more wins, they wouldn't!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: They're certainly doing their best to let me win for another year!

CoachOwens: Maybe they can get those pitchers after they move to Seattle...

JUNE 6, 1946
1946 AMATEUR DRAFT

“With the first pick in the draft, the St. Louis Browns…”

Gee, where have I heard that one before? Oh yes! I remember! It was just last year, when the Browns picked RP Dick Weik over consensus #1 prospect Billy Pierce, who somehow slipped past Detroit as well and into the waiting arms of the Cincinnati Reds.

This year, however, promised to be different.

“..select LHP Whitey Ford, from New York.”

So instead of having 2 potential aces, Richard Zimmerman and company will have to settle for one. Browns fans are still beating themselves up over these decisions…

The other St. Louis team, the Cardinals, were picking second (wow, St. Louis had a really crappy year!). They also make a sensible choice in SP Bob Buhl.

The Philadelphia Athletics, as much as it pains me to say it, are very much in decline. With the Phillies now succeeding, it’s getting increasingly tough to draw fans to the stadium, and with the awfulness of the Browns, it’s getting increasingly difficult to the get best amateur player. I think Mr. Mack may have left the room for this pick though. RP Rinty Monahan was a late-bloomer. Not very highly regarded by most experts, this kid from Brooklyn with the blazing fastball caught Connie’s eye. Apparently trying to find the next Rube Waddell, the A’s selected him at #3. But, as any good kid from Brooklyn is taught to do, Monahan hates Philly.

OF Gus Bell went to the Pirates at #4, while SP Willard Nixon rounds out the top 5 going to the Senators.

#   TEAM		   PLAYER (PEAK)
1.  St. Louis Browns	   SP Whitey Ford (91)
2.  St. Louis Cardinals	   SP Bob Buhl (87)
3.  Philadelphia Athletics RP Rinty Monahan (90)
4.  Pittsburgh Pirates	   CF Gus Bell (91)
5.  Washington Senators    SP Willard Nixon (93)
6.  Boston Braves	   SP Normie Roy (93)
7.  Detroit Tigers	   RP Ray Narleski (92)
8.  Chicago Cubs	   SP Alex Leclear (84)
9.  Chicago White Sox	   RP Hersh Freeman (86)
10. Brooklyn Dodgers	   3B Don Hoak (93)
11. New York Giants	   SP Joe Nuxhall (86)
12. Cincinnati Reds	   RP Frank Smith (84)
13. Cleveland Indians	   RF Al Smith (93)
14. Boston Red Sox	   1B Dick Gernert (91)
15. Philadelphia Phillies  1B Pete Runnels (90)
16. New York Yankees	   RP Bob Ross (88)

31. Philadelphia Phillies  SP Remy Poynings (76)
47. Philadelphia Phillies  SP Douglas Anderson (74)
63. Philadelphia Phillies  CF Herb Adams (78)
79. Philadelphia Phillies  SP Brian Roberts (73)
95. Philadelphia Phillies  C Charlie White (67)

18. St. Louis Cardinals    RF Jim Lemon (91)
26. Brooklyn Dodgers	   2B Jim Gilliam (86)
36. Pittsburgh Pirates	   RP Roy Face (82)
45. Cleveland Indians	   SP Jose Santiago (80)

Without an ‘urgent’ need at this time, I decided to draft for depth, getting 3 young starters as well as filling out my lower minors with some needs. I grabbed Runnels because of his versatility: he may come in handy sometime down the road…

All draftees will begin their professional careers in D-level Clearwater.

*