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

[Coach Owens]

Coach Owens, RedsoxRockies: Very interesting suggestions, and I do agree in part with both of you. I do enjoy Alice in Chains, especially when the time is right. However, I compare Staley to others like Heath Ledger, those who took an easy way out through drugs and alcohol instead of manning up to their problems. Although I am not in a position to judge, that's just my personal feeling.

OregonDuck1989: Oh man, someone still watches SNL? Just kidding, I love that sketch. Andy Samberg has really done much better than I thought he would on that show, what with "Lazy Sunday", "Dick in a Box", and others.

JUNE 21, 1946

Well, the doctor confirmed the news today. Elizabeth is expecting again, this one due in January. With the Walsh family expected to grow, I think I should put some serious consideration into hiring an assistant. After all, I want to see my kids grow up.

*

NAME HIM NICHOLAS CAGE WALSH! Have you seen Cage's perfomance in The Wicker Man?!?!?!!! IT'S BRILLIANT!!!!!!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

dannymac910: Thank you! Hope to keep you as a reader!

Coach Owens: I do like Nicholas as a name, so that'll be my choice if it's a boy (coin flip will be held in the future).

JUNE – JULY 1946
PART III

June 21-23: Philadelphia Phillies (47-23, 1st, 3 GA) at St. Louis Cardinals (35-36, 4th, 12.5 GB)

21 – Ed Murphy’s pinch-hit 2-run 9th inning home run saves the Phillies from defeat, as they extend their lead in the National League with a Giants loss.
Phillies 5, Cardinals 4
W: Ed Hanyzewski (4-3) L: Freddy Schmidt (3-3) SV: Ike Pearson (5)
2B: Charlie Ripple (4)
HR: Ed Murphy (1)
SB: Butch Nieman (1)

22 – Harvey Haddix goes 7 strong, and the offense, led by Ron Northey (3-3, 2 RBI) provides enough insurance for Ed Hanyzewski to slam the door.
Phillies 4, Cardinals 3
W: Harvey Haddix (10-5) L: Lon Warneke (4-7) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (4)
2B: Vern Stephens (13)

*

Despite walking the bases loaded, Hoyt Wilhelm records the final 3 outs in the Giants’ 3-1 win over the Braves. This is Hoyt’s 104th career save, making him the all-time record holder.

Baseball's All-Time Save Leader: A Knuckleballer???

*

23 – A late error by Phil Rizzuto breaks a 2-2 tie, letting the Cardinals salvage the last game of the series, and allowing the Giants to climb back to 3 games back.
Cardinals 3, Phillies 2
W: Freddy Schmidt (4-3) L: Ed Hanyzewski (4-4)
2B: Gil Hodges (12), Johnny Blatnik (10), Ron Northey (9)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (5)

*

Johnny Blatnik has struggled at the plate ever since his installation as the regular left fielder (shocker, right?), so rookie Butch Nieman will get a shot at playing everyday.

*

June 24-26: Boston Braves (28-45, 7th, 21 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (49-24, 1st, 3 GA)

24 – The Phillies’ offense was held silent until the 9th inning, when they scored twice to force extra innings, where they eventually won the game on an RBI single by Leon Culberson.
Phillies 3, Braves 2 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (2-2) L: Elmer Singleton (1-2)
2B: Larry Doby (12)
3B: Ty LaForest (2)
HR: Butch Nieman (1)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (6)

25 – 19 of the 25 active Phillies got into this game, as Butch Nieman’s 17th-inning walk-off home run ends the longest game I’ve ever seen: 17 innings.
Phillies 5, Braves 4 (17)
W: Hugh Casey (8-2) L: Ed Wright (1-2)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (13), Ron Northey (10)
HR: Gil Hodges (23), Butch Nieman (2)

26 – Harvey Haddix notches his 11th win, going 8 innings on only 5 hits, and Ike Pearson slams the door on a sweep.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Harvey Haddix (11-5) L: Carl Lindquist (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (6)
2B: Vern Stephens (14), Andy Seminick (13)

June 27: Day Off

*

The start of the deadline trading season!

Washington Senators receive:
SP Randy Heflin – 0-1, 2.54 ERA, 21/10 K/BB
St. Louis Browns receive:
SS Red Roberts - .326, 27 RBI, 5 SB (B)
LF Paul Schramka - .402, 4 HR, 35 RBI (HS)
CF Pete Milne - .406, 4 HR, 44 RBI (C)

WINNER: None
With both teams a long way out of the race, it's hard to really call this one, so I'll take the easy way out!

*

June 28-30: Philadelphia Phillies (52-24, 1st, 3 GA) at Chicago Cubs (35-42, 6th, 17.5 GB)

28 – Robin Roberts gets back on form, tossing a complete game 6-hitter, and driving in 2 runs with an RBI double to help his own cause.
Phillies 8, Cubs 1
W: Robin Roberts (12-4) L: Shaun Hale (7-10)
2B: Robin Roberts (4)
HR: Larry Doby (13)

*

Another trade:

Brooklyn Dodgers receive:
C Ferrell Anderson – .242, 12 RBI
Philadelphia Athletics receive:
SS Boyd Bartley - .258, 11 RBI (B)

WINNER: Dodgers
Anderson returns to Brooklyn after being signed away last offseason, giving the Dodgers a competent replacement for struggling Ernie Lombardi.

*

29 – Tommy Hughes allows 2 runs over 8.1 innings, as the Phillies hang on for the big win, their 5th straight.
Phillies 4, Cubs 2
W: Tommy Hughes (8-2) L: Vern Olsen (5-8) SV: Ike Pearson (7)
2B: Don Kolloway (15)

30 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 Cubs over 8 innings, as the Phillies keep winning, now with 6 straight.
Phillies 8, Cubs 2
W: Charlie Ripple (9-4) L: Joey Lothian (3-8)
HR: Andy Seminick (14), Ron Northey (9)

July 1-3: Brooklyn Dodgers (42-39, 3rd, 14 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (55-24, 1st, 4 GA)

1 – The system works! Rule V draftee Butch Nieman hits 2 home runs, as Harvey Haddix tosses a 5-hit shutout.
Phillies 8, Dodgers 0
W: Harvey Haddix (12-5) L: Kirby Higbe (5-11)
2B: Phil Rizzuto 2 (15), Larry Doby (14), Gil Hodges (13)
HR: Ron Northey (10), Butch Nieman 2 (4)

*

SP Tommy Hughes will miss the next 3 weeks with a sprained lower back. Dick Mauney will take over the rotation spot.

*

2 – Ron Northey’s RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning gives the Phillies the walk-off win, as the Phillies extend their winning streak to 8 games.
Phillies 2, Dodgers 1 (12)
W: Al Gerhauser (1-0) L: Paul Erickson (3-3)
3B: Don Kolloway (2)

3 – The Dodgers get some measure of redemption, as they stop the Phillies winning streak.
Dodgers 5, Phillies 2
W: Louis Benz (8-8) L: Dick Mauney (1-1) SV: Jim Hughes (10)

July 4: Day Off (Happy 170th Birthday, America! USA! USA! USA!

July 5-7: Philadelphia Phillies (57-25, 1st, 4 GA) at Boston Braves (31-52, T-7th, 26.5 GB)

5 – The Phillies pound 4 home runs, getting back on the winning track.
Phillies 8, Braves 1
W: Charlie Ripple (10-4) L: Ethan Gornitsky (7-8)
2B: Don Kolloway (16), Charlie Ripple (5)
HR: Gil Hodges (24), Larry Doby (14), Ron Northey (11), Butch Nieman (5)

6 – Despite allowing 16 Braves hits, the Phillies put up more runs than the home team, sneaking away a win.
Phillies 7, Braves 4
W: Harvey Haddix (13-5) L: Chris Pfeffer (0-2) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (5)
2B: Don Kolloway (17), Butch Nieman (2), Harvey Haddix (2)

7 – Robin Roberts records the complete game victory, striking out four, as Andy Seminick and Ron Northey go deep in the win, bringing the Phillies to the All-Star Break.
Phillies 6, Braves 1
W: Robin Roberts (13-4) L: Rob Kelley (5-12)
2B: Robin Roberts (5), Danny Murtaugh (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (15), Ron Northey (12)

July 8: Day Off

*

A trade between colored pairs of footwear:

Boston Red Sox receive:
CF Vance Dinges – .258, 3 HR, 26 RBI
Chicago White Sox receive:
CF Carmen Mauro - .358, 1 HR, 21 RBI (D)

WINNER: Red Sox
The Boston team gets a solid player who can play all 3 outfield spots as well as some first base.

*

RF Tommy Holmes, LF George Case and 1B John Corriden finally found homes today. Holmes was scooped up by the Red Sox, Case went to the Braves, and Corriden was signed by the Tigers. All signed half-year deals.

*

STANDINGS (after games on July 8, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	60-25	--
New York	53-32	7.0
Brooklyn	45-43	16.5
Cincinnati	44-43	17.0
St. Louis	41-47	20.5
Chicago		38-49	23.0
Pittsburgh	35-53	26.5
Boston		31-55	29.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		64-23	--
New York	53-33	10.5
Cleveland	50-37	14.0
Washington	45-41	18.5
Chicago		37-50	27.0
Philadelphia	35-51	28.5
Detroit		34-53	30.0
St. Louis	29-59	35.5
			
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns	29-59	--
Boston Braves	31-55	3.0
Detroit Tigers	34-53	5.5
Pitts. Pirates	35-53	6.0
Phila. A's	35-51	7.0
			
RACE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	60-25	--
Athletics	35-51	25.5

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Oh, if it is a female, can it be named Gary and have a sex change that fails, making it an "It"?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: ...

*

1946 HOME RUN SHOWDOWN

Tigers C Roy Campanella went wire to wire, beating Red Sox LF Ted Williams to win his 1st career Home Run Showdown, much to the chagrin of the Fenway Park crowd.

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)
Roy Campanella (DET)                11
Ted Williams (BOS)                   7
Jeff Heath (CLE)                     7
Ron Northey (PHI)                    7
Jackie Robinson (BRO)                6
Andy Seminick (PHI)                  5
Charlie Keller (NYY)                 5
Mickey Vernon (WSH)                  5
Gil Hodges (PHI)                     4
Stan Musial (CIN)                    3

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)
Roy Campanella (DET)                 5
Ted Williams (BOS)                   4
Ron Northey (PHI)                    3
Jeff Heath (CLE)                     2

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)
ROY CAMPANELLA (DET)                 5
Ted Williams (BOS)                   3

     WINNER: Roy Campanella

Former All-Star MVP, Campy adds HR Showdown Title to his collection

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Wow, you had three men in there, nice. And how do you veiw the HRD without an error file popping up? I used to be able to a few years ago...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RSR: I went to the output folder in the program files.

[RedsoxRockies]

Oh, ok, that is what I thought. I was hoping you got the normal one to work

[metsguy234]

You could always just switch off HTML boxscores to view the HRD...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Metsguy234: Nice, I didn't realize that was possible. I learned something today!

1946 ALL-STAR GAME
FENWAY PARK

After a year’s hiatus, the All-Star Game came to Fenway Park for the 1st time. The National League was looking to win consecutive games for the first time in history, and would turn to Braves ace Warren Spahn to do so. The American League would start White Sox hurler Ed Lopat for the 2nd straight season, hoping for a better result this season.

AL ALL-STARS

STARTERS		# ASG
C  Clyde McCullough(BOS)1
1B Mickey Vernon (WSH)	2 consecutive
2B Bobby Doerr (BOS)	4 (3 straight)
3B Billy Johnson (BOS)	1
SS Pee Wee Reese (NYY)	3 consecutive
LF Ted Williams (BOS)	6 consecutive
*CF Dom DiMaggio (BOS)	3
RF Charlie Keller (NYY)	6 consecutive
SP Ed Lopat (CHW)	2 consecutive
			
C  Roy Campanella (DET)	3 consecutive
*C  Frankie Hayes (NYY)	4
2B Jerry Priddy (PHA)	1
^3B Nap Reyes (SLB)	1
^SS Ralph LaPointe(CLE)	1
CF Joe DiMaggio (NYY)	10 consecutive
OF Jeff Heath (CLE)	4 (3 straight)
			
SP Mel Harder (CLE)	7 (2 straight)
SP Dutch Leonard (DET)	3
SP Cy Blanton (PHA)	3
SP Allie Reynolds (CLE)	2 consecutive
SP Dizzy Trout (BOS)	2 consecutive
SP Jim Bagby (CLE)	2
SP Butch Wensloff (SLB)	1
SP Johnny Sain (NYY)	1
SP Jocko Thompson (NYY)	1
*SP Gene Lambert (BOS)	1
RP Whitey Miller (NYY)	3 consecutive
RP Vern Curtis (BOS)	1
RP Luis Aloma (WSH)	1
RP Al Verdel (BOS)	1

Joe DiMaggio will start in centerfield
Roy Campanella will replace Frankie Hayes
Jocko Thompson will replace Gene Lambert

First-Timers: 12
Team Breakdown:
9 - Red Sox
7 - Yankees
5 - Indians
2 - Tigers, Athletics, Browns, Senators
1 - White Sox

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY
^ - ROOKIE

NL ALL-STARS

STARTERS		# ASG
C  Andy Seminick (PHI)	2 consecutive
1B Gil Hodges (PHI)	1
2B Jackie Robinson(BRO)	2
3B Ken Keltner (BRO)	4 (2 straight)
SS Lou Boudreau (PIT)	5 (2 straight)
LF Stan Musial (CIN)	4 consecutive
CF Phil Cavarretta(CHC)	3
RF Enos Slaughter (NYG)	4 (3 straight)
SP Warren Spahn (BSN)	1
			
C  Harry Danning (NYG)	7 (2 straight)
C  Walker Cooper (BSN)	3
1B Johnny Mize (NYG)	7 (2 straight)
2B Red Schoendienst(STL)1
SS Phil Rizzuto (PHI)	2 consecutive
3B Bob Kennedy (BSN)	1
OF Ron Northey (PHI)	1
			
SP J. Vander Meer (BRO)	4 (2 straight)
SP Claude Passeau (CHC)	3
SP Charlie Ripple (PHI)	2 consecutive
SP Mort Cooper (BRO)	2
SP Johnny Podgajny(STL)	1
SP Robin Roberts (PHI)	1
SP Ewell Blackwell(CIN)	1
^SP Harvey Haddix (PHI)	1
SP Tommy Hughes (PHI)	1
^SP Jim Hopper (PIT)	1
RP Jim Hughes (BRO)	3 (2 straight)
RP Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG)	2 consecutive
RP Art Lopatka (STL)	2
RP Earl Harrist (CIN)	1

First-Timers: 12
Team Breakdown:
8 - Phillies
5 - Dodgers
4 - Giants
3 - Braves, Reds, Cardinals
2 - Cubs, Pirates

* - INJURED, WILL NOT PLAY
^ - ROOKIE

*

The game was hotly contested, as both teams came prepared. Warren Spahn went 2 hitless innings, followed by Charlie Ripple and Ewell Blackwell (4 scoreless innings). Ed Lopat handed the ball to Allie Reynolds after 3 scoreless innings, and Reynolds went 2 perfect frames before giving way to former Phillies starter Cy Blanton, who pitched a perfect 6th.

After 6 innings of baseball, the game was still scoreless. Both teams had recorded 3 hits, and the pitchers weren’t showing any signs of giving up.

However, the top of the 7th would prove to be decisive. Blanton, out for his 2nd inning, hung a screwball, and Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson made him pay, blasting a first-pitch home run over the triangle into the centerfield bleachers. NL 1, AL 0. Reds LF Stan Musial followed with a single, setting up Phillies 1B Gil Hodges. Hodges, the Major League home run leader, lived up to his reputation, taking a 3-1 fastball out to ‘Williamsburg’, landing in the NL bullpen, almost hitting Hoyt Wilhelm as he warmed up. NL 3, AL 0.

From that point on, it was elementary. Wilhelm pitched 2 perfect innings, giving way to Dodgers RP Jim Hughes, who survived a wild 9th inning to preserve the shutout and give the National League the victory.

NATIONAL LEAGUE 3, AMERICAN LEAGUE 0
W: Ewell Blackwell L: Cy Blanton SV: Jim Hughes

MVP: Phillies 1B Gil Hodges
Gil went 2-4, with his big 2-run home run sealing the deal for the National League. He was the only player in the game today with multiple hits.

Gil fooling around in a Dodgers hat. Hopefully he stays with the Phillies for a long time.

*

The Phillies were well represented, with 8 All-Stars.

SP Robin Roberts: DNP
SP Tommy Hughes: DNP
SP Charlie Ripple: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 0 R
SP Harvey Haddix: DNP
C Andy Seminick: 1-4, K
1B Gil Hodges: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI (Game MVP)
SS Phil Rizzuto: 1-1
RF Ron Northey: DNP

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

JUNE – JULY 1946
PART IVa

Hope you guys enjoyed your break! The schedule makers have decided to wage war against the reigning National League champions. Fortunately, the Giants have a stretch of 48 games in as many days starting on the 16th. Whatever the powers that be are smoking, I want to get my hands on it…

In the meantime, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the play of Butch Nieman in left field. We selected him in the 1st annual Rule V draft because he was the best player available. However, the 28 year old rookie has stepped into left field, and hit .280, with 5 HR and 24 RBI. I was thinking about trying to trade for Ralph Kiner to fill our needs in left field, but Butch’s play has made me rethink that stance.

*

July 11-14: Philadelphia Phillies (60-25, 1st, 7 GA) at Boston Braves (31-55, 8th, 29.5 GB)

11 – Warren Spahn’s complete game effort the day after his All-Star start solidifies his place as one of the best in the game.
Braves 4, Phillies 2
W: Warren Spahn (8-9) L: Dick Mauney (1-2)
2B: Don Kolloway (18), Johnny Blatnik (11)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (2)

12 – Charlie Ripple goes 7.2 innings, as the Phillies need all of their 9-0 lead to hang on for the victory.
Phillies 9, Braves 8
W: Charlie Ripple (11-4) L: Al Javery (6-10)
2B: Don Kolloway (19), Vern Stephens 2 (16), Johnny Blatnik (12)

13 – Gil Hodges’ 25th home run of the season leads an offensive outbreak, helping Harvey Haddix to his 14th win of the season.
Phillies 9, Braves 7
W: Harvey Haddix (14-5) L: Ethan Gornitsky (7-9) SV: Ike Pearson (8)
2B: Ron Northey (11), Ed Murphy (3)
HR: Gil Hodges (25), Ron Northey (13)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (7)

*

Dodgers OF Gee Walker recorded his 2000th career hit in today’s game.

*

14 – Gil Hodges’ 9th inning home run provides enough insurance for Ike Pearson to get the save and allows the Phillies to extend their winning streak to 3 games.
Phillies 3, Braves 2
W: Robin Roberts (14-4) L: Rob Kelley (5-13) SV: Ike Pearson (9)
2B: Vern Stephens (17), Phil Rizzuto (16), Ron Northey (12), Robin Roberts (6)
HR: Gil Hodges (26)

July 15-17: St. Louis Cardinals (43-48, 5th, 21 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (63-26, 1st, 6.5 GB)

15 – Ron Northey continues his sweltering summer, going 2-4 with a double and the go-ahead home run in a wild 4-run 6th inning.
Phillies 6, Cardinals 5
W: Hugh Casey (9-2) L: Ken Holcombe (2-3) SV: Ike Pearson (10)
2B: Ron Northey (13), Andy Seminick (9)
HR: Ron Northey (14), Ed Murphy (2)

16 – Charlie Ripple strikes out 6 Cardinals over 8 shutout innings, and the Phillies keep rolling with their 5th straight win.
Phillies 3, Cardinals 0
W: Charlie Ripple (12-4) L: Howie Pollet (7-6) SV: Ike Pearson (11)
2B: Don Kolloway 2 (21), Butch Nieman (3)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (8)

*

Indians SP Mel Harder went 8 innings, allowing only 1 run and striking out 3 in a victory over the St. Louis Browns, the 250th of his career. He is just the 16th pitcher to reach that plateau.

*

17 – Phil Rizzuto hits a walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning, keeping the Phillies on the right track with their 6th straight victory.
Phillies 6, Cardinals 5 (11)
W: Ike Pearson (3-2) L: Johnny Hutchings (1-3)
2B: Andy Seminick (10), Butch Nieman (4)

July 18-21: Chicago Cubs (40-53, 6th, 26.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (66-26, 1st, 7 GA)

18 – Butch Nieman’s (there’s that name again!) 2nd-inning solo home run is all Robin Roberts will need, as the Phillies’ ace hurls a 3-hit shutout. Win streak: 7 games.
Phillies 1, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (15-4) L: Claude Passeau (6-8)
2B: Larry Doby (15)
HR: Butch Nieman (6)

*

With the trade deadline looming, the Yankees make a move to try and catch the Red Sox.

New York Yankees receive:
SP Butch Wensloff – 8-8, 3.47 ERA, 63/59 K/BB
St. Louis Browns receive:
RF Cliff Mapes - .431, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 6 SB (B)

WINNER: Yankees
The Bronx Bombers get an All-Star pitcher for a prospect blocked by Al Zarilla at the moment.

*

19 – The Phillies manage to score 7 runs, despite recording only 1 extra-base hit, and Hugh Casey picks up his 10th win out of the bullpen. Win streak: 8 games.
Phillies 7, Cubs 6
W: Hugh Casey (10-2) L: Andy Karl (1-5) SV: Ike Pearson (12)
2B: Danny Murtaugh (2)
SB: Larry Doby (3)

*

Ron Northey will miss the next 11 days with a twisted ankle. Johnny Blatnik will get the majority of the playing time in right field, and utility man extraordinaire Ray Hamrick will get the call from A Utica to fill Ron’s roster spot.

Meanwhile, Tommy Hughes is ready to step back into the rotation, relegating Dick Mauney to spot starting.

*

Around baseball, Yankees CF Joe DiMaggio added another milestone to his already impressive career. His single in the 8th inning of the Yankees loss to Washington today was the 2000th of his career. Still only 31 years old, DiMaggio is on pace to challenge Ty Cobb’s record of 4,189 hits. Only time will tell, but this much is true: Joe DiMaggio will be one of the all-time greats before all is said and done.

*

20 – Gil Hodges’ 27th home run of the season (a new career high) provides the Phillies with a much-need insurance run, as Charlie Ripple collects his 13th win. Win streak: 9 games.
Phillies 5, Cubs 4
W: Charlie Ripple (13-4) L: Jesse Flores (0-1) SV: Ike Pearson (13)
2B: Vern Stephens (18), Andy Seminick (11)
HR: Gil Hodges (27)

21 – Well, all good things must come to an end. A fluky run in the 9th inning ends the winning streak, and keeps the Cubs from being swept.
Cubs 5, Phillies 4
W: Andy Karl (2-5) L: Ed Hanyzewski (4-5) SV: Ted Wilks (8)

July 22-24: Philadelphia Phillies (69-27, 1st, 7 GA) at Brooklyn Dodgers (49-48, 3rd, 20.5 GB)

22 – A simple formula for winning: Robin Roberts + run support.
Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
W: Robin Roberts (16-4) L: Paul Erickson (3-5) SV: Ike Pearson (14)
2B: Vern Stephens (19), Gil Hodges (14)
HR: Larry Doby (15)
SB: Larry Doby (4)

23 – Another simple formula for winning: Johnny Vander Meer + 2 hits
Dodgers 2, Phillies 1
W: Johnny Vander Meer (14-8) L: Tommy Hughes (8-3) SV: Jim Hughes (14)
SB: Vern Stephens (3)

24 – Jackie Robinson hits 2 home runs, and the Dodgers manage to take the series from the Phillies.
Dodgers 5, Phillies 3
W: Louis Benz (11-9) L: Charlie Ripple (13-5) SV: Jim Hughes (15)
2B: Butch Nieman (5), Bill Peterman (2)

*

Out since August 31 of last season, the past 11 months have been trying times for RP Luis Arroyo. After almost a year of downtime with a torn rotator cuff, however, Arroyo’s physician has given our 4th round pick in the 1945 draft his approval to start pitching again. Arroyo will return to Clearwater and restart his quest to get to the major leagues!

*

CONTINUED...

[PotatoOfCouch13]

...HERE!

JUNE - JULY 1946
PART IVb

July 25-28: Chicago Cubs (43-57, 6th, 27.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (70-29, 1st, 7 GA)

25 – Cubs 3B Stan Hack goes 4-4, and Harvey Haddix never has a lead to work with as the Cubs jump all over the rookie pitcher.
Cubs 8, Phillies 3
W: Dick Fowler (4-5) L: Harvey Haddix (14-6)
HR: Larry Doby (16), Butch Nieman (7)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (3)

26 – A lone run in the bottom of the first inning is enough for Robin Roberts, who wins his 5th straight start, and his 7th consecutive decision with the shutout victory.
Phillies 1, Cubs 0
W: Robin Roberts (17-4) L: Claude Passeau (7-9)
2B: Robin Roberts (7), Ray Hamrick (1)
SB: Johnny Blatnik (4)

27 – Another pitcher’s duel, but the Cubbies push one more run across the plate in a wild 8th inning.
Cubs 2, Phillies 1
W: Shaun Hale (10-12) L: Tommy Hughes (8-4) SV: Andy Karl (3)
2B: Vern Stephens (20)
SB: Larry Doby (5)

*

Athletics CF Fabian Gaffke hit for the cycle today, going 5-5 with a single, 2 doubles, a triple and a home run.

*

28 – Ed Murphy’s 2-out single in the bottom of the 10th inning allows the Phillies to walk off with a win.
Phillies 5, Cubs 4 (10)
W: Ike Pearson (4-2) L: Andy Karl (2-6)
2B: Vern Stephens (21), Gil Hodges (15), Butch Nieman (6), Ed Murphy (4)

*

SP Tommy Hughes will miss the next 2 weeks with a sprained finger. The man simply can not stay healthy. With the subpar performance of Dick Mauney earlier this season (1-2, 4.67 ERA), SP Bill McCahan will be promoted from A Utica to fill Tommy’s rotation spot.

McCahan was originally a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, but was traded (along with OF Jimmy Wasdell and SP Mike Budnick) to the Phillies for LF Danny Litwhiler in July of 1943.

*

With the deadline only a few days away, the Indians make a move for a desperate push for the pennant.

Cleveland Indians receive:
SP Ethan Gornitsky – 8-10, 5.49 ERA, 39/88 K/BB
Boston Braves receive:
C Ralph Weigel - .340, 0 HR, 40 RBI (A/B)

WINNER: Indians (for now)
The Indians get a solid #5 starter with Mel Harder and Al Milnar out with injuries, but the Braves get a potential starting catcher.

*

July 29-31: Boston Braves (41-62, 8th, 31 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (72-31, 1st, 7 GA)

29 – Johnny Blatnik falls a single short of the cycle, hitting the game-winning walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Phillies the win.
Phillies 2, Braves 1 (10)
W: Ed Hanyzewski (5-5) L: Lefty West (3-7)
2B: Larry Doby (16), Johnny Blatnik (13), Harvey Haddix (3)
3B: Johnny Blatnik (2)
HR: Johnny Blatnik (3)
SB: Larry Doby (6)

*

Without the services of 2B Joe Gordon (injured in June, out until mid-September), the Yankees have been just trying to keep themselves floating above .500 (19-18). It clearly wasn’t working with Gene Handley at second, so Webb, Topping, and MacPhail made a deal.

New York Yankees receive:
2B Jerry Priddy – .276, 29 2B, 26 RBI, 8 SB
Philadelphia Athletics receive:
SP Jim Pearce – 3-5, 4.01 ERA, 33/50 K/BB (C)

WINNER: Yankees
Priddy returns to the Yankees after spending 5 years as a backup, then jetting of to Philly and appearing in an All-Star game. The Athletics get a tall (6’6”) but raw power pitcher.

*

30 – Hard to believe Robin Roberts is still only 19 years old. 8 straight winning decisions, 6 straight winning starts, 2 straight shutouts, only 6 runs in his last 68 innings, including 20.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
Phillies 3, Braves 0
W: Robin Roberts (18-4) L: Al Javery (6-11)
2B: Larry Doby (17)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (9), Larry Doby (7)

*

Ron Northey is fully recovered, and ready to return to rightfield. Ray Hamrick will return to A Utica.

*

The Indians, still looking to improve their pitching, made another trade.

Cleveland Indians receive:
SP Derick Neufeld – 7-3, 3.42 ERA, 21/66 K/BB (A)
St. Louis Browns receive:
RP Doug Shoemake – 5-1, 4.00 ERA, 8/26 K/BB (C)
RP Johnny Rutherford – 4-4, 4.19 ERA, 23/26 K/BB (C)

WINNER: No one
Both teams receive former 1st round picks that haven’t quite panned out yet (Neufeld and Shoemake). Time will tell who wins this trade.

*

31 – George Case goes 5-5 (all singles), and Luke Easter hits his 25th home run (you’d better pick it up again, Gil) as the Braves salvage a win in the series.
Braves 4, Phillies 2
W: Rob Kelley (7-14) L: Bill McCahan (0-1) SV: Lefty West (13)
2B: Butch Nieman (7)

*

As I decided to stay put during the trade deadline, GM Roger Peckinpaugh of the Indians apparently has a pitcher fetish.

Cleveland Indians receive:
SP Joe Coleman – 7-2, 3.13 ERA, 24/32 K/BB (B)
Philadelphia Athletics receive:
SP Bill Bonness – 4-7, 3.79 ERA, 34/48 K/BB (B)

WINNER: Athletics
No reason, I just think that the Indians acquired a few too many pitchers this trading season.

*

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP COMING SOON

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

2ND TRIMESTER RECAP

STANDINGS (after games on July 31, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	74-32	--
New York	65-39	8.0
Brooklyn	53-53	21.0
Cincinnati	51-55	23.0
St. Louis	48-58	26.0
Chicago		47-60	27.5
Pittsburgh	44-63	30.5
Boston		42-64	32.0
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		75-32	--
Cleveland	63-43	11.5
New York	62-44	12.5
Washington	56-50	18.5
Chicago		49-57	25.5
Detroit		45-62	30.0
Philadelphia	41-64	33.0
St. Louis	34-73	41.0
			
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns	34-73	--
Phila. A's	41-64	8.0
Boston Braves	42-64	8.5
Pitts. Pirates	44-63	10.0
Detroit Tigers	45-62	11.0
			
RACE FOR THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Phillies	74-32	--
Athletics	41-64	32.5

SEASON STATISTICS

BATTING

1946 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Hamrick, Ray              PHI    5  .357    14    5   1   0   0    0    0    0   0    1    0  .429  .357
Northey, Ron              PHI   85  .341   317  108  13   1  14   37   28    2   1   48   55  .521  .410
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   39  .333     3    1   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    1  .333  .333
Rizzuto, Phil             PHI  103  .312   385  120  16   3   1   51   37    9   5   59   32  .377  .392
Peterman, Bill            PHI   13  .310    42   13   2   0   0    1    4    0   0    3    5  .357  .326
Nieman, Butch             PHI   57  .301   153   46   7   1   7   12   12    1   4   22   30  .497  .349
Mauney, Dick              PHI    5  .300    10    3   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    1    1  .300  .300
Goulish, Nick             PHI   67  .284   257   73  17   2   4   33   39    7   2   44   32  .412  .366
Stephens, Vern            PHI  104  .281   381  107  21   5  10   50   44    3   3   48   54  .441  .366
Murphy, Ed                PHI   43  .278    72   20   4   0   2    7    7    0   0   12   10  .417  .350
Doby, Larry               PHI  103  .276   391  108  17   0  16   50   48    7   4   54   54  .442  .356
Blatnik, Johnny           PHI   65  .262   130   34  13   2   3   15   15    4   1   21   20  .462  .329
Hodges, Gil               PHI  103  .255   385   98  15   1  27   51   45    1   2   66   69  .509  .339
Kolloway, Don             PHI  101  .255   333   85  21   2   2   20   36    5   2   35   23  .348  .299
Seminick, Andy            PHI  101  .252   349   88  11   0  15   50   39    0   0   45   55  .413  .352
Murtaugh, Danny           PHI   37  .247    73   18   2   0   0    8   11    1   0    6    6  .274  .313
LaForest, Ty              PHI   18  .225    40    9   1   2   0    2    3    0   1    1    3  .350  .273
Ripple, Charlie           PHI   26  .225    71   16   5   0   0    2   26    0   0    6    8  .296  .247
Culberson, Leon           PHI   31  .209    43    9   0   0   0    4    6    0   0    3    2  .209  .277
Hughes, Tommy             PHI   21  .204    49   10   2   0   0    0   16    0   0    4    4  .245  .200
Roberts, Robin            PHI   27  .151    73   11   7   1   0    6   18    0   0    5    5  .274  .215
Haddix, Harvey            PHI   26  .132    68    9   3   0   0    1   20    0   0    3    4  .176  .145
McCahan, Bill             PHI    1  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    1  .000  .000
Casey, Hugh               PHI   27  .000     6    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Gables, Ken               PHI    5  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000
Gerheauser, Al            PHI    6  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

PITCHING

1946 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Gerheauser, Al            PHI   11.1  0.00    6   0   1   0   0    5    3  3.97
Pearson, Ike              PHI   25.2  1.05   23   0   4   2  14    4    6  8.77
Casey, Hugh               PHI   54.0  2.00   27   0  10   2   4   17   10  9.33
Roberts, Robin            PHI  218.2  2.14   27  27  18   4   0   91   50 10.21
Grate, Don                PHI   14.1  2.51   10   0   0   1   0    5    6 11.93
Ripple, Charlie           PHI  193.1  2.75   26  26  13   5   0  138   65 11.03
Hughes, Tommy             PHI  154.1  3.03   21  21   8   4   0   74   43 11.31
Hanyzewski, Ed            PHI   54.0  3.50   39   0   5   5   5   29   27 12.67
Haddix, Harvey            PHI  193.2  3.62   26  26  14   6   0  101   69 12.13
Mauney, Dick              PHI   34.2  4.67    5   5   1   2   0   17   15 15.32
McCahan, Bill             PHI    7.0  5.14    1   1   0   1   0    0    5 18.00
Fick, John                PHI    6.1  8.53    6   0   0   0   0    5    2 19.89
Gables, Ken               PHI    8.1 10.80    5   0   0   0   0    2    6 20.52

LEAGUE LEADERS

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE		
Ron Northey (PHI)	.341
Harry Walker (STL)	.339
Enos Slaughter (NYG)	.326
			
HOME RUNS		
Gil Hodges (PHI)	27
Luke Easter (BSN)	25
Stan Musial (CIN)	16
Larry Doby (PHI)	16
			
RUNS BATTED IN		
Luke Easter (BSN)	71
Gil Hodges (PHI)	69
Stan Musial (CIN)	66
Johnny Mize (NYG)	66
			
STOLEN BASES		
Jeff Cross (STL)	16
Stan Hack (CHC)		12
Jackie Robinson (BRO)	11
			
WINS			
Robin Roberts (PHI)	18
Johnny Vander Meer(BRO)	14
Harvey Haddix (PHI)	14
			
ERA			
Robin Roberts (PHI)	2.14
Ewell Blackwell (CIN)	2.36
Warren Spahn (BSN)	2.38
			
STRIKEOUTS		
Charlie Ripple (PHI)	138
Ewell Blackwell (CIN)	119
Warren Spahn (BSN)	118
			
SAVES			
Hoyt Wilhelm (NYG)	21
Jim Hughes (BRO)	17
Ike Pearson (PHI)	14

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BATTING AVERAGE		
Dom DiMaggio (BOS)	.376
Mickey Vernon (WSH)	.354
Nap Reyes (SLB)		.333
			
HOME RUNS		
Ted Williams (BOS)	25
Roy Campanella (DET)	24
Mickey Vernon (WSH)	19
			
RUNS BATTED IN		
Ted Williams (BOS)	79
Jeff Heath (CLE)	79
Charlie Keller (NYY)	76
			
STOLEN BASES		
Ed Freed (SLB)		12
Ralph LaPointe (CLE)	11
Barney McCosky (DET)	11
			
WINS			
Dizzy Trout (BOS)	16
Allie Reynolds (CLE)	14
Ed Lopat (CHW)		12
Jim Bagby (CLE)		12
Hal Newhouser (DET)	12
			
ERA			
Allie Reynolds (CLE)	2.40
Ed Lopat (CHW)		2.58
Jim Bagby (CLE)		2.75
			
STRIKEOUTS		
Gene Lambert (BOS)	110
Allie Reynolds (CLE)	107
Hal Newhouser (DET)	106
			
SAVES			
Whitey Miller (NYY)	17
Luis Aloma (WSH)	14
Vern Curtis (BOS)	12
Joe Orrell (DET)	12

JOLLY FARM REVUE

PROMOTIONS
RF Jackie Jensen - Wilmington to Utica

1B Dale Long - Greensboro to Wilmington
2B Nellie Fox - Greensboro to Wilmington

DEMOTIONS
2B Moon Mullen - Wilmington to Greensboro
	to make room for 2B Fox

FULL RUNDOWN
* denotes Top Prospect

LEVEL A - UTICA, NY
SP Bill McCahan* - 10-2, 2.76 ERA
SP Eric Whelan - 12-5, 2.81 ERA
SP Andy Lapihuska - 4-5, 4.57 ERA
SP Kent Bickett - 4-0, 2.49 ERA
RP Hilly Flitcraft* - 5-6, 3.95 ERA, 7 SV
RP Charley Schanz - 7-1, 3.38 ERA
RP John Fick* - 3-3, 4.15 ERA, 1 SV
RP Deacon Donahue - 3-3, 3.12 ERA, 2 SV
RP Barney Mussill - 3-6, 3.15 ERA, 8 SV
RP Dale Matthewson - 3-2, 2.75 ERA, 7 SV

C Bob Finley - .293, 0 HR, 28 RBI
    - out for season (broken vertabrae)
2B Ed Walczak - .303, 31 RBI, 7 SB
3B Nick Picciuto* - .370, 2 HR, 55 RBI
SS Jack Albright* - .373, 2 HR, 84 RBI
IF Ray Hamrick - .397, 1 HR, 61 RBI, 5 SB

LEVEL B - WILMINGTON, DE
SP Eli Hodkey - 6-9, 4.23 ERA
SP Jeff Walker - 8-3, 3.69 ERA
SP Lynn Lovenguth - 2-3, 2.44 ERA
SP Jake Thies* - 5-3, 3.80 ERA
RP Lefty Scott - 1-1, 2.76 ERA, 1 SV
RP Homer Spragins - 6-5, 4.95 ERA, 3 SV
RP Mitch Chetkovich - 0-4, 3.90 ERA, 2 SV
RP John Hall - 2-2, 4.58 ERA, 1 SV
RP Vern Fear - 1-4, 2.66 ERA, 1 SV
RP Phil Haugstad - 4-2, 2.17 ERA

C Ryan Scifo - .269, 0 HR, 9 RBI
    - out for season (broken ankle)
1B Dale Long* - .313, 7 HR, 57 RBI
2B Nellie Fox - .364, 59 RBI, 72 R
3B Bert Hodge - .377, 1 HR, 60 RBI
SS John O'Neil - .396, 1 HR, 60 RBI, 6 SB
CF Hal Jeffcoat - .349, 26 RBI, 2 SB
OF Jackie Jensen* - .321, 4 HR, 61 RBI

LEVEL C - GREENSBORO, NC
SP Bob Trice* - 5-2, 3.56 ERA
SP Jason Pullen - 5-1, 2.47 ERA
SP Remy Poynings - 4-2, 3.67 ERA
RP Armando Roche - 1-5, 3.00 ERA, 5 SV
RP Hal Hudson* - 2-3, 3.86 ERA, 2 SV

2B Moon Mullen - .393, 81 RBI, 10 SB
3B Jesse Levan - .261, 50 RBI, 2 SB
SS Rudy Rufer* - .243, 1 HR, 37 RBI, 8 SB
RF Joe Szekely - .369, 2 HR, 34 RBI

LEVEL D - CLEARWATER, FL
SP Douglas Anderson - 2-1, 2.93 ERA
SP Brian Roberts - 0-0, 2.40 ERA
RP Luis Arroyo - DNP

C Charlie White - .343, 0 HR, 10 RBI
1B Pete Runnels* - .421, 1 HR, 16 RBI
2B Mike Goliat - .395, 2 HR, 19 RBI
LF James Usher - .280, 2 HR, 19 RBI
CF Herb Adams - .280, 1 HR, 12 RBI

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST 1, 1946

The dog days are about to set in. I can feel them. Hopefully we can hang on to our 8 game lead, as we have been underwhelming as of late. Fortunately, the Giants haven’t been able to take advantage, but there are 10 games remaining between our 2 teams, so anything is possible…

A quick glance at the league leaders shows 3 of our former teammates doing quite well in the American League, with Gene Lambert leading the junior circuit in strikeouts, while Ed Freed and Ralph LaPointe are 1-2 in stolen bases. Good to see that the Phillies are some of the leading producers of talent in the Major Leagues. Just take a look at this year’s All-Star Game:

Aside from the 8 players we sent ourselves, here are players that were part of our team at one point:

AMERICAN LEAGUE
3B Billy Johnson
SS Ralph LaPointe
SP Cy Blanton
SP Gene Lambert
SP Jocko Thompson
RP Al Verdel

NATIONAL LEAGUE
SP Johnny Podgajny
SP Claude Passeau (before my time, but counted for the sake of better numbers)

That’s 27% of the All-Star rosters (16/60)! Mighty impressive that all that talent was produced in one organization. Just imagine if I kept all of them...

*

[PotatoOfCouch13]

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 1946
PART I

August 1-4: Philadelphia Phillies (74-32, 1st, 8 GA) at Pittsburgh Pirates (44-63, 7th, 30.5 GB)

1 – The Pirates rally for 2 in the 9th inning against Ike Pearson, giving the Pittsburgh nine the victory.
Pirates 2, Phillies 1
W: Jim Hooks (7-4) L: Ike Pearson (4-3)
HR: Ed Murphy (3)

2 – Harvey Haddix is brilliant, allowing only 1 run in the 9th inning, in a complete game effort, striking out 7 in the process.
Phillies 2, Pirates 1
W: Harvey Haddix (15-6) L: Paul Troughton (5-13)
HR: Larry Doby (17), Andy Seminick (16)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (10), Danny Murtaugh (2)

*

1B Nick Etten retired today. Etten spent 1 ½ seasons in a Phillies uniform, batting .290 with 19 home runs and 127 RBI. He was traded in July of 1942 for 3B Ty LaForest (still on the roster).

*

3 – Robin Roberts is masterful, allowing an unearned run on 6 hits, as the Phillies and Pirates have their 3rd straight pitcher’s duel.
Phillies 3, Pirates 1
W: Robin Roberts (19-4) L: Jim Hopper (10-6)

4 – After 3 straight tight games, the Phillies bust out with a veritable offensive explosion, scoring in the first 6 innings, as the Pirates use 7 pitchers.
Phillies 15, Pirates 1
W: Bill McCahan (1-1) L: Max Butcher (7-14)
2B: Don Kolloway (22), Larry Doby (18), Gil Hodges (16), Andy Seminick (12), Butch Nieman (8), Danny Murtaugh (3)
3B: Danny Murtaugh (1)
HR: Gil Hodges (28), Ron Northey (15), Vern Stephens (11)
SB: Gil Hodges (2)

August 5-8: Philadelphia Phillies (77-33, 1st, 8 GA) at Chicago Cubs (49-61, 6th, 28 GB)

5 – Andy Pafko’s 2-run home run seals the deal, as the Cubs stop the Phillies’ mini-roll.
Cubs 4, Phillies 2
W: Shaun Hale (11-13) L: Charlie Ripple (13-6)
SB: Ron Northey (3)

6 – The Phillies offense shows up again, scoring 10 runs, as Harvey Haddix goes 8 innings with 7 strikeouts for his 16th win.
Phillies 10, Cubs 2
W: Harvey Haddix (16-6) L: Vern Olsen (7-9)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (17), Harvey Haddix (4), Leon Culberson (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (17), Ron Northey (16), Ed Murphy (4)
SB: Phil Rizzuto (11)

7 – A rare off-day for Robin Roberts, as he allows an early 3-run home run, and the Phillies can never recover.
Cubs 4, Phillies 1
W: Dick Fowler (6-5) L: Robin Roberts (19-5) SV: Ted Wilks (12)
2B: Ron Northey (14), Andy Seminick (13), Butch Nieman 2 (10), Ed Murphy (5)

8 – A pitcher’s duel, both Bill McCahan and Claude Passeau allow 2 hits. However, Andy Seminick’s solo home run gets outweighed by Herb Conyers’ 2-run shot.
Cubs 2, Phillies 1
W: Claude Passeau (8-10) L: Bill McCahan (1-2)
HR: Andy Seminick (18)

August 9-11: Cincinnati Reds (56-57, 3rd, 21.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (78-36, 1st, 7 GA)

9 – Bucky Walters goes the distance, as the Reds tag the Phillies with their 3rd straight loss.
Reds 5, Phillies 2
W: Bucky Walters (9-10) L: Charlie Ripple (13-7)

*

The St. Louis Browns have been eliminated from pennant contention, 3 days earlier than last year.

*

10 – Harvey Haddix is unable to snap our skid, as the Reds put 4 runs up early against the rookie starter.
Reds 6, Phillies 1
W: Ewell Blackwell (12-5) L: Harvey Haddix (16-7)
2B: Butch Nieman (11)
3B: Ron Northey (2)

11 – Robin Roberts snaps the team’s rough patch, while winning his 20th game of the year in grand fashion, notching a 5-hit shutout of the Reds.
Phillies 6, Reds 0
W: Robin Roberts (20-5) L: Frank Dasso (10-11)
2B: Phil Rizzuto (18), Gil Hodges (17)
HR: Andy Seminick (19), Ron Northey 2 (18)

August 12: Day Off (finally!)

August 13-15: Pittsburgh Pirates (48-70, T-7th, 31.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (79-38, 1st, 6.5 GA)

13 – Bill McCahan follows up Robbie’s effort with a 6-hit shutout, and while Max Butcher only allowed 2 hits, he walked 7 in 1.2 IP. Gil Hodges hits his 2nd career grand slam.
Phillies 8, Pirates 0
W: Bill McCahan (2-2) L: Max Butcher (7-15)
2B: Ron Northey (15)
HR: Gil Hodges (29), Larry Doby (18)

14 – My pitching staff is playing a game of “Can you top this?”, and I love it! Charlie Ripple allows 4 hits over 8 innings, and Ike Pearson nails down the save.
Phillies 3, Pirates 0
W: Charlie Ripple (14-7) L: Bob Chesnes (11-13) SV: Ike Pearson (15)

15 – Gil Hodges goes 3-3, falling a triple shy of the cycle, and mashing his 30th home run of the season to support Harvey Haddix’s 17th win.
Phillies 6, Pirates 5
W: Harvey Haddix (17-7) L: Paul Troughton (6-15) SV: Ed Hanyzewski (6)
2B: Don Kolloway (23), Gil Hodges (18)
HR: Gil Hodges (30)

*

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost today, and are now eliminated from pennant contention.

*

August 16-18: New York Giants (74-45, 2nd, 7.5 GB) at Philadelphia Phillies (82-38, 1st, 7.5 GA)

The Giants come to town for the first 3 of their 10 remaining games against us. It is crucial that we do enough to keep ourselves afloat and ahead of the New Yorkers.

*

16 – “The Barber” Sal Maglie was outdueling Robin Roberts through 8 innings, but Hoyt Wilhelm surrenders a game-winning 2-run home run to Andy Seminick, giving the Phillies an improbable comeback win.
Phillies 4, Giants 3
W: Ed Hanyzewski (6-5) L: Hoyt Wilhelm (3-3)
2B: Vern Stephens (22)
HR: Andy Seminick (20), Vern Stephens (12)

*

Ron Northey will be place on the shelf (again) for 2 weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Same procedure as last time: Ray Hamrick is up from A Utica, and Johnny Blatnik is back in right field.

*

Despite a win, the Boston Braves are eliminated from playoff contention. Rumor has it that Lou Perini is starting to have second thoughts about his investment…

*

Even with a win, the Philadelphia Athletics have just run out of games, allowing the Phillies to clinch their 3rd straight Liberty Bell Trophy!

*

17 – The bottom half of the Giants lineup kills Tommy Hughes, starting a 3-run 6th inning, and allowing the Giants to pull back to 7.5 back.
Giants 6, Phillies 2
W: Larry Jansen (8-9) L: Tommy Hughes (8-5)
2B: Gil Hodges (19)

18 – Charlie Ripple is fantastic, allowing only 1 run over 8 innings while striking out 5, as the Phillies take the series from the Giants and extend their lead.
Phillies 6, Giants 1
W: Charlie Ripple (15-7) L: Van Mungo (11-5)
2B: Don Kolloway (24), Johnny Blatnik (14), Charlie Ripple (6)
3B: Larry Doby (1)
HR: Andy Seminick (21), Bill Peterman (1)

*

The Detroit Tigers, by virtue of their loss today, are eliminated from playoff contention.

*

STANDINGS (after games on August 18, 1946)

NATIONAL LEAGUE		
Philadelphia	84-39	--
New York	75-47	8.5
Chicago		60-63	24.0
Brooklyn	59-64	25.0
Cincinnati	58-64	25.5
St. Louis	56-67	28.0
Boston		50-72	33.5
Pittsburgh	49-75	35.5
			
AMERICAN LEAGUE		
Boston		82-42	--
Cleveland	74-49	7.5
New York	71-53	11.0
Washington	65-58	16.5
Chicago		59-64	22.5
Philadelphia	51-72	30.5
Detroit		49-74	32.5
St. Louis	42-81	39.5
			
RACE TO #1 PICK (1947)
St. L. Browns	42-81	--
Pitts. Pirates	49-75	6.5
Detroit Tigers	49-74	7.0
Boston Braves	50-72	8.5
Phila. A's	51-72	9.0
			
WINNER OF THE LIBERTY BELL TROPHY
Philadelphia Phillies		
3rd straight LBT

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Poor A's, always beat up. Just let them move to Vermont