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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 5

With the prospect of facing Lefty Gomez again in Game 7, the Cardinals were left with one option: win two straight, and avoid Game 7 altogether. However, I think the line score best sums this game up:

           1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  R  H E
New York   0 0 5 2 5 0 0 1 0 13 15 0
St. Louis  1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0  1  7 1

Yankees lead series, 3-2
W: Red Ruffing L: Harry Gumbert
HR: Charlie Keller (3)

Cardinal fans started leaving during the fourth inning. By the 6th inning, they were streaming out of the ballpark. By game’s end, only the diehards were left, facing the grim reality that was the rest of the World Series. The Cardinals needed to win 2 straight from the Yankees. Both wins would have to come at Yankee Stadium, and the Game 7 starter would almost assuredly be Lefty Gomez, who has been phenomenal for the Yankees so far (2-0, 0.53 ERA, 12 K in 17 IP). Things looked very bleak for the Redbirds.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

1942 WORLD SERIES
GAME 6

With their season on the line, the Cardinals would turn to Bill Lohrman (season: 13-4, 3.34; playoffs: 7 IP, 4 ER, ND in Game 3). The Yankees would counter with their Game 3 starter, Tiny Bonham (season: 12-3, 3.81; playoffs: 5 R in 7.2 IP, loser of Game 3).

The Cardinals were obviously inspired by the urgency of the situation and put up a run in their first inning. The Yankees, however, were just as keen about wanting to put their NL opponents away. With the bases loaded and two outs, George Selkirk came up with a base hit, scoring two runs, and giving the Yanks the lead. Yankees 2, Cardinals 1.

In the third inning, Joe DiMaggio reaches on an error, and one batter later, Selkirk is there again, notching another RBI single. Yankees 3, Cardinals 1.

(NOTE: It should be acknowledged that Tommy Henrich was one of the best clutch hitters in history. Therefore, it is somewhat ironic that his injury replacement, Selkirk, would come up in such key moments that normally would be reserved for Henrich, and still be able to follow through.)

The Cardinals valiantly tried to get back in the game, but they were facing two enemies out on the field today: Tiny Bonham and themselves. The Redbirds grounded into 3 inning-ending double plays in 3 consecutive innings. In the bottom of the 6th, the floodgates opened, and the Yankees started pour on runs. A 4-run inning all but sealed the game. A late Ray Sanders home run was the only thing standing between the Yankees and another world championship. As Bonham got Creepy Crespi to pop up to Aaron Robinson to end the game, Yankee Stadium erupted in jubilation, and the now-familiar phrase was again heard throughout the nation.

THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!

Yankees 7, Cardinals 3 (Yankees win series, 4-2)
W: Tiny Bonham L: Bill Lohrman
HR: Ray Sanders

Lefty Grove was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series (2-0, 0.53 ERA, 12 K in 17 IP). I don’t necessarily agree with the media on most matters, but it was tough to argue with this selection.

As the Yankees celebrated, the Cardinals were left in their third-base dugout, gazing longingly at the celebration, wondering what might’ve been. Oh well. As Dodger fans have always said: “there’s always next year.”

[PotatoOfCouch13]

FYI

The complete list of players who suited up for the Phillies this season:

C Bennie Warren
C Mickey Livingston
1B Ed Murphy
1B Nick Etten
2B Danny Murtaugh
SS Harry Marnie
3B Pinky May
IF Bobby Bragan
IF Al Glossop
LF Danny Litwhiler
CF Ed Freed
RF Chuck Klein
OF Lloyd Waner
OF Stan Benjamin
SP Cy Blanton
SP Si Johnson
SP Tommy Hughes
SP Rube Melton
SP Johnny Podgajny
RP Boom-Boom Beck
RP George Hennessey
RP Paul Masterson
RP Lefty Hoerst
RP Sam Nahem
RP Ike Pearson

SP Dick Mauney
SP Jack Kraus
SP Charlie Ripple
RP Joe Page
RP Al Gerheauser
RP Izzy Leon
C Andy Seminick
1B Turkey Tyson
1B Gil Hodges
IF Billy Johnson
IF Ralph LaPointe
OF Ron Northey
OF Johnny Blatnik
OF Earl Naylor
OF Lee Riley

[PotatoOfCouch13]

SEPTEMBER 28, 1942
SEASON AWARDS

NL MVP: LF Stan Musial (STL) – .348, 21 HR, 127 RBI
A well-deserved honor for the 21-year-old. After leading his team to the World Series, the sky is the limit for this future superstar.

NL CY: P Mort Cooper (STL) – 16-4, 3.21 ERA, 7 CG
There was no clear favorite in this year’s field, so the voters gave it to the ace of the league champions.

NL ROY: LF Stan Musial (STL) – .348, 21 HR, 127 RBI
That’s right. He was a rookie this year too.

NL GG:
P Bucky Walters (CIN)
C Bennie Warren (PHI)
1B Frank McCormick (CIN)
2B Stu Martin (PIT)
3B Stan Hack (CHC)
SS Harry Marnie (PHI)
OF Mel Ott (NYG)
OF Terry Moore (STL)
OF Andy Pafko (CHC)

AL MVP: LF Ted Williams (BOS) - .346, 41 HR, 125 RBI
You know you’re good when you hit .346 and it lowers your career average. Williams has won 2 Triple Crowns, and is only 24 years old.

AL CY: Red Ruffing (NYY) – 21-7, 3.33 ERA, 13 CG
Major League Wins Leader with 21, Ruffing also finished in the top 10 of every other major pitching category in the AL.

AL ROY: Walt Chipple (WSH) - .267, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 21 SB
Chipple finished 2nd in the AL in steals, and was one of the few bright spots for Washington this season.

AL GG:
P Johnny Rigney (CHW)
C Bill Dickey (NYY)
1B Elbie Fletcher (PHA)
2B Bobby Doerr (BOS)
3B Harlond Clift (NYY)
SS Lou Boudreau (CLE)
OF Barney McCosky (DET)
OF Wally Judnich (SLB)
OF Billy Bowers (CHW)

Now for some team awards:
Chuck Klein Award for Best Major League Hitter:
RF Chuck Klein

Grover Cleveland Alexander Award for Best Major League Pitcher:
SP Tommy Hughes

Minor League Batter of the Year
1B Gil Hodges

Minor League Pitcher of the Year
SP Charlie Ripple

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER 1942
PART I

With only a few players still unsigned from this year, this should be an easy process. I also made only 3 trades this year, giving me room to sign 2 free agents.

C Bennie Warren (75): .209, 8 HR, 44 RBI
I would much rather have a 22-year-old with lots of room to improve put up those numbers than an aging 30-year-old. Sorry Bennie, but you and your Gold Glove will have to find work elsewhere.

OF Lloyd Waner (78): .308, 39 RBI, 24 R
Lloyd deserves to go to the Hall of Fame. So does his brother Paul. However, he’s 36, and I have plenty of young, talented outfielders that are ready to step in. Good luck, Lloyd. Thanks for the great season.

OF Stan Benjamin (68): .208, 11 RBI, 18 R
Same reasons for release as Lloyd Waner, only Stan isn’t nearly as good.

IF Bobby Bragan (72): .258, 2 HR, 24 RBI
Could very well return to us before all is said and done. Solid backup player with surprising power for a middle infielder.

SP Cy Blanton (81): 12-9, 3.88 ERA, 11 CG
Very well could’ve resigned with us, but was asking for over $20,000 a year: way too much money to give to a 34-year-old pitcher that was out over a month with injuries last season.

SP Si Johnson (73): 8-9, 3.42 ERA, 3 SO
Suffered a severed knee ligament in August, and won’t be back until May at the earliest. Thanks for your good work, but no thanks.

With my business done it’s time to look at the open market. Here are the top position players and pitchers.

PITCHERS
RP Howie Krist: 8-4, 3.05, 4 SV with St. Louis (NL)
	(79/84), 26 years old, 4 seasons
SP Ernie White: 4-1, 4.57 with St. Louis (NL)
	(80/82), 26 years old, 3 seasons
SP Nick Strincevich: 8-4, 2.47, 4 CG with Pittsburgh
	(79/82), 27 years old, 3 seasons
RP Newt Kimball: 1-4, 3.02 with Brooklyn
	(77/82), 27 years old, 5 seasons
SP Cy Blanton: 12-9, 3.88, 11 CG with Philadelphia (NL)
	(81), 34 years old, 9 seasons

CATCHERS
C Ken O'Dea: .268, 2 HR, 16 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
	(77), 29 years old, 8 seasons
C Mickey Owen: .279, 3 HR, 26 RBI with Brooklyn
	(77), 26 years old, 6 seasons
C Bennie Warren: .209, 8 HR, 44 RBI with Philadelphia (NL)
	(75), 30 years old, 4 seasons

1ST BASEMEN
1B Frank McCormick: .300, 11 HR, 84 RBI with Cincinnati
	(84), 31 years old, 7 seasons


1B Nick Etten: .281, 14 HR, 89 RBI with PHI/BOS
	(78), 29 years old, 4 seasons
1B Oscar Grimes: .210, 1 HR, 20 RBI with Cleveland
	(74), 27 years old, 5 seasons

2ND BASEMEN
2B Charlie Gehringer: .262, 8 HR, 39 RBI with Detroit
	(79), 39 years old, 19 seasons
2B Bill Knickerbocker: .280, 1 HR, 70 RBI with Phila. (AL)
	(77), 30 years old, 10 seasons
2B Stu Martin: .302, 1 HR, 49 RBI with Pittsburgh
	(75), 29 years old, 7 seasons

3RD BASEMEN
3B Bob Kennedy: .254, 12 RBI with Chicago (AL)
	(72/91), 22 years old, 4 seasons
3B Jimmy Brown: .272, 1 HR, 58 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
	(76), 32 years old, 6 seasons
3B Jack Lohrke: .339, 6 HR, 27 RBI in high school
	(50/75), 18 years old, rookie

SHORTSTOPS
SS Pee Wee Reese: .241, 11 RBI with Brooklyn
	(90/94), 24 years old, 3 seasons
SS Johnny Bernardino: .284, 31 RBI with St. Louis (AL)
	(76/86), 25 years old, 4 seasons
SS Marty Marion: .272, 1 HR, 59 RBI with St. Louis (NL)
	(79), 24 years old, 3 seasons

OUTFIELDERS
CF Vince DiMaggio: .261, 12 HR, 63 RBI with Pittsburgh
	(84), 30 years old, 6 seasons
RF Chet Laabs: .270, 6 HR, 55 RBI with St. Louis (AL)
	(83), 30 years old, 6 seasons
LF Gee Walker: .268, 7 HR, 17 SB with Cincinnati
	(83), 34 years old, 12 seasons
RF Taffy Wright: .289, 5 HR, 62 RBI with Chicago (AL)
	(82), 31 years old, 5 seasons
RF Johnny Rizzo: .298, 4 HR, 18 RBI with Brooklyn
	(81), 30 years old, 5 seasons
RF Paul Waner: .322, 2 HR, 44 RBI with Boston (NL)
	(79), 39 years old, 17 seasons
CF Lloyd Waner: .308, 39 RBI with Philadelphia (NL)
	(78), 36 years old, 16 seasons

Personally, I’ve got my eyes on a few targets. Hopefully, I can land two of them.
SS Pee Wee Reese (90/94)
3B Bob Kennedy (72/91)
RP Hugh Casey (80)
SP Joe Krakauskas (79)
SP Bill Lohrman (78)

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER 1942
PART II

Free agency starts, and I jump right in. This is the time of year that you can’t lie in wait: only the aggressive get what they want, and I want Hugh Casey. I spoke with the reliever, and he wanted over $20,000 for 2 years! I told him that I’d give him an extra year if he would come down to $14K, but he still wanted $16K per. Finally, I offered 4 years for $16,000 per with a team option of 1 year, $21,000. He agreed, and Hugh Casey is a Philadelphia Phillie! He’ll become the setup man of my dreams if he can hold leads late in the game.

Next, I spoke with 3B Bob Kennedy. My scouts (you remember the 3 Stooges?) tell me that he could be a superstar, and third base is a position that doesn’t have a clear favorite for 1943. I sit down with him and offer 5 years at $10,000. He likes the idea, but won’t climb lower than $11,000. I try to haggle him down to $10K, but it’s no use. I give one last ditch effort, but he won’t budge. I can only hope he survives the onslaught of signings to come.

Lastly, I spoke with Joe Krakauskas and tried to get him under $10K, but he wouldn’t budge, so I just hung up. I’ll have to wait until tomorrow.

I woke up the next morning, made myself a delicious cup of coffee, and drove to work. As I got upstairs, Elizabeth was staring glumly at the Inquirer’s sports page. She didn’t need to say anything. I knew what had happened.

EVERYONE WAS GONE

Every free agent with some semblance of talent had been gobbled up overnight. At least I got Casey before it was too late, I thought.

FREE AGENCY RECAP

PITCHERS
RP Howie Krist: 2 years/$15.6K with the Yankees
SP Ernie White: 2 years/$17.5K with the Yankees
SP Nick Strincevich: 2 years/$20.2K with the Yankees
RP Newt Kimball: 2 years/$9,200 with the Yankees
SP Cy Blanton: 2 years/$24,000 with the Senators

CATCHERS
C Ken O'Dea: 4 years/$6,000 with the White Sox
C Mickey Owen: 3 years/$14.9K with the Athletics
C Bennie Warren: 2 years/$13.3K with the Tigers

1ST BASEMEN
1B Frank McCormick: 4 years/$24.7K with the Cardinals


1B Nick Etten: 2 years/$20.1K with the Pirates
1B Oscar Grimes: 3 years/$7,900 with the Yankees

2ND BASEMEN
2B Charlie Gehringer: 2 years/$14.1K with the White Sox
2B Bill Knickerbocker: 4 years/$16.5K with the Senators
2B Stu Martin: 3 years/$14.1K with the Browns

3RD BASEMEN
3B Bob Kennedy: 3 years/$10.1K with the Pirates
3B Jimmy Brown: 3 years/$13.6K with the Athletics
3B Jack Lohrke: unsigned

SHORTSTOPS
SS Pee Wee Reese: 3 years/$23.4K with the Yankees
SS Johnny Bernardino: 2 years/$14.1K with the Senators
SS Marty Marion: 2 years/$17.1K with the Cardinals

OUTFIELDERS
CF Vince DiMaggio: 4 years/$24.9K with the Athletics
RF Chet Laabs: 4 years/$23K with the White Sox
LF Gee Walker: 3 years/$18.2K with the Athletics
RF Taffy Wright: 3 years/$23K with the Athletics
RF Johnny Rizzo: 3 years/$12.8K with the Senators
RF Paul Waner: 2 years/$16.8K with the Tigers
CF Lloyd Waner: 2 years/$9.4K with the Tigers

If I wasn't so d*** stingy, I could've had a future Hall-of-Famer. Now, he's playing 300 miles west of me, and going to make my life miserable if he succeeds.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER 17
PART I

I was never that good of a public speaker, but I liked to use humor to lighten the mood and get my audience on my side. Standing in front of the Philadelphia City Council, my jokes were falling like lead balloons: I wasn’t getting any grins, and I was getting more and more nervous. I glanced over at Elizabeth, who was sitting patiently against the wall. There was something in her eyes: a calming influence. Suddenly, I felt at home, and all of my troubles vanished. With a wink, I chugged a glass of water like it was hard liquor and continued on with my presentation. “As you can see from the handout, the Phillies made over $27,000 dollars profit this season, and we expect astronomical growth this season, as we have slashed payroll by bringing in younger, cheaper, and hopefully better talent.” I had to stop my hands from shaking. “Are there any questions?”
“Mr. Walsh, I have a question.” The large man with the really bad comb-over began to speak. “Well, actually two. First, you’re not very comfortable speaking in public, are you?”
“No, sir, I guess not.” I had to laugh at myself there.
“My second question pertains to this land you’ve requested along the Schuylkill River. You do understand that the land in question is city park land, don’t you?”
“Yes, sir, my associate Mr. Stephens originally brought that to my attention. However, with the acquisition of the proposed land, we will also make a bid for the Baker Bowl site. On this site, we will create either a new city park or a public school. That is still up in the air at the moment.”
“I actually have one last question, if you don’t mind, Mr. Walsh.”
I turned around and saw Commissioner Landis, grinning that evil grin of his. My friendly smile turned into a dumbfounded stare.
“Mr. Walsh,” the Commissioner continued, “what was your record this season?”
“The Phillies were 66-88, 7th in the National League.”
“7th in the National League”, he repeated. Obviously, he was here to cause mischief, and there was literally nothing I could do but take his abuse.
“Mr. Walsh, can you remember the last time a 7th place team got rewarded with a new stadium?”
“No sir, Judge Landis, but when was...”
“NEVER before,” he had cut me off, “has a team finishing in the second division been rewarded with a new stadium! What makes you think you’re so special, Mr. Walsh? Is it because you’re young? You have new ideas that us established citizens find foolish and absurd, but you parade around like their going to save mankind. Mr. Walsh, by order of the Commissioner of Baseball, you will not be able to take any action toward building a new stadium until the Phillies have a winning record.”
My heart sank into my stomach. It felt that I had just been hit by a wrecking ball. Life couldn’t get worse.
“Now, onto the real reason I came here”, continued Judge Landis. “The Office of the Commissioner would like to purchase the land that the Baker Bowl is currently located on. We will tear down the stadium, and create the Connie Mack Center for Inner City Outreach.”
I was at a loss for words. I stood to the side, with my mouth catching flies. The Baker Bowl plot was the crucial chip for my proposal. With that out of my hands, I had nothing. Landis had destroyed our best-laid plans.
“The Mack Center will be a community center, where youths can stay after school to receive help with their school work. Also, the Mack Center will house a full-scale baseball training center, where the city, in cooperation with Major League Baseball, can offer weekend clinics for underprivileged youths and others that just want to learn how to play the game of baseball. This will be baseball’s contribution toward fighting the growing problem that gangs and other groups organized around violence.”
Naturally, the City Council passed Landis’ measure unanimously, and he presented them with a check for the deed to the Baker Bowl. After the presentation, he called me over into the hallway.
“Son, I just want to let you in on a little saying that I was taught once: fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me...”
SLAP!
The old man had reared back and slapped me with all the force his 75-year-old body could muster. His voice got deep, and his eyes pulsed with rage.
“...but no one, NO ONE, fools me three times.”
With that he walked back towards the door. He turned his head, and glared over his shoulder back at me. He slimed an evil smile, then returned to the room to celebrate.

[Overbay17]

First, I have the exact same problem with free agents, if I don't pick them up on the first day, there aren't any there. (Though once or twice I've had a few useful players slip through the cracks, and even be available into the season.).

Judge Landis is scary...gulp.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

I was really angry about the whole FA situation, because Kennedy would've made it extremely interesting this season and going forward, but because of my limitations with negotiations, I could only make two offers.

Don't worry, you haven't seen the last of Judge Landis. He may be turning 76 in November, but he can still put up a darn good fight.

[CatKnight]

Sorry about Kennedy I wonder if that extra $1,000 he wanted after one offer would've been worth it.

And Landis is....quite scary. I wonder if the other teams are feeling his rage too.

[3RunHomer]

You really are cheap. Penny wise ...

Just kidding. I suppose $1,000 meant a lot more in the 40s.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

CatKnight: I definitely could've afforded it. I guess we'll see if he tears up Forbes Field this year.

As for Landis, he's got this intimidating aura for a man of his age. I had to capture that, and I sort of turned him into a conniving bad guy. Oops.

3RunHomer: I am cheap. I love to make money, so I don't jack my salaries as high as other teams. I guess that may be my downfall...

And as always, thanks for reading!

OCTOBER 17
PART II

I drove Elizabeth home that night. It wasn’t safe to take public transportation at this time of night, and I insisted that she save the cab fare. As we drove, all I could think about was the vile old man named Landis. How did he manage to show up at just the right time? How did he know about the Baker Bowl? How come my face was still hurting after his slap? I couldn’t think straight. My mind started to wander. I dropped Elizabeth off, and gave her the day off tomorrow. As I drove home alone, I began to daydream. I dreamt that the Phillies were one out away from the pennant, but needed to get out of a bases-loaded jam. I dreamt the batter hit a roller to short. I dreamt the shortstop was in position to field the ball. He reaches down to pick up the ball, and the ghost of Judge Landis materializes before him. He gets spooked and the ball rolls through his legs. The game-winning run scored from second. I turn and see the Judge’s ghost, laughing maniacally. I snapped back to reality.

That night I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about Judge Landis: the beady little eyes, the evil smirk. Every time I fell asleep, I was haunted by his image, his ghost, cursing the Phillies. Wild pitches, muffed fly balls, freak injuries, walk-off home runs. Every time, I awoke in a cold sweat.

The next day at work was h***. Nick called and asked how the presentation went. I told him that it went great, except it was upstaged by an evil genius. He figured it was best to not push it. He was right.

I went back home. I was still depressed about the whole Landis situation. Tomorrow was Friday, meaning I had to pay F. I pulled out $100 and began to put it an envelope, but froze. I dropped the money on my floor and ran to the phone. I needed to call Nick.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER 18

“Nick! It’s Andy. Listen I need to talk to you now!”
“Sure thing pal, what’s up?”
“Did you ask F to look into the stadium issue?”
“What?”
“Did you ask F to look into the stadium?”
“Well, I guess...”
“Listen, Nick. I’ve got a crisis on my hands right now. I need to know everyone you told about the new stadium right now. I think we may have a rat.”
Nick got quiet. “Well, let’s see. The only people I told were F and my mother.”
“That’s all I needed. Tell F when you see him that I want to meet him tomorrow downtown.”
“But I don’t find him, he usually finds me.”
“Then he’s going to have to find me.”

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER 19

I called Elizabeth and told her I wouldn’t be coming in today. She understood why.
I left my apartment at 6:30 AM. I got in my car and drove down to Independence Hall. I sat on the same bench I had sat on about 2 1/2 months ago. Back in the beginning of August, I had no idea that F was this deeply involved.
Right around 6:55, he showed up. I saw him coming and stood to greet him. No pleasantries were exchanged. “Let’s walk”, I said. We started east on Chestnut Street, towards New Jersey.
“Do you have my money?” asked F.
“We’ll talk money later.” I said. We kept walking.
We got the end of Chestnut, where it doubles back into Market Street. But I stopped. He stopped, and walked back towards me. “Why are we stopping here?”
“Well, F, I wanted to ask you some questions if you don’t mind. I know that you’re the best in the business, but I want to see just how good the business is.”
“Sure, I suppose that I can take some questions.”
“How much do you know about the new stadium?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Do you? Because when I was presenting my proposal, I was surprised to find a visitor I had not expected. Do you happen to know anything about this?”
His eyes started to move back and forth behind his dark glasses. He started shrinking into his coat to try and get away. “I have no idea...”
“Do you?” I cut him off. “So you have no idea that Judge Landis knew that I was presenting to the City Council on Wednesday. You have no idea that Landis is buying the Baker Bowl out from under my nose. You have no idea that Landis was issuing an ultimatum before I can build my new stadium. Am I getting close to something here?”
He was visibly nervous now, shaking and cowering as best he could for a man of his stature.
“Let me make a guess: you’ve been hired by Landis to try and keep me line. You made yourself known to Nick to get in. You’ve been supplying me canned lines for months, while I’ve been spending $100 a week to keep a lackey on the payroll. You set up the meeting with FDR to gain my and Nick’s trust. When we opened up enough to let you in on a big story, Landis would drop his trap, and we’d be up a creek, while you’d enjoy the fruit of our labor as we get tortured for the remainder of Judge Landis’ life. Am I somewhere near the ballpark!?”
“Yes! Yes, it’s all true! It was all a setup to get back at you!”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the envelope. I gave it too him and told him to open it. There was $50 inside, along with a train ticket to New York City.
“The train leaves in one hour: I expect you to be on it. If you tell your story to anyone, I’m going to the other owners immediately with mine. Get the h*** out of my sight.” I started to walk away, but then turned: “Oh, and F? You’re fired.”
I walked back to my car, and drove into work.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER 1942

With at least one problem out of my way, I could now turn my attention to team issues. First and foremost, we need a manager. After Hans Lobert “retired”, we were left with a big void. I have a few candidates, including Bucky Harris, Lee Riley, and Boom-Boom Beck. If none of these work, I’ll have to pick up my search after the winter meetings.

I sat down with Beck first, primarily because he still worked in the organization. After he retired in May, I convinced him to stay on with the team and become a pitching coach. His given name was Walter, but a forgettable day at the Baker Bowl would give him the nickname “Boom-Boom”. He seemed comfortable as the pitching coach, however, and I pressed no further.

Lee Riley was next. The 35-year-old minor league lifer was excited to be getting back into baseball, but I’m not sure how experienced he was. He knew the game, but as a minor league player manager, he’d only been up to AAA before. I still had an opening for a bench coach though, and he gladly accepted that.

Bucky Harris was the primary candidate all along. He had been managing since he was 27 year old, leading the Senators to their only championship that season. He hasn’t been too successful, and was just cut loose by the Senators. I met with him, and he wants another shot. I sign Bucky Harris to a three-year contract, and the Boy Wonder (now 46) is the new manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The next major order of business was finding new minor league affiliates. Our contract with Fort Worth had run out, and we were looking for a new AAA team. Fortunately, Nick came through with Utica, so the Utica Braves are our new AAA team. Our AA team, the Trenton Packers, was signed through next season, and our R team, the Miami Beach Phillies would be based out of our Spring Training facility. Our A team, the Rome Colonels, went under, however, so we have to look for a new affiliate. Fortunately, the Memphis Chickasaws owner got in contact with me, and Memphis will be our new A home.

With the only vacancy being hitting coach, I prepared for the Winter Meetings, and the inevitable collision with Commissioner Landis. Fortunately, I had a plan.