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February 2, 1933
Carver turns 30 and is thrown a huge party at Babe Ruth’s home. 450 guests, including many of the biggest names in baseball, attend the bash. Ruth stuns the baseball world by announcing his retirement the next day. Ruth says that he wants to start enjoying life (which draws chuckles from the otherwise somber media group) but also vows to do whatever he can to help his good friend Carver, as a coach or perhaps even as an owner. The Babe retires with 638 career home runs and a .324 batting average.
February 21, 1933
Carver suggests to St. Louis management that he be signed on as a player-manager when his current contract expires. Management agrees to consider the idea. Rumors fly that the Babe may purchase part of the team.
February 28, 1933
Wade Bardwell retires and is replaced by Cary Siegel, a good hitting coach but one that pales by comparison to the legendary Bardwell. Carver expresses his sadness that Bardwell, who decided to call it quits for undisclosed personal reasons, has left the team but declares his support of Siegel, who served the Browns last season as an assistant coach.
June 28, 1933
Carver makes a triumphant return to the Midsummer Classic.
September 29, 1933
The Browns finish in fourth place, 20 games behind 100-game winner New York. Carver again posts solid numbers (a .350 average, 31 homers, 136 runs - most in the majors, 107 RBIs, 39 steals - most in the AL, and a .450 OBP), but Simmons wins his fifth straight MVP award with 38 HRs, 119 RBIs 217 hits and a .364 average. It is Simmons’ fourth straight batting title. St. Louis does manage to draw 3.3 million fans and sell out 65% of their home games, but they are unable to become a real threat to win the pennant. With Mel Ott and Jimmie Foxx both on the market, hope runs high that St. Louis can add a bat to help Carver post even bigger numbers.
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