MARCH 19, 1945
JIGGS RELEASES HIS ANNUAL PREDICTIONS
It is the eve of spring training games and that means it is time for Jiggs McGee to unveil his annual predicted order of finish for the upcoming season. A year ago Jiggs correctly called the Philadelphia Keystones as the Federal Association champions but he missed the boat in the Continental loop, calling for the Chicago Cougars to win it all and actual champion Cincinnati to finish in third place. Jiggs has gazed into his crystal ball once again and this is what he sees for the 1945 campaign.
There might be some minor changes following any spring transactions or injuries such as last year when he lowered Cincinnati from second to third between the Chicago Cougars and Toronto following the Deuce Barrell season-ending injury but otherwise this will be TWIFB's call on the 1945 season.
FEDERAL ASSOCIATION
This might just be the most wide-open the Fed race has been in years and that is really saying something as there are almost always at least four teams that would be considered in the running. This year I could see, given the right breaks, any of 7 different teams winning the flag and it will likely come down to an untimely injury or a key mid-season trade pick-up that determines the winner. Here are the things to like about each of the 7 teams -I am excluding St Louis- that could finish on top this summer.
The New York Gothams have the best quartet of starting pitchers in the loop and a tremendous offensive talent in Red Johnson. The question is how will Bud Jameson fare as a rookie manager stepping in to replace Ed Ziehl? Philadelphia has Bobby Barrell and Red Ross and if the two perform like they did last season that might just be enough. I do have concerns about pitching depth now that Pepper Tuttle is in the army. Boston lost very little from it's team of last season and the Minutemen have experienced pressure games -winning a WCS just two years ago. Pittsburgh is a solid veteran team and if Billy Ligons can repeat what he did on the mound last season their four-man rotation -although a little thin- is very strong. A healthy Mahlon Strong and another solid season out of Moxie Pidgeon would help cover the loss of Luke Berry to the war efffort. The Chicago Chiefs seem to have a lot of holes but there are plenty of veterans to lead the way and maybe they all catch fire with one last big season despite the fact that it really feels like a rebuild in the Windy City. Washington's pitching fared very well last season despite a terrible start for the team. I am expecting Bob Coon to have a strong season but even so there will be a real offensive shortage with Mel Carrol and Jesse Alvardo gone to the war. Everything seemed to fall into place for the Detroit Dynamos last season and, while the future looks bright, I am expecting a slide to the second division this time around. St Louis will be hard pressed to escape the basement after the loss of Buddy Long to the war and the decision to trade vets Gail Gifford and Sam Sheppard. There is a nice collection of talent for the future but the future is not now for St Louis.
PREDTICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1- New York Gothams
2- Philadelphia Keystones
3- Boston Minutemen
4- Pittsburgh Miners
5- Chicago Chiefs
6- Washington Eagles
7- Detroit Dynamos
8- St Louis Pioneers
CONTINENTAL ASSOCIAITON
Every team in FABL has holes to plug again this season because of losses to the war effort. The Cincinnati Cannons lost three big pieces in centerfielder Bob Griffith along with pitchers Chris Clarke and Vic Carrol. However, the Cannons filled those holes nicely with the addition of Gail Gifford and Sam Sheppard in a trade with St Louis and the expected return of 2-time Allen Award winner Deuce Barrell after missing all of last season with elbow troubles. If Deuce can return anywhere close to his form and the Cannons have enough tape to keep their veteran-laden roster on the ballfield you can expect Cincinnati to celebrate a third straight Continental Association crown.
Toronto did get pitcher George Garrison back from the war but the Wolves lost Bernie Johnson, Jimmy Gibbs and infield Hal Wood. Chicago also suffered big war losses in the form of Hank Barnett, Leo Mitchell and Billy Hunter. Put all those players back on Toronto and the Cougars and the outcome might be different but unless Cincinnati has a rash of injuries the best these two can hope for is to duel it out for second place.
There will also be a tight battle waged for the final spot in the first division between the Philadelphia Sailors and New York Stars. Let's give the Stars the edge as big things are expected from Eli Panneton on the New York mound this season and the loss of Marion Boismenu to the Canadian armed forces will hurt the Sailors.
That leaves Montreal, Brooklyn and Cleveland to fight it out for the bottom three spots. There are some things to like about each of the three, but unfortunately until all of their top prospects return from the war, the gap between the three of them and the top half of the Continental Association is just too large to overcome.
PREDTICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1- Cincinnati Cannons
2- Toronto Wolves
3- Chicago Cougars
4- New York Stars
5- Philadelphia Sailors
6- Montreal Saints
7- Brooklyn Kings
8- Cleveland Foresters
CLASS C LOOPS MAY BE SHUTTERED
The growing manpower shortage has triggered rumours that FABL may request that two minor leagues suspend operations for the season. At last count there are now in excess of 1,520 professional ballplayers away from the game and serving in various branches of the military, both for the United States and Canada. That has created a drastic player shortage and one possible solution being examined is the option to suspend play in the two Class C loops: The Gulf States League and Upper Mississippi Valley Association.
It would be a temporary measure and perhaps not involve the full season as there is a possibility those leagues could get underway in late June after the players selected in the FABL amateur draft complete their college and high school obligations.
FABL President Sam Belton did not respond to request for comment but at least two FABL club magnates have expressed concern that they will not have enough players, particularly pitchers, in order to field a team at all five minor league levels this season.
TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN
Wolves Spring Training Preview - As players begin to congregate for spring workouts it is time to look at your Wolves for 1945. This offseason was again the story of FABL players leaving to join the war effort either by choice or by summons from the government via a draft notice. Toronto was again hit hard losing five players from manager Bob Call's available list to pencil onto the lineup card for 1944. Starting 2B Hal Wood .300/.375/.396 while starting 137 games will be a big hole to fill as he toils for democracy in US Army, OF Reginald Westfall .238/.361/.338 Air Force duty may not have as big an impact, as 1944was a down year, but will be felt as Westfall can be a doubles hitting machine when his bat gets hot. For the third off season in succession the pitch staff took a major hit to help the armed forces. Wolves lost staff leader Bob Johnson 17-13, 2.66, who joined Wood in the Army, promising youngster Jimmy Gibbs, Army, 12-11, 3.16 who found his form in the season's second half along with with bullpen shutdown man Bob McRae 10 saved games to the RCAF. During this seemingly unending turmoil of global war the Wolves has lost enough pitchers to easily fill a FABL top notch pitching staff. The good news, although received because of terrible circumstances, was the return of George Garrison after a 2 year hitch in the US Navy. The biggest question while the team prepares for 1945 is can Garrison return to his 1942 ability, 22-10, 2.52 in over 289 innings second in Allen Award voting on the hill? If so Call's decision is easy every fourth or fifth day, hand George the ball, take a seat in the dugout watch him work.
Again, as in past articles, Brett will deal with the what ares, players who are available presently, not what ifs, players who are in the service. Although the war news in Europe is better as the Allied forces continue to close in on Berlin we have all seen sudden, dramatic reversals in fighting since the D-Day landings last June. Here is a short speculative summary of how the Wolves are shaping up for the upcoming season.
Pitching
Manager Call's manipulation of the starters innings assisted by Pitching Coach Art Nichols will probably continue although the starters did not perform up to standard down the stretch last season allowing the Cannons to claim their second straight CA title. Brett sees a starting rotation of:
1: George Garrison- can he return to his 1942 form?
2: Chick Wirtz- can he, at 36, recapture his 1944 second half?
3: Bob Walls- steady reliable led Toronto with 18 wins in '44.
4: Jim Laurita- effective, will off season work with Nichols lead to better control, less BB?
5: Tommy Anderson- a late season addition who shows promise.
There is always Juan Pomales as an option but his value is higher in OF. The bullpen, especially if Call wants to call on them often in April, May as the SP build endurance, is an area of opportunity for minor league pitchers. Expect the 'pen to feature Phil English, at 41 how much can he contribute, Roscoe Zeller in addition to his role as third C, Bill Crosby who will be expected to step up to fill McRae's stabilizing role. Bill Collins will also get a look along with Bill Ferrell after good seasons in Buffalo. Brett also expects to see Ray Bell, Bill Baumgart, John Calderon in camp. Will one or more of the Nickels find a home on Call's staff?
Infield
The only two sure bets are Walter Pack at 1B, Charlie Artuso at SS. Joe Bell seems to be logical replacement for Wood at second given his performance as a utility infielder in '44. The question with Bell is whether or not his glove will be up Call's high standards for defense at 2B. At third it will be Ockie Holliday's job to lose. Can Holliday's bat ever achieve the expectations as a first round choice in 1937. Fans have talked about moving Pack back to the hot corner, allowing ageless veteran Al jensen to play the majority of the time at first. Frank Huddleston is the favourite to retain the jack-of-all trades utility role given his proven ability to play at least three positions on the inner diamond. Expect Bud House, Wally Starr, Monk Johnson to get at least a look-see in camp to determine whether or not they fit into any future plans with the Wolves.
Behind the plate Clarence Howerton will again get the majority of work, spelled by Walter Loera as the expected double headers begin to pile up in May.
Outfield
The triumvirate of Juan Pomales, Chink Stickels, Gus Hull are again expected to be seen patrolling the green expanses of Dominion Field on most days. With the retirement of Larry Vestal the loss of Westfall leaves only Ed Marshall on the roster as an outfielder. Marshall will be challenged by Joe Bradbury, Red Barrett for the the fourth OF role.
All of these speculations are based on Brett's reading of the Wolves current roster. Many factors can change this:
- Will injuries take down one or more players? Wolves were remarkably injury free during '44.
- Will one or more of the invitees to spring camp prove themselves more than worthy a big league roster spot?
- The biggest factor, will the fighting overseas cease in time to affect this season? A cessation of fighting would throw every team's FABL roster, both at the Major League level and 40-man protected roster, into a state of chaos. The number of moves to be made across the league is almost impossible to calculate, it would be a task for all front offices' but a great day for all FABL fans!
In the next article Brett will sit down with Wolves manager Bob Call for a interview at the beginning of Spring Training.
- Backlash continues from the Jersey City Tech college basketball point shaving scandal. New York City Mayor La Guardia has proposed that police in big league baseball cities exchange information in an effort to curb gambling on the sport. In a radio interview the Mayor declared that "we are going to keep baseball clean. I want to try and arrange for exchange of identification and information with other cities where FABL plays so that Philadelphia will know the New York thugs and thieves and we will know the Philadelphia thugs and thieves and likewise all of the cities on the circuit."
- While officials in the States remain deadlocked, Canadian government spokesmen have given a positive green light to sports for the coming season, on the ground their continuation means a more relaxed army of Candians doing better work at their essential war services positions. Canadian Selective Services Director Arthur McNamara says Canadian fans could look forward to a comparatively full schedule of events this season and baseball players eligible to play with the Toronto or Montreal Continental Association teams or Canadians who are under contract to teams in the United State have little to fear from Canadian Selective Service officials.
TWO MAJOR UPSETS IN AIAA TOURNAMENT OPENERS
The collegiate basketball world was shocked by the news that 8th seeded University of New Jersey had upended the top seed in the East Region Annapolis Maritime 54-45 during Saturday's opening round games but the news became twice as surprising a day later when Western Iowa -a team that was a perfect 16-0 in Great Lakes Alliance play and riding a 22-game winning streak- fell to Cache Valley 49-46 on Sunday. So one weekend into the annual AIAA Basketball Championships and two of the four top-seeds are already out.
Cache Valley simply outworked the heavily favoured Western Iowa team - one that many felt was the school to beat in the tournament. Junior guard Joe Hampton had a big day for the Canaries, scoring 12 points and adding 9 assists, but the rest of the Western Iowa team struggled and Cache Valley, led by a career best 15 points from Gabriel Saldivar, pulled away in a second half during which the Cowboys, who had never played a tournament game before Saturday, led by as many as 10 points. Western Iowa mounted a late charge but fell just short.
It was a similar story for Annapolis Maritime as the Navigators went long stretches when they could not buy a basket and as a result UNJ, spurred on by 13 points from center Rollie Bechtel and 12 from forward John Aitken, won a tournament game for just the second time in school history and the first since 1927.
The other two number one seeds had little trouble as South favourite Carolina Poly dumped Academia Alliance champion Brunswick 60-44 behind 18 points from Drew Morris while in the West Region North Carolina Tech held off Tempe College 41-36.
BASKETBALL PROBE REVEALS BODE AS FAKE STUDENT
Eric Bode, one of the four basketball players involved in the Jersey City Tech gambling case in January, never was registered student at the school, it was disclosed last week. That disclosure was made by Edgar Bromberger, comissioner of investigation after a probe was ordered following the gambling scandal.
"Bode at no time every registered or matriculated as a student, day or night session, at Jersey City Tech," Bromberger said in his report. "He stated that he bought some books, whose titles he does not recall, and carried them to and from home and around the campus, as well as when he appeared for basketball practice, to create the impression that he was attending the college as a student.
"No one at the college -not even any of his teammates- knew or suspected that he was not regularly registered. Even his own parents were under the impression that he was a student until advised of the crontrary after the transaction with the gamblers had been disclosed."
Bromberger concluded by saying that "Jersey City Tech must insist immediately upon a reversal of the result of basketball games it won while Bode was a member of the squad." Jersey City Tech's President asserted that the "difficulty arose in the administration of our present policies rather than in their character," and that Bode "deliberately misled college officers, including his coach, by false stories about difficulties he was experiencing in his academic studies and by securing his coach's signature to routine documents which he never filed."
PRO BASKET CROWN MEET TO BE OPENED TODAY
First round play in the seventh annual semi-pro championship basketball tournament will get underway at Chicago's Lake Side Stadium today with the host entry from the Windy City facing a team from Hartford, CT. In all, 14 teams from across the east and middle-west will compete to be crowned the national champion. It is also expected informal talks will continue among some of the entrants towards to goal of creating a national professional league similar to FABL, the North American Hockey Confederation or the American Football Association.
REES SET TO DEFEND TITLE WEDNESDAY
World Middleweight Champion Archie Rees says he is in peak form and couldn't be more ready for his Wednesday night title defense against Tommy Erwin. The Tadcaster Thunderbolt is feeling no worse for wear after his cross-Atlantic trip from England last month and is looking forward to his first title defense since beating Jorge Cuellar in that big GI bout in Liverpool last September. Rees, 35-4-1, is a heavy favourite against the 34 year old Erwin (27-6) despite the fact that the Bronx, NY native will likely have the full support of the hometown crowd at the Bigsby Garden.
The same card will also feature another New Yorker in heavyweight Mark Fountain. The 26 year old is 18-2-1 and a victory over Englishman Leo Carmichael will likely assure him a title shot against Hector Sawyer in the summer.
FORMER FRENCH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMP ALIVE AND FIGHTING NAZIS
Edouard Desmarais, former French boxer who was a perfect 34-0 and seemed to be on track to becoming one of the best fighters of his era before the war interceded, has been found alive. It turns out to be a very small world as the man who recognized the 28 year old fighter was a former ring opponent of his. Desmarais, 28, had long been rumoured to be a part of the French Resistance movement in Paris during the Nazi occupation but nothing had been heard from him in over two years. He was spotted by a British soldier by the name of Peter Ross somewhere in France in early January but word of the story just got out last week when Ross was shipped back to England to recover from a war wound. Ross, who had a bout with Desmarais back in 1937, confirmed Desmarais told him he had been working against the occupiers during the war and shared several harrowing experiences including how he was forced into hiding as German troops were retreating through the French countryside last fall.
After fighting in the 1936 Summer Olympics, Desmarais turned pro and quickly became the top French middleweight. He would also take on many of the top British boxers of the era and ran his record to 34-0 with 28 wins coming by knockout. He was in line for a title shot when the war quiickly changed his palns. Desmarais was said to be defending his homeland in Paris in June, 1940 when the city fell to the Nazis and was rumoured to be part of a resistance movement as well as aiding several downed Allied pilots navigate a safe a return across the English channel. However, all contact with him was lost and he was feared dead until Ross, who suffered a 4th round knockout at the hands of Desmarais in Scotland in 1939, spotted his old foe. Ross adds that Desmarais was offered passage to England by British army officials but elected to remain in France and continue to play whatever role he might in the effort to eliminate the Nazis. According to Ross, the former French champion expressed a desire to return to the ring once the war is over.
JENNINGS WINS WELTERWEIGHT TUSSLE
Mike Jennings ran his record as a welterweight to 23-6 with a unanimous decision over Chris Anderson in a Friday night fight in Washington DC. The 27 year old Flint, Michigan native was in complete control most of the night and easily outpointed the 28 year old Anderson, who sees his record as a professional fall to 13-9. The same card saw the pro debut of Harvey Winter, a big powerful 18 year old heavyweight out of Trenton, NJ. The teen took just over 2 minutes of the opening round to knock out local fighter Aaron Saunders in the opening round.
The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 3/18/1945
- Prime Minister Churchill says that victory in Europe may come before the end of summer "or even sooner."
- A Stockholm report says that Adolf Hitler made a peace offer to America and Britain early this month and it was rejected.
- American tanks and infantrymen struck eastward from their Rhine bridgehead within a half mile of the Rhine-Ruhr-Berlin superhighway in a powerful bid for a breakthrough into the exposed southern flank of the Ruhr basin.
- Admiral Nimitz is worried about a shortage of spare parts and states it has immobilized a lot of war equipment in the Pacific battle area.
- A building believed to have been the Osaka arsenal, one of Japan's biggest war plants, blew up during a raid and resulted in an explosion so violent it nearly wrecked two Superfortresses a mile and a half overhead.
- FDR vigorously defended the administration's policy of having America help to feed other less fortunate nations, telling a news conference he was aware of some opposition to reducing American consumption of certain items so that people in other nations do not starve.