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Tiger Fan · 06-27-2023, 02:20 PM

AUGUST 4, 1947

THE 3-H CLUB LEADS PIONEERS' GLORIOUS ASCENT

By Chatsworth Giampietro

In the realm of St. Louis, a captivating saga unfolds as the Pioneers, resolute and driven, take center stage. These days, the city's gaze is fixed upon the valiant triumvirate of hurlers: Danny Hern, Hal Hackney, and the newly acquired Hiram Steinberg, affectionately dubbed the 3-H club. Together, they form the backbone of the Pioneers' remarkable resurgence, propelling them ever closer to their elusive quest of ending a pennant drought that stretches back to the fabled year of 1921.

A resplendent five-game winning streak, including a triumphant four-game sweep of the ailing Pittsburgh Miners at the venerable Fitzpatrick Park over the weekend, has catapulted the Pioneers to a commanding 8.5-game lead atop the Federal Association, leaving Detroit and Chicago trailing in their wake. The offensive prowess of the St. Louis outfit has been nothing short of breathtaking this season, leading the entirety of FABL with an astounding 523 runs scored. However, let us not overlook the primary catalyst for their extraordinary renaissance—a formidable trio of hurlers that deserves unmitigated praise for their instrumental role in transforming a team that suffered the ignominy of 90 losses last year into a juggernaut poised to challenge the century mark in victories this time around.

Steinberg, having accrued a stellar record of 4 wins and 1 loss, flaunting an enviable ERA of 1.25 since his arrival from Cleveland, has seamlessly integrated himself within his new surroundings. Furthermore, the mercurial 25-year-old Hackney, on pace to deliver a career-best performance in terms of wins, stands as an invaluable component of the Pioneers' resurgence. Yet, without a shadow of a doubt, the undisputed hero of the St. Louis outfit is the indomitable southpaw, Danny Hern.

A mere year ago, the 30-year-old Hern found himself toiling in the minor leagues, his dreams of grandeur seemingly slipping through his grasp. With a dismal record of 0 wins and 4 losses, accompanied by a deplorable ERA of 9.39 in a scant 23 innings of Major League play, many believed Hern to be a relic of a bygone era. Perhaps, they conjectured, his wartime exploits had obscured his deficiencies, allowing him to thrive during those uncertain years when the true luminaries of the game were away. Yet, Hern, with an unwavering resolve, has risen above such skepticism, defying all expectations. Having made 24 starts for the Pioneers, his formidable left arm boasts a majestic record of 17 wins and a mere 3 losses, coupled with an unparalleled 2.50 ERA—the best in the Federal Association. A remarkable feat indeed for a pitcher who could not secure a solitary big league victory just a year ago.

It has been a long and arduous journey to the pinnacle of the sport for this native of Morton, Pennsylvania. Initially dismissed as an afterthought following his high school exploits, Hern endured a prolonged wait, his talents only acknowledged when he was selected in the 14th round of the 1935 draft by the Chicago Chiefs. Gradually, he etched his name into the annals of minor league baseball, attracting attention from the discerning eyes of the OSA, who acknowledged him as one of the top 50 prospects while he steadily ascended the Chiefs' ranks. However, his anticipated debut for the Chiefs was indefinitely postponed, as fate would have it, when he became an integral component of a five-player trade that sent him to St. Louis in exchange for the illustrious Freddie Jones. This transaction, compounding the frustrations of a fanbase already burdened by the loss of the legendary Max Morris and the prodigious Fred McCormick, further incited their ire. Their resentment transformed into apathy less than three years later when Dee Rose, the newly appointed owner, clandestinely plotted to relocate the team to the distant shores of Los Angeles.

Nevertheless, destiny has a way of weaving its intricate tapestry, replete with the sublime irony that accompanies the twists and turns of life. Hern, acquired in a trade that cast away a cherished fan favorite and deepened the chasm of alienation between team and city, has now become the harbinger of redemption, leading the Pioneers out of their agonizing, near three-decade-long malaise.
*** Challengers Keep Dropping Off ***

As the relentless battle for the pennant rages on, contenders crumble one by one, leaving the resolute Pioneers in their wake. First, the ill-fated Minutemen of Boston, one of the illustrious big four in the Federal Association, were struck a grievous blow when news broke that their ace, Dean Astle, would be sidelined for the entire season. The very foundation of their pennant aspirations crumbled with this devastating loss. Next to succumb to the unforgiving tides of fortune were the New York Gothams, the second component of the esteemed big four, plagued by a woeful start to the season. In response, management resorted to their customary fire sales, a tradition that has become synonymous with the Big Apple every time the team falters. The Philadelphia Keystones, despite the record-chasing brilliance of the legendary Bobby Barrell, never truly asserted themselves as contenders, as their pitching staff, save for the indomitable Lloyd Stevens, failed to measure up to the arduous demands of the game.

Only the Washington Eagles, having undergone their own phoenix-like revival from years of desolation, initially loomed as formidable challengers capable of disrupting the dream-like season that St. Louis has savored. However, even the valiant Eagles, trailing by a considerable 13 games, have yet to display the necessary vigor to mount a substantial charge, leaving them languishing behind the resurgent Pioneers.

Yet, two other teams warrant a modicum of concern for the devoted fans of St. Louis—although they remain few in number, it appears that the allure of triumph has kindled the spirits of erstwhile skeptics, drawing them to the Pioneers' cause. These concerns revolve around the rising forces of the Chicago Chiefs and the Detroit Dynamos. Both squads, emerging as formidable contenders, were never expected to mount a serious pennant campaign this season. Yet, much like the Pioneers themselves, they defy conventional wisdom. The Chiefs, with their audacious acquisition of Pete Casstevens, secured through the aforementioned firesale orchestrated by the Gothams, closed the gap to a tantalizing 5 games from the summit a mere week ago. Alas, the unforgiving nature of this captivating sport revealed itself when a disastrous nine-game losing streak dashed the hopes of the Windy City faithful, extending their deficit to a seemingly insurmountable 11 games. As for Detroit, their impressive young talent promises a bright future, although their offensive prowess appears inadequate when juxtaposed with the potent lineup of the Pioneers.

The St. Louis club basks in the radiant glow of their current supremacy, positioned firmly at the helm of the championship chase. Yet, history has taught us that the unforeseen can swiftly alter the course of destiny. The devoted followers of the Pioneers, having languished in anticipation for close to three decades, possess the fortitude to endure a mere two additional months of uncertainty. With each passing day, the likelihood of the Pioneers finally breaking free from their protracted drought becomes ever more tantalizing. The 3-H club, with their awe-inspiring performances, shall be forever etched in the annals of this storied franchise. Nevertheless, in the realm of baseball, where uncertainty reigns supreme, nothing is ever truly guaranteed until the final pitch is thrown.

TOP FABL PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK

1948 DRAFT PREVIEW - PART ONE : COLLEGE PLAYERS

It is interesting to note that when TWIFB took an early look at the 1948 draft class last August there were only three collegiate players that cracked our "Way Too Early Mock First Round." They were led by pitcher Dixie Gaints out of a small Mississippi school called Capital University, who was #5 on our list. The other two were Maryland State outfielder Miguel Rocha, at #12, and the final player on our 16-man list was Long Island Maritime righthander Eddie Whitney.

A year later Gaines and Whitney are both projected by OSA to be top of the rotation arms but a shortstop by the name of Tom Miller has burst on to the scene, becoming the first shortstop to win the Christian Trophy as the top collegiate player and, with 2 already under his belt, the Coastal State star has a chance to be a three-time first team All-American selection.

Here are the top 10 AIAA players eligible for the 1948 draft based on OSA scouting assessments:

#1: TOM MILLER: SS -Coastal State - No college shortstop in the post-feeder era has ever hit more than the 15 homeruns Miller socked for Coastal State last seasaon. The Philadelphia native is a 2-time All-American also won the Christian Trophy - a first for a shortstop- and seems destined for a pretty solid big league career. OSA raves about his skills as a pure hitter, while noting he also has plus raw power potential. He profiles as an "everyday shortstop who can make an imact on a top-tier team."

#2: DIXIE GAINES LHP - Capital (MS) University - Is Gaines perhaps the next Eli Panneton? A small college star who goes on to achieve great things in the big leagues? The Starkville, Ms. native elected to stay close to home for college ball and went 11-3 with a very impressive 2.21 as a sophomore -his first year of AIAA action. OSA feels he has "the stuff and talent needed to be a #1." Gaines is an extreme groundballer who should not surrender many longballs. He is perhaps a little undersized and relys on his change-up as the best of a deep 5-pitch arsenal. Scouts rave about his work ethic and the effort he puts in to improve both on and off the field.

#3: EDDIE WHITNEY RHP - Long Island Maritime - OSA feels Whitney will be a "front of the rotation starter with his health, stuff and effectiveness." The one worry about the Washington DC native is how will he fare against better competition. He has not faced a lot of high end talent where he has been playing college ball so that might inflate his numbers -that actually are pretty decent over his two seasons of college ball.

#4: FRANKIE WILLIAMS 3B - Lane State - Like Tom Miller, Frankie Williams is a two-time first team All-American selection. He also has plenty of power with 17 homers as a freshman -only Jim Stone and Ockie Holiday have ever hit more in post-feeder college action- and he followed that up with 14 last season. OSA does worry about his defense, noting that Williams "boots too many routine chances" so he may end up as a corner outfielder or a first baseman at the pro level.

#5: AARON JONES 3B - Gates University - Jones could be an above-average big league third baseman some day, according to OSA. His defense is not a concern and he projects to be a solid contact hitter which the scouting service feels might translate into a .310 hitter with a good eye to draw some free passes as well. He hit .307 over two seasons of college ball and may have some pop in his bat as well, with 22 homers in 93 games.

#6: HARRY JOHNSON C - Yellowhamme State - Johnson was a big reason Yellowhammer State had such a strong year and reached the College World Championship Series this season. OSA says the Florida native is patient at the plate and should be a very good hitting catcher. He has just the one year of college experience under his belt.

#7: CHARLIE ZIMMERMAN LHP - Poweshiek - A very intellectual pitcher, Zimmerman is often found talking with coaches long after drills are over. He has great size at 6'5" and 200 lbs so one has to think his velocity -which peaks at 85 mph right now- should improve over time. OSA cautions Zimmerman won't "blow away hitters with his stuff...but will frustrate them with his pinpoint command and control." The scouting service sees him peaking as a mid-rotation starter. The worry is the native of Olathe, Ks., is playing at a very small school and has not seen top level collegiate competition.

#8: MIGUEL ROCHA CF - Maryland State - The 21-year-old from Plattsburgh, NY, was on the list a year ago and projects out to be a player of "roughly average FABL talent." Defense should not be a worry and he gets a good jump on the ball in centerfield. Rocha has some pop in his bat with 25 homers over the past two seasons and a .530 slugging percentage at Maryland State.

#9: RED ELLIS SS - Miami State - Ellis won't be a flashy player, but is projected by OSA "to be a solid starter at shortstop." The scouting service feels his arm is more than strong enough to remain at shortstop and he has a compact, clean swing that helps him spray the ball around the field. A New York City native who headed to Florida for his college ball, Ellis slashed .288/.359/.361 in his lone season of college ball.

#10: JIM URQUHART 2B - Bluegrass State - Anyone from Bluegrass State usually commands some attention in the draft and Urquart was a second team All-American for the Mustangs last season -his first in college ball. He hit an impressive .323 and has some gap power. OSA calls him a natural defender and feels he has "potential to unleash his obvious talent both on the field and at the plate." So why is he not higher on the list? There are plenty of questions about his charactor, and the Memphis native will never be mistaken for a hard worker - a trait that may scare some teams off.

Next up in Part Two of the 1948 draft preview we will look at the High School Pitchers that are in the upcoming class.

FED KELLOGG CHASE A THREE HORSE RACE

Hack and Kleminski in Picture

There is a decent chance that for the second straight season the Rankin Kellogg Award, presented to the top rookie in the Federal Association, will go to a Detroit Dynamo. Just as a year ago -in the Kellogg trophy's first season of existence- when pitcher Wally Hunter won the award and first baseman Dick Estes was second, the Dynamos have two very worthy candidates. That would be Edwin Hackberry and Stan Kleminski -the two twenty-year-olds who are a big reason why the Motor City Nine are sitting in second place in the Federal Association.

Despite their youth, both have put up very solid numbers this season. Hackberry is batting .278 with 15 homers and 60 rbi's while doing an admirable job of tracking down fly balls in centerfield at Thompson Stadium. Kleminski has still had some hiccups in the field, and spent nearly equal time at second base, third base and shortstop but all of that shuffling around the infield has not slowed his bat as Kleminski is hitting .279 with a homer and 33 rbi's.

Unlike a year ago when Hunter and Estes were the obvious class of the newcomers, the Detroit duo this season faces some stiff competition in Philadelphia Keystones catcher Roger Cleaves. The 23-year-old battle-hardened former marine has been outstanding this year and joined Hackberry on the Federal Association all-star team. Cleaves is showing some real power with 24 homers and 60 rbi's to go with a very solid .270 batting average. Fans in St Louis might make a case for Ray Bates, who is hitting .311 while still a teenager for the rejuvanted Pioneers, but in this writer's books it will be a 3-horse race. At this stage, hometown bias aside, I have to lean towards Cleaves, but Hack and Klem still have two months left to make a case to change not just my mind, but the other voters as well.

The trade deadline has passed, and now that the dust has settled we see a very different Gothams lineup and a mostly inexperienced rotation. The fans may be unhappy with the team moving some popular players but the new look is interesting. As currently aligned the top 5 are showing averages over .300. Add in a top 10 prospect newly promoted and there promises to be more baserunners going forward.

Yes the team has promoted first round pick Cecil LaBonte. After willing AAA player of the week the #7 prospect will take over the starting SS job in New York. The past week's FA player of the week Tom Jeffries will slide over to third sending vet Mule Monier to the bench. Behind the plate is new acquisition Dino Robinson. While Robinson doesn't provide Pete Casstevens' power he does have a sure bat and is hitting .303 for the season.

On the mound, with the deal sending Harry Carter over to Brooklyn, the Gothams will use these final months to audition some of their top upper level prospects. So far the results have not been what the team hoped for. Jake Roberts got smacked around in his debut, while Jerry Decker continues with mixed results. Joining them will be Willie Ellis who struggled earlier in the season.

Then there's the ageless Jim Lonardo, who tossed a shutout this week and continues to show there is some life in his 43 year old right arm. It seems with each appearance, win, shutout or even inning pitched ol' Jim moves up some all-time list or another. He now sits at 309 wins.

On the Farm: An ERA+ of 1406. You read that right. 5th round pick Tommy Wilde (18) has found the move to pro ball from high school to be rather easy, so far. In 4 starts Wilde has 4 complete games. In those 36 innings he's allowed 19 hits, 9 BB and has struck out 26. He's allowed 1 homer which accounts for his only run allowed, for an ERA of 0.25. For the record the only batter to get him was Frenchy Sonntag of Ottumwa.

INTENSE BATTLE RAGES AT THE SUMMIT OF COAST LOOP

The Great Western League, a burgeoning force on the West Coast baseball scene, finds itself embroiled in a fierce four-way tussle at the pinnacle. As the regular season approaches its zenith, the proud cities of Oakland, Dallas, Portland, and Los Angeles wage an enthralling contest to secure passage for the grand showdown in the esteemed second annual Bigsby Cup playoff series. Cast your memory back to yesteryear, when the San Francisco Hawks soared to greatness, reigning as champions in the league's inaugural foray into the realm of major league baseball. Their triumph echoed across the diamond as they vanquished the valiant Los Angeles Knights in the thrilling title series.

Yet, my friends, the winds of fortune have shifted this season, casting an unkind fate upon the mighty Hawks, who now languish in the cellar of the league. However, do not despair, for the Knights stand resolute, entrenched in the thick of the playoff pursuit, a mere two and a half games adrift of the co-leaders, the tenacious Oakland and doughty Dallas. Ah, but the Grays and the Centurions, the vibrant newcomers who graced our sphere during the winter months, astutely securing the services of former FABL stalwarts to bolster their quest for championship glory.

In the bustling realm of Oakland, the gray-clad warriors have welcomed a cadre of fresh faces formerly from FABL. Leading the charge is the indomitable lead-off man, Don Miller, whose robust average of .327, coupled with his resolute spirit (1 home run and 40 RBIs), sparks hope in the hearts of fervent supporters. Alongside him roams the formidable outfielder, Alf Pestilli, contributing with his raw power (6 home runs and 24 RBIs). The pitching staff, too, boasts newfound luminaries, such as the crafty Jack Goff (7 wins and 3 losses, flaunting an enviable ERA of 2.47), the resilient Harry Frenette (4 wins and 4 losses, showcasing an ERA of 2.85), and the ailing yet valiant Doc Newell (4 wins and 1 loss, his ERA standing at an impressive 2.61). Yet, it is the electrifying performance of the second-year Gray, Frankie Cohen, that reverberates throughout the Bay Area. This precocious first baseman wields his lumber with astounding prowess, reigning supreme with a league-leading batting average of .406, his ultimate objective being to carry the Grays aloft into the coveted realm of the Bigsby Cup—a triumph that eluded their grasp by a hair's breadth in the previous season.

In Dallas, a city that has undergone a dramatic transformation, a resurgent spirit thrives. From the depths of seventh place a year ago, they have emerged as genuine contenders, their metamorphosis fueled by audacious signings that have ignited a dormant flame within the hearts of their ardent faithful. Behold the names that grace their roster: Brooks Meeks, the stalwart with a .307 average, 5 homers, and 46 RBIs; Heinie Billings, the indomitable slugger boasting a .318 average, 10 homers, and 50 RBIs; Ken Mayhugh, the formidable batsman with a .287 average, 6 homers, and 45 RBIs; and last but not least, Al Groos, the ever-reliable .266 hitter, who has contributed 7 homers and 41 RBIs to their cause. In the luminous realm of Portland, a city teeming with anticipation, the third-place squad orchestrated a series of captivating maneuvers throughout the winter and early stages of the season, signaling their intentions with resounding clarity. A triumvirate of new talent now graces their ranks: Vernon Ruch, boasting a .309 average, 3 homers, and 14 RBIs; Bill Watson, wielding a .255 average, 1 homer, and 17 RBIs; and the spirited Don Hersey, exhibiting a .320 average, 3 homers, and 31 RBIs.

However, let us not disregard the valiant Seattle Thunderbirds, perched at a respectable 6.5 games behind the leaders, for they too refuse to relinquish their stake in the thrilling race for Bigsby Cup glory. With the stage set, the Great Western League promises a riveting culmination in the coming months, as these spirited contenders engage in a relentless battle to determine the select few who shall vie for the esteemed Bigsby Cup. Let the games continue, my dear comrades, for the ecstasy of victory awaits the chosen two.

Hiram Steinberg is certainly enjoying life in the Fed. Since moving to St. Louis he is 4-1 with a 1.25 ERA. He was 9-4, 3.82 for the Foresters before the trade. His FIP has improved from 3.93 in Cleveland to 3.19 in St. Louis.
A bad week for Bobby Barrell, at least by his standards as the Keystones slugger only homered once this week. Barrell did hit .400 with 7 rbi's 6 games so it clearly is not all that bad. Bobby B now has 45 homers...15 shy of Mighty Mo's single season record with 48 games remaining.
A big weekend ahead for the Detroit Dynamos as they host the Pioneers in a 3-game set at Thompson Field. The two-clubs also play 3 in St Louis next weekend. You have to think the Dynamos, who trail the Pioneers by 8.5 games, must win at least 5 of the 6 if they are to make a race of things for the Fed flag.
A 9-game losing streak for the Chicago Chiefs pretty much takes the wind out of their sails.
Things are even worse for the cross-town Cougars, who slipped to 5th in the Continental Association and are now 9 games back of the front-running Philadelphia Sailors. I don't think anyone pegged the Cougars as a second division ballclub this season.
While the Cougars may be slipping, Duke Bybee isn't, as he threw his FABL leading 5th shutout and has allowed just one run in his last 28 innings pitched. It was another strong start for the rookie southpaw, who allowed just 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 in a 7-0 win over the Wolves. Bybee has claimed the FABL lead with WHIP, lowering his to 1.07 in 158.2 innings pitched. Bybee is sporting a 2.95 ERA (130 ERA+) with twice as many strikeouts (72) as walks (36), as he does everything he can to prevent Brooklyn's Ralph Johnson from running away with the Kellogg Award.
On the other hand, the Cougars Pete Papenfus couldn't be doing much worse this season, and he didn't strike out a single batter in a 10-9 loss to the Wolves. Pap left with two outs in the third, charged with 7 runs (6 earned), 7 walks, and 3 hits. Papenfus has lost 5 of his last 6 decisions and went 1-5 in July with a 4.72 ERA (81 ERA+) and 1.54 WHIP, walking (40) more hitters then he struck out (32)
At least Sal Pestilli finally got things going as a Cougar. The veteran slugger was 4-for-4 with a double, walk, and 3 runs scored in that 10-9 loss in Toronto. He doubled his Cougar hit total the past week, going 9-for-26 (.346/.393/.538) with 3 doubles and a triple. He has still yet to homer as a Cougar, but his .176/.222/.255 (30 OPS+) line finally doesn't correlate with a negative OPS+ or WRC+ (29).
Percy Pringle Sr.notes "in the didn’t see this happening department, the Kings lead the CA in runs scored this season. Last season the Kings were 7th in the CA in runs scored and that was with Tim Hopkins and Rats McGonigle in the lineup for 2/3’s of the season. Both those guys are having nice seasons in the FA this year."
Other highlights in Brooklyn are Buddy Long going 5-1 to win Continental pitcher of the month and outfielder Ralph Johnson wins batter of the month hitting 354 with 7 home runs 24 RBI’s with 25 runs scored. On the season he is hitting 309 with 21 home runs and 76 RBI’s. No wonder the Kings turned down a trade offer for him.

SAWYER WINS, BUT LETS UNKNOWN TAKE HIM THE DISTANCE

AUGUST 2, 1947 – Cougars Park, Chicago, Ill. – Attendance: 45,000+ - Sawyer (55-3-1) vs. Harber (31-7-1) - Referee: Jimmy Hooper.
The Cajun Crusher has taken on all comers. He is the man who stands alone after the fighting has ceased, holding the treasure, looking around and wondering “Who’s next? Who would dare challenge me?”

Hector Sawyer is one of the greatest heavyweights of the century. This is undisputed. If you look around the heavyweight division, there is a lack of formidable opponents. But all it takes is one punch at the right spot and it can all change.

In the search for challengers, promoter Chester Conley had to look far and wide. His search crossed the Atlantic, to Ireland and a challenger named “Irish” Pat Harber. Harber is 32 years old and has fought admirably against noticeably softer competition. The bookmakers were said to be offering 50-to-1 odds for a Harber victory, so there was not much hope for an upset. Harber arrived in Chicago at Cougars Park, hoping for his pitch, his crack at becoming a household name in America.

While Harber entered the ring with polite applause, there was a thunderous ovation for the champion Sawyer, making his eighth title defense. The crowd of 45,000-plus was there to be in the presence of greatness. The good news is that they saw 45 minutes of boxing. The bad news is that they did not see the dominant Cajun Crusher they will tell their grandchildren about.

Yes, Sawyer was in control from the opening round with a couple of crushing blows to send Harber reeling. The challenger, however, took whatever Sawyer could dish out. I counted 24 “big boppers” from Sawyer and two of them proceeded to knock Harber down.

In the ninth round, Sawyer delivered a patented uppercut, but Harber picked himself up off the mat on the count of two from referee Jimmy Hooper. The 14th round included a patented uppercut that lifted the challenger and put him down on his back. Harber could not get back on his feet right away, but got up in time, as Hooper counted up to six before the fight resumed.

Harber proved he had a good chin, taking an estimated 475 punches (31.6 per round) that landed on his big frame. For all that Sawyer dished out, he only had to take about 150 punches, or 10 a round. But Harber went the distance. He lasted until the final bell, which makes him one of only 10 opponents to do that in Sawyer’s illustrious and storied career. The judges saw the quantity and the quality and Sawyer’s punches, and it was as much of a rout as a unanimous decision could be. One judge gave Harber two rounds, another gave him three, and the third judge gave him four rounds, but they all agreed that eighth round was his best.

About midway through that eighth round, Harber drilled a right hand into Sawyer’s ribcage to knock the wind right out of him and put him on the canvas for a short three-count. The knockdown proved to everyone in attendance, including the fighters, that Harber had staying power, but it was also the last round he would win on any of the judges’ cards.

This fight will be remembered as another Sawyer victory, but it was not quick, it was not a romp. Sawyer, now 56-3-1, did not put away a significantly inferior opponent. The fight went the distance. Harber (31-8-1) even knocked down the champion. In the end, an undisputed heavyweight champion, the baddest man in the sport of boxing, could not add a 51st knockout victim against an unknown. This ought to give Chester Conley pause when looking for Sawyer’s next challenger.

BOLOGNA’S BIG BOPPERS
Round 1: Sawyer 2-0 (2:19 right), 2:33 cross/body)
Round 2: Tied 1-1 (S: 1:45 left hook/body; H: 2:16 elbow-warning)
Round 3: Harber 2-1 (S: 0:12 right/waist; H: 1:17 hook, 2:55 body)
Round 4: Sawyer 2-0 (1:20 hook/head, 1:51 hook/midsection)
Round 5: Harber 1-0 (0:39 right)
Round 6: Sawyer 4-0 (1:27 uppercut, 1:54 uppercut, 2:30 combo, 2:51 combo)
Round 7: Harber 2-0 (1:28 combo, 2:30 hook/jaw)
Round 8: Tied 1-1 (S: 0:47 hook; H: 1:09 right/ribs/knockdown)
Round 9: Sawyer 2-1 (S: 0:31 hook, 2:08 right/ribs; H: 0:17 combo)
Round 10: Sawyer 1-0 (0:45 right/head)
Round 11: Sawyer 3-0 (1:26 uppercut/knockdown, 1:56 cross, 2:58 cross)
Round 12: Sawyer 2-0 (1:26 cross, 2:11 combo)
Round 13: Sawyer 2-0 (0:23 right/head, 1:05 right/face)
Round 14: Sawyer 1-0 (2:01 right/knockdown)
Round 15: Sawyer 2-0 (1:30 right, 2:18 cross)
TOTAL: Sawyer 24, Harber 8

THE CAJUN CRUSHER TRIUMPHS IN WINDY CITY SHOWDOWN

Under the brilliant lights of Chicago's illustrious Cougars Park, a battle of pugilistic proportions unfolded on Saturday evening, as Hector Sawyer, the reigning world heavyweight champion, effortlessly dispatched Irish Pat Harber to retain his coveted title. A crowd of 45,000 passionate fight enthusiasts bore witness to Sawyer's dominant display, further solidifying his reign as the indomitable force in the division. This triumphant outing marked Sawyer's inaugural appearance in the Windy City as champion, and with the successful defense of his crown, he etched another chapter into the annals of pugilistic history.

From the opening bell, it was apparent that Harber had stepped onto the canvas as an unwitting lamb to the slaughter. Sawyer, with the confidence and skill befitting a champion of his caliber, swiftly took control of the contest. Harber, with a look of trepidation akin to a deer caught in the glare of headlights, found himself on the receiving end of Sawyer's precise jabs mere moments into the first round. As the opening stanza drew to a close, Harber had scarcely managed to land a solitary blow, leaving little doubt as to the mounting challenge he faced.

Undeterred, Sawyer maintained his relentless assault in the second round, dictating the tempo with consummate ease. Harber, desperately attempting to fend off the onslaught, resorted to futile attempts at elbow-waving defense, ultimately finding solace only in a futile cover-up. Credit must be given to Harber, however, as he exhibited unyielding resolve, landing a few commendable shots in the third round. Yet, this brief resurgence served as a mere catalyst, reawakening the beast within Sawyer. The champion proceeded to dominate both the fourth and fifth rounds, unleashing a deluge of strikes upon his beleaguered adversary. Whether Harber sought to protect his exposed body or shield his vulnerable head, Sawyer exploited every opening, raining blows upon his challenger.

The raucous crowd, attuned to the rhythmic dance of pugilistic prowess, reverberated with excitement, sensing that Sawyer's decisive coup de grâce might be imminent. Alas, Harber, defying all expectations, somehow withstood the relentless barrage. In a surprising turn of events, the seventh round witnessed a rare glimmer of hope for the valiant Irishman. Seizing the opportunity, Harber caught Sawyer off-guard, delivering a blistering combination that left the champion momentarily stunned. Snatching a round from the clutches of defeat, Harber demonstrated his unyielding spirit and resilience.

Eager to capitalize on his newfound success, Harber approached the eighth round with an audacious strategy. Employing strategic clinching, he effectively tied up the champion, forcing the experienced referee, Jimmy Hooper, to intercede repeatedly. The unexpected holding tactics seemed to frustrate Sawyer, redirecting his focus away from the prize. Amidst this tumultuous battle, Harber, seizing a moment of vulnerability, launched a thunderous blow beneath Sawyer's ribcage, causing the champion to crumble momentarily. The collective gasp from the crowd echoed through the stadium, as Hooper commenced his count. Before reaching four, Sawyer rose from the canvas, extinguishing the flames of panic. However, for the remainder of the round, it was Sawyer who resorted to clinching, seeking respite from the relentless assault.

During the intermission, Sawyer's corner read him the riot act, dispelling any trace of complacency that may have crept into the champion's mindset. Renewed and invigorated, Sawyer reclaimed his dominance in the ninth round, reaffirming his authority over both the crowd and Harber. With every ounce of strength, Sawyer unleashed a torrent of punches, leaving Harber with no alternative but to focus solely on trying to minimize the damage incurred. The challenger found himself trapped in a defensive posture, unable to mount any significant offensive maneuvers. In the eleventh round, Sawyer, true to his preeminence, delivered a devastating uppercut that sent Harber crashing to the canvas, effectively equalizing the knockdown count.

Harber valiantly regained his footing, miraculously surviving not only the eleventh but also the twelfth and thirteenth rounds. Each passing round witnessed Sawyer's unwavering dominance, as he effortlessly outclassed his opponent. In the fourteenth round, however, Harber's resilience reached its limits. A lightning bolt of a blow landed flush on Harber's chin, sending him sprawling to the mat once more. The crowd, on the cusp of jubilation, anticipated a swift conclusion. Yet, with indomitable will, Harber mustered the strength to rise before Hooper's count concluded, thwarting imminent defeat. By the fifteenth and final round, Sawyer, weary from the relentless exchange of blows, pressed on, displaying his unwavering superiority. When the final bell tolled, the decision lay in the hands of the judges.

The scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the contest, with Sawyer prevailing by a resounding margin, averaging 146-136 across the adjudicators' tallies. Exhausted yet sporting newfound respect, Sawyer embraced Harber, recognizing the Irishman's unwavering determination and unyielding spirit. Harber, despite enduring a punishing ordeal, emerged as a beacon of fortitude, narrowly avoiding the clutches of a knockout defeat.

Thus, the curtain falls on another captivating chapter in the annals of pugilism. Hector Sawyer, the embodiment of strength and skill, reigns supreme in the heavyweight division, leaving both fans and challengers to ponder the daunting task that lies ahead. The legend of the Cajun Crusher continues to grow, his name etched in the pantheon of boxing greats.

WESTLAKE MAKES HIS CASE

Two days prior to the Sawyer title fight, former welterweight champion Mark Westlake took center stage at Cougars Park. The crowd was not as numerous as that on Saturday to witness the heavyweight champ in action, but a solid gathering saw Westlake score a tight split-decision win over Willis May in a battle of two pugilists with the welterweight title on their minds. Westlake had the title before, for the briefest of times when he dethroned Dennis O'Keefe only to fall to Harold Stephens in his first defense. Stephens will be back in action in a couple of weeks, putting his belt on the line against Carl Taylor. It is widely expected that Westlake, by virtue of his win over May, will get another shot at the belt. The win improves the Biloxi, Ms., native's record to 22-3-1 while the Alabama-born May falls to 17-3-2 with the loss.

BAKER TITLE HOPES 'COOKED'

Loses Third Straight

Not long ago Scott 'The Chef' Baker had his eye on a potential date with world champion Hector Sawyer. The son of former world middleweight champion Battling Billy Baker seemed destined to follow in his father's footsteps but his dreams were derailed with a loss last September against Roy Crawford - the Boston battler who was Baker's toughest opponent to date. It seemed just a minor setback at the time, a brief step back before the 27-year-old would once again hurtle himself forward but then disaster struck. In the first round of his next outing, Baker broke his hand connecting with Chris May's chin and was forced to stop, taking a technical knock out loss. It took several months of rehabilitation to get the right hand back into shape and finally, after a six-month layoff, Baker returned to the ring last week in New York.

It was supposed to be an easy win, a hand-picked opponent designed to get the Chef back on the recipe to success. Instead Martin, a 34-year-old from St Louis had some ingredients of his own to add to the mix and scored a close but just split-decision win. Now Baker, loser of three in a row, sits with a 15-3-2 record and his chances at reaching the heights his father achieved in the ring seem all but gone.

UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS

Aug 12- Columbus, Oh: rising welterweight Mac Erickson (14-0) vs Jimmy O'Day (6-5)
Aug 16- Denny Arena, Boston: Harold Stephens (19-3-2) defends his world welterweight title against Carl Taylor (22-3-2).
Aug 19- New Haven, Ct: Middleweight Todd Gill (22-3-6) vs Adrian Frank (5-7)
Aug 19 -New Haven, Ct: Middlweight contender Brooks O'Connor (24-4-2) vs P.J. Whitaker (17-14-1)
Aug 21 -Buffalo, NY: rising welterweight Danny Rutledge (10-0) vs Glen Peterson (9-3-1)
Aug 26- Camden, NJ: Heavyweight contender Roy Crawford (24-3) vs Don Alston (18-9-4)
Aug 28- Miami, Fl: Heavyweight contender Cannon Cooper (22-2-1) vs Mac Johnson (15-17-5)
Aug 28- Miami, Fl: Middleweight contender Tommy Campbell (17-0-1) vs Matt Austin (7-6)
Aug 31- Lewiston, Me: Middleweight contender Nick Harris (21-3-1) vs Will Bowen (4-9)

CARDINALS FROSH CLASS CONSIDERED BEST IN NATION

As the students are preparing to return to the college classrooms the top basketball recruiting class for the upcoming season belongs to the Carolina Poly Cardinals. That is the consensus of college coaches across the nation as the Cardinals hope to improve on a pretty solid 1946-47 campaign -one that saw the school go 27-4 overall and was the top seed in the South for the AIAA tournament but lost to Detroit City College in the second round.

Headline Poly's recruiting class is Mel Turcotte, a smooth shooting forward out of Henry Hudson Prep in New York City that was considered the best high school player in the nation a year ago. Turcotte will be joined by another player considered to be one of the top high schoolers on the east coast in Jerry Newsom, a powerfully built forward out of Jersey City. Add them to a lineup that will include returning starters Major Belk, a guard who averaged 8.8 ppg as a sophomore and was named to the South Atlantic Conference all-star team, along with James Halle, who scored at an 8.1 ppg clip last season as a freshman. There will be some holes to fill for the Cardinals, as Paul Cowans -one of the best centers in the nation- and guard Max Kent have both graduated.

Other strong recruiting classes belong to Miami State, which hopes local product Eb Merkle can fill the large shoes of another Miami high school legend in Long Werth -who graduates to pro basketball after being named the national player of the year each of the past two seasons. Out west, Rainier College is hoping for big things from Don Higgins, who grew up in California but played his high school ball in Boston when he followed his older brother Dick Higgins to New England when Dick was pitching for the Boston Minutemen. Another freshman with pro baseball ties is Les Lightbody, a stringbean of a center from Louisiana who is a cousin of three current or former big leaguers in Doug, Frank and Jim Lightbody. Les will take his talents from the high school gym of Alexandria, La. to the campus of Alabama Baptist this season.

Here are the top 25 recruiting classes with the top recruit for each of them.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 8/03/1947

The United States has warned Russia against taking German and Italian property from Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania except in accordance with peace-treaty terms.
Yugoslavia and Bulgaria conclued a broad political and economic agreement with a key provision binding them in common cause against Greek border "provocations." This after Greece was considering bringing charges against Russian satellites under a dramatic provision of the UN charter related to cases of aggression.
Britain is considering a substantial cut to her armed forces as an emergency measure to meet the prospective winter economic crisis. The London Stock Exchange was in a significant downward spiral with heavy losses all week.
Seven B-29 Super Fortresses completed a non-stop 7,000 mile fight from Tokyo to Washington, spanning 31 hours in what was termed the "longest and fastest mass flight of bombers ever attempted." They made one refueling stop in Anchroage, Alaska.

06-27-2023, 02:20 PM	#733
Tiger Fan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 9,740	August 4, 1947 AUGUST 4, 1947 THE 3-H CLUB LEADS PIONEERS' GLORIOUS ASCENT By Chatsworth Giampietro In the realm of St. Louis, a captivating saga unfolds as the Pioneers, resolute and driven, take center stage. These days, the city's gaze is fixed upon the valiant triumvirate of hurlers: Danny Hern, Hal Hackney, and the newly acquired Hiram Steinberg, affectionately dubbed the 3-H club. Together, they form the backbone of the Pioneers' remarkable resurgence, propelling them ever closer to their elusive quest of ending a pennant drought that stretches back to the fabled year of 1921. A resplendent five-game winning streak, including a triumphant four-game sweep of the ailing Pittsburgh Miners at the venerable Fitzpatrick Park over the weekend, has catapulted the Pioneers to a commanding 8.5-game lead atop the Federal Association, leaving Detroit and Chicago trailing in their wake. The offensive prowess of the St. Louis outfit has been nothing short of breathtaking this season, leading the entirety of FABL with an astounding 523 runs scored. However, let us not overlook the primary catalyst for their extraordinary renaissance—a formidable trio of hurlers that deserves unmitigated praise for their instrumental role in transforming a team that suffered the ignominy of 90 losses last year into a juggernaut poised to challenge the century mark in victories this time around. Steinberg, having accrued a stellar record of 4 wins and 1 loss, flaunting an enviable ERA of 1.25 since his arrival from Cleveland, has seamlessly integrated himself within his new surroundings. Furthermore, the mercurial 25-year-old Hackney, on pace to deliver a career-best performance in terms of wins, stands as an invaluable component of the Pioneers' resurgence. Yet, without a shadow of a doubt, the undisputed hero of the St. Louis outfit is the indomitable southpaw, Danny Hern. A mere year ago, the 30-year-old Hern found himself toiling in the minor leagues, his dreams of grandeur seemingly slipping through his grasp. With a dismal record of 0 wins and 4 losses, accompanied by a deplorable ERA of 9.39 in a scant 23 innings of Major League play, many believed Hern to be a relic of a bygone era. Perhaps, they conjectured, his wartime exploits had obscured his deficiencies, allowing him to thrive during those uncertain years when the true luminaries of the game were away. Yet, Hern, with an unwavering resolve, has risen above such skepticism, defying all expectations. Having made 24 starts for the Pioneers, his formidable left arm boasts a majestic record of 17 wins and a mere 3 losses, coupled with an unparalleled 2.50 ERA—the best in the Federal Association. A remarkable feat indeed for a pitcher who could not secure a solitary big league victory just a year ago. It has been a long and arduous journey to the pinnacle of the sport for this native of Morton, Pennsylvania. Initially dismissed as an afterthought following his high school exploits, Hern endured a prolonged wait, his talents only acknowledged when he was selected in the 14th round of the 1935 draft by the Chicago Chiefs. Gradually, he etched his name into the annals of minor league baseball, attracting attention from the discerning eyes of the OSA, who acknowledged him as one of the top 50 prospects while he steadily ascended the Chiefs' ranks. However, his anticipated debut for the Chiefs was indefinitely postponed, as fate would have it, when he became an integral component of a five-player trade that sent him to St. Louis in exchange for the illustrious Freddie Jones. This transaction, compounding the frustrations of a fanbase already burdened by the loss of the legendary Max Morris and the prodigious Fred McCormick, further incited their ire. Their resentment transformed into apathy less than three years later when Dee Rose, the newly appointed owner, clandestinely plotted to relocate the team to the distant shores of Los Angeles. Nevertheless, destiny has a way of weaving its intricate tapestry, replete with the sublime irony that accompanies the twists and turns of life. Hern, acquired in a trade that cast away a cherished fan favorite and deepened the chasm of alienation between team and city, has now become the harbinger of redemption, leading the Pioneers out of their agonizing, near three-decade-long malaise. * Challengers Keep Dropping Off * As the relentless battle for the pennant rages on, contenders crumble one by one, leaving the resolute Pioneers in their wake. First, the ill-fated Minutemen of Boston, one of the illustrious big four in the Federal Association, were struck a grievous blow when news broke that their ace, Dean Astle, would be sidelined for the entire season. The very foundation of their pennant aspirations crumbled with this devastating loss. Next to succumb to the unforgiving tides of fortune were the New York Gothams, the second component of the esteemed big four, plagued by a woeful start to the season. In response, management resorted to their customary fire sales, a tradition that has become synonymous with the Big Apple every time the team falters. The Philadelphia Keystones, despite the record-chasing brilliance of the legendary Bobby Barrell, never truly asserted themselves as contenders, as their pitching staff, save for the indomitable Lloyd Stevens, failed to measure up to the arduous demands of the game. Only the Washington Eagles, having undergone their own phoenix-like revival from years of desolation, initially loomed as formidable challengers capable of disrupting the dream-like season that St. Louis has savored. However, even the valiant Eagles, trailing by a considerable 13 games, have yet to display the necessary vigor to mount a substantial charge, leaving them languishing behind the resurgent Pioneers. Yet, two other teams warrant a modicum of concern for the devoted fans of St. Louis—although they remain few in number, it appears that the allure of triumph has kindled the spirits of erstwhile skeptics, drawing them to the Pioneers' cause. These concerns revolve around the rising forces of the Chicago Chiefs and the Detroit Dynamos. Both squads, emerging as formidable contenders, were never expected to mount a serious pennant campaign this season. Yet, much like the Pioneers themselves, they defy conventional wisdom. The Chiefs, with their audacious acquisition of Pete Casstevens, secured through the aforementioned firesale orchestrated by the Gothams, closed the gap to a tantalizing 5 games from the summit a mere week ago. Alas, the unforgiving nature of this captivating sport revealed itself when a disastrous nine-game losing streak dashed the hopes of the Windy City faithful, extending their deficit to a seemingly insurmountable 11 games. As for Detroit, their impressive young talent promises a bright future, although their offensive prowess appears inadequate when juxtaposed with the potent lineup of the Pioneers. The St. Louis club basks in the radiant glow of their current supremacy, positioned firmly at the helm of the championship chase. Yet, history has taught us that the unforeseen can swiftly alter the course of destiny. The devoted followers of the Pioneers, having languished in anticipation for close to three decades, possess the fortitude to endure a mere two additional months of uncertainty. With each passing day, the likelihood of the Pioneers finally breaking free from their protracted drought becomes ever more tantalizing. The 3-H club, with their awe-inspiring performances, shall be forever etched in the annals of this storied franchise. Nevertheless, in the realm of baseball, where uncertainty reigns supreme, nothing is ever truly guaranteed until the final pitch is thrown. TOP FABL PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK 1948 DRAFT PREVIEW - PART ONE : COLLEGE PLAYERS It is interesting to note that when TWIFB took an early look at the 1948 draft class last August there were only three collegiate players that cracked our "Way Too Early Mock First Round." They were led by pitcher Dixie Gaints out of a small Mississippi school called Capital University, who was #5 on our list. The other two were Maryland State outfielder Miguel Rocha, at #12, and the final player on our 16-man list was Long Island Maritime righthander Eddie Whitney. A year later Gaines and Whitney are both projected by OSA to be top of the rotation arms but a shortstop by the name of Tom Miller has burst on to the scene, becoming the first shortstop to win the Christian Trophy as the top collegiate player and, with 2 already under his belt, the Coastal State star has a chance to be a three-time first team All-American selection. Here are the top 10 AIAA players eligible for the 1948 draft based on OSA scouting assessments: #1: TOM MILLER: SS -Coastal State - No college shortstop in the post-feeder era has ever hit more than the 15 homeruns Miller socked for Coastal State last seasaon. The Philadelphia native is a 2-time All-American also won the Christian Trophy - a first for a shortstop- and seems destined for a pretty solid big league career. OSA raves about his skills as a pure hitter, while noting he also has plus raw power potential. He profiles as an "everyday shortstop who can make an imact on a top-tier team." #2: DIXIE GAINES LHP - Capital (MS) University - Is Gaines perhaps the next Eli Panneton? A small college star who goes on to achieve great things in the big leagues? The Starkville, Ms. native elected to stay close to home for college ball and went 11-3 with a very impressive 2.21 as a sophomore -his first year of AIAA action. OSA feels he has "the stuff and talent needed to be a #1." Gaines is an extreme groundballer who should not surrender many longballs. He is perhaps a little undersized and relys on his change-up as the best of a deep 5-pitch arsenal. Scouts rave about his work ethic and the effort he puts in to improve both on and off the field. #3: EDDIE WHITNEY RHP - Long Island Maritime - OSA feels Whitney will be a "front of the rotation starter with his health, stuff and effectiveness." The one worry about the Washington DC native is how will he fare against better competition. He has not faced a lot of high end talent where he has been playing college ball so that might inflate his numbers -that actually are pretty decent over his two seasons of college ball. #4: FRANKIE WILLIAMS 3B - Lane State - Like Tom Miller, Frankie Williams is a two-time first team All-American selection. He also has plenty of power with 17 homers as a freshman -only Jim Stone and Ockie Holiday have ever hit more in post-feeder college action- and he followed that up with 14 last season. OSA does worry about his defense, noting that Williams "boots too many routine chances" so he may end up as a corner outfielder or a first baseman at the pro level. #5: AARON JONES 3B - Gates University - Jones could be an above-average big league third baseman some day, according to OSA. His defense is not a concern and he projects to be a solid contact hitter which the scouting service feels might translate into a .310 hitter with a good eye to draw some free passes as well. He hit .307 over two seasons of college ball and may have some pop in his bat as well, with 22 homers in 93 games. #6: HARRY JOHNSON C - Yellowhamme State - Johnson was a big reason Yellowhammer State had such a strong year and reached the College World Championship Series this season. OSA says the Florida native is patient at the plate and should be a very good hitting catcher. He has just the one year of college experience under his belt. #7: CHARLIE ZIMMERMAN LHP - Poweshiek - A very intellectual pitcher, Zimmerman is often found talking with coaches long after drills are over. He has great size at 6'5" and 200 lbs so one has to think his velocity -which peaks at 85 mph right now- should improve over time. OSA cautions Zimmerman won't "blow away hitters with his stuff...but will frustrate them with his pinpoint command and control." The scouting service sees him peaking as a mid-rotation starter. The worry is the native of Olathe, Ks., is playing at a very small school and has not seen top level collegiate competition. #8: MIGUEL ROCHA CF - Maryland State - The 21-year-old from Plattsburgh, NY, was on the list a year ago and projects out to be a player of "roughly average FABL talent." Defense should not be a worry and he gets a good jump on the ball in centerfield. Rocha has some pop in his bat with 25 homers over the past two seasons and a .530 slugging percentage at Maryland State. #9: RED ELLIS SS - Miami State - Ellis won't be a flashy player, but is projected by OSA "to be a solid starter at shortstop." The scouting service feels his arm is more than strong enough to remain at shortstop and he has a compact, clean swing that helps him spray the ball around the field. A New York City native who headed to Florida for his college ball, Ellis slashed .288/.359/.361 in his lone season of college ball. #10: JIM URQUHART 2B - Bluegrass State - Anyone from Bluegrass State usually commands some attention in the draft and Urquart was a second team All-American for the Mustangs last season -his first in college ball. He hit an impressive .323 and has some gap power. OSA calls him a natural defender and feels he has "potential to unleash his obvious talent both on the field and at the plate." So why is he not higher on the list? There are plenty of questions about his charactor, and the Memphis native will never be mistaken for a hard worker - a trait that may scare some teams off. Next up in Part Two of the 1948 draft preview we will look at the High School Pitchers that are in the upcoming class. FED KELLOGG CHASE A THREE HORSE RACE Hack and Kleminski in Picture There is a decent chance that for the second straight season the Rankin Kellogg Award, presented to the top rookie in the Federal Association, will go to a Detroit Dynamo. Just as a year ago -in the Kellogg trophy's first season of existence- when pitcher Wally Hunter won the award and first baseman Dick Estes was second, the Dynamos have two very worthy candidates. That would be Edwin Hackberry and Stan Kleminski -the two twenty-year-olds who are a big reason why the Motor City Nine are sitting in second place in the Federal Association. Despite their youth, both have put up very solid numbers this season. Hackberry is batting .278 with 15 homers and 60 rbi's while doing an admirable job of tracking down fly balls in centerfield at Thompson Stadium. Kleminski has still had some hiccups in the field, and spent nearly equal time at second base, third base and shortstop but all of that shuffling around the infield has not slowed his bat as Kleminski is hitting .279 with a homer and 33 rbi's. Unlike a year ago when Hunter and Estes were the obvious class of the newcomers, the Detroit duo this season faces some stiff competition in Philadelphia Keystones catcher Roger Cleaves. The 23-year-old battle-hardened former marine has been outstanding this year and joined Hackberry on the Federal Association all-star team. Cleaves is showing some real power with 24 homers and 60 rbi's to go with a very solid .270 batting average. Fans in St Louis might make a case for Ray Bates, who is hitting .311 while still a teenager for the rejuvanted Pioneers, but in this writer's books it will be a 3-horse race. At this stage, hometown bias aside, I have to lean towards Cleaves, but Hack and Klem still have two months left to make a case to change not just my mind, but the other voters as well. The trade deadline has passed, and now that the dust has settled we see a very different Gothams lineup and a mostly inexperienced rotation. The fans may be unhappy with the team moving some popular players but the new look is interesting. As currently aligned the top 5 are showing averages over .300. Add in a top 10 prospect newly promoted and there promises to be more baserunners going forward. Yes the team has promoted first round pick Cecil LaBonte. After willing AAA player of the week the #7 prospect will take over the starting SS job in New York. The past week's FA player of the week Tom Jeffries will slide over to third sending vet Mule Monier to the bench. Behind the plate is new acquisition Dino Robinson. While Robinson doesn't provide Pete Casstevens' power he does have a sure bat and is hitting .303 for the season. On the mound, with the deal sending Harry Carter over to Brooklyn, the Gothams will use these final months to audition some of their top upper level prospects. So far the results have not been what the team hoped for. Jake Roberts got smacked around in his debut, while Jerry Decker continues with mixed results. Joining them will be Willie Ellis who struggled earlier in the season. Then there's the ageless Jim Lonardo, who tossed a shutout this week and continues to show there is some life in his 43 year old right arm. It seems with each appearance, win, shutout or even inning pitched ol' Jim moves up some all-time list or another. He now sits at 309 wins. On the Farm: An ERA+ of 1406. You read that right. 5th round pick Tommy Wilde (18) has found the move to pro ball from high school to be rather easy, so far. In 4 starts Wilde has 4 complete games. In those 36 innings he's allowed 19 hits, 9 BB and has struck out 26. He's allowed 1 homer which accounts for his only run allowed, for an ERA of 0.25. For the record the only batter to get him was Frenchy Sonntag of Ottumwa. INTENSE BATTLE RAGES AT THE SUMMIT OF COAST LOOP The Great Western League, a burgeoning force on the West Coast baseball scene, finds itself embroiled in a fierce four-way tussle at the pinnacle. As the regular season approaches its zenith, the proud cities of Oakland, Dallas, Portland, and Los Angeles wage an enthralling contest to secure passage for the grand showdown in the esteemed second annual Bigsby Cup playoff series. Cast your memory back to yesteryear, when the San Francisco Hawks soared to greatness, reigning as champions in the league's inaugural foray into the realm of major league baseball. Their triumph echoed across the diamond as they vanquished the valiant Los Angeles Knights in the thrilling title series. Yet, my friends, the winds of fortune have shifted this season, casting an unkind fate upon the mighty Hawks, who now languish in the cellar of the league. However, do not despair, for the Knights stand resolute, entrenched in the thick of the playoff pursuit, a mere two and a half games adrift of the co-leaders, the tenacious Oakland and doughty Dallas. Ah, but the Grays and the Centurions, the vibrant newcomers who graced our sphere during the winter months, astutely securing the services of former FABL stalwarts to bolster their quest for championship glory. In the bustling realm of Oakland, the gray-clad warriors have welcomed a cadre of fresh faces formerly from FABL. Leading the charge is the indomitable lead-off man, Don Miller, whose robust average of .327, coupled with his resolute spirit (1 home run and 40 RBIs), sparks hope in the hearts of fervent supporters. Alongside him roams the formidable outfielder, Alf Pestilli, contributing with his raw power (6 home runs and 24 RBIs). The pitching staff, too, boasts newfound luminaries, such as the crafty Jack Goff (7 wins and 3 losses, flaunting an enviable ERA of 2.47), the resilient Harry Frenette (4 wins and 4 losses, showcasing an ERA of 2.85), and the ailing yet valiant Doc Newell (4 wins and 1 loss, his ERA standing at an impressive 2.61). Yet, it is the electrifying performance of the second-year Gray, Frankie Cohen, that reverberates throughout the Bay Area. This precocious first baseman wields his lumber with astounding prowess, reigning supreme with a league-leading batting average of .406, his ultimate objective being to carry the Grays aloft into the coveted realm of the Bigsby Cup—a triumph that eluded their grasp by a hair's breadth in the previous season. In Dallas, a city that has undergone a dramatic transformation, a resurgent spirit thrives. From the depths of seventh place a year ago, they have emerged as genuine contenders, their metamorphosis fueled by audacious signings that have ignited a dormant flame within the hearts of their ardent faithful. Behold the names that grace their roster: Brooks Meeks, the stalwart with a .307 average, 5 homers, and 46 RBIs; Heinie Billings, the indomitable slugger boasting a .318 average, 10 homers, and 50 RBIs; Ken Mayhugh, the formidable batsman with a .287 average, 6 homers, and 45 RBIs; and last but not least, Al Groos, the ever-reliable .266 hitter, who has contributed 7 homers and 41 RBIs to their cause. In the luminous realm of Portland, a city teeming with anticipation, the third-place squad orchestrated a series of captivating maneuvers throughout the winter and early stages of the season, signaling their intentions with resounding clarity. A triumvirate of new talent now graces their ranks: Vernon Ruch, boasting a .309 average, 3 homers, and 14 RBIs; Bill Watson, wielding a .255 average, 1 homer, and 17 RBIs; and the spirited Don Hersey, exhibiting a .320 average, 3 homers, and 31 RBIs. However, let us not disregard the valiant Seattle Thunderbirds, perched at a respectable 6.5 games behind the leaders, for they too refuse to relinquish their stake in the thrilling race for Bigsby Cup glory. With the stage set, the Great Western League promises a riveting culmination in the coming months, as these spirited contenders engage in a relentless battle to determine the select few who shall vie for the esteemed Bigsby Cup. Let the games continue, my dear comrades, for the ecstasy of victory awaits the chosen two. Hiram Steinberg is certainly enjoying life in the Fed. Since moving to St. Louis he is 4-1 with a 1.25 ERA. He was 9-4, 3.82 for the Foresters before the trade. His FIP has improved from 3.93 in Cleveland to 3.19 in St. Louis. A bad week for Bobby Barrell, at least by his standards as the Keystones slugger only homered once this week. Barrell did hit .400 with 7 rbi's 6 games so it clearly is not all that bad. Bobby B now has 45 homers...15 shy of Mighty Mo's single season record with 48 games remaining. A big weekend ahead for the Detroit Dynamos as they host the Pioneers in a 3-game set at Thompson Field. The two-clubs also play 3 in St Louis next weekend. You have to think the Dynamos, who trail the Pioneers by 8.5 games, must win at least 5 of the 6 if they are to make a race of things for the Fed flag. A 9-game losing streak for the Chicago Chiefs pretty much takes the wind out of their sails. Things are even worse for the cross-town Cougars, who slipped to 5th in the Continental Association and are now 9 games back of the front-running Philadelphia Sailors. I don't think anyone pegged the Cougars as a second division ballclub this season. While the Cougars may be slipping, Duke Bybee isn't, as he threw his FABL leading 5th shutout and has allowed just one run in his last 28 innings pitched. It was another strong start for the rookie southpaw, who allowed just 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 in a 7-0 win over the Wolves. Bybee has claimed the FABL lead with WHIP, lowering his to 1.07 in 158.2 innings pitched. Bybee is sporting a 2.95 ERA (130 ERA+) with twice as many strikeouts (72) as walks (36), as he does everything he can to prevent Brooklyn's Ralph Johnson from running away with the Kellogg Award. On the other hand, the Cougars Pete Papenfus couldn't be doing much worse this season, and he didn't strike out a single batter in a 10-9 loss to the Wolves. Pap left with two outs in the third, charged with 7 runs (6 earned), 7 walks, and 3 hits. Papenfus has lost 5 of his last 6 decisions and went 1-5 in July with a 4.72 ERA (81 ERA+) and 1.54 WHIP, walking (40) more hitters then he struck out (32) At least Sal Pestilli finally got things going as a Cougar. The veteran slugger was 4-for-4 with a double, walk, and 3 runs scored in that 10-9 loss in Toronto. He doubled his Cougar hit total the past week, going 9-for-26 (.346/.393/.538) with 3 doubles and a triple. He has still yet to homer as a Cougar, but his .176/.222/.255 (30 OPS+) line finally doesn't correlate with a negative OPS+ or WRC+ (29). Percy Pringle Sr.notes "in the didn’t see this happening department, the Kings lead the CA in runs scored this season. Last season the Kings were 7th in the CA in runs scored and that was with Tim Hopkins and Rats McGonigle in the lineup for 2/3’s of the season. Both those guys are having nice seasons in the FA this year." Other highlights in Brooklyn are Buddy Long going 5-1 to win Continental pitcher of the month and outfielder Ralph Johnson wins batter of the month hitting 354 with 7 home runs 24 RBI’s with 25 runs scored. On the season he is hitting 309 with 21 home runs and 76 RBI’s. No wonder the Kings turned down a trade offer for him. SAWYER WINS, BUT LETS UNKNOWN TAKE HIM THE DISTANCE AUGUST 2, 1947 – Cougars Park, Chicago, Ill. – Attendance: 45,000+ - Sawyer (55-3-1) vs. Harber (31-7-1) - Referee: Jimmy Hooper. The Cajun Crusher has taken on all comers. He is the man who stands alone after the fighting has ceased, holding the treasure, looking around and wondering “Who’s next? Who would dare challenge me?” Hector Sawyer is one of the greatest heavyweights of the century. This is undisputed. If you look around the heavyweight division, there is a lack of formidable opponents. But all it takes is one punch at the right spot and it can all change. In the search for challengers, promoter Chester Conley had to look far and wide. His search crossed the Atlantic, to Ireland and a challenger named “Irish” Pat Harber. Harber is 32 years old and has fought admirably against noticeably softer competition. The bookmakers were said to be offering 50-to-1 odds for a Harber victory, so there was not much hope for an upset. Harber arrived in Chicago at Cougars Park, hoping for his pitch, his crack at becoming a household name in America. While Harber entered the ring with polite applause, there was a thunderous ovation for the champion Sawyer, making his eighth title defense. The crowd of 45,000-plus was there to be in the presence of greatness. The good news is that they saw 45 minutes of boxing. The bad news is that they did not see the dominant Cajun Crusher they will tell their grandchildren about. Yes, Sawyer was in control from the opening round with a couple of crushing blows to send Harber reeling. The challenger, however, took whatever Sawyer could dish out. I counted 24 “big boppers” from Sawyer and two of them proceeded to knock Harber down. In the ninth round, Sawyer delivered a patented uppercut, but Harber picked himself up off the mat on the count of two from referee Jimmy Hooper. The 14th round included a patented uppercut that lifted the challenger and put him down on his back. Harber could not get back on his feet right away, but got up in time, as Hooper counted up to six before the fight resumed. Harber proved he had a good chin, taking an estimated 475 punches (31.6 per round) that landed on his big frame. For all that Sawyer dished out, he only had to take about 150 punches, or 10 a round. But Harber went the distance. He lasted until the final bell, which makes him one of only 10 opponents to do that in Sawyer’s illustrious and storied career. The judges saw the quantity and the quality and Sawyer’s punches, and it was as much of a rout as a unanimous decision could be. One judge gave Harber two rounds, another gave him three, and the third judge gave him four rounds, but they all agreed that eighth round was his best. About midway through that eighth round, Harber drilled a right hand into Sawyer’s ribcage to knock the wind right out of him and put him on the canvas for a short three-count. The knockdown proved to everyone in attendance, including the fighters, that Harber had staying power, but it was also the last round he would win on any of the judges’ cards. This fight will be remembered as another Sawyer victory, but it was not quick, it was not a romp. Sawyer, now 56-3-1, did not put away a significantly inferior opponent. The fight went the distance. Harber (31-8-1) even knocked down the champion. In the end, an undisputed heavyweight champion, the baddest man in the sport of boxing, could not add a 51st knockout victim against an unknown. This ought to give Chester Conley pause when looking for Sawyer’s next challenger. BOLOGNA’S BIG BOPPERS Round 1: Sawyer 2-0 (2:19 right), 2:33 cross/body) Round 2: Tied 1-1 (S: 1:45 left hook/body; H: 2:16 elbow-warning) Round 3: Harber 2-1 (S: 0:12 right/waist; H: 1:17 hook, 2:55 body) Round 4: Sawyer 2-0 (1:20 hook/head, 1:51 hook/midsection) Round 5: Harber 1-0 (0:39 right) Round 6: Sawyer 4-0 (1:27 uppercut, 1:54 uppercut, 2:30 combo, 2:51 combo) Round 7: Harber 2-0 (1:28 combo, 2:30 hook/jaw) Round 8: Tied 1-1 (S: 0:47 hook; H: 1:09 right/ribs/knockdown) Round 9: Sawyer 2-1 (S: 0:31 hook, 2:08 right/ribs; H: 0:17 combo) Round 10: Sawyer 1-0 (0:45 right/head) Round 11: Sawyer 3-0 (1:26 uppercut/knockdown, 1:56 cross, 2:58 cross) Round 12: Sawyer 2-0 (1:26 cross, 2:11 combo) Round 13: Sawyer 2-0 (0:23 right/head, 1:05 right/face) Round 14: Sawyer 1-0 (2:01 right/knockdown) Round 15: Sawyer 2-0 (1:30 right, 2:18 cross) TOTAL: Sawyer 24, Harber 8 THE CAJUN CRUSHER TRIUMPHS IN WINDY CITY SHOWDOWN Under the brilliant lights of Chicago's illustrious Cougars Park, a battle of pugilistic proportions unfolded on Saturday evening, as Hector Sawyer, the reigning world heavyweight champion, effortlessly dispatched Irish Pat Harber to retain his coveted title. A crowd of 45,000 passionate fight enthusiasts bore witness to Sawyer's dominant display, further solidifying his reign as the indomitable force in the division. This triumphant outing marked Sawyer's inaugural appearance in the Windy City as champion, and with the successful defense of his crown, he etched another chapter into the annals of pugilistic history. From the opening bell, it was apparent that Harber had stepped onto the canvas as an unwitting lamb to the slaughter. Sawyer, with the confidence and skill befitting a champion of his caliber, swiftly took control of the contest. Harber, with a look of trepidation akin to a deer caught in the glare of headlights, found himself on the receiving end of Sawyer's precise jabs mere moments into the first round. As the opening stanza drew to a close, Harber had scarcely managed to land a solitary blow, leaving little doubt as to the mounting challenge he faced. Undeterred, Sawyer maintained his relentless assault in the second round, dictating the tempo with consummate ease. Harber, desperately attempting to fend off the onslaught, resorted to futile attempts at elbow-waving defense, ultimately finding solace only in a futile cover-up. Credit must be given to Harber, however, as he exhibited unyielding resolve, landing a few commendable shots in the third round. Yet, this brief resurgence served as a mere catalyst, reawakening the beast within Sawyer. The champion proceeded to dominate both the fourth and fifth rounds, unleashing a deluge of strikes upon his beleaguered adversary. Whether Harber sought to protect his exposed body or shield his vulnerable head, Sawyer exploited every opening, raining blows upon his challenger. The raucous crowd, attuned to the rhythmic dance of pugilistic prowess, reverberated with excitement, sensing that Sawyer's decisive coup de grâce might be imminent. Alas, Harber, defying all expectations, somehow withstood the relentless barrage. In a surprising turn of events, the seventh round witnessed a rare glimmer of hope for the valiant Irishman. Seizing the opportunity, Harber caught Sawyer off-guard, delivering a blistering combination that left the champion momentarily stunned. Snatching a round from the clutches of defeat, Harber demonstrated his unyielding spirit and resilience. Eager to capitalize on his newfound success, Harber approached the eighth round with an audacious strategy. Employing strategic clinching, he effectively tied up the champion, forcing the experienced referee, Jimmy Hooper, to intercede repeatedly. The unexpected holding tactics seemed to frustrate Sawyer, redirecting his focus away from the prize. Amidst this tumultuous battle, Harber, seizing a moment of vulnerability, launched a thunderous blow beneath Sawyer's ribcage, causing the champion to crumble momentarily. The collective gasp from the crowd echoed through the stadium, as Hooper commenced his count. Before reaching four, Sawyer rose from the canvas, extinguishing the flames of panic. However, for the remainder of the round, it was Sawyer who resorted to clinching, seeking respite from the relentless assault. During the intermission, Sawyer's corner read him the riot act, dispelling any trace of complacency that may have crept into the champion's mindset. Renewed and invigorated, Sawyer reclaimed his dominance in the ninth round, reaffirming his authority over both the crowd and Harber. With every ounce of strength, Sawyer unleashed a torrent of punches, leaving Harber with no alternative but to focus solely on trying to minimize the damage incurred. The challenger found himself trapped in a defensive posture, unable to mount any significant offensive maneuvers. In the eleventh round, Sawyer, true to his preeminence, delivered a devastating uppercut that sent Harber crashing to the canvas, effectively equalizing the knockdown count. Harber valiantly regained his footing, miraculously surviving not only the eleventh but also the twelfth and thirteenth rounds. Each passing round witnessed Sawyer's unwavering dominance, as he effortlessly outclassed his opponent. In the fourteenth round, however, Harber's resilience reached its limits. A lightning bolt of a blow landed flush on Harber's chin, sending him sprawling to the mat once more. The crowd, on the cusp of jubilation, anticipated a swift conclusion. Yet, with indomitable will, Harber mustered the strength to rise before Hooper's count concluded, thwarting imminent defeat. By the fifteenth and final round, Sawyer, weary from the relentless exchange of blows, pressed on, displaying his unwavering superiority. When the final bell tolled, the decision lay in the hands of the judges. The scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the contest, with Sawyer prevailing by a resounding margin, averaging 146-136 across the adjudicators' tallies. Exhausted yet sporting newfound respect, Sawyer embraced Harber, recognizing the Irishman's unwavering determination and unyielding spirit. Harber, despite enduring a punishing ordeal, emerged as a beacon of fortitude, narrowly avoiding the clutches of a knockout defeat. Thus, the curtain falls on another captivating chapter in the annals of pugilism. Hector Sawyer, the embodiment of strength and skill, reigns supreme in the heavyweight division, leaving both fans and challengers to ponder the daunting task that lies ahead. The legend of the Cajun Crusher continues to grow, his name etched in the pantheon of boxing greats. WESTLAKE MAKES HIS CASE Two days prior to the Sawyer title fight, former welterweight champion Mark Westlake took center stage at Cougars Park. The crowd was not as numerous as that on Saturday to witness the heavyweight champ in action, but a solid gathering saw Westlake score a tight split-decision win over Willis May in a battle of two pugilists with the welterweight title on their minds. Westlake had the title before, for the briefest of times when he dethroned Dennis O'Keefe only to fall to Harold Stephens in his first defense. Stephens will be back in action in a couple of weeks, putting his belt on the line against Carl Taylor. It is widely expected that Westlake, by virtue of his win over May, will get another shot at the belt. The win improves the Biloxi, Ms., native's record to 22-3-1 while the Alabama-born May falls to 17-3-2 with the loss. BAKER TITLE HOPES 'COOKED' Loses Third Straight Not long ago Scott 'The Chef' Baker had his eye on a potential date with world champion Hector Sawyer. The son of former world middleweight champion Battling Billy Baker seemed destined to follow in his father's footsteps but his dreams were derailed with a loss last September against Roy Crawford - the Boston battler who was Baker's toughest opponent to date. It seemed just a minor setback at the time, a brief step back before the 27-year-old would once again hurtle himself forward but then disaster struck. In the first round of his next outing, Baker broke his hand connecting with Chris May's chin and was forced to stop, taking a technical knock out loss. It took several months of rehabilitation to get the right hand back into shape and finally, after a six-month layoff, Baker returned to the ring last week in New York. It was supposed to be an easy win, a hand-picked opponent designed to get the Chef back on the recipe to success. Instead Martin, a 34-year-old from St Louis had some ingredients of his own to add to the mix and scored a close but just split-decision win. Now Baker, loser of three in a row, sits with a 15-3-2 record and his chances at reaching the heights his father achieved in the ring seem all but gone. UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS Aug 12- Columbus, Oh: rising welterweight Mac Erickson (14-0) vs Jimmy O'Day (6-5) Aug 16- Denny Arena, Boston: Harold Stephens (19-3-2) defends his world welterweight title against Carl Taylor (22-3-2). Aug 19- New Haven, Ct: Middleweight Todd Gill (22-3-6) vs Adrian Frank (5-7) Aug 19 -New Haven, Ct: Middlweight contender Brooks O'Connor (24-4-2) vs P.J. Whitaker (17-14-1) Aug 21 -Buffalo, NY: rising welterweight Danny Rutledge (10-0) vs Glen Peterson (9-3-1) Aug 26- Camden, NJ: Heavyweight contender Roy Crawford (24-3) vs Don Alston (18-9-4) Aug 28- Miami, Fl: Heavyweight contender Cannon Cooper (22-2-1) vs Mac Johnson (15-17-5) Aug 28- Miami, Fl: Middleweight contender Tommy Campbell (17-0-1) vs Matt Austin (7-6) Aug 31- Lewiston, Me: Middleweight contender Nick Harris (21-3-1) vs Will Bowen (4-9) CARDINALS FROSH CLASS CONSIDERED BEST IN NATION As the students are preparing to return to the college classrooms the top basketball recruiting class for the upcoming season belongs to the Carolina Poly Cardinals. That is the consensus of college coaches across the nation as the Cardinals hope to improve on a pretty solid 1946-47 campaign -one that saw the school go 27-4 overall and was the top seed in the South for the AIAA tournament but lost to Detroit City College in the second round. Headline Poly's recruiting class is Mel Turcotte, a smooth shooting forward out of Henry Hudson Prep in New York City that was considered the best high school player in the nation a year ago. Turcotte will be joined by another player considered to be one of the top high schoolers on the east coast in Jerry Newsom, a powerfully built forward out of Jersey City. Add them to a lineup that will include returning starters Major Belk, a guard who averaged 8.8 ppg as a sophomore and was named to the South Atlantic Conference all-star team, along with James Halle, who scored at an 8.1 ppg clip last season as a freshman. There will be some holes to fill for the Cardinals, as Paul Cowans -one of the best centers in the nation- and guard Max Kent have both graduated. Other strong recruiting classes belong to Miami State, which hopes local product Eb Merkle can fill the large shoes of another Miami high school legend in Long Werth -who graduates to pro basketball after being named the national player of the year each of the past two seasons. Out west, Rainier College is hoping for big things from Don Higgins, who grew up in California but played his high school ball in Boston when he followed his older brother Dick Higgins to New England when Dick was pitching for the Boston Minutemen. Another freshman with pro baseball ties is Les Lightbody, a stringbean of a center from Louisiana who is a cousin of three current or former big leaguers in Doug, Frank and Jim Lightbody. Les will take his talents from the high school gym of Alexandria, La. to the campus of Alabama Baptist this season. Here are the top 25 recruiting classes with the top recruit for each of them. The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 8/03/1947 The United States has warned Russia against taking German and Italian property from Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania except in accordance with peace-treaty terms. Yugoslavia and Bulgaria conclued a broad political and economic agreement with a key provision binding them in common cause against Greek border "provocations." This after Greece was considering bringing charges against Russian satellites under a dramatic provision of the UN charter related to cases of aggression. Britain is considering a substantial cut to her armed forces as an emergency measure to meet the prospective winter economic crisis. The London Stock Exchange was in a significant downward spiral with heavy losses all week. Seven B-29 Super Fortresses completed a non-stop 7,000 mile fight from Tokyo to Washington, spanning 31 hours in what was termed the "longest and fastest mass flight of bombers ever attempted." They made one refueling stop in Anchroage, Alaska. __________________ Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles