JULY 19, 1948
CONTINENTAL STARS EVEN SERIES WITH WIN IN ROUT
For the first time in the 16-year history of FABL's All-Star Game the Continental Association has pulled even with the stars of the Federal loop. The Continental side blasted the Fed 11-3 Tuesday evening at Chicago's Whitney Park, marking the third straight victory for the CA and allowing them to even the series -something they have never done before- at 8 wins each.
Bill Barrett was named the player of the game, adding another bauble to the impressive collection of accolades the 28-year-old outfielder has accumulated through the years. They include 3 Whitney Awards, a pair of World Championship Series rings and a WCS MVP. The player of the game award certainly pales in contrast but it is another accomplishment in what has been -at least so far- Barrett's best season since missing three years due to the war.
On Tuesday Barrett got the Continental nine off to a quick start with a 3-run homer in the top of the first inning to give his side a quick lead, one which they would never relinquish. Sal Pestilli increased the lead with a solo shot in the third frame and it was up to 7-0 following a fifth inning in which Pestilli doubled in a run and Ed Reyes had a 2-rbi single. Four more runs in the sixth inning made the score 11-0 before the Federal Association finally got on the scoreboard in the home half of the sixth.
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PAST ALL STAR GAME RESULTS
YEAR LOCATION RESULT WINNING PITCHER MVP
1933 Whitney Park Federal 8 Continental 5 Ben Curtin STL Pete Asher Pittsburgh
1934 Riverside Stadium Federal 11 Continental 7 Chick Stout Pit Tom Taylor Cougars
1935 Broad Street Park Federal 5 Continental 2 Art Myers Keystones Freddie Jones St Louis
1936 Pioneer Field Continental 6 Federal 4 Tom Barrell BKN Dick Walker Sailors
1937 Dominion Field Federal 4 Continental 2 (19) Don Attaway Keystones Don Attaway Keystones
1938 Bigsby Oval Continental 5 Federal 4 (13) Bob Cummings BKN Fred McCormick Toronto
1939 Forester Stadium Continental 6 Federal 3 Art White BKN Fred McCormick Toronto
1940 Thompson Field Federal 7 Continental 4 Red Hampton Chiefs Billy Woytek Keystones
1941 Kings County Continental 8 Federal 4 Pete Papenfus Cougars Fred Galloway Cincinnati
1942 Fitzpatrick Park Federal 7 Continental 4 Ed Wood BOS Hank Barnett Chiefs
1943 Parc Cartier Continetal 7 Federal 3 Dick Lyons, Cougars Gail Gifford, St Louis
1944 Columbia Stadium Federal 1 Continental 0 Ed Bowman, Gothams Don Miller, Washington
1945 Cougars Park Federal 8 Continental 4 (10) Bill Anderson, Pit Chick Donnelly, Boston
1946 Minutemen Stadium Continental 2 Federal 1 Richie Hughes, Cle Sig Stofer, Washington
1947 Sailors Memorial Continetal 5 Federal 4 (10) Davey Morris, Cle Walt Pack, Cougars
1948 Whitney Park Continental 11 Federal 3 Bob Arman, Bkn Bill Barrett, NY Stars
PLENTY OF CONTENDERS BUT SIGNS POINT TO QUIET TRADE DEADLINE
Perhaps it is the new rules prohibiting the dealing of draft picks as despite there being a number of contenders in each association all indications are this is shaping up to be a quiet trade deadline. The Federal Association has four teams including the defending World Champion St Louis Pioneers all sitting with five and a half games of first place New York while the Continental loop, headed by the other New York City team, have the Sailors, Cougars and Kings all with 6.5 games of the lead as we sit two weeks shy of the August 2 trade deadline.
FABL President Sam Belton did institute a new rule which went into effect at the conclusion of last month's draft prohibiting the trading of draft picks or drafted players during their first pro season. Boston scouting director Johnny Robards looks forward to how the new rule might change the way teams approach deals. "I think the change will be an interesting dynamic as to how everyone does business. You are no longer trading a pick for an unknown player. It will be someone that has been in your system and you may have high hopes for. Will we see less deals because of this? Time will certainly tell.
Others agree and feel the new rule could have an impact to limit deadline moves because in past years draft selections had often played a major role in such deals. However that is likely not the only factor, at least not in the mind of one FABL Scout.
"I think (the rule prohibiting draft pick trading) will have a small impact but it is not the main issue," explained Detroit's Fred Barrell. "A major factor in my mind is the fact that there have been so many big deals the last few years. That means quite a few of the non-contenders right now do not have much of value they would be willing to part with. To me that is the biggest roadblock in finding a big deadline deal to make. There just isn't the supply of veteran talent on the trade block"
That has some merit as here is a quick look at what the teams we will call "non-contenders" have available.
PITTSBURGH: The Miners just moved Luke Berry to the Cougars and made their big moves during the winter with Lefty Allen, George Cleaves and Pinky Pierce shipped out. 36-year-old first baseman/outfielder Joe Owens might command a decent price but beyond that the Miners only really have Jim Lightbody or George Phillips and neither would draw a major return.
CHIEFS: 32-year-old Al Miller would command quite a price even after missing the first month of the season with an injury but I just don't see any situation in whcih the Chiefs would be willing to move him. Charlie Bingham perhaps, but like George Phillips in Pittsburgh, there likely would not be much of a return. I doubt Bob Martin is going anywhere either and again the return would not be great. One possibility is 35-year-old centerfielder Bill May but the Chiefs would have to get a young centerfielder in return as I am not sure they feel Dave Kreiger is the answer or that Jake Pomarico is ready to take over the role next season
DETROIT: The Dynamos won't move any of their young talent which leaves only 36-year-old outfielder Sid Williams and 35-year-old pitcher Dixie Lee. Williams would likely not command enough in return to make the Dynamos consider a move but Lee, although not actively being shopped by the club, would likely draw plenty of attention from a team like Boston, the Keystones or New York Stars. However, it would need to be a very big offer as the Dynamos have gone on record stating they have no intention of moving Lee.
CLEVELAND: The bones have been picked clean. There is plenty of young talent but there is likely no chance the Foresters brass even considers for a moment dealing any of it. Perhaps a depth arm like Dick Lamb or Ducky Davis gets moved but it would hardly be considered a blockbuster and there is likely little interest in either.
CINCINNATI: The Cannons have some players teams could be interested in such as Adam Mullins, Sam Brown or maybe even dealing Jim Anderson while his stock his high after a breakout first half at age 32. Denny Andrews and Chuck Adams are struggling, so there stock is at a low and there is always the chance a savy GM takes advantage of that and sweet talks the Cannons into parting with one of the two. If there is a bigger deal to made this deadline it is likely with the Cannons, but unless Cincinnati is getting one or two very high-end prospects in return I am not sure a deal at this point is in their best interests. It has been a pretty good decade for the Cannons, but it feels like age has caught up with them and they are on the downslope. The wisest move might be to wait until the winter to shop Mullins and a few others to see if they can land a big return like the Miners did with Cleaves and Allen.
MONTREAL: The Saints were rolling along until mid-June when they hit a wall, going 9-20 over the past month. It is a stark turnaround and one that might have left the club in a state of shock. The problem now is to try and determine if the first two months of the season were a true indication of the club's talent level or just a hot streak. Sure they could make a move and part ways with a pitcher like Wally Doyle or perhaps even move young Maurice Carter to make room for Hank Smith at first base but, unless the offer is overwhelming, doing nothing might be the Saints best course of action.
TORONTO: I expect the Wolves will get many calls this week about Fred McCormick and Joe Hancock. Toronto does have a number of pieces that would be of interest but Wolves owner Bernie Millard said it again last week. "McCormick will stay," before adding that the "Wolves will probably sat pat at the deadline."
***Lack of Sellers Makes it Hard on Buyers***
So, with very little available, it likely means that any players of consequence who might be moved will come at a hefty premium and that is something that will price most teams out. Add in the fact that while there are still a lot of teams in contention, there is a clear leader in both loops. Things might change over the next week but a team 5 games out is generally a lot less likely to pull the trigger on a deal that could have a major negative impact on their future than if they were within a game of top spot.
That is how the defending Continental Association champion Philadelphia Sailors are approaching things. When asked of the chances that his club would make a big move at the deadline, Sailors Assistant General Manager Steve Basile stated his club was "probably not going to make any major moves unless we are less than 5 (games out) still at deadline." The Sailors executive also admitted he was "not feeling overly optimistic with the current injuries" that have befallen his club. At the moment the Sailors are 4 back of New York but have a big week ahead of them with games against both the Stars and Cougars.
Other clubs won't make a move because they feel very confident with what they have. That is how New York Gothams AGM Frank Escoe is looking at things. "Teams are close, but a closer look shows us no less than 4 ahead in the loss column. We survived with star players out and early season struggles from our three new starters. I'm expecting more consistency and a lot more wins in the second half. I'm happy with the lineup and pitching staff."
Boston is the Gothams closest challenger at the moment with the Minutemen sitting 3 games back, but 4 in the loss column. The Minutemen might be a team to make a splash at the deadline.
"We are very happy with how the first half played out," confirmed Minutemen rookie skipper Tom Steffen. "The injury to (pitcher Joe) Sargent is definitely a tough break. New York is playing well and we probably do need to add to the roster if we are looking to catch them and hold a few others at bay. Boston is always looking to improve the roster and will be looking for unique ways to get that done now that the days of dealing draft picks are in the rearview."
The Minutemen may be in the minority, at least in the Federal Association. The Philadelphia Keystones are a club that historically has made very few deals, preferring to build from within the system and Keystones AGM George Mitchell says his club will likely not change that trend this year.
“I like where we sit, we have shown we belong in this race," Mitchell pointed out. "It’s not over and I’m encouraged with our start after the All-Star Break. Could we improve our pitching staff? Sure. I know the guys already here can pitch better than they have in the first half, but I’m always open to improving the club as long as it doesn’t hamstring us for the future.”
Like the Keystones, the Washington Eagles are 4.5 games behind the front-running Gothams. Washington, also like the Keystones, has had its problems with starting pitching this season. If Toronto was inclined to deal I could see the Eagles making a run at Joe Hancock but beyond that I am not sure there is an arm available that would be enough of an upgrade for the Eagles to justify making a move.
And if Hancock or someone of his ilk suddenly became available the Eagles would have plenty of company in a bidding war. The New York Stars for one. Despite leading the Continental Association Stars manager Ken Tannen admits he could use some help on the mound.
"Were over performing currently at the plate and underperforming on the mound," confided the veteran Stars skipper. "I think we're a solid top of the division team, but the pitching is lacking, giving up far too many runs. We need another solid young arm, but our farm is pretty tapped out and we don't have a lot to offer as far as trading stock goes. We're just going to ride out the season and play the best we can with what we have. If someone makes us an offer for a pitcher we can't refuse, we're all ears though."
The big question mark in the Continental is likely focused in the midwest and will the Chicago Cougars pull the trigger on a major move as they typically do this time of year. Chicago made a relatively minor deal to bring Luke Berry over from Pittsburgh last week but the 30-year-old is likely going to see most of his action as a pinch-hitter with Red Bond at first base and Leo Mitchell and Harry Sharp manning the corner outfield positions. The problem the Cougars face will be the fact that, while they are desperate for offense, there is not a lot out there they could move to acquire. Adam Mullins perhaps, but the catcher is having a down year and at 35 perhaps it is a sign that he is starting to wear out so he may not be a big upgrade on Harry Mead at the moment. The Cougars are the one club that has no need for more pitching and their offense is loaded with talent, it just hasn't performed as well is one would expect. It may simply be a case of sticking with what they have -as the Cougars are still the best team in the CA on paper- and hoping they finally start to play like they are capable of.
*** Final Thought - It Will Be Quiet Deadline ***
There is always a chance of some major surprise deal being pulled off,and if so my expectation is it happens in the Continental Association with the Stars, Cougars or Kings, but a more likely scenario is that no major deals are pulled off over the next couple weeks. If there is a wildcard team it is the Cincinnati Cannons. I could easily see them deciding to move Adam Mullins, maybe Andrews and Adams as well, but there is no way they would even consider the option of parting with Deuce Barrell, or would they? It is likely going to be a quiet two weeks, but things could get very noisy, very fast if a team like the Cannons or Wolves suddenly decide to be sellers.
- My wild deadline deal trade predictions: The New York Stars ship a package including #1 prospect Ralph Hanson to the Cincinnati Cannons for Deuce Barrell. Boston sends either Yank Taylor or Dick Helfand to Toronto for Joe Hancock. The Cougars acquire Pete Casstevens from the Chiefs for Bob Allen and Harry Mead.
- Cougars owner Mack Dalmer says no chance his club makes a move. Perhaps it was just to throw his rivals off the scent but Dalmer expressed very little confidence in his charges when asked about pennant possibilities for his team. "Still time? Cougars chances: zero. Plain and simple. The team always disappoints and this year is no different. Can't play complete games. Can't win the close ones. And can't beat the good teams. We are 26-11 against the bottom three teams. .500 or worse against every other team. Good teams beat good teams. The Cougars come up short each time. And chances are no impact players will be available at the deadline. It's going to be another lost year for the Cougars unless they can find a magic genie to grant them a pennant."
- A rash of injuries over the past week. Last Sunday the Washington Eagles lost outfielder Rats McGonigle (.286,17,55) for a month while Boston pitcher Joe Sargent (6-5, 3.86) is likely done for the year with shoulder troubles. On Saturday outfielder Bob Riggins (.244,7,34) of the Stars went down for a month and yesterday it was Sailors outfielder Harvey Brown (.289,2,35) who was hurt. Brown will miss three weeks, joining teammate Marion Boismenu (.347,0,15), who still needs a couple more weeks to recover from an elbow issue, on the sidelines.
- Marc T. McNeil of the Montreal Star reports it was a positive 3-2 week for the Saints following the All-star break. Wally Doyle found energy to get shutout. Raphael Mendoza been released, possibly heading to the coast league shortly. Minor tweaks adjustment in lineup and need to find some batting groove to pull over the 500 record again.
HISTORIC MERGER BRINGS BASKETBALL TO NEW HEIGHTS
In a whirlwind of events that has sent shockwaves through the professional basketball world, the Federal Basketball League (FBL) is set to absorb all eight teams of the American Basketball Conference (ABC), heralding a dramatic transformation of the sport's landscape. This astonishing conclusion comes after a tumultuous week, one that will undoubtedly etch itself into the annals of basketball lore.
The tempest began when Daniel Prescott, the resolute head honcho of the ABC, stormed into an FBL press conference that was in the process of declaring that four teams from Prescott's loop were making a defiant leap into the Fed. Prescott added further shock to the already surprise announcement, declaring to reporters on hand that his league, the ABC, seemingly reduced to a mere quartet of teams and believed to be teetering on the brink of oblivion, would instead go on the offensive when with steely determination, Prescott brazenly revealed plans to counter this exodus with the addition of four expansion teams, proclaiming the ABC's resilience.
However, in a strange twist, these expansion teams, much like phantoms of the hardwood, mysteriously vanished just as swiftly as they had materialized as a day later in an unexpected joint announcement, both Prescott and FBL maestro Rollie Barrell confirmed that the sixteen teams, previously ensconced in two rival leagues, would now merge under a single banner - the new Federal Basketball League.
The genesis of this unexpected partnership remains shrouded in mystery and is subject to conflicting narratives. Some assert that Prescott's announcement of expansion teams was but a hastily conceived gambit, driven by frustration, and that his only viable recourse was to join forces with the FBL. It is whispered that the quartet of deserting teams utilized a loophole in the ABC constitution to veto Prescott's expansion proposal, delivering a crippling blow to his league.
Regardless of the origin, the outcome is clear: sixteen professional basketball teams will take to the court next season, united under the banner of the Federal Basketball League. Richmond, Virginia, stands as the sole city without a team, as the Clippers pack their bags for Pittsburgh, stepping into the void left by the departed Falcons, who, as previously disclosed, have migrated to Toronto.
The heart of this newly minted league, which will continue to be known as the Federal Basketball League, beats with anticipation as it welcomes a fresh array of matchups and rivalries. The Eastern Division boasts the Baltimore Barons, Boston Centurions, Brooklyn Red Caps, Hartford Patriots, New York Knights, Philadelphia Phantoms, Syracuse Titans, and Washington Statesmen. Out West, the competition rages with the Buffalo Brawlers, Chicago Panthers, Cincinnati Cyclones, Cleveland Crushers, Detroit Mustangs, Pittsburgh Clippers, Rochester Rockets, and Toronto Falcons.
In this historic union, the future of professional basketball has shifted, and the upcoming season promises to be a captivating chapter in the sport's rich history. The court may have been chaotic, but in its aftermath emerges a new era, where unity and competition forge a stronger, more vibrant league. Buckle up, basketball fans, for the hardwood symphony is about to reach a crescendo, and the echoes of this merger will resound for years to come.
FUHRMAN REMAINS PROJECTED TOP PICK
The new look Federal Basketball League's first order of business will be to conduct its rookie player draft. The draft pool is now combined so players that had previously decalred for the American Basketball Conference draft will instead be eligible for the FBL selection process. The Syrcause (formerly Toronto) Titans continue to hold the first pick with Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo and the new Toronto club -the Falcons- rounding out the top five.
According to OSA, which handles league scouting chores, the top prospect is former Texas Gulf Coast Hurricanes star Darren Fuhrman, followed by Central Ohio Aviators forward Ziggy Rickard and Ward Messer out of Liberty College.
FBL DRAFT ORDER AND MOCK FIRST ROUND
ERICKSON TO FACE GREGORY IN FIRST WELTER DEFENSE
Mac Erickson, the unbeaten welterweight who claimed the World Title with a unanimous decision over Harold Stephens in April, has announced that his first title defense will take place September 4 at Chicago's Lakeside Auditorium. The 27-year-old from St. Paul, Mn., has never lost as a professional and sports a 17-0 record after his title winning victory over Stephens. Erickson's opponet will be John Gregory, a 30-year-old from California with a 19-4-1 record. TWIFB does not rank Gregory among the top six welterweights and Erickson should be heavily favoured in his first defense.
In fight action last week, rising young heavyweight Lewis Jones improved his career mark to 18-1 with a 4th round TKO of Pete Roe in their bout at Keystone Arena in Philadelphia. Jones, a 22-year-old who hails from Lexington, KY., suffered his only loss a little over a year ago to Dan Miller -who had a title shot in January against Hector Sawyer. Jones counts Roy Crawford -who is currently rated the number 3 heavyweight in the world by TWIFB and is clearly a fighter progressing towards a title shot of his own. Roe, a 36-year-old who originally hails from St Louis, falls to 27-11-5 and is nearing the end of his fight career.
UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS- Jul 20- Bigsby Garden, New York: MW Todd Gill (24-4-6) vs Jack Rainey (24-5)
- Jul 23- Jacksonville, FL: WW Dennis O'Keefe (22-3) vs Robert Schultz (22-8)
- Jul 30- Brooklyn: MW Danny Morse (34-8-1) vs Jim Gilmore (29-8-2)
- Aug 7- Bigsby Garden, New York: rising HW Harvey Winter (18-1) vs Cannon Cooper (23-4-1)
- Aug 13- Los Angeles: MW Joe Starr (20-5) vs Nathan Sears (21-9-1)
- Aug 28- Baltimore: former WW champ Harold Stephens (21-4-2) vs Ben "Baby Face" Bishop (28-5-1)
- Aug 28- Philadelphia: WW Wayne Dunn (31-9) vs Dale Roy (30-6)
- Sept 4- Lakeside Arena, Chicago: World welterweight Champion Mac Erickson (17-0) defends his title against John Gregory (19-4-1)
The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 7/18/1948
- The anti-Truman Southern delegates to the Democratic National Convention, held this past week in Philadelphia, failed to get behind the candidacy of Arkansas Gov. Ben Laney and began splitting up their votes.
- As a result, President Truman was selected as the Democratic candidate for the 1948 presidential election. Truman used his acceptance speech to call for a special session of Congress to begin July 26.
- Tension mounts in the Russian blockade of Berlin and fear are increasing it may lead to war. First comes news that Britain has built up its troop strength, including sending some formations withdrawn from Palestine, to Western Germany and a day later the US Air Forces reveals that a vanguard of 60 B-29 Super Fortresses are off to England for what it is calling special training missions in an announcement that was quickly followed by a Russia response alerting the Allies that Soviet fighter planes will be training in the air corridors to Berlin.
- Italy's top-ranking Communist, Plmiro Togliatti, was shot and gravely wounded as he emerged from a government building in Rome. The action prompted the Communist-led General Confederation of Labor to call for a general strike in Rome while violence threatened to engulf the entire country.
- The Israeli high command says that Arabs defending the strategic town of El Remle in Palestine have offered to surrender to encircling Jewish forces.