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The Professor · 12-08-2003, 01:37 PM

It has been a while...

It is September, 1957 in SO49 and it is time for the league's inaugural League Championship Series matchups -- the league moved to a divisional format in the offseason between 1956-57

A brief preview of the matchups:

1957 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

-- The first ALCS features a much-hyped duel between the AL's juggernaut teams: the Western Division champion San Francisco Red Sox and the defending World Champions, the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers finished the '57 slate with a 100-54 mark, best in the Major Leagues. They led the AL in homeruns (228) and in runs scored (914). The Tiger infield is anchored by corners Norm Zauchin (.272-39-108 at 1B) and Eddie Mathews (.299-49-146 at 3B). The keystone combo of 2B Gil McDougald and SS Rocky Bridges is the circuit's best middle-infield offensive tandem. As if the "Motown Eight" needed it, their outfield is also loaded with offense. LF George Shuba (two-time AL MVP) is coming off one of his worst campaigns, but still managed 37 HRs. Superstar Willie Mays patrols centerfield while rightfield is split between smooth youngster Bill Virdon and veteran Ron Northey. The catching platoon of Del Crandall and Joe Ginsberg provides top-notch hitting.

Manager Hal Newhouser (in charge since 1952) runs out a pair of 20-Game winners: Art Houtteman (22-4, 3.43) and hometown favorite Tom Poholsky (20-12, 3.29). The rest of the rotation is rounded out by fireballer Frank Smith (16-8) and another blazer, Billy Pierce (14-9). Longtime Brooklyn star, diminutive Bobby Shantz holds down the fireman role, having notched 37 saves in 1957.

The 93-61 'San Fran Sox' are managed by 71-year-old Ty Cobb and are paced by a talented offensive quartet. 1B Ted Kluszewski (.297-32-103) anchors the team's infield. Former All-Star Jim Finigan holds down 3B with his strong fielding and solid (though not specatcular) hitting. The middle-infield duo of Cass Michaels at second and Johnny Lipon at SS is workmanlike, though neither player is up to the recent Red Sox tradition of air-tight defensive infields. Dixie Upright (.293-8-52) moved into Gus Niarhos's old position and provided an immediate upgrade to Sox catching in 1957.

The outfield trio is probably the best in all of the Major Leagues as any Seals Stadium regular will tell you. LF Richie Ashburn (.323, 55 steals best in the AL) is the circuit's premier leadoff man and patrols his corner with great skill, while RF 'Wallopin' Wally Post (.308-30-118) is a gifted athlete whose combination of power and average is among the best in baseball. However, the story of the 1957 Red Sox is CF Frank Thomas. Thomas (.316-54-153) had a season for the ages, becoming the first player since ex-Brave Johnny Mize to clout over 50 HRs in a season, driving in over 150 runs and hitting above .300 to all but ensure MVP honors in the off-season voting.

While Cobb's squad finished second to the Tigers in runs scored (826) they also got some solid pitching, led by veteran ace Mel Parnell (the 1956 AL Cy Young winner) who posted a 20-8 mark (3.61 ERA). Curt Simmons was derailed by injuries, but posted a 15-13 record. Tom Acker, Bob Trowbridge and Johnny Podres served stints in the rotation during the campaign and give Cobb a number of options in the playoffs. The bullpen - long a team weakness - is generally very solid, though fireman Dave 'Boo' Ferriss (39 saves) posted a 5+ ERA.

Note: The Tigers star 3B Eddie Mathews will miss the postseason, having torn a groin muscle late in the year...

1957 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

-- With many considering the ALCS the postseason's real "Classic", the Senior Circuit matchup has largely been shunted to the margins of interest. Mel Ott's Philadelphia Phillies are defending NL Champions, but are a team many consider one dimensional -- "all pitch, no hit." Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs come out of a Western Division that , for much of the season, was led by the Cincinnati Reds, a team many predicted would struggle to win over 54 games in 1957. For long-time Cub manager Charlie Grimm a trip to the postseason (the first since 1945) is vindication for those who have been calling for his removal.

The Phillies posted a league-best ERA (3.57) and allowed the fewest runs (613) and yet their 83-71 record would have netted only third place in the tough AL Eastern Division. Manager Mel Ott relies almost entirely on his two superstars, ace pitcher Whitey Ford (24-12, 2.83) and CF Del Ennis (.285-44-120). After Ennis, the Phillies batting order is pedestrian -- at best. Catcher Matt Batts (.314-9-65) is overlooked and underappreciated, but is one of the league's very best. The infield in front of Batts is woeful, as 1B Tookie Gilbert (.257-8-51) is the only threatening player in the lot. Elsewhere 2B Jim 'Junior' Gilliam, SS Johnny Logan, 3B Rudy Regelado and 1B Bob Boyd split time in a mixture of platoons.

Swing-and-miss OF Gus Zernial logged 30 HR and 77 RBI in 1957 to support Ennis and has been known to play brilliantly in the post-season, but is alltogether too streaky to carry the team. Rookie Roger Maris came up late but managed to knock out 11 HRs giving hope for the future and providing a late lift in the team's power. Tito Francona is a reliable part-timer. In the end, the Phillies offense will go as Ennis goes.

Robin Roberts (17-14) and fireman Al Porto (45 saves) are the other bigs names in the deep Phillies pitching stable. Andy Varga (1.52 ERA, 9 Wins) is one of the best middle-relief men in the MLB.

Grimms Cub's, 89-65, get their production from...everywhere. Chicago's offense is truly a team effort. Ex-Indian and Angel Charlie Silvera came over in an early-season deal and was brilliant behind the plate (.287-15-73), shoring up a long-time team weakness. The infield is a unusual looking unit, but one that has gelled through the campaign. Sophomore Bill White holds down the 1B corner (.277-25-81) while former 1B Bill 'Moose' Skowron made a successful transition to 2B (after a long offseason and spring training regimen) and provided 21 more HR and 79 RBI. Shortstops Randy Jackson and George Strickland didn't hit for much average, but did clout about 25 HR and over 100 RBI between them. Meanwhile, Wrigley favorite Andy Pafko returned from a short stint with the White Sox to play the hot corner and provide veteran leadership.

The Cubs outfield - worn down by the end of the year - features RF Minnie Minoso (.269-15-78), CF Mickey Mantle (.308-30-75) in his best campaign yet, and ex-White Sox star Dick Wakefield (.308-18-70) in likely his last full campaign.

Stu Miller (23-9, 2.28) was once again fully healthy and dazzling NL hitters with his mixture of slow, slower and slowest pitches. Ned Garver (15-17) and fireballer Dick Weik (18-11, NL-best 372 K's) are the best behind Miller. The Bruin bullpen is adequate, but closer Bob Rush (31 saves) was erratic at times (6.17 ERA)

12-08-2003, 01:37 PM	#1
The Professor Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East of East Posts: 3,020	SO49 News, Notes & Opening... It has been a while... It is September, 1957 in SO49 and it is time for the league's inaugural League Championship Series matchups -- the league moved to a divisional format in the offseason between 1956-57 A brief preview of the matchups: 1957 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES -- The first ALCS features a much-hyped duel between the AL's juggernaut teams: the Western Division champion San Francisco Red Sox and the defending World Champions, the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers finished the '57 slate with a 100-54 mark, best in the Major Leagues. They led the AL in homeruns (228) and in runs scored (914). The Tiger infield is anchored by corners Norm Zauchin (.272-39-108 at 1B) and Eddie Mathews (.299-49-146 at 3B). The keystone combo of 2B Gil McDougald and SS Rocky Bridges is the circuit's best middle-infield offensive tandem. As if the "Motown Eight" needed it, their outfield is also loaded with offense. LF George Shuba (two-time AL MVP) is coming off one of his worst campaigns, but still managed 37 HRs. Superstar Willie Mays patrols centerfield while rightfield is split between smooth youngster Bill Virdon and veteran Ron Northey. The catching platoon of Del Crandall and Joe Ginsberg provides top-notch hitting. Manager Hal Newhouser (in charge since 1952) runs out a pair of 20-Game winners: Art Houtteman (22-4, 3.43) and hometown favorite Tom Poholsky (20-12, 3.29). The rest of the rotation is rounded out by fireballer Frank Smith (16-8) and another blazer, Billy Pierce (14-9). Longtime Brooklyn star, diminutive Bobby Shantz holds down the fireman role, having notched 37 saves in 1957. The 93-61 'San Fran Sox' are managed by 71-year-old Ty Cobb and are paced by a talented offensive quartet. 1B Ted Kluszewski (.297-32-103) anchors the team's infield. Former All-Star Jim Finigan holds down 3B with his strong fielding and solid (though not specatcular) hitting. The middle-infield duo of Cass Michaels at second and Johnny Lipon at SS is workmanlike, though neither player is up to the recent Red Sox tradition of air-tight defensive infields. Dixie Upright (.293-8-52) moved into Gus Niarhos's old position and provided an immediate upgrade to Sox catching in 1957. The outfield trio is probably the best in all of the Major Leagues as any Seals Stadium regular will tell you. LF Richie Ashburn (.323, 55 steals best in the AL) is the circuit's premier leadoff man and patrols his corner with great skill, while RF 'Wallopin' Wally Post (.308-30-118) is a gifted athlete whose combination of power and average is among the best in baseball. However, the story of the 1957 Red Sox is CF Frank Thomas. Thomas (.316-54-153) had a season for the ages, becoming the first player since ex-Brave Johnny Mize to clout over 50 HRs in a season, driving in over 150 runs and hitting above .300 to all but ensure MVP honors in the off-season voting. While Cobb's squad finished second to the Tigers in runs scored (826) they also got some solid pitching, led by veteran ace Mel Parnell (the 1956 AL Cy Young winner) who posted a 20-8 mark (3.61 ERA). Curt Simmons was derailed by injuries, but posted a 15-13 record. Tom Acker, Bob Trowbridge and Johnny Podres served stints in the rotation during the campaign and give Cobb a number of options in the playoffs. The bullpen - long a team weakness - is generally very solid, though fireman Dave 'Boo' Ferriss (39 saves) posted a 5+ ERA. Note: The Tigers star 3B Eddie Mathews will miss the postseason, having torn a groin muscle late in the year... 1957 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES -- With many considering the ALCS the postseason's real "Classic", the Senior Circuit matchup has largely been shunted to the margins of interest. Mel Ott's Philadelphia Phillies are defending NL Champions, but are a team many consider one dimensional -- "all pitch, no hit." Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs come out of a Western Division that , for much of the season, was led by the Cincinnati Reds, a team many predicted would struggle to win over 54 games in 1957. For long-time Cub manager Charlie Grimm a trip to the postseason (the first since 1945) is vindication for those who have been calling for his removal. The Phillies posted a league-best ERA (3.57) and allowed the fewest runs (613) and yet their 83-71 record would have netted only third place in the tough AL Eastern Division. Manager Mel Ott relies almost entirely on his two superstars, ace pitcher Whitey Ford (24-12, 2.83) and CF Del Ennis (.285-44-120). After Ennis, the Phillies batting order is pedestrian -- at best. Catcher Matt Batts (.314-9-65) is overlooked and underappreciated, but is one of the league's very best. The infield in front of Batts is woeful, as 1B Tookie Gilbert (.257-8-51) is the only threatening player in the lot. Elsewhere 2B Jim 'Junior' Gilliam, SS Johnny Logan, 3B Rudy Regelado and 1B Bob Boyd split time in a mixture of platoons. Swing-and-miss OF Gus Zernial logged 30 HR and 77 RBI in 1957 to support Ennis and has been known to play brilliantly in the post-season, but is alltogether too streaky to carry the team. Rookie Roger Maris came up late but managed to knock out 11 HRs giving hope for the future and providing a late lift in the team's power. Tito Francona is a reliable part-timer. In the end, the Phillies offense will go as Ennis goes. Robin Roberts (17-14) and fireman Al Porto (45 saves) are the other bigs names in the deep Phillies pitching stable. Andy Varga (1.52 ERA, 9 Wins) is one of the best middle-relief men in the MLB. Grimms Cub's, 89-65, get their production from...everywhere. Chicago's offense is truly a team effort. Ex-Indian and Angel Charlie Silvera came over in an early-season deal and was brilliant behind the plate (.287-15-73), shoring up a long-time team weakness. The infield is a unusual looking unit, but one that has gelled through the campaign. Sophomore Bill White holds down the 1B corner (.277-25-81) while former 1B Bill 'Moose' Skowron made a successful transition to 2B (after a long offseason and spring training regimen) and provided 21 more HR and 79 RBI. Shortstops Randy Jackson and George Strickland didn't hit for much average, but did clout about 25 HR and over 100 RBI between them. Meanwhile, Wrigley favorite Andy Pafko returned from a short stint with the White Sox to play the hot corner and provide veteran leadership. The Cubs outfield - worn down by the end of the year - features RF Minnie Minoso (.269-15-78), CF Mickey Mantle (.308-30-75) in his best campaign yet, and ex-White Sox star Dick Wakefield (.308-18-70) in likely his last full campaign. Stu Miller (23-9, 2.28) was once again fully healthy and dazzling NL hitters with his mixture of slow, slower and slowest pitches. Ned Garver (15-17) and fireballer Dick Weik (18-11, NL-best 372 K's) are the best behind Miller. The Bruin bullpen is adequate, but closer Bob Rush (31 saves) was erratic at times (6.17 ERA) __________________ History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are." Last edited by The Professor; 12-08-2003 at 03:14 PM.