Time Warp Baseball

[metsgeek]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

What's Leon Conley in the draft list?

That's only the ancestor list, not the draft list.

[kreitena]

Well the Kreitenberg clan is finally all here. I am just waiting to see who is going to crack a major league squard first. However, it seems like in-law Ernest Cohen is the front-runner.

[Vris]

Wow, I'm surprised Fowler isn't an ancestor. Maybe I'll have some luck with him then!

[scprideandms]

Looks like Vodka might be the Dave Kingman/Rob Deer of the 1950's

[Matt from TN]

1952 Offseason News

Spring Training took on a somber tone this year as Washington manager and likely future Hall of Famer Carl "Dutch" Kahle died. Kahle, who was always seen puffing on one of his favorite unfiltered Chesterfields, collapsed in the team's clubhouse after a day of practice. He was rushed to a local Florida hospital and pronounced dead on the scene. The cause of his death was ruled a heart attack.

Senators practice was cancelled for three days and all teams observed a moment of silence when the opening day of spring training games commenced. The team named 3rd base coach Woodrow Woodworth as the new manager. Woodworth, whose son Wilford now plays with the Yankees, was Kahle's teammate in Washington from 1934-1946. When Carl took over the reigns of the team in 1949, Woodworth accompanied him and had been the 3rd base coach ever since.

Three teams made managerial changes in the offseason. St. Louis was surprised to hear that manager Doug Noe decided to resign after a 1951 season in which the favored Cardinals finished 86-68 and 3 games behind New York. In four seasons with the team, Noe had an impeccable 357-259 record (.580). His Cardinals finished 2nd three times and won the 1950 World Series. Rumor has it that Noe was uncomfortable in his current role, but he left open the possibility of returning to the team in a new capacity.

After playing from August 16th through the end of last season with no official manager, Detroit named Kid Fite as their new full-time manager. The Phillies made a change and promoted Ted Stuart to their managerial position. The Phillies players later presented GM J.T. Campbell with a trophy for freeing them from Whit Sard's tyranny. The stunt was actually the work of Campbell and team traveling secretary Bill Durney.

In The News

Oct 15: Minor league executive Leslie O'Connor testified before the Celler committee that major league control over the farm system is harmful to players and the minor leagues. He added that the majors-minors council plans a pact to speed a West Coast bid for higher status.

Oct 16: In a letter written to major league officials, Indians pitcher George Kauffman offered a pay plan that would reduce the ill effects of the reserve system he supports. He would have the salaries of players on consistent tail-enders be determined by a rating system by the owners. If the club does not match the "average" salary, then that player should be traded to some other club that can afford his services. Kauffman added that he "doesn't care where I play, as long as I get a ‘fair' salary."

Oct 23: Baseball officials contend that the farm system saved baseball during the Depression. They ask Congress for legislation that will protect it from monopoly suits.

Nov 2: The National Labor Relations Board filed unfair labor practices charges against the Indians on a claim the club fired a ticket seller at the union's request. This is the first case against baseball under the Taft-Hartley Act.

Nov 6: Dodgers President Walter O'Malley denied the farm system constitutes a monopoly. He cited the Dodgers' deficit in 1950.

Nov 7: Representative Emanuel Celler's committee issued financial data from 1945-49 that differed with Walter O'Malley's numbers. According to Celler, the Dodgers made a profit of 2.364 million dollars from 1945-49; the Dodgers' "loss" of $129,318 in 1950 included a $167,000 loss due to the promotion of the Brooklyn Dodgers professional football team. In his continuing investigation into antitrust violations, Celler said that evidence in his committee suggests altering the reserve clause in that it does limit players.

Nov 10: In Tokyo, 50,000 fans are on hand as Ruben "Ripper" Schroeder's American all-star team battled a Central League all-star team. Jimmy Ditty hit a 400 ft. homerun in the 8th inning to tie the game at 1–1, then Browns second baseman Jonny Perly laced an RBI-triple in the 9th and later scored to give the Americans a 3–2 victory. The Americans have won 12 games and tied one. Three days later, the Americans lost 3–1. That was only the 2nd time since 1922 that an American professional team had lost to Japan, and the first time to professional players. Schroeder had been made annual visits to Japan in the 1930s as a baseball ambassador of good will. He became an idol of fans there, and he took the attack on Pearl Harbor as a personal attack.

Nov 18: Former Browns second baseman Otis Armel became the first player to oppose the ML draft. Currently the 2B of the San Antonio Missions, Armel wants to stay in his home state of Texas, instead of going to whatever team might draft him for the ML. The minor leagues view his refusal in a positive manner, allowing them to ask higher prices for players than what the ML usually offers.

Jan 1: Former major leaguer Buddy Greenberg, 38, died under mysterious circumstances in northern Mexico when he was shot by a policeman. The police say he was trying to sell his car, but Greenberg had $2,000 on him. He was attempting a comeback in the Mexican winter league.

Jan 4: Former A's and Reds pitcher Terry Lucewicz was acquitted of manslaughter charges stemming from a bar room fight on July 30, 1950 when he struck a 27-year-old truck driver. Grissom last pitched in the majors for the 1947 A's, going 5-7. He pitched in Detroit's minor league system last season.

Jan 9: As the Korean War drags on, the Army recalls Dan Troge, the recently retired Cubs first baseman and former Army pilot during WWII, to active duty.

Jan 17: Detroit owner Walter O. "Spike" Briggs died at the age of 74. His son will succeed him in the presidency.

Jan 18: The Chicago White Sox accepted Vice President Charlie A. Comiskey Jr.'s resignation. Comiskey's request for more money was refused.

Feb 1: The Giants reported a $24,000 shortfall in 1951 revenue, sparking a New York district attorney probe. There was a possible error in the World Series and post-season play-off revenues.

Mar 5: Norman Bel Geddes, after designing a 5,000 seat complex for the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Florida, stated that Walter O'Malley had asked for a stadium design for Brooklyn. It is to have a retractable dome, garage, automatic hotdog vending machines and artificial turf that can be painted in different colors.

Hall of Fame

Three players were elected to the HOF by the BBWAA in 1952 and two more players were elected by the VC:


Oscar Vancini, LF
Cap: Dodgers
Inducted: BBWAA 96.2%
Teams: Brooklyn N.L. 1929-1946
Plaque: In 1929, Vancini set a NL record with 19 rookie homeruns and was named ROTY. In his sophomore season, he won his first BOTY Award. Three years after his debut, he had his first 30+ homerun season. Another two years later, Vancini started a streak of 8 straight seasons of 30 or more homeruns. In 1936, he joined Willard Schwarz as the only other player to hit 40 in a season, and the next season he reached the 50 homerun mark, setting a new record with 59. He then hit 53 in 1938 and 59 again in 1939, an unprescedented display of power. He became the first (and only) player to reach 400 or 500 homeruns. He led the NL in homeruns for 8 straight seasons, led the league in slugging 6 times, in OPS 5 times and in RBI 8 times. He won an amazing 8 BOTY Awards, including 4 consecutive ones from 1936-39. He won two World Series with the Dodgers and one Gold Glove. Vancini retired with a .309 average, 2959 hits (25th All-Time), 425 doubles, 557 homeruns (1st All-Time), 1906 RBI (1st All-Time), 1636 runs (13th All-Time), 1262 walks (21st All-Time) and a .925 OPS.



David Wickersham, SP
Cap: Cubs
Inducted: BBWAA 96.2%
Teams: Chicago N.L. 1925-1946
Plaque: Wickersham was a hard thrower who set a still-standing major league record with 263 strikeouts in a season in 1934. He also holds the Cubs record with 14 K's in a game. In 1929, he became the 3rd pitcher in Cubs history to toss a no-hitter. He won three straight pennants with the Cubs and one World Series in 1938. He is one of only 3 pitchers in history with 3000 K's. He retired with a 376-265 record (4th Most Wins All-Time), 3.43 ERA, 2002 BB, 3098 K (2nd All-Time), 480 CG (4th All-Time), 38 SHO and 1.17 WHIP.



Steven "Babylon" Bussell, 3B
Cap: Browns
Inducted: BBWAA 84.6%
Teams: St. Louis A.L. 1926-1946
Plaque: Bussell was an on-base machine for the Browns, leading the AL in walks 7 times and finishing in the top 5 an incredible 15 times. He led the AL in OPS twice and finished in the top 10 13 times. He won two Gold Gloves and finished his career with a .305 average, 3098 hits (15th All-Time), 655 doubles (4th All-Time), 161 homeruns, 1428 RBI (22nd All-Time), 1766 runs (4th All-Time) and 1962 walks (1st All-Time), along the way becoming the first player to ever reach 1700 walks and the only one to reach 1800 or 1900.



Tee Carver, RF
Cap: Indians
Inducted: VC
Teams: Cleveland A.L. 1902-1923
Plaque: Carver was one of the most productive offensive members of a Cleveland franchise that dominated much of the AL from 1907-1921. He was the 1914 BOY and won the World Series with Cleveland in 1915 and 1916. He won two Gold Gloves and retired as the all-time leader in RBI. Over his career, he had a .314 average (21st All-Time), 2908 hits (4th All-Time), 529 doubles (2nd All-Time), 61 home runs (23rd All-Time), 1399 RBI (Most All-Time), 1319 runs scored (7th All-Time) and 1158 walks (2nd All-Time).



Jassen Nelson, SP
Cap: Yankees
Inducted: VC
Teams: Detroit A.L. 1901-1906, New York A.L. 1906-1917
Plaque: Nelson was one of the finest pitchers of his generation. He was a 6-time 20-game winner, recording a career high 27 wins in 1904 at age 26. He won 3 World Series (1908, 1911, 1912) with the Highlanders (Yankees), and he was the series MVP in 1908. He won the 1909 POY and 7 Gold Gloves. He threw a perfect game against the Red Sox in 1916, just the second perfect game in baseball history, putting the finishing touch on a masterful career. He retired with a 274-196 record (tied for the 2nd Most Wins All-Time), 2.66 ERA (12th Best All-Time), 2016 K's (3rd Most All-Time), 412 complete games (4th Most All-Time) and 51 shutouts (8th Most All-Time).


*Note that all rankings (i.e. 2nd All-Time) were at the time of the players retirement. What happened after they retired does not reflect on their plaque.

[kreitena]

With all of Vodka Allen's homerun hitting ability and his inability to make contact one would hope that he does not become the Russel Branyan of the 1950s, however I doubt that will be the case. Watch out Vancini, you got trouble.

[pat]

Originally Posted by kreitena

With all of Vodka Allen's homerun hitting ability and his inability to make contact one would hope that he does not become the Russel Branyan of the 1950s, however I doubt that will be the case. Watch out Vancini, you got trouble.

He has a different home now. He'll be comfortable, hopefully.

[Vris]

Hey, where are the preseason predictions?

[Matt from TN]

1952 Season Preview

American League

The Athletics really walloped the AL last season on their way to their first world championship since 1906. But they have not forgotten how strongly the Tigers finished the year. However, with likely the best rotation in the league and one of the top 3 AL offenses, Philadelphia enters the season as heavy favorites to repeat. Everyone knows how tough Detroit's offense is, but some chinks were found in their armor last year and they are a little less intimidating than they were 12 months ago. The addition of Negro League pitcher Matty Jackson improves the Boston rotation, and the Sox should press hard for the pennant. The biggest surprise of the season very well could be the Indians. They are developing a young rotation that could rival the A's and a young offense to rival that of the Yankees.


1. Athletics (99-55, 1st) - Despite the 99 wins last season, some people still underestimate this team. They have an exceptional rotation, but it does have its weaknesses. POY Ellis Weeks won 21 games, but he slowed late in the season and he is not a dominant ace. Bob Stevens could be though. Their pitching has youth and a lot of depth on their side. The offense could be even stronger this year with the development of 1B Sal Poulos. They have the most speed in the AL and some great run producers behind them.

2. Tigers (90-64, 2nd) - The Tigers were very disappointed with how they started off last season, dipping below .500 and one point in the summer. Half way through August, long-time manager Arden Killbreath was let go. They pulled together and finished the season as strong (or stonger) than any team in history. Going into the season as underdogs may be enough of an emotional lift to get this team going. The inconsistencies of their rotation is their main concern.

3. Red Sox (89-65, 3rd) - This team is all about offense, but they believe they were just one good pitcher away from serious contention. Enter Matty Jackson, one of the top pitchers in the Negro Leagues last season. With him they have the best rotation they have had since winning their last pennant in 1949. But is it enough?

4. Indians (72-82, 4th) - This is a team quickly on the rise. They are still flying well below most radars, but that should change this year. Their young pitching staff is potentially dominant and their offense is solid from top to bottom.

5. Yankees (67-87, 7th) - Would the real New York Yankees please stand up? Are they the 85-win team on the rise from 1950, or the 87 loss team that crashed and burned in 1951? To their credit, they suffered numerous injuries last season. Their offense is exceptional and RF/1B Arnie Stewart looks like the next big offensive star. But they have major concerns with their pitching staff.

6. Senators (71-83, 5th) - This team was a big surprise last season when most people thought they were dead. They have a decent rotation and some big bats too. The addition of speedy centerfielder Bill Hall at the top of their lineup should be a big help.

7. White Sox (70-84, 6th) - They have a good rotation, but the offense leaves a lot to be desired. Their pennant in 1950 seems like a decade ago.

8. Browns (58-96, 8th) - As spring training neared its end, the Browns pulled off the biggest trade in two years. They shipped future Hall of Fame pitcher Cotton Simson to the NL. Rumors swirled about a potential trade since late last season, and almost all NL teams were believed to be in the hunt. When the announcement was made, most people were shocked to hear him shipped to Pittsburgh. In return, St. Louis landed two top Pirates prospects, but they also cemented their spot in 8th place this season. They will almost certainly loose more than the 96 games they lost last season.

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by Vris

Hey, where are the preseason predictions?

Ask and you shall receive.

[Vris]

As soon as I posted that, I saw you viewing so I knew it was a matter of time.

[canadiancreed]

and now to see what the chaotic NL landscape will look like :d

[Vris]

It changes by the hour....

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by Vris

It changes by the hour....

makes quicksand look like the canadian shield

[Matt from TN]

National League

With the most furious trading season in the league's history, the NL could experience a major shakeup this year. For the second straight season, the resiliant Giants acquired a "rookie" Negro League pitcher during the spring that was actually signed by another team. Last year it was Walter Pond, who did nothing but win 23 games and the NL ROY while finishing 2nd in the POY vote. This year, they acquired 32-year-old Ben Gardner from the White Sox. The Phillies look ready to contend again after reaquiring 1B Lonny Arrendale. But nothing caught more attention than the last minute trade of future Hall of Fame pitcher Cotton Simson to the Pirates. That move, along with the continued development of a talented squad, puts the Pirates right in the pennant hunt. This could possibly be the best Pirates team since they won their last pennant in 1912.

1. Giants (89-65, 1st) - Ben Gardner further solidifies their rotation, and we already know their offense can mash the ball. They were not expected to win last season and with all the moves being made by other teams, they can hear the footsteps.

2. Pirates (71-83, 6th) - Yes, the acquisition of Cotton Simson was that big. We're talking about a guy who won 17 games for a team that won just 58. Putting him with the Pirates solid offense will be huge. Let Simson impart some wisdom on younger pitchers like Ron Fleischmann and Martin Gwaltney and see how much they improve. Fleishmann will be taken out of the ace role that he never really embraced, so less pressure could do him a world of good. Plus, don't underestimate the fact that Simson will be reunited with long-time battery-mate Frankie Bowers, who was shipped to Pittsburgh in August of last year.

3. Cardinals (86-68, 2nd) - Last season, the Cardinals were tied for first with three games remaining, but they were swept by New York. This is still a great team, but after Grady Ingram and Ace Shipley, serious questions about their pitching remain.

4. Cubs (83-71, 3rd) - Chicago traded for former all-star shortstop Wilbur Taylor from the Indians. He will improve what is already one of the best offenses in the league. They have a rotation that could surprise. If they do, this team could wind up in the top 2.

5. Phillies (67-87, 7th) - The reacquisition of 1B Lonny Arrendale gives this team a top notch slugger. Jon Wright still slugged 26 homers last season, but at 37, he is slowly declining. Joe Bardo is coming off a 2nd consecutive 30 dinger season, and new 3B Jim Coleman could join him in that club. With potentially excellent pitching led by John Nolting, we could see the Phillies back on top soon.

6. Braves (81-73, 5th) - Has this team's time passed? Ken Chaucer doesn't think so. The slugger has hit 197 homeruns and driven in 593 RBI over the past 5 seasons. However, their once formidable rotation will have difficulty matching up with the rotations that have improved league-wide.

7. Reds (82-72, 4th) - Don't expect 82 wins out of this team. The league is just too tough. But they are a good club who showed a lot of heart last season. If everything breaks right for them, they could remain in 4th place like last season.

8. Dodgers (57-97, 8th) - Whewwww. Compare this team to the Reds. Then compare the Reds to the Phillies. Then compare the Phillies to the Cardinals. Then compare the Cards to the Giants. See where I'm going with this? 100 losses is almost a certainty. A new major league record for losses is a possibility.

[canadiancreed]

7. Reds (82-72, 4th) - Don't expect 82 wins out of this team. The league is just too tough. But they are a good club who showed a lot of heart last season. If everything breaks right for them, they could remain in 4th place like last season.

Here's hoping your wrong for the third time Matt. Although this year, I'm afraid that you wont be

[metsgeek]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

makes quicksand look like the canadian shield

Am I the only one who has NO CLUE what that means???

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by metsgeek

Is canadiancreed the only one who has ANY CLUE what that means???

^^^^^^
fixed it for you

and the answer is probably yes

[ifspuds]

I assumed it was some sort of geological formation.

Kinda like Ed Monchak.

[Carlton]

My prediction

The 1948 Phillies have the NL record for HRS...we will break that this year
Our counterparts the Tigers set the ML mark BREAKING our record, probably due to the heartbreak WS loss in '48...they had 188, we had 183

Arrendale 45 Hrs
Gilmartin 20 Hrs
Bardo 35 HRS
Coleman 30 Hrs
Wright (PT) 15 hrs
Popinnati 10 hrs
Davis 25 hrs
Lewis 15 hrs
Schuldt 10 hrs

Which alone gives us a record breaking 205 HRs

Plus Nolting, Carte, Walker and Garvin in the rotation??

5th place? Cotton Simson or not....we are rollin'