The Golden Age Of Baseball

[PhillieFever]

Monday June 14th, 1948

Yankees Retire Ruth's Uniform; Go On To Defeat Indians 7-1

Ruth Says Goodbye

Yankee Stadium- Prior to yesterday's ballgame, the New York Yankees held a ceremony in which Babe Ruth's uniform with the famous #3 on it's back was officially retired.
The occasion marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Yankee Stadium. In addition to Ruth, all living members of the 1923 Yankee team were on hand, as were stars of other Yankee teams including Red Rolfe, Lefty Gomez, Bill Dickey, Joe Gordon, and many others.
The fans nearly raised the stadium roof with a tremendous cheer when the Babe was introduced. He came strolling out of the visiting team's dugout, wearing his famous uniform and swinging a bat. He obliged photographers by posing for them with his familiar swing.
Will Harridge, president of the American League was on hand to make the presentation of Ruth's uniform to baseball's hall of fame in Cooperstown.
"As president of the American league, I declare Ruth's uniform officially retired" he said. "It never again will be worn by a Yankee player either at the stadium or on the road. It is worn today by Babe for the last time.
"Babe is one of baseball's immortals. His contribution to the game cannot be measured. It is with deep appreciation for what he has done for baseball that I hereby present his uniform to the hall of fame."
Stationed at home plate and leaning heavily on his long yellow bat, the Babe, with tears in his eyes, asked to say a few words to the crowd. A hushed silence fell over the throng as the Babe spoke huskily into the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to say one thing. I am proud I hit the first home run here against Boston in 1923. It is marvelous to see these 13 or 14 players who were my teammates going back 25 years. I'll tell you, it makes me proud and happy to be here. Thank you."
In The Ballgame
Bobby Brown's solo homer sparked a four run first inning, that was quickly followed by three more in the third,as the Yankees rode the wave of emotion to a dominating 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians. The win earned the Yankees a split in the four game series, keeping both them and the Tribe tied for the top spot in the loop. Starting pitcher Eddie Lopat picked up his 7th win of the year, allowing a run on 7 hits while walking 4 and striking out 1 in the route going victory, Steve Gromek was tagged with the loss

Suspensions, Fines Following Saturday Brawl
Following a stern warning to the rest of the league about this type of behavior, National league president Ford Fricke fined and suspended pitcher Vern Bickford of the Braves, and left fielder Danny Litwhiler of the Reds for their parts in a benches clearing brawl that saw both players' as well as their managers ejected from the contest which was won by the Reds by the score of 10-7. The players have been suspended 2 games each, as well as fined $200 dollars.

MLB Trades And Transactions

24 year old pitcher Clyde King is once again a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. After selecting him off of waivers just 5 days ago from Brooklyn, the Philadelphia Phillies have waived him as well, and the claiming team....you guessed it Brooklyn.

Recently released by the Athletics, 36 year old pitcher Nels Potter has signed a free agent contract with the Braves.

38 year old pitcher Bill "Bullfrog" Dietrich has decided to retire after 16 big league seasons in which he's accumulated a record of 108-127 with a career ERA of 4.53

Baseball's Big Six

1.Johnny Mize(NYG) .370
2. Enos Slaughter(SLC) .363
3. Dom DiMaggio(Bos) .359
4. Yogi Berra(NYY) .356
5. Whitey Lockman(NYG) .356
6. Bob Dillinger(SLB) .325

Big League Standings

[PhillieFever]

MLB Players Of The Week For Week Ending June 13th, 1948

[PhillieFever]

A quick note, because the game chooses all-stars using 2010 criteria(relievers matter, each team must have 1 player) I've decided to choose the all-stars myself, to better represent the times. I will not be choosing R/L stars just because they are stars though, whoever is having the best season gets in.

[PhillieFever]

Tuesday June 15th, 1948

Breakout Season By Spahn Has Braves In 1st
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Trade Deadline Passes By Quietly

Braves Field- 27 year old Braves lefty Warren Spahn is having himself quite a season this year, and following today's performance in which he overpowered the Cubs holding them to just 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 2 in a complete game 5-0 victory, Spahnie as his teammates call him has upped his record to 9-2 while lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.63, best in the big leagues. When asked about the difference between this year and last when he finished 11-18 with a 3.54 ERA Spahn quickly gave the credit to the other half of the Braves dynamic duo, 30 year old righty Johnny Sain. " Johnny noticed something during the spring that may have been causing me to tip my pitches", he said. "He helped me correct it and since the end of spring training my success has improved dramatically." Warren was first signed by the Braves following the 1940 season, making a brief appearance in the majors in 1942 at the age of 21 before heading off into the army where he was awarded a purple heart and a bronze star for bravery in such battles as The Battle Of The Bulge and at the Ludendorff Bridge.
He returned to baseball in 1946 at the age of 25 having missed 3 full seasons. During that 1946 season Spahn went 8-5 with a 2.94 ERA in 24 games prompting many scribes to predict great things for the Buffalo, NY native. Last season, despite it's overall disappointment was not without it's bright spots, he reached career highs in innings pitched(266.2), starts(34), complete games(15) and of course wins(11). This year though, Warren has really turned it on, getting his first career shutout in his first start of the season, blanking the Phillies 5-0 at Shibe Park on April 21st. From there he hasn't looked back, firing 2 more shutouts while allowing more than 3 earned runs just once all season, making him without a doubt a favorite to make his first all-star game.

Trade Deadline Passes Quietly

The official MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed at 12 noon this afternoon with just one deal being made, the Cleveland Indians sent 27 year old pitcher Bill Kennedy and $100,000 in cash to the St Louis Browns in exchange for 29 year old pitcher Sam Zoldak. From now until the end of the season, any players involved in a deal must pass through waivers first.

[PhillieFever]

Friday June 18th, 1948

Mitchell Pushes Hit Streak To 25; Tribe Sink A's

Cleveland- LF Dale Mitchell extended his hitting streak to 25 games, C Jim Hegan and CF Wally Judnich each had solo clouts, and 2B Joe Gordon added a two run shot as the Cleveland Indians easily dispatched the visiting Athletics 7-2. Starting pitcher Gene Beardon had another good outing for the Tribe, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits while walking and striking out three, improving his record to 6-4. As for Mitchell, he continued his impressive hit streak today, doubling in the 4th inning to run it to 25, longest in the big leagues this season.

Baseball's Big Six

1. Johnny Mize(NYG) .358
2. Dom DiMaggio(Bos) .354
3. Enos Slaughter(SLC) .353
4. Whitey Lockman(NYG) .352
5. Yogi Berra(NYY) .349
6. Bob Dillinger(SLB) .327

Big League Standings

[Questdog]

I thought the Reds might be in the pennant race there for a while.....

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Questdog

I thought the Reds might be in the pennant race there for a while.....

Don't lose faith! the Pirates didn't catch fire until August last year.

[PhillieFever]

MLB Players Of The Week For Week Ending June 20th, 1948

[PhillieFever]

Thursday June 24th, 1948

7th Straight Win Puts Dodgers In Command
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Blackwell Fans 12 In Reds Win
Tribe Take 3 Of 4 From Yanks

Ebbets Field- In front of a lively Ebbets Field crowd, Dodgers hurler Preacher Roe(12-1) memorized his former Pirate teammates, allowing 6 hits while striking out 5 over 8 scoreless innings, as Brooklyn won for the 7th straight time, defeated the fading Pirates 3-0. Clinging to a 1-0 lead thanks to a 2nd inning RBI single from Spider Jorgenson, the Dodgers put the Bucs away in the 7th, when with a man on and one out, rookie catcher Roy Campanella blasted his 12th homer of the year over the wall in left field, crushing the hopes of a Pirate team desperate for a win. Speaking of the champs, it seems as though all is not well in Pirate land, and reports are beginning to surface that manager Billy Herman may be unhappy and ready to step down as the Pirate head man.

Blackwell Overpowers Phillies

In a tremendous performance by one of the most underrated hurlers in the game, Reds pitcher Ewell "The Whip" Blackwell twirled 8 strong innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits while walking 2 and striking out 12, as Cincinnati battled back from a 3-0 hole to defeat the hometown Phillies by the score of 4-3, taking 3 of the 4 games in the series and moving up into5th place in the league.

Tribe Score 6 In 9th To Stun Yanks

Allie Clark's game winning grand slam capped off a 6 run 9th inning for the Indians who battled back from a 3-1 9th inning deficit to defeat the visiting Yankees 7-3, and take three of the four games in the series to move a game and a half up on New York and Detroit for the top spot in the American league.

Baseball's Big Six

1. Johnny Mize(NYG) .355
2. Dom DiMaggio(Bos) .347
3. Bob Dillinger(SLB) .344
4. Enos Slaughter(SLC) .342
5. Whitey Lockman(NYG) .339
6. Yogi Berra(NYY) .337

MLB Standings

[PhillieFever]

MLB Players Of The Week For Week Ending June 27th, 1948

[PhillieFever]

Monday June 28th, 1948

Rookie Hurls 1st Career Shutout To Seal Doubleheader Sweep Of Cubs

Shibe Park- Robin Roberts, 21 year old right hander from Michigan State college is proving the Philadelphia Phillies made a smart move when they gave him $25,000 to sign with them. The lanky speedball pitcher gained his first major league victory Sunday, shutting out the visiting Chicago Cubs 2-0 in the second game of today's doubleheader. The Phils took the opener as well, winning by the score of 2-1.
Roberts held the Cubs to 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 8, the lone extra base hits coming on doubles from Eddie Waitkus and Hal Jeffcoat. For the Phils, the game winning run came on a first inning RBI single by Dick Sisler. Bert Haas added an insurance run with an RBI single in the 7th.
In the opener, catcher Don Padgett's two run single in the bottom of the 2nd inning proved to be the difference, as the Phillies held on to defeat the Cubs 2-1. Starting pitcher Blix Donelley continued his fine first half, allowing 1 run on 7 hits over 8 innings pitched for his team leading 8th win of the season. Monk Dubiel picked up the save.

MLB Trades And Transactions

The New York Giants have released 40 year old pitcher Bobo Newsom, and 41 year old pitcher Thornton Lee.

The New York Giants have claimed 32 year old pitcher Paul Erickson off of waivers from the Phillies.

The Washington Senators have signed free agent pitcher Bobo Newsom to a minor league contract.

The St Louis Browns have claimed 25 year old RF Don Lund off of waivers from Brooklyn.

41 year old former Giants pitcher Thornton Lee has decided to retire. Over 16 big league seasons, Lee has amassed a record of 121-123 with 9 saves and a career ERA of 3.46

Baseball's Big Six

1. Johnny Mize(NYG) .362
2. Dom DiMaggio(Bos) .355
3. Bob Dillinger(SLB) .355
4. Enos Slaughter(SLC) .337
5. Yogi Berra(NYY) .335
6. Gene Hermanski(Bro) .326

MLB Standings

[golander40]

Enjoying your efforts,very well done !
Thanks
Gil The Ancient One

[PhillieFever]

July 1948

With 12 wins in their last 17 games, including a 3-1 record against New York, the Cleveland Indians have surged into first place in the American League with a record of 46-23. The triumvirate of Bobby Feller(8-5, 3.19 ERA), Bob Lemon(8-3, 2.43 ERA), and Gene Beardon(8-4, 2.83 ERA) lead a pitching staff that ranks first in nearly every category including ERA(2.80), runs allowed(232), and Oavg(.231), while on offense, Joe Gordon(.298, 11 HR, 48 RBI), Ken Keltner(.270, 15 HR, 41 RBI), and Eddie Robinson(.285, 11 HR, 31 RBI) pace a powerful lineup that leads the loop in home runs with 65, and places 2nd with a team batting average of .268

After dropping 3 of 4 to Cleveland and falling back into second place, the Yankees bounced back nicely in the final week of June, taking 4 of their last 5 games to end the month with a record of 45-26, just two games behind first place Cleveland. CF Joe DiMaggio(.312, 14 HR, 53 RBI) and C Yogi Berra(.332, 10 HR, 45 RBI) have been the standouts on offense, while on the hill, 29 year old Vic Raschi(10-6, 3.04 ERA) has really begun to heat up, winning 6 of his last 8 starts. On a down note, RF Tommy Henrich(.302, 10 HR, 43 RBI), who missed two months last season due to injury, has been injured again. Henrich broke his elbow on a diving catch of a Ted Williams line drive, he'll be out for about 7 weeks.

With a record of 18-9 in June, the Detroit Tigers have jumped from 4th place into 3rd with an overall record of 40-27, five games behind the Indians. Starting pitcher Virgil Trucks has been phenomenal so far this season, compiling a record of 9-2 with a 3.02 ERA and 92 strikeouts, all team highs. At the plate, RF Pat Mullin(.319, 13 HR, 46 RBI) has been the star, offsetting the struggles of OF Vic Wertz, who's hitting .167 with 0 homers in his last 10 games.

Since his return from injury on June 13th, Red Sox star LF Ted Williams has simply not played well, hitting just .172 with 0 homers and only 4 RBI, and consequently the Sox have struggled, losing 10 of their last 15 games to fall to 38-32, eight and a half games behind Cleveland into 4th place in the loop. On the bright side, Boston's pitching which was thought to be the weakness of the club has so far done well, with Joe Dobson(9-6, 2.84 ERA) and Tex Hughson(7-3, 3.03 ERA) the team's top two hurlers.

After moping through the month of May, the White Sox bounced back nicely in June, going 16-12 in the month to improve their overall record to 35-34, putting them solidly in 5th place. First sacker Tony Lupien has been the team's most consistent run producer on offense, batting .247 with 5 homers and 35 RBI, while on the mound, swingman Orval Grove(4-2, 3 Sv, 2.65 ERA) has been solid both as a starter and in relief.

Expected to build upon the success of last season, the Philadelphia Athletics have fallen flat in 1948, and after a month in which they've gone just 13-17, the A's now find themselves buried in 6th place with a record of 31-42. RF Elmer Valo has bounced back from a slow start to lead the team with a fine .323 batting average, while CF Sam Chapman has been the team's biggest power threat, slamming 11 homers and knocking in 42. On the mound, 23 year old Tuscon Arizona native Alex Kellner(8-3, 2.94 ERA) continues to be the team's top pitcher, despite the fact that he walks over 3 batters to every 1 he strikes out.

Ranked 8th in the loop in batting average(.241), 8th in runs allowed(423) and 7th in defensive efficiency(.696), the 25-49 Washington Senators are on pace for their first 100 loss season since going 42-100 back in 1909. Injured first baseman Mickey Vernon(.283 4 HR, 42 RBI) is the lone regular with a batting average over the .255 mark, while on the hill, lefty Mickey Haefner(5-9, 3.73 ERA) is the lone starter with an ERA under five.

The host team in this year's all-star game to be held on July 13th, the St. Louis Browns and their 21-48 record are the lone reason that the Senators are not in last place. Unlike Washington however the Browns do have a player who may make the all-star roster. 3B Bob Dillinger is having a fabulous season for the Brownies, leading the big leagues with a hefty .361 average. he's also put together a .410 OBP, 34 RBI and 42 runs scored.

[captaincarl]

Since you have now gotten to July of 1948:

YouTube - 1948 BASEBALL GAME with MEL ALLEN

And on a lighter side:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAeCEGsUCOs&feature=fvst

[PhillieFever]

July 1948

Constructed with the perfect mix of young and veteran talent, the Brooklyn Dodgers have come together nicely over the past month, and now found themselves leading the circuit with a fine record of 39-30. Starting pitcher Preacher Roe(13-1, 1.91 ERA) has been nothing short of the best pitcher in baseball, while at the dish C Roy Campanella(.304, 12 HR, 37 RBI), LF Gene Hermanski(.314, 7 HR, 37 RBI) and 21 year old California boy Duke Snider(.289, 7 HR, 46 RBI) lead an offensive attack that leads the league in batting average(.272), extra base hits(201), and stolen bases(57).

Ranked first in the league in defensive efficiency(.712) and earned run average(2.87), and second in runs scored(321), the Boston Braves have what may be the most balanced team in baseball, but if they're going to win a pennant, it's their pitching that's going to get them there. Starters Johnny Sain(11-4, 2.37 ERA) and Warren Spahn(10-3, 1.71 ERA) are easily the top 1-2 punch in the loop, and the main reason why they hold their opponents to just 3.49 runs per game, best in the league. Offensively, the loss of Jeff Heath to injury has hurt, despite the fact that 3B Bill Elliott(.328, 11 HR, 42 RBI) is once again having an all-star caliber season.

Without a doubt the biggest surprise of the National League so far has been the play of the 38-34 Philadelphia Phillies have scrapped their way into third place in the league, thanks to solid pitching from an unheralded staff that includes veterans Dutch Leonard(5-9, 2.80 ERA), Schoolboy Rowe(6-4, 4.01 ERA) and Blix Donnelly(8-3, 2.68 ERA), who have acted as a calming influence to youngsters Curt Simmons(4-5, 3.92 ERA) and Robin Roberts(1-1, 4.79 ERA), just up from the bushes. Offensively, 1B Dick Sisler(.252, 11 HR, 41 RBI) and LF Del Ennis(.275, 9 HR, 45 RBI) have been the best of a sometimes inconsistent bunch.

Sitting in 4th place, the 36-35 Giants have played well defensively, but their pitching has not back them up, with 27 year old Larry Jansen(10-5, 2.94 ERA) the lone standout. At the plate, reigning NL MVP Johnny Mize(.360, 14 HR, 49 RBI) is once again tearing up the circuit, while the trio of Whitey Lockman(.326, 7 HR, 25 RBI), Sid Gordon( .302, 15 HR, 50 RBI) and Willard Marshall(.309, 10 HR, 29 RBI) have been strong in support.

With 6 wins in their last 8 games, the Cincinnati Reds have climbed back to the .500 mark at 35-35 as we head into July. Ranked 3rd in the league in slugging percentage(.391) and second in home runs(53), the Reds like the Giants score most of their runs via the home run, and nobody has been better than newcomer Hank Sauer, who leads the team with 14 circuit clouts, this despite missing 3 weeks with a thigh strain. Other offensive standouts have been 23 year old 1B Ted Kluszewski(.315, 9 HR, 35 RBI) and 25 year old 3B Grady Hatton(.252, 9 HR, 37 RBI), two youngsters that figure prominently into the Reds future plans.

With a record of 34-36, the St Louis Cardinals find themselves mired in 6th place, five and a half games behind first place Brooklyn. A puzzling team to say the least, the cardinals have the talent to challenge for a pennant, but a lack of clutch hitting combined with an underachieving pitching staff has so far held them back. Outfielders Stan Musial(.320, 14, 47 RBI) and Ron Northey(.295, 10 HR, 47 RBI) have been the team's top run producers, while Harry Brecheen(7-6, 3.29 ERA) and the snakebitten Howie Pollet(1-1, 2.80) have been the top hurlers.

After entering the month of June with a record of 25-17 and in first place, the world champion Pirates quickly headed downward and now find themselves in 7th place with a record of 34-36. Beyond that, manager Billy Herman is said to be unhappy and may resign from his post by the all-star game. On the field, pitching has been the biggest problem with the club ranking last in ERA(4.28), runs allowed(357) and hits allowed(687), the defense has also fared poorly and ranks 7th with a .691 defensive efficiency. At the plate, LF Ralph Kiner(.265, 18 HR, 49 RBI) continues to mash the ball, but it's obvious that the team sorely misses the bat of the mighty Hank Greenberg who retire following last season.

At 26-44, the Chicago Cubs have taken up residence in the cellar of the National League and will most likely reside there for the rest of the season. Ranked last in defensive efficiency(.683), last in runs scored(276), and 7th in runs allowed(351) the Cubs have not performed well in any facet of the game, despite the efforts of RF Bill Nicholson(.296, 16 HR, 51 RBI) and starting pitcher Johnny Schmitz(8-3, 3.15 ERA), by far the team's top two performers.

[PhillieFever]

MLB Award Winners For June 1948

Rookies Of The Month

With an average of .255, 2 homers and 8 RBI, Browns rookie Hank Arft has been voted the American League rookie of the month.

Brooklyn catcher Roy Campanella has been voted the NL rookie of the month for June thanks to a month in which he hit .392 with 8 doubles, 6 homers, 20 RBI and 15 runs scored.

Pitchers Of The Month

A ball of fire in June, Tigers hurler Virgil "Fire" Trucks started 5 games during the month, going 5-0 with a 2.00 ERA, 39 strikeouts and 20 walks in 45 innings pitched. For his superlative effort, Trucks has been named the American League pitcher of the month.

The NL's defending Cy Young award winner, Braves pitcher Johnny Sain started 8 games in June, going 6-0 with a 3.07 ERA, 27 strikeouts and just 11 walks in 67.1 innings pitched, and has been named the National League's pitcher of the month for June.

Batters Of The Month

At times overshadowed by his more famous teammates, Yankees outfielder Charlie Keller is year in and year out one of the top hitters in baseball. the month of June was no different, as Keller hit .341 with 6 doubles, 8 homers, 28 RBI and 19 runs scored, earning the American League's batter of the month award for June.

Quite possibly the best third sacker in the National League, the Braves Bob Elliott hit .352 in June, with 6 doubles, 7 homers, 24 RBI and 23 runs scored, punching his ticket to the all-star game while also winning the National League batter of the month award for June.

[PhillieFever]

American League Batting Leaders
July 1,1948

[PhillieFever]

American League Pitching Leaders
July 1, 1948

[PhillieFever]

National League Batting Leaders
July 1st, 1948

[PhillieFever]

National League Pitching Leaders
July 1st, 1948