SO49 Year in Review & World Series 1955

[The Professor]

Sometime this week I'll post a full 1955 World Series recap in this thread, but to pass the time, a look back at the regular season campaign.

First, a quick congratulations to our pennant winners. The NL flag bearers, as I posted in another thread, are the Minnesota Giants. They will be meeting the AL champion Philadelphia Athletics in the Fall Classic this year.

Here is how the AL looked in 1955, with a brief analysis and some commentary.


1. PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS (96-58)

As any SO49 insider can tell you, the A's have recieved great pitching in 1955 -- the best pitching in the Major Leagues, in fact. Couple this with a great defense, a competent array of slash hitters and the brilliant sophomore Henry Aaron and their record is no surprise.

Offensively, Eddie Sawyer's troops got surprisingly good prodcuction from catchers Ed Bailey and Bill Sarni. SS Alex Grammas hit over .300 and stole 31 bases in his 2nd season as one of Aaron's primary table-setters.

The starting pitching triumvirate of Warren Spahn (24 W), Lou Brissie (17 W) and Don Newcombe (16 W) is as formidable as any you'll find in the big leagues.


2. DETROIT TIGERS (92-62)

It is hard to call 92 wins and a second place finish a disappointment, but for Hal Newhouser's gang, that may be what the year has been. With Eddie Mathews, Norm Zauchin and George Shuba logging over 30 HRs (Willie Mays had 29), the Tigers lineup murdered the ball, topping MLB in HRs. The pitching was more or less solid as late-season acquisition Tom Poholsky won 20 games, Johnny 'Bear Tracks' Schmitz added 19, and fireballer Frank Smith 17. Word out of Motown indicates the possiblity of Newhouser's dismissal after several near-miss campaigns. Barring that, another failure in 1956 will certainly end the Newhouser era.


1. CLEVELAND INDIANS (91-63)

Disappointment in Detroit is mellow euphoria in Cleveland where the Indians -- aged and coming of a miserable 1954 run -- were slated for the Second Division. Instead, rookie manager Joe Gordon's proteges played sparkling ball for much of the year. Larry Doby logged an MVP campaign with over 30 HR and 100 RBI, while rookie 2B Johnny O'Brien hit well over .300. Bob Lemon returned to the ranks of 20-game winners while ace Steve Gromek will contend for yet another Cy Young Award after a 24-3 campaign. Overshadowed was long-time hurler Sam Zoldak's 20-9 mark. Naysayers will return in full force next year, but the 1955 version of the Tribe showed why they play the games.


4. CHICAGO WHITE SOX (80-74)

The 'Slap-and-Dashers' were a MLB-worst 8 games under their pythagorean record. Despite early struggles and a mid-season fire sale, the Pale Hose were among the AL's best second half teams. Offensively, the team is in transition with many of its former stars moving on. The AL's best SS, the smooth fielding, smooth hitting, Chico Carrasquel turned in another brilliant season as the South Side's favorite son. Hit guru Rogers Hornsby will need to sort out his lineup in the offseason but will return the AL's second best hill corps including Johnny Rutherford (16 W) and closer Don 'The Sphinx' Mossi (24 sv)


5. WASHINGTON SENATORS (79-75)

The Senators round out the front of the AL -- an enormous suprise for writers who had them tabbed as one of the AL's three or four worst squads. First year manager Birdie Tebbets ran out an anonymous, but strong, bullpen behind his starters (led by Leo Kiely and his 15 wins) and got some solid production from OF Bobby Thomson, 3B George Kell and first-year corner Joe Cunningham (70 RBI). Despite struggling through mid-summer after a heady start that saw them holding first place, the Senators played excellent ball down the stretch. A fantastic first step for the rebuilding club heading in 1956


6. SAN FRANCISCO RED SOX (75-79)

Disappointment #1. The Red Sox flopped in their first year by the bay, coming off a shocking 108-win 1954 campaign. It took much of 1955 for the team to adjust to its new home at Seals Stadium, an adjustment period that cost manager Ellis Kinder his job. The team improved only slightly under well-traveled Ty Cobb, ravaged by injuries that cost most of the pitching staff - including ace Curt Simmons - time on the DL. OF Wally Post (36 HR, 114 RBI) blossomed into an instant Seals Stadium icon, but injuries cost OF-mate Frank Thomas a good deal of playing time. A return to health and some minor adjustments should make the Sox a top contender again in 1956.


7. ST. LOUIS BROWNS (75-79)

Disappointment #2...disaster #1. The Browns were within as few as 4 games of the top spot as late as mid-August. They collapsed in furious fashion through the final month and a half, losing team leader Les Moss in late August. Nevertheless, with the services of a healthy Moss (22 HR, 93 RBI), Steve Bilko (40 HR, 103 RBI), 3B Bob Dillinger (.300 BA, 30+ steals) and a pair of sensational rookies in SS/3B Kenny Boyer and CF Jim Busby (both hit over .300 with 18 and 19 HRs respectively) the Browns lineup was fearsome. However, a preseason gaffe that left ace Ned Garver unprotected for expansion hurt an otherwise solid starting rotation. A shaky bullpen added to the team's woes and a team that was expected to be a favorite fell apart in the worst way. Manager Zack Taylor has often been believed to have nine lives...this must certainly be life number 10. If he's still riding the pine in 1956, he is truly a blessed man.


8. LOS ANGELES ANGELS (68-86)

Late season struggles cost the expansion Halos a .500 home record. Still, by posting a 38-39 mark at the massive Los Angeles Coliseum, the Angels were able to flirt (briefly achieve) a .500 record overall in late July. Walter Alston's inaugural team was a success by any measure. 1B Eddie Robinson (92 RBI), OFs Ken Wood and Jimmy Piersall as well as ace Ned Garver (17 W) were outstanding performers out beyond the Hollywood hills. A major surprise was the excellence of reliever Bobby Hogue who notched 37 saves.


9. NEW YORK YANKEES (60-94)

At first glance, another disastrous campaign for the former class of the Major Leagues. However, many steps were taken to begin the long climb back to respectability. Gone by the trade deadline were Yogi Berra, Vic Raschi, Bob Grim and manager Monte Irvin. Establishing themselves by September were manager Casey Stengel, new catcher Ted Tappe (an AL All-Star in his first Yankee season) and starter Gordon Jones (4-3 record, ERA under 3.00). With new pieces like Charlie Maxwell (30 + HR, 90 + RBI) in place and future star Roberto Clemente learning his craft between AAA and the Bronx, the Yankees hope to have established a new foundation in 1955.


1. BALTIMORE CONSTELLATIONS (54-100)

The Connies looked -- and played -- like an expansion team. Ex-Dodger Gene Hermanski was the team's offensive ace hitting over .300 with and vying for the AL lead in steals (40). Former Minor League hand Walt Moryn led the team in RBIs with 71. Chet Nichols was the best arm in Baltimore (11 wins) while Harry Dorish performed admirably as fireman (25 sv, 3.89 RBI). Good tidings await, though, as MLB top prospect Sandy Koufax shines in the Farm System and the team looks to hold the #1 Draft Selection in the 1956 Amateur Draft.

....NL to follow, World Series recaps will come as the games are played (sometime this week)

[darkhorse]

Mucho splendido writeup, Prof!

I am most happy to see the A's vying for the top prize. Go A's!

Sadly, that Koufax kid will never amount to anything.

[The Professor]

NL in brief...


1.MINNESOTA GIANTS (94-60)

The Giants were a phenomenon in their second Minnesota campaign, rebuilding on the fly -- with the additions of 40-HR men Yogi Berra and Ralph Kiner -- to storm to a surprising pennant. While the potent offense (#1 in MLB in scoring) was no surprise, the pitching was. Yankees reject Vic Raschi (15 W) was the biggest shocker. Also pitching well in 1955 were youngsters Jackie Collum (18 W), Don Bessent (17 W) and ex-Red Sox dud Bill Wight (16 W). Fireman Frank Quinn kept his ERA under 3.00 and nailed down 41 saves, unhittable late.


2.PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (87-67)

The roller-coaster continues for the Fightin's, who failed to defend a Championship for the second time in 4 seasons. Despite contending into September, 1955 was a real disappointment for owner Paul Woodworth and skipper Mel Ott. The Phils were unable to add a big bat -- though they tried -- and the brilliance of Del Ennis (.304-45-145 in what may be his truest MVP performance to date) simply wasn't enough to balance an otherwise sagging lineup. Whitey Ford (25 W) was up to his usual high standards, but Robin Roberts (19 W) was somewhat erratic. Unfortunately the rest of the Phils staff pitched poorly in 1955 and when eventual 20-game winner Tom Poholsky was shipped to Detroit in July, the Phils had all but tossed in the towel.


3.CINCINNATI REDS (85-69)

The goal was not to finish second, a position the Reds had found themselves in from 1952-1954. The goal was achieved, though not in the right manner. A terribly disappointing season for the Reds who wheeled-and-dealed in a desperate bid to grab a pennant before age wrecked them. A number of former stars were underachieving in 1955, among them All Star 1B Ted Kluszewski (.261 BA) and former ace Ken Raffensberger (13-15 W/L). Offensively the team got great play from former nemesis Sid Gordon, whose August injury helped knock the Reds out of first place and hamstrung them for the remainder. The additions of Cass Michaels and Pat Seerey (.309-26-80) from the White Sox bulked up the hitting attack while veteran Sam Jethroe logged what may be his last productive campaign. The question now is if the Reds will have enough gas for a final run in 1956. They must look north to Cleveland for inspiration.


4.ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (85-69)

The Cardinals put together the usual, mediocre, campaign in 1955 -- though through early July they were among the NL's frontrunners. An early offensive explosion keyed by Stan Musial (.321-35-109) and Ron Northey (.357-24-101) dried up even after the addition of veteran sparkplug Jackie Robinson, who never quite adjusted to playing for the Cardinals. Veteran Red Munger was brilliant in that early spell, but had been moved to the bullpen by August, finishing with 19 wins. Mid-season addition Cliff Fannin rediscovered his Cy Young form back in St. Louis (he was the 1949 CY with the Browns), notching 19 wins after a slow start in Detroit. Young arm Ken Lehman holds out hope for the future, going 10-1 on the year.


5.PITTSBURGH PIRATES (77-77)

1955 must be a launching pad for the rebuilt Pirates, who looked ready to blossom several times through the year, pulling to within as few as 5 games of the top spot. The lineup will need to continue to adjust as its primary power hitter, Wally Westlake (.289-19-87) is on the quick decline. However, with touted hitter Al Kaline finally ready to step in, the Bucs field a startling lineup of slashers including 3B Hal Bevan (.357), SS Harvey Kuenn (.316), and OF Lee Walls (.318). Their infield defense is sparkling, and their bullpen -- anchored by Wally Hood (1.72 ERA, 23 sv) is among MLB's best. Sophomore ace Karl Spooner blossomed in 1955 (19 W) and the perennially steady Bob Chesnes (17 W) was again up to task.


6.BROOKLYN DODGERS (67-87)

The shine finally wore off the powerful Dodgers in 1955, but it wasn't unexpected. The pitching staff -- lean in recent years -- was a mixture of subs and youngsters, led in wins by rookie Roger Craig (11 W). Former aces Rex Barney and Al Gettel found themselves demoted, one because of wildness, the other because of age. Bullpen anchor Bobby Shantz was dealt to Detroit in July. Offensively the team bid farewell to slugger Gil Hodges and spark Jackie Robinson, living on the exploits of slugging OFs Duke Snider (.317-40-120) and Jim Lemon (.315-31-119). The Dodgers will need to continue to retool in 1956, but look to be up to the task.



7.CHICAGO CUBS (66-88)

The Cubs may be the most disappointing team in the Major Leagues...bar none. In 1953 it appeared that the Cubs were finally on the right path, though they failed to step up much in 1954. With aces Stu Miller, Bob Buhl and Tom Gorman (who, admittedly, missed most of the year with injuries) to anchor a solid hill corps and with good hitting in the infield (sophomore 1B Bill Skowron, 3B Andy Pafko) and the outfield (Minnie Minoso, Mickey Mantle) the Cubs should not be a second division also-ran. Yet, once again, they are. The season was off to a bad start when Buhl (14-20) tossed an opening week No-Hitter...and lost 1-0! Manager Charlie Grimm may finally be on the way out. He simply hasn't had the answers. If he gets one more chance in 1956, he must come through.


8.BOSTON BRAVES (55-99)

The rebuilding continues for the Braves, evidenced by a lineup composed of journeymen and a pitching staff that looks more accustomed to the Minor Leagues. Still in the wings at AAA Milwaukee is star prospect Harmon Killebrew. OF Danny Schell (.304-15-81) was a bright spot and veteran skipper Billy Southworth must have been pleased with the performance of Harry Agganis (.282-12-53) who appears to be a servicable platoon starter, if not more. The pitching was less promising with no real success stories to tell. More changes expected in 1956 with Willard Marshall (.310-20-74) again leading the way. How distant memories of Johnny Mize, Jeff Heath and back-to-back championship seasons (1948-49) must now be.


Next...the World Series recap, later this week.

[holyroller]

The best pitching in baseball matched up against the best offense. Should be a very interesting World Series

[darkhorse]

Originally posted by holyroller
The best pitching in baseball matched up against the best offense. Should be a very interesting World Series

Deja vu for PWBL GM's.

Bizarro world for Jim Grimley, whose PWBL Yankees feature, perhaps, the best pitching staff the league has ever seen, while his SO49 Giants are the irresistible force, scoring masses of runs. Losing the World Series in both leagues would be cruel, but who said the baseball gods were any other way.

[JDScorch]

Tonight we will find out just how cruel those "Gods" want to be. Great write-up Nathan, I also enjoyed the last one which I finally got to read after returning from a lengthy trip. Hopefully the lumber will be swinging heavy tonight, and the pitching will be just good enough to win for the Giants...The Grimley Ownership group has been waiting a long time for a chance at the Series in SO49, tonight they get their chance.

[UKSubs]

To let you know Jim, last season the Red Sox came out of nowhere, made the World Series while I was in the CDL World Series and I managed to lose both World Series while winning a grand total of one game. History's repeats are very cruel. Plus, I think Virgil Trucks is cursed.

[JDScorch]

I'm hoping that Trucks spending time in AAA will offset the curse. He really did nothing for me this year. Old-Timer Raschi was the surprise, and I'm not even sure I can get him a start in the Series, we'll see how it goes. I did take the PWBL Series to 7 games, so maybe there's hope for me. Jim

[The Professor]

Just a quick snippet: the games will be played out live tonight by 9 PM CST on AIM (NMC1979) for anyone who might be interested in following along.

[The Professor]

GIANTS ARE WORLD CHAMPS!

BLOOMINGTON -- The party lasted well into the morning hours at the Giants brand new Metropolitan Stadium following a dominating performance by the hometown team in the Game Four clincher, sealing a Giants sweep of the American League champion Philadelphia Athletics.

Amidst a bevy of champagne showers in the victor's clubhouse, Giants announcer Russ Hodges was able to speak with another Hodges -- Series MVP Gil Hodges, the Giants first-baseman.

"The first two games in Philadelphia could have gone either way," said the soaked slugger, "but coming back to Minnesota with two wins under our belt, knowing they were going to open this park up, our fans going crazy...no way we were going to fade."

The 1955 Series featured a few tense moments, but it opened -- and closed -- with waves of nostalgia and old-time sentiment.

In Philadelphia's Shibe Park for Game One, long-time Athletics owner and manager, Connie Mack, supported by his two sons, tossed out the first pitch. Mack sold his remaining Athletics stock in early 1953, having retired from the bench the season before.

The A's staked their ace, Warren Spahn to an early 1-0 lead, but the Giant's Jackie Collum let no other runs across through the next eight innings. The potent Giant batting order put 3 runs up in the sixth inning, paced by Hodges, 3B Don Lenhardt and C Yogi Berra's hits. With Spahn straining in the ninth inning, Minnesota CF Jackie Jensen launched a Ruthean homerun over Shibe Park's center-field fence, pushing the Giant lead to 5-1. That was the final score.

The second game, also at Shibe Park, was by far the best game in the Series. Ex-Yankee Bob Grim faced off with the Athletics Lou Brissie, and both pitchers were on top of their game. Grim made the sole, early, mistake and A's LF Hank Aaron capitalized with a solo homerun. Brissie was superb in holding the Giants scoreless into the final frame.

...and then the Giants started hitting.

With Brissie tiring, manager Eddie Sawyer pulled the hook and called in fireman Bubba Harris. Harris had struggled at times in 1955, and now he would struggle again. He managed to get one out but not before pinch-hitter Bob Hale had driven in the game's tying run. When the bases proceeded to become loaded, Sawyer made another switch, calling in reliever Alex Kellner to attempt to keep the score tied. Facing another pinch-hitter, the Giants young Clem Koshorek, Kellner hung a curveball which was crushed towards deep left.

Aaron, racing backwards, made a tremendous leaping catch in the corner, shutting the floodgates, but was unable to stop the go-ahead run from scoring.

Suddenly down 2-1 as their bullpen had cracked, the A's were unable to mount a comeback against Giants closer Frank Quinn in their half. With a 2-1 come-from-behind victory the Giants took a 2-0 Series lead.

The setting shifted to Minnesota for Game Three, which also began with much fanfare. The home plate from old Nicollet Park, which had housed the Giants since their arrival in 1954, was flown over prior to the game.

The Giants wasted no-time in pleasing the enormous crowds that filled new Metropolitan Stadium scoring twice in the second inning and pushing the lead to 4-0 when Yogi Berra hammered a 2-run homer in the fourth inning. Gil Hodges put the lead beyond reach with his own 2-run shot in the seventh inning. In retrospect, Eddie Sawyer's decision to start young Bill Henry instead of Don Newcombe may have been ill conceived.

The Athletics, stumped much of the game by rookie sensation Don Bessent, managed to come alive only in the eight inning, bleeding two runs across. Then, to the horror of the massive Minnesota crowd, they proceeded to chase Bessent and load the bases in the top of the ninth inning.

With Quinn rushing in from the bullpen, Hank Aaron narrowly missed a game-tying Grand Slam, grounding out with the next pitch. After Aaron's failure, the Athletics went quietly to defeat, 6-2.

Game Four was rather anti-climactic.

With over-capacity crowds straining at the walls all game -- held back by increased security -- another off-season addition, pitcher Bill Wight, dueled with Don Newcombe. Newcombe was staked to an early lead by a Ferris Fain homerun, but struggled in key situations -- having given up 6 runs six innings. He was knocked out in the following two frames when the Davey Williams and Gil Hodges homered for the Giants. The score stood at a seemingly insurmountable 8-2 heading into the final inning.

With hysteria already mounting at The Met, Giants manager Freddie Fitzsimmons sent the place into fits of euphoric madness when he called in veteran Vic Raschi to close the frame.

Raschi, a throw-in from the Yankees in the Yogi Berra trade before the season, was a long-shot to contribute to the team. Shocking the league, however, he posted a solid 15 wins and earned an All-Star bid.

Now, tipping his cap as he came on, he was given the honor of closing out the championship run...and when the final out was recorded, it was his long-time reciever, Berra, who hoisted him up as the Giants rushed the mound, their fans pouring onto the field....

The Minnesota Giants. World Champions for 1955!!!

[holyroller]

Congratulations to Jim on his victory. Jim also reached the World Series in the PWBL but was defeated by the mighty Cardinals in seven games. Hopefully this more than makes up for that heartbreaking loss.

[JDScorch]

It was a fun year, and as always Nathan comes through with a great write-up on the happenings. If you haven't experienced his talents, search through his posts, stop by the SO49 site some time, or better yet stop in for a SO49 World Series. Top notch all the way...Enjoy!

[The Professor]

Now, we move to the 1956 Amateur Draft...so, in closing out this thread, a quick look back at our history of #1 Picks.

1949 - P Don Newcombe, Philadelphia Athletics -- The A's began their long climb back to the top with this selection. Newcombe is no longer the team ace -- injuries have cost him some talent -- but he remains a superb #2 arm. His rookie campaign was by far his best...that year he was 20-13, singlehandedly carrying the A's to a solid record, picking up the AL Rookie of the Year Award along the way.

Newk's Career Mark: 233 G, 99-96 Record, 3.66 ERA -- 3 Time All-Star (1949-50,1955)

1950 - P Whitey Ford, Philadelphia Phillies -- 'The Chairman' was the Phillies answer to Newcombe. Unlike Newk, however, Ford has been virtually injury free and remains not only the Phillies ace, but the best pitcher in the National League. He was 20-11 his rookie year, earning the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He won 20 games again for the 1954 World Champs and posted a career high 25 wins in 1955.

Whitey's Career Mark: 218 G, 112-77 Record, 3.07 ERA; 4-Time All-Star (1950,1952,1954-55)

1951 - OF Willie Mays, Detroit Tigers -- Willie was the centerpiece of the Tigers rebuilding project. He was selected over Mickey Mantle, and his career to date has been much more impressive. A brilliant hitter, feared slugger, and Gold Glove caliber fielder...he is the best All-Around player in the league. He's been mostly healthy, but his one long injured stint -- at the end of 1952 -- may have cost the Tigers a World Championship.

Willie's Career Mark: 756 Hits, .277 BA, 143 HR, 485 RBI, .508 SLG%; Has been an All-Star every year of his career (1951-1955)

1952 - 3B Eddie Mathews, Detroit Tigers -- Eddie was the second of the Tigers back-to-back #1s. Unlike Mays, Part Two of the Motown "M & M" combo has been extremely erratic. However, he does hit the longball better than just about any 3B in the league...and has done so since his debut. He's coming off a career-high 36 HR campaign in 1955.[/i]

Eddie's Career Mark: 512 Hits, 125 HR, 372 RBI, .244 BA, .490 SLG%; 2-Time All-Star (1954-55)

1953 - SS Ernie Banks, Boston Red Sox -- It remains a mystery just what happened to the young prospect in the Red Sox Farm System. Whatever it was, it was truly unfortunate. Banks was a disaster by mid-season of 1953...before ever stepping onto a Major League field. With his promising power diminished -- along with most of his other skills -- Banks finally debuted in 1955 as a part-time role player. The first great bust of the SO49 Era

Ernie's Career Marks: 106 G in 1955, .247 BA, 2 HR and 30 RBI

1954 - OF Henry Aaron, Philadelphia Athletics -- Nothing more can be said of Aaron, the catalyst of the A's recent revival. As a rookie he drove in 100 runs, won a Gold Glove in LF and was voted the AL's Rookie of the Year. In 1955 he duplicated his success, vying for the AL MVP Award in driving the A's to the AL Pennant.

Hank's Career Marks: All-Star in first two seasons, 1954 Gold Glove Award...

1955 - P Sandy Koufax, Baltimore Constellations -- Koufax didn't get beyond the Connies AAA Farm Club in 1955, but looks to make his debut late in 1956...if not before. Scouts consider him an instant difference maker, maybe the best stuff of any pitcher in the league once he harnesses it.

...and now as the 1956 Ammy commences, the Connies add their second straight #1 Pick:

OF Frank Robinson

Good things are expected of Robinson...as you can well imagine.

And, with that, I bid this thread adieu...

[UKSubs]

I think it should also be pointed out that Ernie Banks was forced off of shortstop by the fielding and hitting prowess of Roy McMillan and that Banks has become a subpar 2B. If I had only drafted Al Kaline, despite my lack of a need for another first rate outfielder.

[darkhorse]

Originally posted by The Professor
Ford has been virtually injury free and remains not only the Phillies ace, but the best pitcher in the National League.

Accardo (Zach) will be happy to hear this after the PWBL White Sox selected Ford with the number one overall selection in the 1950 draft. Never had the first pick been more of a formality. He is an immense talent and just a kid.

[Michael Xavier]

I just got around to viewing this Nathan. Fantastic write-up. In my opinion, this is what makes him the best commissioner in the OOTP universe.

[RBLwebguy]

Congrats to Jim on the World Series win! Even if it was ex-Yankees Bobby Grim, Vic Raschi and Yogi Berra's superb play that helped him win

The Yankees with thank Grimley, when budding stars Ted Tappe, Gordon Jones and Paul Smith lead the Bronx Bombers back to glory!

Good luck SO49 teams in 1956.