The Golden Age Of Baseball

[PhillieFever]

Tuesday October 5th, 1948

Hermanski, Hatten Star As Dodgers Take Game One 3-1

Cleveland Stadium- Jackie Robinson had four hits in five at bats, but it was Gene Hermanski's 3 run third inning homer which proved to be the difference, as Brooklyn took game one of the 1948 World Series, defeating the Cleveland Indians 3-1 here at Cleveland Stadium. Dodgers starter Joe Hatten was tremendous in the win, twirling 8 innings of shutout ball, allowing 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. Reliever Erv Palica pitched the 9th, and despite allowing a run on 2 hits, he sewed up the victory on a Hal Peck fly out that ended the game. The teams will be right back at it tomorrow, with the Indians Bob Lemon(18-9) facing off with the Dodgers Ralph Branca(15-10)

[Questdog]

Awesome finish to the season! Go National League!

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Questdog

Awesome finish to the season! Go National League!

Entering the series between Boston and Brooklyn, I figured the Braves who had both Sain and Spahn going would get at least one win and wrap it up, and in the first game they actually led 4-2 going into the bottom of the 9th, but a 3 run homer from Pete Reiser won the game for the Dodgers who up to this point haven't lost a game since.

[PhillieFever]

Wednesday October 6th, 1948

Dodgers Take 2-0 Lead With Impressive 6-3 Triumph

Cleveland Stadium- For the second straight day, one huge inning proved enough for victory, as the Brooklyn Dodgers turned a 6 run second inning into a 6-3 victory and a 2-0 series lead.
In the fateful second inning, Indians hurler Bob Lemon allowed 7 hits and 1 walk including a two run double from Gene Hermanski, a two run single from Jackie Robinson, and RBI singles from Pee Wee Reese and Arky Vaughan. From there it was all Ralph Branca, who went the distance for the win, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks while striking out 8 Cleveland batters. With the victory, the Dodgers will now head home with an impressive 2-0 series lead, and a chance to wrap things up without having to go back to Cleveland.

[PhillieFever]

Friday October 8th, 1948

Tribe Prevail 3-2 With Rally In 9th

Ebbetts Field- One out away from falling into a three games to nothing hole, Indians pinch hitter Hal Peck slammed a clean single to right, scoring both Wally Judnich and Eddie Robinson, giving Cleveland a much needed 3-2 victory here at Ebbetts Field. Starting pitcher Bobby Feller, once once again tagged early, allowing a two run second inning homer to Pee Wee Reese, from then on though, he was golden, holding Brooklyn scoreless until leaving the game in the 9th for the pinch hitter who eventually won the game. Pitching in relief of Feller was Russ Christopher, who after getting two quick outs allowed back to back singles to Duke Snider and Roy Campanella before getting Arky Vaughan to ground into a game ending fielder's choice, preserving the Indians 3-2 win.

[PhillieFever]

Saturday October 9th, 1948

8-4 Win Has Dodgers 1 Victory From Championship

Ebbetts Field- Led by a trio of youngsters, the Dodgers once again pounded Cleveland's Bob Lemon on their way to a dominating 8-4 victory which leaves Brooklyn just one win away from their very first world series title.
Pacing the Dodgers offense was the trio of Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider, with Robinson going 2 for 5 with a double, 3 RBI and a run scored, Campy going 1 for 3 with a homer, 2 RBI and a run, and Snider going 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI and a run scored. With all that firepower, starting pitcher Ralph Branca just needed to be good, but he was better than that, allowing 4 unearned runs on 11 hits for his second complete game victory of the series.

[PhillieFever]

Sunday October 10th, 1948

Dodgers Capture First World Series; Roe Fires 4-0 One Hit Shutout

Ebbetts Field- In as dominating a pitching performance as you'll ever see, Dodgers hurler Preacher Roe held the Indians to just one hit, while walking two and striking out nine, leading the Dodgers to a 4-0 victory and their first ever world championship, easily defeating the Cleveland Indians 4 games to 1. Series MVP Gene Hermanski had another huge game, going 3 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, also homering was catcher Roy Campanella, who's two run shot in the 8th was the final nail in the Tribe's coffin.

[captaincarl]

A great finish to 1948. The Tribe gets there, as they did in real life, and the Dodgers come from behind to keep the real life team, the Boston Braves, from repeating history. You actually almost had a replay of the real series. A great showing by you and OOTP.

[PhillieFever]

October 1948

MLB Trades And Transactions

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free agent pitcher Hugh Casey to a one year contract worth $7,580.

The New York Yankees have purchased 26 year old OF Gene Woodling from the San Francisco Seals of the PCL

The Cleveland Indians have purchased 26 year old pitcher Jim Wilson from the Browns for an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Cleveland Indians have traded 25 year old pitcher Bob Kuzava and 26 year old pitcher Ernest Groth to the White Sox in exchange for 30 year old pitcher Frank Papish

The Phillies have traded 31 year old OF Harry Walker to the Cubs for 33 year old OF Bill Nicholson

The Washington Senators have traded 33 year old pitcher Tom Ferrick, 27 year old SS John Sullivan and $25,000 in cash to the Browns in exchange for 26 year old SS Sam Dente.

The Phillies have purchased the contract of 24 year old pitcher Russ Meyer from the Cubs for $20,000 in cash.

Personnel Moves

The Yankees have fired manager Bucky Harris and replaced him with Casey Stengel

The White Sox have fired manager Ted Lyons, replacing him with Jack Onslow

The Reds have fired manager Johnny Nuen, replacing him with Bucky Walters

The Detroit Tigers have fired manager Steve O'Neill and replaced him with Red Rolfe

[PhillieFever]

1948 MLB Gold Glove Winners

American League

Pitcher- Ed Lopat(Yankees)
Catcher- Les Moss(Browns)
First Base- Eddie Robinson(Indians)
Second Base- Joe Gordon(Indians)
Third Base- Ken Keltner(Indians)
Shortstop- Lou Boudreau(Indians)
Left Field- Ted Williams(Red Sox)
Center Field- Joe DiMaggio(Yankees)
Right Field- Stan Spence(Red Sox)

National League

Pitcher- Howie Fox(Reds)
Catcher- Clyde Kluttz(Pirates)
First Base- Johnny Mize(Giants)
Second Base- Red Schoendienst(Cardinals)
Third Base- Bob Elliott(Braves)
Shortstop- Pee Wee Reese(Dodgers)
Left Field- Ralph Kiner(Pirates)
Center Field- Richie Ashburn(Phillies)
Right Field- Tommy Holmes(Braves)

[PhillieFever]

MLB Rookies Of The Year For 1948

[PhillieFever]

MLB Pitchers Of The Year For 1948

[PhillieFever]

MLB Most Valuable Players For 1948

[PhillieFever]

November 1948

MLB Trades And Transactions

The Detroit Tigers have shipped 21 year old pitcher Billy Pierce and $10,000 cash to the White Sox in exchange for 33 year old catcher Aaron Robinson

The Phillies have selected 28 year old 2B Buddy Blattner from the Giants in the Rule V draft.

The Chicago Cubs have selected 29 year old pitcher Lefty Sloat from the Brooklyn Dodgers in the Rule V draft.

The Philadelphia Athletics have selected 26 year old pitcher Jim Wilson from the Cleveland Indians in the Rule V draft.

The Cardinals have selected 24 year old outfielder Ed Mierkowicz from the Tigers in the minor league draft.

The Philadelphia Athletics have signed 38 year old free agent Wally Moses to a one year deal.

The Philadelphia Athletics have purchased the contract of 37 year old OF Taffy Wright from the White Sox for $10,000 cash.

The Pirates have purchased 32 year old pitcher Bob Muncrief from the Indians for $20,000 in cash

The White Sox have traded 31 year old pitcher Joe Haynes to the Indians for 26 year old catcher Joe Tipton

Notable 1948 Retirements

A veteran of 17 MLB seasons and 2,032 games, Cardinal great Joe Medwick has decided to call it a career. A .324 career hitter, Medwick also had 2,518 hits, 537 doubles(11th all-time), 117 triples, 208 homers, 1392 RBI and 1,207 runs scored. He was a triple crown winner in 1937, a 10 time all-star, and one time MVP.

Spending his entire 17 year career as a member of the Yankees, Frankie Crosetti was a member of 7 world series championship teams and a two time all-star second baseman. He batted .245 for his career, with 1,541 hits, 262 doubles, 64 triples, 98 homers, 650 RBI, 113 stolen bases, and 1005 runs scored.

One of the finest third baseman in the history of the game, Arky Vaughan played for the Pirates and Dodgers during his 14 year MLB career, making the all-star team an impressive 9 times. Arky was a career .318 hitter with 2,167 hits, 371 doubles, 132 triples, 100 home runs, 937 RBI, 124 stolen bases, and 1,204 runs scored. Vaughan also scored his first world championship this year as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

[PhillieFever]

December 1948

MLB Trades And Transactions

The Cleveland Indians have signed 37 year old former Tigers pitcher Al Benton to a one year deal. The terms were not disclosed.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded 28 year old 3B Frankie Gustine and 23 year old pitcher Cal McLish to the Chicago Cubs for 31 year old catcher Clyde McCullough and 26 year old pitcher Cliff Chambers

The Yankees have traded 31 year old pitcher Red Embree, 27 year old pitcher Dick Starr, 24 year old catcher Sherm Lollar, and $100,000 in cash to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for 29 year old pitcher Fred Sanford and 31 year old catcher Roy Partee

The White Sox have traded 23 year old OF Jim Delsing to the Yankees in exchange for 29 year old OF Steve Souchock

The Phillies have traded 30 year old pitcher Monk Dubiel, and 39 year old pitcher Dutch Leonard to the Cubs in exchange for 32 year old pitcher Hank Borowy and 29 year old 1B Eddie Waitkus.

In a very controversial move, the Washington Senators have traded 28 year old SP Early Wynn and 30 year old 1B Mickey Vernon to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for 31 year old pitcher Joe Haynes, 27 year old 1B Eddie Robinson and 30 year old pitcher Ed Klieman

The Philadelphia Phillies have purchased 28 year old pitcher Ken Trinkle from the Giants for a reported $20,000 in cash.

The Brooklyn Dodgers have traded 29 year old OF Pete Reiser to the Boston Braves in exchange for 31 year old OF Mike McCormick and 30 year old utility player Nanny Fernandez

The Philadelphia Athletics have sold 27 year old pitcher Bob Savage to the Browns for $10,000 in cash.

The New York Giants have purchased the contract of 36 year old OF Augie Galan from the Cincinnati Reds for an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Cincinnati Reds have purchased the contract of 25 year old SS Sammy Meeks from the Senators for $15,000 in cash

[PhillieFever]

Just a comment here, that trade between Washington and Cleveland was just awful. The Sens trade away a near hall of famer in Vernon, and a bonafide hall of famer in Early Wynn for a nice player in Eddie Robinson, a one year wonder in Joe Haynes(all-star in 48) and a scrub. Funny thing is you never hear about this deal when they talk about the all-time worst deals.

[David Ball]

Haynes was the son-in-law of the Senators' owner Clark Griffith. The story Bill Veeck told about this is that Griffith despised him, so he acquired Haynes in the November deal with the White Sox, knowing Haynes wouldn't stand for his son-in-law playing for Bill Veeck. Veeck was then able to use Griffith's family feeling to trade Haynes on favorable terms. That, at any rate, is the story Veeck told.

Terrific finish in the National League, by the way. Now if the 1950 and 1951 races follow history, the Brooklyn fans will have some compensation.

I notice you have "The White Sox have traded 31 year old pitcher Joe Haynes to the Indians for 26 year old catcher Joe Haynes," by the way. That should be "...catcher Joe Tipton."

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by David Ball

Haynes was the son-in-law of the Senators' owner Clark Griffith. The story Bill Veeck told about this is that Griffith despised him, so he acquired Haynes in the November deal with the White Sox, knowing Haynes wouldn't stand for his son-in-law playing for Bill Veeck. Veeck was then able to use Griffith's family feeling to trade Haynes on favorable terms. That, at any rate, is the story Veeck told.

Terrific finish in the National League, by the way. Now if the 1950 and 1951 races follow history, the Brooklyn fans will have some compensation.

I notice you have "The White Sox have traded 31 year old pitcher Joe Haynes to the Indians for 26 year old catcher Joe Haynes," by the way. That should be "...catcher Joe Tipton."

Wow, that's a really cool story. That's why I want to read Veeck's book "Veeck As In Wreck" he really was one of a kind. BTW, I've fixed that typo, thanks for pointing that out. Thanks for following!

[PhillieFever]

Pre-Season Edition 1949

MLB Trades And Transactions

The Detroit Tigers have purchased 25 year old outfielder Don Lund from the Browns for $15,000 in cash.

The Boston Braves have purchased the contract of 30 year old catcher Al Lakeman from the Phillies for an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have purchased 32 year old pitcher Murry Dickson from the Cardinals for $125,000 in cash.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected 32 year old RF Wally Judnich off of waivers from the Cleveland Indians.

The Giants have purchased the contract of 27 year old pitcher Hank Behrman for $15,000 in cash.

The Washington Senators have purchased 27 year old pitcher Ralph Weigel from the White Sox for an undisclosed amount of cash.

A's Simmons Lone Hall Of Fame Selection

The BBWAA announced today that former Athletics outfielder Al Simmons has been voted into the baseball hall of fame, gaining the necessary 198 votes needed to gain a place in baseball's shrine at Cooperstown, NY.
Simmons who compiled a lifetime batting average of .342 despite the fact that he moved his front foot away from the plate when he was hitting, was elected by one of the narrowest margins in history-one extra vote. He received 199 votes.

[PhillieFever]

Consensus Of Scribes Favors Dodgers And Red Sox This Year

New York, April 17 (U.P.)- The Brooklyn Dodgers will play the Boston Red Sox in this year's World Series, baseball writers covering the major league teams predicted today. Those were the team's selected in a consensus of 112 scribes who snubbed last year's American League winners the Cleveland Indians, relegating them to second place.
The Red Sox drew 70 first place votes, and the Dodgers got 51, whereas the Indians were named on 37 ballots and the Braves on 33.
In the American League, the scribes foresaw a two team race, naming only two other clubs for first place. The Philadelphia Athletics were picked by four writers and the once proud Yankees drew only one first place vote. None of the other clubs, Detroit, Chicago, Washington, or St Louis got any first place votes.
There was more of a tendency to look for a wide open race in the National League, where only two clubs, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs failed to receive any first place votes. A surprising choice was Pittsburgh, liked by 19 scribes to win their second flag in three years. The Cardinals had five faithful supporters and there were two each who like the Giants and Phillies as flag winners.
There were 31 writers who picked to Brooklyn-Boston pennant combination. Next most popular choice for World Series opponents were the Boston Braves and Red Sox, with 20 writers picking an All-Boston classic.
There were 16 in favor of a Brooklyn- Cleveland rematch and 14 who thought the Indians and Braves would clash. There were 14 others who picked a Pirate- Red Sox World Series.
The other pennant combinations were Pittsburgh -Cleveland(4), Cardinals - Red Sox(3), Braves - Athletics(2), Cardinals - Indians(2), Giants - Red Sox(1), Phillies - Indians(1), Giants - Indians(1), Phillies - Athletics(1), Dodgers - Yankees(1), Pirates - Athletics(1)