Robert J. (Bubba) Jones

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 12 April 1947
Sports Extra

The Cards win big last night, beating Phoenix 7-0.

Cardinal ace starter Mickey Christenson lowered his ERA from more than 14 down to 7, with a three hit shutout.

Columbus Rael hit his first homer of the year, and cleanup man Teddy Paulk hit two. Said manager Jones..."Teddy has 5 hits all year, and three of them are home runs...I guess we'll take 'em!"

The Cardinals won for the second day in a row, and are now 3-6 on the year.

After scoring a total of 18 runs in 8 games, the seven scored last night were a welcome sight for hitting coach Fredric Sims. "I was starting to get concerned...but Columbus going deep hopefully will get him going."

          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

Phoenix   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0 3 1 

St. Louis 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 X   7 13 0 

 

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 13 April 1947
Sports Extra

The Cards blew a six run lead against Phoenix last night, losing 8-6. Mohammed "Goose" Gose took the loss for the Cards.

Cards third sacker Chance Drake got his first major league hit, sure to be the first of a very great many.

          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

Phoenix   0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 4   8 11 1 

St. Louis 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0   6 7 1 

Cards drop to 3-7, now 3 out.

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 14 April 1947
Sports Extra

The bullpen let down the Cards, allowing 7 runs over the last three innings. Eddie Xie took the loss for the Cards.

Catcher Martin Hamblen extended his hitting streak to 8 games for the Cardinals.

          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

Phoenix   0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 3   8 14 0 

St. Louis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0   1 9 1 

Cards drop to 3-8, 5 back.

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 15 April 1947
Sports Extra

"A pretty solid effort." These were the words of Cards skipper Bubba Jones, talking about his teams 8-4 thrashing of the Phoenix Thunderbirds.

"I especially like the 7 walks, to go along with the 12 hits. Nineteen baserunners is a terrific number, one I would hope we can match in other games."

First baseman Teddy Paulk roped three doubles, and had the first multi-hit game of his career. Said Teddy..."I am pleased that the manager has kept his confidence in me. I know that I was only 5 for 58 before this, maybe this will get me going." Paulk raised his average, with the three hits, all the way to a dollar 78.

Phoenix manager Artie Goldstein was heard to say..."We need to do better than this! The Cardinals can't hit a lick, but they fired us up pretty good!"

          1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

Phoenix   0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0   4 8 2 

St. Louis 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 X   8 12 0 

 

Cards 4-8, 3 back.

[dsvitak]

Bubba leaned back into his chair. Fredric sat across from him, next to Gary Prange.

"Well gentlemen, our jobs appear to be safe for another day." Bubba took a sip of water. "Gary, what is the progress on our pitching staff?"

Gary looked at Bubba, and at Fredric. "Our pitchers are dead last in ERA in the league, but opposing hitters are hitting only .263 against us. This is 17th out of 24 teams. We are 12th in walks allowed. At this point, I think we have run into some clutch hitting....our runs allowed is higher than can be justified by the hits or walks we have given up.

"Gary, how about home runs allowed?" Bubba can think of more than a few moon-shots given up by his pitchers. "Ummm....last." Responded the pitching coach.

"So, we need to keep the ball in the ballpark. This is what we'll do. I want us to pitch around more players, don't let the big boys beat us. We do ok in not allowing baserunners, this should help us out."

"OK, then.....Fredric?"

"OK coach, our hitting is vastly improved from the first week of the season. Our team batting average is up to .245, no longer last in the league. Runs scored are at 40, second worst in the league, but getting better. We are 14th of 24 in walks, this is a bright spot. We are 19th in slugging, but this is also getting better as our average improves. All in all, it could be worse."

"I spoke with Mr. Morgan, he isn't real happy with our 4-8 start. I convinced him the boys are playing hard, and things will get better. I still do not think we are a playoff team....our hitting is suspect, we don't have a dominant starter." Bubba looked up at the ceiling, and stretched. "Good to get home for a couple of days. That's all guys, see ya in the morning."

"Night, Bubba...skipper."

"G'night skipper."

[dsvitak]

15 April 1947

Dear Dad,

Hi! It was good to hear from you dad. Clarissa and I are doing good. The weather has been getting warmer here, and Tommy Chuske and I have been down to Skitters creek already.

Grandma and Grandpa say "Hi!" and so does Clarissa.

I made the freshmen baseball team! I think that having the last name of Jones did not hurt! I will be the first baseman. Coach says I hit real good....I drive hard off my back leg, and level off, just like you showed me. The coach says that maybe I should try pitching, but Tommy and Jimmy Graziano are better. We only need to carry two pitchers, and they take turns.

For the first time in our school's history, we will have a Negro player on our team. His name is William Jefferson, but we call him Willie. He is a terrific player, and a nice guy. We all like him. Cody Jamison said something mean to him, and the coach took Cody out back of the gym and whupped him. We could hear him yell all the way out to the ballfield. Willie was very greatful to the coach. Willie said his dad used to play in the old Negro leagues, and knew Cool Papa Bell, and Josh Gibson. Willie says that some of the best baseball players ever never played in the major leagues, with people like you dad. Is he right?

Well, I hafta go do my homework. We are talking about Berlin, and the Soviet occupation zone. Did you ever get to go to Berlin during the War?

Your son,

Fredric.

[dsvitak]

15 April 1947

Memorandum for Record

From: Tilson and Gray, Attorneys at Law

Subject: Disposition of Property; Trust Fund Initiation

To: Robert J. Jones

Mr. Jones,

Enclosed please find the documents for your signature.

As per our discussions and agreements, the final disposition of the land in Orchard Park, Illinois has been arranged. Upon receipt of this document, a cheque in the amount of $1,385,200.00 will be deposited in the First Third Bank, of Cincinnatti, Ohio.

An amount will be deducted to the total of $245,375.00, to satisfy the capital gains requirement of the Federal government, and the state of Illinois. As per our agreement, this office will complete this portion of the tax preparation, and will invoice you separately.

Our fee, in the amount of $72,500.00 will also be subtracted from the amount to be placed into the account at First Third Bank. The remaining funds, in the amount of $67,325.00 will be forwarded on to you, in St. Louis.

The trust fund, initiated by Waller and Hyzinski, has been updated and refined, and will be in the amount of one million dollars, to be split between your minor children Fredric A. Jones, and Clarissa N. Jones. An annuity has been purchased with these monies, accrual rate of 5% per annum. This will result in fifty thousand dollars per year being paid into the account of your father, Abner C. Jones, to be used to the benefit of your minor children Fredric and Clarissa. This fifty thousand dollars is to be shared equally by Fredric and Clarissa.

Mr. Abner Jones has agreed to be the trustee for the children, as per your request. He may spend, or re-invest these annual disbursements at his discretion.

As an aside, we here at Tilson and Gray approve of the on-site management of the funds, and of the trust arrangement. This trust is constructed to devolve to the children upon their twenty first birthday.

This office has been unable to locate the childrens mother, Ella Mae Jones. It would entail considerable effort and expense from this office to hire a private investigator to attempt to find your ex-wife...and at this point, we are awaiting your further instruction.

Sincerely,

Alyosios P. Tilson,
Senior Partner, Tilson and Gray

[dsvitak]

*******RRRIIIINNNNGGGGG!!!*********

"Hello."

"Hi dad, its Bubba."

"Well hello son! How are you?"

"Dad, I'm fine. How are things in Arkansas?"

"We're all fine down here...did you hear that Fredric made the baseball team?"

"Really? Super! Just super!"

"Yeah, I believe that he is writing you a letter...you should get it in the next couple of days. Clarissa is doing fine...she is in the kitchen now, helping her Grandma get supper ready. Collard greens, and fried chicken!"

Bubba laughs..."MAN, I wished I was there! Hotel food isn't the best....although we do get out and eat in pretty fancy restaurants when we are on the road!"

"Ayuh."

"Say, dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Umm...there will be some documents arriving from the law firm of Tilson and Gray. They are about the trust fund I am setting up. Can you sign them, and return them pronto?"

"Sure, Bubba, I'll take care of it right away. I still don't feel totally comfortable taking control of all that money...are you sure you want to do this?"

Bubba replies firmly...."Yes...I am not going to be around most of the time, and I trust your good judgement. Spend it, use it, by yourself a new car, whatever you would like."

Bubba's dad ponders this..."Why would I buy a car for me, if it is your kid's money?"

"Dad, it is for the WELFARE of the kids....hell, I wouldn't mind if they got to drive around in a nice car! Clothes, toys, travel... whatever you and mom decide is just fine with me."

"Well, Bubba, I AM considering some properties in Little Rock. Since they put up the new Governors mansion, the west side of town is growing real fast. A fellow could make some money buying up some land, and putting up some apartments. Would that be alright with you?"

"Dad, they pay me too much now, and frankly, I have money just sitting around in the bank. Look into it, let me know."

"OK Bubba, I'll do it. Oh...I spoke with Ella's mom...you know her dad passed back in November....Ella's mom thinks she is in California, but hasn't heard from her since January." Abner sounds sad at this..."Her poor mom is worried sick, thinks maybe something happened to her."

"Yeah....the lawyers said they couldn't find her either....let me know if you hear anything, dad."

"OK, I'll keep an ear out." Bubba's dad now sounded strong...stronger than the 68 years could justify. Farmers are tough.

"Alright dad, let me talk to the kids, please."

"OK, Bubba, take care..."

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 16 April 1947
Sports Extra

The thin air in Albuquerque allowed the now hot-hitting Cardinals to continue their winning ways, beating the Aztecs 7-5.

It wasn't easy, as the Cards nearly blew a 6-1 lead.

The hitting star for the Cardinals was catcher Martin Hamblen, who increased his hitting streak to ten games.

            1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

St. Louis   0 0 0 0 1 3 2 1 0   7 12 0 

Albuquerque 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1   5 14 1 

Cards now 5-8, now 3 games back.

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 17 April 1947
Sports Extra


The Cards were just cruising along, before two walks and a three run shot made them 6-4 losers last night in Albuquerque.

Christenson took the loss, falling to 1-3, with a 6.51 ERA. This is not good, for a number 1 starter.

            1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E 

St. Louis   0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0   4 5 1 

Albuquerque 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 X   6 6 1 

Cards record: 5-9, three out.

[dsvitak]

St. Louis Globe 18 April 1947
Sports Extra

It was the first extra inning game of the year for the Cards, as they take the rubber game of the three game set 6-5.

Closer Mark Wolters pitched three scoreless innings for the win.

Teddy Paulk knocked in four runs, giving him 13 on the year. Cards skipper Bubba Jones: "Teddy's on pace to knock in 140 runs. I don't care WHAT his batting average is....I tell you, he's CLUTCH!"

There are increasing concerns about Columbus Rael...by far the best hitter on the team, Columbus is hitting only .204, with 3 RBI.

            1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11   R H E 

St. Louis   1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1   6 10 0 

Albuquerque 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0   5 14 1 

Cards record: 6-9, now TWO games out!

[metsgeek]

I've heard rumors that Bubba is returning.

[dsvitak]

I cannot imagine that it has been nearly two and a half years since I last posted in this thread.

I read back through quite a few of these posts, and I don't know if I can rekindle the level of effort it took to create this baseball universe.

Still and all, time begins on opening day, and like many of you, I am getting a pretty good dose of baseball fever.

....and Prior hurt his arm again. Its GOOD to be a Cardinals fan!

[Dagrims]

Do you still have the same Dell you mentioned in post #601?

[dsvitak]

Dagrims,

Yeah. The story would go on, but not using the rich history of the league.

Actually, Bubba's league never was a "normal" league, where meticulous record was kept of wins, losses, and league leaders.

It would be a relatively easy exercise to generate a new universe, fire it up in 1947, and continue. The main players would still be there, and there would still be Bubba.....as a manager of course. Haven't committed to this, its a hell of a lot of effort.

[dsvitak]

bumpy bump bump.

pretty shameless of me, true, but there are tons of new folks on the board, who might get a kick out of this.

[AZTarHeel]

one of the best stories on here, along with Pat O'Farrell ... I remember stumbling upon this one Saturday at work. I was about two hours late coming home because I couldn't stop reading. I bought the newest version of OOTP right away and have been hooked on the game ever since...

[dsvitak]

Originally Posted by AZTarHeel

one of the best stories on here, along with Pat O'Farrell ... I remember stumbling upon this one Saturday at work. I was about two hours late coming home because I couldn't stop reading. I bought the newest version of OOTP right away and have been hooked on the game ever since...

This is nice of you to say.

This entire dynasty happened in a hurry...several hundred posts in just a couple of months.

Were I to do this over, I would likely string it out over a much longer period...hard to build up suspense when you are pounding out 50 posts a week.

[Eckstein 4 Prez]

In my opinion, this joins Tiger Fan's old Histories of Baseball as the best things the dynasty forum has ever produced. Truly wonderful stuff.

[jetking]

Wow. Just plain "wow!"

I thought Rascoe Barahona was the ultimate character in OOTP lore. I stand corrected. I just finished this thread (after seeing it resurrected yesterday) and I am floored.

Thank you, dsvitak, for having given Bubba to the world.

Do it again, do it again, do it again!