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02-21-2023, 12:57 PM
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#641 |
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All Star Reserve
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Posts: 677
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November 19, 1945
 NOVEMBER 19, 1945 FEDERAL ASSOCIATION FLAG RACE A FREE FOR ALL The two-time defending Federal Association pennant winning Philadelphia Keystones should once again be in the running for top spot in the Fed and the Chicago Chiefs -winners of just 61 games this past season- could be fighting stay out of the cellar. Beyond that it seems just about anything can happen with the other six squads as 1946 promises to be one of the most difficult Fed flag races to predict thanks to all of the upheaval with return of hundreds of players from the war effort. The Keystones have Bobby Barrell, who has been nothing short of the best player on the planet the past two years and he might just be even more dangerous next season with Hank Koblenz and Davey Robicheaux back in the lineup to protect him along with a full season of Billy Woytek -who struggled in September when he returned from nearly 4 years in the Navy but was outstanding in the WCS win over Cincinnati. The Keystones rotation has plenty returning as well, so much that last year's rookie sensation John Grimes might not even make the starting five. Red Ross and George M Brooks should still be there but the Keystones now can count on Lloyd Stevens, Pepper Tuttle and Abe Abingdon -who left as a 22 year old full of promise and returns as a 25 year old who could enjoy a breakout season on the Keystones slab. Philadelphia is far from alone in having plenty of key players returning. Even the lowly Chiefs might not be as lowly as one might think. Bill May was one of the best centerfielders in the game when he left and should still be a very good lead-off man as a 32 year old. The Chicago mound still has holes but far fewer when you add Al Miller and Gus Goulding -both of whom left after the '43 campaign- to the top of the rotation and a veteran insurance acquisition in Sam Sheppard, who came over from Cincinnati during the winter meetings. 27 year old rookie Ernie Espanoza, who has not pitched since 1941 when he split the season between AA and AAA, might be a rookie of the year candidate. As a result, even calling the Chiefs a second division club may be risky prognostication in a year in which even Nostradamus himself would have trouble foreseeing the future. Surely Lou Ellertson will not duplicate his amazing once in a lifetime season of a year ago when at 38 he won 22 games and posted the lowest era of the mordern era. The entire Washington Eagles team felt like huge overachievers a year ago so perhaps they slide back towards the bottom of the Federal Association -a place that has really been their natural habitat for going on two decades. Mel Carrol -the last man to hit .400 in a season- is back as is former rookie of the year Jesse Alvardo but it seems unlikely the two of them are enough to get the job done in the Fed next season. Detroit was another surprise club a year ago with a deep pennant run a year after sending Red Johnson to the Gothams. Sal Pestilli will join Red in the Big Apple so Dynamos, loaded with youth, will need the young guns and a few old-timers in pitchers Dixie Lee, Jim Lonardo and Art White to shine if they are to keep the string of back to back first division finishes going. Boston looked like one of the teams to beat last season, until a 9-19 skid in July, sent them spirling out of the first division. The Minutemen regrouped and finished strong so perhaps that is a sign of things to come. All-stars Buddy Schneider and Bill Burkett return to bolster the everyday lineup but the pressure will be on veteran lefthanders Dean Astle and Ed Wood, along with 29 year old Duke Hendricks to deliver next season. They would like nothing better than to see Dick Higgins, a former second overll pick who is now 32, have a breakout season as one would think the organization is a little worried about it's mound depth. St Louis had a solid season, better than some expected, with rookie of the year Lazaro DeLeon playing a key role. There is a lot of young pitching talent on the way up in St Louis with both Hal Hackney and Tom Buchanan making their big league debuts last season but the key to the Pioneers being competitive might hinge on the left arm of Buddy Long. A 21 game wiiner in 1944, Long returns after spending last season with the Army Air Corps. Heinie Zimmer will be back behind the plate which will only help the Pioneers pitchers out. Veteran second baseman Artie D'Alessandro and young outfielder Pershing Christian -who had a solid rookie season in 1944 before leaving for the Army- are both back. The Pittsburgh Miners have had some ups and down during the war years but with the return of arguably the best catcher in the Fed, if not all of baseball, in George Cleaves the Miners are hoping for a return to their pre-war pace when they won 3 pennants and finished second twice in a six year span. Lefty Allen returned midway through last season but there are some concerns he is not the overwehlming force he was before the war. Outfielders Joe Owens, Pablo Reyes and Pinky Pierce all were key pieces before the war and should help the offense but like Boston, we feel there might be some concerns about pitching depth. That leaves the most unpredictable team in all of baseball -the New York Gothams. Never just good, there is no middle ground for the Gothams who seem to always be great or terrible. They were great in '42 when Ed Bowman led them to a WCS win but awful each of the past three years...even last season when Red Johnson was supposed to save the day. The Gothams offense should be improved, and possibly the most dangerous in the Federal Association with Johnson joined by his old Detroit pal Sal Pestilli, who returns from a three year stint in the air corps and brings with him Walt Messer, Mule Monier and Roosevelt Brewer. As is so often the case in New York the pitching staff is the question mark. Harry Carter and Bowman are a fine 1-2, perhaps as good as any other duo in the Fed, but beyond that the Gothams appear to be pinning their hopes on rookies like Lou Eaker, Tom Henderson and Jerry Decker. Eaker and Henderson are not young anymore -both will be 28 on opening day- but each was highly touted by OSA when they were still prospects. Decker is 23 but has not pitched since he was a teenager in Class B. If those three can do the job it might be another pennant celebration in New York. If not, and they struggle early, don't be surprised if vets Carter and Pestilli have new addresses come late July and the trade deadline. SUMMARY -The odds of this order of finish being the same prediction we make in March is unlikely because there are bound to be some changes but the way we see it right now the 1946 Fed race will shape up like this: 1- Keystones :enough talent to be right in the mix for a third straight flag 2- Gothams: All hinges on the untested arms, plus Sal and Red living up to the billing 3- Boston: Not sure they have enough pitching to prevail but we love their offense. 4- Pittsburgh: Cleaves and Reyes help the offense and we feel Lefty has a resurgence this year. 5- St Louis: A lot of talent and they may sneak into the first division but the competition at the top will be tough in '46. 6- Chiefs: They will be better than last year but not quite good enough, although '45 will give Blaszak, Skidmore, Brown and Espanoza valuable experience to shine in the near future. 7- Detroit: loads of youth and their time will come but we feel there are just too many question marks in the lineup right now for the Dynamos to generate enough offense in order to keep pace with the big boys. 8- Washington: someone has to finish last and the Eagles are due for a correction after their surprising '45 campaign. A SHARP ACQUISITION FOR COUGARS The Chicago Cougars have made no secret they are fully focused on winning a Continental Association pennant in 1946 and they took a step to reaffirm that goal by acquiring veteran first baseman/outfielder Hal Sharp from the St Louis Pioneers in exchange for Ollie Page and a pair of prospects. The 32 year old Sharp hit .341 with 12 homers for St Louis a year ago -his 7th season in St Louis. With Dutch Bruenig and Bob Johnston Jr. both back from the war, the Pioneers likely felt Sharp and his contract in excess of $26,000 was expendable. Chicago Daily News writer Archie Irwin said the following after the deal. "The Cougars front office will be giving Hal Sharp all Spring a chance to brush up on his right field play, a position the bat first lefty hasn't started an FABL game at since 1941. While he's not expected to be any good out there, the GM stated "he can't be much worse then Cliff Moss" and there are thoughts with Dick Walker's advanced age that 1945 may be his last season as a productive regular. The Cougars are putting all their chips in for 1945, as they look to rebuild a lineup that sat bottom three for the first time in nearly a decade." The Pioneers did send some cash to the Cougars to help cover Sharp's hefty salary and in return they received 35 year old reserve infielder Ollie Page, who hit .284 for Chicago in 95 games last season as well as minor leaguers Lefty Jones and Bill Perrin. Jones is a 21 year old former fifth round pick who was an unimpressive 4-16 with a 5.93 era between Class A and AA last season but OSA feels he could pitch his way into a back-end rotation opportunity. Perrin is an 18 year old shortstop who was originally a 5th round pick of Detroit but joined the Cougars last summer in the deal that sent veteran pitcher Art White to the Motor City. OSA has high hopes for the youngster, tabbing as having the potential to play a key role on a contender but he is raw and struggled in his first test as a pro, batting .139 last season. JIGGS MCGEE'S TAKE: A good deal for both teams although it may hurt St Louis in the short-term if Dutch Breunig cannot pick up where he left off before the war. If Breunig does succeed there would have been no place for Sharp to play in St Louis as he would have had a lot of competition had he been shifted to the outfield. Page will likely just be a backup in St Louis, if not released, and was included likely more to balance the contracts out in the deal. Jones might someday make the Pioneers but it is clear the big piece for St Louis in the deal was Perrin, who they are likely hoping can one day team with Homer Mills to provide a solid double-play combination. The Cougars add some security in case veteran first baseman Dick Walker struggles and takes away the worry of outfielder Billy Hunter getting hurt -something that has become a regular occurance in the Windy City. If Sharp can put up numbers like he did the last two seasons in St Louis he will be another solid piece of what looks to be a very imposing 1946 lineup for the Cougars. The Chicago farm system is more than deep enough to handle the loss of Perrin. In fact the Cougars may like their other 18 year old shortstop Jim Mako, taken one round ahead of Perrin last year, a little better than the player they dealt. THE FORGOTTEN BIGSBY By John Brinker, New York Daily News Once upon a time in old New York there were two wealthy and politically well-connected brothers who decided to get involved in burgeoning business of baseball (or base ball if you're old enough to remember). Some said (and there is evidence a-plenty) that the brothers were involved in criminal enterprises and indeed the elder brother - his name was Charles - ended up spending many years as a ward of the state in the Ossining State Prison (popularly known as Sing Sing). Charles and his younger brother Miles were in and out of various professional baseball leagues. They had a contentious relationship not only with William Whitney but occasionally with his nemesis James Tice too. Regardless, Miles would go on to own and operate both the New York Gothams and their ballpark for nearly four decades. That ballpark was the Bigsby Oval and bore the family surname. Charles, jailbird though he ended up being, had two sons, born many years apart. The first (whose name was Jonathan) was the product of Charles' first marriage, to the niece of the founder of the New York Gothams (James Darrow) and ended in divorce. The younger son was named after his father and would succeed his uncle Miles as owner of the Gothams in 1929. Charles Bigsby Jr. is well-known and though he no longer owns the Gothams, his family continues to have an outsized role in the city and its sports franchises. Charlie Jr's half-brother Jonathan, raised by his mother away from what he later termed "the corrupting influence" of his family, attended Grafton University and married, as young men sometimes do. Jonathan's son, whom he named Thomas Xavier Bigsby, never had any dealings with his father's estranged family, though he certainly knew of them. Born at the turn of the century, Thomas X. Bigsby elected to take the straight path. One that led first to Rome State College for a military education. That education led to a commission in the United States Army in 1922. Bigsby has spent the last 23 years as an Army officer, became a protege of General George S. Patton and fought with his mentor across Europe in the recently completed campaign against fascism. Now 45, Colonel Bigsby has decided to retire from the Army. So what's next for this forgotten scion of a famous (or infamous) family? Both his father and mother come from wealthy, blue-blood stock and money is no problem. The Colonel himself has mentioned that he just might want to get into the business of baseball himself. And he has his eyes firmly locked on what he calls "the great untapped frontier of sports" - California.  It's all so much speculation and a month of spring games to go but early indications are that the Gothams rotation will be quite different. With the demotion of Cy Sullivan and Jim Baggett to Toledo the early money is on something like, vets Ed Bowman and Harry Carter, followed by rookies Lou Eaker, Tom Henderson and Jerry Decker. Eaker and Decker were acquired in trades while serving in the military. If any of the three falter the team has returning vet Bunny Edwards waiting in the wings. The organization still has about 18 more players than will be allowed once the season begins. Also, with the C leagues starting later there could be additional cuts if the team decides some of the youngsters would be better served competing in a full season league.  FEW POSITIONS UP FOR GRABS AT CANNONS CAMP Despite all the uncertainty throughout baseball with all of the players returning from the war, the Cincinnati Cannons 24-man roster for Opening Day appears to be nearly fully set. There are plenty of players back who did not participate in last year's Continental Association pennant winning season, and some who missed all three of the post-season parties around these parts, but the starting line-up appears fully set and same for most of the reserves. There is always a chance of a move or two shaking things up but the trading of Sam Sheppard to the Chicago Chiefs might end up being the only transaction of note made this off-season by the Cannons brass. Sheppard played a nice role in helping bring the third pennant to Tice Memorial Stadium but it was clear there was no room for the 37 year old righthander on the big league staff next season and the club did him a favour moving Sheppard to a place where he could play - and pursue his 200th career victory. The slab staff appears to be pretty solid for next season. Deuce Barrell remains the ace but some are talking like 25 year old rookie Bob Arman -who will be released from his Army committments early next month- might also be a potential number one starter. Arman's rights were acquired from Boston in the 1944 deal that sent Billy Dalton to the Minutemen. Veteran Red Hampton -the ex-Chicago Chief- along with war returnees Chris Clarke, Bill Sohl and Charlie Griffith are expected to round out the six man rotation with former Allan Award winner Butch Smith and two of Vic Carroll, Jake Smith, Jim Anderson and Don Adams filling out the staff. Carroll and Anderson each have minor league options left so that gives the inside track to Anderson and Adams. 1943 Whitney Award winner Adam Mullins is back from the Navy and will handle the bulk of the catching duties with the one big battle in camp likely being for the back-up spot. Ed Sala was the back-up for the now retired Tom Bird a year ago but hit just .183 so the Cannons claimed veteran Cleveland backup Mickey Patterson on waivers this week. Those two will battle it out but Cannons Assistant General Manager Red Franklin does not rule out using a Rule 5 selection or a free agent signing to add another challenger into the mix. The infield is all set with Chuck Adams, who hit 28 homers a year ago, back at first base with the league's best defensive shortstop for 1945 in Jim Hensley back along with all-star third baseman Denny Andrews. Second sacker Jack Cleaves announced his retirement but the Cannons have Charley McCullough -a 1941 all-star who has been in the Navy since losing his brother in the attack on Pearl Harbor- returning. Charlie Ross, Tony White and Nick Wallace are expected to be the backup infielders although there is a chance Cincinnati born youngster Ted Stacy might displace one of the three. The outfield depth is outstanding with 17 all-star selections spread across 4 different fielders in Al Wheeler, Fred Galloway, Sam Brown and Gail Gifford. Brown and Gifford will likely platoon and spell Wheeler and Galloway when needed. The backups are Mike T. Taylor, who led the CA in triples and stolen bases in 1941 but has been in the Navy since then, along with Johnny Potter -a 28 year old with just 166 big league game sto his credit but a .307 lifetime batting average. *** COUGARS WILL BE TOUGH *** The Cannons feel they have the talent to win a fourth straight CA flag -something that has never been accomplished in the loop before- but will face a lot of competition from their usual rivals as both the Chicago Cougars and Toronto Wolves look very good as well. Jiggs McGee of TWIFB says those three will be the class of the CA once again but feels the Cougars will end the Cannons run, and that was before Chicago added another talented hitter in Hal Sharp during the winter meetings. *** TIGERS PAWSITIVELY AWFUL *** The grid Tigers gave us a lot of hope just a few weeks ago when they tamed the defending Western champ Chicago Wildcats to run their record to 3-2. Some were even dreaming the Queen City eleven might make a run at a division crown but then they fell 20-17 in a hard fought game in Pittsburgh. We all know the Tigers offense was not up to snuff and the rematch in Chicago proved it with a 14-0 loss to the Wildcats to drop Jack Conn's crew to 3-5 but I don't think anyone was prepared for the mess yesterday. The Tigers played their worst game in the young franchises history in getting blown out 41-3 at the Bigsby Oval by the grid Stars. It was an embarrassment and Conn knew it -uttering just that phrase as his first words to reporters after the game. Penalties have created problems for an offense that was already far too weak to enjoy much success in the AFA but for the most part the Cincinnati defense bailed them out. They had no chance to do that yesterday as the Tigers offense looked like a bunch of high school kids right from the start and left the defense in a terrible situation time after time. It was a mess right from the opening kickoff. After the Tigers got called for holding on the return, Gus Knox -one of 8 men the Tigers have tried as their passing specialist this season- threw a perfect pass but right into the arms of New York lineman Murphy Donnelly, who may have been the most surprised man in the building when he received the ball, but quickly recovered his senses enough to lumber 13 yards into the Cincinnati end zone for the first score. Next series the Tigers fumbled on first down but fortunately Rick Patterson's bobble went out of bounds for no gain. They then punted after runs of -1 and -3 yards. The third series they took another holding penalty on the punt return, but did get a first down on a Ray Kurtzman 10 yard run although a false start penalty ruined any thoughts of a sustained drive. Still in the first quarter series number four sees Knox lose 3 yards on two carries and the football as Donnelly falls on a fumble at the Cincinnati 20 yard line and 3 plays later the Stars led 14-0. So Conn decides to try Tim Schepis at quarterback. Well, his first pass was intercepted by Jesse Hemingway and the Stars had a first down at the Tigers 8 yard line this time. Three plays later it is 21-0. You get the picture. How bad was the first half. The Stars had as many points (31) as the Tigers had total offensive yards in the first half. Fortunately the New Yorkers played kind hosts in the second half or they might have hung up 80 points on Cincinnati. Even worse it is a short turnaround so the Tigers, who play St Louis on Thanksgiving Day, will not have much time to try and forget the mess that was this past weekend. It's all so much speculation and a month of spring games to go but early indications are that the Gothams rotation will be quite different. With the demotion of Cy Sullivan and Jim Baggett to Toledo the early money is on something like, vets Ed Bowman and Harry Carter, followed by rookies Lou Eaker, Tom Henderson and Jerry Decker. Eaker and Decker were acquired in trades while serving in the military. If any of the three falter the team has returning vet Bunny Edwards waiting in the wings. The organization still has about 18 more players than will be allowed once the season begins. Also, with the C leagues starting later there could be additional cuts if the team decides some of the youngsters would be better served competing in a full season league. 
  50 YARD FIELD GOAL GIVES MAROONS WEST LEAD Troy Renton's 50 yard field goal with just over a minute remaining in the game lifted the Detroit Maroons to a 17-14 victory in Pittsburgh and went a long ways towards clinching the Western Division title. The Maroons improved to 6-2 on the season, one game ahead of the 5-3 Chicago Wildcats, who fell 17-10 to Boston yesterday. The Maroons two remaining games are on the road -at New York next Sunday and in Cincinnati the following week while the Wildcats host Washington next weekend before ending their season in Cleveland. In Pittsburgh, Detroit quarterbacks Rich Coleman and Mike Hendrick combined for 164 yards passing including 84 to Stan Vaught, giving the veteran Maroons end his second season with at least 1,000 yards receiving to key the Maroons victory while in Boston the hometown Americans prevailed despite another big game from Chicago back Mark Lautzenheiser, who ran for 78 yards and a touchdown while also catching 4 balls for an additional 78 yards. Actually Lautzenheiser made 6 catches on the day as he intercepted a pair of Tom Griggs passes. Unfortunately for Lautzenheiser and his mates, the game turned on a 3rd quarter play when Wildcats quarterback Gus Brown fumbled in his own endzone and Boston's Ben Latimer fell on the loose ball to put the Americans in front to stay. The game marked the second in a row that Del Thomas was unable to handle the passing duties for Boston. The 31 year old still played on defense and handled the kicking duties but has an undisclosed arm issue that is keeping him from throwing the ball. Boston is now 6-1 but Washington remains hot on their heels at 6-2 for the Eastern Division lead after the Wasps stung Philadelphia 20-14. Johnny Douglas had 5 more catches for 136 yards putting him over the 1,000 mark in receiving yardage for the season - a total only Stan Vaught of Detroit had ever accomplished before. St Louis won for the second week in a row as Don Penna's 13 yard field goal as time expired gave the Ramblers a 17-14 victory in Cleveland. The other game saw the New York Football Stars humiliate the Cincinnati Tigers 41-3 at the Bigsby Oval. Murphy Donnelly had a 13 yard interception return for a touchdown on the game's opening play from scrimmage and it just went downhill from their for the Tigers, who's 31 total yards in the first half matched the point total of New York, which led 31-0 after 30 minutes. AFA NOTES- The single season receiving yardage record of 1,218 set by Stan Vaught of Detroit is in danger of falling. Vaught and Johnny Douglas of Washington may both surpass it. Each has two games remaining and Douglas leads the way with 1,076 yards while Vaught is at 1,022....With 2 games left Gus Brown of Chicago has already thrown for the fourth most yards in a season in AFA history. Brown has 1,775 yards passing through 8 games. The record is 2,045 set by Del Thomas of Boston two years ago. Code:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STANDINGS EAST DIVISION W L T PCT Boston 6 1 0 .857 Washington 6 2 0 .750 New York 4 3 0 .571 Philadelphia 3 4 0 .429 Pittsburgh 3 5 0 .375 WEST DIVISION W L T PCT Detroit 6 2 0 .750 Chicago 5 3 0 .625 Cincinnati 3 5 0 .375 St Louis 2 6 0 .250 Cleveland 1 8 0 .111 Washington 20 Philadelphia 14 New York 41 Cincinnati 3 Detroit 17 Pittsburgh 14 Boston 17 Chicago 10 St Louis 17 Cleveland 14 UPCOMING GAMES THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22 St Louis at Cincinnati SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18 Boston at Philadelphia Washington at Chicago Detroit at New York Code:
AFA LEADERS SCORING PTS Vaught, Det 95 Douglas, Was 66 Lautzenheiser, Chi 48 LePage, Phi 42 Lennon, NYS 41 PASSING COMP-ATT YDS TD INT Brown, Chi 127-228 1775 17 12 Krohn, Was 87-154 1404 10 12 Colvin, Cle 99-244 1233 8 19 D Thomas, Bos 88-139 1002 8 3 Anderson, Pit 73-169 965 8 14 RUSHING YDS TD B.Young, Bos 613 2 LePage, Phi 599 6 Lautzenheiser, Chi 435 3 Reid, Was 364 5 Rochman, Was 352 5 Norton, Was 326 4 RECEIVING CAT YDS TD Vaught, Det 52 1022 11 Douglas, Was 50 1076 11 Nicholson, Cle 40 594 5 Lautzenheiser, Chi 34 574 5 Molloy, Bos 32 464 3 J Gilmore, Chi 32 339 3 INERCEPTIONS # Smith, Was 7 Lautzenheiser, Chi 7 Clark, Bos 6 Rochman, Was 5 R Johnson, Pit 5 Shores, Det 5  PIERPONT GIVES ROME STATE A SCARE Perhaps Rome State became just a little complacent, and who could blame the Centurions as they were 7-0 entering Saturday's contest in Boston against Pierpont having outscored their opponents 323-43 in the process. Pierpont is not a bad team -far from it as the Purple had wins over North Carolina Tech and Henry Hudson on their resume- but most expected a win from Rome State similar to the 44-3 pasting they put on St Blane a week ago. Rome State still won, of course, as the army cadets have not lost since falling to Annapolis Maritime in 1943 - a span of 17 games including Saturday's 34-14 win at Minutemen Stadium. But the Centurions certainly had to work for this one. They trailed 14-10 late in the second quarter and only a 21 yard touchdown scamper from Gus Thompson with 17 seconds left prevented Rome State from trailing at the half for the first time in two years. They wore down the Pierpont defenses in the second half but it did show that perhaps there was a tiny crack in the mighty Centurions armour, and maybe, just maybe Annapolis Maritime can expose it when the two meet in their annual season ending game in two weeks time. With their victory streak now extended to 17 games there is some talk in Georgia that Rome State might accept a big to play in the East-West Classic. The superintendent of the army training school said after the win over Pierpont that he was considering the matter although he emphasized that the Centurions had not yet received even a feeler for a New Years Day game. Alabama Baptist reaffirmed it's case that the Chargers are the best team not named Rome State as they hammered Bluegrass State 69-0 to run their record to 7-0 on the season. The Chargers made no secret of the fact that they want to go to Santa Ana for New Years Day and participate in the East-West Classic but the selection committee is going to have a tough choice to make with the winner between next Saturday's Detroit City College & Central Ohio game feeling deserving as well. The Knights are 8-1 with their lone loss to Rome State after beating Whitney College 14-7 Saturday while the Aviators grounded Lincoln College 17-6. Code:
TOP TEN RANKINGS LW RESULT 1- Rome State (8-0) 1 W 34-14 Pierpont (5-2) 2- Alabama Baptist (7-0) 2 W 69-0 Bluegrass State (2-6) 3- Detroit City College (8-1) 3 W 14-7 Whitney College (5-3-1) 4- Travis College (9-0) 4 W 31-3 Amarillo Methodist (3-5) 5- St Blane (7-1) 5 W 30-24 St Magnus (3-3-2) 6- Annapolis Maritime (6-2) 7 W 14-3 Wisconsin State (5-4) 7- Central Ohio (7-0-1) 8 W 17-6 Lincoln College (3-5) 8- Maryland State (7-0) 6 idle 9- Eastern Oklahoma (7-0) 10 W 43-0 College of Waco (6-3) 10-Cumberland (6-1) 9 idle RANKED SCHOOLS Rome State 34 Pierpont 14 Alabama Baptist 69 Bluegrass State 0 Detroit City College 14 Whitney College 7 Travis College 31 Amarillo Methodist 3 St. Blane 30 St. Magnus 24 Annapolis Maritime 14 Wisconsin State 3 Central Ohio 17 Lincoln 6 Eastern Oklahoma 43 College of Waco 0 MIDWEST Indiana A&M 35 Pittsburgh State 10 Minnesota Tech 54 Western Iowa 21 Lambert College 24 Iowa A&M 13 Lawrence State 41 Eastern Kansas 7 Wisconsin Catholic 21 Central Kentucky 17 St. Ignatius 21 Liberty College 21 Great Lakes Navy 33 Fort Warren 0 College of Omaha 38 South Dakota Tech 7 Laclede 14 Northern Minnesota 13 Huntington State 29 Erie 0 EAST Henry Hudson 27 Sadler 3 Dickson 24 Ellery 16 Grafton 31 Brunswick 10 St. Patrick's 13 Conwell College 13 George Fox 10 Coast Guard 0 Empire State 13 St. Pancras 10 Atlantic City NAS 28 Eastern Virginia 16 Scranton State 30 Commonwealth Catholic 20 Garden State 23 Bigsby College 16 Eastern State 48 Oceana NAS 7 SOUTH Miami State 24 Charleston Tech 6 Bayou State 30 Georgia Baptist 14 Northern Mississippi 31 Central Louisiana 3 Western Florida 52 Charleston (IL) 0 Noble Jones College 27 Opelika State 9 Alexandria 26 Salisbury Christian 13 Western Tennessee 51 Paducah State 7 Coastal State 23 Baton Rouge State 10 Chesapeake State 27 Petersburg 14 Richmond State 38 Merchant Marine 12 Cowpens State 27 North Carolina Tech 6 SOUTHWEST Darnell State 14 Red River State 0 Texas Gulf Coast 17 Arkansas A&T 10 Payne State 34 Lubbock State 7 Oklahoma City State 24 Daniel Boone College 21 FAR WEST Golden Gate University 31 CC Los Angeles 0 Rainier College 13 Idaho A&M 0 Lane State 7 Spokane State 7 Northern California 10 Portland Tech 10 Mountainview State 13 Canyon A&M 0   PRESEASON TOURNAMENT WEEK CONCLUDES The AIAA basketball schedule kicks into full gear this week after the last of the season opening tournaments were concluded over the past few days. Here are the championship game results for each of the events that were completed this week. BIGSBY FESTIVAL Coastal California 54 Golden Gate 47 Leon Chilton had 15 points and Gus Stanger 14 to lead the Dolphins to victory after they had needed overtime to beat Northern Mississippi. The Dolphins destroyed Talmage State 52-29 in their opener. HEART OF TEXAS Ellery 51 Portland Tech 29 Irving Latta had 13 points to make the Bruins a surprise winner in the tournament, although the field was not overly impressive. KING OF THE SOUTH Provo Tech 56 St Blane 52 (2 ot) Provo Tech battled back from a 7 point deficit with just 5 minutes remaining in regulation to force overtime. An extra 5-minutes failed to separate the two teams so a second overtime was needed with the Lions finally prevailing thanks to Mickey Corbett scoring 6 of his 12 points on the day in the final five minutes. WEST COAST CLASSIC Cumberland 47 Utah A&M 37 In Salt Lake City the host side reached the championship game in the 8-team field but was clearly overmatched by a Cumberland squad led by Jamey Flagg's 14 points. MIDDLE WEST FESTIVAL Western Florida 47 Needham 38 It was not a great game by a Western Florida squad that shot just 32% from the field in the title game but they did enough to prevail in a title game that featured a surprise Needham College team, which had knocked off tournament favourite Lane State 44-35 in the opening round.  MELANSON CONFIRMS REMATCH WITH GILL To the surprise of virtually no one, World Middleweight Champion Frank Melanson's camp has confirmed the Pittsburgh fighter will square off with Todd Gill as his next opponent. The date is not confirmed and will not be until the Continental Association releases it's 1946 schedule but the event will take place at Sailors Memorial Park in Philadelphia some time in May. Melanson and Gill battled at Bigsby Garden in New York for 15 hard fought rounds in October but were unable to decide anything as the bout finished in a draw. Immediately after the fight Melanson said he wanted a rematch with the highly ranked challenger and true to his word it was agreed upon and the details finalized last week. Melanson was a surprise winner in June when he upset former champ Archie Rees while still working full-time in a Pittsburgh factory. That victory occurred in Philadelphia at Sailors Park and he clearly is attempting to duplicate that magic in returning to the venue for his May defenese. The 28 year old Melanson is 29-0-2 while Gill, a 33 year old Hartford native, is 20-1-5. NOTABLE RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK Newark, NJ: Paul Fletcher (7-0) wins by unanimous decision in 6 round fight with Floyd O'Flanagan (1-2) HW London, England: Danny Julien (11-0) wins by unanimous decision in 10 rounds over Gustav Heinzman (9-1) WW UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS Dec 8 Archie Rees vs Jean Desmarais for the European Middleweight Title in London, Eng. Feb 8 Hector Sawyer defends his World Heavyweight title against Leo Carmichael in Detroit Mar 9 Dennis O'Keefe vs Carl Taylor for vacant World Welterweight Title in New York at Bigsby Garden The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 11/18/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER- The modern day single game walk mark is 13 issued by Johnnie Jones in 1941 against the New York Stars. It was the big league debut of the Chicago Cougars rookie in a 5-4 loss in which Jones allowed just 4 hits over 8 innings. The then 23-year old would walk 9 in 5 and a third innings against the Stars a week later and is likely FABL all-time record holder for most walks issued by a pitcher in his big league debut. Code:
MOST WALKS IN A GAME BY A PITCHER NAME # DATE Ned Gamble, Mon 15 07/10/1898 David Brown, Phi 14 05/06/1901 John Harris, Pit 14 08/14/1894 Johnnie Jones, ChC 13 09/22/1941 Chuck Harris, Cle 13 07/10/1898 Ned Gamble, Mon 13 05/09/1895
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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02-22-2023, 12:09 PM
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#642 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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November 26, 1945
NOVEMBER 26, 1945 GOTHAMS ADD SHORTSTOP The New York Gothams took a step towards shoring up their infield defense with the acquisition of shortstop Gil London from the Detroit Dynamos. The price was expensive, more than some observers felt the 31 year old was worth, with the Gothams parting with their third round draft selection in January to close the deal. London, who spent seven seasons in Detroit before joining the Army last November, is a veteran of 770 big league games with a .258 career batting average. His minimal offensive production was not what drew the Gothams interest however, as London would rank among the better glovemen at shortstop in the Federal Association and will be a big upgrade on Mule Monier, who will shift to third base to make room for London. JIGGS McGEE's TAKE: While I have no doubt that London will be a defensive upgrade on Monier as the Gothams shortstop, he still not much better than league average, although in the shortstop-deprived Federal Association being league average is pretty solid. The problem I have is I can't shake the feeling the Gothams terribly overpaid for London. It is no secret as one rival General Manager quipped upon hearing the news "Wow. The Gothams really don't like to draft," and even in normal times it seems a stretch for London to command a third rounder. But the timing on this move makes it even worse since there seemed bound to be comparable players available for far less as we get closer to the season. Another GM summed it up perfectly by noting he felt that "London would have been on waivers before opening day." And that is the issue I have with this deal. Why in the world would the Gothams give away a third round draft for the type of player they could have acquired for no cost either thru the rule five draft, waivers or free agency? Maybe Detroit decides to hang on to London but there will be plenty of other options for New York. In fact there is one that would not have cost a third round draft pick sitting as a free agent right now. I am referring to Jack Bush, who was recently given his walking papers by Washington. Bush may be an even weaker hitter than London but is a at least as good a defender, if not better than the newest Gotham addition. Again, London will be a big upgrade with the glove on Monier. Of that there is no doubt. It is just that this feels like a deal the Gothams did not need to make right away and if they remained patient they would have found a solid defensive shortstop at far lower a price than what they paid for London.
YANKS, WASPS BOTH WIN Set Up Eastern Grid Showdown Sunday The Boston Americans and Washington Wasps each won again yesterday making their meeting next Sunday at Minutemen Stadium likely the deciding factor in which of the two will represent the Eastern Division and host the American Football Association championship game. Boston is 7-1 on the year after the Americans escaped Philadelphia with a hard fought 28-21 victory while the 7-2 Wasps had a surprisingly easy time in Chicago, downing the Wildcats 28-3. Washington's final game will be next weekend's meeting in Boston while the Yanks, who won 24-21 at Columbia Stadium early in the season, have two games remaining with a home date with New York on December 9 to end their season. The good news for Boston fans was Del Thomas, after not being able to throw due to an arm injury the past two weeks, was back under center for the Americans and it made all the difference in the world Sunday as Thomas threw for 196 yards and 4 touchdowns in the 28-21 win over Philadelphia. In Chicago, rookie Washington quarterback Bob Krohn had another big day, outdueling Gus Brown of the Wildcats by throwing for 182 yards and engineering a number of long drives the lead to a much easier than expected win for the visitors. The Chicago loss to Washington stung, as the Wildcats missed an opportunity to pull even with Detroit for the Western Division lead. The Maroons sputtered against the New York Stars, throwing 6 interceptions in a 35-24 loss. The Wildcats own the tiebreaker with 1 game remaining for each club but Chicago will need to win in Cleveland and hope Detroit comes up short in Cincinnati next Sunday for the Wildcats to repeat as Western Division champs. Last week's only other game took place on Thanksgiving Day when the Cincinnati Tigers beat St Louis 13-6 in a defensive struggle. The only touchdown on the day was scored when Ray Kurtzman broke free for a 73 yard scoring scamper for the Tigers with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. RECORD WATCH There are a couple of records that could fall next weekend
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AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STANDINGS EAST DIVISION W L T PCT Boston 7 1 0 .875 Washington 7 2 0 .778 New York 5 3 0 .625 Philadelphia 3 5 0 .375 Pittsburgh 3 5 0 .375 WEST DIVISION W L T PCT Detroit 6 3 0 .667 Chicago 5 4 0 .556 Cincinnati 4 5 0 .444 St Louis 2 7 0 .222 Cleveland 1 8 0 .111 Cincinnati 13 St Louis 6 Boston 28 Philadelphia 21 Washington 28 Chicago 3 New York 35 Detroit 24 UPCOMING GAMES SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 Philadelphia at New York Pittsburgh at St Louis Chicago at Cleveland Detroit at Cincinnati Washington at Boston Code:
AFA LEADERS SCORING PTS Vaught, Det 104 Douglas, Was 66 Lautzenheiser, Chi 48 Lennon, NYS 46 Reid, Was 42 LePage, Phi 42 Molloy, Bos 42 Littlejohn, Bos 42 PASSING COMP-ATT YDS TD INT Brown, Chi 137-253 1907 17 14 Krohn, Was 99-175 1586 10 12 Colvin, Cle 99-244 1233 8 19 D Thomas, Bos 107-171 1198 12 3 Anderson, Pit 73-169 965 8 14 RUSHING YDS TD LePage, Phi 727 6 B.Young, Bos 721 2 Lautzenheiser, Chi 462 3 Rochman, Was 418 5 Reid, Was 405 7 RECEIVING CAT YDS TD Vaught, Det 60 1091 12 Douglas, Was 54 1189 11 Nicholson, Cle 40 594 4 Lautzenheiser, Chi 38 639 5 Molloy, Bos 36 510 5 INERCEPTIONS # Smith, Was 7 Lautzenheiser, Chi 7 Clark, Bos 6 CHARGERS USE REGULARS SPARINGLY TO LACE PENSACOLA 58-0 Likely Participants in East-West Classic After Rome State Declines Alabama Baptist is likely Santa Ana bound after the Chargers overwhelmed Pensacola Naval Air station 58-0 to improve to 8-0 on the season. A Chargers victory next weekend over Northern Mississippi likely assures them a berth in the East-West Classic after word came from Rome State Friday that the Centurions will not participate in a Classic game. On Saturday the Chargers regulars were allowed to roll up a 21-0 lead in the first period but were used sparingly thereafter, but the second and third teams continued to outclass the Goslings and scored two touchdowns in the second, one in the third and three more in the fourth period. Alabama Baptist's star quarterback Willie Hubbard handled the ball only five times, carrying it three times for 21 yards and passing successfully once, for 12 yards, in two attempts. The unsuccessful toss hit his receiver, who dropped the ball. Detroit City College, it's goal on heading to California for New Year's Day now seemingly dependent on a Northern Mississippi upset, was in complete control before a sold out hometown crowd as they beat rival Central Ohio to secure the Great Lakes Alliance championship. The victory left the Knights a perfect 6-0 in section play and assured of a Classic bid. The question for Detroit City is will it be in Santa Ana, Dallas or New Orleans? Code:
TOP TEN RANKINGS LW RESULT 1- Rome State (8-0) 1 idle 2- Alabama Baptist (8-0) 2 W 58-0 Pensacola NAS (0-2) 3- Detroit City College (9-1) 3 W 27-0 Central Ohio (7-1-1) 4- St Blane (8-1) 5 W 38-6 Baton Rogue State (1-7) 5- Travis College (9-0) 4 idle 6- Annapolis Maritime (6-2) 6 idle 7- Eastern Oklahoma (8-0) 9 W 28-7 Oklahoma City State (5-5) 8- Cumberland (7-1) 10 W 26-0 Central Kentucky (2-7-1) 9- Miami State (9-0) NR W 23-0 St Ignatius (6-2-1) 10-Indiana A&M (8-1-1) NR W 24-16 Whitney College (5-4-1) DROPPED OUT LW RESULT Central Ohio (7-1-1) 7 L 27-0 Detroit City College (9-1) Maryland State (7-1) 8 L 34-10 Eastern State (7-1) RANKED SCHOOLS Alabama Baptist 58 Pensacola NAS 0 Detroit City College 27 Central Ohio 0 St. Blane 38 Baton Rouge State 6 Eastern Oklahoma 28 Oklahoma City State 7 Cumberland 26 Central Kentucky 0 Miami State 23 St. Ignatius 0 Indiana A&M 24 Whitney College 16 Eastern State 34 Maryland State 10 MIDWEST St. Magnus 17 Lincoln 6 Minnesota Tech 27 Wisconsin State 12 Daniel Boone College 17 Lawrence State 14 College of Omaha 24 Western Iowa 17 Wisconsin Catholic 20 Laclede 7 Northern Minnesota 43 Dearborn State 9 Topeka State 27 Lambert College 20 EAST Henry Hudson 10 Grafton 9 Sadler 16 George Fox 10 St. Patrick's 20 Commonwealth Catholic 0 Pierpont 43 Brunswick 0 Pittsburgh State 28 Liberty College 0 Ellery 17 Empire State 16 Dickson 21 Boston State 0 Bethlehem College 30 Eastern Virginia 13 Merchant Marine 29 Manhattan Tech 7 SOUTH Northern Mississippi 13 Mississippi A&M 6 Carolina Poly 20 North Carolina Tech 0 Coastal State 18 Georgia Baptist 7 Opelika State 48 Ruston Tech 0 Richmond State 31 Petersburg 0 Alexandria 24 Chesapeake State 21 U.S. Amphibians 20 Western Florida 17 Cowpens State 21 Columbia Military Academy 14 SOUTHWEST Texas Gulf Coast 17 Lubbock State 13 Amarillo Methodist 14 Red River State 6 South Valley State 24 College of Waco 0 Payne State 40 Arkansas A&T 7 FAR WEST Northern California 14 CC Los Angeles 0 Coastal California 23 Lane State 7 Spokane State 14 Rainier College 0 Boulder State 21 Mile High State 20 Provo Tech 17 Cache Valley 0 Mountainview State 41 Colorado Poly 14  COLLEGIATE CAGE HITS GROUND RUNNING The 1945-46 AIAA basketball season is now fully underway as all 213 schools have played at least one game. Among the schools that got off to quick 4-0 starts are Rainier College, Coastal California and Cumberland. Cumberland, the Deep South school out of Tennessee, was especially impressive with it's strong start as the Explorers followed up a win in the preseason West Coast Classic tournament in Salt Lake City with a win over the American Atlantic Pelicans. Cumberland is coming off 3 straight losing seasons including a 12-18 showing a year ago. The Explorers have not been invited to the National Championship Tournament since 1927 and have never won the Deep South Conference crown. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Mobile Maritime (64) 1-0 1787 1 South Atlantic Conference
2. Rainier College (5) 4-0 1678 3 West Coast Athletic Association
3. Detroit City College (3) 2-0 1672 2 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Western Iowa 2-0 1577 5 Great Lakes Alliance
5. North Carolina Tech 2-0 1459 6 South Atlantic Conference
6. CC Los Angeles 3-0 1346 4 West Coast Athletic Association
7. Miami State 2-0 1323 7 Independent
8. Liberty College 4-1 1221 14 Independent
9. Garden State 1-0 1193 8 Liberty Conference
10. Coastal State 1-0 1182 9 South Atlantic Conference
11. Bayou State 1-0 1072 10 Deep South Conference
12. Maryland State 1-0 975 11 South Atlantic Conference
13. Chesapeake State 2-0 956 16 South Atlantic Conference
14. Rome State 1-0 793 15 Independent
15. Noble Jones College 1-0 765 13 Deep South Conference
16. Texas Gulf Coast 3-0 563 24 Southwestern Alliance
17. Carolina Poly 1-1 537 18 South Atlantic Conference
18. Coastal California 4-0 462 19 West Coast Athletic Association
19. Lincoln 2-0 402 25 Great Lakes Alliance
20. Brooklyn State 3-1 358 22 Liberty Conference
21. Lane State 1-1 291 21 West Coast Athletic Association
22. Cumberland 4-0 264 23 Deep South Conference
23. Provo Tech 3-0 141 NR Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
24. Indiana A&M 0-0 124 NR Great Lakes Alliance
25. Eastern State 2-0 102 NR Independent
Others Receiving Votes:
Granville 3-0 94 Independent
Whitney College 0-0 91 Great Lakes Alliance
Brooklyn Catholic 2-0 85 Liberty Conference
Alexandria 2-0 80 South Atlantic Conference
Redwood 1-0 72 West Coast Athletic Association
Chicago Poly 2-0 59 Independent
Payne State 2-0 53 Midwestern Association
Freemont State 2-0 51 Midwestern Association
Georgia Baptist 2-0 50 Deep South Conference
Spokane State 1-0 41 West Coast Athletic Association
Berwick 2-0 38 Keystone Alliance
Brookland 2-0 37 Independent
MONDAY NOVEMBER 19 #5 North Carolina Tech 46 Lubbock State 27 #9 Garden State 47 St Gordius 24 #10 Coastal State 45 Middlesex 35 #12 Maryland State 39 Cleveland 38 #16 Texas Gulf Coast 39 Lawrence State 31 #19 Lincoln 36 American Atlantic 34 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20 #14 Rome State 51 Michigan Lutheran 42 #24 Eastern State 40 Bardney 27 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21 #2 Rainier College 42 Canton State 19 #8 Liberty College 51 Ellery 26 #13 Chesapeake State 47 St Matthew's College 46 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22 #1 Mobile Maritime 53 Mississippi Tech 27 #3 Detroit City College 57 Central Kentucky 39 #4 Western Iowa 53 St Patrick's 34 #5 North Carolina Tech 51 Johnston Tech 36 #11 Bayou State 54 Wichita Baptist 42 #16 Texas Gulf Coast 51 College of Waco 43 #19 Lincoln 37 Kansas Agricultural 36 #23 Provo Tech 39 Commonwealth Catholic 37 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23 #2 Rainier College 47 Sadler 29 #13 Chesapeake State 42 Northern California 41 #20 Brooklyn State 52 Henry Hudson 43 #25 Eastern State 49 College of San Diego 40 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24 #3 Detroit City College 49 Queen City 28 #4 Western Iowa 53 Topeka State 31 #7 Miami State 37 Mississippi Tech 28 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25 #8 Liberty College 50 Sadler 35 #16 Texas Gulf Coast 56 Alabama Baptist 46 #18 Coastal California 48 North Shore 31 #22 Cumberland 54 American Atlantic 49 POPINSKI SUFFERS FIRST LOSS Pietrek 'Soda' Popinski suffered his first career loss after the 26 year old Polish welterweight was steamrolled in Rome by Italian fight veteran Nico Randazzo. It was the second fight since before the war for each of the fighters and on this date the 37 year old Randazzo dominated, scoring a unanimous decision in the 10 rounder to run his record to 12-1. Popinski, who was born in Poland but now lives in England falls to 8-1. After the bout Popinski confirmed he was moving to the United States and would settle in Chicago, where he plans to continue his pro career. NOTABLE RESULTS FROM LAST WEEK Louisville, KY: Boston Bob Cooley (5-0) scores a majority decision in 6 rounds over Joe Bauer (2-2). Heavyweights. New Orleans: Dave Gwynne (16-12-3) won by unanimous decision in 10 round heavyweight bout with Richard Snyder (21-17-2) Blackpool, Eng: Alex Fullard (12-5-2) scores majority decision in 10 round middleweight fight with Theo Pamer (23-11-2) UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS Dec 8 Archie Rees vs Jean Desmarais for the European Middleweight Title in London, Eng. Feb 8 Hector Sawyer defends his World Heavyweight title against Leo Carmichael in Detroit Mar 9 Dennis O'Keefe vs Carl Taylor for vacant World Welterweight Tite in New York at Bigsby Garden TBA (in May) Frank Melanson defends his World Middleweight Title in a rematch wth Todd Gill at Sailors Memorial Philadelphia The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 11/25/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER- The two teams that have gone the longest without winning a pennant are the Montreal Saints and St Louis Pioneers. The duo actually met in the 1921 series in which Montreal beat Max Morris and the Pioneers in 7 games. It was back to back pennants for St Louis as the Pioneers had been Cleveland in that famous 1920 Series in which Morris had been dealt from the Foresters to the Pioneers the previous off-season. Since 1921 the Pioneers have finished second in the Federal Association 4 times but have not claimed the flag. Montreal has not won since the '21 Series victory and spent a lot of seasons well off the pace but the Saints came very close to winning in 1930 when they were tied with Baltimore for second place just 2 games back of the Philadelphia Sailors. As for the second half of the question- Who has gone the longest without winning the WCS? That one has been well documented in recent years when the Pittsburgh Miners won 3 Federal Association pennants in a 4 year span but failed to win the WCS each time. The Miners have not won the Series since 1901, going 0-for-5 in WCS since that date.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 02-24-2023 at 12:55 PM. |
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02-23-2023, 10:19 AM
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#643 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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December 3, 1945
DECEMBER 3, 1945 BIGSBY IN BID FOR GREAT WESTERN CLUB? It's the hot stove season and that means the diamond rumor mill is chugging along at high speed. The latest, coming all the way from Los Angeles, California is that New York-born Thomas X. Bigsby (yes, of *those* Bigsbys) has made a bid to purchase a Great Western League ballclub. Which club? Well, that's where things are murky. Three GWL clubs are currently affiliated with the big boys back East. Those three are Los Angeles (Stars), Oakland (Pioneers) and San Francisco (Sailors). Bigsby is purportedly interested in a "Los Angeles-area" club. So that would eliminate all but two GWL units - the aforementioned LA Stars and their crosstown rivals, the independent Hollywood Heroes. A retired Colonel in the United States Army and veteran of the late war, Tom Bigsby himself refused to address the rumors, but was spotted in Los Angeles having lunch with none other than the owners of the Lone Star Association's Dallas and Houston ballclubs (Paul Burnett and John Mark, respectively). The latter pair served with Bigsby in Europe and are rumored to be considering launching a direct competitor to FABL itself - something that has not been seen since the "base ball wars" ended in 1891. Could the trio be joining forces? New York Stars owner Albert Mielke declined to comment beyond saying "We have a contract with the Los Angeles club. I expect them to honor that contract regardless of who owns the club." FABL President Sam Benton was even more blunt, saying, "The Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco clubs have ironclad contracts with the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues and when I say ironclad, I mean just that." DETROIT-GOTHAMS PIPELINE BACK AT WORK Dynamos Make Deals With Both New York Nines This Week The Detroit Dynamos and New York Gothams made another trade this past week. A small deal sending outfielder Hub Parks, who is returning after 3 years in the Navy from New York to Detroit in exchange for the Dynamos 8th round draft pick. Yes, you read it correctly- the Gothams added a draft pick. I sure hope there is some sort of travel discount arranged by the two clubs with the rail route from the Big Apple to the Motor City. A glance at the rosters of each of the two clubs shows just how much cross-over their is. A total of 14 players currently on the secondary roster of the two clubs was acquired directly from the other team and that is not counting all the draft picks that have transferred from the Gothams to Detroit in recent years: DETROIT DYNAMOS who were former Gothams- Leon Drake, Don Hersey, Wally Hunter, Jim Lonardo, Fred Ratcliffe, Rick York and now Hub Parks. NEW YORK GOTHAMS who were former Dynamos- Pete Casstevens, Harry Frenette, Red Johnson, Gil London, Marcus Mangum, Sal Pestilli, Dan Rogers. The Dynamos also sent a 5th round draft pick to the other New York team, acquiring 23 year old minor league outfielder George Fitzgerald from the Stars. An 8th round pick in 1941 out of a Texas High School, Fitzgerald last played in 1942 at the Class B level before joining the Army Air Corps. OSA places him 184th on it's current prospect rankings. DYNAMOS RESPOND TO MCGEE'S COMMENTS ON LONDON DEAL From Detroit management in response to comments made by Jiggs McGee and unnamed rival General Managers regarding the Gil London trade to the New York Gothams. I’ll set the record straight from the Detroit perspective. I can guarantee that Gil London would not have been left exposed to the Rule 5 draft. He also would have made the Opening Day roster in Detroit. The Dynamos though are moving towards a very young infield this season. 2B Del Johnson came up in late August to a solid start to his career. 19 year old SS Stan Kleminski will get every opportunity to win the starting job in spring and be the long time double play combo with Johnson for years to come. If Stan wasn’t quite ready Gil would have been there to hold the spot, but we also have SS Hank Grant. So why the deal? While London had a fantastic season in 1944 and had his career best year with the bat. He will never be a great hitter. The fact he had that hitting season playing 2B instead of SS also made the Dynamos wonder if playing the high pressure SS position distracted him at the plate thus leading to the better season while playing 2B. London is a good defensive SS but was never able to be the guy at SS in Detroit because he struggled so much with the bat. The Dynamos grabbed a veteran several years ago off the scrap heap in Cleveland (George Dawson) and revived his career before they turned him into a top round draft pick. Youth is going to be severed in Detroit who also has Win Hamby coming back from his military duty. Hamby I’ll likely audition at 3B with Grant to see if either are capable of playing the hot corner. Some might ask about Constantine Peters and he will be in the lineup somewhere with his versatility but again Detroit is looking young on the dirt. The OF is another story but we could see top prospect Hackberry in CF a lot this spring. GM Martin wanted to regain a 3rd pick and getting the 3.3 pick was very desirable as Detroit shifts it’s attention to the amateur draft and to a lesser extent the Rule 5. But he did state that once he gets in contact with several players returning, his 40 man roster will become much fuller. Jiggs sure does like to expound on just about everything. And honestly, he's not too far off course with his opinions concerning this deal. Sure the Gothams could have waited. Maybe someone similar would have come along. Maybe not. But then Jiggs got into suggesting other options out there, as he is wont to do. So I posed these questions to Asst GM Frank Escoe. Red: Frank, can I ask why now for the London deal? Escoe: Why not? A player we liked was available so we got him. Red: Why not wait until Rule 5, or spring training cuts? Escoe: We wanted to have our big league club set. And right now we do, at least with the lineup. We wanted to be sure we had someone in place so that Mule (Monier) can concentrate fully on getting comfortable at third. Red: Jiggs suggested there were cheaper players available now. Escoe: Ha! I saw his article. I'll give Jiggs credit, he's always got a suggestion. But Jack Bush? Now I'm sure Jack is a fine person, but that's an insult to Gil London. Gil is a two time all star, including last season. At 31 he's still younger than Bush, has better range and in our opinion a better glove. Gil's bat has improved in recent years. Bush is barely hitting his weight for his career. I believe he's below .200. No, London gives us a decent bat in the 8 spot and a consistent glove to help our pitchers. Red: So you're satisfied with the lineup? Escoe: I think we matchup well with any of the FA squads. Red: Thanks Frank, let's talk pitching another time. Escoe: Sure thing. Maybe we should ask Jiggs first. THE VALUE OF A HIGH THIRD ROUND PICK By Jiggs McGee There has been some blowback out of New York regarding my comments on the Gothams spending a high third round pick to acquire Gil London from Detroit. First let me reiterate as I said in my analysis of the trade that London is a definite upgrade on Monier with the glove. My concern is about the price as I feel a third round pick (especially so high in the third) was too much to give up -but that is my way of valuing picks and I understand not everyone else shares the same belief- and the big thing is that I am pretty certain there will be other shortstops with a decent glove available at zero cost between now and Opening Day. I guess my question to the Gothams is would you rather have Gil London or some yet to be named player that might be a slightly weaker defensively (but still a big upgrade on Monier) but could be acquired without any cost plus retaining your third round draft pick? That pick is in a slot that over the past five years has yielded a player OSA calls a future Allen Award winner? Clearly a no brainer there and before you say who is going to get a future Allen Award winning prospect in round 3. Well within the past 5 years we have one drafted with the exact same pick as the Gothams just dealt to Detroit. In fact there were also 2 pretty solid prospects taken in the last five years with that pick as well, and four of those selections came during the rather restrictive era when the third had to be used on a player from the club's home region. Here are the details to back up my case: Let's take a look at the round 3, pick 3 selections over the past five years. The Gothams pick dealt to Detroit will be pick 3 of the 3rd so 35th overall. Below is a look at the players selected with pick 35 in the past 5 years. 1945- George Brown 1B Cleveland -prospect rank #116: 19 year old hit .327 in first taste of pro ball. OSA calls him a future second division starter, so a serviceable big league regular. It remains to be seen if Brown will be that and is chances in Cleveland are tough because the Foresters have two other highly touted 1B prospects in Ivey Henley and Lorenzo Samuels but he could also become a solid trade piece to package in a deal. Hard to estimate but in my mind Brown is the type of player with some value, primarily as a trade chip prospect combined with others that could be moved to fill a need. 1944- Jack Entringer P Detroit - Pitched pretty well at Class C as an 18 year old in 1944 with a couple of starts in B. Did get hurt so might be a worry down the road but missed all of '45 in the Air Corps. OSA does not like him and I felt he was a reach at pick 35 at the time (My Scouting Director had Entringer 25th among only pitchers on his draft board. Lets call him a bust. However, this was when the regional round rule was in place for the third round and Detroit had to select a player from Michigan or one of it's neighbouring states. 1943- Wally Boyer CF Brooklyn- prospect rank #203: Went right about were mock draft projected him (38th) and was #26 among hitters on my SD list. A couple years later looks like a potential big league leadoff man: great baserunner, good strike zone recognition but may not be more than average contact hitter according to OSA although my SD says "he hits with his hands, stays inside the ball and works it up the middle." Stats look a little above average as a defensive CF at Class B as a 20 year old last season with a .281/.344/.370 slash line. Not sure where he will end up but Boyer has a lot of things many of us look for in a CF. Good trade chip at the very least. 1942- Ed Montague 2B Montreal - 25 year old made his big league debut last season. Adequate defense with a league average hitting stroke according to my SD, who says he should contribute at the big league level, but more as a supplement than a star. Hit .301 in limit exposure at AAA last season but spent a ton of time sitting on the bench in Montreal. - Jury is out but lets call him a career AAA guy on a good team. 1941- Charlie Waddell P Keystones - prospect rank #11: And here is why third round picks are worth far more than a 31 year old Gil London in my opinion. Future Allen Award winner according to OSA. My SD is not quite as sold but still feels Waddell will be a pitcher with the potential to anchor a rotation. He has missed two years while in the Navy but is still just 23 years old and you have to think at the very least -as long as he stays healthy- Waddell will be a decent big league pitcher. SUMMARY Over the last 5 drafts the slot the Gothams gave up for Gil London have produced:
WILD FINISH GIVES YANKS EAST CROWN Boston to Face Detroit in Title Game Del Thomas threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jim Walsh on 4th and goal with 13 seconds remaining in the game to lift Boston to a 24-21 win over Washington and clinch the American Football Association Eastern Division title. It was the culmination of a wild fourth quarter that had 43,000 fans at Minutemen Stadium on the edge of their seats as emotions ran the full range from despondent to ecstatic. Led by Thomas, who would pass for 207 yards on the day, the Americans led 10-7 at the half in a game in which the winner would move on to the AFA title game but Washington took the lead in the third quarter on a 10 yard touchdown run from Ed Alexander. That go-ahead score came after Thomas had made his only big mistake of the day-throwing an interception deep in Washington territory when it seemed the Americans were assured of extending their lead. The remainder of the third quarter and early in the fourth saw the fans growing increasingly impatient as the Yanks offense could not get a sustained drive going but it was the Boston defense that came up with the big play. John Marcantonio scooped up a fumble from Washington rookie quarterback Bob Krohn and rumbled 30 yards into the end zone to put Boston back in front by a 17-14 count with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Krohn has had a terrific rookie campaign and quickly set out to atone for his error. Following the post-score kick-off Krohn engineered a 72 yard drive that lasted over 7 minutes, culminating in a 5 yard touchdown pass to Johnny Douglas, who is quickly establishing himself as star end of a calibre only previously seen in Detroit with the great Stan Vaught. The 5-yard touchdown and Krohn's extra point put the Waps up 21-17 and just over 3 minutes away from what would be their first ever appearance in the AFA title game. But Del Thomas is one of the best players in the game for a reason. He started on his own 14 yard line with 2:56 on the clock and the season on the line. The drive looked stalled on a 4th and 2 on the Americans 22 yard line but Thomas surprised the Washington defense -which was expecting a run- with a 14 yard pass to Jim Walsh to keep the playoff hopes alive. Next was a quick 14 yarder to Tom Molloy, who had a game high 7 receptions, followed by a huge 36 yard pass to Molloy. With 55 seconds left Thomas connected with Tom Bowens for 13 yards that put the ball on the Washington 1-yard line with a first and goal. Three straight incompletions set up a 4th down for the final play of the game. All 42,000 fans had their hearts in their mouths as Thomas dropped back again to pass. This time he found Walsh who cradled the ball and set off a jubilant celebration everywhere in the stadium except for the obviously shocked Washington bench. ***Maroons Win West *** There was far less drama in the Western Division although entering the day the Chicago Wildcats did have a shot at dethroning the Detroit Maroons. Chicago needed a win in Cleveland and a Detroit loss in Cincinnati but neither happened as the Wildcats, forced to play without injured star quarterback Gus Brown, were beaten 21-7 by the Finches while the Maroons dumped the Cincinnati Tigers 28-17. Elsewhere the Pittsburgh Paladins had a 74 yard fumble return and a 31 yard interception return in the final six and a half minutes of the ballgame to rally past the hometown St Louis Ramblers 21-7. The win is the 4th in the last 5 games for the Paladins, who started the season with 4 straight losses. The other game last week saw the nightmare season for the defending champion Philadelphia Frigates continue as the Frigates dropped to 3-6 on the year with a 17-14 loss in New York to the Stars. Philadelphia still has one game remaining, at home to Pittsburgh next Sunday, to try and halt their 5 game losing skid that followed a 3-1 start to the season. *** First Title Meeting *** The 1945 championship game will mark the first time that Boston and Detroit have played with the title on the line despite the fact that one of them has been in 5 of the previous 6 championship contests. The Americans won in 1939 and 1942 but came up short in the 1943 game with all three against Chicago. Detroit lost to Brooklyn in 1940 and to Philadelphia last year. The Maroons are 1-3 in title games since the format began in 1933 with their only win coming against Pittsburgh in 1936. Boston is 2-1 in championship contests. Code:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STANDINGS EAST DIVISION W L T PCT Boston 8 1 0 .889 Washington 7 3 0 .700 New York 6 3 0 .667 Pittsburgh 4 5 0 .444 Philadelphia 3 6 0 .333 WEST DIVISION W L T PCT Detroit 7 3 0 .700 Chicago 5 5 0 .500 Cincinnati 4 6 0 .400 St Louis 2 8 0 .200 Cleveland 2 8 0 .200 New York 17 Philaelphia 14 Pittsburgh 21 St Louis 7 Cleveland 21 Chicago 7 Detroit 28 Cincinnati 17 Boston 24 Washington 21 UPCOMING GAMES SUNDAY DECEMBER 9 New York at Boston Pittsburgh at Philadelphia end of regular season Code:
AFA LEADERS SCORING PTS Vaught, Det 108 Douglas, Was 72 Lennon, NYS 51 Lautzenheiser, Chi 48 LePage, Phi 48 Littlejohn, Bos 48 PASSING COMP-ATT YDS TD INT Brown, Chi 137-253 1907 17 14 Krohn, Was 116-200 1738 12 12 D Thomas, Bos 126-206 1405 13 4 Colvin, Cle 102-256 1252 9 19 Anderson, Pit 78-182 1073 9 15 RUSHING YDS TD B.Young, Bos 767 3 LePage, Phi 744 6 Lautzenheiser, Chi 484 3 Rochman, Was 436 5 Reid, Was 420 7 RECEIVING CAT YDS TD Vaught, Det 62 1116 12 Douglas, Was 58 1221 12 Molloy, Bos 43 642 5 Nicholson, Cle 41 596 5 Lautzenheiser, Chi 40 655 5 INERCEPTIONS # Smith, Was 7 Lautzenheiser, Chi 7 Christensen, Cin 6 Clark, Bos 6 AFA MILESTONES REACHED THIS SEASON
ROME STATE HOLDS OFF ANNAPOLIS MARITIME For the second year in succession, Rome State reigns as the national football champion. Before President Truman, members of his cabinet, many of the highest ranking Army and Navy officers and over 40,000 other half-frozen spectators, the Centurions vaunted offense narrowly defeated Annapolis Maritime 31-27 to run their winning streak to 18 games. With a crushing first period offensive, Rome State took a 21-0 lead, but thereafter the army cadets, heralded as perhaps the greatest in Rome State history, was forced to fight doggedly against an Annapolis Maritime eleven that refused to quite until the final whistle. The Navigators, who had an up and down season with two previous losses, were at their best on this afternoon but were victimized chiefly by fullback Chet Donelson and halfback Gus Thompson, all-American stars of 1944 and likely to repeat again this season, who accounted for all 4 of Rome State's touchdowns. Thrice did Donelson, the 205-pound line-cracker from McColl, S.C., cross the Annapolis Maritime goal -once after intercepting a pass- while Thompson, the speedy Los Angeles, Calif., boy scored early on a 48 yard jaunt. The Rome State line was all that it had been rated and the combination was too much for the Navigators to overcome, although they came far closer to matching the Centurions than expected by bettors, who gave Rome State a 27-point margin. Unbeaten Alabama Baptist gave an amazing demonstration of speed, power and passing to run up an overwhelming 41-0 homecoming day victory over a highly regarded Northern Mississippi eleven. The win ended an ubeaten season for the 9-0 Chargers, who learned immediately after the game they were Santa Ana bound for the East-West Classic. Willie Hubbard's running and passing were once again the difference maker as the sophomore from Hoover, Al., had one of his best days, completing 13 of 19 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, and getting 96 yards rushing on 11 tries. Three other major schools completed their seasons with unblemished records. Travis College ran its mark to 10-0 with Southwestern Alliance title clinching 21-7 win over Darnell State while independent Miami State also improved to 10-0 with a 28-10 win over Opelika State. Eastern Oklahoma finished up its season a week ago to come in at 8-0. Code:
TOP TEN RANKINGS LW RESULT 1- Rome State (9-0) 1 W 31-27 Annapolis Maritime (6-3) 2- Alabama Baptist (9-0) 2 W 41-0 Northern Mississippi (7-2) 3- Detroit City College (9-1) 3 idle 4- Travis College (10-0) 5 W 21-7 Darnell State (6-4) 5- Annapolis Maritime (6-3) 6 L 31-27 Rome State (9-0) 6- Eastern Oklahoma (8-0) 7 idle 7- Cumberland (8-1) 8 W 27-0 Bluegrass State (2-7) 8- Miami State (10-0) 9 W 28-10 Opelika State (5-4-1) 9- St Blane (8-2) 4 L 26-17 Great Lakes Navy (5-4-1) 10-Indiana A&M (8-1-1) 10 idle CLASSIC MATCHUP SET The big game on New Year's will feature second ranked Alabama Baptist putting it's perfect 9-0 record on the line against Golden Gate University in California's East-West Classic. It will mark the Chargers fourth trip west for New Year's. They are 3-1 in Santa Ana with their most recent result being a 37-17 win over Redwood in 1935. It will be the first appearance for Golden Gate as the Grizzlies earned the berth despite not being a member of the West Coast Athletic Association on the strength of their wins during the season over both Coastal California and CC Los Angeles. Alabama Baptist is expected to be a heavy favourite but any result -not matter how lobsided it might be- is not expected to be enough to vault the Chargers past Rome State and into number one in the final rankings. Here is the complete list of the seven Classic games including two new entries in the Oilman Classic from Houston, and Tampa's Bayside Classic. Code:
CLASSIC LOCATION TEAMS East-West Santa Ana,Ca Alabama Baptist 9-0 Golden Gate University 6-1 Lone Star Austin, Tx Detroit City Coll. 9-1 Travis College 10-0 Sunshine Miami, Fl Miami State 10-0 St Blane 8-2 Cajun New Orleans,La Eastern State 7-2 Eastern Oklahoma 8-0 Desert El Paso, Tx South Valley State 6-0-1 Central Ohio 7-1-1 Oilman Houston, Tx Payne State 7-2-1 Noble Jones College 8-2 Bayside Tampa, Fl Maryland State 7-2 St Patrick's 6-1-2 RANKED SCHOOLS Rome State 31 Annapolis Maritime 27 Alabama Baptist 41 Northern Mississippi 0 Travis College 21 Darnell State 7 Miami State 28 Opelika State 10 Cumberland 27 Bluegrass State 0 Great Lakes Navy 26 St. Blane 17 OTHERS Coastal California 9 CC Los Angeles 9 Noble Jones College 26 Georgia Baptist 7 Bayou State 34 Baton Rouge State 7 Portland Tech 6 Lane State 3 Western Tennessee 28 Mississippi A&M 20 Edgemoor 41 Charleston (IL) 7 Lubbock State 22 Red River State 7 Northern California 24 Golden Gate University Pre-Flight 0 Columbia Military Academy 13 Maryland State 12 North Carolina Tech 21 Eastern State 21 Amarillo Methodist 10 Texas Gulf Coast 10 Payne State 55 Hondo Field 0 Coastal State 31 Cowpens State 6 Dickson 14 George Fox 9 San Clemente 27 Lambert College 24  TWIFB DARKHOUSE PICK MOBILE MARITIME OFF TO STRONG START The Mobile Maritime Middies were a college basketball team to watch according the last month's collegiate cage preview and in the early going the South Atlantic Conference school has certainly lived up to that billing. Although it is very early and certainly a lot of change will come over the next few months, the Middies presently are ranked #1 in the nation and confidence is high the Alabama school may be on its way to its best season since reaching the National Semifinals in 1933-34. Danny Garcia, a junior forward out of Tallulah, La., has led the way in the early going including a career best 19 point effort in a 71-33 blow out win over Strub College in Pittsburgh last week. Garcia leads the team in scoring with 13.7 ppg but is closely followed by senior center Rich Brawner, who is also among the AIAA rebound leaders in the early going. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Mobile Maritime (68) 3-0 1793 1 South Atlantic Conference
2. Rainier College (2) 5-0 1687 2 West Coast Athletic Association
3. Western Iowa (2) 4-0 1681 4 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Miami State 4-0 1518 7 Independent
5. North Carolina Tech 3-0 1480 5 South Atlantic Conference
6. Liberty College 5-1 1432 8 Independent
7. CC Los Angeles 3-0 1373 6 West Coast Athletic Association
8. Coastal State 3-0 1352 10 South Atlantic Conference
9. Noble Jones College 3-0 1226 15 Deep South Conference
10. Rome State 2-0 1119 14 Independent
11. Coastal California 5-0 913 18 West Coast Athletic Association
12. Texas Gulf Coast 3-0 889 16 Southwestern Alliance
13. Brooklyn State 4-1 845 20 Liberty Conference
14. Whitney College 2-0 723 NR Great Lakes Alliance
15. Brookland 5-0 655 NR Independent
16. Detroit City College 2-1 640 3 Great Lakes Alliance
17. Lane State 1-1 552 21 West Coast Athletic Association
18. Freemont State 4-0 528 NR Midwestern Association
19. Jersey City Tech 3-0 470 NR Liberty Conference
20. Redwood 2-0 386 NR West Coast Athletic Association
21. Central Ohio 3-1 297 NR Great Lakes Alliance
22. Garden State 2-1 283 9 Liberty Conference
23. Georgia Baptist 2-0 280 NR Deep South Conference
24. Spokane State 2-0 267 NR West Coast Athletic Association
25. Rose Point (PA) 3-0 184 NR Keystone Alliance
Others Receiving Votes:
East Missouri Seminary 2-0 176 Independent
Bayou State 1-1 131 Deep South Conference
Chesapeake State 2-1 112 South Atlantic Conference
Cowpens State 1-0 99 South Atlantic Conference
Fond du Lac 2-0 97 Central Athletic Alliance
Bluegrass State 1-0 92 Deep South Conference
Meade 1-0 58 Keystone Alliance
Three Rivers State 1-0 46 Keystone Alliance
Mississippi A&M 2-1 16 Deep South Conference
MONDAY NOVEMBER 26 #3 Western Iowa 51 Plover College 27 #4 Miami State 48 Chespeake State 27 #15 Brookland 48 Penn Catholic 46 #19 Jersey City Tech 45 Kansas Agricultural 29 Bardney 48 #22 Garden State 46 #25 Rose Point (PA) 39 Eastern Virigina 25 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 #8 Coastal State 42 Boston State 31 #24 Spokane State 44 California Catholic 35 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28 #1 Mobile Maritime 71 Strub College 33 #6 Liberty College 46 Allentown State 44 #14 Whitney College 45 Grant (IN) 36 #15 Brookland 38 Western State 35 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 #2 Rainier College 48 Bliss College 33 #9 Noble Jones College 54 Huntington State 32 #10 Rome State 50 Laclede 34 #19 Jersey City Tech 44 Ogdensburg 27 #22 Garden State 44 Ohio Poly 41 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30 #4 Miami State 54 Boston State 26 Hartford Wesleyan 46 #16 Detroit City College 44 #18 Freemont State 37 College of Waco 28 #21 Central Ohio 53 Central Kentucky 42 #25 Rose Point (PA) 53 Mississippi Tech 45 SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 #1 Mobile Maritime 43 American Atlantic 35 #11 Coastal California 54 Brandywine 39 #14 Whitney College 56 Bayou State 51 SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 #3 Western Iowa 57 Oklahoma Bible College 48 #5 North Carolina Tech 38 Ohio Poly 37 #8 Coastal State 47 Mississippi Tech 27 #9 Noble Jones College 33 Lincoln 29 #13 Brooklyn State 58 St Pancras 46 #15 Brookland 48 Charleston Tech 45 #18 Freemont State 42 Wyoming A&I 35 #20 Redwood 61 Golden Gate 45 #21 Central Ohio 45 Cumberland 34 NO CHANGE IN MONTHLY RING RANKINGS November was a quiet month as none of the top ranked boxers in any of the weight divisions saw action last month. Other than Scott 'The Chef' Baker celebrating his 26th birthday and turning a year older, there were no changes at all within the top six in each division. That will change next month, at least in the middleweight division as former World Champion Archie Rees is set to face a man once considered one of the greatest middleweights of all-time when he squares off against Jean Desmarais in London, England this weekend with the European Title on the line. Rees, who held the world middleweight belt for nearly 4 years before losing to Frank Melanson in Philadelphia last June, is making his first appearance since that defeat. He is 35-5-1 for his career and will be facing Desmarais for the first time, although had the war not intervened they would have met for the title several years ago. The 29 year old Desmarais is a perfect 35-0 after making his first appearance in the ring since before the war against fellow Frenchman Jean Raymond in September. There were rumours during the war that Desmarais had been killed by the Nazis and contact was lost with him for over two years but he was found by Allied troops while he was working for the French Resistance shortly after the allies had liberated Paris. Both fighters have confirmed that the winner of their bout expects a title shot with Melanson, or Todd Gill if the challenger defeats him in May. *** Fountain to Face Price *** A pair of highly ranked heavyweights will meet in New York on December 15. Top contender Mark Fountain, who is 19-2-1 will square off in his hometown against Florida contender Matt Price (27-4-4). Fountain is presently listed as the number one contender for Hector Sawyer's title while Price slots in as number 4 on the TWIFB monthly rankings. Books O'Connor -the #4 middleweight contender- will be in action on December 20 when he heads down to Miami for what should really just be a tune-up bout with Bob Hinkle. Finally a trio of welterweights from our top six are in action this month as Wayne Dunn faces Mitchell McFadden (22-2-1) in St Louis in December 18, Baby Face Bishop tussles with Harold Stephens (14-3-2) in Pittsburgh on December 20 and George Gibbs puts his perfect 14-0 record on the line in Washington DC on December 30 against Jeff Wolf (11-1).  UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 12/02/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER - With Bob Martin and Bobby Barrell possibly both reaching the 3,000 hit mark this season the last time two players reached the 3,000 plateau in the same year was in 1923 and the duo actually each joined the 3000-club within a week of each other. On August 26, 1923 John Dibblee, who would end up second behind only Powell Slocum with 3,913 hits for his career, reached 3,000. Four days later Joe Ward joined him with hit #3,000 in a career that saw the long-time Montreal Saints infielder finish with 3,127 career hits. Both Dibblee, who spent his entire career with the Chicago Cougars, and Ward are in the Hall of Fame.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 02-24-2023 at 12:54 PM. |
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02-24-2023, 11:54 AM
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All Star Reserve
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December 10, 1945
DECEMBER 10, 1945 STORM CLOUDS BREWING AS 'OUTLAWS' PLAN CHALLENGE TO FABL By John Brinker, New York Daily Mirror t has been over 40 years since the sport of baseball has seen the like: an "outlaw" outfit rising to challenge the status quo. All those years ago it was the Peerless League, whose challenge was a short-lived one but the repercussions of that challenge led to the formation of the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues shortly thereafter. Now there is a new (and for now, potential) challenger on the horizon. That horizon lies in the West, where FABL has no presence, aside from minor league affiliations and even those are limited in number. Two owners in the independent Lone Star Association, denied entry into FABL itself, are looking to create a third "major" league to take on Sam Benton and his band of sixteen Merry Men (aka the FABL club owners). Making matters more dire is the presence of Thomas X. Bigsby, an ex-US Army Colonel with a famous name (some would say infamous) and the wealth of that famous family behind him. Bigsby has made it obvious, without outright speaking it aloud, that he wishes to own a ballclub in Los Angeles, California, home to two Class AAA clubs in the Great Western League, one of which is affiliated with FABL's New York Stars. And it is believed that those Los Angeles Stars are the team upon which Bigsby has lain his eagle eye. There are reportedly others in this cabal (as Sam Benton has dubbed them) of wealthy individuals seeking to challenge FABL. Two of these so-far unnamed moguls are linked to the GWL's clubs in San Francisco and Oakland, which are also affiliated with FABL clubs (the Philadelphia Sailors & St. Louis Pioneers respectively). The rumor mill, churning at flank speed these days, also mentions the Portland and Seattle clubs of the GWL as likely members of the new, as yet unnamed, circuit. That would increase the membership to seven, begging the question: whither the eighth club (as there will surely be an eighth club) ? Denver, San Antonio, Vancouver and even Mexico City have been mentioned. But no one's talking. Yet. MAJOR SHAKE-UP! DYNAMOS, KINGS HAVE NEW GMs, CANNONS LEFT SCRAMBLING Some surprising news out of Detroit last week set off a chain reaction that left two clubs with new General Managers and a third suddenly scrambling to fill a vacancy. It all started when Freddie Farhat of the Detroit World broke the news that Dynamos owner Powell Thompson had fired DD Martin after a decade of running the Detroit ballclub. Later the same day Thompson announced that his ballclub had hired Tiger Fan away from the Cincinnati Cannons, a club that Tiger Fan had run since 1940 and led to 3 straight Continental Association pennants and a pair of World Championship Series victories. That left Cincinnati owner John Tice with a hole to fill as his club prepares to try to set a Continental Association record by winning 4 consecutive pennants. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Kings -who had underachieved since Tiger Fan left them after nearly a decade and a half to take the Cincinnati position- acted quickly to sign Martin to a contract. So when the dust settled Martin was in Brooklyn, Tiger Fan in Detroit and the Cannons in limbo. As if there was not enough uncertainty already in the league with all of the players returning from the war, the front office shake-ups have just made things even more unpredictable. More details on each of the changes are in the following local newspaper articles.  I reached out to Martin for comment and he simply stated that the time was right to step away. Martin has stated that he will have more comments and will give us the exclusive interview. As to where the Dynamo's go now is anyone's guess. Has Thompson already reached a deal to replace Martin? Will Martin retire from baseball or will he find employment elsewhere in the FABL, or even the rumored "Western League". It is noted that Martin is a West Coast guy and more importantly a Pacific NW guy, but also spent his college days in San Diego. The focus now will be what happens with the Dynamo's. They have a solid farm system with several highly touted prospects ready or near ready to take the stage. Could that and the returning players from military service finally get Detroit that 1st place spot they so covet? The Dynamo's haven't won the Federal Association since 1929 and despite all the fanfare and his best efforts, the Dynamo's didn't reach the summit in Martin's 10+ seasons in charge.  TIGER FAN JOINS DYNAMOS The Detroit Dynamos wasted no time announcing their new General Manager as Tiger Fan, who guided both Brooklyn and Cincinnati to a total of 7 pennants and 3 World Championship Series victories over the past two decades, has decided to make his first foray in to the Federal Association. The long-time Continental Association General Manager had been in the league since 1925 and Detroit will become the third organization he has been employed by. The position opened when Detroit owner Powell Thompson announced a short time ago that DD Martin -who had headed the club for the past decade- was fired. There had been rumours that Thompson and Tiger Fan had been discussing the move for several weeks but neither would comment one way or another, citing that there was no need to stir up potential wounds in other parties. The move takes place immediately and with the blessing of Cincinnati owner Mike Tice, who admitted regret that the only general manager he has had since purchasing the Cannons and moving them from Baltimore is leaving, but said he understand the Tiger Fan's desire for a new challenge. Tice also confirmed that the Cannons had not had any talks with Martin. "We have not had time to meet with anyone," said Tice. "Tiger Fan did tell me he wanted to be allowed to pursue other options -due to some interests outside baseball- when we signed our recent contract extension and I gave him permission to do so. He has left this organization in a much better place than when he arrived, and with 3 pennants and two WCS wins so now we will begin a new search for the next General Manager of this great franchise. The main reason for the move was a surprising one, and according to Tiger Fan it had little to do with baseball. "I am at the stage of my FABL career where I want to branch out into other things and I have been fortunate enough to purchase a small ownership stake in the Detroit Motors hockey franchise. I had hoped to become involved in the day-to-day operation of that club as well as my baseball responsibilities and this position with the Dynamos allows me the ability to do just that. I am also quite certain I will have no problem handling both roles. Mr. (Dynamos owner Powell) Thompson is fully aware of what drew me to Detroit and has assured me I will be given complete support and freedom to do both jobs. He and I also discussed in great detail some ground rules for both of us and I am confident he is a man of his word and has promised me free reign and full control of the baseball operations as long as I work within a budget that he has prescribed. He was very agreeable and to be honest, I think he gets a bad rap in the papers by some of you guys." *Note that Tiger Fan had his stare fixed directly on Detroit World scribe Freddie Farhat when he uttered that final sentence. CITY OF CINCINNATI IN SHOCK That collective gasp that came out of Cincinnati this week when word broke that the Cannons General Manager was leaving could likely have been heard as far away as Detroit. The only GM the Cincinnati club has ever had, one who helped assemble a team that won three straight Continental flags and a pair of World Championship Series, brought in stars like Adam Mullins, Chuck Adams and Al Wheeler, has bolted north and joined the Federal Association Dynamos. Cannons owner John Tice said all the right things. That he 'understood' and 'accepted' Tiger Fan's decision and reason for moving but deep down the magnate must have been steaming. The GM had just been handed a hefty and much deserved pay hike immediately after the WCS loss to the Philadelphia Keystones. At his GMs urging Tice also okayed big raises to manager Ad Doria, most of his coaching staff and Scouting Director Bill Borland with all working under the assumption the objective was a fourth straight banner - something never before achieved by a Continental nine. That banner may still very well be a reachable target, but competition will be tougher than ever, and it remains to be seen if the new man Tice brings in to run his organization -whomever that might be- has the same willingness to identify the correct pieces and get the tough deal done in July when the right move can be the difference between winning or losing. The Cannons can not afford to pause. I believe the search for a new head of the baseball organization is already underway and it certainly needs to be handled quickly. The competition anticipated from Toronto and Chicago is expected to be ratcheted up even higher this season and every decision made over the winter and through the trade deadline can have a gigantic impact on what is anticipated to be -with apologies to all of our former servicemen for the analogy- an all-out war for top spot in the CA this summer. The question is can the Cannons win that battle without their front-office General? A general that we quickly went from comparing to MacArthur or Patton to having it seems much more in common with another General, one who went by the name Benedict Arnold. My first week here covering the Brooklyn Kings and a lot of change is going on. The Kings have hired former Detroit and Cleveland GM DD Martin to take the reigns of the Kings franchise. Team Owner Daniel Prescott (64) sounded enthused for the first time in several years as he announced the hiring of his new GM. Prescott "It's with great pleasure that I announce the hiring of DD Martin as GM of the Brooklyn Kings. DD will have my full support in helping him guide us back to where we belong, at the top of the CA!." Martin, who earlier in the week was fired or simply just walked away from the Detroit Dynamo's GM post, appeared to be in good spirits as he addressed the media. Martin stated "First I want to thank Mr. Prescott on this great opportunity here in Brooklyn. This is a great organization and our intention will be to bring the winning tradition back to King's baseball. Unlike when I went to Detroit in 1935, there is a tremendous amount of young talent here in this organization. Our first responsibility here is to get our new Manager Tom Barrell the best coaching and support staff we can. Tom was a Hall of Fame Pitcher and I might even try to coax him out of retirement as we might need a veteran arm and he sure does seem like he can still fire pitches past FABL pitchers. But we will get Tom the best staff we can and then turn our attention to hiring managers and coaches to our affiliated clubs. We have a lot of players that are returning from the war and have almost 250 players in our organization. We are going to have to sit down, and have a serious talk about the players in our system and unfortunately make some tough decisions. Most organizations run with around 170 players and we haven't even gotten to the draft yet. We will make those decisions and prepare to be very active in the Rule 5 draft and be very prepared for the Amateur Draft next month. Thankfully we have a very talented Director of Scouting here in Brooklyn and John Spears and I are going to get to know each other very well over the next month plus." So the Kings are going to be led by the fiery Martin who loves to make trades. Can he trade Brooklyn into contention this year? That remains to be seen, but when I asked the GM about that possibility he stated, " We will make deals that we feel are in the best long term interests of the Kings. We are not looking for rental players that will just get us competitive for a few seasons, we are looking to build something here that will bring Brooklyn a championship and also perhaps a new stadium along with it someday." So what I am sure will be a very busy month for the new GM starts right away. It will be fun to see where the Kings go. RULE FIVE DRAFT PREVIEW Here is a team by team look at a few names with previous big league experience that will likely be exposed for selection in the Rule Five draft. Note that teams still have time to make changes so some of those listed below may end up being added to their club's secondary roster. BOSTON- Outfielder Dave Henry, 2B Joe Nichols, SS Charlie Reed, P Mike Lee BROOKLYN- Outfielders Joe Herman, Jim Alarie and Hal Reynolds, infielders Jim Alexander and Vince D'Alessandro and pitchers Stumpy Beaman and Hal Lucas. CHIEFS- Pitcher Sam Vaughn, outfielder Elias Canady and 3B Frank Belair. COUGARS- Outfielder Bobby Mills and catcher Steve Mountain CINCINNATI- Pitchers Art Edwards and George DeForest and outfielder Bobby Small CLEVELAND- Infielders Chuck Harrington and Bill Carr, pitchers Johnny Slaney and Earle Robinson DETROIT- Outfielder Hub Parks, pitchers Charlie Wheeler, Bobo White, Jimmy Mayse and Pug Bryan MONTREAL- Pitcher Ben Watkins and outfielder Tony Henrdicks. NY STARS- Outfielder Dave Haight, catcher Johnny Hopper and former first round pick pitcher Bill Keith NY GOTHAMS- Pitchers Cy Sullivan and Jim Baggett, infielders Bill Freeman and Don Hallam along with outfielder Nat Drake. KEYSTONES- shortstop Jake Creel, outfielder Bobby McHenry and pitcher Bud Canfield. SAILORS- infielders Jim Beard and Hal Carter, catcher Woody Stone and pitchers Scotty Thomas and Hannibal Davis PITTSBURGH- catcher Don Rogrs and second baseman Hans Stiles. ST LOUIS- first baseman Zip Sullivan TORONTO- catcher Homer Betts WASHINGTON- second baseman Karl O'Reilly, outfielders Bill Morris and Roy Carroll, catcher Paul Brophy and pitcher Tommy Shafer  TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN As we approach another Christmas season, finally one without young men dying in a war, Brett will continue his look at the starting to age Toronto nine. The Rule 5 is upcoming shortly although it does not appear that the Wolves will be involved in claiming any of the over 2200 players that are going to be available a week before the visit of Santa Claus. The front office has decided to fill their 40-man roster with talent from within the organization therefore cannot submit a claim on any other player. Brett, after his look at the possibilities for the 1946 lineup, has noticed a slightly disturbing fact about your Wolves, father time is starting to catch up with the team. The team is not nearly as old as the geriatric squad Cincinnati fielded the last few years, although that has worked for the Cannons this is probably not the way of the future with all the returning players. For all team to successful over the long term younger players should be brought onto the big league roster on an almost continual basis. Now a look at the probable starters, their ages, FABL seasons along with their probable apprentice: Catcher- Clarence Howerton (age 36, FABL service 13 years) next in line Walter Loera (27, 2). Loera is not Howerton, yet, but has the potential to make a seamless transition. In the system is Cal Yeager, 19, who is the future according to all reports if the he returns from the Air Force with no harm from his service. First Base- Fred McCormick (36, 14) followed by Walter Pack (31, 6). With Pack starting at 3B this is not ideal but there are many others on the roster who have the ability to play first along with Pack being subject to unsubstantiated trade rumours. The two biggest question are "At what level and for how long can McCormick stay in the big leagues? Did the war years rob too much from this once sure fired Hall of Famer"? In the system there are high hopes for Luke Oster, 22. Second Base- As mentioned the Wolves are in a position of strength, they have Mike Rollinson (31,2), Hal Wood (31,5), Wayne Henderson (32, 1) who are being pressed by the #9 prospect John Fast, 22, who could also be the SS of the future. Brett expects management to try to clear this logjam sometime during 1946. There are too many to share effectively playing time, this will be one the big battles during spring training. Third Base- Walt Pack (31,6) currently backed up by Ockie Holliday (30, 4) with Frank Frady, 25, a 24th round pick who has impressed at every level waiting in the wings. Fans remember the fanfare for Holliday that has never come to fruition, time may be running short for Ockie. Frady is versatile being also able to play the other two middle infield positions. Shortstop- Charlie Artuso (30, 7) one the few that Wolves have pushed through the system quickly probably has the position sewn up for at the least the next 3-5 years. If age starts eroding his skills Fast or Frady should be ready to step into the void. Left Field- Juan Pomales (31,5). Will Pomales further improve in the field, at the plate now that most, if not all, his pitching duties will be removed from him? Center Field- Chink Stickels (34, 8) Right Field- Hank Giordano (25, <1) the only player under 30 projected to be in Call's everyday lineup. "Mr. Versatile" Tom Frederick (29, 3) is expected to be playing up to 5 days a week in any of his 5 positions which gives Call a multitude of lineup combinations. The average age of the starters being 31.75 shows the need to keep developing players quickly as age, injuries start to become more common factors for Toronto. For this squad the future is definitely now! Now, on to the outlook for the Wolves pitching staff in 1946. Starters- Wolves continue wanting to be a team renown for their pitching prowess. With a prospective starting rotation of controversial 1945 Allen Award winner George Garrison (28,5), Allen Award runner-up in 1943, 3 time 20 game winner Joe Hancock (33, 7), Bob Walls (34, 7), Jim Laurita (26, 1), lefty Chick Wirtz (37, 11) would be a strong set to take the hill against any CA team. The problem with this is the ones who will be left behind if Call goes with these five. Where does this leave Jim Morrison (30, 5), Jimmy Gibbs (29, 2), 1945 breakout performer Cookie Myers ( 29, 1), #19 prospect Jim Carter (23, 1), Ray Bell (26, <1) Carter, Bell still have minor league options not the case with the other three which would mean exposing any or all of them to waivers if they do not cross the border to begin the campaign. Bullpen- Lou Jayson's (30, 4) return should provide an late inning anchor if Call decides to limit SP early in the season. Bill Ferrell (34, 1) could provide a lefty matchup choice unless Call decides to move Wirtz to the 'pen to keep another starter. Then it come down to a numbers game with the out of options starters plus Billy Crosby (35, 5), George Waller (30, 5) who has been in the service the last 4 seasons, Roscoe Zeiler (29, 2) who also provides a third catching option. Ferrell, Waller still can be optioned to Buffalo although that just starts another cascade down the system. Brett expects Call, new pitching coach Johnny Franklin to start 1946 with a 9-man pitching staff. That would mean at least one, probably more, would have to pass through waivers during the spring. A further factor is the development of top pitching prospect Jerry York, 24, who the scouting department feel is ready for the big time now but will start the year at AAA. Management has decided on the minor leagues for York who spent most of the last 3 summers in the war before returning last September. York has just under 100 IP in pro ball after being a first round pick in 1942. Consensus is that the team may try to move pitching before playing in games that count in April. These moves, if made, will probably be for prospects with a number of years of team control. A commodity that may be hard to find on the trade market.
FRIGATES END SEASON ON A POSITIVE NOTE Yanks Win Again, Set For Title Game It has been an awful season for the defending American Football Association champion Philadelphia Frigates but they did end the year on a positive note with a 42-14 thrashing of their rivals from Pittsburgh. The Frigates, who went 8-1-1 a year ago and then beat Detroit in the AFA championship game, got off to a strong 3-1 start this season before the wheels fell off with 5 straight losses until ending on a positive note with yesterday's victory over the Paladins. Perhaps Philadelphia's lack of success can simply be chalked up to bad luck as, aside from a 35-7 walloping they absorbed in Washington none of the Frigates other 5 losses were by more than 7 points. Frigates quarterback Bob Allen saved his best game of the year for the finale with a 246 yard passing day that included 4 touchdown tosses. The win leaves Philadelphia at 4-6 on the year, tied with Pittsburgh for last place. The only other game on the final day of the regular season took place in Boston where the Americans, led by three touchdowns from Tom Molloy, beat the New York Football Stars 20-7. Next up for the Yanks is Sunday's title showdown with Detroit. Tank Tippett takes a look at the matchup in his column below the standings report. Code:
FINAL AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STANDINGS EAST DIVISION W L T PCT Boston 9 1 0 .900 Washington 7 3 0 .700 New York 6 4 0 .600 Philadelphia 4 6 0 .400 Pittsburgh 4 6 0 .400 WEST DIVISION W L T PCT Detroit 7 3 0 .700 Chicago 5 5 0 .500 Cincinnati 4 6 0 .400 St Louis 2 8 0 .200 Cleveland 2 8 0 .200 Boston 20 New York 7 Philadelphia 42 Pittsburgh 14 end of regular season UPCOMING GAMES SUNDAY DECEMBER 16 AFA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Detroit at Boston Code:
FINAL 1945 AFA LEADERS SCORING PTS Vaught, Det 108 Douglas, Was 72 Molloy, Bos 60 LePage, Phi 54 Lennon, NYS 52 Littlejohn, Bos 50 PASSING COMP-ATT YDS TD INT Brown, Chi 137-253 1907 17 14 Krohn, Was 116-200 1738 12 12 D Thomas, Bos 136-221 1510 14 4 Colvin, Cle 102-256 1252 9 19 Anderson, Pit 86-203 1240 11 17 RUSHING YDS TD B.Young, Bos 885 3 LePage, Phi 812 7 Lautzenheiser, Chi 484 3 Rochman, Was 436 5 Reid, Was 420 7 RECEIVING CAT YDS TD Vaught, Det 62 1116 12 Douglas, Was 58 1221 12 Molloy, Bos 46 680 6 Nicholson, Cle 41 596 5 Lautzenheiser, Chi 40 655 5 INERCEPTIONS # Smith, Was 7 Lautzenheiser, Chi 7 Christensen, Cin 6 Clark, Bos 6  MAROONS, YANKS SEEN AS CLASSIC IN AERIAL DUELING It will be a battle of veteran experts in aerial warfare as Stan Vaught and the Detroit Maroons travel to Boston to face Del Thomas and the Americans in next Sunday's American Football Association championship game. Both clubs have terrific offenses, and in particular the passing attacks. Thomas threw 14 touchdown tosses and only 4 interceptions and has a quartet of dependable pass catchers led by Tom Molloy but also including Jim Walsh, Johnny Littlejohn and Tom Bowens. The Yanks also boast the league's top rusher this season in Brian Young and a dependable backup in veteran Bulldog Stein. Vaught and his league leading 62 catches for 1,116 yards and 12 scores is the key to the Maroons offense but they also have a strong backfield with multiple rushing threats led by Troy Renton, Dave Buckner, Rick Coleman and Mike Hendrick. Coleman and Hendrick share the quarterbacking duties but each is prone to throwing interceptions. How the two clubs will perform head to head is a real unknown as they have not faced each other since the opening game of the 1943 season when Boston won in Detroit by a 21-14 score behind a 200 yard, 3-touchdown passing day from Thomas. In fact, the Maroons and Americans have played just that one time since 1941 and only 5 times altogether when both Vaught and Thomas were in the league. Detroit won 42-17 in 1940 and also beat Boston twice in the three previous years. BOSTON-DETROIT RESULTS SINCE 1937 1937 Detroit 28 Boston 10 1938 Detroit 21 Boston 14 1939 Boston 42 Detroit 37 1940 Detroit 42 Boston 17 1943 Boston 21 Detroit 14 If there is an advantage to be had Sunday it might lie when Boston has the ball as the Detroit defense has been suseptable to the passing game, something exploited by Chicago's Gus Brown in the Wildcats win over the Maroons a little over a month ago. That and homefield advantage makes the Boston Americans the favourite. TWIFB Prediction: Boston 27 Detroit 17  Code:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
YEAR SCORE VENUE MVP
1944 Philadelphia 30 Detroit 14 Sailors Memorial Ollie Bishop, Phi
1943 Chicago 21 Boston 20 Minutemen Park Freeman Stahlberg, Chi
1942 Boston 24 Chicago 21 Whitney Park Del Thomas, Bos
1941 Chicago 10 New York 7 Whitney Park Dutch Hoffman, Chi
1940 Brooklyn 20 Detroit 7 Thompson Field Don Ludwigs, Bkn
1939 Boston 21 Chicago 14 Whitney Park Leon Fitzgerald, Bos
1938 Brooklyn 9 Pittsburgh 7 Kings County Bill Morrisett, Bkn
1937 New York 34 Chicago 0 Bigsby Oval Tom Jamason, NY
1936 Detroit 24 Pittsburgh 7 Thompson Field Vernon Flowers, Det
1935 Pittsburgh 7 Cleveland 0 Forester Field Harvey Bowman, Pit
1934 Pittsburgh 7 Detroit 0 Thompson Field Hank Greshman, Pit
1933 Rhode Island 21 Chicago 0 North Side Park Harvey Bowman, RI
No Playoff Title Game Prior to 1933
1932 Cleveland Finiches (7-3)
1931 Detroit Maroons and Rhode Island Reds co-champs (12-1-1)
1930 New York Stars (14-2-1)
1929 Detroit Maroons (13-0)
1928 Chicago Wildcats (11-0-2)
1927 Detroit Maroons (10-0)
1926 Chicago Wildcats (13-1-2)
1925 Cleveland Finches (12-1-1)
1924 Toledo Tigers (9-0)
1923 Pittsburgh Pros (12-0)
1922 Evansville Lions (10-1)
1921 Chicago Wildcats (9-1-1)
1920 Youngstown Reapers (7-0)
ROME STATE BACKFIELD DUO HEAD GRID ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS For the second year in a row the Rome State backfield pair of fullback Chet Donelson and halfback Gus Thompson are All-Americans. The juniors have led the Centurions to 18 straight victories and back to back National Championships. Donelson, a punishing pounder from McColl, S.C., was also named the winner of both the Christian Trophy and the Bryan Award after a dominating season. Thompson, the jitterbug halfback from Los Angeles, won the Bryan Award last season. Joining the duo on the All-America team are two members of the Rome State line -considered the best in the sport- in guard John D. Brown and tackle Jeff Box. Here are the 1945 All-Americans Code:
Pos All-Americans Class Hometown School QB Willie Hubbard SO Hoover, AL Alabama Baptist HB Gus Thompson JR Los Angeles, CA Rome State HB Ed Lukela JR Honolulu, HI Golden Gate University FB Chet Donelson JR McColl, SC Rome State E Mark Hartmann JR Severna Park, MD Annapolis Maritime T Jeff Box SR Austin, TX Rome State G Bob Etienne SR Columbus, OH Central Ohio C Billy Underwood SR Tallahassee, FL Alabama Baptist G John D. Brown SR Nashville, TN Rome State T George Kleinman SO Camden, NJ Pierpont E Dennis Ondriezek JR Amarillo, TX Travis College  END OF A FOOTBALL ERA IS MARKED Except for a crop of classic games on New Years Day, games lacking distinction without Rome State or Annapolis Maritime and which technically belongs to the next year, anyway, the 1945 collegiate football season has come to a close. So, too, has wartime football. There is a tendency to roll eyes toward the skies and murmer thanks for the latter blessing. But this is no to be critical. Football during the war years was strange, hybrid sport, but it remained football -although slightly artifical- and fans who like the game should be grateful to those who carried on in the face of prohibitive odds. A complete collapse of America's second "national" pastime might well have orrurred had it not been for some die-hard football people, who carried on with 4-F's and 'teen-agers and who turned heads aside when prewar eligibility requirements were discussed. We call the wartime football hybrid and strange and ariticial advisedly, because from week to week followers of teams found strangers in the lineups due to Army and Navy transfers. For some teams there was nothing like a 'set' lineup. Navy V-12 youngsters constantly were being moved, for instance, and in time of war not even a great peacetime game, such as football, could influence such transfers. But football was perpetuated. Even some of the colleges and universities which did not have ROTC, nor NROTC, championed on the sport. In some cases, it mean fearful lickings, but some hung on. *** Rome State Should Top Field Again in 1946 *** For the last two years Rome State and Annapolis Maritime have been the dominant teams of the land and the Centurions perhaps one of the best elevens ever assembled. The question which is being asked by many fans now is "How long will this last?" It's doubtful if anybody knows the answer, but a fair guess is that our service academies won't be shoved out of the championship picture as often, nor as early, as during the past. For one thing, Rome State's core of cadets and Annapolis Maritime's brigade of midshipmen are larger than ever before in history. For another, there is, at long last, an appreciation placed upon competitive atheletics by brass and braid which hitherto failed to recognize wholeheartedly the merits of sports. A guess at this time as to which team will be national champion in 1946 must include Rome State. Barring withdrawals from the military academy, the Centurions still has one of the greatest college backfields of all time- Thompson and Donelson- returning for one more year. Rome State has won 18 straight contests but other schools will begin catching up and all of the contenders will have a much larger pool of talent to draw on now that the wartime demands have eased. COLONELS OFF TO FAST START Noble Jones College is certainly known as a football school with a pair of National Championship and a Christian Trophy winner in Billy Bockhorst over the past 7 years. They also have a rich history as one of the original feeder league baseball programs but basketball had never been much more than an afterthought at the Augusta, Ga. school. That could be changing as the Colonels, who have never advanced even as a far as the quarterfinals in the AIAA cage tournament, are off to a 4-0 start to the season and ranked in the top ten in the polls, something that has been a very rare occurance throughout the years. The foundation of a successful program was laid last season when the Colonels won the Deep South Conference title for just the 4th time in nearly 30 years. They also won a tournament game for just the third time in school history when they nipped Wichita Baptist by a single point in the opening round only to fall to mighty Rainier College the following game. This season they are off to a 4-0 start that included back to back wins over ranked teams in Lincoln College and North Carolina Tech. Relying entirely on local recruits from Georgia and northern Florida, the Colonels may be a team to watch as new starter Blondy Wilborn, a junior guard, has meshed perfectly with returnees Charles Lark, Darrel Hanson and Curly Traylor to give the Colonels four solid shooters. The one hole in the lineup might be the big man in the middle but 6'10" freshman Ken Avelar is pushing junior Dwain Daves and if one of them can establish himself in the post, Noble Jones College might just win a few tournament games come March. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Mobile Maritime (56) 3-0 1778 1 South Atlantic Conference
2. Rainier College (14) 6-0 1725 2 West Coast Athletic Association
3. Western Iowa (2) 4-0 1654 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Liberty College 7-1 1551 6 Independent
5. CC Los Angeles 4-0 1525 7 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Coastal State 3-0 1423 8 South Atlantic Conference
7. Noble Jones College 4-0 1402 9 Deep South Conference
8. Rome State 2-0 1221 10 Independent
9. Brooklyn State 5-1 1176 13 Liberty Conference
10. Texas Gulf Coast 4-0 1084 12 Southwestern Alliance
11. Coastal California 5-0 1065 11 West Coast Athletic Association
12. Miami State 6-1 1028 4 Independent
13. North Carolina Tech 4-1 983 5 South Atlantic Conference
14. Redwood 4-0 938 20 West Coast Athletic Association
15. Bluegrass State 3-0 794 NR Deep South Conference
16. Central Ohio 4-1 731 21 Great Lakes Alliance
17. Spokane State 2-0 714 24 West Coast Athletic Association
18. Lincoln 3-1 471 NR Great Lakes Alliance
19. Elyria 5-1 283 NR Independent
20. Brookland 6-1 275 15 Independent
21. Detroit City College 3-2 264 16 Great Lakes Alliance
22. Cumberland 4-1 258 NR Deep South Conference
23. Provo Tech 4-1 133 NR Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
24. Lane State 1-2 126 17 West Coast Athletic Association
25. Jersey City Tech 4-1 99 19 Liberty Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
Freemont State 4-1 93 Midwestern Association
Alabama Gulf Coast 5-1 86 Independent
Great Plains State 5-3 65 Independent
Iowa A&M 4-1 63 Plains Athletic Association
Orrville 5-1 54 Independent
Flagstaff State 4-1 49 Southern Border Association
Berwick 4-1 47 Keystone Alliance
University of New Jersey 4-1 45 Eastern Six
Georgia Baptist 3-1 41 Deep South Conference
Erie 4-1 30 Keystone Alliance
Columbia Military Academy 2-1 19 South Atlantic Conference
Canyon A&M 4-1 19 Southwestern Alliance
MONDAY DECEMBER 3 #15 Bluegrass State 50 Red River State 37 #21 Detroit City College 41 Georgia Baptist 31 Bayou State 30 #24 Lane State 27 TUESDAY DECEMBER 4 #4 Liberty College 64 Pierpont 36 #5 CCLA 45 California Catholic 38 #12 Miami State 58 Dickson 39 #18 Lincoln 47 Bliss College 35 #19 Elyria 53 Conwell College 51 Hamman 44 #20 Brookland 42 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5 #15 Bluegrass State 52 Chesapeake State 48 THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 #2 Rainier College 46 Gates University 33 #7 Noble Jones College 51 #13 North Carolina Tech 38 #10 Texas Gulf Coast 62 Baton Rogue State 36 #19 Elyria 43 Bigsby College 39 Capital (MS) University 39 #21 Detroit City College 27 #23 Provo Tech 46 Freemont State 34 FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 #4 Liberty College 47 Potomac College 23 #9 Brooklyn State 57 Bayou State 54 #12 Miami State 45 Glover(GA) 34 #14 Redwood 33 North Carolina Atlantic 28 #16 Central Ohio 49 Western Florida 38 #20 Brookland 48 Northern Mississippi 25 Armstrong 51 #25 Jersey City Tech 42 SATURDAY DECEMBER 8 no ranked teams scheduled SUNDAY DECEMBER 9 Bulein 45 #12 Miami State 37 #13 North Carolina Tech 41 Topeka State 29 #14 Redwood 43 California Catholic 33 #19 Elyria 60 Alexandria 44 #25 Jersey City Tech 49 Western State 46 DESMARAIS WINS EURO TITLE The long anticipated meeting of two of the best middleweight fighters in Europe the past decade finally occurred and the bout did not disappoint. Jean Desmarais remained perfect as he scored a solid unanimous decision over Archie Rees in London over the weekend to lay claim to the European Middleweight Title. The win improved the Frenchman's career mark to 36-0 but the outcome was very much in doubt early as Rees, looking to atone for losing the world title to Frank Melanson in Philadelphia over the summer, came out like a man on a mission. The first round was a bit of a feeling out process for the two veterans, who had seemed destined to meet over a half dozen years earlier had the Nazis not made other plans. Each fighter landed a few scoring shots but it appeared Rees had been simply waiting for the right moment to find a hole in Desmarais defenses. That hole came in the second round when Desmarais left himself open after being perhaps a little too ambitious with a big right hook. Rees take advantage of the opening and caught Desmarais with a vicious body blow, quickly following it with a combination that floored the winded Frenchman. Desmarais looked stunned as the wild, mostly pro-Rees crowd howled in delight, but he was able to beat the count. Rees would find the same opening three rounds later and down went Desmarais for a second time but he again was back on his feet before referee Hubert Earle could finish his ten count. Something triggered in Desmarais at the point. Instead of hanging on to survive the round, he took the fight to Rees. That continued in round six when it was Archie's turn to hit the canvas. Rees appeared more surprised than hurt when he took a moment to get his bearings before rising, but it would be like it was a different fight from that point on. Desmarais was in complete control -the opening that Rees exploited seemed no longer to be present- and it was Rees just trying to hang on. The Tadcaster Thunderbolt was struck to the ground again the 14th round but did recover and survived to the scorecards despite being completely outclassed in the 14th and 15th rounds. All 3 judges were in complete agreement, scoring the bout an identical 144-138 in Desmarais favour. ***End of Line For Rees *** Desmarais stated after the fight he would like to take his perfect record to the United States and get a shot at Frank Melanson's world title but Melanson will have to survive a rematch with Todd Gill first. The two had battled to a draw in October and seemed assured of agreeing on a rematch, likely in May. Rees, on the other hand, may just be finished as a big time fighter. He did not address reporters after the bout but one has to suspect that after back to back losses to Melanson and Desmarais, Rees is unlikely to get a chance to regain the World Title he held from 1941 until last June. Rees is now 35-6-1 for his career.  FOUNTAIN'S RICH TITLE SHOT IN BALANCE  Now back home in New York, Fountain once again appears to be just one victory away from a shot at the title. Standing in his way will be another fighter with one eye firmly focused on Hector Sawyer. That would be Matt Price, the powerful Tampa pugilist who also has something to prove. Price is 27-4-4 for his career but is coming off a 10-round draw with Eugene Morse last June. It was a fight Price had won until he got sloppy looking for the knock out and was caught by the veteran California southpaw, who sent Price to the canvas in the 9th round of a 10 round point, securing the points needed to raise some doubt in the minds of the judges. Fountain and Price meet at Bigsby Garden Saturday night. Odds are good the winner's next bout will be for the World Title. UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 12/09/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER: How many General Managers remain at the same job they accepted in the winter of 1925, starting the modern era of FABL baseball. The answer is 4: Chicago Cougars, New York Gothams, Philadelphia Keystones & Philadelphia Sailors. Three other general managers have been continuously employed in the league since that date but have worked for multiple teams.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 02-24-2023 at 12:53 PM. |
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02-27-2023, 12:41 PM
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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December 17, 1945 - AFA title game and GWL falls apart
DECEMBER 17, 1945  SCRAMBLE! GWL Shakeup Leaves FABL Clubs in a Bind The other shoe has finally dropped - Thomas X. Bigsby has purchased the Los Angeles Stars of the Great Western League and announced he is canceling the club's contract with the New York Stars of the Continental Association. Similar announcements were made in both San Francisco and Oakland, the other two FABL-affiliated clubs in the GWL. While details of the sale of the SF and Oakland clubs has not yet been disclosed, both the Sailors and Pioneers confirmed they have received letters indicating their erstwhile AAA affiliates desire to cancel their working agreements with their FABL "parents." This news, while a shock to the system (so to speak) for all three FABL clubs, does not come as a complete surprise and NY Stars owner Al Mielke revealed that he has been in touch with the independent clubs in the Union League about a working agreement. "But don't take this to mean we're accepting this. Our lawyers have already filed suit. We have a contract with Los Angeles and a change in ownership does not change that simple fact," Mielke told reporters. In the meantime, the rumors of Bigsby heading a group looking to take a conglomeration of western/southwestern teams "Major" to take on the FABL directly, seems to be coming to pass. To say this situation bares watching is an understatement. RULE FIVE DRAFT TODAY Bang or Whimper? The long anticipated return of FABL's Rule Five draft is here with the selection of players deemed not quite good enough to crack an organization's top 40 is set for later today. Normally, even the most ardent of baseball followers has to stifle a yawn when told this draft is occurring but for the better part of a year there has been plenty of hype around this years draft. The reason is simple: nearly every organization is bloated from the feast of talent finally returning to the sport after doing its duty during the war. There is likely to be in excess of 1,500 players available for selection this year. Records have not been kept on the matter but that sure seems like a record smashing total. Some league executives had warned this will be the biggest Rule Five draft ever. Plenty of key players will change teams and it could change the fortune of a few teams. That was the warning last winter and even over the summer months from a select few but now that the event is upon us, many are changing their tune. There will still be some veteran players made available and perhaps a hidden gem uncovered but now that it is here this Rule Five draft seems to have no more of an impact than the countless others that were held before the war. A bunch of players may get selected and there appear to be some with plenty of big league experience available, but nothing earth-shattering is expected to happen. Among those who are unprotected are 14 position players with at least 500 career big league games under their belt headed by Jim Beard of the Sailors with 1,245 games played. Outfielders Wally Flowers and Roy Bradley also have over 1,000 games and are technically eligible but each is now a free agent as the Pittsburgh Miners recently released Flowers and Cleveland cut ties with Bradley. Veteran pitchers Merritt Thomas (94-80 career mark) and Karl Wallace (92-80) are in the same boat as each was also recently released. Players selected in the rule five must spend the entire season on the selecting club's big league roster or be returned to the team from which they were drafted. TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN Wolves Prepare for the 1945 Rule 5 Draft -As the selection of unprotected players approaches the Mail & Empire will take a quick look at the current state of the Toronto organization. During the war most teams did not carry a full 40-man roster, which came with the associated cost of a FABL contract, since the rule five draft had been suspended for the duration of the conflict. A secondary factor was most teams were trying to trying to find enough players to fill their rosters never mind loading up the secondary rosters too. The end of WWII has left all teams with the same dilemma. Nearly all teams have too many players, so some tough calls have to be made on which are going to be exposed to a Rule 5 claim. Brett has contacted other team's reporters to try find out what their team is doing before the Rule 5, some are following the same tactic as the Wolves, filling their protected roster from within but others will definitely be hunting for big upgrades just before Christmas. Brett is now unsure whether there will be a cascade of selections or a mere dribble this year. A look at the Wolves Organization: Toronto -Players currently on Roster: 31. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: +7 Toronto will probably go into spring training with these 31. Their will be enough competition for roster spots so there will not be the regular bringing in of a few youngsters for a quick look-see early in camp. Buffalo- AAA -Players currently on Roster: 32. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: +8. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 25 Here is where the problem begins, Wolves have to find room for 7 players before the season begins, some will have to clear waivers. If the Nickels lose no one then a total of 15 have to be released or moved down the organization. Chattanooga- AA -Players currently on Roster: 23. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: -1. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 15 Davenport- Class A -Players currently on Roster: 24. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: 0. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 14 Vancouver- Class B -Players currently on Roster: 29. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: +5. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 8 Vancouver is a different story for another factor. Owner Bernie Millard is said to be incensed with the possibility that Vancouver is seeking to join an outlaw league being formed on the West Coast that would hamper the financial viability of the Class B franchise. It is said that there is a group putting together a list of Western Canadian cities for possible relocation. If this league does indeed form, like the Peerless and Frontier Leagues of the 1800s, the fallout is unknown but there will undoubtably players from the organization who jump to the new league. Tuscaloosa- Class C -Players currently on Roster: 33. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: -2. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 2 Being under the roster limits means nothing as there will be at least 20 players drafted trying to begin a career when this level begins play in June. Currently there is one player who has to move up or out when the new maximum age of 23 comes into effect this season. Organization Summary - Players currently on Roster: 169. Over/Under Opening Day Roster Limits: +17. Players Available to be selected in Rule 5: 64 As the fan can see there are interesting times coming for the Wolves. Injuries, losses in Rule 5 or defections may change the number but there is not enough room for everyone currently in the organization. If the front office staff has done their work now, along with during the past number of years, the team should not lose anyone of major significance in December. Undoubtedly the fans will find someone who was left unprotected that will go onto to contribute in the FABL.
THOMAS LEADS AMERICANS TO WIN IN HIGHEST SCORING TITLE GAME Everyone knew the Boston Americans offense was good, but few likely expected it to be that good. The Detroit Maroons simply had no solution for the potent Boston attack led by quarterback Del Thomas completing 18 of 21 pass attempts and halfback Brian Young galloping for 138 yards in a 56-24 rout for the Americans, giving Boston it's third American Football Association championship. The Maroons did themselves no favours either, turning the ball over 4 times in the first half and five overall. If there was a moment that Maroons coach Frank Yurik can point to and say that is the turning point it happened early in the second quarter. Detroit was already trailing 14-7 because Brian Clark intercepted a Rich Coleman pass inside Detroit territory to set up one of Boston quarterback Del Thomas' three touchdown passes on the afternoon. This was another interception and a back-breaker as Coleman, on a third and 8 at the Boston 21 yard line when he likely should have settled for a field goal attempt, instead tried to force a pass into double coverage in the end zone to the great Stan Vaught. It was intercepted by Bill Dickinson just beyond the Boston goal line and Dickinson ran it back 101 yards for a touchdown and suddenly a 14-point Boston lead, one from which the Maroons never recovered. A 42-yard Brian Young touchdown run just over 2 minutes later and the rout was on. The Boston rushing game, with Clark gaining 134 yards on 13 carries and Bulldog Stein adding 79, took over but it was Thomas -the 31 year old Boston quarterback- that earned MVP honours for what may well be the best display of controlled passing ever seen in the AFA. He had the precision of a surgeon the way his passes knifed through openings and landed in the waiting arms of Boston's many pass-catchers. 18 of 21 completions for 215 yards with no interceptions and 3 touchdown strikes. Numbers that will haunt the Maroons for quite some time. And Thomas played no favourites, spreading the wealth by employing 7 different teammates as pass targets -five of whom each hauled in three catches including Tom Molloy for 62 yards and Oscar Sweeney for a pair of scores. Veteran Tom Bowens, or as some Detroit players took to calling Mr. Betsy Barrell, enjoyed the last laugh as well with 3 catches for 55 yards including an early second quarter 15 yard catch and run that gave the Yanks a 14-7 lead at the time.   Code:
AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HISTORY YEAR SCORE VENUE MVP 1945 Boston 56 Detroit 24 Minutemn Stadium Del Thomas, Bos 1944 Philadelphia 30 Detroit 14 Sailors Memorial Ollie Bishop, Phi 1943 Chicago 21 Boston 20 Minutemen Stadium Freeman Stahlberg, Chi 1942 Boston 24 Chicago 21 Whitney Park Del Thomas, Bos 1941 Chicago 10 New York 7 Whitney Park Dutch Hoffman, Chi 1940 Brooklyn 20 Detroit 7 Thompson Field Don Ludwigs, Bkn 1939 Boston 21 Chicago 14 Whitney Park Leon Fitzgerald, Bos 1938 Brooklyn 9 Pittsburgh 7 Kings County Bill Morrisett, Bkn 1937 New York 34 Chicago 0 Bigsby Oval Tom Jamason, NY 1936 Detroit 24 Pittsburgh 7 Thompson Field Vernon Flowers, Det 1935 Pittsburgh 7 Cleveland 0 Forester Field Harvey Bowman, Pit 1934 Pittsburgh 7 Detroit 0 Thompson Field Hank Greshman, Pit 1933 Rhode Island 21 Chicago 0 North Side Park Harvey Bowman, RI MAROONS GOOD BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH Seems That's The Fate of of Detroit Sports Second best. Nothing new for Detroit sports teams to see the Maroons fall in the highest scoring AFA championship game ever staged. The past decade of Detroit sports has been a non-stop roller coaster of building up our hopes only to crush them and send us crashing down just as we can see the peak. It is hard to believe but it now has been a decade since the Detroit Maroons last won the American Football Association championship. That's right, it was 1936 when the Maroons topped Pittsburgh 24-7 at Thompson Field to win their fourth AFA title, but first since the championship game format began in 1933. Stan Vaught was a rookie that year and for the only time in his illustrious career he did not lead the loop in catches. It was also one of those rare times the Maroons got the better of the Wildcats. Chicago would win 5 of the next 8 West Division titles but the Maroons would sneak in there in 1940 -only to fall 20-7 to Brooklyn and again a year ago but were manhandled by the Philadelphia Frigates in the championship contest. If it is wasn't Chicago getting the better of us as the Wildcats did 4 of the last 7 years, it was the winner in the East Division beating on us like a drum, although hard to imagine any of those defeats feeling worse for Maroons coach Frank Yurik than yesterday's 56-24 battering in Boston. Rollie Barrell's bunch have been good, certainly, but just not quite good enough to be the best. But this is not a problem exclusive to Rollie's gang. It is a city-wide affliction. Think about it. This has been just that kind of decade for the Motor City's sports teams. All those close calls but coming up just short for the Maroons must have rubbed off on their Thompson Field landlords as the Dynamos had more than their share of close but not quite's lately too. *** Dynamos Came So Close So Often *** The title drought has been even longer for our baseball heroes as the Dynamos last hoisted the Fed flag way back in 1929 and the entire city had to endure those awful days of the mid-1930s with rock-bottom being the summer of '35 when the Dynamos set a modern record for futility with 111 losses. Fortunes turned around quickly when youngsters Sal Pestilli and Red Johnson led Detroit out of the dark days with a surprising second place finish in 1938, tantilzing Dynamos denizens with hopes of great things to come. And just like the Maroons with their near misses, the Dynamos brought us right to the brink only to disappoint time and time again. Back to back second place finishes -just a game back of Pittsburgh in '39 and 2 back of those same Miners in 1940. 1941 the Detroiters were third, but only 3 back as both Boston and Pittsburgh dashed our hopes once more. Another second place finish in '44 and third this past season as once more one of out clubs came so tantalizingly close but in the end the local nine came up 4 games short. Four times the Dynamos were the bridesmaid in the Fed race over the past 8 seasons and twice more they were third but just 4 games away from being the best. *** Local College Affected as Well *** And these close but no cigar results are not limited to our cities pro teams. Unfortunately the City College Knights have also become afflicted. The Knights have never won a National Title in any of the big three team sports despite being one of the big boys of the AIAA and an original school to compete in each sport including the old baseball feeder leagues. Heck, they have never even been to football's East-West Classic despite some strong seasons the past few years although they finally won the Great Lakes Alliance grid title this year. Unfortunately, even that was not good enough for the East-West Classic selection committee. Now before this conversation turns into another why did Alabama Baptist get the nod to head west for New Year's over a Detroit City College team that handled all comers save for Rome State -perhaps the great collegiate team ever assembled- lets look at previous examples. The '43 team looked to be the one that could get to Santa Ana but they ran into a red-hot Minnesota Tech eleven that smashed our hopes. In '42 the Knights had to share the crown with Wisconsin State -who they didn't get to play- but at least managed to nab a trip to the Desert Classic -where they were brought back to reality by Bayou State in a 27-17 loss that doomed the Knights to third in the polls behind the two big Georgia schools. And of course when it comes to cage talk, one needs just mention February of 1943 when it seemed the Knights were poised to make a deep run in the annual collegiate basketball tournament and were one of those favoured to perhaps win it all only to see in the span of a week their best player and top scorer in the nation -Roman Sollars- join the Navy and another key starter -Andrew Bennett- suffer a season-ending injury and the team was knocked out in the quarterfinals. DCC has never won an AIAA tournament but they reached the Bigsby Garden semi-finals twice in the past ten years. But then, at least over the past decade, that has been the Detroit way. Often good, but never quite good enough. DETROIT - NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH THE LAST DECADE DYNAMOS 1938 - win 94 games but second behind Chicago 1939 - win 93 games but second 1 game back of Pittsburgh 1940 - win 90 games but second 2 games back of Pittsburgh 1941 - finish third, 4 games back of first place Boston 1944 - finish second behind Philadelphia 1945 - finish third, 4 games back of first place Philadelphia MAROONS 1945 - lost AFA title game 56-24 to Boston 1944 - lost AFA title game 40-14 to Philadelphia 1941 - late season loss to Chicago left them second in West Division 1940 - lost AFA title game at home 20-7 to Brooklyn 1937- two losses and a tie in final 3 weeks while Chicago won its last six to knock Detroit out of west lead DCC KNIGHTS 1945 - Football team lost only to Rome State but bypassed for Alabama Baptist for East-West Classic 1943-44 - basketball lost in quarterfinals 1943 - Football team missed out on East-West Classic and GLA title with 10-0 loss to Minnesota Tech 1942-43 - heavily favoured basketball lost in round of 16 when top player left for the Navy two weeks before tournament 1942 - Football team finished third in nation after losing Desert Classic to Bayou State 1941-42 - basketball team lost in national semi-finals 1941 - Football team won the GLA but overlooked for East-West Classic and did not get a New Year's Day game. 1938-39 - basketball team lost in quarterfinals 1935-36 - basketball team lost in national semi-finals Code:
CLASSIC LOCATION TEAMS East-West Santa Ana,Ca Alabama Baptist 9-0 Golden Gate University 6-1 Lone Star Austin, Tx Detroit City Coll. 9-1 Travis College 10-0 Sunshine Miami, Fl Miami State 10-0 St Blane 8-2 Cajun New Orleans,La Eastern State 7-2 Eastern Oklahoma 8-0 Desert El Paso, Tx South Valley State 6-0-1 Central Ohio 7-1-1 Oilman Houston, Tx Payne State 7-2-1 Noble Jones College 8-2 Bayside Tampa, Fl Maryland State 7-2 St Patrick's 6-1-2 BASKETBALL-DAFFY NEW YORK PACKING GARDEN FOR CONTESTS New York, Dec 17--This basketball-daffy town plays host to 14 visiting college fives from all over the Nation within the next two weeks and capacity crowds are expected to jam Bigsby Garden for the seven double-headers on the holiday program. The big arena has attracted gatherings averaing better than 18,000 for five twin-bills so far this season. The seven holiday cards already are virtual sellouts and are counted on to draw an aggregate of 126,000 court customers. Last season the Garden rang up a record total of 299,734 fans and an average of 16,652 for its 18 sessions and this year, with 21 double-headers scheduled, the old mark is certain to tumble. The holiday schedule gets underway tomorrow night with 4th ranked Liberty College taking on Armstrong while Annapolis Maritime meets Ellery in the nightcap. Other visiting teams invading the Garden over the next two weeks include Carolina Poly, St Blane, Pittsburgh State and Coastal California. JERSEY CITY TECH REBOUNDING FROM GAMBLING SCANDAL One of the biggest surprise teams in the early going this season has been the Jersey City Tech Wizards. The school made news for the wrong reasons last season when 4 players were kicked off the team following a point-shaving incident involving some New York City gambling kingpins. It led to a complete overhaul of the Wizards program after it was learned that one of the 4 players -the ringleader of the scandal- was not even a student at the university, having forged his paperwork to be on the team. With 9 new players, Jersey City Tech is off to a 5-1 start. None of the opponents they have beaten are top teams although they did surprise North Carolina Atlantic 42-37 last week. The Wizards are currently ranked 22nd in the polls and while no one expects it to last, new coach Mark O'Brien and his charges are enjoying it while they can. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Mobile Maritime (64) 5-0 1789 1 South Atlantic Conference
2. Rainier College (5) 7-0 1704 2 West Coast Athletic Association
3. Western Iowa (2) 5-0 1624 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Liberty College (1) 9-1 1602 4 Independent
5. CC Los Angeles 6-0 1547 5 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Coastal State 4-0 1430 6 South Atlantic Conference
7. Brooklyn State 6-1 1292 9 Liberty Conference
8. Texas Gulf Coast 6-0 1230 10 Southwestern Alliance
9. Coastal California 7-0 1203 11 West Coast Athletic Association
10. Miami State 7-1 1181 12 Independent
11. North Carolina Tech 4-1 1109 13 South Atlantic Conference
12. Redwood 5-0 1022 14 West Coast Athletic Association
13. Central Ohio 5-1 958 16 Great Lakes Alliance
14. Noble Jones College 6-1 945 7 Deep South Conference
15. Rome State 3-1 740 8 Independent
16. Elyria 6-1 579 19 Independent
17. Provo Tech 6-1 507 23 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
18. Iowa A&M 6-1 479 NR Plains Athletic Association
19. Detroit City College 4-2 446 21 Great Lakes Alliance
20. Cumberland 5-1 428 22 Deep South Conference
21. Freemont State 5-1 332 NR Midwestern Association
22. Jersey City Tech 5-1 307 25 Liberty Conference
23. Garden State 4-2 229 NR Liberty Conference
24. St. Magnus 4-1 187 NR Great Lakes Alliance
25. Bluegrass State 4-1 128 15 Deep South Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
Berwick 4-1 80 Keystone Alliance
Canyon A&M 4-1 62 Southwestern Alliance
Spokane State 3-1 60 West Coast Athletic Association
Georgia Baptist 3-1 55 Deep South Conference
Meade 4-1 54 Keystone Alliance
Amarillo Methodist 3-1 37 Southwestern Alliance
Fond du Lac 3-1 27 Central Athletic Alliance
Empire State 3-1 27 Liberty Conference
MONDAY DECEMBER 10 #1 Mobile Maritime 58 Baton Rogue State 41 #4 Liberty College 48 Harrisburg State 37 #8 Texas Gulf Coast 51 Oklahoma City State 41 #14 Noble Jones College 48 Whitney College 40 #17 Provo Tech 47 Wichita Baptist 44 TUESDAY DECEMBER 11 #2 Rainier College 33 Kit Carson University 42 #3 Western Iowa 55 Lambert College 52 #7 Brooklyn State 48 St Patrick's 47 #13 Central Ohio 59 Holland 51 #15 Rome State 36 Flint 33 #22 Jersey City Tech 42 North Carolina Atlantic 37 #24 St Magnus 60 Wisconsin Catholic 44 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12 #5 CCLA 29 Quaker College (CA) 28 #18 Iowa A&M 49 Eastern Oklahoma 42 #23 Garden State 53 Ellery 45 #25 Bluegrass State 51 Oklahoma Bible College 48 THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 #12 Redwood 36 Lincoln 28 #14 Noble Jones College 38 Maryland State 32 #16 Elyria 44 Cuyahoga University 35 #20 Cumberland 47 Glover(GA) 38 #21 Freemont State 46 Colorado Poly 36 FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 #4 Liberty College 77 Valley State 42 #9 Coastal California 49 Bayou State 45 #10 Miami State 49 Lane State 43 #17 Provo Tech 52 El Paso Methodist 41 SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 #5 CCLA 46 Flagstaff State 36 #8 Texas Gulf Coast 42 Capital(MS) University 27 Queen City 48 #25 Bluegrass State 40 SUNDAY DECEMBER 16 #1 Mobile Maritime 49 Laclede 35 #6 Coastal State 35 Eastern State 28 #9 Coastal California 50 Gates University 40 Payne State 47 #14 Noble Jones College 27 Cuyahoga University 62 #15 Rome State 54 #18 Iowa A&M 52 Central Illinois 40 #19 Detroit City College 51 Orrville 45 #23 Garden State 68 University of New Jersey 34  FOUNTAIN DOES ENOUGH TO WIN But Many Question if Enough for Title Shot Mark Fountain may be listed as the nations number one ranked heavyweight contender but you wouldn't think it from watching his 10-round victory over Matt Price Saturday night at Bigsby Garden. Both are supposed to be threats to Hector Sawyer but by their showing in this one you would say that neither could knock your Aunt Minnie off a pair of ice skates as the bobbed and weaved for 10 rounds, while rarely just slugging it out, through a fight that each should have been desperate to win as it appeared likely the victor would next step in the ring with the World Title on the line. Fountain, the 28 year old New York born pugilist scored a majority decision over Matt Price on Saturday but it left many scratching their heads at why Fountain did not deliver more. It was a 10-round decision with two of the adjudicators calling a narrow victory for Fountain with the third feeling it was a dead heat. What was a near unanimous decision from those in attendance was the feeling the bout lacked the intensity that would have been expected by two fighters with a title opportunity seemingly hanging in the balance. Neither fighter appeared to make an effort to take charge as each seemed more worried of making a mistake than making a difference in the meetng. It was Fountain's first appearance back in the Garden since the beating he took from Brit Leo Carmichael in March and because of that result it is the Englishman preparing to square off against Sawyer for the belt in February while Fountain is left trying to prove he is worthy of a title opportunity. After this result, with Sawyer in the crowd and looking less and less interested as the bout progressed, one has to question whether Fountain was hurt a lot more seriously than first indicated when Carmichael knocked him silly 9 months ago. Fountain needed much of the summer to get his head straight and his legs back and while all accounts from the coast say he looked just fine in a decision over Emmett Seals in Los Angeles in August, he did not appear to be the same fighter who was 18-1-1 before entering the ring against Carmichael early last year. Price's effort was also a disappointment as the Tampa Terror had his second straight bad result. He fought to a draw in a bout in Philadelphia last summer with Eugene Morse that he should have won easily and now looked almost disinterested against Fountain in Saturday's loss. Price was considered a contender for the title but the past six months has soured many on his future. UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 12/16/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER: The Milwaukee Blues of the Century League lead the way with AAA titles as the Chicago Cougars top farm club has won 16 of them including the last 3 straight. However, five of the Blues titles come from before the turn of the century when they were known as the Cram Caps. Next up we have independent Portland with 12 Great Western League crowns followed by St Paul of the Century loop with 10. The longest current pennantless drought in AAA belongs to the Buffalo Nickels. We could technically say it is the Jersey City Uniforms who have not won a title since 1904 but that was in the AA Eastern Association and they did not move up to AAA until 1940.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
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02-28-2023, 10:06 AM
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December 24, 1945: Baseball Rule 5 Draft
DECEMBER 24, 1945  MIX OF YOUTH AND VETS SELECTED IN RULE FIVE DRAFT The Rule Five draft was not the great event many were calling for a year ago but it did see 20 players selected, which is right in line with similar drafts from the past. While for the most part the selections, like top pick John Beaver by the Brooklyn Kings, were youngsters, there were a few veteran names scattered in the mix. The best known of them would be infielder Jim Beard as the two-time all-star was left exposed by the Philadelphia Sailors and snapped up by the Chicago Cougars as the sixth player selected. Beard spent the past two years in the Army and the Sailors felt they had no room for the 33 year old on their 40-man secondary roster. Brooklyn led the way as their new management team selected 5 players (6 if you count Willie Gonzalez Jr. who in a head-scratching move was selected by the Kings in round 6 despite already being property of those same Kings) highlighted by the top selection Beaver, a 22 year old first baseman who was property of the New York Gothams but spent last year in the Army. The Philadelphia Sailors and Cincinnati Cannons each lost three players to lead the way in departures. RULE FIVE SELECTIONS Round 1 1- Brooklyn Kings: 1B John Beaver from the New York Gothams. 2- Chicago Chiefs: SP Al Love from the Boston Minutemen. 3- New York Stars: RP George Scruggs from the Washington Eagles. 4- Pittsburgh Miners: SP Adam Grayson from the Toronto Wolves. 5- Philadelphia Sailors: SP Howie Harris from the Cincinnati Cannons. 6- Chicago Cougars: 3B Jim Beard from the Philadelphia Sailors. 7- Detroit Dynamos: SP Danny Goff Jr. from the New York Gothams. 8- Philadelphia Keystones: SP Joe Lund from the Philadelphia Sailors. Round 2 1- Brooklyn Kings: C Frank Reichardt from the Montreal Saints. 2- Chicago Chiefs: 3B Pat Reed from the Toronto Wolves. 3- New York Stars: SP Henry Shaffer from the Philadelphia Keystones. 4- Philadelphia Sailors: LF Elmer Wands from the Brooklyn Kings. 5- Detroit Dynamos: 1B Steve Donovan from the Boston Minutemen. Round 3 1- Brooklyn Kings: SP Jack Brown from the Philadelphia Keystones. 2- Philadelphia Sailors: CF John Shaw from the Chicago Chiefs. 3- Detroit Dynamos: LF Roy Carroll from the Washington Eagles. Round 4 1- Brooklyn Kings: RF Willard Blair from the Detroit Dynamos. 2- Philadelphia Sailors: SP Troy Crockett from the Cincinnati Cannons. 3- Detroit Dynamos: LF Rufus Daniels from the Cincinnati Cannons. Round 5 1- Brooklyn Kings: SS Phil Gratz from the Philadelphia Sailors. CANNONS INK BRADSHAW The Cincinnati Cannons added to their deep collection of pitchers with the news that 27-year old Les Bradshaw has agreed to a contract with the team. Bradshaw went 6-3 for the Washington Eagles in 1944 before being drafted into the Army and missing all of last season. Discharged from the service recently, he was also discharged by the Eagles who cut the righthander after he spent 4 seasons in the big leagues. The Cannons feel Bradshaw, who is 15-12 with a 3.55 era for his big league career, has the talent to start but he might have a tough go of things trying to crack what should be a very deep Cincinnati rotation. WHAT'S NEXT FOR MAROONS Now that we have had a week to recover from the terrible beating inflicted by Del Thomas and the Boston Americans that left Rollie Barrell's Maroons black and blue it is time think about what the future holds for the local eleven. What changes are coming down the pipeline? There may be a lot more than you think with the Continental Conference set to take on the AFA next September. All of the franchise locations for Percy Sutherland's brainchild have not been revealed but it seems a safe bet the Maroons will not have any direct competition to face. The same can't be said for Carl Bonn in Chicago or Erasmus Scott in New York as the new loop has already declared it will battle head-on with the Wildcats and Stars for the football dollar in those two cities. But just because it is unlikely there will be a Detroit entry, Maroons boss Barrell should not rest easy. The CFC will likely be throwing around a lot of greenbacks trying to lure top talent -both from the college ranks and perhaps even some current AFA players- in order to help the new league make a splash. So Rollie better be ready to open his checkbook. *** Quarterback Situation Needs Addressing *** So much of what happens with the Maroons next season likely hinges on whether Stan Vaught returns or heads back to his farm in Kansas. The best end in AFA history slowed down just a touch this year but still led the league in catches and had a pretty fine showing with 7 receptions in the title game. Imagine what he could do with a grade A quality quarterback? And that is the biggest need for Detoit if the Maroons are ever going to win another title. Quarterback! The Americans have Del Thomas -who really is in a class of his own- but put a passer the quality of Chicago's Gus Brown in charge of throwing the ball to Vaught and there may be no stopping the Maroons. Look at how much Washington improved, especially their big receiver Johnny Douglas, with the addition of a smart rookie tosser like Bob Krohn. Detroit needs to find someone who can throw the ball with confidence and accuracy, something we haven't seen around these parts since Dewey Burnett trades his cleats for a clipboard on the Whitney College sideline. It is clear Rich Coleman is not the answer and Coach Frank Yurik certainly knows it by his decision to use Mike Hendrick more and more as the passer. Both are decent rushers but neither can be counted on to lead an aerial assault when it matters most. Coleman proved that last year with 6 interceptions to throw away the title game to Philadelphia and was not much better against Boston last weekend. Finding a quarterback is a lot easier said than done but it is essential to do so, and while Vaught is still around, if the Maroons are to finally win when it matters most. *** YOUTH MOVEMENT AHEAD FOR DYNAMOS? *** A lot of fans gave the new Dynamos front office plenty of grief when word trickled out that catcher Joe Henry was dispatched to Montreal for a draft pick but they better brace themselves as this might just be the beginning of the carnage. Assistant General Manager Harris Dixon says the Thompson gang are committed to a youth movement, something that club owner Powell 'Little Money' Thompson will love because it means more big contract players will be shown the door. Davis says this is nothing like the fire sale of days past when Red Johnson and later Sal Pestilli were ushered out of town. The vets that get moved this time will be because there is great young talent chomping at the bit to get in the lineup. That is exactly why Henry is brushing up on his french these days, as the Dynamos feel the skipper's kid Rick York is ready to be the full-time catcher. And when they decide that big time prospects like the keystone combo of Del Johnson and Stan Kleminski and the outfield duo of Edwin Hackberry and Dick Estes are ready then the likes of Leon Drake, Aart Macdonald, Hank Grant and Johnny Guzzo will also be jettisoned. Word is that might happen in the spring, at least with Johnson and Estes but also perhaps with the two teenagers as well. In keeping Carl Potter the old Dynamo administration showed it was not afriad to put a teenager on a big league diamond and the new regime may well do the same this April. In talking about those bigtime prospect we should give former GM DD Martin credit and wish him well in Brooklyn. He and Little Money may not have seen eye to eye on much, but Martin and his scouting staff did a whale of a job stocking the Dynamos prospect cupboard the past couple of years. And while he will never acknowledge it in public, the savings Little Money will enjoy this year are directly a result of Martin's work for the club. *** Big League Cage Coming? *** There are a lot of rumours that a big time professional basketball loop is in the works for next year. The last time there was an attempt at a national circuit was two decades ago in a short-lived loop that Maroons boss Rollie Barrell was involved in as part owner of a Brooklyn franchise. Bad timing was blamed for the demise with the great stock market crash and depression that followed being the culprit but the timing is likely much better now. We asked Rollie if he is bringing a team to Detroit for such a loop and while he said nothing has really been discussed at this point, he is certainly open to the idea. So a year from now Detroit might have another big-time pro team to join the Dynamos, Maroons and hockey Motors.
 ALABAMA BAPTIST 13-POINT CHOICE IN EAST-WEST CLASSIC Football will get 1946 off to a flying start toward the awaited golden sports boom by attracting huge crowds to 7 stadiums scatted from Santa Ana to Miami for the collection of Classics on New Year's Day. Four unbeaten, untied squads will take the field that day but none will have even a sliver of hope for knocking 9-0 Rome State from the catbird seat. The Centurions, without any doubt whatsoever, will be crowned by the pollsters as the top collegiate outfit for the second consecutive year. In fact, may are calling the club headed by backs Gus Thompson and Chet Donelson one of the greatest collegiate elevens ever assembled. That being said, it will still be a ferocious fight for second spot with Coach Hal Bates' Alabama Baptist Chargers holding the inside track. The Chargers, led by sophomore quarterback sensation Willie Hubbard, enter the big day with a 9-0 record and currently owners of the #2 slot in the polls. They will meet Golden Gate University in the East-West Classic. The 6-1 Grizzlies knocked off both Los Angeles schools in Coastal California and CCLA this season to become the first team from outside the West Coast Athletic Association since 1919 to represent the West in the big Classic matchup at Santa Ana. The Chargers have been installed as 13-point favourites to tame the Grizzlies. Eastern Oklahoma, another school with a perfect record, is also favoured by 13. The Pioneers will meet the Eastern State Monitors in New Orleans' Cajun Classic. Here is the complete slate of Classic matchups set for January 1. Code:
CLASSIC LOCATION TEAMS East-West Santa Ana,Ca Alabama Baptist 9-0 Golden Gate University 6-1 Lone Star Austin, Tx Detroit City Coll. 9-1 Travis College 10-0 Sunshine Miami, Fl Miami State 10-0 St Blane 8-2 Cajun New Orleans,La Eastern State 7-2 Eastern Oklahoma 8-0 Desert El Paso, Tx South Valley State 6-0-1 Central Ohio 7-1-1 Oilman Houston, Tx Payne State 7-2-1 Noble Jones College 8-2 Bayside Tampa, Fl Maryland State 7-2 St Patrick's 6-1-2  Tom's passion for football ignited during his college years at St. Blane University, a revered institution located in the football-rich state of Pennsylvania. It was there, in 1934, that he crossed paths with Betsy Barrell, a fellow student whose infectious spirit and love for sports matched his own. Their connection grew stronger each day, and by the time Tom had embarked on his professional football career, they had become inseparable. In 1937, after Tom's debut with the Boston Americans, he and Betsy exchanged vows, solidifying their bond in marriage. Their love formed the foundation that propelled Tom to greater heights, on and off the field. Together, they welcomed their son, George Bowens, into the world in 1940, a testament to the happiness they found in their shared journey. Tom's arrival in Boston marked the beginning of an illustrious professional career. The Boston Americans, our very own club in the American Football Association (AFA), recognized Tom's remarkable abilities and secured his services. As an all-around talent, Tom's excellence as a receiver, blocker, and defender set him apart from his peers. His tireless work ethic and dedication endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Off the field, Tom found solace and support in his loving wife, Betsy, who stood by his side through every victory and defeat. Betsy's unwavering belief in him fueled his drive to excel, and their enduring love provided the stability he needed amid the demands of the game. The war came, and as it did for so many, pulled Tom away from everything he had known. He served in the Navy, and though he did on occasion find time to play football on service teams, he also saw active duty on the USS Earle, a destroyer that served as a convoy escort in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Tom was discharged in August, with the war ended and the Earle back in Norfolk where it had been for conversion to a minesweeper in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Tom rejoined his football club for the 1945 campaign, and the Boston Americans completed a resounding regular season, dominating the AFA's Eastern Division with a remarkable 9-1 record. The team's sights were set on the AFA Championship Game, where they would face the formidable Detroit Maroons, champions of the West, at Boston's Minuteman Stadium. Coincidentally, the Maroons were owned by Betsy's brother, Rollie Barrell, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. As the championship clash loomed, Tom and his teammates prepared diligently. Del Thomas, the esteemed quarterback hailed as the league's best, orchestrated the offense with precision. Alongside Tom, running backs Brian "Bull" Young and the elusive Bulldog Stein formed a formidable backfield, ready to tear through opposing defenses. Tom Molloy, another talented receiver, provided a formidable tandem with Bowens, tormenting defenses throughout the season. In the AFA Championship Game, the clash of titans took center stage. The Americans and the Maroons engaged in an epic battle, exchanging blows on the field. The Boston Americans delivered a breathtaking display of offensive brilliance, dominating the Maroons in a stunning fashion. Brian Young showcased his explosive running skills, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while Bulldog Stein added 79 yards on the ground. Tom Bowens proved his worth as a playmaker, recording three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, while Tom Molloy contributed three catches for 62 yards. However, it was the masterful performance of Del Thomas, the quarterback extraordinaire, that stole the show. Thomas displayed remarkable precision and composure, completing 18-of-21 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His exceptional performance earned him the coveted title of MVP. As the final whistle blew, the score displayed the Americans' dominance—a resounding 56-24 victory over the Detroit Maroons. Tom Bowens, fueled by a desire to triumph and fueled by love for his family and the game, played a pivotal role in the team's triumph. The championship trophy raised high, he shared the moment with his teammates, his family, and the passionate fans who embraced him as one of their own. Tom Bowens had etched his name in football history as a gridiron hero. And now, just days removed from that championship-winning contest, Tom Bowens has elected to retire. "It's time," he said simply. His legacy shall endure long after his playing days. His achievements on the field, coupled with his humility and devotion to those he loved, have cemented his place in the hearts of fans and in the annals of football history. Tom Bowens became synonymous with greatness, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the gridiron. We join the Boston American football club and the fans of Boston in wishing our hometown hero well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life alongside his wife and son.  BIG TEST FOR LIBERTY COLLEGE The Liberty College Bells are always a team to fear in college cage action and this season appears to be no different. The Bells lead all of the top division of collegiate basketball with 11 victories on the season and their 11-1 record has the Philadelphia school ranked second in the nation behind only a suprising Mobile Maritime quintet. The Bells are no stranger to the top of the rankings and have reached at least the quarterfinals of the AIAA championship tournament 9 times in the past decade including 3 National Titles. This year's club will face it's biggest test of the season on Christmas Eve when the Bells host 9th ranked North Carolina Tech (6-1). The game will feature a matchup of a pair of top forwards in the Techsters Clarence Barton and the Bells All-American candidate Win Dupre. Dupre, a senior out of tiny Corfu, NY, is leading the Bells in both points and rebounds, although he is being pressed in the latter category by sophomore center Ward Messer, who's older brother Walt is a star outfielder with the New York Gothams. The other major independent school to keep an eye on is the Miami State Gulls. They improved to 10-1 by destroying Richmond State 53-19 yesterday and have moved up to 6th in the latest rankings poll. Success has not come very often for the Gulls although they did make the AIAA tournament last year and won a post-season game for the first time since 1913. Junior Long Werth, a homegrown product from Miami's MacArthur High School, may just be the best center in the nation and the 6'10" star has improved his scoring touch over the off-season, averaging 13.9 ppg so far this season. In addition to the huge win over Richmond State, the Gulls can also count wins over Lane State, Dickson and Chesapeake State so far this season. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Mobile Maritime (46) 6-0 1764 1 South Atlantic Conference
2. Liberty College (10) 11-1 1705 4 Independent
3. Western Iowa (14) 7-0 1694 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. CC Los Angeles (2) 7-0 1602 5 West Coast Athletic Association
5. Coastal State 5-0 1501 6 South Atlantic Conference
6. Miami State 10-1 1423 10 Independent
7. Brooklyn State 7-1 1375 7 Liberty Conference
8. Rainier College 7-1 1303 2 West Coast Athletic Association
9. North Carolina Tech 5-1 1202 11 South Atlantic Conference
10. Central Ohio 5-1 1172 13 Great Lakes Alliance
11. Rome State 5-1 1008 15 Independent
12. Texas Gulf Coast 7-1 952 8 Southwestern Alliance
13. Coastal California 7-1 806 9 West Coast Athletic Association
14. Elyria 8-1 788 16 Independent
15. Detroit City College 5-2 786 19 Great Lakes Alliance
16. Provo Tech 8-1 773 17 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
17. Redwood 6-1 650 12 West Coast Athletic Association
18. Bluegrass State 6-1 534 25 Deep South Conference
19. Garden State 5-2 435 23 Liberty Conference
20. St. Magnus 5-1 426 24 Great Lakes Alliance
21. Jersey City Tech 7-1 422 22 Liberty Conference
22. Noble Jones College 6-2 392 14 Deep South Conference
23. Berwick 6-1 359 NR Keystone Alliance
24. Empire State 4-1 186 NR Liberty Conference
25. Lincoln 6-2 45 NR Great Lakes Alliance
Others Receiving Votes:
Harper College 9-2 43 Independent
Utah A&M 7-2 17 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
Western Florida 6-2 16 Deep South Conference
University of New Jersey 6-2 6 Eastern Six
Orrville 8-2 5 Independent
Freemont State 5-2 5 Midwestern Association
Lane State 3-3 3 West Coast Athletic Association
Central Kentucky 5-2 1 Deep South Conference
Iowa A&M 6-2 1 Plains Athletic Association
MONDAY DECEMBER 17 #3 Western Iowa 50 North Shore 32 #4 CCLA 52 Golden Gate 44 #6 Miami State 47 Wyoming A&I 34 Western Florida 44 #12 Texas Gulf Coast 35 #17 Redwood 39 Northern Minnesota 30 TUESDAY DECEMBER 18 #1 Mobile Maritime 41 Glover(GA) 38 #2 Liberty College 46 Armstrong 32 #14 Elyria 49 Holland 33 #24 Empite State 49 Commonwealth Catholic 41 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19 #18 Bluegrass State 56 Minnesota Tech 43 #19 Garden State 47 Hartford Wesleyan 33 #21 Jersey City Tech 44 Troy State(NY) 42 THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 #3 Western Iowa 45 Springfield State 35 Valley State 47 #8 Rainier College 37 #11 Rome State 48 College of San Diego 41 Potomac College 41 #13 Coastal California 31 #16 Provo Tech 38 Quaker College (CA) 33 College of Cairo 51 #17 Redwood 49 #23 Berwick 54 Middlesex 48 #25 Lincoln 43 Alabama Gulf Coast 42 FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 #2 Liberty College 45 Brandywine 42 #5 Coastal State 49 Ferguson 42 #6 Miami State 59 Penobscot State 36 #14 Elyria 57 Canton State 43 #15 Detroit City College 53 Alabama Baptist 34 #18 Bluegrass State 57 Grant(IN) 43 #21 Jersey City Tech 52 Mile High State 41 East Missouri Seminary 48 #22 Noble Jones College 43 SATURDAY DECEMBER 22 #9 North Carolina Tech 51 El Paso Methodist 48 #16 Provo Tech 47 Flagstaff State 44 #20 St Magnus 56 Eastern Kansas 47 #23 Berwick 46 Ogdensburg 43 #25 Lincoln 49 Oklahoma Bible College 24 SUNDAY DECEMBER 23 #6 Miami State 53 Richmond State 19 #7 Brooklyn State 45 Pierpont 35 #11 Rome State 53 Bethlehem College 30 #12 Texas Gulf Coast 52 Eastern Oklahoma 45  O'CONNOR FLASHY IN FLORIDA VICTORY Just to prove that his exploits throughout the middle-west over the past year were not underrated, Brooks O'Connor hung up his 9th consecutive victory for the benefit of a sell-out crowd in the ten-round feature at the Miami Arena Thursday night. O'Connor needed just 4 rounds to knock out Bob Hinkle of Denver. While his victory was decisive, things did not start out well for the Detroit middleweight who was stung early by the 30-year old Hinkle, but he rebounded in the second round and was in complete control until the fight was stopped with Hinkle's face a bloody mess and it was clear he had lost the means to defend himself against the charging O'Connor. O'Connor now owns a 20-3-2 career mark and the 28 year olds losses are to an impressive trio of fighters. Only John Edmonds along with Frank Melanson and Todd Gill -who will fight for the title in May after battling to a draw in October- have stopped O'Connor, who is likely due a title shot at some point in the near future. MIXED RESULTS FOR WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDERS A pair of top ranked welterweights were in action last week. On Tuesday in St Louis it was the #4 contender Wayne Dunn squaring off against Mitchell McFadden. Dunn improved to 26-6 with the 20th stoppage of his career, knocking out McFadden in the 5th round of their bout that was slated for 10. It is an impressive result for Dunn as McFadden had entered the bout with a 22-3-1 record that including some solid victories. The result was far less impressive for Baby Face Bishop as the highly touted 27 year old out of Atlanta was the surprise loser of a 10-round decision in Pittsburgh to Harold Stephens - a previously lightly regarded Providence, R.I., pugilist who is now 15-3-2. For Bishop, who is now 21-3-1, it likely means the end of his chances of drawing a shot at the currently vacant welterweight title.  UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 12/23/1945
TRIVIA ANSWER: The last Rule Five draft was held in December, 1943 and the top selection was Willie Ibarra, a then 27-year old righthander selected by the Cleveland Foresters from the New York Stats. Ibarra spent the year with the Foresters but lasted just 22 innings, posting an 0-3 record with a 4.09 era before blowing out his elbow whiich sidelined him for well over year. The Foresters recently released him and so did the Stars so he is presently unemployed but perhaps a candidate for the new Bigsby rebel loop.
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles Last edited by Tiger Fan; 07-03-2023 at 11:57 AM. |
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02-28-2023, 01:39 PM
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#647 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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December 31, 1945 - bonus year end edition
DECEMBER 31, 1945  BOXING: Hector Sawyer, fresh off beating Brit Leo Carmichael in February will get back in the ring in the fall to take on rising Philadelphia second generation fighter Scott Baker. People still will have enough or War Bonds, or both, to create a record gate. It will be the biggest single event of the year although the Frank Melanson-Todd Gill rematch at Sailors Memorial in May will come close. The fall heavyweight fight will go 7 rounds and Baker will surprise the champ with a knockout victory. Sawyer is slowing down and Baker is on the rise, looking to become the first father-son World Champs as his father briefly held the middleweight title in the early days of the ABF. BASEBALL: The Chicago Cougars will get over the hump and win the Continental Association title, narrowly ending Cincinnati's 3 year hold on the flag. There is no stopping Bobby Barrell and the Philadelphia Keystones will claim a third consecutive Federal Association title. The Cougars take the Series in 7 games with Pete Papenfus being the hero of the finale. The Bigsby name -always a thorn in the side of baseball- will cause trouble agin. It will start in '46 as Thomas X. Bigsby and his war buddies will make great inroads with big league ball on the coast but the real threat to FABL is still a year or two away when the rebel loop starts to think it just might be big enough to take Sam Benton and eastern magnates head on. Things ended badly very quickly with the 3 big league system in the early 1890s and it is easy to imagine a lot of ballclubs as casualties this time around as well. PRO FOOTBALL: The Boston Americans will face some stiff competition in the East Division but will prevail, although, by the narrowest of margins, over a strong Washington Wasps team. The Chicago Wildcats do not like to finish second to Detroit and after two straight years of just that, Carl Boon will have had enough and lead his charges to an AFA title win over Boston. Percy Sutherland's Continental Football Conference will do very well, generally, for a baby industry. The conference will see great excitement from its fans on the west coast but the challenge will be in New York. Can they do enough to get some of the attention away from the Football Stars? COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL: Rome State will once again be the pride and dreamteam of collegiate grid action with the backfield duo of Chet Donelson and Gus Thompson -seniors now- becoming All-Americans a third year in a row. They may not get to 27 straight victories as a lot of teams will be improved, notably St Blane and Alabama Baptist, but the Centurions will be in the running for a third straight national title. BASKETBALL: Popularity continues to grow in the sport and the collegiate tournament becomes an even bigger event than it was during the war. The sport also finally gets itself a pro league as odds are likely 50/50 the first national big-time cage loop since 1930 takes flight. Expect Rollie Barrell and Daniel Prescott -two of the driving forces behind the last attempt at top-flight cage play- to be right in the middle of things. HOCKEY: Like basketball, the other winter sport will start to get a larger following as fans have more free time and many of them more money to attend games. Unlike the other big sports the ice stars will strictly have a regional appeal but it will continue to grow. Detroit and Boston have had some strong teams of late and have the fan support to rival the two Canadian cities -where the game is practically a religion- but for hockey to truly prosper it needs to have a winner in New York. Preferably the Shamrocks but even the Brooklyn Eagles might wake up the Big Apple to the excitement of the sport if they can ice a winner. Enjoy your last day of 1945 and have a fantastic sports-filled 1946. This new western league that Thomas X. Bigsby has been ruffling feathers with is a story that is gaining steam. One offshoot is that most of the FABL teams are trimming their excess players to ensure those they want to keep are sure of their spots and not enticed by the shiny news toys out west. The Gothams released a handful of players who may have spent some time in the major league camp competing for a spot. Notably, veteran relievers Tom Phelps and Jim Miller along with 1944 Gothams starters Cy Sullivan and Jim Baggett were given their walking papers. On the offensive side Nat Drake was told his services are no longer needed. Another player released raises an entirely different question. The Gothams have released the recently return Eddie Ziehl. While this may not be a big splash on the player roster, it does raise the question, what of Hall of Famer and Gothams legend Ed Ziehl. The elder Ziehl famously gave up his manager's position with the team to join the war effort at home when his son was drafted. Now that the team seems committed to Bud Jameson as manager one has to wonder about Ziehl. While the Bigsby family may have many enemies amoung the FABL ownership group Ed Ziehl did have a long and positive relationship with the Bigsby clan. Might he be enticed by Thomas X Bigsby to pick up stakes and move west? Perhaps bringing his free agent son along? The Ziehls are quite obviously a tightknit family and the idea of starting something new in California might be too much of a new challenge for them to resist. We will be closely watching these developments. RIVAL BAPTIST AND GRIZZLIES COACHES BUSY TRADING FEAR OF RESULT They look like a pair of successful businessmen -the short portly gentleman from the south and the taller brisk-talking Californian. And in the football coaching business there are few more proficient practitioners than Hal Bates, the head man at Alabama Baptist along with Golden Gate University coach Charlie Doolan, whose teams meet in the East-West Classic January 1. To hear them talk, you'd think they were leading high school teams to the slaughter. "We haven't stopped passes all season and they've got Wilie Hubbard, the best there is," laments Grizzlies coach Doolan. "I just hope the Chargers will let up when they get to 21 points. They put a few lickings on teams this season and we don't want to be another victim." "Nonsense," retorts Baptist boss Bates with a smile. "These odds making us 13-point favourites are silly. Why, we haven't met a line as big as Golden Gate's all year and there is hardly a better back -at least not this side of Rome State- than their Hawaiian All-American (Ed) Lukela." Behind the banter and pre-game pyschology lies a pair of pretty good coaches and outstanding teams. Alabama Baptist has yet to lose and, while they won't surpass Rome State for the number one ranking even if they won by 50 points, the Chargers would retain their status as the second best team in the nation this season with a win. The 6-1 Grizzlies beat both Coastal California and CCLA to earn the right to play in the East-West Classic for the first time. It is history making as the Grizzlies become the first team to represent the West in the big Santa Ana game that is not a member of the West Coast Athletic Association since the marines from Mare Island took on Great Lakes Navy in the 1919 classic. TOMORROW'S CLASSIC GAME SCHEDULE Code:
CLASSIC LOCATION TEAMS East-West Santa Ana,Ca Alabama Baptist 9-0 Golden Gate University 6-1 Lone Star Austin, Tx Detroit City Coll. 9-1 Travis College 10-0 Sunshine Miami, Fl Miami State 10-0 St Blane 8-2 Cajun New Orleans,La Eastern State 7-2 Eastern Oklahoma 8-0 Desert El Paso, Tx South Valley State 6-0-1 Central Ohio 7-1-1 Oilman Houston, Tx Payne State 7-2-1 Noble Jones College 8-2 Bayside Tampa, Fl Maryland State 7-2 St Patrick's 6-1-2 HUGE CROWD TAKES IN CHRISTMAS DOUBLEHEADER AT BIGSBY GARDEN The biggest crowd of the season packed the Bigsby Garden in New York Christmas evening to witness a pair of outstanding holiday basketball games. The opener pitted west coast power City College of Los Angeles against the St Blane Fighting Saints. It was an enertaining battle but the 4th ranked Coyotes were far too much for St Blane despite a 17 point effort from Saints center Josh Samuels. The St Blane cagers are no where close to the powerhouse they are on the grid but they still put on a spirited display against the heavily favoured West Coast quintet. The nightcap delighted the Garden crowd as local favourite Brooklyn State won its 8th game in a row, easily disposing of Carolina Poly 57-46. The Bears balanced attack so Chris Tillman, Willie Wright and Tom laurent each score 10 points in the win, which despite the fact that this appears to be a down year for the normally high-flying Cardinals, reaffirmed that Brooklyn State belongs among the names mentioned when talk turns towards national champion contenders. The top team in the title talk has to be Liberty College after the Bells improved to 13-1 with easy wins over North Carolina Tech and Bronx Tech last week. The 54-40 victory over North Carolina Tech did more than enough to convince the pollsters to bump the Bells to number one in the weekly rankings. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (69) 13-1 1797 2 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 9-0 1719 1 South Atlantic Conference
3. Western Iowa (2) 9-0 1659 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. CC Los Angeles (1) 9-0 1588 4 West Coast Athletic Association
5. Coastal State 8-0 1472 5 South Atlantic Conference
6. Miami State 12-1 1471 6 Independent
7. Rainier College 9-1 1337 8 West Coast Athletic Association
8. Brooklyn State 8-1 1336 7 Liberty Conference
9. Texas Gulf Coast 8-1 1171 12 Southwestern Alliance
10. Provo Tech 11-1 1122 16 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
11. Coastal California 8-1 1062 13 West Coast Athletic Association
12. Noble Jones College 8-2 1003 22 Deep South Conference
13. Elyria 9-1 946 14 Independent
14. Garden State 6-2 917 19 Liberty Conference
15. Central Ohio 6-2 789 10 Great Lakes Alliance
16. Rome State 7-2 719 11 Independent
17. Utah A&M 9-2 491 NR Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
18. Lincoln 6-2 439 25 Great Lakes Alliance
19. Lane State 5-3 404 NR West Coast Athletic Association
20. Detroit City College 6-3 340 15 Great Lakes Alliance
21. Redwood 7-2 303 17 West Coast Athletic Association
22. Darnell State 8-2 293 NR Southwestern Alliance
23. North Carolina Tech 5-3 229 9 South Atlantic Conference
24. Bluegrass State 7-2 183 18 Deep South Conference
25. University of New Jersey 7-2 138 NR Eastern Six
Others Receiving Votes:
Jersey City Tech 8-2 137 Liberty Conference
Berwick 7-2 76 Keystone Alliance
Whitney College 5-2 56 Great Lakes Alliance
Spokane State 6-2 49 West Coast Athletic Association
St. Magnus 6-2 48 Great Lakes Alliance
Iowa A&M 6-2 30 Plains Athletic Association
Constitution State 6-2 23 Eastern Six
Frankford State 11-3 19 Independent
Amarillo Methodist 5-2 15 Southwestern Alliance
Empire State 5-2 13 Liberty Conference
Annapolis Maritime 8-3 4 Independent
Mississippi A&M 6-3 2 Deep South Conference
MONDAY DECEMBER 24 #1 Liberty College 54 #23 North Carolina Tech 40 #5 Coastal State 53 American Atlantic 36 #10 Provo Tech 41 Bardney 33 #17 Utah A&M 45 Golden Gate 40 TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 #2 Mobile Maritime 55 Capital (MS) University 53 #4 CCLA 47 St Blane 41 #7 Rainier College 45 Michigan Lutheran 42 #8 Brooklyn State 57 Carolina Poly 46 #12 Noble Jones College 68 Lambert College 38 #16 Rome State 49 Rose Point(PA) 41 #19 Lane State 58 Berwick 52 Boulder State 49 #21 Redwood 41 #22 Darnell State 44 Wisconsin Catholic 36 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 #3 Western Iowa 57 College of Omaha 33 #5 Coastal State 63 Eastern Virginia 31 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 52 East Missouri Seminary 37 #11 Coastal California 40 Georgia Baptist 35 #13 Elyria 39 NW New York State 37 #15 Central Ohio 59 Huntington State 48 Central Carolina 62 #24 Bluegrass State 49 THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 #2 Mobile Maritime 51 Western Florida 40 #6 Miami State 54 St Andrews College 45 #7 Rainier College 58 #23 North Carolina Tech 47 #14 Garden State 51 Conwell College 43 #16 Rome State 40 Petersburg 33 #22 Darnell state 39 Fond du Lac 24 FRIDAY DECEMBER 28 #4 CCLA 46 North Shore 37 #5 Coastal State 59 Alabama Gulf Coast 39 #17 Utah A&M 36 Pueblo State 28 #25 University of New Jersey 49 Harrisburg State 39 SATURDAY DECEMBER 29 #1 Liberty College 67 Bronx Tech 36 #3 Western Iowa 50 Payne State 42 #6 Miami State 60 Bayou State 47 #12 Noble Jones College 44 Cowpens State 35 Canton State 52 #15 Central Ohio 51 Bay State 50 #16 Rome State 45 #19 Lane State 48 St Martin's College 29 #20 Detroit City College 56 Chicago Poly 30 #24 Bluegrass State 56 Holland 47 SUNDAY DECEMBER 30 #2 Mobile Maritime 48 Cumberland 45 #10 Provo Tech 54 Custer College 44 #21 Redwood 40 Sunnyvale 28  GIBBS WINS AGAIN But Wolf Goes Distance Against Fearsome Welterweight For the first time in his career George Gibbs needed to go the distance to claim a victory. After winning by knockout against his first 14 opponents the former Marine who fought in the Phillipines needed to go to the scorecards for his win against Jeff Wolf Sunday night in the nation's capital. It was a clean decision as Gibbs took every round and sent his opponent from New York to the canvas twice in the bout, but give Wolf credit for being the first professional fighter to go the distance against Gibbs. "I had a couple of guys in the marines hang in there with me," explained Gibbs afterwards, "but it was a surprise to still be fighting in those last couple rounds. I thought I had him in the 8th," after the second knockdown, "but give that guy full credit for getting back up." For Wolf, a 28 year old New Yorker who spent 4 years in the Coast Guard, his record drops to 11-2 but going the distance against Gibbs certainly is no small accomplishment.  UPCOMING TITLE FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 12/30/1945
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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03-01-2023, 02:34 PM
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#648 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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January 7, 1946: A new year and a new competitor for FABL
JANUARY 7, 1946 BIG TIME: GREAT WESTERN LEAGUE TO TAKE ON FABL If you're a sports fan, this news comes as no surprise: the Great Western League has made the leap to "major league" status, self-appointing itself as being of the same caliber as the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues. This is a phenomenon that last occurred all the way back in the 1880s when the Peerless League opened up shop and marks the first time since FABL's founding that a direct competitor has dared take it on head-to-head. Thomas X. Bigsby, owner of the Los Angeles Knights has been appointed GWL President and had a lot to say as the newly refashioned league began its first calendar year in the fast lane. "We are pleased to bring top-notch baseball to the deserving fans of the west. For too long the moguls back east have deemed the western fan unworthy of first-class baseball and we are going to prove them wrong!" Bigsby also noted that the GWL has inked affiliation deals with the Lone Star Association and Western Baseball League and has advanced both those leagues to Class AAA (for the LSA) and Class AA (for the WBL). All eight of the GWL clubs will have affiliates in those leagues and Bigsby has noted that a Class A league may yet be formed to provide the GWL with a pipeline of players similar to that enjoyed by FABL clubs. "Let me be clear on one thing," Bigsby said. "We are not competing with FABL for players. We are setting up our own system and will operate within our own territories. Does this mean that FABL should no longer try to sign amateur players from the west? Perhaps not, but I can not say for certain. Our goal is to make the Great Western League the destination of choice for our homegrown talent. For now we will not compete with the FABL for players, but any free agent out there, abandoned or deemed not good enough for FABL, may find a chance in our league." That last statement - aside from the "for now" which looms large for future considerations - may have been an olive branch from Bigsby to FABL boss Sam Belton, who has unsurprisingly been skeptical of this move by Bigsby and his partners. "I have little to say on this topic. There are still legal challenges which need to play out in the court system regarding the breach of contract by the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland clubs. Therefore it would be imprudent for me to comment on Mr. Bigsby's league or its clubs," Belton told reporters outside the FABL headquarters in Washington, DC. GREAT WESTERN LEAGUE PREVIEW New 'Major' League Quick to Sign FABL Vets The newest major league baseball outfit broke the news of its self-promoted elevation in status from AAA in dramatic fashion as clubs across the 8 team loop opened their checkbooks and signed a number of former FABL regulars. Here is a quick look at each of the teams in the league and some of their players who may be quite recognizable to fans of big league baseball in the east. DALLAS CENTURIONS One of the two teams from the Lone Star Association that initially applied, and were turned down, in a bid for FABL expansion squads. Owner Paul Burnett is bound to be a key figure with a powerful voice in the shaping of the new league as it goes forward. AFFILIATES: Austin Violets (AAA) and Tulsa Roughnecks (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: Among their signings include George Rotondi, a 32 year old pitcher who went 4-18 for the Cleveland Foresters last season. Ex-Washington Eagle shortstop Lou Hofmeister and former New York Stars first baseman Earl Kimmel also played a fair bit in FABL last season. They also signed infielder Bob Smith, a long-time Philadelphia Sailor, who was recently discharged from the Army. HOUSTON BULLS The other Texas squad that tried unsuccessfully to join FABL is owned by John Mark. Mark, like his long-time college buddy from Darnell State Burnett, will have a key voice in the direction of the GWL going forward. AFFLIATES: Galveston Gunners (AAA) and Little Rock Governors (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: The Bulls signed a pair of veteran FABL outfielders who were recently let go by Detroit in Lou Balk and George Bond. The also brought in former Chicago Cougars infielder Ollie Page and pitcher Bill McGraw, who won 11 games for Brooklyn last season. A somewhat familiar name that was already in Houston is 38 year old pitcher Jim Simmons, who has been in the Lone Star loop for nearly a decade but prior to that spent a few seasons with the Chicago Chiefs. LOS ANGELES KNIGHTS The President and key voice of the new league is Thomas X. Bigsby and he is also the owner of the Los Angeles franchise. The Bigsby name needs no introduction and it seems certain that Bigsby will be the one to have the biggest voice in shaping the western loop. AFFLIATES: San Antonio Gunslingers (AAA) and Omaha Cowboys (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: 31 year old righthander Karl Wallace won 11 games for the Philadelphia Sailors last season and will be counted on heavily by the Knights. He has company as outfielders Bernie Green (Montreal) and Maury Millsap (NY Stars), third baseman Don Hallam (Gothams) and catcher John Kennedy (St Louis) all played regularly in FABL a year ago. The big news signing in Los Angeles was not a player but rather a manager as Ed Ziehl has signed on to run the club. The Hall of Famer was a New York Gotham star under the reign of the Bigsby family and a long-time manager of the club as well. Ziehl's son Eddie, a former Gothams infielder, has also signed with the organization. OAKLAND GRAYS Harry Tilley is originally from New York but has been the Grays owner for over a decade. He ended his affiliation with the St Louis Pioneers to join six other GWL teams in the new venture. AFFILIATES: Waco Wranglers (AAA) and Des Moines Bears (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: The Grays may have one of the better offenses in the GWL with the acquisition of four players who each had more than 500 at bats in FABL last season: infielders Hank Grant (Detroit) and Larry Colaianni (Washington) along with outfielders Don Miller (Washington) and Howie Smith (Detroit/Stars). The added another ex-Eagle in pitcher Del Burns although there are some rumours Burns is having second thoughts about joining the new league. PORTLAND GREEN SOX Owner Rankin Crosby built a tremendously successful minor league organization as an independent club, the Green Sox won a league best 12 pennants when the GWL was a AAA league. AFFILIATES:Oklahoma City Chiefs (AAA) and Denver Plainsmen (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: 34 year old Jim Baggett was a rookie of the year candidate with the New York Gothams in 1944 but struggled as sophomore last season. Beyond him and former St Louis Pioneers minor league pitcher Johnny Kretzschmar the Green Sox did not make a lot of moves but they do bring over most of the roster that won the GWL pennant in 1945. SAN DIEGO CONQUISTADORS Owner Ken Langley Jr is a San Diego native and that was likely the deciding factor his hometown still has a team as several in the GWL were pushing for the league to branch out in to Mexico in order to increase it's footprint and perception as a major league, similar to FABL having a presence in Canada as well as the United States. But the Conquistadors stayed put and even convinced the former General Manager of the Brooklyn Kings to come west and run their club. AFFILIATES: El Paso Missions (AAA) and Topeka Jayhawks (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: The Conquistadors signed veteran pitcher Bill Anderson, who has a 92-108 career FABL mark with 4 teams including his most recent stop in Pittsburgh last year when he was an All-Star. The San Diego squad signed a number of players just back from the war including pitchers Curly Jones, Luis Sandoval and Earle Robinson and outfielder Art Cascone to join a lineup that already included former FABL veterans Doc Love and Ed Stewart. SAN FRANCISCO HAWKS Owner Red Perrone is another (along with Los Angeles and Oakland) that broke contracts to act as minor league affiliates of FABL teams. The Hawks had a long-time association with the Philadelphia Sailors. AFFILIATES: Amarillo Stars (AAA) and Wichita Rustlers (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: A pair of ex-New York Stars have joined the Hawks in shortstop Steve Summers and catcher Cliff Ray along with Washington infielder John Wood and former Chicago Cougars outfielder Orlin Yates. SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS 76 year old Doc Rogers owns the Thunderbirds, who joined the GWL in 1928 and had an immediate rivalry in the Pacific Northwest with fellow independent outfit Portland. Unlike the very successful Green Sox, the Seattle nine have had a lot of lean years but did win the GWL pennant for the first time in 1943. AFFILIATES: Fort Worth Cattlemen (AAA) and Pueblo Mountaineers (AA) NOTABLE PLAYERS: Former St Louis Pioneers second baseman Jim Koch and pitcher Billy Stall, who worked out of the Montreal pen, are new additions who played in FABL last season. Charlie Demars, who spent some time with the Gothams last decade, comes over from the folded Sacramento club and 41 year old Harry Simmons -who spent time with the Cougars in the early-1930s- is still playing. He was with Fort Worth last season so may get a chance to move up and play first base for the Thunderbirds.  CONQUISTADORS ARE MAJOR LEAGUE Baseball fans of San Diego! We have made it to the big leagues! Your Conquistadors are a founding member of the Great Western League and have had a storied history notably winning the championship 7 times since inception. Thanks to the visionary leadership of baseball mogul, Mr. Thomas X. Bigsby and our own brilliant owner, Mr. Ken Langley, Jr., the Great Western League and the Conquistadors have stepped up to play on the same level as the Eastern League, the FABL. For now, the leagues are completely independent of one another, but who knows how long it will be before the winner of the Western League meets the winner of the Eastern League for a real championship series? With this latest cataclysmic shift, the Conquistadors have hired a new General Manager, Mr. Philip Hubbard. Hubbard has GM experience in the FABL having most recently served as head of the Brooklyn Kings organization. Slanderous claims have been bandied about that Hubbard was fired from this post, but nothing could be further from the truth. Asked about this, Mr. Hubbard had this to say, “Fired? You’re joking, right? I simply had my ear to the ground and caught wind of Mr. Bigsby’s bold move to take major league baseball to the west coast and saw an opportunity to be part of something really great right from the beginning. No, I =voluntarily= stepped down from a great organization to be part of an even greater one. I do wish the new GM, Mr. DD Martin, all the best in the better part of New York State, however.” THINGS ARE MOVING FAST Just a few weeks ago the talk of a new "major" league on the west coast was a rumor. Hot stove chatter to fill the cold winter months. Now suddenly the Great Western League has sprouted in the land of sunshine. Thomas X. Bigsby has done what none thought possible. He's conjured up a league to challenge the long standing FABL. Oh sure, the current talk is of coexistence and not competition. But how long will that last? With airliners getting faster and travel time shorter, how long until Bigsby's startups want to really challenge the Eastern establishment? For now they are signing the castoffs of FABL. What's next? As for how this affects the Gothams? Bigsby's LA Knights have already enticed the biggest name in Gotham's lore, Ed Ziehl to manager his ballclub. As rumored here in the past week's Ziehl was taken by the new challenge and is moving west. His son Eddie is also joining the Knights organization. There he'll find a few former Gothams, 2B Hank Cook, 3B Dan Hallam and SP Nate Spear. I'm sure there will be others on the cmpeting GWL rosters. You may have thought the days of losing players to the military is in the past, but you'd be wrong. Class B prospect Ted Beaven was called to active duty this past week and is expected to be out for a year. The former 3rd round pick has been given a leave of absence. Expect to see more of the younger minor leaguers spending some time serving their country. DYNAMOS FIRE SCOUT WEEK BEFORE DRAFT Trouble brewing on Third Avenue in Detroit? New Dynamos General Manager Tiger Fan clearly has his own way of doing things and demands a lot from himself and his employees. And it is hard to argue with a track record that includes 7 pennants and 3 World Championship Titles but did the Detroit head man perhaps bite off more than he can chew with a shocking decision to cut ties with long-time Scouting Director Dutch Forester just a week before the draft? The move was made after a pre-draft meeting turned confrontational when the new GM called out Forrester on his perceived lack of preparation for the draft. The GM was shocked at the lack of detail, and what he felt was a terrible lack of accuracy in the organizations scouting reports and the meeting came to a head when Forrester was prompted to present his personal top ten for the current draft. Several of his choices were immediately mocked by the GM, who exploded and called a few of them third rounders at best. By the time the meeting was over Forrester was packing his belongings and headed for the exit. One insider said the GM was shouting at Forrester as he left to go "try and get a job in the new western league as maybe that is more your speed." Club owner Powell Thompson said the GM had his full support but will not entertain the option of hiring a new scouting director until at least next month. The result is Tiger Fan, along with club manager Dick York and long-time scouting director Rube Carter, who is now retired but worked with Tiger Fan in Brooklyn for a number of years, will act as sounding boards for the General Manager. This is considered an important draft for the Dynamos, with a first round selection and two picks in the second round as they attempt to add to the deep collection of high end prospects they already possess. *** KNIGHTS ENJOY GREAT NEW YEARS DAY *** The Detroit City College Knights finished off their season on a positive note with a 21-13 victory over Travis College in the Lone Star Classic. It means the Knights will finish third in the national rankings behind undefeated Rome State and Alabama Baptist. The Chargers won the game that most folks around here feel should have included City College, as Baptist outscored Golden Gate 44-37 in the East-West Classic in Santa Ana, Ca.  Meanwhile, the Keys lost two hurlers and they are both former 14th-round picks and qualify as potential diamonds in the rough, Henry Shaffer, who ranked at #11 in Johnny Bologna's ranking among candidates for the 1946 starting rotation behind Sid Moulton and Joe Quade, was selected by the Stars. There was a feeling in the organization that Shaffer had been passed over after missing three seasons for the war. Most recently with Philadelphia in 1942, Shaffer was 5-10 in 28 appearance (21 starts) as a 26-year-old, carrying a 4.14 ERA. Deeper in the minors, Jack Brown was selected by the Kings. Brown is a live arm with 227 strikeouts in 268-2/3 innings (16-14, 2.78 ERA) for Single-A Allentown in 1944. Brown missed 1945 in the service and was ticketed for AA to start 1946. HUBBARD LEADS CHARGERS TO EAST-WEST WIN All-American sophomore quarterback Willie Hubbard was the difference in an offensive shootout between his Alabama Baptist Chargers and the Golden Gate University Grizzlies in a thrilling East-West Classic that finished in a 44-37 victory for the visitors from the east. The game went back and forth in the opening half but a pair of Hubbard touchdown runs -giving him 3 on the day- staked the Chargers to a early third quarter lead that they would never surrender. The victory, Alabama Baptist's 4th in New Years Day games at Santa Ana against just one defeat, completed a perfect season for the school but was not enough for them to displace Rome State -winners of 18 games in succession- from the top spot in the year end collegiate grid rankings. Alabama Baptist does finish second in the polls and the Chargers quest for their 4th national championship will have to wait at least one more year. Alabama Baptist shared the 1934 national title with Pittsburgh State and won it outright in 1922 and 1930. It was for Golden Gate University, which finished the year with a 6-2 record, their first appearance in the big game and they acquainted themselves well with their All-American, junior back Ed Lukela, gaining 141 yards on the ground and scoring a pair of touchdowns. The Baptist win marked the 4th year in a row in which the hosts from the west lost. The last coast team to claim victory in the Classic was Lane State, which blanked Eastern State 28-0 on January 1, 1942 but that game was held in New York City due to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The last win for the west in Santa Ana was the previous year when Rainier College downed Daniel Boone College 13-10. Prior to the game the famous 4-mile route of the Santa Ana Classic parade drew more than 1.4 million fans for the pagentry that had not been since since before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was considered the most dazzling and spectacular in the history of East-West Classic parades, despite difficulties of manpower and transportation.  ROME STATE RETAINS TOP RANKING It comes as little surprise that the New Years Day Classic games had no impact on those that vote for the collegiate football national champion. For the second year in a row the Rome State Centurions finished a perfect 9-0 and once more the army training school is named the best football team in the nation. Alabama Baptist, owners of a 10-0 record after a win in Santa Ana on the first held on to the number two ranking they entered the Classic games with while 10-1 Detroit City College remains third following a win over Travis College in the Lone Star Classic. The loss drops the Bucks from fourth to 7th in the rankings with Annapolis Maritime (6-3) and Eastern Oklahoma (9-0), 37-7 victors over Eastern State in the Cajun Classic, rounding out the top five. Code:
FINAL TOP TEN RANKINGS LW CLASSIC RESULT 1- Rome State (9-0) 1 Did not play 2- Alabama Baptist (10-0) 2 W 44-37 Golden Gate University 3- Detroit City College (10-1) 3 W 21-13 Travis College 4- Annapolis Maritime (6-3) 5 Did not play 5- Eastern Oklahoma (9-0) 6 W 37-7 Eastern State 6- Miami State (11-0) 8 W 21-7 St Blane 7- Travis College (10-1) 4 L 21-13 Detroit City College 8- Noble Jones College (9-2) NR W 24-10 Payne State 9- Cumberland (8-1) 7 Did not play 10-Indiana A&M (8-1-1) 10 idle DROPPED OUT St Blane (8-3) 9 L 21-7 Miami State CLASSIC RECAPS In all an estimated 397,000 fans spent their New Years Day at one of the 7 Classic games on the docket. The tightest battled was waged in Dallas with Detroit City College scoring twice in the final five minutes to end the hopes of a perfect season for Travis College. The Knights pulled out a 21-13 victory that allowed them and their 10-1 record on the season to finish third in the polls. The only loss Detroit City College suffered all season was against national champion Rome State. The Bucks finish the season 10-1 in their first trip back to the Dallas showcase game since beating Alabama Baptist on New Years Day 1942. The Eastern Oklahoma Pioneers dominated Eastern State 37-7 in the Cajun Classic game before a sold out crowd in New Orleans. The victory completed a perfect 9-0 season for the Pioneers, who simply had too much offense for their opponents from Virginia. In Miami the hometown Miami State Gulls shocked the St Blane Fighting Saints 21-7 in the Sunshine Classic, dopping St Blane to 8-3 and out of the top ten. It follows up another disappointing finish for the Saints a year ago when they were nipped by Darnell State in the Desert Classic. The Desert Classic was a rout with mighty Central Ohio winning on New Years Day for the second year in a row. This one was a 33-7 thumping of South Valley State that improved the Aviators record to 8-1-1 but was not quite good enough to crack the top ten in the final poll a year after they were a perfect 10-0 but finished second to Rome State. Central Ohio has never won the national championship. The two new classic games to debut this season were the Oilman Classic in Houston and Tampa's Bayside Classic. In Texas it was a Georgia party after Noble Jones College dumped Payne State 24-13 while in Florida the winner was Maryland State after the Bengals topped Boston school St. Patrick's 28-16. Noble Jones College has been to three different classic games in the past four seasons and one each of them including a win over CCLA in the East-West Classic that allowed the Colonels to claim the 1941 National Championsip. [b]NEW YEARS CLASSIC RESULTS Code:
CLASSIC LOCATION SCORE East-West Santa Ana,Ca Alabama Baptist 44 Golden Gate University 37 Lone Star Austin, Tx Detroit City College 21 Travis College 13 Sunshine Miami, Fl Miami State 21 St Blane 7 Cajun New Orleans,La Eastern Oklahoma 37 Eastern State 7 Desert El Paso, Tx Central Ohio 33 South Valley State 7 Oilman Houston, Tx Noble Jones College 24 Payne State 13 Bayside Tampa, Fl Maryland State 28 St Patrick's 16 FOUR TEAMS REMAIN UNBEATEN The AIAA has never had a basketball team go the entire season without a loss. There have been a few one loss teams over the years including the 1939-40 Carolina Poly Cardinals squad that finished 32-1 with their lone loss coming in the quarterfinals of the National Tournament. This season as the calendar flips to 1946 there are still 4 hopefuls with Western Iowa, Coastal State and City College of Los Angeles all at 11-0 while Mobile Maritime also unbeaten and owning a 10-0 record. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (69) 15-1 1797 1 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 10-0 1691 2 South Atlantic Conference
3. Western Iowa (2) 11-0 1677 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Coastal State 11-0 1587 5 South Atlantic Conference
5. CC Los Angeles (1) 11-0 1526 4 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Rainier College 11-1 1442 7 West Coast Athletic Association
7. Miami State 13-2 1362 6 Independent
8. Brooklyn State 9-2 1271 8 Liberty Conference
9. Texas Gulf Coast 10-1 1205 9 Southwestern Alliance
10. Provo Tech 12-1 1123 10 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
11. Central Ohio 8-2 1083 15 Great Lakes Alliance
12. Garden State 8-2 1066 14 Liberty Conference
13. Lane State 7-3 872 19 West Coast Athletic Association
14. North Carolina Tech 8-3 768 23 South Atlantic Conference
15. Coastal California 9-2 724 11 West Coast Athletic Association
16. Lincoln 8-2 686 18 Great Lakes Alliance
17. Detroit City College 7-3 604 20 Great Lakes Alliance
18. Noble Jones College 8-3 568 12 Deep South Conference
19. Bluegrass State 9-2 528 24 Deep South Conference
20. Spokane State 8-2 490 NR West Coast Athletic Association
21. Rome State 9-3 333 16 Independent
22. Jersey City Tech 9-2 298 NR Liberty Conference
23. St. Magnus 7-2 274 NR Great Lakes Alliance
24. Whitney College 6-2 218 NR Great Lakes Alliance
25. Great Plains State 9-5 137 NR Independent
Others Receiving Votes:
Elyria 10-3 36 Independent
Redwood 8-3 23 West Coast Athletic Association
Orrville 10-3 6 Independent
University of New Jersey 8-3 2 Eastern Six
Northern California 7-3 1 West Coast Athletic Association
Berwick 8-3 1 Keystone Alliance
Constitution State 8-3 1 Eastern Six
MONDAY DECEMBER 31 #5 CCLA 55 Brunswick 39 #6 Rainier College 40 Opelika State 31 #11 Central Ohio 53 Pittsburgh State 40 #12 Garden State 43 Springfield State 32 #16 Lincoln 47 Chicago Poly 46 Wichita Baptist 40 #18 Noble Jones College 28 Central Illinois 50 #21 Rome State 47 #23 St Magnus 46 Dudley 37 TUESDAY JANUARY 1 #4 Coastal State 57 #7 Miami State 49 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 51 Daniel Boone College 44 San Francisco Tech 62 #15 Coastal California 59 #19 Bluegrass State 57 George Fox 43 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2 #1 Liberty College 46 Brunswick 40 East Missouri Seminary 49 #8 Brooklyn State 37 #14 North Carolina Tech 56 Michigan Lutheran 32 #21 Rome State 59 Lambert College 57 #24 Whitney College 57 Baton Rogue State 33 THURSDAY JANUARY 3 #3 Western Iowa 56 Iowa A&M 53 #4 Coastal State 70 Piedmont University 63 #6 Rainier College 63 San Francisco Tech 45 #15 Coastal California 59 California Catholic 50 #20 Spokane State 47 Perry State College 44 #25 Great Plains State 51 Red River State 38 FRIDAY JANUARY 4 #14 North Carolina Tech 56 Valley State 43 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 48 Kansas Agricultural 46 #13 Lane State 45 Dickson 37 #19 Bluegrass State 44 Richmond State 40 SATURDAY JANUARY 5 #1 Liberty College 69 North Shore 38 #4 Coastal State 62 Glover(GA) 41 #7 Miami State 44 Frankford State 42 #12 Garden State 42 Henry Hudson 37 #16 Lincoln 47 Grange College 34 #17 Detroit City College 55 Grant(IN) 43 #20 Spokane State 60 Utah A&M 46 SUNDAY JANUARY 6 #2 Mobile Maritime 64 Golden Gate 40 #3 Western Iowa 54 Poweshiek 28 #5 CCLA 41 El Paso Methodist 40 #8 Brooklyn State 54 Hampden 40 #10 Provo Tech 47 South Valley State 31 #11 Central Ohio 48 Elyria 46 #13 Lane State 43 Campion 35 #14 North Carolina Tech 46 Kansas Agricultural 38 #21 Rome State 39 Cumberland 25 #22 Jersey City Tech 46 NW Pennsylvania 33 #25 Great Plains State 60 Payne State 43  MOVEMENT IN THE WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION There was some shuffling of the deck in the welter division as Ben 'Baby Face' Bishop fell out of the top six after he was the victim of an unanimous decision loss in a 10 rounder with Harold Stephens (16-3-2), a 28 year old from Providence, last month. Two others on our list were also in action last month with both winning and moving up a spot in the rankings as a result. Wayne Dunn climbs over Mark Westlake into third slot after his knockout of Mitchell McFadden while George Gibbs scored a decision over Jeff Wolf to improve to 15-0. It was the first time Gibbs did not win by knockout. The division will not have much longer to wait for the opportunity to crown it's first champion since Kid Simpson retired in 1940. Top contenders Dennis O'Keefe and Carl Taylor are slated to fight in New York on March 9 for the title.  It was a fairly quiet month in the heavyweight division but all are focused on February 8 when Hector Sawyer will put his title on the line against Leo Carmichael. The only heavyweight bout involving the top contenders last month saw Mark Fountain win a tight decision over Matt Price.  The big story in the middleweight division last month surrounded Frenchman Edouard Desmarais claiming the European title with an unanimous decision over former World Champ Archie Rees. No change in the rankings as Desmarais remains the number one contender and eyeing a title fight against the winner of the May bout at Sailors Memorial in Philadelphia in which champ Frank Melanson and Todd Gill, who battled to a draw in New York in October, renew their acquaintance.  UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 1/06/1946
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03-02-2023, 10:02 AM
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#649 |
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January 14, 1946 Draft Lottery completed
JANUARY 14, 1946 DYNAMOS ON CLOCK! The Detroit Dynamos will select first overall in the 1946 FABL amateur player draft after the lottery was conducted in the league offices. The New York Gothams actually earned the top spot but the Gothams had dealt their first and second round picks to Detroit in the deal that sent Sal Pestilli to the Big Apple. Here is the order for rounds 1 and 2 ROUND 1 1- Detroit (from NYG) 2- Sailors 3- Chiefs 4- Cleveland 5- St Louis 6- Montreal 7- Boston 8- Toronto 9- Boston (from Det) 10-Brooklyn 11- Washington 12- Stars 13- Pittsburgh 14- Cougars 15- Sailors (from Keystones) 16- Cincinnati ROUND 2 17- Detroit 18- NY Stars 19- Boston 20- Cougars 21- Washington 22- Montreal 23- Pittsburgh 24- Toronto 25- St Louis 26- Cleveland 27- Chiefs 28- Brooklyn 29- Detroit (from NYG) 30- Sailors 31- Keystones 32- Cincinnati MVP FITTING END FOR VAUGHT One day in the not too distant future the number 534 may have the same significance to football fans as 711 does for those who love baseball. The latter is a fixed number, one belonging to the great Max Morris and his powerful home run swing, and will never change. The other belongs to an equally incredible athlete but Motor City fans hope Stan Vaught still has a few more catches to add to his amazing total of 534 grabs. If not, then the recent announcement by the AFA that Vaught was it's Most Valuable Player for 1945 would be a fitting end to the long-time Maroon ends career. About a year ago this time Vaught was already settling into retirement until Rollie Barrell -with the help of his youngest daughter- convinced the great end to reconsider and return to the Maroons. The result was another brilliant season -proving Vaughts ability is certainly not starting to wane- but also another bitter conclusion as the Maroons once more lost in the league championship game. Unlike a year ago when Vaught announced prior to the title tilt that he was retiring, there has been no comment on the matter either way from the 11 year veteran so perhaps there remains hope he will return and make a run at a bumping that 534 up even higher. *** Youth Movement For Dynamos *** It is looking more and more like the Detroit Dynamos may field one of the youngest teams in FABL history this season. We saw the start of that last year with Carl Potter tremendous season that came with a debut before his 19th birthday. At 24, Wally Hunter is positively ancient by Potter's standards but after two years in the Air Corps the man known as "Big Game" is likely to break camp with Detroit. He won't be a true newcomer as he did spend a month with the New York Stars late in the 1943 campaign before shipping out but is expected to make his Federal Association debut come April.The infield will most certainly see 22 year olds Del Johnson and Win Hamby as members of the quartet while there is also a decent chance that Stan Kleminski -despite turning just 19 in November- may break camp with the big club. Another 19 year old in outfielder Edwin Hackberrry also has a shot as does 21 year old left fielder Dick Estes. There is plenty of excitement surrounding the five youngsters with each of them ranked in the top 60 prospects by OSA so the future looks bright for the Detroit Nine. The only question to be decided in March is will the future be now or will it be decided that one or more of them need a little more time on the farm before joining the big league roster? *** Section Paly Ahead for Knights *** The meat of the schedule for the Detroit City College Knights cage team kicks in soon with the opener against Indiana A&M set to be played at Thompson Arena a week from Thursday. The Knights have had a long tradition of slating the section opener for the downtown rink instead of their own campus arena and a wild crowd is usually the result. Last year was just an awful season for the Knights (11-18 overall and dead last in the GLA) but they hammered St Magnus by 34 points in the traditional Thompson Arena opener. The team just gets excited for that day. This year the outlook is brighter as they are 9-3 after dumping Ohio Poly last week but they will need a strong section showing to get back in the tournament. Last year's tournament miss was the first time since the 1931-32 campaign the Knights did not play in the March event and you have to go all the way back to 1920 and 1921 to find the last time they missed two in a row. MAROONS VAUGHT NAMED AFA MVP Another accolade for the great Stan Vaught as the veteran Detroit Maroons end was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1945 American Football Association season. Vaught led the AFA, as he always seems to do, in catches with 62 while also leading the loop in points with 108 in 12 touchdown catches and 36 extra points. Vaught's teamate, center Larry Murphy, was named the top defensive player but despite the two MVP's, the Maroons came up short in the championship game, falling 56-24 to the Boston Americans. Boston placed three members of it's backfield on the All-Star team in quarterback Del Thomas as well as league rushing leader Brian Young and Tom Molloy. Here is the AFA All-Star Team for 1945 Code:
1945 AFA ALL-STAR TEAM POS NAME TEAM QB Del Thomas Boston Americans B Tom Molloy Boston Americans B Brian Young Boston Americans B Mark Lautzenheiser Chicago Wildcats E Stan Vaught* Detroit Maroons E Johnny Douglas Washington Waps T Glen Winters* New York Stars G Paul Kline* Washington Wasps C Larry Murphy Detroit Maroons G Les Shufford Pittsburgh Paladins T Justin Thomas* Philadelphia Frigates OFFENSIVE MVP: Stan Vaught Detroit Maroons DEFENSIVE MVP: Larry Murphy Detroit Maroons  NEW YORK PREP STAR GORDON NARROWS DOWN CHOICES Luther Gordon, the towering 6'11" center from Brooklyn's Canarsie High School and widely considered the best collegiate cage recruit in the northeast, says he has narrowed down his choices for school next year to three teams and local favourite Brooklyn State is not one of them. The Bears had been heavily pursuing Gordon and losing out on him is considered a devastating blow to their program. Gordon expects to make his final decision in the coming weeks but for now says it will be one of the following three schools - Garden State, CC Los Angeles and North Carolina Tech. If they are successful in signing Gordon it will be a banner recruiting year for the Techsters who have already been told by high scoring forward Mike Carter, out Dunbar High in Washington DC and tabbed the top recruit in the nation by OSA, that he will attend North Carolina Tech next year. Seven of the top ten recruits have committed to schools. In addition to Gordon, the others undecided are Carl Casswell- a a forward out of California who is weighing several offers and center Slim Barber from Houston High School in Texas. Barner is expected to go to either CCLA or North Carolina Tech -whichever one that doesn't land Gordon. TOP TWENTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR BASKETBALL RECRUITS  Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (69) 17-1 1797 1 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 12-0 1699 2 South Atlantic Conference
3. Western Iowa (2) 12-0 1660 3 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Coastal State 13-0 1590 4 South Atlantic Conference
5. CC Los Angeles (1) 13-0 1533 5 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Rainier College 11-1 1440 6 West Coast Athletic Association
7. Miami State 15-3 1308 7 Independent
8. Brooklyn State 10-2 1291 8 Liberty Conference
9. Texas Gulf Coast 12-1 1262 9 Southwestern Alliance
10. Garden State 10-2 1149 12 Liberty Conference
11. Central Ohio 9-2 1052 11 Great Lakes Alliance
12. Lane State 9-3 1032 13 West Coast Athletic Association
13. Provo Tech 13-2 884 10 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
14. Detroit City College 9-3 858 17 Great Lakes Alliance
15. Spokane State 10-2 775 20 West Coast Athletic Association
16. Whitney College 9-2 699 24 Great Lakes Alliance
17. St. Magnus 9-2 579 23 Great Lakes Alliance
18. Jersey City Tech 11-2 575 22 Liberty Conference
19. Great Plains State 10-5 539 25 Independent
20. Redwood 9-3 324 NR West Coast Athletic Association
21. Lincoln 9-3 312 16 Great Lakes Alliance
22. North Carolina Tech 8-4 276 14 South Atlantic Conference
23. Coastal California 10-3 272 15 West Coast Athletic Association
24. Frankford State 14-4 151 NR Independent
25. Noble Jones College 8-4 123 18 Deep South Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
Darnell State 10-3 75 Southwestern Alliance
Rome State 10-4 44 Independent
Amarillo Methodist 9-3 35 Southwestern Alliance
Berwick 9-3 32 Keystone Alliance
Annapolis Maritime 10-4 19 Independent
Arkansas A&T 8-3 10 Southwestern Alliance
Utah A&M 10-4 3 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
St. Blane 13-5 1 Independent
Elyria 10-4 1 Independent
MONDAY JANUARY 7 #1 Liberty College 49 Henry Hudson 40 #7 Miami State 50 Mississippi A&M 26 #15 Spokane State 41 Lexington State 32 #16 Whitney College 42 Holland 40 #21 Lincoln 48 Iowa A&M 35 TUESDAY JANUARY 8 #2 Mobile Maritime 51 Alabama Gulf Coast 46 #3 Western Iowa 44 Central Kentucky 35 #5 CCLA 42 Kansas Agricultural 31 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 60 Eastern Kansas 43 #12 Lane State 51 Ferguson 25 #19 Great Plains State 41 Topeka State 31 #24 Frankford State 50 Poweshiek 36 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9 #7 Miami State 47 Tempe College 40 #10 Garden State 54 Pierpont 47 #20 Redwood 40 #13 Provo Texch 35 #14 Detroit City College 36 Cleveland 32 #16 Whitney College 51 Fond du Lac 38 #18 Jersey City Tech 40 West Corners(NY) 31 St Blane 60 #22 North Carolina Tech 38 THURSDAY JANUARY 10 #4 Coastal State 49 Capital(MS) University 37 #11 Central Ohio 42 NW Pennsylvania 36 #17 St Magnus 51 Wichita Baptist 42 Hartford Wesleyan 45 #21 Lincoln 44 Kit Carson University 46 #23 Coastal California 34 Central Carolina 47 #25 Noble Jones College 46 FRIDAY JANUARY 11 #1 Liberty College 54 George Fox 38 #2 Mobile Maritime 51 Bayou State 42 #5 CCLA 38 Valley State 27 #8 Brooklyn State 46 Wisconsin State 34 #10 Garden State 59 Central Kentucky 46 #12 Lane State 53 Golden Gate 42 #16 Whitney College 41 Chicago Poly 39 SATURDAY JANUARY 12 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 54 College of Cairo 36 #14 Detroit City College 40 Ohio Poly 30 #15 Spokane State 39 Campion 38 #17 St Magnus 52 North Shore 42 #23 Coastal California 50 Sunnyvale 35 #24 Frankford State 53 Adirondack State 35 SUNDAY JANUARY 13 #4 Coastal State 45 Orrville 32 Columbia Military Academy 46 #7 Miami State 38 #13 Provo Tech 52 Topeka State 44 #18 Jersey City Tech 43 Penn Catholic 40 
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 1/13/1946
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03-02-2023, 01:25 PM
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January 28, 1945
JANUARY 28, 1946 STALLINGS GOES FIRST OVERALL But To Chiefs After Deal With Detroit John Stallings, the two-time All-American pitcher out of Piedmont University, was a clear choice to go number one in the FABL draft and that was exactly what happened. What was unexpected was the fact that the Detroit Dynamos, who claimed the number one pick in the draft lottery, traded the top selection to the Chicago Chiefs for young outfielder Dick Blaszak and the third overall selection. As a result the 20 year old Stallings, who is 20-2 as a college pitcher and the pre-season favourite for the 1946 Christian Trophy - an award he was a finalist for each of his first two seasons of college ball- will head to the Chicago Chiefs in the summer after the college ball season is complete. OSA scouting chief Dan Barrell says Stallings might be the "best pitching prospect since Rabbit Day and a potential future Hall of Famer." Stallings would have been the Dynamos second number one overall selection in three years, following Roy Schaub in 1944 but instead becomes the first player the Chiefs have had the opportunity to select number one overall since they drafted Jim Shelton in 1914. The Philadelphia Sailors had the second choice and Sailors selected a pitcher with their top pick for the third time in the past four years. It was South Carolina high schooler Gordon McDonald last season and Hoppy Johnson out of Charleston Tech in 1943. This time they went back to the high school ranks and took a local kid in 17 year old Bethlehem, Pa. righthander George Reynolds. The youngster has a 6-pitch arsenal and was a High School All-American selection last season as a junior and OSA believes he could develop into a "great starting pitcher." Detroit, selecting third, added to it's deep collection of outfield bats which now also includes ex-Chief Blaszak, by selecting Tommy Allenby, an 18 year old out of New Market, Al. who topped the draft board of more than one scouting director. OSA feels Allenby has the potential to be a "franchise cornerstone" when he matures. Code:
ROUND 1 DRAFT SELECTIONS PK TM PLAYER POS AGE SCHOOL HOMETOWN 1 CHI John Stallings P 20 Piedmont Univ. Trussville, Al. 2 PHS George Reynolds P 17 Bethlehem(PA) HS Bethlehem, Pa. 3 DET Tommy Allenby OF 18 New Market(AL) HS New Market, Al. 4 CLE 5 STL 6 MON 7 BOS 8 TOR 9 BOS 10 BKN 11 WSH 12 NYS 13 PIT 14 CHC 15 PHS 16 CIN WESTERN LOOP ADDS CLASS A AFFILIATE The Great Western League has taken yet another step to show it is indeed a major league with the announcement that it is adding a third level to its minor league chain. The Transborder Association will also mark the first foray for American baseball into Mexico with three of the loops 8 members being based south of the border. Here are the members of the Transborder Association and their big league affiliates: Albuquerque Bulls - Houston Bulls Ciudad Juarez Cowboys - Los Angeles Knights Flagstaff Flyers - Portland Green Sox Mexcicali Diablos - San Francisco Hawks Phoenix Falcons - Seattle Thunderbirds Santa Fe Friars - Oakland Grays Tijuana Toreadors - San Diego Conquistadors Tucson Centurions - Dallas Centurions
PRO GRID WAR'S ALMOST A CERTAIN STALEMATE It is still a shooting war between the American Football Association and the new Continental Conference, but the outcome seems almost inevitable. It will be a stalemate, with both sides exhausted and poorer financially. Eventually the day will come when the two leagues will get together in a world series. That was baseball's experience more than 50 years ago. Weary of war with three leagues raiding each other for players, William Whitney stepped up and got all the magnates pulling in the same direction and the sport has prospered ever since. Of course Whtiney's baseball creation appears to be on the verge of another all-out assault -although cordial at this point as Colonel Thomas X. Bigsby and his Pacific boys are playing nice and as of yet have not attempted to raid FABL for players. The same can not be said in the grid wars as this one looks to be in the early stages of what promises to be a bitter and costly fight for all involved. Although a majority of close observers feel there is room for two football leagues -and in normal times ample supply of talent, too- few American Football Association teams have been money makers. The Chicago Wildcats have done well and word from Detroit is Rollie Barrell has a good thing going in Detroit but Boston, despite being the best team in the league, claims a loss for last season and with competition coming owners of both circuits undoubtedly will find it still harder to prosper. To raid the AFA of some of the senior loop's stars it has captured already, the Continental Conference has been forced to bid high, which in turn is causing the AFA owners to increase salaries. It has been the easiest mass pay hike of all for the "working man," meaning the player; he simply has to sit back and let the club owners volunteer to bid against each other. MIDDIES UPSET TWICE Coastal State is the only remaining unbeaten team this season in collegiate basketball after their South Atlantic Conference rival Mobile Maritime lost not once, but twice last week to drop from second to sixth in the weekly collegiate cage rankings. The Middies had started the season with 13 straight victories but a last second basket from sophomore guard Tommy Cobb lifted independent Orrville to a 49-47 win last Tuesday. For the tiny Ohio school that is now ranked 21st it was their first win over a top-twenty school this season, having lost to Detroit City College and Coastal State. To make matters worse for Mobile Maritime they lost again in dramatic fashion on Thursday in their section opener at home to Alexandria. The Generals, just 8-7 on the year, narrowly pulled out a 37-36 victory. Those loses by the Middies leave Coastal State as the lone school yet to lose this season. The Eagles improved to 16-0 and moved up to #2 in the rankings, trailing only Liberty College, with wins over North Carolina Tech (51-44) and Georgia Baptist (38-24). The fact that the Florence, SC, school is the last unbeaten team this season comes as quite a shock to most oberservers. The Eagles have not made the AIAA tournament since 1940 and have only won as many as 25 games in a season once in their history. Last season Coastal State was 17-13. They have a win over highly ranked Miami State already this season but that, coupled with last weeks win over the Techsters, are really the only high end opponents they have played so far. Some big test lie ahead with the February 7 showdown against the Middies in Mobile perhaps being the biggest one. They also have to visit Chesapeake State and host Carolina Poly but it is looking like a down year for those two traditional South Atlantic Conference powers. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (72) 20-1 1800 1 Independent
2. Coastal State 16-0 1723 3 South Atlantic Conference
3. Western Iowa 14-1 1660 4 Great Lakes Alliance
4. Miami State 18-3 1560 6 Independent
5. Rainier College 14-2 1488 7 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Mobile Maritime 13-2 1443 2 South Atlantic Conference
7. Central Ohio 13-2 1311 9 Great Lakes Alliance
8. Texas Gulf Coast 15-1 1254 8 Southwestern Alliance
9. Garden State 13-2 1219 11 Liberty Conference
10. CC Los Angeles 15-2 1181 5 West Coast Athletic Association
11. Great Plains State 14-5 1111 13 Independent
12. Lane State 12-4 1080 12 West Coast Athletic Association
13. Brooklyn State 12-4 943 10 Liberty Conference
14. Detroit City College 11-4 814 16 Great Lakes Alliance
15. Spokane State 13-3 746 14 West Coast Athletic Association
16. Coastal California 13-4 707 23 West Coast Athletic Association
17. Frankford State 16-4 671 17 Independent
18. Provo Tech 15-3 653 18 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
19. St. Blane 16-6 498 24 Independent
20. Annapolis Maritime 14-5 365 NR Independent
21. Orrville 15-5 292 NR Indy East
22. Redwood 11-5 281 15 West Coast Athletic Association
23. Harper College 16-5 160 NR Independent
24. Berwick 13-4 132 NR Keystone Alliance
25. Carolina Poly 10-6 110 NR South Atlantic Conference
Others Receiving Votes:
St. Magnus 11-4 52 Great Lakes Alliance
St. Martin's College 14-6 34 Independent
Quaker College (CA) 13-5 25 California League
Whitney College 10-5 23 Great Lakes Alliance
St. Patrick's 12-8 20 Independent
Brunswick 11-6 16 Academia Alliance
Utah A&M 13-5 15 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
Rome State 13-6 6 Independent
Cumberland 11-5 4 Deep South Conference
Noble Jones College 10-6 3 Deep South Conference
MONDAY JANUARY 21 #4 Miami State 61 Georgia Baptist 34 #8 Texas Gulf Coast 58 Mississippi Tech 50 #9 Garden State 54 Johnston Tech 44 #23 Harper College 35 Rose Point(PA) 34 TUESDAY JANUARY 22 #1 Liberty College 43 Opelika State 36 #21 Orrville 49 #6 Mobile Maritime 47 #11 Great Plains State 54 Eastern Kansas 33 #24 Berwick 42 Potomac College 40 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23 #4 Miami State 56 Western Florida 47 #18 Provo Tech 50 Mile High State 44 #19 St Blane 46 Kansas Agricultural 33 THURSDAY JANUARY 24 #2 Coastal State 51 North Carolina Tech 44 #3 Western Iowa 46 Lincoln 29 Alexandria 37 #6 Mobile Maritime 36 #7 Central Ohio 53 Whitney College 43 #11 Great Plains State 53 College of Omaha 35 #14 Detroit City College 49 Indiana A&M 43 #20 Annapolis Maritime 52 Central Maryland 28 #21 Orrville 41 St Gordius 40 #25 Carolina Poly 58 Richmond State 57 FRIDAY JANUARY 25 #5 Rainier College 38 #22 Redwood 29 #10 CCLA 37 Portland Tech 22 #12 Lane State 55 Northern California 44 #16 Coastal California 54 #15 Spokane State 50 #23 Harper College 36 Oklahoma City State 32 SATURDAY JANUARY 26 #2 Coastal State 38 Georgia Baptist 24 #3 Western Iowa 54 Whitney College 51 #7 Central Ohio 51 St Ignatius 46 #8 Texas Gulf Coast 50 Lubbock State 49 #9 Garden State 52 Brooklyn Catholic 50 Empire State 41 #13 Brooklyn State 29 #14 Detroit City College 51 Lincoln 47 #18 Provo Tech 42 Colorado Poly 37 #19 St Blane 50 Opelika State 41 #20 Annapolis Maritime 49 Meade 23 #25 Carolina Poly 64 Mahoning Valley State 35 SUNDAY JANUARY 27 #5 Rainer College 44 Portland Tech 25 #16 Coastal California 43 #10 CCLA 38 #12 Lane State 41 Custer College 26 #15 Spokane State 48 Idaho A&M 44 #21 Orrville 45 Tallmadge State 36 #24 Berwick 60 Elyria 53  HEAVY FIGHT DELAYED AS SAWYER INJURED Title Fight Pushed back to February 23 The World Heavyweight Championship fight between Hector Sawyer and British challenger Leo Carmichael will be delayed two weeks because the champ suffered an ankle injury while doing roadwork as part of his training program. Sawyer is expected to make a quick recovery but his manager Chester Conley felt it was best to err on the side of caution and worked out a deal with Carmichael's handler Darwin Middleton to bump the fight two weeks. Sawyer is 52-3-1 and will be making his fifth title defense, having lost fought in his hometown of New Orleans in September when he won by technical knock out over Chris Sullivan. The 37 year old Carmichael is 30-4-1 and has been fighting in the US since last March when he knocked out Mark Fountain. He followed that up with an unanimous decision over Cliff Baker in July. ROY CONTINUES TO CLIMB WELTER RANKINGS Dale Roy, the highly touted welterweight out of Binghamton, NY, won for the 6th straight outing by easily outpointing Stuart White, of New York City, in a 10-round feature at the Cleveland Arena Sunday evening before a capacity crowd. There was no doubt in the minds of any of the three judges as White won just a single round in the eyes of two of them while the third gave him the benefit of the doubt and called two White's way. Roy knocked White down twice during the bout and looked in complete control and ready to move up and take on one of the top contenders in the welterweight class. As a professional Roy is now 22-5 and has looked very good since his last defeat which was close to two years ago when he lost a split decision to Mark Westlake, who is currently ranked #4 in the welterweight division. White falls to 23-8-2 with the loss. UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 1/27/1946
TRIVIA ANSWER: The Mexican born player with the most career hits in FABL is Pedro Valenzuela. The infielder spent over a decade with the Chicago Chiefs and amassed 1,203 career hits giving him a large lead on Jesse Alvardo, the young Washington Eagles outfielder, who is second with 346 hits. Valenzuela played from 1915 to 1926 for the Chiefs but appeared in just 1 game in '26, which was the debut year of the human GM-era. Valenzuela's claim to fame is he was the MVP of the 1917 WCS when he had 9 hits and a .409 batting average as the Chiefs topped Cleveland in 6 games.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 03-02-2023 at 01:45 PM. |
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03-04-2023, 10:37 AM
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
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February 18, 1946
FEBRUARY 18, 1946 WHAT WILL BASEBALL LOOK LIKE IN TWENTY YEARS? From the TWIFB staff with contributions from local baseball writers We are entering a crucial period for big-time professional sports. The dawn of a new golden era some say but in football and baseball, with new competition threatening to change the landscape of those sports, the future has possibly never been more uncertain. The last time baseball faced the competition of multiple leagues fighting for players the sport nearly destroyed itself. Fortunately, William Whitney -the founder of professional baseball- took charge and organized the owners into the partnership that became FABL. It brought half a century of great prosperity for the 16 owners invited to join the big league family, but now newcomers have crashed the party and want their fair share. The Great Western League appears to be well financed and well organized with Thomas X. Bigsby at it's lead and clearly armed with a well thought out plan. In Bigsby's mind the country is more than big enough to support 24 big league teams and he will set out to prove that in April when the GWL plants its flag in 8 western cities. Bigsby says there will be no raiding of FABL rosters, at least for now, but one has to think that if the pacific eight have their sights set on being a truly major league and on par with the powers of the east, that will change. And what of FABL. The Continental and Federal Associations surely do not want to cede the west to the GWL. California has always been in their long-term plans and was nearly a reality half a dozen years ago when Dee Rose almost succeeded in his plan to move the Pioneers from St Louis to Los Angeles. Will the leagues find a peace and perhaps even one day stage a championship series between the champion of the east and the west? Or will it end up turning into a brutal fight, waged with threats, likely legal action and certainly contract dollars that see a number of teams on both sides perhaps fall by the wayside? The next twenty years of baseball have likely never been harder to predict but TWIFB asked some of the nation's top sports scribes to dust off their crystal ball and tell us what they think the structure of game will look like in twenty years and how will their hometown team be impacted. JIGGS MCGEE TWIFB:- I see a potentially bitter fight ahead but fortunately I believe Thomas X. Bigsby is much more level-headed than most of his extended family before him. There will be some tough days for teams in both leagues but when the dust settles FABL will be left standing but with the addition of four to six of the western clubs. Perhaps a few in the east fall by the wayside during the inevitable salary bidding war that precedes peace but an 18-20 team league that stretches from coast to coast will ultimately be the best thing for the game. JOHN BRINKER - New York Daily Mirror - I see the Cougars and Chiefs both tied tightly to Chicago, Brooklyn moving to Kansas City and perhaps ultimately the Pacific Northwest and the Stars & Sailors maybe to LA & SF pending what happens with the GWL. That would mean expanding back into NY to replace the Stars. ERNIE HERR- Cincinnati Post - I feel the Cannons are safe as John Tice has built something that will last and has a new stadium on the way. I am not so sure about Cleveland and maybe even one of the New York area Continental teams. I could see (FABL President) Sam Belton taking the fight to the rebels and moving a couple teams to the west coast similar to what it appears the AFA is planning to combat the Continental Football Conference. In the end the rebel league will fail and a stronger FABL will emerge. BOB MURPHY- Detroit Times- It really depends on what Bigsby does. I can see him being content to share the country with FABL but I expect he will eventually demand draft rights to all of the western born players for his league and that is something I would be shocked if Belton agrees to. Big league ball belongs in LA and San Francisco and perhaps FABL will regret not letting the two Texas expansion clubs in as that would have made the progression with expansion to California a much easier process than it will now be. As for teams moving, it is hard not to see a few clubs follow the lead of the Cannons and look for a fresh start elsewhere. Washington has been on thin ice for a long-time but the nation's capital is such a key place for a FABL club, moving the Eagles might be a tough sell to the rest of the loop. Cleveland, Montreal and Pittsburgh are in smaller cities and could be moved, especially if FABL wants a foothold in the south like Atlanta or New Orleans. ARCHIE WARD- Chicago Daily News- Plenty can happen in 20 years -- old Archie may not have anything left in the pen -- but baseball will survive and come out stronger then ever. I'd love to see teams out west, but more teams? That's a hard sell for me. There's something perfect about 16... But if anything, this war proved their are more then 384 FABL worthy players and plenty of talented athletes would have been without a job had this new "don't call me a rebel" league trying to spring up. 20 teams in 20 years? Something feels right about that. Just not -- yet. I think we'll see the league spread apart a bit. One Philly team, two New York teams, one Ohio team, and one Canada team. Maybe Pittsburgh moves elsewhere too. But one thing is for sure: Chicagoans love their baseball. The Chiefs have their history and the Cougars show up in swarms to support their third place squad. I think the on-field product will change. Too many good pitchers and not enough innings to give them. And what happened to home runs? We need more of those! No matter which direction baseball goes, this fan will be happy, but please mighty baseball gods, please! Please tell me 20 years from now the Cougars aren't still stuck on 5! Yes, 10 is too much to ask for, but one in '46, another before the 40s end, and two in the 50s? I'd put my money on that.  Have you noticed how often the Easterners bellow “outlaw league” when talking about our visionary new league? Here we are trying to give Americans on the other side of the country a chance to enjoy the nation’s pastime. And they call us “outlaws”. I cry foul! Have the Eastern Elite not heard of the Sherman Anti-trust Act? It’s not new gentlemen, having been passed in 1890 and used successfully to break the Rockefeller stranglehold on the oil business. Oh sure, right now you have the courts of this land in your back pockets working to protect your precious monopoly, but that can’t last long. Can you imagine you being able to escape the actual law another 10 years? Nay, by 1956, I predict that baseball historians will be writing a different story and you’ll be recognized as the bandits. Or… you could recognize that there are plenty of fans to go around and major league baseball can thrive from the Atlantic to the Pacific and all stops in between. How about a team in Kansas City? The Great Western League has the vision. Do you? FURIOUS BELTON RIPS EAGLES-GRAYS DEAL When news broke today of a trade between the FABL's Washington Eagles and the Great Western League's Oakland Grays, FABL President Sam Belton hastily called a news conference and announced that "effective immediately, no transactions of any kind will be permitted between the FABL and the GWL clubs. In no way, shape or form does the Federally Aligned Baseball Leagues office recognize or affirm the Great Western League as anything other than an illegal organization. Henceforth, any FABL club that has business dealings, official or otherwise, with a GWL club, will face severe consequences." Belton, still scowling, left the podium immediately after reading his statement and took no questions. If there was any doubt about the official stance of the FABL towards the new baseball circuit in the west, it has now been removed. The trade, which Washington Eagles Assistant General Manager Bill Hare confirms will be completed because "there were no rules prohibiting transactions with the western clubs at the time we made the move," adding that the deal made perfect sense because Del Burns immediately "regretted his decision to head to Oakland and our guy approached us about returning home." The 'our guy' Hare was referring to was 30 year old lefthander Del Thomas -no, not the famous Boston Americans quarterback, a different Del Thomas- who grew up in Los Angeles but had spent the past two seasons with the AAA Kansas City Eagles. Thomas heads west and Del Burns, who won 18 games for the Eagles in 1944 and was an all-star, will remain in Washington. FABL DRAFT CONTINUES The annual FABL draft is progressing on schedule. Three of the top four selections were pitchers but after that the run on arms slowed with only 7 others going in the other 28 selections that completed the opening two rounds of the draft. There was more of an emphasis on youth as all but 3 of the first rounders came out of the high school ranks. In comparison, a year ago 8 or a full half of the opening round picks were selected from the AIAA. There were few surprises as for the most part the players selected in the opening two rounds had most General Managers nodding in agreement. There were several trades involving early picks with the biggest news being the Detroit Dynamos decision to trade out of the first overall selection and drop to third while adding former first overall selection Dick Blaszak in the pre-draft deal with the Chicago Chiefs. The Chiefs quickly grabbed everyone's number one in Piedmont University pitcher John Stallings while the Dynamos, after Pennsylvania high school pitcher George Reynolds went second to the Philadelphia Sailors, drafted Tommy Allenby -a high ceiling 18 year old out of New Market, Alabama. The other big deal was a very rare three team transaction. The Brooklyn Kings dealt the 10th overall pick to the Chicago Cougars in exchange for the 14th pick of the first round, pick 12 in round three and minor league pitcher Gene Madison before then flipping the 14th pick to the Chicago Chiefs for highly touted catcher Solly Skidmore and the Chiefs second round selection. Here are the round one and two results. Code:
ROUND 1 DRAFT SELECTIONS PK TM PLAYER POS AGE SCHOOL HOMETOWN 1 CHI John Stallings P 20 Piedmont Univ. Trussville, Al. 2 PHS George Reynolds P 17 Bethlehem(PA) HS Bethlehem, Pa. 3 DET Tommy Allenby OF 18 New Market(AL) HS New Market, Al. 4 CLE Larry Beebe P 17 Mamaroneck(NY) HS Mamaroneck, NY 5 STL Sherry Doyle OF 18 Landry New Orl HS New Orleans, LA 6 MON Bert Mayes 2B 17 Marion(OH) Elgin HS Zanesville, OH 7 BOS Danny Taylor OF 18 Overland(MO) HS Trenton, NJ 8 TOR Cyrus Goodman P 17 Clarendon (AR) HS Clarendon, AR 9 BOS Yank Taylor OF 18 Pullman HS,Chicago Providence, RI 10 CHC Bob Allen P 17 Sonora (CA) HS Sonora, CA 11 WSH Bill Wise 2B 17 Remsen (IA) HS Remsen, IA 12 NYS Tommy Griffin 3B 20 Mississippi A&M Vicksburg, MI 13 PIT Bill Newhall CF 17 Hollis (OK) HS Hollis, OK 14 CHI Dick Steel OF 18 Dudley (MA) HS Dudley, MA 15 PHS Billy Forbes CF 20 Miami State Louisville, KY 16 CIN Jim Stone 1B 20 Grange College Greencastle, IN Code:
ROUND 2 DRAFT SELECTIONS PK TM PLAYER POS AGE SCHOOL HOMETOWN 17 DET Fred Washington P 17 Lincoln (IN) HS Lincoln, IN 18 NYS Joe Wood OF 18 Larimore (ND) HS Sioux Falls, SD 19 BOS Dick Helfand OF 20 Bluegrass State Muldraugh, KY 20 CHC Frank Reece OF 18 Villisca (IA) HS Villisca, IA 21 WSH Larry Jackson 2B 17 Washington HS SF San Francisco, CA 22 MON Ed Whitney OF 20 Brandywine Univ Philadelphia, PA 23 PIT Clint Rogers P 18 Brunswick (GA) HS Lake City, FL 24 TOR Tony Ballinger 1B 18 Eastern HS, Louisville Newport, KY 25 STL Jim McBride OF 20 Coastal State Burlington, NC 26 CLE Adrian Czerwinski P 21 Whitney College Chicago, IL 27 BKN Otis Ballard 2B 18 Williamstown(NJ) HS Wilmington, DE 28 BKN Sam Franklin P 18 Benton Harbor (MI) HS Benton Harbor, MI 29 DET Lew Mercer C 18 Marietta (OH) HS Marietta, OH 30 PHS Cliff Dilley 1B 20 Eastern State Abingdon, VA 31 PHK Bob Gaines C 17 Staten Island New Drop New York, NY 32 CIN Chet Baker P 20 Grange College West Bridgewater, MA DID CHIEFS LAND THE NEXT RABBIT DAY? The biggest off-season moment for baseball in the Windy City happened at the draft when the Chiefs pulled off what may turn out to be the heist of the decade. The verdict is obviously out on that and will be for a number of years as the trade with the Detroit Dynamos that made the mighty left arm of John Stallings Chiefs property involved three very young ballplayers but hearing Dan Barrell of the OSA compare Stallings to another great Chiefs pitcher by the name of Rabbit Day leaves Chicago fans feeling giddy about what the future may hold. The deal saw Chicago trade up from third to first overall just moments before the first pick -long expected to be Stallings- was announced. Chicago also sent former first overall outfielder Dick Blaszak from the Windy City and the Dynamos used the third choice in the draft to select high school outfielder Tommy Allenby. All of the talk was about Stallings as various scouting directors gushed over the great future they anticipated for the two-time All-American from Piedmont University. It remains to be seen of course, and Blaszak and Allenby might have a lot to say about it, but this deal has the possibility of bringing championships to the Chiefs in a move perhaps as dramatic as the one that landed future Hall of Famer Rabbit Day from the New York Gothams a decade ago. Allenby is the type of outfielder who could become an elite power hitter, with OSA saying he "has the talent to develop into a franchise cornerstone" but while elite outfielders are not easy to find, they are far easier to acquire that an ace top of the rotation pitcher. Blaszak turned 24 years old over the winter and before the war was in the exact same position Allenby is now - a highly touted slugger with the possibility of a great future. That may no longer be the case for Blaszak -although the Dynamos obviously hope it was just rust after three years in the war and taking a bullet in the shoulder that slowed Blaszak's rookie campaign. The Detroit General Manager knows 'The Polish Hammer' quite well, having drafted Blaszak with the top selection when he was with Cincinnati in 1940, but even if both Allenby and Blaszak reach their lofty expectations this may still turn out to be a deal that haunts the Detroit club for the next 15 years. *** Skidmore Move Flies Under Radar *** The acquisition of Stallings dominated all the press coverage in Chicago and let another, perhaps questionable, move by the Chiefs go practically unnoticed. Chicago dealt a potential franchise catcher in Solly Skidmore to the Brooklyn Kings in order to add a late first round selection. Some feel that, like for Blaszak, the war took its toll on Skidmore and he will not be the next Tom Bird, as he had been championed as when he came over from the cross-town Cougars following the 1942 season but joined the Coast Guard a month later, and the timing to move both was perfect for the Chiefs. The Chiefs are betting that high school outfielder Dick Steel, selected 14th overall with the pick obtained from Brooklyn, will be an elite outfielder and possibly equal to or perhaps even better than Blaszak. A risky move dealing Skidmore but the Chiefs are banking on 21 year old Dino Robinson, an 8th round pick in last year's draft by the Philadelphia Keystones and acquired in the deadline deal for Frank Davis, can develop into their catcher of the future. JIGGS McGEE'S TAKE: It looks like the Chiefs had a huge win in the deal to acquire Stallings but it really will be a few years before we know for sure. Stallings does seem like the type of pitcher who can follow Eli Panneton's footsteps with the New York Stats and step right into the big league rotation in July, and the Dynamos -if they happen to be in contention still at the point- may learn to regret the deal much sooner than a few years from now. I am a little less enamoured with the decision to deal Skidmore but some scouts are whispering he is not the same level of prospect he was before the war although OSA has him ranked the 50th best prospect (down from a peak of 18th in 1941). If Skidmore lives up to the billing from early in his career this will be a huge addition for the Brooklyn Kings, who have been desperate to find a catcher ever since Fred Barrell started slowing down in the late 1930s. STRONG RETURNS TO GOTHAMS The hero of the 1935 World Championship Series is returning home to New York. The Gothams announced at the draft that they had acquired 36 year old first baseman/outfielder Mahlon Strong from the Pittsburgh Miners in exchange for a fifth round pick - one of the few draft picks the New York nine still possessed. For Strong it is a return to where his pro career started as he was an 8th round selection of the Gothams in the 1927 draft and made his big league debut for them at the age of 22 in 1931, hitting .277 with 8 homers in just 69 games. Strong's power was visible right away but also his tendency to be injured as he missed nearly three months of action that rookie season, something that would continue as a trend for most of his career. Despite the injuries he helped the Gothams win three pennants and played in two additional World Championship Series with the Pittsburgh Miners. He was MVP of the 1935 Series when the Gothams beat Cleveland, hitting .455 with 2 homers in 5 games but would be dealt to Pittsburgh at the end of a disappointing 1936 season for the Gothams -one in which they purged most of the key pieces of their back to back pennant winners. He spent the past nine seasons in Pittsburgh but only twice was healthy enough to play in more than 115 games. Now, with the Miners lineup crowded due to returnees from the war, Strong returns to where his career started. JIGGS McGEE's TAKE: A nice low-cost pickup for the Gothams and a feel-good story to see Strong return to New York. He is now 36 and his best days may be behind him but Strong gives the Gothams a veteran pinch-hitter off the bench although word out of New York is the goal is to have strong play every day, health permitting. If he can stay healthy, Strong likely will deliver some key hits for the Gothams this season and makes an already potent line-up even more powerful.  How Strong Can the Line-up Be? Just when I thought the line-up was set and spring training was going to be a matter of deciding on a couple of reserves and pitchers the Gothams have dropped a surprise on us all. Returning to New York is one of the most unpredictable, entertaining and infuriating players in all FABL. Mahlon Strong, strong, the powerful, but oft injured rightfielder is coming back to Queens. While an outfield of Messer-Pestilli-Strong looks great on paper, the question is, how often will we actually see that alignment. As has been documented many times, the three time #1 prospect and former 8th round pick has been on the injured list more that 50 times in his career. Still, when Mahlon plays, Mahlon hits. From day one Strong has lived up to his name, hitting baseballs hard and far. He's second behind manager Bud Jameson with 99 career Gothams homers and has 228 in total, good for 18th all-time. He's the team leader in Slugging and OPS. While his skills have diminished some his bat will give manager Jameson some options. Certainly a lineup with Messer, Johnson, Perstilli and Strong will give opponents sleepless nights. As long as the team isn't expecting more than half a season of games from Strong, having the popular player back in New York will be entertaining. Current speculation is that the lineup will be Brewer-Messer-Johnson-Pestilli-Strong-Monier-Casstevens-London. TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN Interview with Wolves Owner Mr. Bernie Millard -The Mail & Empire has secured an interview with the Wolves owner with your reporter Brett Bing. This interview has been planned long before announcement of the GWL as a direct challenge to the FABL. Hopefully this interview will give the reader insights both the inner working of the Wolves organization along the bigger picture of the future of big league baseball. Mail & Empire: Mr. Millard the burning issue at the moment is Thomas X Bigsby's announcement of a direct challenge to the FABL with the formation of a second major league the GWL. Can you give us your thoughts on this event? Bernie Millard: Hope you have an abundance of time Brett. I will certainly share my thoughts, opinions on this development. Let us begin with one fact I want to make clear, forming a number of baseball teams into a league then calling it a "major league" does not in fact make it so, going forward never refer to that league as major in my presence. I will call it what it is, the rebel or outlaw league formed outside the guidance of the FABL which is recognized as the governing body of all professional baseball in North American. The FABL president, Sam Belton, with guidance from the FABL owners is the final arbiter of all manners regarding professional baseball. Since this league is outside this guidance is it really even a professional league? With the new league led by a man who is also a team owner leads directly to questions of conflict of interest. How can one be impartial in a decision that will affect a team that you are owner? This is just one issue I see with trying to form a league with its affiliates in a short time period. Anyone who has joined this had better have deep pockets as the cost of running a baseball organization, properly, is not for those who do not have access to ready cash to cover initial outlays required for a franchise. Owners should be wary of being left holding the bag of major future on-going cash commitments if Bigsby's pipe dream fails, as it undoubtedly will, in the immediate future. Their first legal challenge will be the breaking of signed working agreements with three FABL teams. As I well know from my businesses anytime lawyers are involved costs escalate quickly in short order. Onto the bigger question of Major League baseball on the west coast. With that concept I am in total agreement. There should, will be top flite baseball in the west but it must be brought there in an orderly manner. Travel and scheduling logistics are one of the first hurdles to overcome, with the advancements made in air travel, unfortunately mostly because of the war, I see that as not nearly as big a factor as it was only 5 years ago. My front office team is now studying the economics of purchasing a team airplane to eliminate the need of our Pullman coach as the method of travel. Every team in the FABL I believe will convert to this method of transportation before 1950. There second question that must be answered is how to get proper major league teams to west coast locations. Is it relocation of existing teams with their infrastructure or expansion of the league or a combination of both? I have been in contact with all the other owners along with Sam Belton to form a committee to study this then come up with a plan with definite milestones to bring FABL big league baseball to the west in an orderly manner. The west coast population deserves baseball at a major level not what is being brought by this outlaw league, which will be of inferior quality to what is already present in their cities. I have offered my services as chair of this group to bring the game across North America in a proper timeframe. Mail & Empire: Thank you Mr. Millard that seems like a progressive plan to give the fans what they want in the immediate future. Now on to the question most fans have, what are your expectations for the 1946 team? Bernie Millard: My expectations are what they have been since 1940. Bring the Toronto fans a high level of entertaining baseball at Dominion Stadium that culminates in World Championship Series victory parade down Bay Street in October. We have the players, management, both on and off the field, in place to accomplish this lofty goal. We have been close over the war years but have not yet been able to close the deal, yet. Cincinnati has foiled the team's fine efforts over the past three years. As you have pointed out I was not very pleased with my upper management group last summer, when we met in July they were given carte blanche to acquire what they felt was need to secure a pennant. They obviously did not deliver to the fans. As you have written about the team is beginning to age, this group has to fend off challenges from the Cannons, Cougars. possibly other teams strengthened by returning war vets. My instructions to management is to deliver the fans what they deserve, a CA title. Along with this continue development of the next group of Wolves. The front office team does a good job of finding, developing future talent but sometimes, I feel, at the expense of the current season. I would like to see more rapid promotion of some the future stars. I want both current success and a solid future. The team will be a contender in '46 unless many unforeseen mishaps derail the Wolves. Mail & Empire: How do see the Wolves in the Fifties? Bernie Millard: Along with all owners, we have a passion for baseball. My goal is bring an entertaining brand of baseball to Dominion Stadium by putting the proper baseball people in place to make this happen over the years. I think we will see changes to the FABL, baseball in the west whether through expansion or relocation, possibly a longer schedule, travel by air rather than ground. There will be new stars of the game but along with a strong staff Toronto Wolves will continue to be a leading team in the CA. Will the post war years bring in enough revenue that a new site could be built to house the team? Mail & Empire: One last question, we have been hearing about your interest in the Toronto hockey team. Any comments? Bernie Millard: My sports passion for the Toronto teams has been fueled since I acquired the Wolves so yes I have made inquiries about a stake in the hockey club. I would like to see if there are experiences from either team that could make both franchises stronger as the fans in Toronto deserve in the long run.
LIBERTY COLLEGE CLOSES IN ON TOP SEED IN EAST It is looking like a safe bet that the Liberty College Bells will be a number one seed in the collegiate championship tournament and perhaps make another trip to New York City for the National Semi-Finals in early April. The Bells were knocked out in the quarterfinals each of the past two seasons after falling in the semis the previous year. Those are results nearly every school in the nation would be proud to list on it's resume but not Liberty College. The Philadelphia school expects to win the national crown every year and owns three titles in the past decade with the most recent one coming in the spring of 1942. This year's club is 26-1 with only a pair of games remaining on its schedule, but both are against ranked opponents in #21 St Patrick's and #19 Frankford State, although both of those will be held in Philadelphia. The Bells boast a deep roster led by senior All-American candidate Win Dupre, who leads the club with 10.6 points per game but has plenty of support in that category from the likes of Waylon Orlick (8.1), Michael Allen (7.2) and Morty Knighten (6.9). All three are juniors and when you add sophomore center Ward Messer (6.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg) in to the mix it is clear the Bells will be a force well beyond this year. The other three top seeds may still be hotly contested. In the south the choice is likely between 19-2 Mobile Maritime and 21-3 Miami State. There is a good chance one of the southern schools gets shifted to the west in order to be a number one seed but a strong finish by CCLA might just secure the top western seed for the Coyotes. Western Iowa appeared to be the favourite in the midwest but that was before the Canaries stumbled in a loss at home to Wisconsin State on Thursday. LAST OF UNBEATEN'S FALLS Collegiate basketball has never seen a team go unbeaten for the entire season and that trend will continue after Coastal State -the last of the unbeatens this year- saw its winning streak to start the season come to an end after 18 victories with a 55-48 loss to Mobile Maritime a week and a half ago. Mobile Maritime had also enjoyed a long run of being perfect this season but the Middies suffered two losses in a one week span in late January. There were some other big section showdowns two weeks ago as well including one in the midwest that saw Western Iowa run it's overall record to 17-2 and temporarily move up to the #2 ranking in the nation behind Liberty College with a 52-42 win over 10th ranked Central Ohio keyed by a 12 point, 7 assist evening from Canaries senior guard Joe Hampton. However, a loss at home to Wisconsin State last week dropped the Canaries back down to 5th in the rankings. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (72) 26-1 1800 1 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 19-2 1681 4 South Atlantic Conference
3. Miami State 21-3 1645 6 Independent
4. Coastal State 20-2 1583 3 South Atlantic Conference
5. Western Iowa 18-3 1541 2 Great Lakes Alliance
6. CC Los Angeles 20-3 1442 7 West Coast Athletic Association
7. Great Plains State 19-5 1349 8 Independent
8. Rainier College 18-4 1271 5 West Coast Athletic Association
9. Texas Gulf Coast 20-2 1242 11 Southwestern Alliance
10. Garden State 17-4 1169 9 Liberty Conference
11. Central Ohio 17-4 1033 10 Great Lakes Alliance
12. Brooklyn State 16-6 1019 14 Liberty Conference
13. Annapolis Maritime 21-5 930 13 Independent
14. Lane State 15-7 891 12 West Coast Athletic Association
15. St. Magnus 17-4 773 15 Great Lakes Alliance
16. St. Blane 20-7 682 16 Independent
17. Detroit City College 14-7 615 20 Great Lakes Alliance
18. St. Martin's College 17-6 552 17 Independent
19. Frankford State 20-6 483 NR Independent
20. Orrville 20-6 431 18 Independent
21. St. Patrick's 17-10 428 25 Independent
22. Redwood 15-7 269 21 West Coast Athletic Association
23. Spokane State 15-7 222 23 West Coast Athletic Association
24. Whitney College 15-6 176 NR Great Lakes Alliance
25. Berwick 16-5 62 22 Keystone Alliance
Others Receiving Votes:
Quaker College (CA) 17-6 26 California League
Payne State 16-6 25 Midwestern Association
Coastal California 15-8 24 West Coast Athletic Association
Amarillo Methodist 16-6 12 Southwestern Alliance
Carolina Poly 13-8 10 South Atlantic Conference
Utah A&M 17-6 5 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
Harper College 19-7 5 Independent
Rome State 17-8 3 Independent
Eastern State 18-8 1 Independent
 MONDAY FEBRUARY 11 #20 Orrville 50 Huntington State 41 TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12 #1 Liberty College 61 Michigan Lutheran 40 #7 Great Plains State 63 Dudley 37 #13 Annapolis Maritime 40 Dickson 31 #21 St Patrick's 50 Penobscot State 38 WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 13 #2 Mobile Maritime 55 Springfield State 42 #3 Miami State 52 American Atlantic 17 #19 Frankford State 49 Smithfield College 38 Eastern State 47 #20 Orrville 32 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 14 #1 Liberty College 52 El Paso Methodist 37 ##4 Coastal State 39 Cowpens State 28 #7 Great Plains State 35 Eastern Oklahoma 24 Bronx Tech 62 #10 Garden State 54 Wisconsin State 55 #5 Western Iowa 52 Indiana A&M 59 #11 Central Ohio 57 #12 Brooklyn State 52 Jersey City Tech 35 #15 St Magnus 45 Lincoln 26 #17 Detroit City College 51 Minnesota Tech 43 #21 St Patrick's 54 Johnston Tech 36 #24 Whitney College 42 St Ignatius 35 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 15 #6 CCLA 44 #22 Redwood 34 #14 Lane State 54 #8 Rainier College 48 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 54 Arkansas A&T 25 #19 Frankford State 38 Brunswick 30 Northern California 37 #23 Spokane State 36 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16 #1 Liberty College 54 Penn Catholic 50 #2 Mobile Maritime 42 Central Carolina 30 #5 Western Iowa 54 Indiana A&M 46 #9 Texas Gulf Coast 48 Red River State 41 #10 Garden State 44 Manhattan Tech 32 #11 Central Ohio 47 Wisconsin State 39 #12 Brooklyn State 57 Bigsby College 48 #15 St Magnus 39 St Ignatius 36 #17 Detroit City College 54 Lincoln 41 #20 Orrville 63 Central Maryland 45 #24 Whitney College 59 Minnesota Tech 58 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17 #6 CCLA 49 Coastal California 26 #23 Spokane State 42 #8 Rainier College 34 #13 Annapolis Maritime 55 College of Cairo 25 Idaho A&M 41 #14 Lane State 32 #19 Frankford State 53 Bliss College 45 #22 Redwood 38 Northern California 28 
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 2/17/1946
TRIVIA ANSWER: The three pitchers selected first overall out of the college ranks since the feeder leagues ended were Bobo White (1934 by Washington out of St Blane), Vic Carroll (1939 by Cincinnati out of Richmond State) and Bob Arman (1942 Boston out of Bluegrass State). As a bonus here are the 5 college pitchers taken first overall in the feeder era: Dick Dover (1918 by Brooklyn out of Dickson), Tommy Wilcox (1928 by Brooklyn out of Liberty College), Tom Barrell (1929 by the Cougars out of Georgia Baptist), Curly Jones (1932 by the Gothams out of Henry Hudson) and Joe Hancock (1933 by Toronto out of Henry Hudson).
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 03-04-2023 at 10:48 PM. |
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03-06-2023, 09:50 AM
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#652 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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March 3, 1946
MARCH 3, 1946  SAWYER EXPLODES IN NINTH ROUND TO REMAIN HEAVYWEIGHT KING Hector Sawyer has seen better days. His body is starting to betray him. He stumbles when he used to rumble. But, on this unseasonably warm late February night in Detroit, the coming Spring weather was a boon to the Cajun Crusher, as he suddenly found his step, his strength, and his will to win in the ninth round against challenger Leo Carmichael to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Sawyer, a frequent practitioner of the knockout, technical or actual, was expected to floor Carmichael, a fighter six years his senior and while Sawyer has 56 fights to his credit compared to Carmichael's 35 bouts, Sawyer had an arsenal that Carmichael could not match. However, a bum ankle suffered by Sawyer during his training for the fight, pushed the fight back two weeks. The money started to come in for Carmichael ahead of the bout, though Sawyer was still favored to win. Carmichael, the 37-year-old London native, was the #2 contender behind Mark Fountain, who some say should have the next pop at Sawyer for the heavyweight belt. Lightning Leo battled Sawyer over the first eight rounds, and he was not only showing he was game competition, but he was ahead on two of the three judges' cards. Your intrepid reporter had the bout at a draw through eight rounds with three rounds going to each fighter and in two rounds, I had them dead even, which made the ninth round that much more surprising. It was a night of big punches thrown and few connecting. For the night, Sawyer only landed about 32% of his attempts and Carmichael was only marginally better at 36%. Through eight rounds, both fighters connected on 10 "big" punches that scored points, and it was no surprise the fight was even more than halfway through the scheduled 15 rounds. Carmichael came out boxing in the first round, landing a winning cross only 15 seconds in that stunned the champ. It was not until late in the second round when Sawyer broke through with a good jab. Sawyer found his footing in the fourth with an uppercut late in the round that could have portended worse for the challenger, but the bell rang before Sawyer could capitalize. Carmichael came out fresh in the fifth to carry the fight in the middle rounds, withstanding some good punches to convince the judges in winning the seventh and eighth rounds. Just when the sellout crowd at Thompson Arena thought this bout was destined to carry deep into the Detroit night, Sawyer had other plans in the fateful ninth round. Sawyer charged Carmichael off the opening bell and landed a hook to Carmichael's midsection that left him gasping for air, followed by an uppercut that did some damage. Sawyer saw a chance to pounce and continued to work the middle before realizing Carmichael's defenses were down. Sawyer left Carmichael reeling with a couple of hard rights up high, culminating in another uppercut. A final combination was enough for Carmichael's corner to throw in the towel and stop the mauling with 32 seconds left in the round. Just like that, the fight was over, and Sawyer was victorious. The victory moved Sawyer to 53-3-1 with an astounding 48 by knockout, while Carmichael dropped to 30-5-1 and, with the loss, some serious doubts of his relevance going forward. It was the fifth title defense for Sawyer, which is tied for fourth place in the Heavyweight Division since the first champion was officially crowned in 1910, and his time at the top surpassed six years on January 15th, which is the anniversary of his victory over Jochen Schrotter in this very same arena. No other heavyweight has held the belt for this long and while the war had a lot to do with it, he has fended off all comers. On the horizon for Sawyer are potential tilts against Mark Fountain, ranked as the top heavyweight contender, and the top up-and-comer, Philadelphia's own Scott "The Chef" Baker. Carmichael defeated Cliff Baker, Scott's older brother, but The Chef is lauded as the superior pugilist, and it is only a matter of time before the 26-year-old junior Baker gets his title shot. How many more times before Sawyer’s body truly betrays him? Sawyer is only 31 years of age, but fifty-seven fights take a toll on a man, and the next generation of fighters are fast approaching. BIRD FLIES TO WESTERN LOOP You can add the name Tom Bird as another FABL great who has joined the Great Western League and further enhances the legitimacy of Thomas X. Bigsby's new loop. Unfortunately Bird, a 10-time All-Star catcher who may one day earn a plaque in Boone County, will not be on the playing field but rather in the executive office as the 37 year old Californian has signed on to be the first General Manager of the Oakland Grays. Bird, who retired in October after helping the Cincinnati Cannons win their third consecutive Continental Association pennant, is a veteran of 1,451 FABL games but this will be his first try at running a ballclub. Bird joins Hall of Famer Ed Ziehl, who has signed on to manager Bigsby's Los Angeles Knights club, as the two most recognizable names in the league. The fact that the league really has very few big name ballplayers causes many, primarily in the east of course, to scoff and say the loop may call itself 'major league' but it might be hard pressed to beat some AA clubs in the FABL system. There are certainly some recognizable players that have joined the new 8-team circuit but most, like Jake Shadoan, Ed Stewart, Doc Love and Lou Balk -all former FABL all-stars- are clearly on the downside of their careers. Pitching especially appears to be thin in the new league with Bill Anderson of San Diego, Karl Wallace and Bob Cummings in Los Angeles and new Oakland Gray Larry Brown being the best known. The Great Western League has been content thus far to grab the cast-offs that FABL tosses its way but the new loop has clearly worried the established league from the east, at least if Sam Belton's tirade last month after hearing the Washington Eagles had agreed to a trade with Oakland is any indication. Belton, and the FABL club magnates seem to know the ineviatable war between the leagues for players is coming. It's just a matter of time before the outlaws from the west demand a seat at the dinner table, rather than be content to fight over the eastern league's scraps. And adding big names like Tom Bird and Ed Ziehl go a long ways towards establishing credibility for when the much anticipated battle begins.  HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Every family that makes their home west of the Mississippi River has their own migration story and the Masters’ are no different. The Masters, who are of Anglo-Scotch descent, found their way to California after leaving Pennsylvania with “gold fever” in the late 1840’s. Although the Masters family never hit it rich, the family eventually settled in San Francisco where Joe’s father George Masters was born in 1874. George Masters never played the game that his son would one day excel at, but he was a firm believer in taking risks and chasing dreams. It was clearly a family trait. George married Emma Boyle in 1894 when he was just 20 years old and they welcomed their first of three children (Joe) in 1899. Things couldn’t have been better for the Masters family. George had a job with Levi Strauss Co. and Emma was expecting their second child when the world came to an end on April 18th 1906. The earthquake claimed the lives of 3,000 people and essentially leveled the city. Joe was all of six years old but shared “it was one of the earliest memories of his life.” There is nothing like a catastrophe to bring people together, and that is exactly what happened in the aftermath of the great quake. George, along with thousands of others, dove in head to help rebuild the city. Along the way George became recognized for his diligent efforts and would eventually dip his toe into politics and become a member of the San Francisco City Council some years later. BIRTH OF A STAR From a baseball perspective the GWL was set to begin its third season in 1906 and the Wrens, as they were known until 1926, had to play all of their contests on the road for an entire season. It should be noted that the club was allowed to play as the home team on the road if it was originally scheduled as such. Still, the earthquake of 1906 sent a promising franchise back several years. It didn’t matter though, as a young Joe Masters caught the baseball bug when they returned to the city in 1907. When Joe and his friends weren’t playing ball in the sandlot, they were trying to sneak into Wrens’ games for free. At some point Joe caught the attention of manager Bill Badway, who made Joe the club's bat boy for home games, allowing Joe’s baseball education to really begin in earnest. Joe’s favorite player, a first sacker named George Eadie, took a liking to the young energetic bat boy and taught him the tricks of the trade. Not many 11 year olds get this sort of tutelage at such a young age. Admittedly, I will submit that if a player wanted to make a name for himself in the game of baseball in the teens, the place to go was out east. So when Liberty College in Pennsylvania offered Joe an opportunity to play for them, George Masters was all too quick to advise his son to take advantage of the opportunity. After a successful college run the Chicago Chiefs were impressed enough to take Joe with the 11th overall pick in the 1920 FABL draft. After about a year and a half in the minors, the Chiefs would purchase the 22 year olds contract and let him settle into Whitney Park for the next dozen years. It is universally accepted that Max Morris is the greatest player to ever play the game of baseball. Yet, even the “Mighty Mo” would have to tip his cap to some of the achievements from Masters. Baseball fans are well aware that Max Morris owns the top three single season home run spots on the list. Did you know that Joe Masters was number four on that list with 58 home runs in 1928? Did you know that nobody in the history of the game has knocked in more runners in a single season than Joe Masters? (195 in 1928) For a five season period from 1928-1932 Joe Masters is in the conversation as the best ballplayer not named Max Morris. This is the man that will be leading the San Francisco Hawks in 1946. THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS Other than a brief stint in Detroit (which lasted 36 games in 1936) Joe spent his entire career in Chicago as a member of the Chiefs or Cougars. Joe met his wife and started his family (he has two strapping lads that have the makings of ballplayers one day) in Chicago but when his father fell ill, it was time to return home. Joe packed up his family and returned to the city of his birth, the place that started his amazing baseball journey. A place where his earliest memory was tragedy, to return to a tragedy in a different form. The last days of the man that taught him to take risks, follow his dreams, and be there for others. With the return of his son, George was able to hang on for a few more years but eventually left this earth in August 1945. He was survived by his wife Emma, his son Joe and two daughters, along with a host of grandchildren. After the passing of his father Joe did not immediately take his family back to Chicago. Joe’s boys were eight and six when the family returned to San Francisco in 1942. By the time George Masters passed his boys had hit an impressionable age where they identified with San Francisco more than they did with Chicago. Combined with his mother getting up in age, his sisters' families established in the city, Joe just couldn’t uproot his family again. A RED DAY The Perrone family originally made their money in the ship building business in Toledo Ohio on the banks of Lake Erie. William Perrone (father to the Hawks current owner) saw an opportunity to enter into a damaged market out west after the earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco. The move paid off and decades later the company, (Perrone Lines under his son’s ownership) was able to maneuver themselves into an enviable position to accept government contracts during the second world war, and become a key part of the “Arsenal of Democracy” building vessels to battle in the Pacific Theater. William’s son John (nicknamed ”Red” for his hair color) was an avid baseball fan as a youth, but didn’t have the talent to play past a high school secondary level. Sometimes the inability to play can drive a person to love the game even more. When the opportunity arose to purchase the San Francisco club, Red jumped at it. When Thomas Bigsby started meeting with owners looking to garner support to shed the GWL’s amateur status Red Perrone was all ears. This was his opportunity to make it to “the big time”. After listening to Bigsby, Red felt he needed to make a splash and what bigger way to do that then reaching out to the best player to ever lace them up from the city of San Francisco. THE PERFECT STORM It would be wrong of me to report that Joe Masters is looking to stick it to the FABL. After all, he was accepted and contributed to that world. For as much of a son of San Francisco as he is, he cannot possibly understand what we have gone through in the last few months in regards to the defamation of our league's character. When Red Perrone reached out to him with the GM offer Joe was honestly humbled without knowing what the politics were behind the scenes. This was evident in his first press meeting outside his new office at Hawk’s Stadium. When asked if he feels like he is betraying the FABL by taking the job to lead the Hawks his response was wholly innocent. “I don’t have any idea about all of that. I know I love baseball and I love my family. Some of my fondest memories are acting as a bat boy for this club. My family loves it here in this city. I love baseball and San Francisco, what more can a fella ask for?” Well Mr. Masters, I understand why you are humble, but I do not have to operate under those same constrictions. You are a well placed, (and appreciated) weapon of legitimacy. 
SAWYER RALLIES FOR WIN TO RETAIN CROWN Outdueled Much of Bout Until Vintage Sawyer Moment Hector Sawyer is likely a very relieved man after putting in 3 of the best minutes of his career to pull a victory when it was looking like this might be the end of the line for the great heavyweight. Perhaps only Sawyer's long-time manager Chester Conley felt more relieved than Sawyer after his meal ticket dominated the 9th round Saturday night, claiming a technical knockout victory over veteran Englishman Leo Carmichael to retain his World Heavyweight Title. The first 8 rounds at Thompson Arena gave every indication there would be a new champion crowned as Carmichael, building on a dominant first round, took the fight to Sawyer and seemed to have a solid lead. There was no indication that Sawyer had much of the powerful magic he displayed in days gone by left in the tank but suddenly in the 9th round he was a changed man. It was like the Hector Sawyer of 5 years ago, when he was in his prime, was back and the 31 year old went to work right from the opening bell of the ninth, and what would prove to be the final round on this evening. Sawyer quickly caught the 37 year old Carmichael with a wicked hook to the midsection that clearly hurt and perhaps broke one of Carmichael's ribs and then Sawyer followed up with a uppercut before turning into a human windmill reigning blows down on Carmichael. Another shot to the body doubled over the challenger and was followed by a crushing hook and one could quickly tell this was not going to end well for Carmichael. The pro-Sawyer crowd in Detroit, which had been very quiet for a title fight up to that point, suddenly came to life as the champ continued to blast Carmichael with the challenger putting up no opposition. After nearly 30 seconds of the Cajun Crusher firing away and referee Hubert Earle looking just about to step in it was Carmichael's corner that decided their man had abosrbed enough punishment -throwing in the towel with 30 seconds remaining in the 9th round of the bout that was scheduled for 15. Afterwards, it would be revealed two of the judges had Carmichael with a comfortable lead while the third had scored the fight even -though many observers, if being honest, would say that third judge must have been watching a different fight from the rest of us. *** Will the Real Hector Sawyer Please Stand Up *** The victory improves Sawyer's record to 53-3-1 and is his 5th successful defense since knocking out German Jochen Schrotter in this same Thompson Arena just over six years ago. Sawyer has not looked good since resuming his pro ring career nearly exactly one year ago, but he has now succeeded in 4 straight title defenses although, with the exception of Carmichael, the quality of his opponents has been lacking. There had been some worries he was looking much older and much slower than perhaps one would expect from a 31 year old with the abilities that Sawyer possesses and that was very much the case again on this night in the early going against Carmichael. However, he changed a lot of minds with perhaps the second best round of his life -surpassed only by that 15th round 6 years ago when he knocked out Schrotter to win the title. Where it came from, and why it has not been on display before are certainly questions deserving answers but the more important one is what will Hector Sawyer do from here? He came very close to losing his title on this night. A younger fighter than Carmichael might well have finished off the job. He will have quite some time to think about as Conley hinted afterwards that his star fighter will likely not return to the ring until late in the fall. *** Rutledge Impresses in Knock Out Win *** Danny Rutledge, the battling welterweight who knocked out Mac Erickson in a tremendous battle in England on the undercard of the that big Archie Rees title fight in September of 1944 -which also saw Sawyer as part of the event- in what was billed as the Allied Welterweight championship, is out of the Army and was back in the ring in Detroit on the undercard of the Sawyer title fight. The 21 year old Louisville, KY., native was in his first pro bout since he fought in Portland nearly a year ago just prior to being shipped to the Phillipines, and he looked at the peak of his game with a second round knock out of Gus Young. The victory puts Rutledge's record at 3-0 as a professional. TOURNAMENT FIELD SHAPING UP With two weeks remaining until the field is selected for the annual collegiate basketball tournament it appears that at least two of the four number one seeds are set. 28-1 Liberty College, the top ranked team in the nation, will surely grab the number one seed in the East Region. The Bells have completed their season, posting wins over ranked opponents St Patrick's and Frankford State to end with a 28-1 record. Western Iowa, which has 4 tough Great Lakes Alliance games remaining has the inside track and seems likely to be the top choice in the midwest. The other two spots are a little less certain but it appears that both Mobile Maritime (23-2) and Miami State (23-4) may each be a number one seed - with one staying home in the South Region and the other one moving to the West although CC Los Angeles (23-3), with 4 games remaining and eyes on the West Coast Athletic Association crown, may take the top spot in the West with a strong finish to it's season. Some prominent schools are on the bubble including St Blane, Coastal California, Noble Jones College and Detroit City College. If Coastal California misses the tournament, and at 17-9 at the moment they may be on the outside looking in, it will be the first time in the 37 year history of the AIAA that the Dolphins have not qualified for the championship tournament. With ranked opponents Rainier College and Lane State still on their docket, plus games with Idaho A&M and Northern California to round out WCAA section play, the Dolphins could keep the streak alive but it likely takes at least three victories in their final four games. Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (72) 28-1 1800 1 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 23-2 1689 2 South Atlantic Conference
3. Miami State 23-4 1675 3 Independent
4. Western Iowa 19-6 1564 5 Great Lakes Alliance
5. CC Los Angeles 23-3 1546 6 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Coastal State 22-4 1327 4 South Atlantic Conference
7. Garden State 21-4 1321 10 Liberty Conference
8. Texas Gulf Coast 23-2 1314 9 Southwestern Alliance
9. Rainier College 20-5 1246 8 West Coast Athletic Association
10. Great Plains State 20-7 1175 7 Independent
11. Lane State 18-7 1053 14 West Coast Athletic Association
12. Central Ohio 19-6 1034 11 Great Lakes Alliance
13. Brooklyn State 19-6 1025 12 Liberty Conference
14. Annapolis Maritime 21-6 822 13 Independent
15. St. Martin's College 21-6 762 18 Independent
16. Whitney College 18-7 712 24 Great Lakes Alliance
17. St. Patrick's 19-11 588 21 Independent
18. St. Blane 21-8 566 16 Independent
19. St. Magnus 19-6 476 15 Great Lakes Alliance
20. Frankford State 20-7 408 19 Independent
21. Detroit City College 17-8 372 17 Great Lakes Alliance
22. Payne State 20-6 249 NR Midwestern Association
23. Orrville 20-7 223 20 Independent
24. Utah A&M 21-6 190 NR Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
25. Berwick 19-6 110 25 Keystone Alliance
Others Receiving Votes:
Quaker College (CA) 20-6 68 California League
Amarillo Methodist 17-8 21 Southwestern Alliance
Rome State 19-8 15 Independent
Brunswick 18-9 14 Academia Alliance
Harper College 20-8 12 Independent
Bayou State 16-9 11 Deep South Conference
Noble Jones College 17-8 3 Deep South Conference
Coastal California 17-9 3 West Coast Athletic Association
Spokane State 16-9 3 West Coast Athletic Association
Central Carolina 17-9 2 South Atlantic Conference
Iowa A&M 18-8 1 Plains Athletic Association
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 3/02/1946
TRIVIA ANSWER - Which former or current GWL manager has the most wins as a FABL pitcher: The answer is Hall of Famer Woody Trease, who went 325-185 for Boston and Detroit and then would enjoy a long stint as a manager including a decade in San Francisco where he won a record 7 GWL championships and is second all-time in wins as a manager in the western loop with a 781-549 career record as a bench boss.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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03-07-2023, 10:01 AM
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#653 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 9,739
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March 18, 1946 Spring Training begins tomorrow
MARCH 18, 1946 BASEBALL IS BACK! And With it Plenty of Questions It should be a time of great celebration, but it is also one filled with trepidation as the first spring training in 5 years without a war overshadowing it is set to begin tomorrow. It also marks the first time since 1891 that 24 -and not 16- major league teams were preparing for the season to come. What it does have in common with the past five springs is that this one comes at a time of great uncertainty. While victory has been achieved in Europe and the Far East, and nearly all of the ballplayer-soldiers/sailors have returned to their full-time occupation, there is great concern that the sport is headed for a war of it's own. Fortunately this one will be fought in the boardroom and courts and not on the battlefield and seas but a storm is brewing as most feel it is only a matter of time before the 8-team Great Western League begins to go after the same players that FABL either presently has under contract or rookies it has it's eyes on. For the moment at least, the GWL looks to be content to exist with FABL cast-offs manning the Pacific diamonds, but that is bound to change if the western clubs start to enjoy some financial success. Meanwhile, the Federal and Continental races have never been so difficult to forecast as hundreds of big leaguers return after absences ranging from one to four years and how the various players are each affected by that layoff is a topic of great uncertainty. It seems clear that for many there will be a period of adjustment. Billy Woytek of the Philadelphia Keystones struggled upon his return late last season but exploded in the World Championship Series and was a key factor in the Keystones victory over Cincinnati. Fred McCormick -who missed more time than any established big leaguer- was not up to his pre-war standard when he returned to the Toronto Wolves but still had a solid two-thirds of a season. When we last saw Pete Papenfus the Chicago Cougars star was enjoying an Allen Award winning 1941. He returned midway through last season but looked fairly ordinary. Will a winter back home with loved ones and free time to focus on regaining their skills bring these three -and many, many others- back to the elite skill level they displayed before giving everything up for their country? As much as the uncertainty around how those that left for the war will perform and whether those that stayed behind and carried the torch for baseball in their absence will still be good enough to compete envelopes the game it is the threat from the west that really keeps FABL President Sam Belton and the 16 club magnates up at night. Thomas X. Bigsby has disruption printed in his DNA and while he may not be cut of the same cloth as his infamous relatives Charles and Miles Bigsby, he clearly plans to be as big a thorn in the side of Belton as the brothers were for FABL founder William Whitney. The battle between east and west, between Belton and Bigsby, between the baseball establishment and the upstarts from the west will likely not come to a head this season, but if the so-called 'Rebels' can prosper this summer there is little doubt a fight is on the horizon. PETE LAYTON TAKES OVER IN PORTLAND Count Pete Layton as the latest former FABL star to hitch his wagon to a Great Western League club. The GWL's Portland Green Sox have announced that the 46 year old Layton, an Oregon native, has returned home and will take over the reigns of the Green Sox as their General Manager. Layton joins fellow legendary former FABL stars Tom Bird, in Oakland, and Joe Masters, with San Francisco, as recent front office signings by western teams. The trio follows the announcement from Thomas X. Bigsby's Los Angeles club that Hall of Famer Ed Ziehl will be their manager in the inaugural season of major league baseball in the west. Layton is a 6-time World Champion and was named the Most Valuable Player of the WCS twice. A 4-time all-star, he spent most of his 16 year career with the New York Stars before finishing up with the Chicago Chiefs. He is one of a select few who have won a batting title in both the Continental Association and Federal Association. Here is an updated list of Great Western League General Managers, one that has certainly borrowed liberally from FABL. DALLAS CENTURIONS- Ox Munday - The 40-year old catcher is a Texas native who played his school ball at Travis College who then had a cup of coffee with the Baltimore Cannons before ending his career with half a dozen seasons with the Centurions when they were still a minor league club. HOUSTON BULLS- The Bulls GM has previous FABL front-office experience as he spent several seasons at the helm of the Washington Eagles. LOS ANGELES KNIGHTS- Hall of Famer Ed Ziehl is the bench boss in Los Angeles while Tom Pierce, a 49-year old California native who might just be the most educated man in baseball will handle the General Manager duties. Pierce spent a few years as a minor league pitcher but has degrees from a pair of Academia Alliance schools in Dickson and Ellery. OAKLAND GRAYS- 10-time All-Star and 3-time World Champion catcher Tom Bird just retired after helping the Cincinnati Cannons win their third straight pennant last October. The 37-year old is a Chino native so he returns to his California roots to run the Grays, a team he briefly played for before making his big league debut with St Louis in 1934. PORTLAND GREEN SOX - There had been rumours that long-time Detroit sports writer Freddie Farhat was in the running for the job but the Green Sox elected to sign 46-year old six-time World Championship Series winner Pete Layton instead. SAN DIEGO CONQUISTADORS- San Diego was the first GWL team to raid FABL for it's top baseball executive as the Conquistadors lured a GM with plenty of FABL management experience with Brooklyn and Montreal. SAN FRANCISCO HAWKS - The Hawks recently announced the signing of local boy made good Joe Masters. The 46-year old was a bat boy for the Hawks in his youth before going on to lead Liberty College to back to back College World Series titles and then enjoying a stellar big league career that included a Whitney Award in 1928, the same season he set the FABL single-season RBI record. SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS - The Thunderbirds are the only team to sign a General Manager with no previous playing or managing experience in FABL. The new executive does have a FABL tie-in, as he comes highly recommended by DD Martin, who has won a World Championship Series while with Cleveland and recently took a job as the Brooklyn Kings General Manager after a decade at the head of the Detroit Dynamos. ANOTHER BARRELL ROLLS INTO DETROIT The Detroit Dynamos have found a new scouting director and he has a familiar last name. Fred Barrell, long-time big league catcher for the Brooklyn Kings and Chicago Cougars, has joined the Dynamos front-office despite having no previous scouting experience. What Fred does have is plenty of playing experience in the big leagues, winning a pair of WCS titles and making 3 trips to the All-Star game before retiring following the 1942 season to take a job with the state department. He also has terrific scouting bloodlines as his father Rufus was co-founder of the league scouting service and his brother Dan presently heads up that service. Fred also has ties to Detroit with two brothers already holding key sports roles in the city. Rollie is the owner of the Detroit Maroons football club and Jack is the head coach of the Detroit Motors hockey squad. Fred Barrell also has close ties to the new Dynamos GM, having played for him -along with 4 of his brothers- on 3 pennant winning Brooklyn Kings clubs. Since retiring as a player Fred has distanced himself from the game while spending the past three years aiding in the war effort by working an undisclosed job with the State Department. However, he says that position is no longer needed now that the war is over and Barrell is looking forward to returning to baseball, adding that "being (in Detroit) is a great opporunity to spend more time with the families of two of his brothers." Fred also adds that he is looking forward to working with Dick York, the former star catcher and current manager of the Dynamos. "Dick was a player I always looked up to and patterned my game after as I was growing up. In fact, his sister Francine is married to my brother Rollie and it was Dick who taught me a lot of the finer points of catching when I was a kid. It will be quite an honour to get to work with him." *** Knights Draw St Blane in AIAA Tourney Opener *** The Detroit City College Knights are back in the AIAA tournament after a dismal season a year ago ended a 12 year run of tournament appearances in which they reached the finals ones, the semis on two other occasions and the quarter-finals three times. Of course, despite all of the that success the Knights continue to search for their first AIAA cage championship. A fourth seed, they will open against St Blane, a school with a rich tradition of success on the grid but has accomplished very little on the court. The Fighting Saints have never won a tournament game and have not even been invited to the March event since 1928 but DCC should not take them lightly despite the fact the Saints are 0-5 against ranked opponents this season. Detroit City is in the East Region this time around and if they get past St Blane in the 4-vs-5 game they will likely meet Liberty College -the number one team in the nation- in the second round. The Great Lakes Alliance, which has still won just one AIAA tournament -back in 1924-25 when Whitney College prevailed- likely pins its hopes this year on Western Iowa or St Magnus. The Canaries are the #2 seed out west while the Vikings, who won the GLA crown with a 13-3 section record, are the top seed in the Midwest and face College of Waco in their opener on the weekend. St Magnus has only qualified for the tournament once before in the past dozen years but they had a fantastic run in the spring of 1943, going all the way to the championship game before falling to Rainier College.
JACKHAMMER O’KEEFE WINS WELTERWEIGHT BELT IN 13th ROUND KO In a free-for-all of a welterweight division, meritocracy rules. You win, you advance. You lose, you wait for another chance. In the ring tonight at Bigsby Garden were two winners to reach this winner-take-all match. To the winner, the World Welterweight Title. To the loser, the closest he may get to the title in his career. The title at stake has been vacant since before the war, which seems like a lifetime ago to the welterweight field, more than a lifetime in boxing years. Jimmy 'Kid' Simpson was the last welterweight champ and he retired in 1940. The boxers qualifying in the welterweight class were sparse and largely unavailable with calls for active duty, so the American Boxing Federation left the weight class for dead until a groundswell of support came from many dedicated fistic fans across the country to reestablish the weight class. What followed was a creative yet obvious solution to an unprecedented problem: having the top challengers fight it out in a win-and-advance format until one remained. This is the end of that search. In one corner, Dennis O'Keefe, stationed at the usual champion's "red" corner, but not a champion, at least not yet. O'Keefe has an impressive record of 19-1 with 12 knockouts and a more impressive nickname, the Jacksonville Jackhammer. O'Keefe defeated Rudy Perry by knockout in October. In the “blue” corner, Carl Taylor reached the final in this championship "playoff" by outlasting Mark Westlake in a 12-round unanimous decision. Taylor is 29 years old, just like O'Keefe, but the Baltimore native is a slightly less impressive 19-2-2 in his boxing career. A hush came over the Bigsby Garden crowd in the moments before the fighters made their way from their respective dressing rooms to the ring. This was not a crowd wondering how the champion will emerge victorious. This was not a crowd guessing if the challenger can muster enough courage to surmount the insurmountable. This was a crowd truly looking for a rooting interest, trying to figure which challenger had what it took to raise his fists in victory. O’Keefe landed the only big punch of Round One, a shot to Taylor’s ribs in what was clearly a strategy going into the fight to work the body. At the end of the second round, O’Keefe connected on a left just above Taylor’s waist that brought jeers from the crowd, especially the corner of the Baltimore basher. When the bell rang to end the round, both fighters continued to fire away, and referee Jerry Rowe had to jump in between the combatants. Taylor gave way in the first, but he signaled his arrival in the bout with his weapon of choice, a cross that connected on O’Keefe midway through the second. Taylor executed his punches with precision early on, dominating the third round and working the body to get the better of O’Keefe in the fourth round. The finest back-and-forth of the entire night was the 90-second sequence in the middle of the fifth stanza. Taylor unleashed a right to the head of O’Keefe, followed by his signature cross and a right that combined to daze, stun, and shake O’Keefe. Taylor, looking to keep the pressure on, missed badly with a right, providing an opening for O’Keefe, who threw a left-right combination to the jaw that dropped Taylor to the canvas. Taylor was wobbly but stood up after a six-count and the bout continued. After some uninspiring seventh round, which drew boos from the New York crowd, the respite helped Taylor, who dominated early in the eighth before O’Keefe released a flurry of combinations. The punches stunned Taylor but O’Keefe was unable to do more damage after another post-round scuffle. O’Keefe carried the momentum into the ninth to take the round. Taylor’s best showing in the entire fight was in the final stages of the 11th round, when he drilled O’Keefe with an uppercut that stunned O’Keefe. After O’Keefe composed himself, he threw a weak hook that Taylor brushed aside before landing a hard right to O’Keefe’s midsection, sending O’Keefe down for a quick one-count before rising to his feet as the bell rang to signal the end of the round. O’Keefe came on in the final minute of the 12th, as had happened quite a bit during the fight of starting the round slow only to try to score points late. The flurry foreshadowed the end of the fight with a couple of shots that landed and nearly causing Taylor to fall, the second of which was right on Taylor’s chin, as O’Keefe employed his strategy of working the body to set up big hits up top and scored there leading into the 13th round. O’Keefe continued the onslaught with a cross to the body early on, but Taylor was wise to the plan, refusing to let anything in the middle through. O’Keefe went for broke and fired a one-two punch to Taylor’s weakened chin, worthy of the Jacksonville Jackhammer. O’Keefe was kept away from Taylor as his was on his knees, struggling to square himself into a standing position. But it was not to be, as Taylor fell back down and the count reached ten. Dennis O’Keefe earned the World Welterweight Title in a battle of knockdowns and opted for quantity of punches over quality of punches, only landing 11% of his attempts and outlanded two to one. But, the ones that landed did damage and O’Keefe managed to withstand whatever Taylor could muster and handled his best. O’Keefe’s 13th knockout moved his record to 20-1 and the welterweight division has its first champion in six years. Taylor’s loss lowered his mark to 19-3-2 and shuffles to the bottom of the deck of potential challengers. Taylor will have to wait a while for another shot, maybe a lifetime.  Code:
WELTERWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY YEARS FIGHTER HOMETOWN Title Defenses 1916-1917 Larry Growney New Bedford, MA 2 1917-1919 'Little' Lenny Werner Cleveland, OH 3 1919-1927 George Grainger Peoria, IL 16 1927-1928 Tim McCord New York, NY 1 1928-1932 Andy Clavin Brooklyn, NY 4 1932-1933 Doug 'Tornado' Thomas Oklahoma City, OK 2 1933-1940 Jimmy 'Kid' Simpson England 14 1940-1945 vacant 1946-cur Dennis O'Keefe Jacksonville, FL - CARMICHAEL CALLS IT QUITS Veteran British heavyweight Leo Carmichael, who outdueled world champion Hector Sawyer for 8 rounds last month in Detroit before a broken rib derailed his fight and cost him any chance at the title, has announced his retirement from the ring. The 37-year old was 30-5-1 for his career and battled many of the top heavyweights over the years. His final fight was his first chance at the World Title and one can't help but think that had the second world war not intervened Carmichael might well have been the champ at some point. He had a six and a half year interruption to his pro career due to the war and fought just three times since 1939. FIELD SET FOR COLLEGIATE TITLE TOURNEY The 32-team field has been selected for AIAA championship tournament which gets underway across the country on Saturday and concludes the first weekend of April with the semi-finals and championship game. The top seeds in the four regions will be Liberty College, Mobile Maritime, St Magnus and City College of Los Angeles. This tournament will also have one very notable absence. For the first time in the history of the 37 year old event the Coastal California Dolphins will not participate. The Dolphins fate was sealed with a 48-39 home loss to 12th ranked Lane State left them with an 18-12 record. It will mark the first season the Dolphins fail to win 20 games as well as their first tournament miss. Despite never missing a tournament, making the semi-finals 13 times and the championship game 3 times, Coastal California has never won the AIAA marquee event.  A LOOK AT EACH OF THE 32 TEAMS IN THE AIAA TOURNAMENT Here is a quick primer on each of the schools in the running for the title of 1945-46 AIAA Basketball Champion EAST REGION #1 Liberty College Bells 28-1 Independent, ranked #1 nationally Location: Philadelphia, Pa. Best Tournament Finish: Champion (3 times 1941-42, 1936-37, 1935-36) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 26 3 time champion, 6 times in national semi-finals All-Time Tournament Record: 44-22 Top Players: Sr F Win Dupre (10.6 ppg), Jr G Waylon Orlick (8.0 ppg), So C Ward Messer (6.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg) #2 Garden State Redbirds 25-4 Liberty Conference champs, ranked #3 nationally Location: Newark, NJ Best Tournament Finish: Champion 1938-39 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 22 1 title, 3 time finalist and 4 times in the semi-finals All-Time Tournament Record: 25-20 Top Players: Sr F Colby Niles (12.1 ppg) and Sr G David Bobo (11.7 ppg) #3 Lane State Emeralds 20-9 West Coast Athletic Assn tied for second, ranked #14 Location: Eugene, Or. Best Tournament Finish: Finalist (2 times: 1939-40 and 1928-29) AIAA Touranment Appearance: 17 Reached the finals twice but lost both times including 1939-40 to WCAA rival Rainier College. All-Time Tournament Record: 18-16 Top Players: Jr C Andrew Williams (9.9 ppg) and Sr G Scott Brown (9.1 ppg) #4 Detroit City College Knights 19-10, second in Great Lakes Alliance, ranked #15 Location: Detroit, Mi. Best Tournament Finish: Finalist 1932-33 AIAA Touranment Appearance: 31. Reached the semi-finals 3 times and quarters 10 times but have never won the tournament. All-Time Tournament Record: 32-30 Top Players: Sr F Harland Pinkard (10.3 ppg) and St G Stephen Rubaclava (8.8 ppg, 4.5 apg) #5 St Blane Fighting Saints 21-8, independent, ranked #21 Location: Tyrone, Pa. Best Tournament Finish: opening round loss 1926-27 and 1927-28 AIAA Touranment Appearance: 3 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-2 Top Players: Fr F Cy Worley (9.2 ppg) injured, So C Josh Samuels (8.4 ppg) #6 Utah A&M Aggies 24-6 Rocky Mountain Alliance champs, ranked #18 Location: Salt Lake City, Ut Best Tournament Finish: lost in opening round 9 times most recently 1942-43 AIAA Touranment Appearance: 10 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-9 Top Players: Sr G Dan Dorsey (10.7 ppg) and So F John Suber (7.6 ppg) #7 Bayou State Cougars 18-11 won Deep South Conference title, not ranked Location: Baton Rogue, La. Best Tournament Finish: Champion 1919-20 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 15 but this is their first since 1927-28. Only advanced as far as semi-finals once, in their championship season of 1919-20. All-Time Tournament Record: 21-13 Top Players: Jr G William Smith (10.4 ppg), So C Cory Hunt (8.8 ppg) and So G Scott Winner (8.6 ppg) #8 University of New Jersey Warriors 18-11, Eastern Six Conference Champions, not ranked Location: Trenton, NJ Best Tournament Finish: round of 16 twice including last season and 1926-27 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 10 All-Time Tournament Record: 2-9 Top Players: Sr F Pablo Brown (7.7 ppg) and So G Kirby Tucker (7.1 ppg) SOUTH REGION #1 Mobile Maritime Middies, 27-2 South Atlantic Conference champions, ranked #2 nationally Location: Mobile, Al. Best Tournament Finish: semi-finals 1933-34 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 7 All-Time Tournament Record: 4-6 Top Players: Sr C Richard Brawner (9.2 ppg), Sr G Mario Carl (8.8 ppg), Sr G Wilf Binns (8.7 ppg) and Jr F Dan Garcia (8.5 ppg) #2 Brooklyn State Bears, 22-7, second in Liberty Conference, ranked #8 Location: Brooklyn, NY Best Tournament Finish: AIAA Champion 3 times (1940-41, 1937-38, 1931-32 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 18 All-Time Tournament Record: 32-14, 5 times reached the semi-finals and 4 of those advanced to title game. Top Players: Sr F Willie Wright (12.1 ppg), Sr F Ira Bomar (10.4 ppg) and Sr G Tom Laurent (10.2 ppg) #3 Central Ohio Aviators, 20-9, tied for third in Great Lakes Alliance, ranked #20 nationally Location: Columbus, Oh. Best Tournament Finish: quarterfinals 1942-43 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 12 All-Time Tournament Record: 9-11 Top Players: So F Ziggy Rickard (11.8 ppg) and Sr G Burl Rone (11.8 ppg) #4 Frankford State Owls 22-7, Independent, ranked #19 nationally Location: Frankford, Pa., Best Tournament Finish: Finalist 1927-1928 AIAA Tournament Appearances: 15 but only once (2 years ago) since 1927-28 All-Time Tournament Record: 19-14 reached finals in 1927-28 and semi-finals in 1915-16 Top Players: Sr G Hunter Enright (9.5 ppg) and Sr F Aaron Walker (7.5 ppg) #5 Whitney College Engineers, 19-10, tied for 3rd in Great Lakes Alliance, ranked #24 nationally Location: Gary, In. Best Tournament Finish: champion 1924-25 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 20. Only Great Lakes Alliance current member to win a national title. They have reached the semi-finals 3 times and the finals twice losing to Bayou State in 1919-20 and beating Coastal California in 1924-25. All-Time Tournament Record: 23-18 Top Players: Sr F Dale Reynolds (8.0 ppg) and Jr F Ruben Gilbert (8.0 ppg) #6 Noble Jones College Colonels, 20-9, second in Deep South Conference, unranked Location: Augusta, Ga. Best Tournament Finish: round of 16 three times (last year, 1941-42 and 1940-41) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 11 All-Time Tournament Record: 3-10 Top Players: Jr G Blondy Wilbourn (9.7 ppg) and Jr F Darrel Hanson (9.3 ppg) #7 Centerville Indians, 19-10, Keystone Alliance champions, not ranked Location: Centerville, Pa. Best Tournament Finish: qualied (twice before 1923-24 and 1918-19) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 3 -this will be first appearance since 1923-24 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-2 Top Players: Sr F Elvin Toro (11.2 ppg) and Sr G Mike Campbell (9.0 ppg) #8 Western State Bisons 15-13, Central Athletic Alliance champions, not ranked Location: Buffalo, NY Best Tournament Finish: first round loss 4 times including last year AIAA Touranment Appearances: 4 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-4 Top Players: Fr F John Robinett (8.3 ppg) and Fr G Mark lee (7.2 ppg) MIDWEST REGION #1 St. Magnus Vikings, 23-6, Great Lakes Alliance Champions, ranked #11 nationally Location: St. Paul, Mn. Best Tournament Finish: finalist 1942-43 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 5 1942-43 was first appearance in a decade and only year they ever won a tournament game when they reached the finals only to fall to Rainier College. All-Time Tournament Record: 4-4 Top Players: Sr G Matt Saez (11.5 ppg) and Sr F Kevin Kennard (11.2 ppg) #2 Rainier College Majestics, 23-6, West Coast Athletic Association champions, ranked #7 nationally Location: Puyallup, Wa. Best Tournament Finish: Champion 3 times (1943-44, 1942-43, 1939-40) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 28 Reached finals 3 times, winning each of them. knocked out in semi-finals in 1934-35 which was a start of 12 straight tournament appearances with 10 of those resulting in at least one victory. All-Time Tournament Record: 35-24 Top Players: Sr G Charlie Purkey (8.6 ppg), Jr F Chuck Reiners (8.3 ppg) and Jr F Burford Garrison (7.6 ppg) #3 Texas Gulf Coast Hurricanes, 27-2, Southwest Alliance champions, ranked #4 nationally Location: Houston, Tx. Best Tournament Finish: quarterfinals twice (1943-44 and 1934-35) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 12 All-Time Tournament Record: 7-11 Top Players: Sr G John Toombs (11.3 ppg), So F Darren Furman (8.9 ppg) and Sr H Arn Brewington (8.0 ppg) #4 St. Martin's College Crusaders, 23-6, Independent, ranked #13 nationally Location: Hartford, Ct. Best Tournament Finish: qaurterfinals 1925-26. AIAA Touranment Appearances: 5 -advanced to second round last season in first tournament appeance since 1931-32. All-Time Tournament Record: 4-4 Top Players: Jr F Forrest Murphy (11.7 ppg), Sr C Connie Kinser (7.5 ppg) and Sr F Andy Long (7.4 ppg). #5 Brunswick Knights, 23-9, Academia Alliance regular season and tournament champs, ranked 16th nationally Location: South Brunswick, NJ Best Tournament Finish: champion 3 times (1917-18, 1911-12, 1910-11) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 22 but this is first appearance in 5 years. Reached the championship game six times but none since 1917-18. Have not won a tournament game since 1938-39. All-Time Tournament Record: 44-18 Top Players: Sr C Jim Shetler (9.8 ppg), So G Harland Lantz (7.3 ppg) and St F Rudy Stanford (6.4 ppg) #6 Orrville Oaks, 22-7, independent, ranked 23rd nationally Location: Orrville, Oh. Best Tournament Finish: qualified 3 times but never won a game (1925-26, 1916-17 and 1915-16) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 4 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-3 Top Players: Jr F Max Morgan (8.3 ppg), Jr G Ed Headley (8.0 ppg) and Sr C Merritt Whitten (7.9 ppg) #7 Payne State Mavericks, 22-8, Midwestern Association champions, not ranked Location: Stillwater, Ok. Best Tournament Finish: second round 1930-31 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 6 All-Time Tournament Record: 1-5 Top Players: Jr G Chris Scott (10.6 ppg), Sr G Marty Hayes (8.8 ppg), Jr F Tex Owen (8.1 ppg) and Sr F Riley Meyer (7.4 ppg) #8 College of Waco Cowboys, 18-11, Southern Border Association champions, not ranked Location: Waco, Tx. Best Tournament Finish: second round 1925-26 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 2. Only previous tournament appearance was in 1925-26 All-Time Tournament Record: 1-1 Top Players: Sr G Todd Myrick (9.7 ppg) and So G Ned Letourneau (8.3 ppg but injured) WEST REGION #1 City College of Los Angeles (CCLA) Coyotes, 25-6, tied for second in West Coast Athletic Association, ranked 5th nationally. Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Best Tournament Finish: 3 time champion (1932-33, 1927-28 and 1915-16) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 34. Have not missed tournament since 1934-35. 4 times in the finals and 8 in which they reached Bigsby Garden to participate in the semi-inals. All-Time Tournament Record: 51-30 Top Players: Jr F Jumbo Hinman (10.8 ppg), So G Gerry Cheek (8.1 ppg but injured) and Sr C Tim Kratzer (4.7 ppg) #2 Western Iowa Canaries, 21-8, tied for third in Great Lakes Alliance, ranked 9th nationally Location: Sioux City, Ia. Best Tournament Finish: finalist 1938-39 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 17 including 1 trip to finals and another in which they reached the semis (1942-43) All-Time Tournament Record: 15-16 Top Players: Sr F David Brown (9.1 ppg), Sr G Joe Hampton (8.5 ppg, 4.6 apg) and So G Toby Shively (8.3 ppg) #3 Miami State Gulls, 24-5, independent, ranked 6th nationally Location: Miami, Fl. Best Tournament Finish: second round twice (last year and 1912-13) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 7 All-Time Tournament Record: 2-6 Top Players: Jr C Long Werth (12.6 ppg), Sr F Ward Claxton (8.8 ppg) and Sr G Eddie Capers (6.9 ppg) #4 Coastal State Eagles, 24-5, tied for third in South Atlantic Conference, ranked 10th nationally Location: Florence, SC Best Tournament Finish: semi-finals 1932-33 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 6 including 1 semi-final apperances and 3 in the quarterfinals. All-Time Tournament Record: 8-5 Top Players: Sr F Sal Gresham (11.0 ppg), Sr G Matt Peoples (8.0 ppg) and Sr G Norris Johnson (7.9 ppg) #5 Annapolis Maritime Navigators, 22-7, independent, ranked 17th nationally Location: Annapolis, Md. (Navy training school) Best Tournament Finish: finalist 1943-44 AIAA Touranment Appearances: 20 including 15 of the last 16 years, reached semi-finals 3 times includign the finals two years ago. All-Time Tournament Record: 21-19 Top Players: Sr F Tony Rodriguez (11.9 ppg) and Sr G Syd Napier (7.1 ppg) #6 Redwood University Mammoths, 18-11, tied for 4th in West Coast Athletic Association, unranked Location: Stanford, Ca. Best Tournament Finish: qualified 3 times, never won a game. Most recently in 1940-41 ending a 22 year drought. AIAA Touranment Appearances: 4 All-Time Tournament Record: 0-3 Top Players: Fr F Punch Perez (6.4 ppg), So G Levi Gibson (6.3 ppg), Sr F Rex Harris (6.0 ppg) and So G Loop Leon (5.7 ppg) #7 Quaker College (CA) Bulldogs, 22-7, won California League championship, not ranked Location: Best Tournament Finish: second round twice (1940-41 and 1917-18) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 9 All-Time Tournament Record: 2-8 Top Players: Sr G Carl Arana (9.0 ppg) and Jr F Rubin Mills (8.7 ppg). #8 Lawrence State Chippewa, 15-14, Plains Athletic Association champion, not ranked Location: Lawrence, Ks. Best Tournament Finish: second round twice (1920-21 and 1915-16) AIAA Touranment Appearances: 8 but not since 1934-35. All-Time Tournament Record: 2-7 Top Players: Sr G Paul DuBose (10.7 ppg) and Sr G Don Epps (8.9 ppg) Code:
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL FINAL RANKINGS
# Team FPV Record Points Prv Conference
1. Liberty College (72) 28-1 1800 1 Independent
2. Mobile Maritime 27-2 1724 2 South Atlantic Conference
3. Garden State 25-4 1602 5 Liberty Conference
4. Texas Gulf Coast 27-2 1578 6 Southwestern Alliance
5. CC Los Angeles 25-5 1555 3 West Coast Athletic Association
6. Miami State 24-5 1441 7 Independent
7. Rainier College 23-6 1370 4 West Coast Athletic Association
8. Brooklyn State 22-7 1227 11 Liberty Conference
9. Western Iowa 21-8 1194 8 Great Lakes Alliance
10. Coastal State 24-5 1172 10 South Atlantic Conference
11. St. Magnus 23-6 1059 12 Great Lakes Alliance
12. Great Plains State 22-7 1041 9 Independent
13. St. Martin's College 23-6 924 14 Independent
14. Lane State 20-9 924 13 West Coast Athletic Association
15. Detroit City College 19-10 730 16 Great Lakes Alliance
16. Brunswick 23-9 659 21 Academia Alliance
17. Annapolis Maritime 22-7 659 17 Independent
18. Utah A&M 24-6 580 19 Rocky Mountain Athletic Alliance
19. Frankford State 22-7 536 18 Independent
20. Central Ohio 20-9 440 15 Great Lakes Alliance
21. St. Blane 21-8 329 20 Independent
22. St. Patrick's 19-11 264 22 Independent
23. Orrville 22-7 252 23 Independent
24. Whitney College 19-10 180 24 Great Lakes Alliance
25. Quaker College (CA) 22-7 65 NR California League
Others Receiving Votes:
Payne State 22-8 48 Midwestern Association
Noble Jones College 20-9 42 Deep South Conference
Hamman 22-8 4 Independent
Ohio Poly 21-9 1 Independent
 The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 3/17/1946
TRIVIA ANSWER: An easy one as the most recent father-son FABL manager/player duo is the Ziehl. Hall of Famer Ed managed the New York Gothams for a couple of decades including 1943 and 1944 when his son, third baseman Eddie, played a few games with the big club. The two are set to possibly become the first father-son manager-player duo in the major league version of the GWL as Ed is now the skipper of the Los Angeles Knights and Eddie is under contract and attempting to make the Knights opening day roster.
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Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles |
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03-08-2023, 12:39 PM
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#654 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 677
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March 25, 1946
MARCH 25, 1946  The signings of former FABL stars like Ed Ziehl, Tom Bird, Joe Masters and Pete Layton as managers and GM's of the GWL clubs may seem on the surface to be just innocent publicity stunts to drum up interest in local clubs but there is clearly a plan in place. Armed with deep pockets but perhaps still lacking the pedigree -at least so far- to go head to head with FABL for players, the 'rebels' have done the next best thing: Firing a shot across Belton's bow with signings of some of the best former FABL stars available. There is no other way for Belton and the FABL magnates to interpret this action as anything but a prelude to war. A warning if you will that GWL boss Thomas X. Bigsby and his gang are not afraid to one day soon challenge for equality with FABL atop the baseball world. They might bide there time, and wait for the opportunity to pounce, but it seems conflict is inevitable and when it happens it will cost FABL owners a lot of money. It also is a situation that was created by Belton's own doing. *** Could Have Been Avoided *** One has to think there is a pretty good chance that the FABL magnates may hold Belton personally responsible for the great cost that is likely to come. It might even cost the President his job as the league head. After all, it was Belton who campaigned hard against expansion to Texas when the owners of the independent minor league Dallas and Houston clubs came to FABL asking to join their party. They were rebuffed by Belton and that set off a series of events that led to those two owners - Texas oil magnates Paul Burnett of Dallas and John Mark of Houston- partnering up with their old war buddy Bigsby and together hatching the idea of a rebel league. It is no secret that many FABL club owners have been hoarding cash the past few years, investing just the bare minimum back into their ballclubs, and it seems likely the reason was to build a warchest in anticipation of the possibility of a challenge to their domain similar to all the proposed new football leagues that had discussed opening once the war was over. One of those, the Continental Football Conference, appears set to get off the ground and is already a source of grief for the American Football Association. It may well prove out that the only reason baseball is facing a similar challenge is due to FABL's refusal to allow Dallas and Houston into its group, and collect a nice expansion fee from the newcomers to boot. Instead, this might well prove to be a very costly mistake, one that shakes the sport to its core and may even cost a magnate or two his FABL franchise. And if that happens, there seems little doubt the magnates will finger Belton as the one to blame. CITRUS PLAY BEGINS Cougars, Sailors Off to Quick Start Florida baseball returned in full force as spring training games for the 16 FABL clubs got underway last week. Not that early spring results mean much but the Chicago Cougars and Philadelphia Sailors both got off to quick starts, each posting a 6-1 record in their opening week. In the Federal Association a quartet of teams in the defending champion Philadelphia Keystones, St Louis, Pittsburgh and Detroit each share the spring lead with 5-2 records.  Here are some early spring notes from camps across the state of Florida.[list] BOSTON- 2-5 week for the Minutemen out of the gate. Buddy Schneider hit .375 in his return to baseball but the other WWII Vets did not fare as well. Buddy is the youngest of the returnees, so maybe it will take a bit longer to knock the rust off. If not, Boston will be in trouble when Detroit gets Rufus Barrell II in the rotation which some GM's in the league believe to be an inevitability. BROOKLYN- Brooklyn goes 3-4. In Tom Barrell’s first game as Brooklyn’s manager, the Kings jumped on NY Stars SP Chuck Cole for 5 first inning runs and then had to hang on to win 7-6. CHIEFS- A rough opening week for the Chicago Chiefs with an 0-7 start that included being blown out 12-0 by Pittsburgh on Saturday. Chiefs manager Joe Ward keeps insisting that Ducky Jordan is the starting second baseman and 4th place hitter. So we let him have his way during the first week. The result? 1-13, .077. A positive in camp is the play of 21-year-old catcher Dino Robinson, who was a non-roster invite. He played in 3 games and went 4 for 6 (.667) with 2 doubles. In addition to Robinson, the top hitters for the Chiefs this week were Elias Canady, 23-year-old Charles Yates, and Ron Rattigan. Outfielder Dave Kreiger was set to play in left this season, but he has strained his back and his out for a few weeks. So there is a spot for Yates if he impresses. CINCINNATI- There are not a lot of openings on the 24-man roster for the veteran Cannons as they embark on their quest for a record fourth consecutive Continental Association crown but there is a battle on the mound. One player to watch closely is rookie pitcher Bob Arman. The 25 year old, who was acquired from Boston in 1944 but has been in the Army since just a few months after the Minutemen made him the first choice of the 1942 FABL draft, threw 4 scoreless innings against Toronto last week in his first test against big league hitting. DETROIT- The Detroit Dynamos Dynamos are thrilled to see big opening weeks from Dick Blaszak and Dick Estes and solid starts for Del Johnson and Stan Kleminski but Edwin Hackberry went 0-for-11 at the dish. Dynamos brass says it will give the 19 year old Hackberry one more week but he will likely be the first of Detroit's top young prospects heading to Newark. On the mound Wally Hunter threw a total of 9 shutout innings, allowing just 2 hits in his two starts and is making a very good case early for inclusion on the final 24-man roster. Rule 5 pickup Danny Goff Jr had a strong outing as well and he will get another start this week. NY STARS- An 0-7 start was certainly not what the New York Stars were expecting, not with all the talent that returned after time off for the war. A positive takeaway is that two of the key returnees - two-time Whitney Award winning 26 year old outfielder Bill Barrett and 30 year old all-star shortstop Joe Angevine- each enjoyed a strong week in their return to the diamond. PLENTY OF POSITIONS UP FOR GRABS IN DETROIT This promises to be an interesting training camp for the Detroit Dynamos as there will likely be a lot of spots up for grabs. While Detroit lacks the depth of a number of Federal Association clubs in the amount of players they have returning from the war, the Dynamos do have several solid returnees including Rip Curry, Constantine Peters, Frank Gordon and Willie Montgomery returning. Here is a look at how the 24 man roster shapes up and a preview of the battles expected to waged for roster spots in Lakeland. CATCHER (2)- At the moment the Dynamos only have two catchers in camp so both will head north next month when the Detroit nine opens its season in Chicago on April 21st. It is expected that 26 year old Rick York, who has been in the navy since 1942 and is the son of manager Dick York, will win the starting job but 29 year old Clyde Farr -who hit .256 in 111 games for St Louis in 1944- will have every chance to prove he should be the starter. A likely scenario is they share the role in a platoon situation. PITCHER (9) - There is a good chance the Dynamos may only break camp with 8 pitchers but for this exercise we will assume they will carry nine as there will be a lot of competition for the bottom 4 positions. The top of the rotation appears set with Dixie Lee, who went 9-2 down the stretch a year ago after coming over from the Stars midseason, followed by last year's rookie sensation Carl Potter -who is still just 19 years of age- with 25 year old Charlie Ashmore -who returned from nearly 3 years overseas late last season to battle veteran Jim Lonardo for the 3rd/4th spots in the rotation. Beyond those four anything could happen and a lot may depend on how youngsters Wally Hunter, Pete Brown and Jim Bob Jones perform in camp. Veteran Art White, Willie Montgomery and Jimmy Long should claim three of the final 5 spots but the three youngsters along with rule five pickup Danny Goff Jr, veteran reliever Frank Gordon and war returnees Ed Whetzel and Charlie Wheeler are also in the mix. INFIELD (7) It appears 22 year old Del Johnson and 23 year old Win Hamby have been given the starting jobs at second base and shortstop but there is a chance that 19 year old prime prospect Stan Kleminski wiggles his way past Hamby for the job at shortstop. The more likely scenario is Kleminski heads to the minors for at least half a year of seasoning. Veteran Johnny Guzzo will stick around as a pinch-hitter/backup middle infielder at least until Kleminski is able to prove he is ready. Mack Sutton is a lock at third base and Constantine Peters, back after a 3 year war absence, will either be the back-up corner infielder or the starter at first base where he will battle with Cuno Myer. Assuming each of those six make the team the final infield spot has a lot of competition with youngster Bob Montgomery and Steve Donovan likely holding the inside track. That leaves Red McKeirnan, Harry Perryman and the manager's other son Joe York likely ticketed for AAA Newark. OUTFIELD (6) Like the middle infield slots the outfield could have a major youth movement if 19 year old Edwin Hackberry and 21 year old Dick Estes look ready. Right now the odds are Estes heads north but Hackberry gets a little more time in the minors before he returns midseason. Dick Blaszak, acquired at the amateur draft, will be the starting leftfielder with vets Rip Curry, Leon Drake, Aart MacDonald and Sid Williams filling four other outfield slots. That leaves Estes, who will also get a look at first base in camp, along with free agent pickup Dan Rogers and rule five selection Roy Carroll fighting it out for the final spot. OUTLOOK- In the winter preview released in November, Jiggs McGee of TWIFB tabbed the Dynamos for 7th place in the Federal Association despite a solid third place showing a year ago. Last week the OSA slotted the Dynamos 6th in their early prediction call. Looking at the spring lineup, it is hard to argue with that assessment as Detroit has added far less returning war talent than most of their rivals. If the club gets off to a slow start look for the youth movement to be in full swing and lot of the veteran pieces to moved as the trade deadline approaches. The future is bright with some great young talent but don't be surprised if there are some growing pains along the way. For the Gothams, it's a chance to move back up the standings and compete for a title as they did before the mass exodus to the military. The lineup appears stout, the top of the roation is solid and most of the reserves have had a couple of years as starters. It promises to be a fun season in Queens. But nothing is certain. So what questions need to be answered before the Gothams can win a title? Starting Pitching -Ed Bowman and Harry Carter are a very solid, top of the league pair. Lou Eaker was a highly regarded prospect before he was drafted. Now without benefit of a couple of years in the high minors, he is going to be asked to step into a key mid rotation role. This is all the more important as the pitchers behind him are also relatively inexperienced. First chances are being given to two more prospects, Tom Henderson and Jerry Decker, who have missed years due to the war. If they should falter there are the pitchers who have been working their way through the system. Manager Bud Jameson does think there is enough depth to find the right mix. How soon that happens will determine how high the team can rise. Returning Vets- They are vets in more ways than one. While still relatively young, Walt Messer, Roosevelt Brewer and Mule Monier, have not played major league ball in a few years. Can they be the players they were? Third Base -In addition to getting his swing back Mule Monier is being asked to move over to third base. Jameson has decided that he would prefer a defense first shortstop in Gil London, so Monier will need to learn the hot corner. Can Strong Stay (relatively) Healthy? -No one can honestly expect more than 100 games from the oft-injured Strong. But the more he plays, the more dangerous the lieup will be. When he is out, or is given regular rest the team does have two good defenders in Bunny Hufford and Bobby Boone, or the all bat no glove Bill Payne to fill in. As with any season health and some luck will be needed. Given that I expect the Gothams to be around for the pennant race.  WESTERN LOOP TAKES FLIGHT The Great Western League is officially an active major league after the 8 team loop began its spring schedule last week. The brainchild of Thomas X. Bigsby has a long road ahead before it can draw any sort of comparison to FABL, but it took its crucial first steps last week with the first pitches thrown last Monday afternoon in four Arizona locations. 
WESTERN IOWA KNOCKED OUT IN OPENING ROUND OF AIAA The biggest upset in the opening round opening round of the 37th annual AIAA basketball tournament took place on the west coast were lightly regard Quaker College shocked one of the top teams in the country by upsetting Great Lakes Alliance power Western Iowa 47-40 in second seed vs 7th matchup. For the Bulldogs, who were led by an 18 point effort from Rubin Mills, it marked just the third time in school history that Quaker College had ever won a tournament game. It is a terrible disappointment for the Canaries, who see senior stars David Brown and Joe Hampton graduate with the worst tournament showing of their careers as Western Iowa had reached at least the quarterfinals each of the past three seasons. Aside from that game, the other three contests in the west went according to script as top seed CC Los Angeles downed Lawrence State 42-34 behind an 11-point afternoon from Jumbo Hinman, while Long Werth scored 14 points to pace Miami State to a 47-41 win over Redwood. Coastal State barely survied the 4-5 matchup as the higher seeded Eagles prevailed 44-42 despite an 18 point effort from Tony Rodriguez of the Navigators. In the Midwest the top three seeds each won with St Magnus blasting College of Waco 50-26, Rainier College handling Payne State 50-44 and Texas Gulf Coast topping Orrville 51-42. Firth seeded Brunswick of the Academia Alliance advanced with a 47-39 triumph over 4th seeded St Martin's College. The East Region went exactly as expected with all four higher seeds prevailing. Liberty College, the number one ranked team in the nation had 4 players score in double figures led by Ward Messer's 14 points in a 57-33 waltz past the University of New Jersey. Messer, younger brother of the New York Gothams outfielder, also added 10 rebounds on the day. Second seed Garden State downed Bayou State 55-44. Lane State, the third seed topped Utah A&M 47-41 while 4th seeded Detroit City College, riding a 17 point showing from Murray Cole, dumped #5 St Blane 47-32. In the South the number and number two seeds each won. Top seed Mobile Maritime dumped Western State 44-26 while second seeded Brooklyn State had little trouble stopping Centerville 46-33. In the only opening round game that required overtime, 6th seed Noble Jones College upset #3 Central Ohio 65-62 despite a 16 point showing from Ziggy Rickard of the Aviators. The 4-5 game went to the higher seed but just barely as #4 Frankford State nipped Whitney College 54-53.  DATE SET FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT REMATCH The long-anticipated rematch of Frank Melanson (29-0-2) and Todd Gill (20-1-5) for the World Middleweight Title now has a date. The bout will take place May 11 at Philadelphia's Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Stadium. That was confirmed this week after the Philadelphia Sailors confirmed the stadium would be available on that date following the release of the 1946 Continental Association baseball schedule. Melanson, who surprised Archie Rees in the same stadium last summer to win the belt, fought a 15 round majority draw with Gill at New York's Bigsby Garden in October in what was his first defense. The Pittsburgh factory worker feels he needs to get off to a better start in the rematch, noting that Gill dominated the early rounds and left the champ fighting an uphill battle. The bout will take place just 3 days after Melanson celebrates his 29th birthday. The 34 year old Gill feels he did everything right the first fight and expects to do more of the same this time out, although the Hartford born pugilist says he will have a few adjustments in store for Melanson. YOUNG STARS CONTINUE TO SHINE A pair of rising young fighters kept their unbeaten records intact during an otherwise quiet week of action on the boxing front. Tommy Cline, a 21 year old hard hitting heavyweight out of Clarksville, TN., ran his record to a perfect 7-0 with the 7th knockout of his young career. Cline needed just over 2 minutes to knock out Californian Denny Thomas in the first round of a bout slated to go six on Tuesday. On Saturday night in Washington DC, another highly touted 21 year old had a successful outing as Bill Boggs scored an unanimous decision over Loren Jackson in a 6 round middleweight tussle. Boggs improves to 5-0 but that was the first time he needed to go to the scorecards to get a result but Jackson (4-2-1) was also the toughest opponent he has seen as a pro. Boggs, a Brooklyn native, and Cline were both featured last summer in TWIFB as a pair of fighters to watch in the future. The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 3/24/1946
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 03-08-2023 at 01:47 PM. |
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03-09-2023, 12:45 PM
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#655 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 1, 1946
APRIL 1, 1946 IS THIS FINALLY COUGARS YEAR? It is easy to forget the Chicago Cougars won the Continental Association pennant less than five years ago. Most figured they would have at least one more, perhaps two or three more titles since then, and many in the Windy City are still wondering what happened in 1944 when their record breaking first half of the season turned into a heartbreaking collapse. Despite the turmoil the Cougars remain one of the most talented teams in baseball and now that all of their big stars - Pete Papenfus, Donnie Jones, Hank Barnett, Leo Mitchell to name just four- are back from the war, many feel this is the year Chicago returns to the top of the CA. If the opening two weeks of spring training are any indication, and not just another April Fool's joke played by the club on a fanbase it has put through the wringer the past few seasons, the Cougars are going to be a force to fear this season. A 10-3 start has the Chicago nine owning the best record out of any of the 16 eastern big league clubs and their offense looks to be as imposing as a 101-mile an hour Pete Papenfus fastball. It is early and these games mean next to nothing, but getting off to a winning start is crucial for a Cougars fragile psyche that has been through much adversity of late. This year they may be so good that nothing can stop them, not even their own past.  CITRUS SLICES A look at what is happening in FABL camps across Florida.
BILL VS WALT BET IS OFF, BELTON RULES Bill Barrett's bet with Walt Messer that he would hit more homers than the Gothams slugger in 1946- a proposition on which, according to the New York Stars Barrett, each youngster wagered $1,000 -is null, void and officially defunct. FABL President Sam Belton, a rare moment when he was not being grilled about the Great Western League -or 'Rebel Loop' depending upon your allegiances- announced that such bets between professional ball players are forbidden by the laws of the game. "I hadn't heard about that one until you brought it to my attention," Belton to the writer who mentioned it, "and before I can take formal cognizance of it, I shall have to look into the matter. But if Bill and Walt made such a bet, the bet is off. Not only that, there can be no betting of any kind on the outcome of any game or any individual feat of skill." Later in the week both Barrett and Messer indicated they were "only kidding" in regard to betting wagers. "I was only fooling," Barrett declared. "I'm not betting with Messer or anybody else." "What wagers?" asked Messer. "There was some kidding bets, but thousands like them are being made in the big leagues right now, especially by a lot of the guys that played each other in service games. Everybody is always betting everybody else, but did you ever hear of them paying off the bets? They're just figures of speech that don't mean anything." GREEN SOX FINDING LIFE A BIT DIFFERENT IN THE BIG LEAGUES The Portland Green Sox were the class of the Great Western League for years. A shining example to others across baseball as to just how an independent minor league team should be ran. The San Francisco Hawks, formerly a part of the Sailors dominant minor league chain, were the only team that even comes close to the Green Sox dozen GWL titles, and that collection includes the one they claimed just six months ago before the landscape of western baseball changed drastically. The GWL is now a big league loop -at least in its own mind despite the fact that many from the east might disagree- and as a result the influx of ex-FABL players deemed expendable because of everyone returning from the war has greatly increased the quality of competition. The Green Sox have many of the same players who starred for their title team a year ago in starting roles this spring but they may find the going a little tougher this time around if their 4-9 spring start is any indication. It is nowhere near FABL quality, but there is clearly a large step up in the quality of talent that will on display in GWL ballparks this year.  SEMI-FINALS SET FOR COLLEGIATE CAGE CROWN The four finalists are in place for the collegiate basketball championship weekend at Bigsby Garden in New York beginning Saturday. A pair of region number one seeds including the nation's highest ranked team in the Liberty College Bells as well as CC Los Angeles -the top seed from the west- qualified as did a second West Coast Athletic Association squad in Rainier College, winners of the Midwest Region. The South Region representative proved to be quite a surprise as the Noble Jones College Colonels, a sixth seed, qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in school history. Noble Jones College (23-9) navigated a tough road out of the South, beating each of the top three seeds. It began with a 65-62 win over 3rd seeded Central Ohio in the opening round and then on Thursday the Colonels knocked off #2 seeded Brooklyn State 65-58 despite a 19 point evening from Bears forward Willie Wright. On Saturday they once more needed overtime to hand Mobile Maritime just it's third loss of the season, edging the top seed Middies 60-57 behind 14 points from Blondy Wilbourn and 10 each from Curly Traylor and Ty Enright. Traylor hit a pair of free throws with 12 seconds left in regulation to force the overtime and the Colonels then held the Middies to just 1 point in the extra session. Next up for Noble Jones College will be another number one seed as they will face CCLA. The Coyotes path through their region was made much easier when Quaker College upset Western Iowa in the opening round. The Coyotes beat Coastal State 38-34 on Thursday and the blasted past third seed Miami State 54-38 on Saturday. Liberty College, which is now 31-1 on the year and has won 29 in a row, had an easy time charging through the East Region. The Bells began by routing University of New Jersey 57-33 in the opening round and followed that up with a 48-40 victory over Detroit City College on Friday before taking care of Lane State 63-46 yesterday. Win Dupre had 16 points in Sunday's win with Ward Messer getting his second double-double of the tournament with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Next up for the Bells will be Rainier College in a semi-final game pitting two schools that have each won the AIAA tournament 3 times in their history and between them own 3 of the last 4 titles and 6 of the last 10. Rainier College came out of the Midwest Region, winning as the number two seed and barely surviving a thrilling Friday night of action. A week ago the Majestics started their tournament with a 50-44 win over Payne State. On Friday it was another opponent from the southwest as the Majestics tangled with 3rd seed Texas Gulf Coast. The game needed overtime and Syl Kellogg basket with 4 seconds remaining in the first overtime lifted Rainier College to the 48-46 victory. The other semi-final in the Midwest also went to overtime with 5th seed Brunswick shocking top seed St Magnus 51-50 behind 13 points and 10 rebounds from forward Rudy Stanford. There was much less suspense yesterday when Brunswick's run came to an end with a 46-34 loss to the Majestics, who were led by 13 points from Buford Garrison and 12 from Sy Stiltner.   SAILOR MAC WITH ANOTHER WIN Young welterweight Mac Erickson, who gained recognition for a terrific fight with Danny Rutledge while still in the Navy, made another appearance as a pro last week. The 25 year old improved to 6-0 with a third round knockout of Battling Bob Thompson (3-3) in Chicago on Thuesday evening. The St Paul native is one a group of rising young stars in the sport that also includes Rutledge, his nemesis from that fight in the fall of 1944 on the undercard of the Archie Rees-Jorge Cuellar title fight that was billed the 'Allied Welterweight Championship.' Rutledge won with a 12th round knockout and, like Erickson, continues his climb up the division. UPCOMING TITLE FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 3/31/1946
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
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03-10-2023, 01:39 PM
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#656 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 8, 1946
APRIL 8, 1946 GOTHAMS OFFENSE COULD BE THE TALK OF THE FED The New York Gothams offense might just be the most feared collection of sluggers seen in the Federal Association in quite some time. The Gothams are expected to feature a hear of the lineup that includes Walt Messer, Red Johnson, Sal Pestilli and Mahlon Strong and that powerful quartet stand to be supported by Roosevelt Brewer, Mule Monier and Pete Cassteves. They likely will not approach the Philadelphia Keystones 20th century Fed standard of 999 runs but may well surpass 800, something no Federal Association club has done this decade. Those lofty offensive totals from the Gothams hinge on everyone staying healthy -and with Mahlon Strong back in New York that will be a tough ask. However, even if that powerful lineup does remain intact all season, no one seems willing to concede the Fed flag to the New Yorkers just yet. That is not necessarily a knock on the Gothams pitching staff, although there are certainly a lot of question marks once you get past Ed Bowman and Harry Carter, but rather a nod to just how balanced the entire Federal Association just might be this season. Picking a winner is never much more than an educated guess but this season even the most scholarly of FABL prognosticators have little idea what might transpire in the Federal Association this season. John Brinker of the New York Daily Mirror summed up the thoughts of many with his comments last week on what he expects from the Fed. "It's wide open. I would almost be willing to say that there is no one I would absolutely rule out as a potential pennant winner in the Fed. All eight teams should be competitive." "I worry about their pitching depth," explained TWIFB editor Jiggs McGee. "I also have my doubts about that offense staying healthy all season. New York will certainly be in the mix and I am not saying they won't win it all, as really any of 6 or 7 teams could end up on top in this most unpredictable of seasons. But when my preseason predictions come out in our next issue, the Gothams -while close- will not be at the top of the Federal Association table. However, I would sure hate to be a pitcher on a Federal Association rival this season when you draw the Gothams as your opponent."   GREEN SOX SIGN WOODRUFF The defending Great Western League champion Portland Green Sox have signed veteran shortstop Harry Woodruff to a contract. The 35 year old spent last season with the Cincinnati Cannons, hitting .260 in limited action, and is a veteran of 420 career FABL games with 5 teams. A solid defensive middle infielder, Woodruff is expected to push long-time Green Sox Phil Barber and John Hite for playing time at either second base or shortstop.  DYNAMOS YOUTH MOVEMENT PICKING UP SPEED A year ago the Dynamos had 18 year old Carl Potter as a big league regular. This year another teen has been told he is coming north with the club as the Dynamos have informed Stan Kleminski -who will not turn 20 until November- that he will be their starting shortstop. Kleminski was added to the secondary roster today and was given the news just after the Dynamos released Johnny Guzzo. The 7th overall selection of the 1944 draft -one in which Detroit had 4 first round picks including Potter- has hit .387 so far in spring action. The Dynamos are hoping Opening Day will be the first of many with a keystone combo of Kleminski and 21 year old second sacker Del Johnson, a 1945 6th overall selection who made his big league debut last season. With a week remaining in spring camp there remains a good possibility that three other players will join Kleminski in making their big league debuts this month. Those three are rule five selection Steve Donovan,a 23 year old first baseman, as well as 1B-OF Dick Estes and middle infielders Joe York and Win Hamby. Add in pitchers Charlie Ashmore, Wally Hunter and Danny Goff Jr. -none of whom have pitched more than 32 innings of big league ball in their careers and this will be one of the least experienced Dynamos clubs in recent memory. And that is not accounting for 19 year old centerfielder Edwin Hackberry who was farmed out to Newark but may be back in Detroit before the season is over. All of those youngsters may not start the season in Detroit as the Dynamos still have 3 more cuts to make but indications are the club is fully focused on the future. That means there is a good chance that the Dynamos may cut either Leon Drake or Rip Curry when the final roster is announced next week. They already let one vet go with the decision to release the 35 year old Guzzo and there is talk the team is shopping 34 year old Art White -a twenty game winner a year ago- because they are so excited about the prospect of seeing Wally Hunter and Charlie Ashmore in the starting rotation. MID PRESEASON CHECK With two weeks to go in camp and about halfway through the exhibition games I thought I'd catch up with Gothams Manager Bud Jameson. Red: Bud, how are you feeling about camp so far? How is the team looking? Bud: Good Red. I'm not concerned about the record (6-7), we're looking at a lot of players, so ou can expect ups and downs. Red: What has been most encouraging so far? Bud: The pitching. Definitely pitching. The top five starters have all looked good in their games. I've been especially encouraged by Lou Eaker. He'll be a 28 year old rookie and hasn't thrown in a professional game since 1941, but so far 8 innings and a couple of hits. He's had some control issues, but that should come around as he gets more innings. Also the relievers. There are going to be some tough choices to make. It'll be nice to have Steve Groves to rely upon late in games. Red: That sounds encouraging, but are their concerns about the offense? Bud: Yes and no. I'd expect the hitters to be behind at this point, especially those who haven't played regularly. Still, when the games count I don't expect (Walt) Messer and (Mule) Monier to be hanging around under .200 for long. Red: How is the experiment with Monier at third going? Bud: Not bad. I think he's getting comfortable over there. He has the reflexes for the position. Red: Any highlights on the offensive side? Bud: That Bill Payne can sure hit. Bat to ball, everything sounds good. He may be pushing himself into a pinch hitter role. Also, it's been good to see Sal (Pestilli) hitting right away. The fans are going to love watching roam center for us. Red: Early predictions are calling for your club to challenge for the FA crown. Can the faithful look forward to a push for the top. Bud: I'm not one to read too much into these early predictions and I don't want us getting ahead of ourselves, but I look around at the talent here and I'd have to be disappointed if we don't have some say in how it turns out this year. Red: Thanks Bud. Let's catch up again when you break camp. Bud: Sure thing Red.
 LIBERTY COLLGE TO FACE CCLA IN CAGE CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH Sophomore Messer Leads Bells To Title Tilt It will be a rematch of the 1941-42 championship game as Liberty College and City College of Los Angeles will meet at Bigsby Garden with the AIAA cage title on the line. The two schools met just 5 years ago on the same Garden court with the same title at stake and the Bells prevailed with a 49-43 victory. The Philadelphia school will be looking for it's 4th national cage crown and a chance to join North Carolina Tech as the only schools with that many. CCLA is in the same boat as the Coyotes also will be looking for their 4th tournament victory. Sophomore center Ward Messer was the hero of Saturday's semi-final game for the Bells. The younger brother of New York Gothams outfielder Walt Messer scored a game high 13 points while adding 15 rebounds to key the Liberty College 48-36 victory over west coast outfit Rainier College. Win Dupre added 9 points for the winners, who led by 6 at the break before a dominating showing in a second half during which they outscored the Majestics 31-13. In the earlier semi-final, CCLA had it's hands full with a suprising Noble Jones College as the Colonels, despite being a 6th seed in the South Region, actually led the game with 48 seconds remaining before the Coyotes scored a pair of late buckets to pull out a 47-45 victory. Jumbo Hinman scored the tying basket and then found an open John Leary with 23 seconds for what would be the winning score. Hinman, with 14 points, and Leary with 9 led the way for the Coyotes, who have not won the National Title since 1932-33.  O'CONNOR SURVIVES CHALLENGE FROM STEVENS Brooks O'Connor moved one step closer to a shot at the middleweight title with narrow victory over Dan Stevens in Chicago on the weekend. The bout went to the scorecards and was a split decision but afterwards the soon to be 29 year old Detroit native felt he had done enough to be next in line for a title shot. O'Connor is 21-3-2 with his last defeat coming way back in 1940 and was to Frank Melanson - the current title holder. O'Connor lost to Melanson by a majority decision six months after he suffered the same fate against Todd Gill. Melanson and Gill are set to have a rematch in May in Philadelphia after the two battled to a draw last fall with Melanson ABF world championship belt on the line. O'Connor feels he has learned a lot over the years and picked up some more tidbits that he feels could come in handy from watching the last Melanson-Gill October tussle. O'Connor did have his hands full with Stevens, a scrappy Seattle born 32 year old who now sports a 20-6-1 career record, and will need to be much more active if his title shot does come. He had control of the fight early but seemed to fall asleep in the middle rounds, allowing Stevens to quietly steal them with great efficiency. At his corners urging O'Connor picked it up in the closing stages of the 10-rounder and escaped with the slimmest of victories.  UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 4/07/1946
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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03-13-2023, 11:49 AM
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#657 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 15, 1946
APRIL 15, 1946  COUGARS CROWNED CITRUS CHAMPS A Sign Of Things To Come? The Chicago Cougars won the very unofficial Citrus League title with a 16-8 record -tops among FABL clubs in spring play. The game results of course are meaningless but Cougars fans are hopeful it is a sign of things to come as the Chicago club - with arguably the deepest and most talented roster in the league- looks to end the Cincinnati Cannons three year stranglehold on the Continental Association pennant. It is hard to imagine a deeper pitching staff in all of baseball than a Cougars crew that features Pete Papenfus, the Jones brothers, Joe Brown, Harry Parker and Billy Riley but their offense should also not be overlooked with veterans Hank Barnett and Leo Mitchell back from the war and ready to pick-up where they left off in 1944. The Toronto Wolves finished just a game back of the Cougars in spring play and are expected to battle the Chicago nine all season for top spot in the CA. Cincinnati, which went 10-14 in spring play, is looking to become the first Continental side ever to win 4 straight pennants but the Cannons will attempt to do so with a new, unproven General Manager at the helm. Deuce Barrell had a strong spring for the defending champs but much of Cincinnati's season may hinge on the unpredictable bat of slugger Al Wheeler. In the the Federal Association the top spring record belonged to the St Louis Pioneers, at 15-9. The Fed race feels wide open this year and it might not be considered a stretch to think any of the 8 clubs could conceivably emerge with the flag but the two-time defending champion Philadelphia Keystones -led by the incomparable Bobby Barrell- are favoured, even if ever so slightly, over the rest of the field.   Irwin is a 1939 5th round pick who last was seen going 1-10 as a 19 year old in Class B Mobile in 1941. Now 24, OSA ranks the diminutive righthander among the top 60 prospects in the game has looked good in 3 spring outings, showing no decision, 10 IP, 3/7 BB/K ratio 152 ERA+. Ford is also 24 and was a 4th round pick out of Gates University in 1942. He went 3-6 in Moblie that season before joining Irwin the Navy. He is showing 0-1 record, 16 IP, 1.69 ERA and 243 ERA+ in spring action and OSA ranks him 55th on it's latest prospect list- one spot ahead of Irwin. Both will get a last start to show skills, but the Saints will send them in AAA because lack of options by other players. Montreal also has a deep collection of young pitching prospects with six in all listed among the top 100 prospects in the sport. Ted Coffin heads the list but is just 20 years old and won't be in the big leagues for a couple of seasons. Bert Cupid -the 1941 4th overall pick- made his big league debut in 1944 but spent last season in the Army. Cupid is #7 on the OSA list and seems likely to claim a spot in Montreal when the team returns from Florida next week. In addition to Ford and Irwin, there are also 23 year old Andy Lyon (OSA #62) and 21 year old James Griffin (OSA #83). Both are later picks with Lyon selected in the 7th round of the 1941 draft and Griffin a 1943 9th rounder and each will likely need some more time before they are ready to challenge for a big league job but the Saints do have plenty of young pitching talent on the way. And that is not counting 25 year old Pat Weakley -who went 13-9 last season for the Saints- or a pair with big league experience returning from the war in 26 year old Wally Reif (9-10 in 1943 before joining the air corps) and 27 year old Wally Doyle (35-39 over parts of 5 seasons).   NO BLACK AND WHITE, GRAY IS THE CHOICE OF COAST LOOP The first season of Thomas X. Bigsby's new endeavor will be more about survival than anything else, but early indications are that will not be a problem - at least based on season ticket sales. Especially in Portland, where baseball-rabid fans of the Green Sox have spent more money on season ducats than in any FABL city except for the two World Championship Series participants. Even the Oakland Oaks, which bring up the rear in the coast league with only $212,000 committed to a year long pass by Bay Area ball afficionados, but still boast a higher season ticket base than their former parent club from St Louis has received this season. Five of the eight Great Western League clubs revenue streams would fit comfortably in the top half of FABL clubs, so success at the box office seems a certainty for the new loop. What is interesting is the revenue leaderboard appears to be the inverse of our predicted order of finish for the debut season of the coast clubs as our pick for top spot -the Oakland Grays- sit dead last in revenue- while our cellar dweller is the rich Portland nine. Finances aside, here is how TWIFB sees the debut season of the new loop shaping up although it should be noted there could be some big changes over the next couple of weeks if there are a few bigger name releases from the established eastern teams. 1- OAKLAND GRAYS- The Grays strength will be their offense led by a pair of terrific infielders cut loose by eastern clubs. 29 year old second baseman Hank Grant (from Detroit) and 37 old Larry Colaianni, who finished in the top five in the Federal Association batting race a year ago. The pitching staff could be led by Charlie Phillips, a former Toronto Wolves third round pick who has been in the Army since shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Larry Brown is 37 and slowing down but owns 4 WCS rings and was a key piece of the Cincinnati Cannons title clubs the past three years. 2- SAN FRANCISCO HAWKS - The bay area battles should be hard-fought this season as the Hawks loaded up with a pair of former New York Stars in shortstop Steve Summers and veteran minor league slugger John Herrick. They also added two of defunct Sacramento's best in 32 year old outfielder Bob Land and 6'4" righthander Jack Henderson -who OSA calls the top hurler in the west. 3- LOS ANGELES KNIGHTS- You can bet that league founder Thomas X. Bigsby is going to be pushing hard for a winner in Los Angeles -considered the key city that must succeed for the GWL to prosper. Manager Ed Ziehl brings unparalleled exeperience to the club the pitching staff, which includes former big leaguers Bob Cummings and Karl Wallace, will helped by the experience of veteran catcher John Kennedy. 4- HOUSTON BULLS- Both Dallas and Houston face a bigger challenge than the other six clubs as they are each bringing a roster from the AA level and not AAA. The Bulls have some pitching talent led by Bill McGraw, Pug Bryan and Stumpy Beaman but the spring injury to Lou Balk that will sideline the veteran outfielder until mid-May might hurt. 5- DALLAS CENTURIONS - The Centurions will battle their Lone Star rivals from Houston for the first division. They have some name recognition with some former high FABL draft picks like Gene White and Cy Braden and former first overall selection Bobo White but there are questions if any of the three will contribute much. They do have a solid front-office team led by general manager Ox Munday-who may not be as recognizable a name as the myriad of former FABL stars in similar posts around the league but should be a solid executive. Pitcher George Rotondi has finally escaped Cleveland and may be a shining star in Texas. 6- SAN DIEGO CONQUISTADORS - The Conquistadors hope to have Curly Jones find success in the west as probably the biggest pitching bust in FABL history comes over after being cut loose by Brooklyn. Luis Sandoval is another pitcher who once should big league promise but never quite panned out although he was an all-star in 1943. On offense the Conquistadors may struggle, especially if old-timers Doc Love and Ed Stewart have run out of gas. 7- SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS - It might be a long season for both Pacific Northwest clubs but the Thunderbirds return a talented player in Seattle veteran outfielder Jim Aban while adding a 2-time Continental Association batting champ in 37 year old Jake Shadoan. On the mound their ace might be Johnny Witt, who has spent the past 3 years in the Army but might be on the verge of stardom in the Coast loop. 8- PORTLAND GREEN SOX - The Green Sox won the GWL flag a year ago but might have erred in sticking with the talent that claimed the AAA crown rather than adding much in the way of former eastern stars. They do have a pair of solid bats in veteran GWL hitters Phil Barber and Al Couch but they may not have the horses to compete at the big league level. What Portland does have is a large revenue stream and they may be in a position to reshape their club with eastern spring cuts. 
CCLA WINS COLLEGIATE CAGE CROWN Kratzer's Last Second Basket Secures One Point Win City College of Los Angeles claimed the AIAA basketball championship for a record-tying fourth time in school history with a dramatic 45-44 win over Liberty College in Bigsby Garden Monday evening. The Coyotes trailed 22-12 at the half and by 7 points with just over 5 minutes remaining before battling back to claim the one point victory. It took a Tim Kratzer 10 foot set shot from the right wing with just 3 seconds remaining to secure the victory and give CCLA's its first title since 1932-33. That, coupled with titles in 1916 and 1928, allows CCLA to join North Carolina Tech as the only schools to win the national championship tournament 4 times. Kratzer and Jumbo Hinman led the Coyotes attack with 12 points each while Win Dupre, with 14, paced the Liberty College Bells. For Liberty College it was just their second loss all season and halted a 30-game winning streak.  The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 4/14/1946
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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03-14-2023, 10:31 AM
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#658 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 16, 1946 - Special Season Predictions Edition
TUESDAY APRIL 16, 1946 ANNUAL TWIFB PRESEASON PREDICTION ISSUE There likely has never been a tougher time to try and call the two FABL pennant winners than what is in store for prognosticators looking at the 1946 season. There are so many variables, nearly all centered around how the many big league veterans returning from the war will perform after layoffs that for some stretched four years. Add in the uncertainty about the war replacement players who had strong seasons the past couple of years but many worry if they will be exposed when the true big leaguers return. And just to make things a little more difficult the three-time defending Continental Association champion Cincinnati Cannons have a new general manager after the old one moved on to Detroit. The Continental will actually be the easier one to predict, at least most insiders who attempted to make the call on how the loop will stack up at the end of September seem to be on the same page. It is the outcome of the Federal Association that seems to pose the major challenges, but that always seems to be the case. A year ago nine so-called "experts" weighed in with their picks and four of the nine -Dan Barrell, Jiggs McGee, Archie Irwin and Artie Mortimer- correctly called the Cannons third straight flag with 3 others penciling the Cannons in to second place. Seven of the nine also agreed the Cannons, Chicago Cougars and Toronto Wolves all would finish in the first division a year ago -as they did- and that seems a safe bet according to most this time around again. It is the Fed where the choices were difficult a year ago and near impossible this time around. Only two of the nine (Mortimer and Doc Shaw) correctly called a second straight pennant for the Philadelphia Keystones and Philadelphia ended up slotted second on two other lists (McGee and John Brinker) but also as low as seventh by two predictors (Dan Barrell and the Philadelphia Record staff choice). A year ago the most first place votes belonged to the Gothams -with four- but the New Yorkers finished a disappointing 7th in the standings. *** SCRIBES SELECT KEYSTONES AND COUGARS *** A survey of some of the major newspapers indicate that the Philadelphia Keystones and Chicago Cougars are the teams to beat in the eyes of many of the top baseball columnists. Of the eight who responded to the survey (including OSA's Dan Barrell) they are all in complete agreement that the Chicago Cougars will prevail in the Continental Association. The Keystones are tabbed by 5 of them as the team to beat in the Fed, with each of the disenters picking a different team to top the Keystones. New York Daily Mirror national baseball writer John Brinker likes the St Louis Pioneers, Barrell's OSA is going with Boston as it's choice and the Philadelphia Record is calling for a Gothams win. Interestingly, the Record -which does take a heavy slant towards the Continental's Philadelphia Sailors- is placing the Keystones 7th on the Fed table. Here are the predictions from the various news outlets. Since the Federal Association is such a tough call this year, we asked a random generator to include a prediction as well. The random numbers landed on the New York Gothams - the same team that won the draft lottery a few months ago although they had dealt their pick away- as the team to beat in the Fed.   FEDERAL ASSOCIATION 1: St. Louis - this could be the year for the Pioneers. They have as many pieces as anyone else, so let's give them the nod for their first pennant since 1921 2:Boston - they too have the goods (this will be a recurring theme, as you'll see). 3:Philadelphia - Two words: Bobby Barrell. He's the key to the Keystones (sorry for the bad pun, but this happens to be true). 4:New York - the Gothams' offense is going to be really, really good so it'll boil down to defense and pitching. If the pitching beyond Bowman & Carter is legit, look out. See above re: having the goods. 5:Washington - the Eagles have, of late, become the masters of the "almost there" scenario. I see a repeat of that this season. 6:Pittsburgh - Lefty Allen is the key. If he's the Lefty of old, the Miners should be in the thick of things. 7: Detroit - Young and rising, but this probably isn't there yet (although it would not be a surprise if they arrive sooner rather than later). 8:Chicago - Someone has to be last and honestly, I could even see the Chiefs winning the pennant in what could possibly be the most competitive race in FABL history. CONTINENTAL ASSOCIATION 1:Chicago - The Cougars back at full strength is a frightening scenario. 2:Cincinnati - The umpteen-time defending champs are still really talented. Also really long in the tooth. 3:New York - The Stars are a-rising. Bill Barrett is still the best hitter on the planet. 4:Philadelphia - Never count out the Sailors. They're competitive every year and this one will be no different. 5:Toronto - The window might have closed for the Wolves. Then again, maybe it hasn't. 6:Brooklyn - The new regime in Kings County is probably going to right the ship in short order. Just not 1946 short. 7:Montreal - The Saints status as the CA's enigma continues. This is a league with two existing titans and another on the rise. The Saints' work is cut out for them. 8:Cleveland - Someone has to be last. As usual, the Foresters are obliging. OSA CALLING FOR '41 REMATCH BETWEEN BOSTON AND THE COUGARS For reasons that have nothing to do with baseball 1941 is a year that most would sooner forget but Dan Barrell and his FABL scouting service OSA are bringing up World Championship Series memories of that year with his organization's predictions for the current season. OSA feels the Boston Minutemen and Chicago Cougars -the two participants in that 1941 seven-game classic won by the New Englanders- will duel once more this October as the scouting service is calling on the duo to claim the flags this summer. The Minutemen are expected to top St Louis and Washington in Federal Association predictions that surprisingly make no mention of Keystones star outfielder Bobby Barrell in the top hitters department. The Keystones, winners of each of the last two Fed flags, will land in fourth place this time around. Another big surprise is the New York Gothams -with their mighty offense led by Red Johnson, the returning Sal Pestilli and Walt Messer and the recently acquired Mahlon Strong, will sputter and finish below .500 for the fourth straight year. In the Continental Association, the scouting service is calling for an end to Cincinnati's three-year run at the top, pegging the Chicago Cougars as the pennant winners with a FABL best 97 victories. The Cannons will slip to second while the Toronto Wolves -second each of the past three seasons- will fall out of the first division.   Continental Association remains Cannons-Wolves-Cougars but I see it ending up with Windy City nine on top: Cougars, Wolves, Cannons, Stars, Saints, Sailors, Kings, Foresters - The last time Pete Papenfus and Donnie Jones pitched together was back in 1941 when they were just 23 and 21. Five years later and they're the top two ranked pitchers by OSA. We could see a record breaking season from the pitching staff, and the offense can support it. The Cannons lineup and the Wolves rotation get close, but the Wolves seem stuck in second and a front office change could end the Cannons streak at three. The return of Bill Barrett means the Stars will be relevant, but '46 still looks to be a three team race TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN 1946 Predictions -It is that time of year, a sort of rite of passage in spring, predictions for the order of finish in the FABL. The past four seasons have been difficult due to the possibility of players being plucked from teams to serve in some capacity for the war. This season is probably at least, if not more, difficult with almost all players returning from duty as no one knows how many of the veterans have had the years rob a significant portion of the skills. Which among the youngsters who put their careers on hold to serve their country will emerge as the next generation of stars in the FABL? Brett's predictions are below, even his confidence in them is lower than previous years. Only one thing is a guarantee, the brand of baseball this summer will be the best since 1941 at all levels with the exception of the GWL. Federal Association Philadelphia Keystones Boston New York Gothams Pittsburgh Chicago Detroit St. Louis Washington Continental Association Chicago Toronto New York Stars Cincinnati Philadelphia Sailors Montreal Brooklyn Cleveland GOTHAMS READY FOR A NEW ERA Much has changed since the early war years when the Gothams won their last Championship. Now that most everyone is home from military service it's a new time for FABL. A new kind of war looms on the horizon with the "outlaw" GWL, but that it for the future. For now let's take a look at the opening day roster for the 1946 New York Gothams who expect to be one of many vying for the FA crown. Pitching: The rotation will begin the season with 5 men listed, although it's certain that Bud Jameson will look to get Ed Bowman and Harry Carter extra starts as the schedule allows Rotation - Harry Carter, Ed Bowman, Lou Eaker, Tom Henderson, Harl Haines. Eaker was the spring MVP. The 28 year old who has never pitched a major league game due to time in the service, put together quite a spring. 17 IP, 7 hits and no runs, earned or otherwise. Henderson is another 28 year old rooking due to the war. He had a 2.37 spring ERA. Rounding out the trio of 28 year old rookies is Harl Haines. Haines was acquired from the Cougars this part offseason. Bullpen - Steve Groves, Sam Hodge, Bunny Edwards, Pedro Villareal, Tom Richardson. Groves had a strong 1943 before being called away. Hodge has been a mainstay in the Gothams bullpen through the war years. Edwards was a starter on the '42 championship squad. If it seems that Villareal has been with the organization a long time, you would be correct. A late round selection in 1932 he has been ip and down the organizational ladder for a dozen years. Injuries often derailing his advancement. Now after a midseason callup and successful run in 1945 he'll get a shot at a regular job. Catcher - Paul Casstevens and Josh Porter will once again handle the staff. Casstevens reacted well to Jameson's '45 vote of confidence, putting up solid offensive numbers. Still only 27 there may be more in his bat. 1st Base - Red Johnson. Now with a full contingent of support, the team expects a big season. Johnson is looking to break out in a big way. Ralph O'Neal, another rookie, has worked his way up the organizational ladder and will get a chance as a pinch hitter and the rare start behind Johnson. 2nd Base - Roosevelt Brewer is back. Now 26 management is expecting Brewer to handle the daily load at second. A solid contributor for the 42 champs, he will be tasked with setting the table ahead of the big bats. 3rd Base - Another war returnee and member of the 42 squad, Mule Monier, will be trying new position. The often scatter armed SS with gap power hopes to settle in at 3rd. Vet Fred Pecora will provide relief and some extra defense. Shortstop - Looking for a defensive upgrade with some offensive skills the team acquired Gil London to be the every day shortstop. If London can give them what he did for Detroit last season and provide defense behind the staff Jameson would be thrilled. Jim Dickinson, he light hitting gloveman will provide backup around the infield. Outfield - Oh this could be very interesting. First the big giant IF. Mahlon Strong. You know and I know it's a matter of time before Mahlon's body betrays him. However, for as long as he can play, Walt Messer, Sal Pestilli, Mahlon Strong is an outfield to be reckoned with. Backing them up will be speedy gloveman Bobby Boone and his opposite, all bat no glove, Bill Payne. While I will agree with those who will say there are question marks, I will also say, don't all teams? For that reason the ol' Red head is picking the Gothams to do one of their bottom to top runs and take the FA title. WAR IS OVER BUT FEDERAL ASSOCIATION PROMISES A BATTLE The war is over but there will be plenty of battles fought on big league diamonds this season. Never mind the coming fight with Thomas Bigsby's group of western bandits for players that seems sure to test the mettle of the ball magnates, I am talking about a much more immediate fight. The Federal Association has been a hotly contested war with many participants vying for the flag over the past decade, but this season might just set a new standard for parity with all 8 clubs capable of winning the crown. All eight you say! Even the Dynamos? Many may be tilting their heads quizzically like the family dog at that statement but, yes, even with the youth movement that is well underway at the 3rd Avenue ballpark, the local ball heroes have nearly as good a chance of winning it all as any of the other seven Fed combatants this year. Sure the Gothams have taken the heart of our last youth movement with both Red Johnson and Sal Pestilli now suiting up for the despised New York nine and much of the lineup that finished a surprising third a year ago is gone: Joe Henry to Montreal, Frank Vance off to the sunset of retirement, Hank Grant and George Bond to the sunshine of the coast league and Cuno Myer to AAA Newark but in their place are plenty of fresh faces raring to go. The starting lineup will still have some veterans, particularily in the outfield with Aart MacDonald and Sid Williams, as well as Lou Balk and Rip Curry coming of the bench. On the mound are Dixie Lee and Jim Lonardo - both picked up last year for a flag run that once more fell just short- are back with the 41 year old Lonardo chasing his 300th victory. But the core of the team will be it's youth. The Dynamos will likely have two 19 year old's in the starting lineup Friday for the home opener against the Gothams in rookie shortstop Stan Kleminski and starting pitcher Carl Potter, who already lays claim to 14 big league victories despite not turning 20 until the end of this month. 21 year old Dick Estes will make his debut at first base in Chicago today. Manager Dick York's youngest son Rick is now 26 but after spending 3 years in the Navy will finally make his Detroit debut. York did get a few big league games under his belt with Cincinnati back in 1942 but he, along with second baseman Del Johnson and pitchers Wally Hunter, Danny Goff Jr. and Charlie Ashmore are all still considered rookies as are bench pieces Steve Donovan, Win Hamby and the skipper's older son Joe York. 24 year old Dick Blaszak will start in left field and has just 94 big league games on his resume. It will certainly be a young Detroit ballclub and more youth will likely arrive as the season progresses. The Dynamos will be young and the future looks bright, but will they be competitive this season? That is the big question. It is hard to imagine them finishing in the first division with a team so young, but few anticipated the pennant run of a year ago and the Fed really has no clear cut favourite so a hot start might give them the youthful confidence and the naivete to feel they are unbeatable. One thing is for sure, the Dynamos 1946 ballclub should be entertaining to watch as Detroit builds for a period of sustained excellence. Something that hopefully does not end with the key pieces being shipped off to New York once more the way Red and Sal were dispatched. This is a big week for the ballclub, especially with the Gothams bringing those two former Whitney Award winning Dynamos back to town. Hopefully it is the dawn of a new era in Detroit, one that finally ends a pennant drought that stretches back to 1929. And with no clear cut favourite in the Fed this year, maybe there is a chance for October baseball in the Motor City. WESTERN MAJOR LOOP IS UNDERWAY Despite vehement objections from some in the east, the Great Western loop is now officially a major league as the 8 clubs played their inaugural season openers under a big league banner yesterday. The GWL clearly lacks the depth of talent of the FABL clubs, but as the openers proved they can play some pretty exciting baseball and nearly 40,000 paying customers took in the openers led by 11,535 at Hawks Stadium in San Francisco who witnessed the hometown side narrowly top Bay rival Oakland by a 2-1 score. The other three games saw Portland score twice in the top of the ninth to rally past San Diego 4-3 while in Los Angeles, Ed Ziehl's club pounded visiting Seattle 9-4. The first official game in GWL big league history took place in Texas with the hometown Houston Bulls trimming the Dallas Centurions 5-4 on the strength of a grand slam off the bat of Sam McMorris -who had a cup of coffee with Detroit and Washington a half dozen years ago. The first pitch in GWL history was a ball from Bill McGraw of Houston to Billy Marshall of Dallas. Earl Kimmell of Dallas got the first hit in GWL major league history and Marshall drove in Lou Hofmeister with the first run.
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 03-14-2023 at 11:53 AM. |
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03-15-2023, 11:38 AM
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#659 |
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All Star Reserve
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April 22, 1946 Baseball is Back
APRIL 22, 1946 BARRETT ANNOUNCES BASEBALL'S RETURN WITH A BANG Baseball is back and with a bang. Bill Barrett blasted 4 homeruns in his first week in the big leagues since 1942 to highlight the return of all the great stars who missed time during the war. Everywhere you looked, familiar faces that had not been seen in a while were making their return with great success. Woody Stone and Marion Boismenu were helping the Philadelphia Sailors get off to a 6-1 start. Vern Hubbard had a pair of solid outings to join Barrett as two big reasons the New York Stars were 5-1. Adam Mullins was back behind the plate in Cincinnati and helping the Cannons take four of five from Cleveland and Toronto. The Chicago Cougars were also 4-1 and looked like a completely new team with the return of Hank Barnett, Leo Mitchell and half their pitching staff. The story was much the same in the Federal Association where Buddy Schneider and Ray Dalpman made successful returns to Boston, helping the Minutemen share the loop lead with Philadelphia at 4-2. The Keystones offense always had the great Bobby Barrell but it suddenly looks much more imposing with the return of Hank Koblenz and a full season of Billy Woytek. Al Miller and Gus Goulding are back, giving the Chiefs a suddenly very strong top half of the rotation. George Cleaves, Luke Berry and Pablo Reyes all return and drastically change the Pittsburgh Miners look. Sal Pestilli and Walt Messer are back in the Big Apple. Everywhere you look there are names that fans longed for over the past year or two, or even three, and they are all back, bringing with them promises of a great season ahead.   CARROL LOGS 2000TH BIG LEAGUE HIT Washington Eagles third baseman Mel Carrol joined FABL's 2,000 hit club last week. The 34 year old singled in the Eagles 8-2 loss in Philadelphia on Friday to become the 81st player in league history to reach the 2000 plateau. Carrol, who was the last hitter to bat .400 in a season when he hit .409 in 1937, is one of a number of players heading for milestones this season. Here is a list compiled by Archie Irwin of the Chicago Daily News. FABL MILESTONE WATCH 3,000 Hits Bob Martin (CHI): 109 away Bobby Barrell (PHI): 144 away 2,500 Hits Chick Donnelly (BOS): 127 away 2,000 Hits Freddie Jones (CHI): 13 away Harry Barrell (BOS): 24 away Ron Rattigan (CHI): 110 away 500 Homers Al Wheeler (CIN): 10 away 450 Homers Bobby Barrell (PHI): 21 away 200 Homers Sal Pestilli (NYG): 11 away 1,500 Runs Bob Martin (CHI): 71 away 1,000 Runs Vic Crawford (MON): 12 away Leon Drake (DET): 14 away Mahlon Strong (NYG): 39 away 400 Steals Dick Walker (CHC): 7 away 200 Steals Pablo Reyes (PIT): 3 away 300 Wins Jim Lonardo (DET): 6 away 200 Wins Doc Newell (PHS): 7 away Sam Sheppard (CHI): 8 away 600 Games Jim Lonardo (DET): 21 away 500 Games Frank Phillips (CLE): 15 away MUDD TRADED AGAIN The on-again, off-again deal to send Rabbit Mudd from the Chicago Cougars to the New York Stars has now been completed after the two clubs worked out the financial dealings necessary to send the 37 year old infielder to the Big Apple. The always cash-tight Stars could not come up with the $26,000 needed to cover Mudd's contract for the current season until the Cougars, who will receive minor league outfielder Art Goins -son of former two-time Whitney Award winning catcher T.R. Goins- in return, agreed to cover most of Mudd's salary. JIGGS McGEE's TAKE- The Stars decision here is as clear as Mudd. When a club is willing to cover most, if not all, of a players salary for him to play on a different team -one that might well be a direct challenger to their pennant aspirations- it tells you just how little they value that asset. Mudd has always been a good defender, but well below average hitter and the Stars already had one of those in Mel Hancock Jr., at half the price and 5 years younger than Mudd. They also had three inexpensive options for a second baseman staring them in the face on the waiver wire in Charlie Ross, Tony White and Red Moore that would not have cost them the services of a former second round draft pick who put up some really strong numbers as a 21 year old in Class A a year ago. TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN Wolves Stumble Out of the Gate -Toronto's 1946 campaign got off to a very slow start, the team is winless during the first week of the season. Manager Bob Call seems to be unconcerned at the moment saying "Obviously an 0-5 start is not ideal, but the team will be fine. It is early, baseball is a long season." The Wolves began with a three-game set against the Sailors at Dominion Stadium. On a cool, damp, windy Tuesday afternoon last year's Allen Award winner George Garrison took the hill against the Sailors Win Lewis. Garrison never seemed to get untracked, the Sailors got to Garrison for 5 runs in 7 innings. The big inning was the 5th when Philadelphia struck for 4 runs including two doubles, along with a homerun aided by a rare Artuso error to erase a 3-1 deficit. Joe Hancock returned to the mound after two years away in the war effort on a cool, windy Wednesday afternoon. Sailors fifth inning was again the difference as they got to 1943 20-game winner Hancock for 4 runs although the Wolves rallied for 3 in their half of the 5th Philadelphia cruised to a relatively easy 7-3 victory. Another cool, windy greeted the teams on Thursday afternoon. Bob Walls. Slick Wesolowski were locked in a pitcher's duel through seven when Call, as is his usual early season move to limit starter's load, went to Lou Jayson in the eighth with the score knotted at 1. Jayson, who was also making his first FABL appearance in 2 years, gave a 2 run shot to catcher Woody Stone in the 8th giving the Sailors a series sweep with a 3-1 victory. Into Cincinnati for a short 2-game weekend series against the Cannons. In their home opener on Saturday over 20,000 were treated to an entertaining, low scoring game. Jim Morrison was fine through 6 but started to tire in the seventh, and again Call went to the 'pen only to get burnt when Jim Laurita walked in the eventual winning run after a fielding miscue by Pomales in 2-1 win by the Cannons. Sunday's game can only be termed as pitching disaster for the Toronto staff. Garrison's second start to the season was poor giving up 5 runs on 13 hits not getting out of the fifth. Even so the Wolves were in a position to win leading 7-5 going into the Cincinnati eighth. Roscoe Zeiler, who came in for Garrison, gave up two run homers to Chuck Adams in eight then a walk off job by Fred Galloway in the ninth. Questions are being asked why Call did not bring Wirtz or Jayson to lock down the victory instead of sending Zeiler out for his 4th inning of work. BIG START FOR GWL BIG MARKETS Thomas X. Bigsby has to be happy with the start for his new big league loop in the west. Not just because he is the owner of the Los Angeles Knights, who have jumped out to an early lead in the Great Western League, but also because early attendance figures are exceeding expectations with the Knights and San Francisco -the loops two marquee locations- each drawing very well. The Hawks are averaging close to 8,000 fans per game during the opening week and the Knights are near the 7,000 mark. It is no secret that in order for the GWL to survive it will need to prosper in Los Angeles and San Francisco and having those two teams atop the standings -even just a week in to the western experiment- is good news for not just Bigsby, but the entire GWL. The Knights went 5-2 thanks in no small part to the pitching of newcomers King Price, Bob Cummings and Karl Wallace but also the bat of long-time Knight Bill Michael, a former New York Stars farmhand who elected to stay in California rather than remain in the Stars system. San Francisco is 4-2 and has the highest per game attendance in the 8-team league, and the Hawks are playing some entertaining baseball with an offense that is loaded with ex-big leaguers led by John Wood, Steve Summers and Orlin Yates.   MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL COMES TO THE CITY OF ANGELS Thomas X. Bigsby's audacious gamble is off to a ringing start. After months of planning, rumors and conjecture the season is under way. After a week of play Bigsby's LA Knights find themselves in first place with a 5-2 record. Attendance was relatively good for the first two series, averaging over 6700 per game, an increase over last season of AAA ball. The pitching has been very good and the lineup is solid. Catcher John Kennedy shook off a tough spring to join 2B Bill Michael and 3B Dan Hallam leading the attack. I asked Manager Ed Ziehl about the team and his apparent enthusiasm for his new job. "After a lifetime in one organization, it has been refreshing to try something new. If King Price, Karl Wallace and Bob Cummings keep throwing as they have been, it will make my job much easier. There are a few familiar faces here and of course I've worked most of my life for the Bigbsy family. Oh, and you can't complain about this early season weather."
COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS NAMED Win Dupre, who helped lead Liberty College to within a game of the national title and a season best 32-2 record, was named a first team All-American selection as the collegiate cage awards were handed out. The National Player of the Year was junior center Long Werth of Miami State while the top coach award went to Bobby Forsythe of Mobile Maritime. The 63 year old Forysthe led the Middies to a 29-3 record and to the quarter-finals in the National Tournament before falling in overtime to Noble Jones College. Code:
FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS C Long Werth JR Miami State F Win Dupre SR Liberty College F Perry Freitag SR Chicago Poly G Mark Sasko SR St Pancras G David Bobo SR Garden State SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS C Chris Farr SR Frankford State F Ira Bomar SR Brooklyn State F Colby Niles SR Garden State G Jim Thompson SR St Martin's College G Randall Betts SR Spokane Sate THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS C Jules Force SR Elyria F Henry Powell JR Western Florida F Ken Pellegrini SR Great Plains State G Ziggy Rickard SO Central Ohio G Joe Hampton SR Western Iowa GIBBS IMPROVES TO 16-0 Former Marine George Gibbs ran his professional record to a perfect 16-0 with a second round knockout of Billy Boyd in Sacramento, Ca., on Saturday night. 'Mr Sandman', as the Pueblo, Colorado born battler is known, is now 16-0 and counts 15 of those victories by stoppage. The 28 year old started his pro career a decade ago and was 12-0 in 1941 before enlisting in the marines immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He saw combat action in the Phillipines and returned to the ring last September after being discharged following the Japanese surrender. Gibbs is now considered one of the top contenders in the welterweight division. UPCOMING TITLE FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 4/21/1946
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Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports |
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03-16-2023, 11:39 AM
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April 29, 1946
APRIL 29, 1946 COUGARS PITCHING LIVING UP TO BILLING Going into the season the pitching staff of the Chicago Cougars looked like it could be one of the most imposing group of arms the loop has seen in quite some time. The opening two weeks of the season have done nothing to disprove that as the Cougars have allowed just 27 runs in 13 games while no other CA staff has surrendered less than 46. Pete Papenfus is 3-0 with a 1.38 era and looks to be back to the pitcher he was when he last pitched a full season- his Allan Award winning 1941 campaign. Veteran Billy Riley (2-0, 0..00) continues to prove he was a steal when he came over from the New York Stars two years ago and the remainder of the rotation has been nearly as good. To make matters worse for their Continental Association foes, the Cougars offense is also firing on all cylinders led by another returnee from military service in veteran third sacker Hank Barnett, who is batting .333 with 4 homers and 11 rbi's. The three-time defending champion Cincinnati Cannons are doing their best to keep pace with the Chicago nine and face a big test this week when the Cougars visit Tice Memorial Stadium for a 3-game series starting tomorrow. Speaking of Chicago, the city's Federal Association entry is also enjoying some terrific pitching to start the season. Gus Goulding (3-0, 0.68) is off to the best start of his career and the Chiefs are right in the middle of what promises to be a tight Federal Association race this season.  DALPMAN FASHIONS NO-HITER FOR MINUTEMEN Boston Minutemen righthander Ray Dalpman seems to be showing no ill-effects at all from 37 months away from the game as a member of the United States Navy. The 29 year old Indiana native is 3-0 with a 0.35 era after tossing a no-hitter in a 2-0 win over Pittsburgh on Friday. It is the first FABL no-hitter in nearly two years and the first for a Minutemen pitcher since Hall of Famer Big George Johnson threw one in 1914. It is Dalpman's first no-hitter but he did toss a one-hitter early in his breakout season of 1941 when he won 19 games and helped Boston win it's first World Championship Series title since 1912. Dalpman did not allow a base runner until the 4th inning when he walked George Cleaves -one of three free passes he issued on the afternoon. The other two came to start the seventh inning just after the Minutemen had doubled their lead to 2-0, but he induced a double play ball from Luke Berry and then got Pinky Pierce to fly out to end the threat before retiring the side in order in the final two innings to claim his spot in FABL history. It was his second shutout in 3 starters, having beaten Washington 3-0 in the season opener. In between he went 8-innings in a 4-1 win over Pittsburgh, with both that win and Friday's gem coming at the expense of Miners ace Lefty Allen.   The pitching squad has been on the edge pretty much since opening day, but the offense need to find their groove back. The "Waco Kid" Doyle has been a great return from war with 0.86 ERA in 31IP and 18Ks. The pitching duo of Doyle and Pat Weakley is finally giving Montreal a 1-2 rotation punch that has not been seen here since the days of Charlie Stedman and Walker Moore. After a stretch of playing against Chicago and NY Stars multiple times, playing against other teams will give a better indication as to just how improved the Saints are this season. On a side note, pitcher Wally Reif is going to injury list for three weeks so expect Bill Ross to take on Reif's duties in the starting rotation. There will traffiic jam in 3 weeks from now in the Montreal bullpen as three players are planned to be back from the injured list with Jake De Young and Danny Clark accompanying Reif as all should be coming back in the same week. That should be ringing some bells in Lee Richardson and Karl Weiss to wake up before this is too late. *** Struggling Offense in Montreal? *** What is happening with 1B Vic Crawford? After a very good 1945 season hitting for .317, 14 HR and 95 RBIs, he is posting a .077 avg and no RBIs yet after 13 games. Because of his lack of offense, Montreal skipper Homer Moore gave some starts to war veteran Red Bond, but he is not doing better either with .097avg and no RBIs. The combined stats of both first basemen (both batting 4th in lineup) is not acceptable with only 5 hits for 57 AB, no homers, no RBIs... expect a drop down in the batting order. Prospect Otis Parker is not having the expected debut as the starting rightfielder, hitting just .158. Parker will have to share playing time with outfielder Heinie Billings. DYNAMOS YOUNGSTERS MAY NOT BE READY The Detroit Dynamos took a bit of a gamble this season shedding some high-priced veteran contracts in a decision to charge full-steam ahead into their youth movement. There is a lot of talent in a farm system that OSA ranks the second best in the game and that is excluding Carl Potter, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday. The Dynamos brought much of that young talent north with them when they broke camp in Lakeland and while it is very early, the results are clearly mixed. 24 year old pitcher Wally Hunter looked very good in beating the New York Gothams 8-2 in his Detroit debut but he struggled in his second start against Chicago on Friday. There will be growing pains but Hunter certainly appears capable of contributing this season. The same cannot be said, at least not right now, for catcher Rick York. The manager's son is now off to Newark to try and regain his batting touch. York, who prior to spring camp had not played pro ball since 1942, was hitting just .105 after 10 games so with veteran catcher Bill Watson claimed on waivers from the Philadelphia Sailors, the Detroit brass figured York could benefit from a week or two out of the big league spotlight. Stan Kleminski has really looked great at the plate, leading the club with a .364 batting average but his glove has been the cause of plenty of nightmares for the pitching staff. The long-term hope is the 19 year old can play shortstop in the big leagues but with 12 errors in 10 games the club has decided to shift Kleminski to second base and let Del Johnson take a stab at shortstop. Johnson has been the reverse of Kleminski, with the 21 year old looking very strong in the field but hitting just .143. There are also some mild concerns about 21 year old first baseman Dick Estes, who is hitting just .207 and 24 year old outfielder Dick Blaszak and his .182 batting average. Blaszak is a former first overall draft pick once called the top prospect in the game by OSA but he was wounded in the Pacific in the fall of 1944 and has just 1 big league homerun in 101 career games. The Dynamos are going to leave both in the lineup for the time being in hopes that each can work through their struggles at the plate. At 4-7 the Dynamos are already 3.5 games back of front-running Boston as they head out on the road for 10 games including stops in Philadelphia and Boston this week. *** VAUGHT STILL UNDECIDED *** The Detroit Maroons are still waiting on Stan Vaught to make a decision on his future. The greatest pass catcher in American Football Association history says he does not want to rush into a retirement decision only to have second thoughts and change his mind, as Vaught did a year ago after retiring following the 1944 AFA championship game only to be talked out of the decision by club owner Rollie Barrell -with help from his daughter. Vaught was the AFA Most Valuable Player this season but his Maroons once again fell short in the title game, getting hammered by the Boston Americans. Barrell, the brother of Dynamos new Scouting Director Fred Barrell, would only say he is willing to wait as long as Vaught needs to make his decision, noting "there will always be a place on the Maroons for Stan, should he decide to return." Rollie Barrell also remains mum on increasingly active talk about a professional basketball league. If a new big-time cage league does get off the ground in the fall, it is widely expected that Barrell will be heavily involved in the ownership although the AFA's rule prohibiting its magnates to have controlling interest in a team in another sport may be a sticking point. Rollie, along with current Brooklyn Kings owner Daniel Prescott, were driving forces behind the last professional basketball league, before it became a casualty of the depression. HAWKS CONTINUE TO FLY HIGH IN PACIFIC LOOP Led by the hot bats of Bob Land (.431,0,10) and Cliff Ray (.324,2,11), the San Francisco Hawks continue to top the Great Western League standings but no one has been dominant as the new loop completes the second week of it's inaugural season. The second place Portland Green Sox might have had a tough spring but since the games started to count the defending champions have been receiving outstanding pitching with Tom Williams (2-0, 1.75) and Pete Archer (2-1, 2.19) leading the way. 
AROUND THE LEAGUE There are 72 rookies in FABL lineups to start the season including 9 on the Philadelphia Sailors and 8 each on Cleveland and Detroit. Only the Toronto Wolves did not employ a rookie on their big league roster to start the season. Here is a list of all of the rookies on Opening Day rosters across FABL. BOSTON- 1- Catcher Jiggs Jackson BROOKLYN- 7-Pitchers Jack Brown, Wally Graves, Leo Hayden, Harry Stewart, C Solly Skidmore, SS Phil Gratz and OF John Beaver. CHIEFS- 2- Pitcher Ernie Espanoza and 3B Pat Reed. COUGARS- 1- Catcher Homer Guthrie CINCINNATI- 3- Pitchers Jesse Woods and Bill Tuttle along with 1B Nick Bennett CLEVELAND- 8- Pitchers Davey Chamberlain, Augie Hayes Jr. and Jim Zimmerman, infielders Walt Knight, Earl Szwed and Glenn White and outfielders Paul Porter and Pete Sigmund. DETROIT- 8- Pitchers Charlie Ashmore and Wally Hunter, infielders Steve Donovan, Dick Estes, Win Hamby, Del Johnson,Stan Kleminski and Joe York. MONTREAL- 4- Pitcher Bert Cupid along with outfielders Gordon McCarley, Alex Morgan and Otis Parker. NY STARS- 7- Pitchers Jim Baker, George Belcher, Paul Grell and George Scruggs along with infielder Bill Barnett and outfielders Newt Cooper and Jack Welch. NY GOTHAMS- 6- Pitchers Lou Eaker, Steve Groves, Harl Haines, Tom Henderson and Tom Richarson along with infielder Ralph O'Neal. KEYSTONES- 1- Pitcher Joe Lund. SAILORS- 9- Pitchers Troy Crockett, Charlie Gordon, Howie Harris, Frank Sartori and Slick Wesolowski, along with catcher Mark Smtih, infieldr Wilson Perez and outfielders John Shaw and Elmer Wands. PITTSBURGH- 3- Pitchers Adam Grayson and Whitey Reynolds along with shortstop Bob Lopez. ST LOUIS- 4- Pitcher Tony Dixon, catchr Tucker Ness and outfielders Hack Mills and Dutch Peters. TORONTO- -None WASHINGTON- -5 pitchers Jim Jordan, Bruce Revis, Lyn Sullivan and George Tucker and outfielder John Dickerson. LATEST RANKING UPDATES Time for another look at the top fighters in each of the 3 boxing divisions. HEAVYWEIGHTS World Champion Hector Sawyer had another successful title defense -his 6th since winning the title in 1940- when he scored a 9th round technical knockout of Leo Carmichael. The veteran English fighter was considered the #2 contender in the division at the time but the loss prompted the the 37 year old to retire with a 30-5-1 career record. Mark Fountain remains the number one challenger in the division but is being pressed by Philadelphia native Scott Baker. The newcomer to replace the retired Carmichael on the top heavyweight list is 31 year old Glenn Benjamin, a 31 year old Long Islander with a 24-2 record.  MIDDLWEIGHTS Fans of the middleweight division are anxiously awaiting the rematch between World Champion Frank Melanson and Todd Gill, which is slated for Philadelphia's Sailors Memorial Stadium on May 11. The duo met in August and battled to a majority draw. Melanson, who turns 29 years of age three days before the fight, has never lost and sports a 29-0-2 career record while the 34 year old Gill is 20-1-5. It is expected that the winner of the Melanson-Gill rematch may elect to give Frenchman Edouard Desmarais, who recently won the European Title over former World Champion Archie Rees, a title shot. Desmarais -who spent time in the French resistance during the war- is a perfect 36-0 and considered the top ranked contender in the division. John Edmonds, who last fought in September and is 20-1, remains the third ranked contender behind Desmarais and Gill with Brooks O'Conner -who won a hard-fought split decision over Dan Stevens early this month- stays at #4. Archie Rees drops out of the rankings after successive losses to Melanson and Desmarais so rounding out the top contenders in the weight class is a newcomer to the list in Nick Harris. The 32 year old Rhode Island native is 17-2-1 with his most recent victory being a TKO win over Marshall McBride (16-4) in Boston two months ago.  WELTERWEIGHTS After more than half a decade without a champion the welterweight division finally crowned Dennis O'Keefe after the 'Jacksonville Jackhammer' knocked out Carl Taylor in the 13th round of their bout in early March. With the win, the 29 year old Florida native improves to 20-1. George Gibbs is rising quickly and is likely due a tittle shot but O'Keefe is expected to face either Mark Westlake or Wayne Dunn in his first defense, likely in the late summer.  UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS
The Week That Was Current events from the week ending 4/28/1946
__________________
Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal
The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 03-16-2023 at 12:19 PM. |
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