The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell - Page 36

StorminZ · 04-29-2005, 12:31 PM

Wow, I've got to visit here more often ... been busy and hadn't been keeping up with Pat & Crew. Just spent the better part of 3 hours catching up on "stuff". As always, what a great read. It was once suggested that this thread could become the basis for a movie ... nope, too much here ... I'm thinking mini-series or even a regular TV series. BigSix, your writing style is so enjoyable ... thank you is not enough!!!!

Ok, back to the dynasty ... almost caught up!

StorminZ · 04-29-2005, 01:35 PM

I have this pit in my stomach ... is it possible that Pat has played his last game an Fenway????? Say it ain't so!!!???

One of the greatly debated questions in sports is "when should a great player retire -- while he is still competitive (a.k.a., going out on top), or when he can no longer play at the professional level (in other words, the decision is -- more or less -- made for him)?" It seems that Pat still has lots to contribute to the Red Sox.

William4192 · 04-29-2005, 02:36 PM

Pat's induction is growing closer... Hey Big Six, how about an update on the kids...

Big Six · 04-29-2005, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StorminZ

I have this pit in my stomach ... is it possible that Pat has played his last game an Fenway????? Say it ain't so!!!???

One of the greatly debated questions in sports is "when should a great player retire -- while he is still competitive (a.k.a., going out on top), or when he can no longer play at the professional level (in other words, the decision is -- more or less -- made for him)?" It seems that Pat still has lots to contribute to the Red Sox.

Thanks for your posts, StorminZ. You were one of Pat's first fans, and it's good to see you back.

I've had a debate running in my own mind about the timing of Pat's retirement. One side of me wants to step into Pat's shoes, so to speak, and take over the decision myself. The other wants to step back and be as much of an "outside observer" as possible, and let the OOTP engine do with Pat as it will.

If I decide that I'm making the call, then the question of how long to let Pat stay active remains. In a season in which Pat turned 40, he was still an All-Star, the best second baseman in the American League. As you'll soon see when I post his stats, Pat was not quite the player he was in his prime, but he was still a big, big reason why the Red Sox won another World Series.

The idea of going out with a ring is appealing, but would Pat retire after a season that was as productive as this one was?

It might be interesting to take a close look at how the game engine ages a player who has remained as good as Pat has in his late thirties and, now, his early forties. But, on the other hand, it would be awfully tough to watch Pat stink up the joint.

I have a couple of possible story lines in mind, regardless of which choice I make, so it will be fun either way.

Big Six · 04-29-2005, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William4192

Pat's induction is growing closer... Hey Big Six, how about an update on the kids...

Funny you should mention the kids, William. They'll be featured in an off-season plot twist, coming soon.

StorminZ · 04-29-2005, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Six

...

The idea of going out with a ring is appealing, but would Pat retire after a season that was as productive as this one was?

... But, on the other hand, it would be awfully tough to watch Pat stink up the joint.

I have a couple of possible story lines in mind, regardless of which choice I make, so it will be fun either way.

And the story will be a great read ... a great chapter ... in any event.

And as sad as it will be to see the day come when Pat hangs up the cleats, that is part of life ... and that's part of the lore of heroes ... they live on well beyond their years and Pat surely will.

But for now, here's hopin' Pat can continue his unprecedented career! Is it too soon to coin the phrase, 'Red Sox Nation' in light of the great Bosox teams of the teens and the twenties???

(BTW, with my beloved Expos no more, I am now a Red Sox fan.)

Big Six · 04-30-2005, 03:11 PM

I've been following Pat's story for two full years now, and I'm too caught up in the story to let it go when Pat retires. He has children, after all, and there are several players I'm interested enough to turn into main characters after Pat retires, and moves into a post-playing career.

StorminZ · 04-30-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Six

I've been following Pat's story for two full years now, and I'm too caught up in the story to let it go when Pat retires. He has children, after all, and there are several players I'm interested enough to turn into main characters after Pat retires, and moves into a post-playing career.

Would that include Moonlight Graham?

Big Six · 04-30-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StorminZ

Would that include Moonlight Graham?

Absolutely! I added Graham to the story with the idea of him being a fun little addition to the story of Pat's barnstorming tour, but after I thought about it, I decided to make him what the TV people call a "recurring character." I added him to the pool of free agents, made him a decent enough player to be signable, and sat back to watch what would happen. He signed with the White Sox in 1921 and began his professional career.

Archie has developed into a major league regular, and at 24, he looks like he might be around for a while. Here are his career major keague stats:

Code:

Year   G    AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R BB  HP SF  K SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS Teams 
1922    4    3   0  0  0  0   0   1  0  0  0   0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000 CHA 
1923    5    0   0  0  0  0   0   1  0  0  0   0  0  0 .000 .000 .000 .000 CHA 
1924   45   54  14  3  1  2  10  15  3  2  0  10  5  1 .259 .322 .463 .785 CHA 
1925  110  268  72 10  7  2  22  41 10  1  3  41  8  7 .269 .294 .381 .675 CHA 
1926  122  410 120 19  7  5  46  43 25  5  1  56  6 15 .293 .340 .410 .750 CHA 
1927  150  576 162 22 20 10  82  90 35  5  4 112 15  8 .281 .326 .441 .767 CHA 
Total 436 1311 368 54 35 19 160 191 73 13  8 219 34 31 .281 .323 .419 .742

Moonlight is also an excellent defensive outfielder, with 88 Range in left and right fields and 67 in center. His arm is regarded as one of the one or two best in the game, rating out at 99. He won the 1927 American League Slick Fielder in right field.

He'll certainly be one of the players I will enjoy following over the next few years, and I'll share his experiences with all of you who read the thread.

Big Six · 04-30-2005, 07:21 PM

In his twentieth season as a major league regular, Pat continued to be a valuable and productive player. Here are his 1927 stats, along with his updated career totals:

Code:

        G    AB    H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   R    BB   K   SB  CS   AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS
1927   150   550  164  34  21  19   93  131   98   65   65   7 .298 .403 .540 .943 BOS,AL 
Total 2915 10705 3537 666 317 201 1793 2363 1930 1204 1388 323 .330 .432 .508 .940

Pat hit both righthanders and lefthanders with authority, and with runners in scoring position, he seemed to turn back the hands of time, hitting like he did in his prime.

Code:

                                AB  H   2B 3B HR RBI  R  BB  K  SF SH HP  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS
vs. LHP           179  57  12  4  6  33 41  27  30  0  3  0 .318 .400 .531 .931 
vs. RHP           371 107  22 17 13  60 90  71  35  2  3  0 .288 .401 .544 .945 
Close/Late         75  20  5   1  2   8 19  15   8  0  2  0 .267 .380 .440 .820
Scoring Position  147  50  12  7  5  65  0  28  21  2  2  0 .340 .436 .619 1.055

Pat was a better hitter on the road in 1927 (.313/.428/.582) than he was at home (.288/.401/.500). His best month was April, and his worst was September, when he batted only .258.

However, he broke out of his slump in the World Series, adding to his reputation as perhaps the greatest post-season player in baseball history. Pat went 9-18 during the five-game Series, with two doubles, two triples, and a home run. He walked four times, scored six runs, drove in four more, and stole a base. He had an outrageous .591 OBP, and a slugging percentage of a clean 1.000. Yes, that's right; a 1.591 OPS.

The choice of a Series MVP would be a tough one between Pat and Joe Wood, who won Games Two and Five. Not bad for a couple of guys whose combined age is 78, is it?

Big Six · 04-30-2005, 08:05 PM

Pat's days of leading the American League in five or six offensive categories are probably gone, but his name could still be found on the leader boards in some pretty impressive places.

Here are the categories in which O'Farrell placed among the AL's top ten; his ranking in each category; the leader's name; and his total.

Code:

Category    Total  Rank  Leader       Total 
OBP          .403  9th   Babe Ruth     .491
SLG          .540  8th   Babe Ruth     .786
OPS          .943  7th   Babe Ruth    1.277
RC          128.0  4th   Babe Ruth    203.4
RC/27 Outs   8.35  8th   Babe Ruth    16.15
Pl App       657   1st
Triples       21   3rd   Frank Frisch    24
Home Runs     19   8th   Babe Ruth       55
Runs         131   2nd   Babe Ruth      139
Steals        65   1st
Walks         98   4th   Lou Gehrig     146
EBH           74   T-5   Babe Ruth       95
TB           297   6th   Babe Ruth      389

Ruth won the Triple Crown, with a .352-55-148 season. His closest competitors in each category were the Tigers' Cool Papa Bell, who broke out this season with a .344 batting average; the Browns' Goose Goslin, whose second place total of 23 homers was less than half of the Babe's; and the Red Sox' Lou Gehrig, who continued to establish himself as the league's second best power hitter with a strong .322-20-126 season at age 24.

In the National League, Oscar Charleston earned another Most Outstanding Batter award, winning the batting title with a .366 average and the home run crown with 32. Pittsburgh's Rabbit Maranville kept Oscar from the Triple Crown by leading the league with 118 RBI; Charleston placed third with 112. Oscar slugged .733, and added a .435 OBP, both best in the league.

Other top sluggers in the senior circuit included Paul Waner of Pittsburgh (.365, 207 hits, 24 triples, 130 runs, 101 RBI, .435 OBP) and Mule Suttles of New York (.352-25-116, 203 hits, 46 doubles, .579 SLG)

The American League's Most Outstanding Pitcher award went to 38-year-old Harry Moran of Detroit, who broke the major league record for wins with 31. He lost only five times, and was second in the league with a 2.80 ERA. Moran, who has 292 wins in his career, is perhaps among the game's most overlooked stars.

Molly Craft of the Browns won the ERA title at 2.59, winning 25 games, while Herb Pennock of Philadelphia won 26 games for the second straight season. Pennock has won 146 games in the last six seasons. Herb's teammate, Lefty Grove, struck out 228 men to lead the major leagues in that category.

Twenty-two year old pitcher Rufus Smith won the Rookie of the Year award in the AL, on the strength of a 16-9 record. The National League's Rookie of the Year was Pittsburgh first sacker Buck Leonard, who batted .295 with 14 homers and 86 RBI as a twenty-year-old. Buck also added a surprising 22 stolen bases, and won the Slick Fielder Award for his skills around the bag.
The best pitcher in the National League in 1927 was the Giants' 25-year-old sensation, Red Lucas. He led the league with a 26-10 record, and posted a 3.04 ERA.

Lucas' strongest competition came from perennial star Pol Perritt of St. Louis, whose 24 victories included the 300th of his career. Perritt led the league with 207 strikeouts, while King Lear of Pittsburgh won the ERA title at 3.03.

Big Six · 05-01-2005, 09:57 PM

Because of the Red Sox' appearance in the 1927 World Series, my new role as the owner of a team in an online league, and the fact that I'm busier in April and May than at any other time in the year, the 1927 season took much longer to complete than the last few had.

As a result, I'm leaving the balloting for the 1928 Hall of Fame election open until Thursday, May 5..

Eight voters have cast ballots so far, and there's time for any of the rest of you who would like to participate to do so.

If you're a fan of the Pat O'Farrell saga, here's your chance to help write some of its history. Please join in!

There is a separate thread for the Hall of Fame balloting, where you can read the rules, find out more about the eligible candidates, and post your ballot. Or, you can send your ballot to me via private message.

Thanks!

Big Six · 05-02-2005, 11:19 AM

Boston Post, November 18, 1927

O'FARRELL TO RETIRE?
Veteran Star Said To Be Leaving Game

BOSTON--The man who is usually considered to be the finest player ever to don a Boston Red Sox uniform might well have put on that uniform for the final time.

Pat O'Farrell, star of eight World Series champion Red Sox teams, is said to be seriously considering his retirement from the game. Sources close to O'Farrell and the Red Sox indicate that the All-Star second baseman, who recently celebrated his fortieth birthday, might announce his retirement as early as next week.

O'Farrell batted .298 last season, a fine performance, but well short of his lifetime average of .330. While he appeared in 150 of the Bostons' 154 contests, he appeared to tire during the latter weeks of the season, and his bat was far less productive than it had been in April and May. Still, Pat was a valuable member of a championship team, and at no point in the season did he embarrass himself on the diamond. There is much to be said for a star player, like Pat has been since 1907, who chooses to end his career while he can still play with skill, rather than lingering until he is but an ineffective facsimile of the player he used to be.

O'Farrell is a dedicated family man, and the desire to spend more time with his wife and five children might also tilt the balance in favor of retirement. The Red Sox' victory in the World Series has also been advanced as a factor in his decision, as it would enable him to leave the game as a champion.

If this is the end of the line for O'Farrell, as it appears to be for Tris Speaker, we who have followed his career for two decades now wish him nothing but the best, and thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the class with which he has always represented our city.

Big Six · 05-03-2005, 01:15 PM

145 Bowdoin Street
Worcester, Massachusetts

Mr. Patrick O'Farrell
148 Cherry Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

November 29, 1927

Dear Pat,

I have been reading all the speculation in the newspapers about your retirement, which according to some of the scribbling scribes, is all but a certainty. I know you and I have had several conversations about the topic over the past few months; you have spoken to me about it as a player to his manager, and as a man to his friend. I have hesitated to give you any specific advice, because once I was in your shoes. I chose to retire before I was "fired," and I know you would like to make the decision to leave the game on your own terms, as well. Sarah and I, and anyone else you might discuss the matter with, can give you guidance, but the decision is ultimately yours.

Having said that, I would be failing in my duty as manager of the Boston Red Sox if I did not say to you that I hope you will return for at least one more season. You were the most productive player at your position in the league, and when the benefits of your leadership are added to your tangible contributions, you leave no doubt that you remain one of the most valuable players in all of baseball. To put it simply, there is no second baseman in the world I would rather have in my lineup.

I understand what you say about not being the player you once were. At forty years of age, our reflexes slow a little bit; we take longer to recover from the exertions of a Sunday doubleheader; that ball we would have put in our pocket skips through for a hit; that pitch we would have hit off the wall is popped up or missed. On the other hand, the years of experience you have had enable you to position yourself a half-step in the proper direction when a hitter steps to the plate, so that he hits a ground ball right at you instead of slapping it through the hole, or wait out a pitcher for a walk, giving us a baserunner when we need one most. That kind of contribution cannot be measured, and as you well know, can turn a good team into a champion.

While I also understand your desire to retire from the game quietly, I would ask you to think about one more thing. You are without doubt one of the most beloved athletes and public figures in Boston, indeed in the entire United States. You would never admit it yourself, but that humility only adds to the high regard in which you are held. You belong to New England, and your many fans throughout the region would greatly appreciate the chance to say "good bye" as you play your final season.

I know how much you miss Sarah and your children over the course of the season, because I am a family man myself. I also do not flatter myself that my opinion will hold as much weight with you as do those of your wife and family. However, as I said, as your friend and manager, I feel it necessary to express my feelings to you, and hope you will consider them as you make your decision.

Pat, I know you well enough to know that you will make the decision that is best for you, your family, the Boston Red Sox, and your fans. Also, please know that as your friend, I will support you no matter what you decide.

Please give my best to Sarah, Elizabeth, Mike, Mary Catherine, Johnny, and Billy, and accept our best wishes for a joyous holiday season.

Sincerely, your pal,
Bill

Level · 05-05-2005, 04:07 PM

dare i say that pat is going to come back for another season?

WOOHOOO!!!

and on another note, josh gibson will turn 16 yrs old during the off-season between 1927 and 1928 and can be seen lighting up sandlots and amateur games all over pittsburgh. http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...ibson_Josh.stm

William4192 · 05-06-2005, 03:49 PM

Keep Pat going as long as he can peform...please!

GCCWolverine · 05-06-2005, 03:53 PM

At first, I agreed with going out on top, but I now think that he should get a "victory" lap, so to speak.

Big Six · 05-06-2005, 10:13 PM

Boston Globe, December 12, 1927

O'FARRELL: "I WILL PLAY IN 1928"
Red Sox Star To Play At Least One More Season

Special to the Globe by PAT O'FARRELL

STOCKBRIDGE--It seems that ever since the final out of the World Series was recorded in Chicago this past October, the question of whether or not I would return to the Red Sox as an active player has been constantly debated. I have read in no fewer than a dozen places that I was going to retire, and in another dozen that I was going to play again in 1928. I have received advice regarding my decision from family, friends, teammates, and fans, all of which I have heeded and considered.

After thinking about the matter and discussing it with my wife, my children, and my manager, Bill Carrigan, I have decided that I will play in 1928.

I still enjoy playing baseball, and although I am now forty years old, I feel I can still play well enough to make positive contributions to a winning ball club. Last season I batted almost .300, hit nineteen home runs, and stole more bases than any other player in the major leagues. I am still healthy and have been able to play regularly; I played in 150 games, and then five more in the World Series. I have taken good care of my body, and I see no reason why I cannot remain a productive player for at least one more season.

I plan on spending the off-season with my family, engaging in just enough exercise to keep myself in top physical condition. I enjoy hiking in the hills around Stockbridge, chopping wood, and playing active games with my children. In February, I will be joining my teammates in Hot Springs, Arkansas, ready to help the Red Sox win another World Series championship.

Sincerely,
Pat O'Farrell
Boston American League Baseball Club

Big Six · 05-07-2005, 09:29 PM

Berkshire Eagle, January 22, 1928

On Saturday, an exciting game of junior high school basketball was played in Stockbridge, with the local lads getting the better of a squad from Lenox by a 24-20 tally.

The Stockbridge team was led by seventh grader Mike O'Farrell, who scored nine points. O'Farrell is proving himself to be as adept on the hardwood as he was on the gridiron, where he is one of the finest players his age in western Massachusetts. It is as a pitcher, however, that young O'Farrell truly shines...

(Pat asked the editors of the Eagle to refrain from making continual references to his children as "the son" or "the daughter of Boston Red Sox star Pat O'Farrell," prefering them to be recognized for their own accomplishments. Only if any other child's parents would be mentioned did the O'Farrells wish to be identified along with their children. The editors respected Pat's wishes.)

TexasLonghorns · 05-07-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Six

Berkshire Eagle, January 22, 1928

On Saturday, an exciting game of junior high school basketball was played in Stockbridge, with the local lads getting the better of a squad from Lenox by a 24-20 tally.

The Stockbridge team was led by seventh grader Mike O'Farrell, who scored nine points. O'Farrell is proving himself to be as adept on the hardwood as he was on the gridiron, where he is one of the finest players his age in western Massachusetts. It is as a pitcher, however, that young O'Farrell truly shines...

(Pat asked the editors of the Eagle to refrain from making continual references to his children as "the son" or "the daughter of Boston Red Sox star Pat O'Farrell," prefering them to be recognized for their own accomplishments. The editors respected Pat's wishes.)

I guess we'll see a Baseball Life of Mike O'Farrell pop up soon.Also thanks for giving us one more ride with Pat.

04-29-2005, 02:36 PM	#703
William4192 All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 1,625	Pat's induction is growing closer... Hey Big Six, how about an update on the kids... __________________ What is this about Rhode Island? It is neither Road or Island. Come check out the PBA. http://www.pioneerbaseballassociation.com Or email at pbacommish@pioneerbaseballassociation.com

04-30-2005, 03:11 PM	#707
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	I've been following Pat's story for two full years now, and I'm too caught up in the story to let it go when Pat retires. He has children, after all, and there are several players I'm interested enough to turn into main characters after Pat retires, and moves into a post-playing career. __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

04-30-2005, 07:21 PM	#710
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	1927 by the numbers In his twentieth season as a major league regular, Pat continued to be a valuable and productive player. Here are his 1927 stats, along with his updated career totals: Code: G AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS 1927 150 550 164 34 21 19 93 131 98 65 65 7 .298 .403 .540 .943 BOS,AL Total 2915 10705 3537 666 317 201 1793 2363 1930 1204 1388 323 .330 .432 .508 .940 Pat hit both righthanders and lefthanders with authority, and with runners in scoring position, he seemed to turn back the hands of time, hitting like he did in his prime. Code: AB H 2B 3B HR RBI R BB K SF SH HP AVG OBP SLG OPS vs. LHP 179 57 12 4 6 33 41 27 30 0 3 0 .318 .400 .531 .931 vs. RHP 371 107 22 17 13 60 90 71 35 2 3 0 .288 .401 .544 .945 Close/Late 75 20 5 1 2 8 19 15 8 0 2 0 .267 .380 .440 .820 Scoring Position 147 50 12 7 5 65 0 28 21 2 2 0 .340 .436 .619 1.055 Pat was a better hitter on the road in 1927 (.313/.428/.582) than he was at home (.288/.401/.500). His best month was April, and his worst was September, when he batted only .258. However, he broke out of his slump in the World Series, adding to his reputation as perhaps the greatest post-season player in baseball history. Pat went 9-18 during the five-game Series, with two doubles, two triples, and a home run. He walked four times, scored six runs, drove in four more, and stole a base. He had an outrageous .591 OBP, and a slugging percentage of a clean 1.000. Yes, that's right; a 1.591 OPS. The choice of a Series MVP would be a tough one between Pat and Joe Wood, who won Games Two and Five. Not bad for a couple of guys whose combined age is 78, is it? __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

04-30-2005, 08:05 PM	#711
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	On the leader boards Pat's days of leading the American League in five or six offensive categories are probably gone, but his name could still be found on the leader boards in some pretty impressive places. Here are the categories in which O'Farrell placed among the AL's top ten; his ranking in each category; the leader's name; and his total. Code: Category Total Rank Leader Total OBP .403 9th Babe Ruth .491 SLG .540 8th Babe Ruth .786 OPS .943 7th Babe Ruth 1.277 RC 128.0 4th Babe Ruth 203.4 RC/27 Outs 8.35 8th Babe Ruth 16.15 Pl App 657 1st Triples 21 3rd Frank Frisch 24 Home Runs 19 8th Babe Ruth 55 Runs 131 2nd Babe Ruth 139 Steals 65 1st Walks 98 4th Lou Gehrig 146 EBH 74 T-5 Babe Ruth 95 TB 297 6th Babe Ruth 389 Ruth won the Triple Crown, with a .352-55-148 season. His closest competitors in each category were the Tigers' Cool Papa Bell, who broke out this season with a .344 batting average; the Browns' Goose Goslin, whose second place total of 23 homers was less than half of the Babe's; and the Red Sox' Lou Gehrig, who continued to establish himself as the league's second best power hitter with a strong .322-20-126 season at age 24. In the National League, Oscar Charleston earned another Most Outstanding Batter award, winning the batting title with a .366 average and the home run crown with 32. Pittsburgh's Rabbit Maranville kept Oscar from the Triple Crown by leading the league with 118 RBI; Charleston placed third with 112. Oscar slugged .733, and added a .435 OBP, both best in the league. Other top sluggers in the senior circuit included Paul Waner of Pittsburgh (.365, 207 hits, 24 triples, 130 runs, 101 RBI, .435 OBP) and Mule Suttles of New York (.352-25-116, 203 hits, 46 doubles, .579 SLG) The American League's Most Outstanding Pitcher award went to 38-year-old Harry Moran of Detroit, who broke the major league record for wins with 31. He lost only five times, and was second in the league with a 2.80 ERA. Moran, who has 292 wins in his career, is perhaps among the game's most overlooked stars. Molly Craft of the Browns won the ERA title at 2.59, winning 25 games, while Herb Pennock of Philadelphia won 26 games for the second straight season. Pennock has won 146 games in the last six seasons. Herb's teammate, Lefty Grove, struck out 228 men to lead the major leagues in that category. Twenty-two year old pitcher Rufus Smith won the Rookie of the Year award in the AL, on the strength of a 16-9 record. The National League's Rookie of the Year was Pittsburgh first sacker Buck Leonard, who batted .295 with 14 homers and 86 RBI as a twenty-year-old. Buck also added a surprising 22 stolen bases, and won the Slick Fielder Award for his skills around the bag. The best pitcher in the National League in 1927 was the Giants' 25-year-old sensation, Red Lucas. He led the league with a 26-10 record, and posted a 3.04 ERA. Lucas' strongest competition came from perennial star Pol Perritt of St. Louis, whose 24 victories included the 300th of his career. Perritt led the league with 207 strikeouts, while King Lear of Pittsburgh won the ERA title at 3.03. __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

05-01-2005, 09:57 PM	#712
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	1928 Hall of Fame balloting still open! Because of the Red Sox' appearance in the 1927 World Series, my new role as the owner of a team in an online league, and the fact that I'm busier in April and May than at any other time in the year, the 1927 season took much longer to complete than the last few had. As a result, I'm leaving the balloting for the 1928 Hall of Fame election open until Thursday, May 5.. Eight voters have cast ballots so far, and there's time for any of the rest of you who would like to participate to do so. If you're a fan of the Pat O'Farrell saga, here's your chance to help write some of its history. Please join in! There is a separate thread for the Hall of Fame balloting, where you can read the rules, find out more about the eligible candidates, and post your ballot. Or, you can send your ballot to me via private message. Thanks! __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

04-29-2005, 12:31 PM	#701
StorminZ Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 403	Wow, I've got to visit here more often ... been busy and hadn't been keeping up with Pat & Crew. Just spent the better part of 3 hours catching up on "stuff". As always, what a great read. It was once suggested that this thread could become the basis for a movie ... nope, too much here ... I'm thinking mini-series or even a regular TV series. BigSix, your writing style is so enjoyable ... thank you is not enough!!!! Ok, back to the dynasty ... almost caught up!

04-29-2005, 01:35 PM	#702
StorminZ Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 403	I have this pit in my stomach ... is it possible that Pat has played his last game an Fenway????? Say it ain't so!!!??? One of the greatly debated questions in sports is "when should a great player retire -- while he is still competitive (a.k.a., going out on top), or when he can no longer play at the professional level (in other words, the decision is -- more or less -- made for him)?" It seems that Pat still has lots to contribute to the Red Sox.

05-02-2005, 11:19 AM	#713
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	Rumors Boston Post, November 18, 1927 O'FARRELL TO RETIRE? Veteran Star Said To Be Leaving Game BOSTON--The man who is usually considered to be the finest player ever to don a Boston Red Sox uniform might well have put on that uniform for the final time. Pat O'Farrell, star of eight World Series champion Red Sox teams, is said to be seriously considering his retirement from the game. Sources close to O'Farrell and the Red Sox indicate that the All-Star second baseman, who recently celebrated his fortieth birthday, might announce his retirement as early as next week. O'Farrell batted .298 last season, a fine performance, but well short of his lifetime average of .330. While he appeared in 150 of the Bostons' 154 contests, he appeared to tire during the latter weeks of the season, and his bat was far less productive than it had been in April and May. Still, Pat was a valuable member of a championship team, and at no point in the season did he embarrass himself on the diamond. There is much to be said for a star player, like Pat has been since 1907, who chooses to end his career while he can still play with skill, rather than lingering until he is but an ineffective facsimile of the player he used to be. O'Farrell is a dedicated family man, and the desire to spend more time with his wife and five children might also tilt the balance in favor of retirement. The Red Sox' victory in the World Series has also been advanced as a factor in his decision, as it would enable him to leave the game as a champion. If this is the end of the line for O'Farrell, as it appears to be for Tris Speaker, we who have followed his career for two decades now wish him nothing but the best, and thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the class with which he has always represented our city. __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

05-03-2005, 01:15 PM	#714
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	"You belong to New England" 145 Bowdoin Street Worcester, Massachusetts Mr. Patrick O'Farrell 148 Cherry Street Stockbridge, Massachusetts November 29, 1927 Dear Pat, I have been reading all the speculation in the newspapers about your retirement, which according to some of the scribbling scribes, is all but a certainty. I know you and I have had several conversations about the topic over the past few months; you have spoken to me about it as a player to his manager, and as a man to his friend. I have hesitated to give you any specific advice, because once I was in your shoes. I chose to retire before I was "fired," and I know you would like to make the decision to leave the game on your own terms, as well. Sarah and I, and anyone else you might discuss the matter with, can give you guidance, but the decision is ultimately yours. Having said that, I would be failing in my duty as manager of the Boston Red Sox if I did not say to you that I hope you will return for at least one more season. You were the most productive player at your position in the league, and when the benefits of your leadership are added to your tangible contributions, you leave no doubt that you remain one of the most valuable players in all of baseball. To put it simply, there is no second baseman in the world I would rather have in my lineup. I understand what you say about not being the player you once were. At forty years of age, our reflexes slow a little bit; we take longer to recover from the exertions of a Sunday doubleheader; that ball we would have put in our pocket skips through for a hit; that pitch we would have hit off the wall is popped up or missed. On the other hand, the years of experience you have had enable you to position yourself a half-step in the proper direction when a hitter steps to the plate, so that he hits a ground ball right at you instead of slapping it through the hole, or wait out a pitcher for a walk, giving us a baserunner when we need one most. That kind of contribution cannot be measured, and as you well know, can turn a good team into a champion. While I also understand your desire to retire from the game quietly, I would ask you to think about one more thing. You are without doubt one of the most beloved athletes and public figures in Boston, indeed in the entire United States. You would never admit it yourself, but that humility only adds to the high regard in which you are held. You belong to New England, and your many fans throughout the region would greatly appreciate the chance to say "good bye" as you play your final season. I know how much you miss Sarah and your children over the course of the season, because I am a family man myself. I also do not flatter myself that my opinion will hold as much weight with you as do those of your wife and family. However, as I said, as your friend and manager, I feel it necessary to express my feelings to you, and hope you will consider them as you make your decision. Pat, I know you well enough to know that you will make the decision that is best for you, your family, the Boston Red Sox, and your fans. Also, please know that as your friend, I will support you no matter what you decide. Please give my best to Sarah, Elizabeth, Mike, Mary Catherine, Johnny, and Billy, and accept our best wishes for a joyous holiday season. Sincerely, your pal, Bill __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

05-05-2005, 04:07 PM	#715
Level Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 45	dare i say that pat is going to come back for another season? WOOHOOO!!! and on another note, josh gibson will turn 16 yrs old during the off-season between 1927 and 1928 and can be seen lighting up sandlots and amateur games all over pittsburgh. http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...ibson_Josh.stm

05-06-2005, 03:49 PM	#716
William4192 All Star Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 1,625	Keep Pat going as long as he can peform...please! __________________ What is this about Rhode Island? It is neither Road or Island. Come check out the PBA. http://www.pioneerbaseballassociation.com Or email at pbacommish@pioneerbaseballassociation.com

05-06-2005, 03:53 PM	#717
GCCWolverine Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Amherst, NY Posts: 145	At first, I agreed with going out on top, but I now think that he should get a "victory" lap, so to speak.

05-06-2005, 10:13 PM	#718
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	He's back Boston Globe, December 12, 1927 O'FARRELL: "I WILL PLAY IN 1928" Red Sox Star To Play At Least One More Season Special to the Globe by PAT O'FARRELL STOCKBRIDGE--It seems that ever since the final out of the World Series was recorded in Chicago this past October, the question of whether or not I would return to the Red Sox as an active player has been constantly debated. I have read in no fewer than a dozen places that I was going to retire, and in another dozen that I was going to play again in 1928. I have received advice regarding my decision from family, friends, teammates, and fans, all of which I have heeded and considered. After thinking about the matter and discussing it with my wife, my children, and my manager, Bill Carrigan, I have decided that I will play in 1928. I still enjoy playing baseball, and although I am now forty years old, I feel I can still play well enough to make positive contributions to a winning ball club. Last season I batted almost .300, hit nineteen home runs, and stole more bases than any other player in the major leagues. I am still healthy and have been able to play regularly; I played in 150 games, and then five more in the World Series. I have taken good care of my body, and I see no reason why I cannot remain a productive player for at least one more season. I plan on spending the off-season with my family, engaging in just enough exercise to keep myself in top physical condition. I enjoy hiking in the hills around Stockbridge, chopping wood, and playing active games with my children. In February, I will be joining my teammates in Hot Springs, Arkansas, ready to help the Red Sox win another World Series championship. Sincerely, Pat O'Farrell Boston American League Baseball Club __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league

05-07-2005, 09:29 PM	#719
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	Berkshire Eagle, January 22, 1928 On Saturday, an exciting game of junior high school basketball was played in Stockbridge, with the local lads getting the better of a squad from Lenox by a 24-20 tally. The Stockbridge team was led by seventh grader Mike O'Farrell, who scored nine points. O'Farrell is proving himself to be as adept on the hardwood as he was on the gridiron, where he is one of the finest players his age in western Massachusetts. It is as a pitcher, however, that young O'Farrell truly shines... (Pat asked the editors of the Eagle to refrain from making continual references to his children as "the son" or "the daughter of Boston Red Sox star Pat O'Farrell," prefering them to be recognized for their own accomplishments. Only if any other child's parents would be mentioned did the O'Farrells wish to be identified along with their children. The editors respected Pat's wishes.) __________________ My dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: 2014 inductee, OOTP Dynasty Hall of Fame Kenilworth: A Town and its Team: fun with a fictional league Last edited by Big Six; 05-07-2005 at 09:38 PM.