History and Baseball: Forever Linked

[BlitzburghBucco]

This is going to be a historical replay thread I started over at SimCentral, but the reader base for franchise threads is all but dead there, so I figured I'd start copying it over here.

I took over the Chicago White Sox as of December 6, 1941. At that point, the White Sox had never made the playoffs since I started to replay in 1871. I simmed automatically from 1871 to 12/6, and then took over from there. Here is my league's history - Major League Baseball.

The next bunch of posts will be reposts from SimCentral.

[BlitzburghBucco]

TOKIO REPORTED OFFERING 5-POINT PLAN, BRITAIN DECLARES WAR ON 3 MORE NATIONS

Formal Reply Fails to Ease Far East Crisis

Massing Troops in Indo-China Only to Curb Chinese, Claim; State Department Delays Comment

By Raymond Z. Henle
Post-Gazette Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 - An authoritative Government source said tonight that President Roosevelt has received a new five-point program from the Japanese which may result in continuation of talks designed to bring peace in the Orient.

This information was disclosed shortly after the White House made public the text of Japan's reply to Washington's request for an explanation on why Japanese troops are being massed in Indo-China.

The reply said troop movements are taking place to counteract similar movement on the French Indo-China border by Chinese troops, that reports of Japanese movements have been "exaggerated" and that the Japanese detachments are no larger than permitted by Japan's treayy with Vichy.

Japan Must Save Its Face

The White House released the text of the Japanese note without comment. This added force to the belief that the administration received other proposals which it desires to study and consequently did not comment on Tokio's reply in order to keep the diplomatic status unimpaired.

Authoritative sources said it was obvious that if negotiations are to continue Japan must cease forthwith all warlike moves, but it was conceded that if war is to be prevented, a face-saving formula must be found for Japanese.

Tokio's reply made public by the White House gave no hint of further negotiations. It was confirmed strictly to answering the American inquiry about troop movements in Indo-China.

Roosevelt Remains Hopeful

The memoranda reported to have been placed before the President were said to have incorporated a partial compliance with the American demand that Japan denounce her Axis alliance and call off her war with China.

There was no indication tonight what the administration's attitude would be toward any proposal that did not encompass complete compliance by Japan. One well-founded report, however, hinted that the President might counter any new Japanese proposals with a demand for a six months military moratorium designed to help adjust the Japanese political situation.

That proposals of this character are being discussed was seen in the comment of a high official who attended important meetings at the White House today.

"The President feels there is a ray of hope," said this official.

Apparently this hope was based on the possibilities for further discussion opened up by the five-point program said to have been laid before Mr. Roosevelt by the Japanese.

Five Points Are Outlined

1. While Japan would insist on maintaining the form of the Tri-Partite Pact it would nullify the Rome-Berlin-Tokio Axis by definition of aggression.

2. Japan would maintain troops in Indo-China at the number fixed by her treaty with Vichy when "military and strategic considerations" would permit. Obviously this meant controls over alleged Chinese troops near the Indo-China border. It was believed the Japanese were prepared to let American observers satisfy themselves that Japan was not overstepping the Tokio-Vichy treaty.

3. Japan would agree to a gradual withdrawal of her troops from China--with permission to maintain garrisons at strategic points.

4. The Dutch East Indies would be brought under a protectorate maintained by the British, the United States, and Japan.

5. Restoration of the trade with the United States on all non-military, commercial items, and gasoline would be considered a non-military item.

It was said the President himself would decide whether these points formed the basis for further negotiations. Secretary Hull is understood not to favor further temporization. He is said to believe the United States has Japan in an untenable position form which she will wriggle loose only if this country follows the course of appeasement.

© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 6, 1941

[BlitzburghBucco]

White Sox Hire Pirates Executive

By Toonius Thecatus
Post-Gazette Sports Editor and Mouse Catcher

CHICAGO, Dec. 6 - Chicago White Sox owner Gene McCoy announced in a press conference that he has hired Pirates vice president Wilhelm Allenberg as the team's new GM.

The White Sox, who have finished 5th or worst in the American League every year since finishing in 2nd in 1920, are coming off a season where they lost 97 games. They haven't broke even since finishing 85-69 in 1920.

[BlitzburghBucco]

PRESIDENT WILL REPLY TODAY TO JAP DECLARATION OF WAR

Heavy Loss Reported To Army and Navy In Attack On Hawaii

WASHINGTON, Monday, Dec.8 (AP) - Bombs from Japan made war on the United States today and as death tolls mounted President Roosevelt announced he would deliver in person today a special message to Congress

In the background as the commander-in-chief went before the joint session of the House and Senate was a Government report of "heavy" naval and "large" losses to the army.

Whether Mr. Roosevelt will ask for a formal declaration of war by this country, to match the action taken in Tokio, was left uncertain after a hurriedly summoned meeting of his cabinet and congressional leaders of both parties tonight at the White House. Also uncertain was whether that declaration might extend to Japan's Axis allies, Germany and Italy.

Congress Will Give Approval Quickly

It was clear from a statement made by the participants, however, that Congress would be requested to adopt a resolution of some nature, and equally clear that it would quickly give its approval. A request for governmental power equivalent to that under a war declaration was expected as a minimum.

War came suddenly to the United States early yesterday afternoon. Without warning, and while Japanese diplomats were still conducting negotiations for peace, the Japanese air force struck at Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Hickam Field, all in the Hawaiian Islands. Soon afterward, Japanese bombs were raining upon Guam and, later, portions of the Philippines were attacked.

As quickly as word of the first bursting bomb was received, the President as commander-in-chief called upon the army and navy to repel the attack. Far in advance of any action which Congress may take today, the United States was fighting an attack.

British Parliament Called

Tokio later announced its declaration of war on this country, and Great Britain as well. As was the case here, the British Parliament was called into special session for this afternoon to take action.

Quickly, many of the discordant elements which have been bickering over foreign policy for months, united in a solid front of support for the war. Senator Wheeler, Democrat, Montana, issued a statement declaring his support, and General Robert Wood, chairman of the America First Committee, made a similar declaration.

At the same time, the other republics of this hemisphere were rallying to the support of the United States. Canada declared war on Japan and so did Costa Rica. Mexico unhesitaingly[sic] ranged itself behind its northern neighbor. All the nations of the continent were officially informed of Japan's "treacherous attack" and the state department reported a heartening number of immediate sympathetic responses.

Battleship Rumored Sunk

And America's Allies in this war, too, were busy. In addition to the preparations for today's Parliament meeting in London, the government of the Dutch East Indies declared war on Japan.

Out in the far Pacific, meanwhile, American soldiers were dead or dying. War department estimates said that 104 service men had been killed on the Island of Oahu alone; with more than 300 wounded.

There was heavy damage in Honolulu residential districts, and the death list among civilians was large but uncounted.

The reference to "heavy' losses to the nave came from the White House itself, and led some to connect the phrase with recurrent unofficial reports that a battleship of the line had been sunk. There were unofficial reports, too, that a Japanese aircraft carrier had been sent to the bottom.

It was calm, unhurried capital that went to war today, a capital completely devoid of parades, cheerings[sic] and the usual exuberant outbursts of demonstrative patriotism. A cluster of people, peering through the pickets of the White House fence, and special guards posted at some buildings was the only outward evidence of what had taken place.

Surprise Raid Launches War

To start the struggle Japanese planes bombed Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and Hickam Field, Hawaii, without warning. In a broadcast frm Honolulu, some 350 soldiers were reported dead at Hickam Field, with numerous casualties at other points of attack.

At first the white House announced that Manila had been bombed. But the Associated Press correspondent there reported that Manila was quiet, and the White House later said it had been unable to get substantiating reports of this attack on the Philippine capital although Lieutenant General Douglas MacArthur subsequently reported raids on army bases in the islands.

Shortly after the Hawaiian bombings became known, the Tokio government announced that Japan had entered a state of war with the United States and Great Britain as of 6 a. m. Monday. (This would be 4 p. m. Sunday, E.S.T.).

As day broke over the Far Pacific, the White House announced that Japanese planes had also attacked the American-owned island naval base at Guam. Just previously the Navy had told of an unidentified squadron of planes appearing over the island. No further details were available.

But President Roosevelt hardly waited for the Japanese declaration. As soon as he hard of the bombing he ordered the Army and Navy to carry out previously prepared and highly-secret plans for the defense of the country.

Army airmen engaged Japanese fighting planes over Honolulu. In the city below them, the White House said, a heavy loss of life had been inflicted, together with extensive damage to property.

The Capital went onto a full wartime basis within an hour after the attacks were reported. IN addition to the President's orders to the Army and Navy, Secretary Simson ordered the mobilization of all military personnel. All officers were ordered to report in uniform.

Troop and Ship Movements Secret

Provost Marshal Guards, wearing steel helmets and carrying rifles, were stationed about the war department and other important centers.

And, from the war department came an announcement to the press that all information regarding the "strength, location, designation, composition, and movement of United States troops or army transports outside the continental limits of the United States are designated by the war department as secret and will be so considered under the law."

The meaning was plain: Any publication of such information would be followed by prosecution.

The Capital was amazed and surprised at the day's tragically dramatic developments. At most a Japanese attack of Thailand had been foreseen. That the Japs had attacked the distant Pearl Harbor stronghold and Honolulu seemed incredible.

Jap Envoys Excoriated by Hull

Apparently at almost the exact time of the Pacific bombings, the Japanese embassy called the state department for an appointment which carried the futile peace negotiations of the last few months to a fitful and flickering conclusion.

Tokio's two ambassadors here, Kichisaburo Nomura and Saburo Kurusu, were seeking an appointment. They arrived 20 minutes late for it and Secretary of State Hull kept them waiting for 15 more before receiving them.

Gone was the blithe breezy aplomb, which had characterized their numerous previous visits to the department. There was tight-lipped, almost embarrassed smile for newsmen, and an absolute refusal to answer questions. Kurusu paced the diplomatic reception room. Nomura sat solidly upon a leather divan, only a frequently tapping foot betraying his perturbation.

Finally they were admitted to the secretary's office .To him Nomura handed Japan's reply to this country's formula for peace in the Pacific. Gravely, Hull read it. Then the secretary of state turned toward the Japanese ambassador and in a "tone of the greatest indignation," as the department later described it, told him he had never seen a document so "crowded with infamous falsehoods and distortions." Wordlessly the Japanese left.

It was apparent immediately that the nation was uniting for the struggle ahead, forgetting the bitter battle of words between those who had opposed the administration's foreign policy and its supporters.


© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 8, 1941

[BlitzburghBucco]

Overview of the White Sox

Starting Pitchers

#28 RHP Monty Stratton
Age: 30 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 38 GS, 18-14, 3.23 ERA, 320 IP, 285 H, 21 HR, 137 BB, 145 K, 23 CG, 4 SHO
Career Stats: 262 GS, 111-114, 3.89 ERA, 2059 IP, 878 BB, 813 K, 135 CG, 13 SHO

Upon entering the league in 1934, Stratton was considered the best prospect in baseball, and showed some promise with two shutouts against the premier Browns and Yankees, however he finished 11-17 overall with a 5.25 ERA. However, in 1939, he tore the UCL in his pitching arm, and missed the last four months of of the season, and the beginning of 1940. He did bounce back to have a solid 1941, finishing 3rd in IP, 6th in K, 8th in ERA, 8th in WHIP, 5th in H/9, and 8th in VORP.

#29 RHP Johnny Rigney
Age: 28 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 39 GS, 15-21, 3.82 ERA, 306 IP, 290 H, 28 HR, 125 BB, 156 K, 23 CG, 2 SHO
Career Stats: 144 GS, 60-67, 3.96 ERA, 1147 IP, 500 BB, 530 K, 80 CG, 6 SHO

Rigney burst on the scene in 1937 after going 17-7 with a 1.70 ERA in 25 starts at AAA, en route to winning the Pitcher of the Year award in AAA. AIn the majors that season, he went 10-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 15 starts, completing 12 of them. He struggled to a 9-11 record in 1938 with a 4.96 ERA until he experienced shoulder soreness in mid-July, and finally his season ended on August 30th with a torn triceps muscle. He's since settled into the #2 spot in the rotation and is one of the top young pitchers in baseball.

#21 RHP Slick Castleman
Age: 29 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats (NYG) - 35 GS, 12-12, 3.34 ERA, 237.1 IP, 238 H, 12 HR, 76 BB, 101 K, 3 CG
Career Stats - 189 G, 177 GS, 74-57, 1 SV, 3.48 ERA, 1,203.2 IP, 346 BB, 500 K, 8 CG

Former GM Frank Kane traded for Castleman the day before he was let go and replaced by Wilhelm Allenberg. He's coming off a season that saw him earn his first All-Star nod. Castleman, who came over in exchange for journeyman outfielder Fabian Gaffke, was a solid reliable starter for the Giants, but doesn't typically go as deep into games as the White Sox typically like. He may be one of the Sox top starters, but at worst he'll be a very dependable #3 starter.

#15 LHP Pat Caraway
Age: 37 Bats: L Throws: L
1941 Stats - 39 GS, 12-20, 4.13 ERA, 263.2 IP, 292 H, 20 HR, 80 BB, 69 K, 3 CG
Career Stats - 414 GS, 151-166, 1 SV, 3.69 ERA, 2,952 IP, 1016 BB, 1071 K, 61 CG

Caraway, a six-time All-Star ('33, '34, '36, '37, '39, '40), is the veteran and only southpaw in the rotation. In the history of the White Sox, he ranks 7th in wins, 8th in games, 7th in games started, 8th in innings, and 7th in strikeouts, and third in VORP. He's clearly at the end of his career, but looks to have one more good season left in him before possibly being moved to the bullpen.

Overview of the White Sox

Catchers/Infield

#8 C Rick Ferrell
Age: 37 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 130 G, 431 AB, 112 H, 19 2B, 6 3B, 1 HR, 44 RBI, 57 BB, 30 K, .260/.345/.339, .684 OPS, 10.6 VORP, 1.9 WAR. 49.1 RTO%
Career Stats: 1350 G, 1362 H, 220 2B, 44 3B, 23 HR, 460 RBI, .278/.358/.355, .713 OPS, 78.2 VORP, 7.2 WAR

Ferrell is a long-time veteran, and his primary skills are reaching base and throwing out runners. He threw out nearly half of runners attempting to steal last season, on his way to his first Gold Glove award. Ferrell won't hit for a lot of power, but his on-base ability combined with his defense, makes him a very solid catcher.

#35 1B Jack Bolling
Age: 25 Bats: L Throws: L
1941 Stats: 91 G, 74 GS, 312 AB, 96 H, 26 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 26 BB, 13 K, .308/.358/.436, .794 OPS, 14.3 VORP, 1.2 WAR
Career: 235 G, 442 AB, 146 H, 32 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 54 RBI, .330/.380/.446, 28.7 VORP, 2.9 WAR

Bolling is a decent young first baseman who has solid contact skills, but doesn't really have the power or plate patience you'd like to see from a corner infielder. At best, Bolling continues to be a solid contact hitter with a little eye, drives the ball to the gaps, and is a mediocre glove. At worst, his hits stop falling in and he turns into a liability. Expect the White Sox to at least give him all of 1942 as a tryout.

#19 2B George Meyer
Age: 33 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 102 G, 87 GS, 359 AB, 18 2B, 6 3B, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 37 BB, 52 K, .276/.345/.409, 17.4 VORP,
Career Stats: 374 G, 356 H, 60 2B, 22 3B, 18 HR, 121 RBI, .280/.344/.404, .748 OPS, 52.1 VORP, 5.2 WAR

Meyer didn't break into the majors until 1938 at 29 years old, but in his four seasons he's proven to be a solid second baseman with ability to get on base and to field decent. He's not a middle of the order hitter, nor will he win a Gold Glove, but he does both things well enough to be considered a solid starter.

#57 SS Cobe Jones
Age: 35 Bats: S Throws: R
1941 Stats: 17 G, 53 AB, 11 H, 3 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 4 K, .208/.259/.264, .523 OPS, -1.0 VORP, 0.0 WAR
Career Stats: 660 G, 1700 AB, 450 H, 105 2B, 14 3B, 14 HR, 217 RBI, .264/.327/.369, .695 OPS, 36.1 VORP, 3.6 WAR

Cobe Jones isn't exactly the ideal short stop. He's dumb, lazy, old, can't hit, and is merely an average fielder. This position will probably be the most priority to upgrade.

#18 3B Merv Connors
Age: 28 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 148 G, 563 AB, 145 H, 16 2B, 5 3B, 20 HR, 95 RBI, 87 BB, 111 K, .258/.354/.410, .765 OPS, 24.8 VORP, 2.8 WAR
Career Stats: 732 G, 2,835 AB, 761 H, 106 2B, 22 3B, 110 HR, 444 RBI, .268/.348/.438, .786 OPS, 145.5 VORP, 14.5 WAR

Finally, someone that can somewhat swing the stick. Connors was the only player on the team with more than six homeruns, and the only one above 44 RBI. He's also an above average fielding 3B. He's not the most powerful hitter in the league, and he's miscast as a cleanup hitter in a weak lineup, but he's a solid, smart hitter, and you could do much worse on the hot corner.

Overview of the White Sox

Outfield

#12 LF Larry Rosenthal
Age: 32 Bats: L Throws: L
1941 Stats: 103 G, 311 AB, 21 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 50 BB, 33 K, .228/.330/.328, .658 OPS, -5.1 VORP, 0.5 WAR
Career Stats: 647 G, 563 H, 127 2B, 26 3B, 27 HR, 266 RBI, 407 BB, 247 K, .266/.382/.770, 74.1 VORP, 7.4 WAR

Rosenthal is starting to age a bit, and is coming off a subpar year by his standards. He's still a quality fielder though, +11.0 ZR in '41, and has the ability to take walks. If a few more balls fall in, Rosenthal is a quality leadoff hitter, and a solid corner outfielder, even though he's more of a gap hitter than a power bat.

#23 CF Wildfire Craft
Age: 27 Bats: R Throws: R
1941 Stats: 96 G, 235 AB, 12 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 24 BB, 16 K, .238/.303/.319, .622 OPS, -6.0 VORP, 0.4 WAR
Career Stats: 354 G, 916 AB, 242 H, 47 2B, 22 HR, 120 RBI, 53 BB, 61 K, .264/.310/.405, 13.2 VORP, 1.3 WAR

Craft has been a role player for the White Sox since coming over in a trade before the 1940 season with Cincinnati. He has great range, and speed, and under Allenberg's strategy of building with strong defense up the middle, he'll likely be the Pale Hose every day centerfielder in 1942.

#5 RF Lefty Watwood
Age: 37 Bats: L Throws: L
1941 Stats: 118 G, 419 AB, 123 H, 13 2B, 7 3B, 0 HR, 32 RBI, 63 BB, 23 K, .294/.389/.358, .747 OPS, 13.6 VORP, -.6 WAR
Career Stats: 1,578 games, 1668 H, 259 2B, 100 3B, 24 HR, 589 RBI, 759 BB, 331 K, .297/.380/.392, .771 OPS, 159.6 VORP, 16 WAR

Watwood was miscast as a center fielder in 1941, and as such played terrible defense out there. Under the new regime, Watwood will be moved to right field to get his bat in the lineup, and possibly reduce the impact of his weak glove. He has an okay range, but his arm leaves something to be desired. His career .380 OBP means he plays, though.

.

[BlitzburghBucco]

Sox Set To Begin Season

Tomer Believes Team Can Contend

PASADENA, Ca. - White Sox manager George Tomer, who completed his first season as the skipper of the Pale Hose in 1941, and was retained by new GM Wilhelm Allenberg, believes that his team has the talent it'll need to drag themselves out of the American League doldrums.

The White Sox have been playing American League baseball since 1882, but have yet to win a single league pennant. They've finished second only once, in 1920, when they finished 21 games behind a Philadelphia Athletics team that won 106 games powered by Shoeless Joe Jackson and the pitching of Chief Bender.

In fact, the White Sox have had only one winning season since that 1920 team, when they went 79-75 in 1927. They've finished 7th in the American League the last two seasons, losing 87 games in 1940, and a deplorable 97 games last year, leading to the hiring of Allenberg to take the team in a new direction.

Personally, this writer believes that this team is a bit too old and not enough punch in the lineup to get the team back to respectability. With a war on in the Pacific, and in Europe, the White Sox farm system is expected to offer up its available manpower to Uncle Sam to help defeat fascism in our time.

Notes From Around The League -

New York Yankees ace reliever Bill Weir had his number come up with the local draft board, and has reported to Fort Lewis in Washington state for basic training....Indians pitcher Burrhead Dobson, who started 27 games for the Tribe in 1940, will miss the season with a shoulder injury.....Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig begins the season just 20 homeruns shy of 600, and 77 behind all-time leader and Boston Red Sox great Babe Ruth.

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[BlitzburghBucco]

"No Atheists in Fox Holes"

Life on Corregidor Same as on Bull's Eye

Officer, Back from Philippines, Praises Heroism of Selectees in Bataan Battle

WASHINGTON, April 12 - (AP) - An army officer just returned from Corregidor reported today that living on the Philippine fortress island was "like living on a bull's eye."

Lieutenant Colonel Warren J. Clear, an infantry officer who reached the Capital by way of Australia, said that since the loss of the Bataan peninsula Corregidor would be the target of everything the Japanese have.

"There are literally no places where bombs are not likely to fall," he said in an interview on a war department-sponsored "Army Hour" radio program.

"But the Japanese attacking Corregidor must still combat American courage and American marksmanship and American ingenuity and American steadfastness," he added.

Points to Food Shortage

Clear said that two months ago - as early as February 5 - the defenders of Bataan were reduced to eating their pack mules, and for weeks they had no vegetables, eggs nor citrus fruit.

"Occasionally they were fortunate enough to bag wild pig and Carabao, or water buffaloes, but they were few and far between," he related. "Every day our men grew more and more undernourished, more exhausted, from lack of food and sleep; but despite their exhaustion I never heard a complaint from them.

"The heroism of these men out there is more glorious because they knew all the time that the persistent efforts of the war department to bring them relief and supplies were doomed to failure.

"They knew they were making a last stand. They cheered each ship that arrived; but they knew that for every ship that did get there, at least two had been destroyed. And they fought on to the end. Our forces on Bataan collapsed because they were physically exhausted."

Selectees Act Like Veterans

The Japanese, he related, knowing the defenders were short of manpower, concentrated at night on preventing sleep or rest.

Newly-arrived selectees, Clear reported, "stood up right alongside the old timers" as fighting men.

The officer said that he and a sergeant who shared the same foxhole prayed audibly during one particularly heavy bombing attack. The sergeant, Clear related, observed afterward that "there are no atheists in fox-holes."

© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 13, 1942

[BlitzburghBucco]

[BlitzburghBucco]

Bumbling Browns Blow Game to Sox, Six Run Seventh Sinks St. Louis.

CHICAGO - (AP) - Chicago White Sox starter Gander Stratton gave up six runs in six innings while walking six, but the Browns defense couldn't put it away for starter Russ Van Atta, allowing six unearned runs in the seventh inning, powering the White Sox to an opening day 8-6 win. Buck Marrow who came on in relief in the top of the seventh picked up the win, and Dutch Henry finished the game.

The Browns jumped out to an early three run lead in the top of the first inning, when Johnny Locadello walked, Buck Jordan doubled, Wally Judnich walked, and Harlond Clift drove Locadello in with a ground out. After a Gene Hermanski flyout, Mel Mazzera tripled in both Jordan and Judnich. The Sox answered in the bottom of the inning with a Rick Ferrell single, a Merv Connors walk, and back to back base hits from Jack Bolling and George Meyer.

Rosenthall and Connors reached by error in the bottom of the seventh when Bolling doubled them in. After an error by Browns catcher allowed George Meyer to reach, Cobe Jones was hit by a pitch. That brought up center fielder Harry Craft who hit a 2-2 pitch 444 feet to right field for a three run shot.

The attendance was 7,604.

Bulletins

MOSCOW, Tuesday, April 14 (AP) - Destruction of 322 German planes
in the past week, bringing the total since March 11 to 1,103, was
announced last night by the Soviet information bureau. Russia lost
340 planes during the same period.

* * *

LONDON, Tuesday, April 14. - (UP) - German planes bombed four districts
in England last night, including the first inland raid in five months, in
retaliation for an earlier RAF raid over France. The Midlands raid was
the heaviest since November 1. Three persons were killed in an East
Coast town.

* * *

CHUNGKING, Tuesday, April 14. - (UP) - American Volunteer Group fliers
have shot down or damaged at least 35 Japanese planes since roaring
back into the thick of the battle for Burma last Wednesday.

* * *

LONDON, Tuesday, April 14. - (AP) - The German Air Force is on the
defense in every theater of war and now has about 4,000 first line
planes, the "Daily Express" air reporter, Basil Cardew wrote today.

* * *

LONDON, Tuesday, April 14. - (UP) - An estimated 250,000 German
troops in Norway were reported to be shifting their main weight
northward, raising the possibility of a march against Murmansk
aimed at taking that Russian port of entry for Allied supplies.

White Sox Make Move For Shortstop

CHICAGO - White Sox GM Wilhelm Allenberg announced that the team has claimed on waivers shortstop Eppie Miller from the Cincinnati Reds. While Miller isn't the strongest hitter, he's a career .193 hitter in 166 at-bats, Miller is a superior defender and in 1936, was considered the #30 prospect in all of baseball.

"Miller gives us a strong defender at a position where a great glove has the most importance," said Allenberg. Though he was non-committal, it is believed that the White Sox are going to continue to explore avenues of upgrading at the shortstop position.

Medwick and Salveson Dealt

Wednesday, April 15th, 1942: It took some time to iron out the details, but the Cardinals and Dodgers have agreed to a swap. Brooklyn will get 31-year-old left fielder Joe Medwick and 23-year-old minor league shortstop Bobby Sturgeon with St. Louis receiving 29-year-old reliever Jack Salveson in return. A source close to the trade talks said the two clubs were initially looking to make a bigger deal, but discussions broke off late last night. The two sides reconvened early today and eventually settled on this deal.

His numbers show Medwick is carrying a .314 lifetime batting average with 122 home runs and 797 RBIs.

Salveson's career stats shape up like this: In 345.1 innings he has struck out 153, walked 130 and saved 42 games while compiling a 21-27 record and a 3.54 ERA.

White Sox Finish Sweep of Browns

4/15/42 - W St. Louis (A) 5 @ Chicago (A) 6 - 1B Jack Bolling reaches by error in the bottom of the 8th, and Bolling gets singled in by Harry Craft. Buck Marrow pitches a scoreless ninth.

4/16/42 - W St. Louis (A) 1 @ Chicago (A) 8 - SP Slick Castleman in his White Sox debut, throws 7 2/3 innings, allowing only one run, and chipped in with an RBI double. Merv Connors and Jack Bolling both hit homeruns.

Connors' Blast in 10th Scalps Indians

CLEVELAND - (AP) - White Sox third baseman Merv Connors hit the second pitch in the top of the 10th inning far over the centerfield wall in Cleveland Stadium to give Chicago a 4-3 lead. Veteran reliever Dutch Henry allowed a single in the bottom of the 10th, but got the next to hitters to fly out and ground out to end the game.

37 year old starter Pat Caraway went six strong innings, walking only one and giving up three runs, two earned. First baseman Jack Bolling continued his hot hitting with three hits in five at-bats.

The White Sox are still waiting to hear the fate of injured pitcher Johnny Rigney, who was injured on the 15th.

.

[BlitzburghBucco]

Rigney Out Two Months, Sox Acquire Lohrman

CHICAGO (AP) - Today, the Chicago White Sox received word that one of their starting pitchers, Johnny Rigney, would miss two months with a partially torn labrum muscle. To replace him on the roster, they traded AA first baseman Jake Jones to the Philadelphia Phillies for former top prospect Bill Lohrman.

Lohrman, 29, was once one of the top prospects in baseball, making three minor-league all-star teams. In the majors however, he hasn't quite put it together yet. In 34 games, including 15 starts, Lohrman has pitched 147 innings over five yeras, with a 4.40 ERA, and a 7-9 record.

White Sox Drop Two in a Row

4/18/42 - L - CWS 0 CLE 4
Monty Stratton went the distance in a losing effort, even after Indians ace Bob Feller left the game in the second inning. The Sox couldn't touch the Indians bullpen, however. Jack Bolling had another hit and a walk.

4/19/42 - L - CWS 4 CLE 6
A three-run sixth inning off of newly acquired Bill Lohrman gave the Indians a 6-0 lead, which the White Sox couldn't do anything about until scoring a run in the seventh, and then rallied for three in the ninth, but 2B George Meyer struck out with Jack Bolling on first to end the rally. Buck Marrow pitched two scoreless innings.

Sox Miller's Error Leads to Slam in 10th, Detroit Drops Chicago 5-1

Castleman and Trout Duel to 9th

CHICAGO - White Sox shortstop Eppie Miller dropped a double-play ball with two runners on in the top of the 10th, and Tigers outfielder George Metkovich hit the next pitch over the fence in right center for a grand slam, giving the Tigers a 5-1 lead, which is how the game ended.

Both Detroit starter Dizzy Trout and Sox starter Slick Castlemen went eight innings apiece, each allowing only one run. The Sox brought in their ace reliever Buck Marrow, who walked an uncharacteristic three batters.

1B Jack Bolling had his 13-game hitting streak snapped, as he went 0-4.

Sox Split Back End of Series with Tigers

4/21/42 - W - DET 2 CWS 4

Merv Connors broke out in a big way with three hits, and driving two, while 37 year old Pat Caraway went eight innings, allowing only two runs, and chipped in with a double and a triple.

4/22/42 - L - DET 4 CWS 1

Though the White Sox managed to draw five walks, they only managed three hits off of Tigers ace youngster Virgil Trucks. Monty Stratton went the distance for the Sox allowing four runs, three earned, and walked six while striking out four.

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[BlitzburghBucco]

Gas Rationing In District Begins May 15; British Navy Guards Against Vichy Fleet

Average Autoist Allowed Five Gallons Weekly

Card System Set Up by OPA Declared Only Stop-Gap; May Give More After July 1

WASHINGTON, April 22.-(AP)- The Government will place gasoline under a "meal ticket" rationing system, May 15, in 17 Eastern states and the District of Columbia, it was disclosed today with 2 1/2 to five gallons a week mentioned as the likely allotment for average motorists.

A source close to Secretary Ickes, the petroleum coordinator, expressed the view, however, that the 2 1/2 gallon figure was "unwarrantedly pessimistic" and that the ration more likely would be around 25 gallons a month.

The Office of Price Administration announced the plan was the temporary stop-gap pending establishment of "a more elaborate and comprehensive coupon rationing system" about July 1.

Trucks Not Affected

Automobile owners will be issued gasoline rationing cards during a three-day registration period beginning May 12. Operators of trucks and other motor vehicles "easily recognized as commercial vehicles" will not be required to obtain ration cards and their purchases of gasoline will not be restricted.

OPA said the ration cards would resemble meal or commutation tickets and would contain seven squares, each representing a unit of gasoline which the ticket holder would be entitled to buy anytime between May 15 and July 1. The number of gallons in each "unit" will be announced shortly before May 15 and may be changed later, depending upon the supply situation.

Service station attendants will tear off, mark, or punch a square for each unit of gasoline delivered to a ration card holder.

Few Vacation Trips

Taking effect on the eve of the summer vacation season, the plan will permit only a bare margin of luxury driving and will force motorists to choose between using their automobiles for vacation trips or daily transportation.

Thus a motorist may, if he wishes, buy all of his ration card units at one time. However, if he uses up his card before July 1, he will not be issued another.

Supplemental cards, providing increased allowances of gasoline, will be issued upon application to doctors, war workers, and others whose work requires mileage greater than that permitted under the basic rationing allowance.

Registrants may appeal hardship cases to local rationing boards, and obtain additional allowances on proof of need.

The ration allowance of two and one-half to five gallons a week for ordinary motorists would be far below the average consumption of gas by passenger cars in the past. The American Automobile Association reported that this average was 55 gallons a month or more than 12 gallons a week, during 1941.

In 1940, passenger cars consumed an average of 653 gallons a year, trucks 1,107 gallons, and buses 5,036 gallons. The average for all vehicles in that year was 742 gallons.

Because of transportation shortages as a result of tanker sinkings, curtailment of gasoline supplies in the east new is "so severe that supplying passenger cars on a first-come, first served basis is obviously inadequate," Price Administrator Leon Henderson declared.

"Every day's delay in instituting a rationing plan spells injustice for the consumer as well as inefficiency for our war effort. That is why an interim plan, one the at is simple and can be put into effect within three weeks, is imperative."

OPA said simplicity of the plan was demonstrated by the fact that motorists need only present automobile registration cards to obtain rationing cards. Owners of more than one car will be allowed a card for each automobile.

The ration allowances will be figured on the basis of a total ration for the 45-day period between May 1 and July 1, OPA explained. Officials declined to estimate the probable allowance for each automobile, but it was understood that the amount would not exceed an average of five gallons a week and might be as low as two and one-half gallons, depending upon the supply picture at the time the figure is officially set.

Cont...

Inboard Motors Hit

Owners of motorcycles will be alloted a smaller amount of gasoline than automobile owners, but small-size motor cars will receive the same gallonage as lager automobiles.

Owners of inboard motor boats not used commercially will also be required to obtain ration cards while a normal supply of gasoline will be allowed for other non-hihgway purposes, including outboard motorboats, farm tractors, gasoline engines, stoves and furances and cleaning establishments. In such cases, however, owners will be required to sign a declaration that the gasoline will not be used on the highways.

Automobile owners driving from states outside the rationing area may obtain ration cards upon presentation of their registration certificates at the local rationing board nearest the border.

States in which gasoline will be rationed are: Connecticut, Delaware, FLorida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The rationing cards issued to ordinary morists will be known as "A" cards.

"Doctors, war workers and others whose vocatiosn require mileage greater than that provided by the basic allowance may apply for supplemental cards," OPA said. "Cards 'B1, 'B2" and 'B3' will be issued to passenger car owners who state in an application that their gasoline needs fall within certain specified mileage limits.

Special Cards Provided

"The 'B1' cards will contain 11 'unit' squares; the 'B2' card will have 15 squares; and the 'B3' card 19. As in the case of the 'A' card, the amount of gasoline each 'unit' wil lrepresent has not been determined. An 'A' unit also may differ from a 'B' unit.

"In addition to the 'A' and 'B' cards there will be an 'X' card to be issued to car owners whose gasoline needs cannot be estimated in a definite number of miles. A doctor, for example might qualify for an 'X' card.

"Forms for making applications for 'B' and 'X' cards will be supplied at the time of registration, and may be filled out at the registration site. Rationing cards will be issued at that time to those who qualify.

"Any registrant who feels he is suffering especial harship because of the particular rationing card issued him may appeal later to the local rationing board. He will be issued supplemental rations if he can show need."

© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 23, 1942

[BlitzburghBucco]

Tigers Maul White Sox 15-4

DETROIT - The Tigers sent 11 men to the plate in the bottom of the first, scoring seven runs and didn't look back as they went on to beat the White Sox 15-4 when all was said and done.

Tigers ace Hal Newhouser went eight innings, giving up four runs, walking six, and striking out seven. He also went 4-4 at the plate, driving in three runners. Hal Maggert also went 4-4 and drove in three.

Harry Craft hit his second homerun of the season. The White Sox fall to 5-5.

Tigers Rookie Hutchinson Shuts Down Pale Hose

DETROIT - Once again, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first, and that proved to be all they needed, as Chicago could only manage two runs in the fourth inning on a couple Tigers fielding miscues, and the Tigers answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, giving them a 6-2 win.

Tigers hurler Fred Hutchinson, making his first major league start the day after his major league debut in an inning of relief the night before, went the distance allowing only six hits, two unearned runs, two walks, and he struck out six.

Chicago starter Slick Castleman also went the distance walking two and striking out three. Harry Craft and Jack Bolling each chipped in with two hits, and George Meyer had a double.

White Sox Announce Dutch Henry Will Retire
Friday, April 24th, 1942

CHICAGO - 40 Year old Chicago reliever Dutch Henry revealed today at a press conference that he will retire at the end of the year.

Since he broke in in 1927, Henry has picked up 31 wins, 62 losses and 58 saves. He has posted a 4.61 ERA and recorded 235 strikeouts in 777 innings.

Sox Split Two at Home with Tribe

4/25/1942 - L - CLE 6 CWS 3

Sox starter Pat Caraway allowed a three run homerun to Tribe slugger Tony Cuccinello, and then Steve Gromek followed up with another homerun to give the Indians a 4-1 lead that they never gave up. Bruce Campbell hit his first homerun for the Pale Hose, and Jack Lanning pitched four scoreless. Jack Bolling had three singles.


4/26/1942 - W - CLE 2 CWS 3

Monty Stratton and Chief Harder both went the distance, but Stratton emerged the victor as the White Sox split the series with a 3-2 win. Stratton struck out one, walked one, but also chipped in with an RBI. Johnny Watwood had three hits, including two triples.

LOHRMAN EARNS FIRST WIN, SOX SINK SENS 4-2

WASHINGTON (D.C.) - AP - White Sox hurler Bill Lohrman and Senators starter Sid Hudson both went the distance, but Lohrman was able to outduel is mound opponent as the White Sox won yesterday afternoon 4-2.

Chicago first baseman Jack Bolling doubled in Merv Connors, who had walked to lead off the second inning. Eppie Miller Doubled in George Meyer in the fourth. Chicago's defense allowed back to back errors in the fifth inning, allowing two unearned runs, but that's all the Senators offense could manage. Harry Craft put the Pale Hose up for good in the seventh with a two-run single.

Sox Sweep Hapless Senators

4/29/1942 - W - CWS 7 WAS 4

The White Sox pounded out 14 hits, and George Meyer led the way with three RBI including a two-run homerun. Woody Rich and Buck Lanning combined for four scoreless relief innings.

4/30/1942 - W - CWS 4 WAS 2

Chicago veteran hurler Pat Caraway outmatched Washington's young star Early Wynn, and Jack Bolling provided the punch at the plate with two hits and two RBI.

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[BlitzburghBucco]

Economic Controls Tightened

Plans Are Made To Restrict Use of Electricity If Necessary

WASHINGTON, April 30. - (AP) - Machinery for placing restrictions on residential use of electricity, if this becomes necessary, was established today as the Government tightened some existing economic controls and disclosed plans to use professional shoppers to police retail price ceilings.

At the same time, the possibility developed that curtailment in use of gasoline may be extended to some additional states as a step to help ease the shortage on the Eastern Seaboard.

Divert 14,000 Tank Cars

An official disclosed that plans for increased rail shipment of petroleum products to the East Coast called for diversion of 14,000 tank cars from service in the Midwest. He emphasized that there was no certainty that this would necessitate curtailment in other areas, but said it might mean limitations on gasoline consumption in all states east of the Mississippi.

On the other hand, the situation in the Pacific Northwest states was reported improved, raising hte possibility that restrictions on gas consumption might be eased there.

The War Production Board order set up a power control system under which WPB, when it finds a shortage of electricity is in prospect in any area, may restrict or prohibit the use of power by any consumer during peak periods.

It also provides, when advisable, for elimination of all non-essential lighting such as signs, show windows, etc., and for restrictions on consumption by residential users.

Only if Necessary

The purpose of the restrictions to be made effective only in event of necessity, would be to assure power for war industries.

Without naming them, the WPA said "in some areas shortages of electric power already have occurred and in others further shortages are threatened."

War At A Glance

• The eighth day of the RAF non-stop bombardment of Nazi-held territory brought fiery raids on the Gnome-Rhone motor works and the Goodrich rubber factory outside Paris.
  
  
• Hitler, Mussolini and General Oshima, Japanese ambassador to Berlin, will meat probably today in Munich to discuss war plans, reportedly t o"merge all fronts into one gigantic front."
  
  
• Lashio, terminus of the Burma road and depot for American lend-lease supplies, fell into Japanese hands, but they received a blazing city, the lend-lease war materials being burned before their arrival.
  
  
• American and Australian fliers again have smashed at teh enemy base at Lae, New Guinea, destroying or crippling 20 planes caught on the gorund. Recently arrived Catalina flying boats took part in the raid.
  
  
• Along the Kalinin front, a Red army tank brigade claims to have destroyed 168 Nazi tanks and annihilated 14,000 officers and men.
  
  
• Premier Joseph Stalin of Russia pledged in a May Day order to the nation that Russia has no territorial ambitions in foreign lands and seeks only to annihilate the "German Facist Blackguards."

© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 21, 1942

[BlitzburghBucco]

Sox Drop Series Opener in Philly 4-2

PHILADELPHIA - The White Sox moved into Shibe Park to take on the Athletics, and lost the first game of the series 4-2. Despite all of Chicago's starters reaching by hit, they could only manage two runs, as Philadelphia used homeruns from Bill Knickerbocker and Sam Chapman to take the opening game.

Monty Stratton went the distance for Chicago walking six and striking out three. Al Benton picked up the win for the A's, walking one and striking out four in six innings.

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[BlitzburghBucco]

White Sox Losing Streak Hits Five

5/1/42 - L - CWS 2 @ PHA 4

Monty Stratton went eight innings, and the Sox outhit the Athletics 11-8, but they could only push two men across. Bill Knickerbocker and Sam Chapman both hit homeruns for Philadelphia.

5/2/42 - L - CWS 1 @ PHA 3

Bill Lohrman only allowed one earned run as a George Meyer error allowed two runs to score, and once again the White Sox offense wasn't able to muster much of a threat against the young southpaw Lefty Gerheauser.

5/3/42 - L - CWS 0 @ NYY 12

Yanks ace Hank Borowy held the Pale Hose to only two hits, and the Bronx Bombers teed off on White Sox pitchers, including homeruns from Gabby Glenn, Charlie Keller, and Joe DiMaggio.

5/4/42 - L - CWS 0 @ NYY 1

Veteran Pat Caraway went the distance in a gem allowing only five hits and an unearned run, but the anemic White Sox offense couldn't do anything against long-time Yankee great Lefty Gomez, who earned his 294th career victory.

5/5/42 - L - CWS 5 @ NYY 7

The Sox took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the 6th inning, but three consecutive doubles from Lyn Lary, Joe Glenn, Joe Gordon, and a single from Lou Gehrig, followed by a triple from Joe DiMaggio put the Yanks ahead 6-4. Both teams exchanged runs in the eighth, but the Sox were unable to regain the lead.

[BlitzburghBucco]

White Sox Halt Skid in Beantown

BOSTON - (AP) - Joe Tucker, a rookie centerfielder who usually is a defensive replacement, made a spot start and hit his first homerun, a grand slam in the sixth inning, powering the White Sox to an 8-4 win, their first win in almost a week.

Sox pitcher Bill Lohrman went the distance, allowing four runs on eight hits. Jack Bolling and Johnny Watwood each had three hits for Chicago.

[BlitzburghBucco]

Boston Splits Series With Chicago

BOSTON - (AP) - Big Bill Lee allowed only one run on four hits as the Red Sox split their two-game set with the White Sox, earning a 3-1 victory yesterday. Johnny Pesky doubled in two runs in the sixth inning.

[BlitzburghBucco]

U.S. Sinks Seven Jap Warships, Five Others Damaged or Sunk

Victory Off Solomon Islands Eases Peril to Supply Line

Nipponese Lose Six Planes In Same Action; Total U.S. Loss Put at Three Aircraft

BULLETIN!

United Press Staff Writer
GENERAL MacARTHUR's HEADQUARTERS, Melbourne, Friday, May 8.- A great naval and air battle is "now taking place" in the southwest Pacific, it was announced officially today. There was no immediate elaboration as to the forces engaged or as to the specific scene of the battle. The bare official announcement said: "A great naval and air action is now taking place in the southwest Pacific area."

* * *

WASHINGTON, May 7 - (UP) - The United States Navy has one one of the greatest sea battles of the war by sinking or damaging 12 Japanese ships, seven of them warships, in a great action on May 4 on the northeast Australian front off the Solomon Islands.

Seven warships were listed as sunk: One light cruiser; two destroyers and four gunboats. A supply vessel also went down.

News of the great victory came a little more than 24 hours after announcement of the fall of Corregidor, last strong American position in the Philippines, and was considered ample revenge for that defeat plus the loss of a number of United States warships in the battle of the Java Sea during February.

Destruction of the Japanese fleet, it was felt, had removed an immediate menace to the vital supply line from the United States to General MacArthur's forces in Australia.

Eight of the Ships "Definitely" Sunk

Eight of the ships were definitely sunk and four were badly damaged.

In addition, six Japanese planes were destroyed.

The action was carried out with the loss of but three United States planes.

The Japanese fleet presumably was part of a Japanese invasion force that had been reported moving toward the Solomon Islands.

The Navy also revealed that United States submarines in the Far East in separate actions had sunk three enemy vessels - a medium-sized cargo ship, a medium-sized tanker and a small cargo ship.

Text of the Communique

Text of the navy communique No. 77 as of 4 p.m. EWT today:

Southwest Pacific:

"1. Very excellent news has been received. A naval engagement between United States and Japanese forces on May 4 resulted in the following damage to the enemy >

"(a) One light cruiser, two destroyers, four gunboats and one supply vessel were sunk.

"(b) One 9,000-ton seaplane tender, one light cruiser, one cargo vessel and one transport were badly damaged.

"(c) Six planes were destroyed.

"2. This highly successful action took place in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands and was accomplished with the loss of but three planes.

Far East:

"3. United States submarines on patrol in the Far East have sunk the following enemy vessels: One medium-sized cargo ship, one medium-sized tanker and one small cargo ship.

"4. The above actions have not been announced in any previous Navy Department communique.

"5. There is nothing to report from other areas."

The communique said merely that the battle took place "in the vicinity of the Solomon Islands, which are northeast of Australia, slightly to the east of Japan's strong land, sea and air bases on New Britain and New Guinea islands and north of the new American base on Free French New Caldonia Island.

The area is one in which the Japanese navy nominally has been considered dominant and would indicate that a powerful American force, probably a task force based on Hawaii was involved.

The fact that a number of planes were involved would indicate that the American force included at least one aircraft carrier.

Japan has many land-based planes in the vicinity, at Rabaul, on New Britain, and on the Japanese mandate island bases to the northward. The battle, however, probably took place outside the range of Nipponese fighter craft.

The communique did not reveal the number of Japanese ships involved but it appeared that most of the Nipponese force probably was wiped out.

Subs Sink Three More

It disclosed that United States submarines, in separate actions in the Far East, had sunk three other Japanese vessels - a medium-sized cargo ship, a medium-sized tanker and a small cargo boat.

American armed forces now have sunk, probably sunk or damaged a grand total of 238 ships since Pearl Harbor was attacked. On January 31, in raids on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, our forces sent 16 enemy ships to the bottom.

It was believed that the three Nipponese merchantmen sunk by our patrol sumbarines were caught off the island of Yyushu, in Nipponese home waters and within a short distance of one of the Japanese navy's home bases.


© Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 8, 1942