California Cool: the story of Jack Bennett

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Jack Bennett was a man who was looking for a change in his livelihood. He was from Morgantown, West Virginia, a small college town on the Monongalia River near the Pennsylvania line, born on February 3, 1915. The state university of West Virginia, West Virginia University, was what brought most people together.

Bennett grew up from rather modest means, and living in a state without a major league team, the only team nearby was the Pittsburgh Pirates which played 70 miles away, but in pre modern highways, felt much longer away.

Bennett was a football and baseball player at Morgantown High School, home of the Mohigans. He graduated in 1933, and then went to WVU following that. He played on the freshman football team there, and also the baseball team. After 2 years he had to drop out to support a family he was starting.

He got married in 1935, right in the middle of the Great Depression, and got a job at Morgantown's Sears department store. He was an electronics manager. He and his wife Rebecca birthed two kids, and Jack went up the line at Sears, eventually becoming assistant manager of the store right before World War II.

On December 7, 1941, after Japan invaded Pearl Harbor, Bennett enlisted in the Navy. He moved his family to Norfolk, Virginia, where he lived after he spent some time on shipwatch in the Atlantic Ocean. He spent 3.5 years in the Navy before getting honorably discharged after the war in 1945.

Bennett started working in a department store again, but he got the itch for coaching while he was overseas.

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Norfolk, being the center of the United States Military operation in World War II, and the largest Naval base in the country, was the place where Bennett and his family settled after the war. His daughter Sandra, and son Daniel found a place, and after the experience working in department stores before the war, Bennett wanted something different.

Rebecca worked during the war effort in manufacturing like many other women at the time with their husbands overseas, and she wanted to raise a family. Meanwhile, the local baseball team, the Norfolk Tars were looking for someone to help with them. The Tars were affiliated with the New York Yankees, which provided some of their top prospects of the time.

Jack Bennett got a job helping in the ticketing office of the Tars for the 1946 season, and helped to build the attendance of the team after World War II. He continued to work at the department store while he was helping with the team part-time.

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As the manager of the Norfolk Tars, Bennett is charged with finding some of the New York Yankees top prospects. Whitey Ford, a top pitching prospect, is one of the players who will start the year here.

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The Charlotte Hornets of the Tri-State League have seen the services of Jack Bennett, and as the Hornets will pay more than the Tars, plus the constant player movement in the lowest level of minor league baseball, Bennett has decided to take that job in the BC level. The Hornets are a Washington Senators affiliate.

The rest of the family will stay in Norfolk while Bennett starts his season in Charlotte.

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The Hornets have struggled through the first 3 games of the season, losing all of them to Reidsville and also having 3 players get called up to higher levels. They lost 6-3, 5-2 and 6-3 to the Luckies.

Now they host Spartanburg for 4 games to start the home schedule.

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After getting swept by Reidsville, the Hornets came back to Charlotte for the home cooking and won 5 of 7 games against Spartanburg and Anderson. 3 of 4 against the Peaches, 2 of 3 against the Rebels.

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The announcement of possible expansion (at the 1946 Winter Meetings) has placated cities wanting to become big league.

The American League has wanted to expand the pie and become a ten team league, and will do so for the 1948 season. After that, the National League could expand for the 1949 season.

All expansion requires an unanimous vote of the other 8 American League teams, or the 8 in the National League.

The vote will be announced June 12 in New York.

More than 15 cities have expressed interest in expansion teams. 33 of the 34 metropolitan districts in the US (all but Scranton-Wilkes Barre) have expanded population since 1940.

The cities which are interested in the expansion range from obvious choices such as Los Angeles and San Francisco to places like Memphis and Seattle who just want to gauge interest for a possibility later on. Each team will cost about $1.2 million. With as many as four cities being picked, this expansion could have impact for decades. I will go over the cities and analyze their chances.

Expected favorites

Los Angeles

1947 civilian population: 3,916,875

The City of Angels has been looked at as a possible Major League city for years now. There have been several false starts. The St. Louis Browns came within a day of moving there, but the start of World War II six years ago scuttled that.

Still, with a fast growing population, Hollywood + television, and the chance to tap into the largest market on the West Coast and the 3rd largest in the country, it looks to be an odds-on favorite. A problem is the two Pacific Coast League teams in the area (the Angels and Hollywood) which would likely have to move, which could cause a lot of issues with that league, who wants to be a 3rd major league. There is also a question on where the team would play. The cavernous LA Coliseum looks to be the only major league quality ballpark.

San Francisco

1947 population: 1,989,891

Being what Los Angeles is for northern California, a well-supported sports city with a lot of corporate money, plus many of the same benefits as Los Angeles, the Bay Area looks like a very good option to pair with Los Angeles in the same league, creating an instant rivalry.

The Bay Area is also a cosmopolitan region that would quickly adopt a team with its large, growing population. There is the same problem with the PCL as in Los Angeles, but Oakland would keep its PCL team.

Contenders

Baltimore

1947 population: 1,306,040

Baltimore has already proved itself as a city which will support almost any sports team, no matter what level. The AAA Orioles got crowds north of 50,000 for Little World Series games a couple of seasons ago, outdrawing the all St. Louis World Series. Baltimore is virgin pro sports territory, with well over a million people, but due to Washington being so close, they haven't had a Major League team since the early 1900s.

The Senators might look to be an obstacle to this because of Baltimore possibly cutting into their ticket and media revenue.

Kansas City

1947 population: about 800,000

Kansas City's population is understated, because of its position as a transportation hub for the Midwest and the gateway to the West. They also have a large stadium near downtown which can be expanded to Major League specifications and a AAA Yankees farm team which draws very well.

The Cardinals though might have an issue with a team here because of being in the same state as sharing some of the same territory.

Milwaukee

1947 population: about 850,000

The Brew City has had a legacy in baseball almost since the sport started, dating back to before 1900 with the Brewers. Much like the Green Bay Packers a couple hours up the road, the entire state of Wisconsin would support a baseball team in Milwaukee.

A problem is the only stadium that is large enough in Milwaukee is just 13,000 seats (Borchert Field). That could be a problem even for just a year as a temporary stadium.

Montreal

1947 population: 1,300,000

This is a definite option if MLB wants to expand into Canada for its first entry. Montreal is the major city in the country, and bringing a team here would bring a whole new market, possibly the entire nation of Canada into the fold. They also support the Dodgers AAA farm, where Jackie Robinson played last year before his entrance onto the Dodgers this year breaking the color barrier. An issue may be the difference in Canadian money and trying to find a large enough facility.

Minneapolis-St. Paul

1947 population: 1,006,278

Another virgin market, the Twin Cities has a well-educated population which would support a major league team very well. It would also have no competition except for University of Minnesota sports and hockey + pro basketball. One issue: where do you place the stadium? In Minneapolis or St. Paul. That is the big question.

Toronto

1947 population: 1,010,000

Being Canada's 2nd market, Toronto has a lot of growth potential on Lake Ontario. They also have a history of well-supported teams in the CFL and with the Maple Leafs in the NHL. But the winds blow cold off the lake in April and May. The minor league baseball team in Toronto is also not as well supported as in other nearby cities.

Buffalo

1947 population: 1,035,000

Toronto's neighbor city to the south along Lake Ontario also has a pretty good case for a MLB team. Its Bills are well supported, along with the minor league Bisons.

Long shots

New Orleans

1947 population: 601,608

New Orleans, the major city in the South, would bring a completely different vibe into the sport as the first professional team in the South. It is probably the city in the region best prepared for pro sports, but its limited population might be a deterrent, along with the segregation laws.

Houston

1947 population: 760,000

Houston, the hub of the oil industry in Texas, has been incredibly fast-growing since the war ended. The city has possible owners with deep pockets which could perhaps swing a few of the undecideds their way. But the city's hot/humid summer weather may be a deterrent.

Dallas and Fort Worth

1947 population: 930,000

The Metroplex of Dallas and Fort Worth, mostly separated during this time, could go after a team. A problem is would people drive to downtown Dallas from Fort Worth or vice versa? Or would a stadium be built in the middle between the two cities.

Denver

1947 population: 471,460

Denver, as the major city in the Mountain West, definitely has an interest in becoming a big league city, but its small size of under 500,000 might make things tough for attendance in mid-week games in this city.

Northern New Jersey

1947 population: 3,433,586

Northern New Jersey (Newark, Jersey City, and neighboring cities) has a larger population than any city on the list other than Los Angeles. The problem is there are already so many teams nearby, with the 3 New York teams plus 2 in Philadelphia. There would be a lot of territorial fees to pay.

Seattle

1947 population: 602,910

Being out there in the Pacific Northwest far away from any other population centers, Seattle is mostly using this as a feeler for possible interest for possible teams moving from other cities.

Louisville

1947 population: 550,000

Louisville, being further north than other Southern cities, has looked like an interesting possibility for a team, but it might be hemmed in market area by Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis teams

[Sctvman]

The Hornets had a winning week this week, winning 2 of 3 in Spartanburg and splitting a series against Fayetteville at Griffith Park.

Cleveland is surprising the American League with a 10-1 start to the season. Things are bubbling about possible Los Angeles and San Francisco expansion in 1948. There is a lot of interest there, and a possible "inter-league" schedule.

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A 3-3 week for the Hornets, as they keep battling toward the upper division in the Tri-State League. They lost a home series to Knoxville, then won the road series 2 of 3 in Asheville.

The Red Sox are in first place in the AL while the surprising A's hold a wildcard position.

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The Hornets had a difficult week this week, going 2-5. They lost 3 of 4 to Knoxville and 2 of 3 to Fayetteville at home.

The Philadelphia A's are now in first place in the American League.

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The Charlotte Hornets won both of their games on the weekend to get within 3 games of .500. Prior to that they had lost 4 of their last 5 games. The Red Sox have moved into first place, as the Braves lead in the National League. Beantown is popping.

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The Cincinnati Redlegs have shocked baseball, after losing 7 straight games by firing their manager and GM for unknown Jack Bennett. He will take over as both for the Reds.

The Hornets were 19-24 during his reign as the manager.

The Reds called inquiring for Bennett after their 3-0 loss to the Cubs on Sunday.

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Jack Bennett started his reign as the manager and GM of the Cincinnati Redlegs with two home games against Pittsburgh at Crosley Field.

Most of Cincinnati was shocked by the news of Johnny Neun being let go, but ownership (specifically the Crosleys) wanted a change and someone who could connect better with the young players.

Jack Bennett did not wear a uniform on the field, instead wearing a suit and tie for home games, much like Connie Mack does with the Philadelphia Athletics. Bennett is also a guy who emphasizes fundamentals. Pitching, speed and defense are the keys for his new team.

5/26: CIN 6, PIT 1; W: Peterson (3-3), L: Roe (3-4); HR: CIN- Kluszewski (5), Hatton (3), Gardella (1); PIT- Greenberg (16), A- 5,893

The Reds scored in 3 straight innings to turn what was a scoreless game after 3 innings into a dominant win. Hank hit his homer in the 9th inning.

5/27: CIN 5, PIT 1; W: Gumbert (3-1), L: Gables (2-5), S: Walters (2); HR: CIN- Walters (1), A- 6,083

The highlight of this games was Reds RP Bucky Walters smashing a 460 foot homer in the 7th inning.

The Reds now move out of last place in the NL. Next up, at the Cardinals for Decoration Day.

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The Reds played the surging St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, and 2 games on Memorial Day. They ran into a buzzsaw, dropping all 3 games.

5/28: STL 3, CIN 2; W: Brecheen (8-1), L: Blackwell (4-8), S: Wilks (7); HR: STL- Kurowski (10); A- 20,951

The Reds got out to a 2-0 lead after an inning and a half but could not hold on, falling by a single run.

5/30 (Game 1): STL 7, CIN 3; W: Munger (6-2), L: Maglie (0-4), A- 23,023

The Cards used a 4 run 5th as the fulcrum to win their 8th straight game.

5/30 (Game 2): STL 8, CIN 5; W: Wilks (2-3), L: Vander Meer (1-8), A- 23,326

The Cardinals lost Stan Musial to an injury late in this game, but they held on for a 3 run victory, after the game was tied at 4 through 6 innings.

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The Reds, making their eastern trip for the month, have continued to scuffle through, but have found their footing over this week.

@ Giants (6/1, 2 games)

6/1 (Game 1): NYG 3, CIN 1; W: Tomasic (1-4), L: Zientara (0-1), HR: NYG- Rigney (2), Ott (1); A- 12,986

Mel Ott's first homer of the season, in a pinch hitting role as the player-manager for the Giants gave them a 3-1 victory at the Polo Grounds.

6/1 (Game 2): CIN 14, NYG 1; W: Gumbert (4-1), L: Niggeling (3-7), HR: CIN- Hatton (4), Adams (1), Miller (5); A- 16,462

A resounding response in the closer of the DH, with 6 early runs in the first two innings giving the Reds a major cushion, and a 7 run 8th providing everything else they needed.

@ Phillies (6/3-5):

6/3: CIN 5, PHI 2; W: Blackwell (5-8), L: Judd (4-3); A- 13,105

The Reds used 3 2nd inning runs to earn the series opening dub. Bobby Adams had 3 hits out of the leadoff position.

6/4: PHI 5, CIN 4; W: Donnelly (3-1), L: Shoun (2-3), HR: CIN- Mueller (2), PHI- Seminick (9, GS); A- 14,470

Sal Maglie was vrooming along until the 8th inning, not allowing a hit until the 6th, but Andy Seminick's 8th inning grand slam tied the ballgame, and Del Ennis's sac fly won the game for the Phils in the 9th.

6/5: CIN 6, PHI 3; W: Walters (3-2), L: Donnelly (3-2); HR: PHI- Tabor (4), Wyrostek (3); A- 12,018

Three 9th inning runs provided the margin in this one, as Cincinnati battled back from a tie after two long homers. Bobby Adams extended his hitting streak to 13 games.

They are currently 5-5 after Bennett took over, with only two of the games at home.

[Sctvman]

While the expansion discussions have been tabled to over the All-Star Break, the Redlegs finished their Eastern road trip. It did not finish up well.

@ Braves (6/6-8)

6/6: BSN 5, CIN 3; W: Barrett (4-3), L: Peterson (3-4), S: Johnson (4); A- 17,854

The Reds had a 3-0 lead at one point but the Braves got 5 unanswered runs to win it on a cool night at Braves Field.

6/7: BSN 11, CIN 0; W: Spahn (3-8), L: Gumbert (4-2), HR: BSN- Elliott (6), Torgeson (9); A- 20,623

A whitewashing for the Braves, as they scored multiple runs in 4 separate innings.

6/8: CIN 4, BSN 3 (10); W: Erautt (3-0), L: Johnson (2-3), BS: Savage (1); HR: CIN- Mueller (3); A- 21,304

Cincinnati grabs the final game of the series with a 4-3 10th inning victory, with Luis Olmo's single providing the margin.

@ Brooklyn (6/9-11)

6/9: BRO 7, CIN 3; W: Branca (3-1), L: Maglie (0-5), H: Hatten (2); HR: CIN- Mueller (4); A- 20,943

At Ebbets Field, a 4 run 8th inning broke things open for the Dodgers, as every man in the lineup except Gene Hermanski got at least 1 hit.

6/10: BRO 3, CIN 2; W: Gregg (5-4), L: Vander Meer (1-9), S: Higbe (6); HR: CIN- Kluszewski (6); A- 19,556

The Reds were held scoreless until the 8th inning in this one, as Ted Kluszewski had 3 of Cincinnati's 4 total hits.

6/11: BRO 3, CIN 1; W: Newcombe (8-2), L: Peterson (3-5), HR: CIN- Lukon (1), BRO- Campanella (6); A- 19,787

A tight pitcher's duel as the Dodgers swept the Reds with Don Newcombe's complete game 5 hitter.

Now back home for 12 games.

[Sctvman]

The Reds came back to Crosley Field to start a long homestand coming up, but the first four games of the stand, against the Cardinals for a single game and the Giants, could have gone better.

Cardinals (6/12)

6/12: STL 10, CIN 8; W: Lanier (4-6), L: Fox (0-2), H: Brazle (1); A- 7,015

A barnburner at Crosley that took over three hours, with 8 doubles (4 each by Cincinnati and St. Louis) and a triple. The Cardinals scored 8 of their 10 runs in the 6th-8th innings.

Giants (6/14-15):

6/14: CIN 1, NYG 0; W: Blackwell (6-8), L: Niggeling (4-9); A- 7,968

Meanwhile, in this game, a complete game from Ewell Blackwell, even after a rain delay. The Reds garnered one tally in the 5th for a win.

6/15 (G1): NYG 8, CIN 0; W: Jansen (4-8), L: Vander Meer (1-10); HR: NYG- Thomson (7), A- 7,657

A 5 run 9th gave the Giants a blowout victory in what was a well pitched game before that. This included a 3 RBI double by the P, Jansen.

6/15 (G2): NYG 9, CIN 5; W: Trinkle (1-0, BS 1); L: Walters (3-3, BS 1); HR: NYG- Mize (17), Lombardi (4); A- 6,440

A brutal 9th for Cincinnati as they allowed 6 runs, including a 2 run 1B by Walker Cooper to give the Giants the lead. Six doubles were not enough for the Reds.

Standings:

[Sctvman]

After Sandra and Daniel finished their year of school in Norfolk, Virginia, wife Rebecca drove the family car over and they are now in Cincinnati. Sandra is 12, Daniel is 10. They were going to find a place in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the Reds job came open and now they have a much better opportunity.

This: https://www.newspapers.com/article/t...use/145970425/

[Sctvman]

Reds were swept by the Boston Braves, who moved from a tie for 3rd to solo 2nd in the National League.

Braves (6/17-19):

6/17: BSN 5, CIN 4; W: Barrett (5-3), L: Gumbert (4-3), S: Johnson (5); A- 5,966

A tough loss as the Braves only scored in the five-run 4th inning.

6/18: BSN 8, CIN 6; W: Spahn (5-8), L: Erautt (3-1, BS 2); S: Johnson (6); HR: BSN- Hopp (1, GS); A- 5,852

Johnny Hopp's 7th inning grand slam gave Boston a 6-4 lead they did not relinquish.

6/19: BSN 7, CIN 3; W: Sain (9-5), L: Blackwell (6-9), HR: BSN- Masi (2); A- 6,044

The Braves score in the last 5 innings to secure a four run victory.