SO49 Sport - July/August 1956

The Professor · 09-29-2003, 03:58 PM

PENNANT RACES DOWN TO FOUR

In a startling display of symmetry the final month and a half of the 1956 season looks to feature a two-team race in each circuit, a far cry from the congested finales of 1952 and 1955, but better than the run-away jobs of 1950 and 1954.

The race in the Junior Circuit looks to be the most exciting as two teams with a tradition of late meltdowns will spar for the flag. Hal Newhouser's powerful Detroit Tigers have managed to compile an 80-43 mark through mid-August, driven by the homer-happy quartet of 3B Eddie Mathews (36), 1B Norm Zauchin (33), 2-time MVP OF George Shuba (27) and OF Willie Mays (35). Veteran OF Ron Northey (.336-22 HR) came over from St. Louis in mid-July to add yet another potent bat -- as if the Tigers needed it. Newhouser's moundmen have excelled to date, led by hometown favorite Tom Poholsky (19-9), fireballer Frank Smith (16-7) and former Cy Young winner Art Houtteman (15-5).

Nevertheless, fans are more than aware of the Tigers history in recent years. After a run-away pennant in 1952 the Bengals have managed to raise hopes each year before fading from first late in the season, another such collapse will likely cost 'Prince Hal' his job and leave the talented Tigers wondering what it takes to get over the hump.

The team hoping for a Tiger meltdown is the San Francisco Red Sox, back in contention after collapsing in their first year on the West Coast. (The Sox ran away with the 1954 AL flag in their final Boston campaign). Manager Ty Cobb's squad is the AL's premier run-scoring unit paced by Richie Ashburn (.336, 47 steals) and sluggers Frank Thomas (37 HR, 119 RBI) and Wally Post (31 HR -AL leading 121 RBI). Former Reds star Ted Kluszewski has added a third potent bat, clouting 33 HR on the year. The pitching doesn't match up as well with the Tigers as only veteran Mel Parnell has consistently excelled in 1956 (18-6). Still, the Sox have managed to close to within 3 games of the Tigers and look to keep the pressure on until the season's end.

The National League race was looking decided at the start of August with the surprisingly good Philadelphia Phillies steamrolling ahead of a generally weak pack. Matching the Tigers for the league's best record, the Phils have ridden unparalleled pitching to the forefront. Robin Roberts (18-8), Whitey Ford (17-7), the shockingly good Bob Friend (17-6 and rebounding from a season on the DL and rehab) along with a superb bullpen have made it extremely hard on opposing lineups.

Offensively the lineup is spotted with aging veterans and part-timers but scores enough to back the great pitchers. Reigning MVP Del Ennis continues to drive in runs but has had an off year, making the Phils success the more surprising. Platoons of players like Ted Williams, Gus Zernial, John Pesky, Rudy Regelado, Junior Gilliam, Tookie Gilbert and Vern Stephens have provided just enough support to ease Ennis's pressure.

However, a late slide has allowed the defending World Champs to close to within 5 games of the NL lead. Riding a red-hot 9 game winning streak, the Minnesota Giants are led by sluggers Yogi Berra, Ralph Kiner, Gil Hodges, and Don Lenhardt alongside batting ace Don Mueller and aggressive CF Jackie Jensen. The pithing has struggled to stay healthy but is coming around at the right time, led by youngsters Humberto Robinson (11-5), rookie phenom Herb Score and bullpen ace Frank Quinn (33 saves).

Momentum has clearly shifted and the Phillies must find a way to rest their tired stars and hold a diminising lead.

IN OTHER NEWS

-- New York's young hurler Steve "Lefty" Kraly lost his 21st game of the 1956 season last week. It marks his second straight 20-loss campaign for the abject Yankees. In three seasons Kraly owns an 18-61 record. Ouch!

-- St. Louis Cardinals All-Star OF Stan Musial has finally fallen out of the lead in all the Triple Crown categories. His .348 BA is now second to Pittsburgh 3B Hal Bevan (.352).

09-29-2003, 03:58 PM	#1
The Professor Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: East of East Posts: 3,020	SO49 Sport - July/August 1956 PENNANT RACES DOWN TO FOUR In a startling display of symmetry the final month and a half of the 1956 season looks to feature a two-team race in each circuit, a far cry from the congested finales of 1952 and 1955, but better than the run-away jobs of 1950 and 1954. The race in the Junior Circuit looks to be the most exciting as two teams with a tradition of late meltdowns will spar for the flag. Hal Newhouser's powerful Detroit Tigers have managed to compile an 80-43 mark through mid-August, driven by the homer-happy quartet of 3B Eddie Mathews (36), 1B Norm Zauchin (33), 2-time MVP OF George Shuba (27) and OF Willie Mays (35). Veteran OF Ron Northey (.336-22 HR) came over from St. Louis in mid-July to add yet another potent bat -- as if the Tigers needed it. Newhouser's moundmen have excelled to date, led by hometown favorite Tom Poholsky (19-9), fireballer Frank Smith (16-7) and former Cy Young winner Art Houtteman (15-5). Nevertheless, fans are more than aware of the Tigers history in recent years. After a run-away pennant in 1952 the Bengals have managed to raise hopes each year before fading from first late in the season, another such collapse will likely cost 'Prince Hal' his job and leave the talented Tigers wondering what it takes to get over the hump. The team hoping for a Tiger meltdown is the San Francisco Red Sox, back in contention after collapsing in their first year on the West Coast. (The Sox ran away with the 1954 AL flag in their final Boston campaign). Manager Ty Cobb's squad is the AL's premier run-scoring unit paced by Richie Ashburn (.336, 47 steals) and sluggers Frank Thomas (37 HR, 119 RBI) and Wally Post (31 HR -AL leading 121 RBI). Former Reds star Ted Kluszewski has added a third potent bat, clouting 33 HR on the year. The pitching doesn't match up as well with the Tigers as only veteran Mel Parnell has consistently excelled in 1956 (18-6). Still, the Sox have managed to close to within 3 games of the Tigers and look to keep the pressure on until the season's end. The National League race was looking decided at the start of August with the surprisingly good Philadelphia Phillies steamrolling ahead of a generally weak pack. Matching the Tigers for the league's best record, the Phils have ridden unparalleled pitching to the forefront. Robin Roberts (18-8), Whitey Ford (17-7), the shockingly good Bob Friend (17-6 and rebounding from a season on the DL and rehab) along with a superb bullpen have made it extremely hard on opposing lineups. Offensively the lineup is spotted with aging veterans and part-timers but scores enough to back the great pitchers. Reigning MVP Del Ennis continues to drive in runs but has had an off year, making the Phils success the more surprising. Platoons of players like Ted Williams, Gus Zernial, John Pesky, Rudy Regelado, Junior Gilliam, Tookie Gilbert and Vern Stephens have provided just enough support to ease Ennis's pressure. However, a late slide has allowed the defending World Champs to close to within 5 games of the NL lead. Riding a red-hot 9 game winning streak, the Minnesota Giants are led by sluggers Yogi Berra, Ralph Kiner, Gil Hodges, and Don Lenhardt alongside batting ace Don Mueller and aggressive CF Jackie Jensen. The pithing has struggled to stay healthy but is coming around at the right time, led by youngsters Humberto Robinson (11-5), rookie phenom Herb Score and bullpen ace Frank Quinn (33 saves). Momentum has clearly shifted and the Phillies must find a way to rest their tired stars and hold a diminising lead. IN OTHER NEWS -- New York's young hurler Steve "Lefty" Kraly lost his 21st game of the 1956 season last week. It marks his second straight 20-loss campaign for the abject Yankees. In three seasons Kraly owns an 18-61 record. Ouch! -- St. Louis Cardinals All-Star OF Stan Musial has finally fallen out of the lead in all the Triple Crown categories. His .348 BA is now second to Pittsburgh 3B Hal Bevan (.352). __________________ History isn't really about the past - settling old scores. It's about defining the present and who we are."