The Players League, 1946 - Act I - The Early Season
 

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Be sure to utilize the vast Film Library of Players League action! Look for the | FILM ACCESS | link on the website



Introducing The Players League Website – Your Guide to the Great Redraft!

⚾ Welcome to the official online home of The Players League! This website serves as the modern-day Who’s Who in Baseball for our league,
capturing the legends, new storylines, and fresh team identities following the Great Redraft of 1946.

If you've ever wondered where your favorite players landed and how teams are shaping up for Opening Week, this is your go-to destination.

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The Great Redraft – Where Did the Stars Land?

With the fantasy redraft reshuffling baseball’s biggest names, some familiar faces are in new places. Here are some of the biggest moves from the historic draft:

⚾ Johnny Pesky – Chicago Cubs: A contact-hitting machine, Pesky brings his slick glove and elite on-base skills to Wrigley Field, setting the table for a potent Cubs lineup.

⚾ Warren Spahn – Cleveland Guardians: One of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of his era, Spahn looks to anchor the Guardians' rotation and lead them to championship contention.

⚾ Ralph Kiner – New York Yankees: A true power threat, Kiner’s bat will make an immediate impact in the Bronx as he looks to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch.

⚾ Enos Slaughter – Brooklyn Dodgers: Known for his hustle and clutch performances, Slaughter brings his championship pedigree and all-around hitting prowess to Brooklyn’s storied franchise.

⚾ Bob Elliott – Pittsburgh Pirates: A versatile hitter with MVP credentials, Elliott provides both power and contact at the hot corner, strengthening the Buccos’ offense at Forbes Field.


The full list of team rosters will be available on the website, where fans can track every player in the league.

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Top Eight Draft Picks – The Future of the League


The first-ever draft of The Players League set the stage for what could be an iconic era. Here’s a look at the top eight draft selections:

1. Chicago Cubs (from SLB) - LF Ted Williams (Age 27)
2. Chicago White Sox - LF Stan Musial (Age 25)
3. New York Giants - SS Lou Boudreau (Age 28)
4. Cleveland Guardians - SP Hal Newhouser (Age 24)

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5. Pittsburgh Pirates - 1B Johnny Mize (Age 33)
6. St. Louis Browns - SP Bob Feller (Age 27)
7. Brooklyn Dodgers - SP Max Lanier (Age 30)
8. Detroit Tigers - C Bill Salkeld (Age 29)

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A full breakdown of the draft strategy and team building will be covered in-depth on the website.

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Upcoming Openers – Marquee Matchups to Watch

Friday – Day 4 Openers
Baseball fans will be in for a treat as these teams kick off their seasons at home:

⚾ New York Yankees (Ralph Kiner): A true power threat, Kiner’s bat will make an immediate impact in the Bronx as he looks to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short porch.

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies (Johnny Pesky): A contact-hitting machine, Pesky brings his slick glove and elite on-base skills to Philadelphia, setting the table for the Phillies' offense.

⚾ Cleveland Guardians (Warren Spahn): One of the most dominant left-handed pitchers of his era, Spahn looks to anchor the Guardians' rotation and lead them to championship contention.

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates (Bob Elliott): A versatile hitter with MVP credentials, Elliott provides both power and contact at the hot corner, strengthening the Buccos’ offense at Forbes Field.


Saturday – Day 5 Opener
⚾ Chicago Cubs (Ted Williams): The most anticipated opener of the week. Can Ted dominate at Wrigley?

These games mark the start of a new baseball era, and the website will feature game recaps, key player performances, and storylines as the season unfolds.

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Stay Connected – Explore the Website!

This is just the beginning! Visit the Players League website to find:

✅ Team rosters and player profiles
✅ Game schedules and results
✅ Player stats and league leaders
✅ Historical archives of the season as it unfolds

Bookmark the site and stay tuned for regular updates, deep dives into team strategies, and the stories behind the players that define The Players League.

See you at the ballpark! ⚾

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💬 Which team do you think has the best shot at the first Players League pennant? Drop your thoughts below!

🔗 Visit The Players League Website Here!

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Attachment 1054220 Attachment 1054221 Film Access |⚾ Baseball Guide Access


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TPL - Friday, April 19, 1946

AL

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On April 19, 1946, in a matchup that showcased the evolving dynamics of a newly realigned league, the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators battled through a day filled with early heroics and dramatic comebacks. The game opened with a bang in the bottom of the first when Yankees’ powerhouse Hank Greenberg belted a majestic 2‑run home run. That explosive start was compounded in the third inning by Thurman Tucker’s dazzling triple and Mickey Witek’s timely single, which helped extend New York’s early lead—even as Washington’s Ray Mueller answered with a solo blast of his own in the top of the third.

However, the narrative quickly shifted as the Senators mounted a ferocious rally beginning in the top of the sixth. A combination of steady singles from George Case, Tommy Holmes, and an error that allowed Mickey Vernon to advance paved the way for Bobby Doerr’s clutch double, producing multiple scores and igniting the crowd. Washington’s resurgence continued in the seventh and eighth innings—with Tommy Holmes and pinch-hitter Pinky Higgins delivering key hits—that ultimately propelled the Senators ahead. In a game defined by momentum swings and timely plays from both sides, the final chapter belonged to Washington as they triumphed 9–5 over New York, a result that echoed both the storied traditions of these franchises and the shifting landscape of postwar baseball.



NL

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In a game that promised intrigue from the opening pitch, the revamped Boston Braves and the restructured Philadelphia Phillies traded early fireworks on April 19, 1946. The contest got underway in the top of the first when the Braves—now reimagined under a fresh reshuffle—set an aggressive tone. After a couple of early outs, a single by Elbie Fletcher sparked a charge; Joe DiMaggio’s infield hit and timely walks from Jeff Heath and Erv Dusak quickly loaded the bases. Red Schoendienst’s double and follow-up singles by Buddy Kerr and Mike Sandlock ignited a five-run rally that hinted at the Braves’ potent offensive potential, even as the first inning wound down without revealing the final outcome.

The Phillies, representing a storied franchise now navigating the challenges of a new alignment, answered back in kind. In the bottom of the first, Pee Wee Reese and Dixie Walker each collected singles while Del Ennis’s fly out—scored by a perfectly timed tag-up—helped put Philadelphia on the board. The Braves briefly extended their lead in the second inning with more timely hits and an error that allowed Erv Dusak to reach, yet the Phillies’ resilience shone through later. In a late-game twist, the bottom of the sixth saw a mini-rally initiated by a walk to pinch hitter Max West, followed by a string of singles from Reese, Walker, and Ennis. The drama peaked in the bottom of the seventh when Joe Kuhel’s double, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch paved the way for Bob Dillinger’s clutch fly out that brought another run across for Philadelphia. Ultimately, the contest concluded with the Braves edging the Phillies, 7–4—a fitting reflection of a game defined by early surges, strategic plays, and the evolving identities of two legendary franchises.

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On April 19, 1946, in a contest that showcased both the storied traditions and emerging realignments in postwar baseball, the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians delivered an afternoon of twists and timely heroics. The Tigers struck early in the second inning when Tommy Henrich belted a solo home run—an emphatic statement that set the tone. Yet, the Guardians quickly answered back; in the bottom of the second, a combination of Clyde Kluttz’s single, Bob Kennedy’s double, and a perfectly executed tag–up on Hoot Evers’ fly out ignited a three–run outburst, tilting the scales 3–1 in Cleveland’s favor.

The drama continued to build as Detroit clawed its way back in the middle frames. In the fourth inning, a well–placed single by Connie Ryan (accompanied by a daring steal) produced a run, narrowing the gap. But it was in the eighth inning that the Tigers truly seized their moment: Luke Appling’s steady single set the stage for Chet Laabs’ towering 2–run home run—an explosive hit that gave Detroit a 4–3 lead. As the final outs were recorded and the crowd absorbed the unfolding narrative of resilience and comeback, the Tigers emerged victorious, 4–3, in a game that epitomized the shifting landscape of a newly realigned league and the enduring spirit of classic baseball rivalry.

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The League… or The Players League?

By Your Trusty Baseball Scribe, Who’s Seen It All
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The name had caught on fast. Too fast, if you asked the brass. The fans had taken to calling it The Players League, and the name stuck like pine tar on a bat.

It started out as a quip, a shorthand way of explaining the grand shake-up. The players were in control now. The teams had been torn apart and reassembled. The game belonged to the men on the field, not the suits in the offices. At least, that’s how the public saw it. And what the public believes, well, that has a way of becoming reality.

But the old guard? The league’s new ownership? They weren’t exactly thrilled.


“It’s the Same Old League It’s Always Been”

That’s what they said.

The establishment—the executives, the lifers in the front offices—brushed off the idea that anything had truly changed. Sure, there was a redraft. Sure, the American and National Leagues were now under one umbrella. Sure, teams had been reshaped from the ground up.

But this was still baseball, wasn’t it?

The owners didn’t want to feed the idea that this was something completely different. They wanted stability. They wanted to assure fans, sponsors, and power brokers that the league hadn’t been hijacked by revolutionaries in cleats.

So, when asked about the so-called “Players League,” they scoffed. “It’s the same old league it’s always been.”

And in doing so, they accidentally cemented the very thing they were trying to resist.


The Fans Took Over

The people in the stands didn’t care what the owners called it. They saw the truth.

The sport had been blown apart and rebuilt. The players had more power than ever before. The game wasn’t operating the way it had for decades.

So when the old guard grumbled, “It’s the same old league it’s always been,” fans fired right back:

“Then why not call it what it really is?”

The Players League.

The broadcasters, caught somewhere between tradition and reality, played it safe. They called it “The League.” Officially, it was just The League—a placeholder, something to fill the gap until ownership could figure out what to do next. That’s why the broadcasts would begin with a simple phrase:

“The League is on the air.”

No mention of the Players League. No mention of anything revolutionary. Just The League.

But the more ownership fought the name, the more the fans embraced it. The more they tried to downplay the shift, the bigger it became.

And slowly, that simple nickname started to feel like the only name that made sense.


The Morphing of a League

The restructuring of the game had already brought the American and National Leagues together under one governing body. The old lines between the leagues were fading. With time, it wasn’t hard to see where this was going.

The Players League wasn’t just a catchy name. It was becoming a reality.

It was a league unlike any before it—a true single entity, unified, reshaped by war, by player empowerment, and by the sheer force of history.

The brass had tried to hold the line. The fans pushed it forward.

And before anyone could stop it, the name they had tried to resist became the only name that mattered.

The Players League had arrived.

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On April 19, 1946, the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates battled in a game filled with timely hits and critical defensive plays. The Reds jumped out in the top of the first when Augie Galan’s crisp double set the stage for Whitey Kurowski’s well-timed single—which brought Galan home and gave Cincinnati an early 1–0 lead. Yet, the Pirates quickly answered. In the bottom of the fourth, a line drive single by Bob Elliott put Pittsburgh on track, and Walker Cooper’s steady hit moved him into scoring position. A smart fielders’ choice by Vern Stephens then drove Elliott home, while an infield single from Joe Grace brought Cooper home to make it 2–1 in favor of Pittsburgh.

The Pirates’ momentum carried into the bottom of the sixth. Walker Cooper exploded with a triple, and soon after, Vern Stephens delivered a thunderous two–run home run that extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 4–1. Cincinnati tried to mount a comeback in the top of the eighth when Frankie Gustine reached with a sharp single and advanced on an error, setting the stage for Whitey Kurowski’s double that drove in both Gustine and an advancing Augie Galan. However, despite the Reds’ valiant effort to close the gap, Pittsburgh’s timely offense held firm. The game ultimately concluded with the Pirates holding on for a 4–3 victory—a hard-fought win that encapsulated the competitive spirit and shifting dynamics of the era.

Final Score: Cincinnati Reds 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 4


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TPL - Saturday, April 20, 1946

AL Round-up


DETROIT TIGERS @ CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
On April 20, 1946, in a game that showcased the grit and timely hitting of the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Guardians, the action unfolded inning by inning in a true baseball duel. In the top of the first, the Tigers jumped on the board when Luke Appling’s single and Tommy Henrich’s double allowed a run to score—an early spark that set the tone. The Guardians answered back in the bottom of the third as Joe Gordon’s double and Clyde Kluttz’s subsequent single brought a run home, tying the contest early. The scoring continued in the fourth when Stan Spence’s well-hit double and Connie Ryan’s timely two-base hit pushed the Tigers ahead, but the Guardians battled back with steady contact to keep the game close.

As the game progressed into the middle frames, both teams exchanged blows with pitchers holding their ground. The bottom of the fifth saw the Guardians add a run to tie things up, but it was in the top of the sixth that the Tigers’ bats truly roared: Eddie Robinson blasted a solo home run and Luke Appling’s key single pushed the Tigers into a lead, only for the Guardians to claw one back with a well-timed single from Rip Russell. The decisive moment came in the top of the eighth when Connie Ryan’s single and a series of crisp hits extended Detroit’s advantage. Ultimately, after nine hard-fought innings, the Tigers prevailed by a final score of 6–3—a game that perfectly encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of America’s pastime in this newly realigned era.


WASHINGTON SENATORS @ NEW YORK YANKEES
In a classic interleague clash on April 20, 1946, the Washington Senators stunned the New York Yankees 8–6 in a game full of gritty baserunning and timely hits. The Yankees struck first in the bottom of the first when Ralph Kiner’s at-bat culminated in a two‐run home run, giving New York an early lead. The Senators responded in the second inning with Jim Tabor launching a solo home run to put Washington on the board. The contest ebbed and flowed, with the Senators’ offense lighting up in the top of the eighth—Pinky Higgins’ sizzling triple sending Ray Mueller and Carden Gillenwater home—to push the score to 8–6, a lead the Yankees couldn’t overcome despite late efforts.

The game was a back-and-forth affair that showcased the competitive spirit of these storied franchises now reimagined in a redrafted league. The Yankees, long synonymous with New York pride, battled fiercely at home, yet the Senators—ever resilient—capitalized on every opportunity, mixing well-placed bunts with aggressive baserunning. With decisive contributions from key hitters like Marty Marion and a timely sacrifice bunt from George Case in the later innings, the Senators secured the victory, underscoring that in this revamped league, every run tells a story.



NL Round-up


NEW YORK GIANTS @ BROOKLYN DODGERS
On April 20, 1946, the New York Giants edged out the Brooklyn Dodgers 2–0 behind a sharp performance from starter Ted Lyons and timely hits from Billy Herman and Taffy Wright. After two scoreless innings, the Giants broke through in the third when Herman doubled and came around to score on a single by Lou Boudreau. They added another run in the fifth—Herman once again led off with a single, moved station to station, and crossed the plate on Wright’s RBI single to right. Despite a pair of Brooklyn errors, the Giants couldn’t pad the lead further, leaving runners on base in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings.

Lyons kept the Dodgers off the scoreboard with masterful command, scattering baserunners and staying composed through several full counts. Brooklyn’s only serious threat came in the second, when Sam Chapman reached on an error and advanced to third, but was stranded after a popout and a flyout. The Dodgers went quietly the rest of the way, managing no hits over the final six innings and grounding out frequently against the veteran right-hander. A ninth-inning pinch-hit appearance by Jimmy Wasdell ended with a routine grounder to first, sealing a tidy shutout win for New York.

In doing so, Lyons etched his name in the record books, throwing the first no-hitter in Players League history—an achievement made even more remarkable by its timing. It came on just the fifth day of the inaugural season, setting a high bar for pitching excellence right from the start. With pinpoint accuracy and a calm presence on the mound, Lyons delivered a flawless performance that will be remembered as a milestone moment in the young league’s unfolding story.


BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
On April 20, 1946, in a game full of subtle drama and timely heroics, the Boston Braves faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies at Shibe Park. The Braves broke their scoreless spell in the top of the fourth when Joe DiMaggio came to life with a clutch double that extended into a drive, briefly giving Boston a 1–0 lead. But the Phillies answered in the bottom of that same inning, as a string of hits—sparked by the steady work of Pee Wee Reese, Wally Judnich, and Billy Johnson—allowed runners to circle the bases and tie the game at 1–1.

The Phillies’ offense truly ignited in the sixth inning. After a quiet start by the Braves’ pitching, Del Ennis and Aaron Robinson (whose baserunning kept the pressure mounting) helped propel the Phillies ahead. Their efforts, combined with smart defensive plays and timely bunts, pushed Philadelphia’s advantage to 3–1. Although the Braves made a late attempt to rally in the top of the ninth, the Phillies’ pitching and defensive cohesion held firm, and the contest concluded in a hard-fought 3–1 victory for the Phillies.

In this new era of realigned franchises, the Phillies showcased their youthful punch and resilience, overcoming a brief Braves surge with poise and precision. It was a game where every at‐bat mattered, and the unfolding drama reminded fans why baseball continues to captivate—even when every pitch counts.


CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES
On April 20, 1946, the atmosphere was electric at Forbes Field as the Cincinnati Reds traveled to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in a game that unfolded inning by inning. The Pirates ignited the contest in the bottom of the first, where after a methodical sequence featuring a single by Johnny Mize followed by a double from Vern Stephens—with a baserunning play that allowed a run to score—the home team established an early 2–0 advantage. In the following innings, the Reds looked to claw back; in the top of the fourth, Whitey Kurowski’s sizzling triple and a timely single by Babe Young cut the deficit to 1–3. Yet the Pirates’ bats remained cold until the bottom of the third, when a combination of contact from Johnny Wyrostek, Bob Elliott’s productive play, and a double from Buster Adams pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 3–0.

The contest’s tempo was maintained throughout, with both teams trading defensive gems and gritty at‐bats. Although the Reds’ offense sputtered in the top of the fifth and sixth innings, the Pirates answered in the bottom of the eighth when a couple of well-placed hits—highlighted by a double from Buster Adams that brought a run home—expanded the gap to 4–1. The final frame saw the Reds make a brief push in the top of the ninth, but the Pirates’ pitching and timely defensive plays sealed the victory. In this new era of realigned franchises, the Pirates demonstrated why they remain a perennial threat, outpacing a resilient Reds squad in a hard-fought 4–1 win.


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Home openers from Fenway Park, Sportsmans Park and Wrigley Field. Will be filmed and can be accessed at Sim Baseball Vision soon.

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In a 12‐inning thriller, the Boston Red Sox edged the Philadelphia Athletics 6–5 in a game defined by early dominance, relentless comebacks, and dramatic extra‐innings.

The Athletics jumped out to a 4–0 lead in the first three innings, capitalizing on timely singles, a hit-by-pitch, and aggressive baserunning. Early efforts from Dain Clay, Hank Edwards, and Skeeter Newsome seemed to set the tone for Philadelphia’s offensive onslaught.

Yet, Boston refused to let the game slip away. A determined rally in the 4th and 5th innings saw the Red Sox chip away at the deficit, with key hits from Phil Cavarretta and Charlie Keller bringing them within a run. By the 8th inning, Boston had clawed their way back to a 4–4 tie, setting the stage for an epic extra-inning battle.

After a scoreless stretch through the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings, the Athletics briefly regained a slim 5–4 lead in the top of the 12th. But in the bottom of the 12th, Boston’s resilience shone through. A clutch two-run rally, spurred by timely hitting and smart baserunning, sealed the win for the Red Sox.

Standout performances on both sides were critical. Philadelphia’s early spark was fueled by consistent hitting, while Boston’s comeback was underpinned by steady pitching from a cadre that included Hal Schumacher, Tom Ferrick, Randy Gumpert, Hugh Casey, and Tommy Bridges, along with timely contributions from their offense.

In the end, this game was a testament to baseball’s unpredictability—where an early lead can evaporate, and a gritty comeback can deliver an unforgettable victory.

Final Score: Philadelphia Athletics 5, Boston Red Sox 6

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On April 20, 1946, The St. Louis Browns had their home opner at Sportsman's Park hosting the Chicago White Sox. St. Louis jumped ahead early, thanks to a solo home run by Joe Medwick in the second inning and a pair of hits that brought in another run. The Browns maintained their momentum in the third, pushing across another run to extend their lead to 3-0.

However, Chicago battled back. Dom DiMaggio's clutch single in the fourth inning brought home two runs, narrowing the gap. The real turning point came in the seventh, when the White Sox loaded the bases and Lonny Frey's walk tied the game. Jimmy Brown followed with a critical two-run single, putting Chicago ahead for the first time. An insurance run in the ninth proved vital as the Browns rallied in their last at-bat, scoring twice, but ultimately fell short. The White Sox, powered by DiMaggio and Brown, held on to secure a hard-fought 6-5 victory.

In a game marked by timely hitting and late-inning drama, the Chicago White Sox triumphed over the St. Louis Browns with a final score of 6-5.

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A Smoke-Filled Mystery: How Did the Cubs Get the First Pick?

By Your Trusty Baseball Scribe, Who’s Seen It All
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The newsroom was thick with cigar smoke, the kind that made your eyes sting and your brain work just a little slower—unless, of course, you were trying to piece together the biggest mystery in baseball. And right now, that’s exactly what we were doing.

How the hell did the Chicago Cubs end up with the first pick in the draft?

We all knew the St. Louis Browns were supposed to have it. That was the order. That was the agreement. That was the lot they drew. And yet, when the commissioner stood at that podium and announced the first pick, it wasn’t the Browns making it.

It was the Cubs.


Why Would the Browns Just Give It Away?

A team like St. Louis—not the Cardinals, but the Browns, the team that actually needs the help—would just give up the number one pick? That doesn’t make any sense. They’re the type of club that should be fighting tooth and nail for a chance at a franchise player. So what gives?

Obviously, the first pick was going to be Ted Williams—who else? A player like that doesn’t just sit around waiting to be picked second. So the Browns had a decision to make.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting.

Williams was a Boston Red Sox before the war. He was Boston’s guy, their hero, their golden boy. And now St. Louis, sitting over in the American League, has the number one pick.

So what are they going to do? Pick Williams and march into Fenway Park as the enemy? You really think the Browns wanted to deal with that circus? The Red Sox faithful would never let them hear the end of it. Maybe—just maybe—they didn’t want that heat.

Maybe they saw an opportunity. Maybe they saw leverage.


Connecting the Dots: The National League Factor

So they pass. The New York Giants don’t seem to want the pick either. Why? Who knows. Maybe they didn’t want to give up what it would take to move up. Maybe they figured they were sitting pretty where they were.

Then—boom. The Cubs swoop in.

And from Chicago’s angle, this all makes too much sense. Think about it. The Chicago White Sox were sitting there with the number two pick. If they don’t get Williams, they’re going to grab the next best guy. And that guy? Stan Musial.

That’s a nightmare for the Cubs. If Musial goes to the White Sox, suddenly the South Side is the talk of the town. The Cubs needed a move. They had to get Williams, or Chicago baseball was about to turn White Sox blue and silver instead of Cubs blue and red.

So they make a deal. They work something out with the Browns. But here’s the real question—what did the Cubs have that was worth the number one pick?


Breaking the Color Barrier: A Hidden Bargain?

Now, here’s where it gets real interesting. We all know the league was at a crossroads. The unwritten rule—the one that kept Negro players out of the big leagues—was on the verge of being lifted. But it wasn’t automatic. The owners needed a consensus. They needed a majority, at least nine teams in favor.

The Cubs were on the fence. They hadn’t committed one way or another. But the Browns? They wanted integration. They wanted more competition in the American League, like what the Dodgers were rumored to be doing in the National League.

So what if the trade wasn’t just about Ted Williams?

What if the deal was this: The Cubs get the first pick. The Browns get the Cubs’ backing to break the color barrier.

That’s a bombshell. If true, it means this wasn’t just a draft deal. This was history being made behind closed doors.


We’ve Got a Story to Chase

We don’t have all the facts—yet. But this smells like more than just a baseball transaction. This smells like politics, power, and backroom dealing at the highest level.

The Cubs get their man. The Browns get what they really wanted. And baseball? Well, baseball may have just changed forever. Again!

We’ve got work to do, boys. Time to hit the phones and see if we can crack this one wide open.

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Opening Day at Wrigley Field was a storybook affair for the Chicago Cubs on April 20, 1946, with an electric mix of precision pitching, timely offense, and a few unexpected twists. The spotlight shone brightly on Ted Williams as he made his home debut in a Cubs uniform—a moment that promised a new era for the team. On the mound, Oscar Judd delivered a masterful complete game shutout, scattering only six hits over nine innings. His command and poise kept the visiting St. Louis Cardinals at bay throughout a game defined by deliberate, low-key play until a sudden burst in the bottom of the third shifted the narrative.

Johnny Pesky opened the frame with a crisp single, setting the stage for back-to-back blasts. Buddy Blattner followed with a towering triple, and the next batter, Carl Furillo’s equally explosive triple punctuated a three-run rally that sent the Wrigley faithful into a frenzy. Throughout the contest, key moments underscored the narrative: disciplined base running, timely walks—including a couple by Ted Williams that underscored his on-base prowess—and critical sacrifice bunts that advanced runners at pivotal junctures.

While the scoring was brief, it was decisive. The Cardinals, despite showing flashes of life with promising at bats and aggressive baserunning, could not overcome Judd’s steadfast performance. Even a late rally attempt in the top of the ninth, featuring singles by Snuffy Stirnweiss and Bobby Sturgeon, was nipped in the bud by a combination of judicious pitching and solid defensive plays. In a game that mixed quiet determination with explosive moments, the Cubs not only secured the win but also heralded the arrival of a new chapter in baseball history—one marked by the debut of a future legend and a pitching master at his best on a historic Wrigley Field stage.

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TPL - Sunday, April 21, 1946

AL Round-up


PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX
On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Athletics beat the Boston Red Sox 6–1 at Fenway. The game was a low-scoring, methodical affair in the early innings. Boston’s Red Munger kept the Athletics off the board through the first three innings, and Tex Hughson’s pitching in the second helped limit Boston’s own scoring, as the Red Sox managed only two hits in the bottom of the first. In the top of the fourth, Philadelphia broke the deadlock when Hank Edwards singled and Billy Cox followed with a double that drove Edwards home.

The Athletics then took command. In the top of the sixth, Hank Edwards hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 2–0. The Athletics piled on more damage in the top of the seventh when Paul Richards hit a key single—after a sacrifice bunt by Tex Hughson—followed by Dain Clay’s single that pushed Richards home. Sid Gordon then delivered a 2-run home run, making the score 5–0. The Athletics added one more run in the top of the eighth on a sequence that saw Hank Edwards and Billy Cox extend a hit rally, eventually scoring a runner who tagged up on a fly out. Boston’s only run came in the bottom of the eighth when Charlie Keller hit a triple, and a subsequent error allowed a run to score. The Athletics held the advantage through the top of the ninth as Tommy Bridges replaced Red Munger for Boston, and in the final frame, the Red Sox could not generate any further offense.

The Athletics’ success was a product of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. They capitalized on opportunities, such as converting a sacrifice bunt into a baserunner advance and benefiting from fielding miscues. Boston’s pitchers, while generally effective early, couldn’t contain Philadelphia’s burst of offense in the mid-innings. The Athletics’ ability to string together extra-base hits proved to be the difference, overcoming Boston’s few defensive lapses and tightly managed bullpen.

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS
On April 21, 1946, the Chicago White Sox defeated the St. Louis Browns 9–1 in a game marked by timely offense and solid pitching adjustments. The White Sox got on track early when, in the top of the third, a combination of walks, a sacrifice bunt, and Dom DiMaggio’s single produced two runs. Despite a brief scoring appearance by the Browns in the bottom of the third, the White Sox gradually assumed control of the game.

In the top of the fourth, Ron Northey’s double drove in a run after a passed ball allowed a baserunner to score. The White Sox offense continued to build in the top of the sixth, with Andy Seminick’s single, a fielding error on Lonny Frey’s at-bat, and a double by Jimmy Brown that drove in a run. A solo home run by Stan Musial in the top of the seventh added insurance to a growing lead. In the eighth inning, a sequence of hits—including Dom DiMaggio’s single, Stan Musial’s double, and Ron Northey’s single—produced two more runs. The inning was capped off in the top of the ninth when a Dom DiMaggio single, aided by a throwing error, resulted in an insurance run. The Browns managed a late rally in the bottom of the ninth with a Jake Jones single, but their effort fell short as Chicago’s pitching and timely hitting sealed a 9–1 win.

From start to finish, the White Sox capitalized on offensive opportunities, while adjustments on the mound—such as Emil Kush coming in during the eighth—helped maintain the lead. Chicago’s ability to string together key hits at critical junctures ultimately proved too much for a Browns lineup that could not keep pace with the continuous pressure.

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DETROIT TIGERS @ CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
The Detroit Tigers jumped to an early lead against the Cleveland Guardians on April 21, 1946, ultimately winning 5–0. In the top of the first, Luke Appling’s single opened the scoring, quickly followed by Chet Laabs’ two-run home run that gave Detroit an immediate advantage. The Tigers’ offense remained effective as they continued to manufacture baserunners, while Cleveland’s pitchers, led by Hal Newhouser, managed to keep their opponents hitless in parts of the contest.

Although the Guardians tried to respond in the bottom half of the first and again in the third, their efforts were stifled by solid pitching from Hal Gregg and timely defensive plays by the Tigers. In the later innings, Detroit’s hitters kept the pressure on. In the top of the ninth, a combination of key singles and a throwing error allowed additional runs to score, sealing the Tigers’ shutout. Despite a brief rally in the final frame by Cleveland, Detroit’s early offensive explosion and consistent play ensured a comprehensive 5–0 victory.

The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on early opportunities—from a two-run blast in the first inning to productive at-bats in the later frames—proved decisive. A blend of timely hitting, error-induced extra baserunners, and disciplined pitching combined to put Cleveland on the run for most of the game. The result was a complete shutout that highlighted the Tigers’ strong performance on both offense and defense.

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WASHINGTON SENATORS @ NEW YORK YANKEES
On April 21, 1946, the New York Yankees edged the Washington Senators by a final score of 2–1 in a tightly contested, low-scoring game that extended into extra innings. The game began slowly with both teams struggling for production. In the top of the first, Washington’s plate appearances did not generate any scoring, while Yankees starter Dutch Leonard kept the Senators off the board. In the bottom of the first, New York’s hitters worked the count and drew a couple of walks before a double play ended the inning, leaving the score still 0–0.

As the game wore on, the Yankees began to build momentum. In the bottom of the fourth, a double by Ralph Kiner and a single by Dick Culler put runners in scoring position, but the inning did not produce a run. The only run of regulation came in the fifth inning when a series of productive at-bats—including a single by Bill Rigney, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit by Mickey Witek—scored a run to give New York a 1–0 advantage.

Washington answered in the later innings. In the top of the sixth, however, Senators’ hitters struggled, managing only errors and groundouts. The game remained tied at 1–1 through the eighth and into extra innings. In the 11th inning, Washington’s Carden Gillenwater provided a spark with a single and a steal, but New York’s timely execution in the bottom of the 11th—starting with a Bill Rigney single and bolstered by an effective sacrifice bunt from Dutch Leonard—allowed Hank Greenberg’s key single to bring in the go-ahead run. The Senators were unable to mount a comeback in their final half inning, leaving the Yankees with a hard-fought 2–1 victory.

The contest was defined by its close pitching battles, with Dutch Leonard and Hank Borowy limiting early scoring and Washington’s offense finding only occasional life through errors and opportunistic hits. The Yankees, meanwhile, capitalized on timely hits and smart baserunning, ultimately seizing the win in extra innings in a game where every play carried significant weight.

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PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS @ BOSTON RED SOX (2)
On April 21, 1946, the Boston Red Sox edged the Philadelphia Athletics by a final score of 9–8 in an extra-inning battle. The game got off to a rocky start for the Athletics in the top of the first, as RHP Bill Lee kept them off the board until Hank Edwards’ single provided their only hit in that frame. However, the Red Sox quickly capitalized in the bottom of the first when a series of well-timed hits and productive baserunning by Stan Hack, Phil Cavarretta, and Pete Suder put them on top, giving Boston a 5–0 lead by the end of the second inning.

Philadelphia responded in the following innings; a solo home run by Don Ross in the top of the third cut Boston’s lead to 5–1. Despite continued efforts by the Athletics to generate offense in the subsequent frames, Boston’s pitching kept them at bay until the top of the eighth when a massive rally—catalyzed by a three-run home run from Sid Gordon and several key singles, including pinch hits by Vance Dinges and Mickey Rocco—narrowed the deficit to 8–6. The Red Sox answered in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at 8–8, and the score remained locked through the ninth and tenth innings.

In the 11th inning, the decisive moment came for Boston. After a scoreless top half, Red Sox reliever Russ Bauers and then RHP Terry Moore delivered a clutch performance in the bottom of the inning. Moore’s solo home run, off a well-constructed pitch, provided the go-ahead run and sealed a 9–8 victory for Boston. Both teams battled hard all night, but timely hitting and effective bullpen management by the Red Sox made the difference in a tight, extra-inning contest.

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CHICAGO WHITE SOX @ ST. LOUIS BROWNS (2)
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Browns edged a slim victory over the Chicago White Sox by a score of 2–1. The contest opened quietly as the White Sox’s lineup struggled in the top of the first against RHP Joe Haynes, with Dom DiMaggio’s early plate appearance ending in a groundout and George Kell and Stan Musial unable to muster a hit. St. Louis answered in the bottom of the frame when Buddy Lewis produced a single, setting the stage for later success.

The Browns built momentum early in the game. In the bottom of the third, after a mix of strikeouts and solid defensive plays by the White Sox, Buddy Lewis’s double and Grady Hatton’s timely single put St. Louis on the board, with a run eventually scoring on a safe advance from the action. The Browns further extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth when Grady Hatton slammed a solo home run from 434 feet out, giving St. Louis a 2–1 advantage. Although the White Sox made a brief push in the top of the ninth—thanks to a pinch-hit double from Bill Nicholson and a big triple by Stan Musial that put Nicholson on base—the inning closed with St. Louis maintaining their narrow lead.

The game remained a defensive battle through the first eight innings, with both teams’ pitchers keeping hits to a minimum. Ultimately, the Browns’ timely hitting and their ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities proved decisive, as they held a slim 2–1 lead when the contest’s play-by-play ended.

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NL Round-up


BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
On April 21, 1946, the Philadelphia Phillies used dominant pitching and timely hitting to put the Boston Braves to sleep, cruising to a 4–0 lead. Phillies’ starter Ewell Blackwell delivered a masterful performance from the mound, keeping the Braves hitless through the top of the first and then mixing his pitches well over the subsequent innings. The Braves’ offense couldn’t build any momentum against his command; even Joe DiMaggio’s efforts in the first and third innings led only to outs.


Philadelphia’s offense, meanwhile, was poised to capitalize when it mattered. In the bottom of the third, Cass Michaels got on base with a line-drive single and then advanced a step further with a stolen base, eventually scoring on Aaron Robinson’s hit. The Phillies added their only run of the game in that frame, and despite a quiet top half of the fourth and a further lack of offensive production by the Braves in the top of the fifth and sixth, the Phillies maintained control. By the 8th inning, with Braves’ batters struggling to generate any response against a mix of starting and relief pitching, Philadelphia had steadily built a 4–0 cushion that the Braves never could overcome.

The log shows that in every inning the Phillies managed to stifle the Braves’ attempts at scoring—whether through sharp groundouts, effective strikeouts, or timely double plays—ultimately forcing the Braves to remain scoreless through the ninth. The result was a shutout performance by the Phillies, a game that highlighted their ability to dominate through a combination of strong pitching, disciplined at-bats, and effective baserunning.

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CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates proved too much for the Cincinnati Reds, establishing a commanding lead early and maintaining control through the top of the ninth. Reds’ starter Johnny Schmitz held Cincinnati hitless in the first frame, and although the Reds’ bats showed some life in the second inning with a single by Babe Young, the Pirates’ offense exploded in the bottom of the first. The Pirates charged ahead with productive contact from Johnny Wyrostek, Walker Cooper, and especially with baserunning that allowed runners to score on errors and smart advances, as Vern Stephens’ play of fielders’ choice brought in key runs to make it 6–0 early.

The Reds tried to claw back in the third inning, but Schmitz and his pitching staff kept the Pirates at bay, allowing only a single by Augie Galan. In the fourth inning, Cincinnati’s offense sparkled briefly as Danny Litwhiler drew a walk and Babe Young blasted a two-run home run—a 504‑foot shot—that made it 2–7. However, subsequent at-bats by Elmer Valo and Frankie Hayes could not muster additional support. Further solid work from the Pirates in the lower half of the inning and continuing dominant pitching kept the score at 2–8. The Pirates added another run in the later innings via a combination of timely hits, including a double from Vern Stephens in the top of the ninth that brought in runners.

By the time the top of the ninth arrived, the score was 4–9, with the Pirates firmly in control. Cincinnati’s late rally efforts fell short, as a pinch-hit appearance by Joe Garagiola and subsequent doubles and singles from Frankie Gustine and Whitey Kurowski could not overcome the deficit. The final log entry shows Pittsburgh holding a 9–4 advantage as the inning began, underscoring the Pirates’ overall dominance in pitching and timely hitting throughout the contest.

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NEW YORK GIANTS @ BROOKLYN DODGERS
On April 21, 1946, the New York Giants edged the Brooklyn Dodgers by a score of 3–2 in a contest that saw timely hits and solid pitching define the outcome. The Giants jumped on the board early in the top of the first when Billy Herman’s well-timed triple, followed by Dick Wakefield’s single, drove in a run. Although the Dodgers’ offense remained quiet in the top half, their bats came to life in the bottom of the third. A series of productive at-bats helped the Dodgers tie the game, with key plays by Bruce Edwards and a groundout sacrifice that eventually turned a baserunning play into a run.

In the top of the fourth, the Giants responded with a run of their own when Goody Rosen’s single and Eddie Yost’s productive play – including a sac bunt by Fred Martin – helped maintain their slender 1–0 lead. The middle innings saw both teams trading outs, with neither side able to build a sizeable advantage. By the top of the eighth, the Giants managed a small rally thanks to a combination of singles and an error that allowed Taffy Wright to reach base. A subsequent single by Eddie Yost tied the game at 3–2, a lead the Giants would hold heading into the ninth.

The Dodgers’ final inning effort in the bottom of the ninth proved insufficient as the Giants’ pitching – led by Max Lanier – stifled further production. With the game ending 3–2, the Giants’ early scoring and timely hits ultimately provided the margin needed for a hard-fought victory over the Dodgers.

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS @ CHICAGO CUBS
In a game played on April 21, 1946, the St. Louis Cardinals edged the Chicago Cubs 5–3 in a contest defined by timely baserunning and a balanced offensive performance. The Cardinals set the tone in the top of the first when Snuffy Stirnweiss opened the scoring with a line-drive single that later turned into a run after advancing on subsequent baserunning plays. In the 2nd inning, a leadoff single by Bobby Sturgeon combined with Bill Dickey’s work at the plate helped maintain the Cardinals’ one-run lead as the Cubs’ starter Bill Bevens kept them off the scoreboard early.

The Cardinals built a commanding 4–0 lead in the 3rd inning. Frank McCormick, who contributed both at the plate and as a baserunner, drew a walk and later stole second base, setting the stage for a 2-run home run by Ken Keltner that extended the margin to 4–0. Although the Cubs managed to get on track in the later frames—with Chicago scoring two runs in the 5th and 9th innings on hits and errors—the Cardinals’ early surge ultimately proved decisive. A pivotal moment came in the 9th when a base hit by Lou Boudreau, followed by a productive outfield play and subsequent baserunning by Roy Cullenbine, put another run on the board to seal the 5–3 victory.

Overall, the Cardinals’ aggressive baserunning and timely offensive production, along with precise pitching from Bill Bevens, allowed them to build and maintain a lead that the Cubs could only partially overcome. Despite a late rally from Chicago, the Cardinals’ early run and sustained performance ensured they emerged victorious in this classic April 21 contest.

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BOSTON BRAVES @ PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (2)
On April 21, 1946, the Boston Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7–4 in a game that featured early offensive sparks and key baserunning plays. The Braves got on the board in the top of the first when Johnny Hopp’s steady approach produced a single that ignited an early rally; later, Joe DiMaggio’s timely groundball single put him in scoring position, and Hopp eventually advanced to score. Despite a quiet first half, the Phillies answered in the bottom of the first when a mix of plate discipline and baserunning—highlighted by a pair of walks from Pee Wee Reese and Dixie Walker and a wild pitch that advanced runners—enabled them to take a 3–1 lead.

However, the Braves fought back in the third inning, stringing together a five-run rally. Key contributions came from the likes of Jeff Heath, whose single moved runners along, and a series of smart baserunning plays that saw Joe DiMaggio advance and eventually score after a throwing error. The Braves’ offense carried into the fourth when a sac bunt from Fred Hutchinson and timely singles kept their momentum intact, even though the Phillies’ defense held firm for most of the inning. In the fifth, additional hits kept the Braves in striking position while the Phillies’ attack sputtered.

A decisive moment came in the top of the ninth when a combination of solid hitting by Lou Boudreau and effective baserunning—supported by a crucial fielders’ choice that allowed runners to advance—produced two additional runs, turning the tide to a 7–4 lead. Despite a late attempt by the Phillies in the bottom of the ninth, including a single by Pee Wee Reese, they could not overcome the deficit. The Braves’ ability to rally early and then maintain the lead with timely offensive production and sound pitching ultimately secured their victory in this classic contest.

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CINCINNATI REDS @ PITTSBURGH PIRATES (2)
In a matchup on April 21, 1946, the Pittsburgh Pirates built an early lead over the Cincinnati Reds and held it throughout the contest for a final score of 3–1. Schoolboy Rowe, pitching for the Pirates, kept the Reds off the board in the first inning despite an infield hit by Frankie Gustine and an additional single from Augie Galan. The Pirates’ offense made their presence felt in the bottom of the first when Johnny Wyrostek’s walk, followed by a two‐out double from Bob Elliott that drove in a run, put Pittsburgh ahead 1–0.

The Reds attempted to answer in the second inning but could not generate any extra-base hits against Rowe’s steady work. Then, in the bottom of the second, the Pirates exploded for their second and third runs. Jerry Priddy’s fly-ball home run and a combination of baserunning plays—highlighted by a line drive single from Schoolboy Rowe that scored Al Evans—pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 3–0. Though the Reds continued to show some life in the third and later innings, with sporadic singles from the likes of Joe Garagiola and Elmer Valo, the Pirates’ pitching and timely defense, including several double plays, stifled Cincinnati’s comeback attempts.

By the top of the ninth, the Reds managed only one hit (a single by Elmer Valo that came after an error), and they could not overcome the early lead as the Pirates’ pitchers held firm. Ultimately, the Pirates’ ability to manufacture extra-base hits and capitalize on baserunning opportunities resulted in a hard-fought 3–1 win.

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