Post Season
North American Series
Pittsburgh Triumphs in North American Series
Wednesday, October 12th, 1949
Nobody played better baseball this season than the North American BaseBall League champions, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
They defeated the Cleveland Indians 5-2 today at Cleveland Stadium and hauled in the North American Series trophy for the 3rd time in their history.
Draft
NABL News: First-Year Player Draft
Wednesday, October 12th, 1949
The North American BaseBall League amateur draft looms large today. The talent selected could determine the fate of baseball clubs for years to come. In reality it is a lottery. You make your pick and pay your money. Most of the time the teams lose, but occasionally they hit the jackpot and get an impact player. That is what they are hoping for. BNN analysts have rated these players as most likely to be chosen in the early rounds:
1. Joe Adcock, 21 year-old left fielder out of college.
2. Charlie Maxwell, 22 year-old right fielder out of college.
3. Gus Zernial, 26 year-old left fielder out of college.
4. Jackie Jensen, 22 year-old left fielder out of college.
5. Gus Bell, 20 year-old right fielder out of college.
6. Jim Lemon, 21 year-old left fielder out of college.
7. Chico Carrasquel, 21 year-old shortstop out of college.
8. Bobby Morgan, 23 year-old third baseman out of college.
9. Irv Noren, 24 year-old center fielder out of college.
10. Don Lenhardt, 27 year-old left fielder out of college..
Draft Results (First Round Only)
Retirements
Accomplishments
Larry Doby (Giants) hit 3 HRs on 5/10
Ted Williams (Pirates) hits for the Cycle on 8/6
Dizzy Trout (Yankees) fires a NO HITTER on 5/29
Ted Williams 400th HR
Bob Feller (Indians) 2500 K's
Calvin Chapman (Dodgers) and Johnny Mize (White Sox) 2500th hit
Awards
NL Glove Wizard Award Selections Announced
Monday, October 24th, 1949
Great glovemen can range far and wide to make a backhand stop or an over-the-shoulder catch -- and the best usually make it look easy. Today the winners of the National League Glove Wizard Award for 1949 were announced. These awards for defensive excellence go to:
Pitcher: Bill Voiselle (Philadelphia Phillies)
Catcher: Wes Westrum (Cincinnati Reds)
First Baseman: Terry Lyons (Chicago Cubs)
Second Baseman: Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn Dodgers)
Third Baseman: Willie Jones (Boston Braves)
Shortstop: Lou Boudreau (Chicago Cubs)
Left Fielder: Elmer Valo (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Center Fielder: Marv Rackley (Philadelphia Phillies)
Right Fielder: Bud Stewart (Brooklyn Dodgers)
American League Announces Glove Wizard Award Winners
Monday, October 24th, 1949
In baseball circles, a player who has good range, a good arm and good hands is a great catch. Clubs strive to be strong in the field, especially "up the middle." Solid defenders can make a difference in the outcome of tight games and tight pennant races. The Glove Wizard Awards for 1949 in the American League go to these standout defenders:
Pitcher: Bob Feller (Philadelphia Athletics)
Catcher: Walker Cooper (New York Yankees)
First Baseman: Johnny Mize (Chicago White Sox)
Second Baseman: Luke Appling (Philadelphia Athletics)
Third Baseman: Danny Litwhiler (St. Louis Browns)
Shortstop: Vern Stephens (St. Louis Browns)
Left Fielder: Dick Wakefield (Boston Red Sox)
Center Fielder: Richie Ashburn (St. Louis Browns)
Right Fielder: Vic Wertz (Boston Red Sox)
Glaviano Crowned Best NL Rookie
Tuesday, October 25th, 1949
A fine inaugural season has paid off handsomely for Tommy Glaviano of the Boston Braves. The 25-year-old topped off his debut year with the 1949 National League Newcomer of the Year Award.
The Braves second baseman took the trophy by hitting .268 in 148 games and finished with 147 hits, 13 home runs, 80 RBIs and 80 runs scored.
Best Rookie Trophy Presented to Rosen
Tuesday, October 25th, 1949
Today the American League announced the winner of the 1949 Newcomer of the Year Award. The top-ranked rookie was the talented Cleveland third baseman Al Rosen.
The 25-year-old Indians newcomer took the trophy by hitting .266 in 151 games this season and finished with 147 hits, 28 home runs, 85 RBIs and 102 runs scored.
Walter Johnson Award Winner Announced
Thursday, October 27th, 1949
An old hand in this game, Harry Brecheen of the St. Louis Cardinals silenced critics as well as he silenced the opposition this year by winning the National League Walter Johnson Award.
The 35-year-old starter threw 288.2 innings, notched 124 strikeouts and put up a 21-6 record to claim the coveted award.
Athletics Ace, Walter Johnson Award Winner
Thursday, October 27th, 1949
He's in the early phase of his career, but this past season Chuck Stobbs performed like a veteran on the hill for the Philadelphia Athletics and walked away with the American League Walter Johnson Award in the process.
The 20-year-old Athletics star fashioned a 18-11 won-loss record in 1949 with a 2.37 ERA. In 281.1 innings of work and 34 starts, Stobbs struck out 147 while giving up 248 hits and 87 walks. He held opposing batters to a .237 average.
Williams Chosen 1949 NL Ty Cobb Award
Friday, October 28th, 1949
Ted Williams of the Pittsburgh Pirates proved that you can step out of the shadows and onto the stage if you've got the talent and the drive to hone your skills. Hard work, long hours and a tireless resolve paid off for him today in the form of the National League Ty Cobb Award.
Williams hit for a .316 average while collecting 175 hits, 29 doubles, 4 triples, 42 home runs, 122 RBIs and scoring 122 times.
Musial Nabs AL Ty Cobb Award
Friday, October 28th, 1949
Stan Musial has been around North American BaseBall League enough to know a good hot streak when he sees one -- and he got to see one firsthand all year. For his standout run through the 1949 season, he's taking home the Ty Cobb Award in the American League.
The Cleveland first baseman put up a batting average of .331 with 33 doubles, 17 triples, 22 home runs and 95 RBIs.
Second Career As Broadcaster Awaits Retiring Williams
Friday, October 28th, 1949
Cleveland second baseman Dib Williams says he has decided to retire from playing baseball in order to begin a career in the broadcast booth. Coaches and teammates have always considered Williams to be highly intelligent and articulate. "He's a smart guy and he knows a lot about the game," said Indians bench coach Frank Browning. "He should do very well as a broadcaster." Team officials have confirmed that Williams will be invited to sit in as color commentator during local broadcasts next season. If all goes well, they said, he may eventually be elevated to the position full-time.