[abell1198]

As the season is winding down, the American League 1950's Division is a four team race. The National League 1950's Division is down to two. Let's look at the AL first.

Two teams are tied for first place at the end of August with a record of 79-60. The first team is the 1952 New York Yankees. The '52 Yankees had a two game lead at the end of July, but a poor performance cost them sole possession of 1st place. The '52 squad is 10th in the AL in defense and is led by DH Gene Woodling at the plate. Woodling is hitting .301 for the club, with 17 HR and 87 RBI. The real strength of the team is their pitching, with SP Allie Reynolds (12-7, 2.58), SP Vic Raschi (18-6, 3.48) and SP Eddie Lopat (17-7, 3.38) all throwing well. Lopat made headlines for the club on August 3rd with a 1-0 win over the 1928 New York Yankees (52-61), where he allowed only one hit, while striking out 10 and walking none. The second team in the tie for 1st are the 1953 New York Yankees. The '53 club is 18th in the AL in runs scored (695), 20th in OBP (.352), 15th in runs allowed (534), 15th in overall ERA (3.60), 12th in bullpen ERA (3.40) and 9th in defense. C Yogi Berra (.289, 22 HR, 84 RBI) leads the team at the dish. SP Vic Raschi (17-5, 2.46) and SP Johnny Sain (12-7, 2.80) lead the team on the mound.

In third place, and one game back at 78-61, are the 1958 New York Yankees. CF Mickey Mantle (.301, 35 HR, 83 RBI) leads the team in hitting and SP Bobby Shantz (11-7, 2.91) leads the club in pitching.

The fourth place team are the 1954 Cleveland Indians, who are 77-62 and two games back. The Indians are 108th in the AL (dead last) in stolen bases with 7!!! Really, how do you only steal 7 bases in 139 games? Regardless, Cleveland is 14th in runs allowed (528), 9th in starter ERA (3.27) and 12th in overall ERA (3.50). 1B Al Rosen (.303, 25 HR, 88 RBI) leads the team at the plate and SP Early Wynn (15-8, 2.73) is the best pitcher on the mound for the Tribe.

In the National League, the division is led by the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers at 79-60. The Dodgers are 1st in the NL in runs scored (785), 3rd in average (.289), 1st in OBP (.366) and 1st in home runs (178). However, their starters are also 98th in ERA (4.33) and their defense is ranked 99th! RF Carl Furillo (.363, 25 HR, 96 RBI) leads a lineup with three other .300+ hitters. I would be four, but C Roy Campanella is sitting at .299. SP Carl Erskine (15-4, 2.45) is the lone bright spot for the pitching staff. Erskine made news on August 22nd, after a 7-2 win over the 1984 San Diego Padres (53-78). Erskine allowed six hits, struck out 17 and walked three in the game.

In second place, and four games back at 75-64, are the 1954 New York Giants. The Giants are 4th in the NL in home runs with 171. CF Willie Mays (.342, 44 HR, 103 RBI) leads the team in hitting, while SP Johnny Antonelli (13-7, 2.84) is the team's best pitcher. On August 9th, RF Don Mueller (.338, 4 HR, 46 RBI) made headlines for the club after a 5 for 6 performance against the 1928 St. Louis Cardinals (64-55). Mueller hit five singles in the Giants' 9-8 win (in 10 innings). On August 16th, Antonelli made the news after pitching a 5-0 victory over the 1927 Pittsburgh Pirates (57-68). Antonelli held the Pirates to six hits, struck out seven and walked two.