AUGUST 13, 1951
DYNAMOS TAKE OVER FEDERAL LEAD
We're halfway through the gauntlet setup between the three Federal Association contenders, and it's clear who put themselves in the best position. That would be the Detroit Dynamos, who went from one back to three in front, as the trade boosted squad had little trouble during the week. With the benefit of being home and only playing two games against their competition, the Dynamos swept through the week, knocking the Pioneers out of first before sweeping the Chiefs in a three game set. A pair of one run victories over Mel Haynes (3-8, 5.95. 25) helped them against the Chiefs, while Joe Hancock's (6-11, 3.88, 63) 6-hit shutout with no walks an 3 strikeouts in the opener with the Pioneers gave them the momentum they needed to extend their win streak to six. Hancock has won both his starts in Detroit, allowing just 12 hits, 3 runs, and a walk with 7 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched.
The Dynamos offense wasn't even their sharpest this week, but April pickup Pat Petty (.274, 8, 47), who was at risk of losing his starting spot, has started to heat up. The former King picked up Player of the Week in the Fed, hitting an impressive .667/.696/1.190 in 23 trips to the plate. Petty added 3 doubles, at triple, 2 homers, 5 runs, and 6 RBIs. He's coming off his best month in July, hitting .259/.439/.424 (126 OPS+) with 4 homers and 11 RBIs, now up to .274/.411/.419 (117 OPS+) in 96 games. What's made him so useful this season is the walks -- he's drawing them at a 18.6% clip -- which ranks third among all FABL hitters. Detroit draws a lot of walks, 3rd in the Fed, and that will only continue to rise the more Mack Sutton (.293, 25, 86) plays. One of their deadline acquisitions, he has one more walk (78) then Petty (77) with a healthy 16.5 BB%. It's always good to get on base when you're trying to score runs, and with guys like Sutton, Dick Estes (.308, 13, 71), Ralph Johnson (.302, 18, 61, 5), and Edwin Hackberry (.267, 23, 79, 11), all who are capable run producers, the more guys on base, the better.
The only way this week could have gone worse for the Pioneers, is if they lost the finale in New York, as they lost their first five games of the week before their top three of George Atkins (), Frank Kirchner (), and Ray Bates () decided enough was enough. The trio combined to go 6-for-16 with 5 runs, 5 RBIs, 3 walks, 2 doubles (Kirchner), and a triple (Bates), helping the Pioneers win their first game in eight attempts 8-5. They couldn't have picked a worse time to slump, as after leading the Fed they dropped to third, half a game behind the Gothams and three and a half shy of Detroit. Their starting pitching got hammered, with each starter allowing four or more runs, with the most embarrassing loss a 14-1 blowout where Cecil LaBonte (.315, 3, 49, 5), Roosevelt Brewer (.313, 1, 42, 13), and Walt Messer (.284, 24, 76) drove in three or more runs a piece. The Gothams had 15 hits, 10 singles and 5 doubles, as Tom Buchanan (8-5, 4.01, 57) wasn't able to complete the second inning.
It won't get any easier either, but they do have two off days coming up to hopefully get the team back on track. They'll be home for the week as well, hosting Detroit for two before New York is in town for three games in four days. Lucky for the Pioneers, those two teams play each other while they're off, as the Dynamos will be hosting the Gothams before coming to town. Best case for the Pioneers is a split, they can't fall any further in the loss column, and with a big week at home they can find themselves right back on top of the association.
And while Detroit might have had the best week, the Gothams are still the hottest team in the Fed, as before the finale loss to St. Louis they won then in a row. They swept through the Chiefs, starting with a Buddy Long (15-5, 3.14, 46) shutout and finishing with a tight 8-7 win where they took the lead on a two-run single from Tom Jeffries (.306, 8, 60) in the 8th. He finished 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs, a crucial piece of the victory. The Gothams did have the benefit of being at home this week, and will now venture to Detroit, Chicago, and of course, St. Louis, as they continue their title defense. Jim Morrison (9-9, 3.89, 52) finally lost his first start as a Gotham, St. Louis got 7 runs (6 earned) off 8 hits and 3 walks in 5.2 innings to snap the streak, but he's still got a 3.67 ERA (115 ERA+) and 1.25 WHIP in his 6 starts. The Gothams are going to need big starts from him, Long, and ace Ed Bowman (14-4, 2.53, 97) in what could be their toughest week of the season.
Looking at the other association, it's not as much of a three horse race as the Fed, but the Montreal Saints are now just 6.5 games out of first, and have been better in their last ten then the teams they're chasing. They've lost just one series since July 24th, as the Chicago Cougars took two of three from them to open the week. They rebounded quickly with two of three from the Stars, and have now won 8 of their last 11. New Saint Sal Pestilli (.254, 8, 29, 13) went 9-for-25 in his second week in Montreal, adding a triple, steal, and 6 runs. He had a big 3-for-4 day with 3 runs against his former team in the Saints lone win in Chicago, and Sal had a big 4-for-6 with a steal and 3 more runs as the Saints secured at least a split in their four game set hosting the Stars. They have their work cut out for them, but with four more against the Stars and three with the Cougars, both teams well under .500, they can make up some more ground in the pennant race.
Cleveland and Philly play one game in Cleveland to start the week, the last time they see each other until September. The Sailors are holding a game and a half lead, and will likely send Lloyd Stevens (11-7, 4, 3.53, 53) out to start. The veteran who spent most of his time on the other side of town has had a huge breakout for the Sailors, helping ease the loss of Win Lewis (5-1, 2.83, 34) a bit. In 12 starts after the trade, he's 7-3 with a 2.88 ERA (149 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, 24 walks, and 37 strikeouts. The 35-year-old former Allen Winner has really helped cleanup a rotation with a lot of question marks, and it will have another one as "ace" Charlie Gordon (11-8, 3.98, 74) is dealing with back spasms that haven't healed right. No word has been given if he will need an IL stint, but they have three guys in their pen who have made seven or more starts.
The Foresters have a big decision to make, as with an off day tomorrow, they can either start ace Adrian Czerwinski (15-4, 3.10, 90) on short rest or swingman John Jackson (7-7, 9, 3.77, 40) who was recently inserted to the rotation. Czerwinski is looking to do what might be the "easiest" way to get in to the Hall-of-Fame, winning three straight Allen Awards, and he's shown on multiple occasions he can handle starts without the regular five days of rest. Easily the class of their rotation, no one can come close to his numbers, though with the excellent outfield of Sherry Doyal (.327, 22, 86), Frenchy Sonntag (.335, 21, 78), and Joe Wood (.302, 13, 66) whoever pitches will have plenty of run support. It's a long season and plenty can happen, but it's not hard to wager that this coming game in Philadelphia is one of the biggest games they'll play all year.
And in big games, you need big game players. No one fits that bill more then "The Mad Professor." He's the guy that holds this team together. And he's the guy they'll have to lean on if they want a chance to repeat as champs.
MCCULLOUGH RETIRES AS PLAYER, WILL REMAIN SKIPPER IN CINCINNATI
PRESS RELEASE FROM CINCINNATI CANNONS: In a heartfelt announcement, Charley McCullough, the Cincinnati Cannons' player-manager, has declared his retirement from playing, effective immediately. McCullough, known for his defensive prowess and sharp eye at the plate, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and resilience.
Over his career, McCullough played 748 games, maintaining a .244 batting average with a remarkable .369 on-base percentage. Despite hitting only two home runs, his disciplined approach at the plate led to just 149 strikeouts in 2,256 at-bats, showcasing his keen eye for the strike zone. McCullough's defensive skills earned him the reputation of a glove-first second baseman, a role in which he excelled throughout his career.
McCullough's journey with the Cannons began in Baltimore, and he remained a steadfast member of the team through its move to Cincinnati in 1940. His standout moment came in 1941 when he earned an All-Star selection, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
As he transitions fully into his managerial role, McCullough's influence on the field will be missed, but his leadership off the field promises to continue guiding the Cannons. The entire organization and its fans extend their heartfelt thanks to Charley McCullough for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to the team.
DYNAMOS TAKE OVER TOP SPOT
A six game winning streak could not have come at a better time for the Detroit Dynamos, a team that suddenly finds itself in a spot it has occupied all too rarely for the past couple of decades - at the top of the Federal Association. There is much work to be done for the club to stay there as both the New York Gothams and St Louis Pioneers remain very much in the mix.
There are also the ghosts of so many close calls since Detroit last hoisted the Fed flag in 1929. Second place finishes in 1932 and 1933 before the sell-off of Al Wheeler and Frank Vance prompted a complete rebuild. Rebuild attempt one when the Dynamos finishes in second place three years in a row including just a single game back of Pittsburgh in 1939 and two behind the Miners in 1940. After a drop to the second division the Dynamos were back and challenging in 1944 when they finished second and in 1945 when they were third but just four games behind the pennant winning Philadelphia Keystones. Even as recently as two years ago the Dynamos finished just 7 games off the pace but truth be told were never really a true pennant contender that year.
Yes, there has been plenty of close calls that ended with very disappointing conclusions to campaigns through the years. That, of course, just naturally leads to the fear of another near miss being what is instore for Dynamos supporters going forward but perhaps this year is different.
The batting order from one thru eight is possibly the best a Detroit club has ever fielded with newcomers Ralph Johnson and Mack Sutton adding to a solid young core led by Edwin Hackberry, Dick Estes and the doubleplay combo of Stan Kleminski and Del Johnson. The pitching staff also seems to be in high gear, which is a shock when you consider the club's ace, Carl Potter, has not pitched since blowing out his arm on opening day.
Back-to-back wins over St Louis last week moved the club ahead of the Pioneers, who had a rough week in losing 5 straight to the Dynamos and New York before bouncing back against the Gothams yesterday. After surpassing the Pioneers, the Dynamos did something against Chicago that perhaps makes us think that this really is the year.
Friday evening at Thompson Field the Dynamos rallied from a 4-1 deficit by scoring once in each of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th innings to pull out a 5-4 victory and then a day later, after allowing the Chiefs to plate 5 runs in the top of the 9th and go up 9-8, the Dynamos rallied again. Jim Gaiter tied the contest with a key pinch-hit rbi single and then Pat Petty, aided by a throwing error, drove in the winning run in the 10th. There was far less drama yesterday as the Dynamos scored 4 times in the opening frame and cruised past Chicago 7-4, stretching the current Detroit winning streak to six games.
It is a big week ahead as Red Johnson and the New York Gothams come to town for two games beginning this evening. New York is just as hot as the Dynamos are and trail Detroit by just 3 games. After this series is over the two clubs will still have six September meetings to look forward to but a sweep of the two games with New York and then to win two more in St Louis beginning Wednesday would certainly help nervous Detroit fans feel just a little more at ease.
HERE COME THE GOTHAMS
A 10 game winning streak, a 7-1 week and the Gothams have tracked down St. Louis. Now they need to do it all again as they go to Detroit for two, then close out the week in St. Louis with a 4 game set. The story this week was pitching as each starter, save Joe Brown who was bailed out by the offense, turned in a strong performance. Jim Morrison ran his Gothams record to 5-0 before stumbling in the Sunday game against St. Louis.
Red Johnson continues his push for a 5th Whitney Award moving to 3rd in the FA with a .320 average to go with his league leading 29 homers and 95 RBI.
One issue for the team is SS Cecil LaBonte coming up lame running out a double in Sunday's game. The injury is listed as day to day, but the team will call up young infielder Harry Murray as insurance. Light-hitting Jim Harper is expected to get most of the work in LaBonte's absence.
Starting what will be a week with 8 games in 7 days, the Gothams trail only Detroit, by three games.
On the farm - The teams high ranking for farm systems is showing on the field as both AA Reading and A Albany lead their leagues. Even AA Toledo, while trailing red hot Milwaukee by 13 games, has a vey respectable 59-47 record. At AAA Jim Allen continues to show no trouble in pro ball, now hitting .329.
A FINAL SURPRISE FOR THE ELDER STATESMAN
It was a very warm, uncharacteristically humid, July night in Boston as Rip Curry made his way up Forsyth Street. The Minutemen just finished up a brutal 1-11 road trip to start the post All-Star stretch of their season. While it was good to be home Rip wondered how much longer he would actually call Boston home? With the Minutemen being his third professional team, Rip had become accustomed to reading the writing on the wall. The first one though, definitely took him by surprise. Imagine being drafted 13th overall, playing in a city for six seasons, amassing over 1000 hits to wake up one morning and realize that the Keystones, from the city of brotherly love, had just dealt you to Detroit who cared more about their war-time economy than their ballclub. That was the slap in the face wake up call that Rip had not expected.
As Rip turned north on Hemenway Street he recalled who he was dealt for. Some kid named Greenwood, I think. Eddie, yea, that was it, a center fielder. He lost some time in the service though. God bless him. I think he finished out in California somewhere. Come to think of it, the other guy they dealt me for served as well, the pitcher, Abingdon. He’s still in Philly. I'm four for ten against the poor bastard. Rip chuckled at his ability to always remember who he had success against. I wasn’t much of a fan of Detroit, I thought I should have played more to be honest, but we made the most of it. Still, when they traded me to Boston I wasn’t sad to say goodbye. As Rip continued down Hemenway street he thought. That was the Pestilli deal! Oh yea, the GM over there had a real fascination with bloodlines, like having a famous last name guaranteed you anything! They even sent Artie White, a four time All-Star, over with me in that deal. Artie was at the end for sure, and let's face it, they probably thought the same about me, but Pestilli had been hiding behind that damn last name his whole career. And here I am, still kicking at 41.
As Rip made his final turn onto Gainsborough the concrete monstrosity blotted out the night sky. There it was, Minuteman Stadium, the steel and rivet future of baseball stadium construction. Even on an off day, the stadium was still busy as it housed the central nervous system of the organization. Three levels above Gate G, the lights always seemed to be on. As Rip approached, the night attendant emerged from the shadows.
“Hiya Rip, how are you tonight?”
“I’m good Frankie, how about yourself”
“Well, other than my wife and kids, I can’t complain”
“How many are you up to now?”
“That I know about?….probably four” as Frankie broke out into a broad smile.
“Well, they can’t all hate you right?”
“Naw, only when they don’t need something.”
Rip gave Frankie a good natured smile and nod as Frankie added “He is waiting for you up there. You wanna take the lift?”
“Naw, I don’t want you to work too hard tonight, I’ll take the ramp, I’m an athlete ya know.”
“So they say Rip, have a good one.”
Rip gave a smile as he turned and proceeded up the ramp to the office of the GM.
This wasn’t the first time Rip had been in this office. The last time though was a few years ago to accept a plaque in recognition of his 2000th career hit. Tonight though, Rip was sure he wasn’t receiving another plaque. As Rip entered the office the Boston GM was looking out a window that went from the floor to the ceiling at the quiet field below him.
“Hey Rip, thanks for coming. Pour yourself a drink if you like?” as he gestured toward the bar on the wall by the entrance.
Rip, never one to pass up a chance at good bourbon, helped himself to a healthy three fingered pour with a single cube.
“Rip, you are a lifer, you know what this is about right?”
“Let’s see…You are paying me 46k, I’m not playing and when I do I’m not hitting. So you guys are looking to kick me to the scrap heap. Am I close?”
With a quick chuckle the Boston GM replied “Yea, you are close”.
Before Rip could add another condescending remark Boston’s GM continued with “Rip you aren’t some country hayseed, there are only 63 players in the history of this league that have more hits than you do. That deserves respect. I know I’m a baseball exec, but I was a baseball fan first if you can believe it, and I wanted to treat you with a bit of dignity.
Disarmed by the sentiment, Rip shifted from cutting sarcasm to a more honest approach. “No, I understand. What do you have on your mind?”
“Well, I can’t “legally” say what I did but I may have made a call to Philadelphia to alert them that we may be putting one of their favorite son’s on waivers. And they may have said they were interested in bringing a certain player back.”
Humbled, Rip replied. “That was a mighty fine thing to do there boss”
“My pleasure, you know this is a business, but when we can do something right by a player, I like to think we try to make that happen. I mean, if you aren’t claimed you can technically go down to Columbus and help the young guys. Although, I’m pretty sure that isn’t something you are interested in doing. You want to play, not mentor."
With a finger left in his drink Rip replied “It’s not how I would like to go out, but the way you have treated me makes me at least consider it. I appreciate the organization for treating me like a person.”
Rip stared into his drink swirling around the fast melting cube as the GM poured himself a generous glass of scotch.
“What’s going through your head now Rip?”
“Just thinking about the journey is all.”
“What was the best part?”
“Being 25 years old and hitting .370 which was good enough to out hit Bobby Barrell. Bobby B. was the best player I have ever played with or against. To be better than him for one season was something special.”
“That is a good one. What is the regret?”
“Not winning a title. Like every ballplayer, you want to finish on top at least once.”
“Well, ballplayers good enough to call it their career. I’m an exec and I would give it all up to be good enough to play for a single season. We all have our roles though”
As Rip tossed back the last of his drink he said “I appreciate how you have done yours. I’m going to leave you now and find my way out. Thank you though.” As Rip made his way to the door one more question made his way to his ears before he could turn the door handle.
“Rip, I have one last question. Is Rip your given name?”
“No it ain’t. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know, Rip is a unique name, but there is a prospect out of California with the same first and last name. He isn’t a jr. though, and I know you are a private guy but…..never mind. Just a coincidence I bet”
Rip looked from the door knob back to the GM and then to the far wall of the room.
“Remember when you asked about my biggest regret?”
“Yea, I remember”
“I was 25, I out hit Bobby Barrell for a season, I was on top of the world, I wasn’t cut out for fatherhood at the time. He was born in Philly but his Mom quickly moved to California when she realized I wasn’t the one. At 25 I didn't get it, now it haunts me. He has my name, but he doesn’t have my name. It was a masterstroke on her part.”
With that Rip quietly left his glass on the bar and walked out of the office. The three level walk down the ramp was maybe the longest in the history of his life. When he reached the bottom Frankie asked “Am I gonna miss you Rip?”
“If you like me as a ballplayer, then probably yes Frankie”.
“As a ballplayer? What the hell more is there?”
“Probably everything Frankie.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Nothing Frankie, Rip loves you, have a good night.”
As Rip walked off into the night Frankie shouted “You too Rip! You are one of the best!”
On August 5th 1951 the Philadelphia Keystones claimed Rip Curry off of waivers. The other Rip Curry hit .458 as a high school sophomore last season.
- The reason Rip Curry was released in Boston is that the Minutemen needed to make some room for Paul Caissie, a player that deserves full time reps somewhere but is blocked on Boston due to a crowded outfield. In 8 games with limited playing time the 24-year-old rookie is hitting .385 with 2 homers 4 RBI's and a stolen base.
- Hank Smith, featured last week by Montreal Star writer Marc T. McNeil, looks to be seizing his opportunity to start at first base. Smith hit .333 with 3 homers and 8 rbi's in his first week in the starting lineup. Newcomer Sal Pestilli had a big week too, hitting .391.
- After a slow couple weeks, Gene Curtis looks to have found his stride in FABL. The New York Stars 21-year-old third baseman, a 1948 first rounder, went 10-for-22 last week to raise his average after 19 big league games to .271.
- The Chicago Chiefs had a week they would rather forget, going 0-6 on the road in New York and Detroit, including back to back extra inning losses at Thompson Field. It does not get much easier this week as the same two clubs, both fighting for the Fed lead, visit Whitney Park for six games.
- The Chicago Cougars have not lost a game by more then three runs since an 8-3 loss on July 14th. Tip Harrison of the Chicago Daily News says "I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
- Jim Adams Jr., the 1943 first overall draft pick who was traded from Cleveland to St Louis over the winter, picked up his 1,000th career hit last week.
- Mark Fountain, who four years ago had a title shot against Hector Sawyer, continues to step in the ring despite the fact his best days are clearly far behind him. The 33-year-old New York native dropped a unanimous decision to Ken Yetmen in Rochester Saturday evening. It marks the fifth straight loss for Fountain, who is 25-11-1 overall.
- Wednesday night in Brooklyn at Flatbush Gardens, middleweight Heath Nichols won his 9th consecutive decision and third in a row by knockout when the 25-year-old Toledo native knocked out Johnny Williams in the fifth round of their bout slated for 10. Nichols runs his record to 25-7 while Williams dips to 24-7.
UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS- tonight- Baltimore, MD: longtime welterweight George "Mr. Sandman" Gibbs (29-7) against Hubert Boyd (11-7)
- tonight- Miami, FL: veteran heavyweight Scott 'The Chef' Baker (25-7-3) faces Bob Cooley (21-9-1)
- Aug 14- Montreal Arena: Adrian Petrie (21-4-3) and Kevin Rawlings (19-6), Canadian middleweights meet for the third time. Each won once previously. Petrie briefly held the World Middleweight title in 1948-49.
- Aug 22- Lakeside Auditorium, Chicago: Heavyweight contenders Lewis Jones (24-4-1) and Cannon Cooper (34-6-1) meet.
- Aug 22- Flatbush Gardens, Brooklyn: veteran Boston heavyweight Roy Crawford (34-8) takes on Irwin Hoffman (20-3-2)
- Aug 25- Atlanta, GA: Italian middleweight Hugo Canio (20-2-2) meets Junior Shaw (35-8-3)
- Aug 27- Philadelphia, PA: middleweight Bob Hinkle (30-10-1) squares off against Gil Bailey (8-4-3)
- Aug 28 - Pittsburgh, PA: middleweight contenders Dan Drewery (27-3-5) and Jim Ward (28-3) clash.
- Aug 31- Holyoke, MA: Heavyweight Harvey Winter (26-7-2) faces Malcolm Harrington (18-11-1)
- September 8- Gothams Stadium New York: World heavyweight champion Hector Sawyer (65-3-1) faces Max Bradley (22-1-1) in the final fight of his career.
The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 8/12/1951
- The United States has rejected Russia's new proposal for a five-power peace pact, calling it nothing more than a Soviet "propaganda pact."
- Chairman Vinson of the House Armed Services Committee proposed a vast increase in United States air power, calling for expanding the Air Force to 163 wings - nearly double the number now in existence- and for the construction of three super aircraft carriers.
- Korean peace talks are at a standstill. UN negotiators are waiting for an answer to their demand for fresh guarantees of neutrality at the talks but Red China radio reports claim the Communist negotiators are stuck waiting for a reply to a Communist message delivered at the beginning of the week.
- Japan's top investigating officer testified to the House Un-American Activities Committee that the Russians knew a month before Pearl Harbor of the Japanese plan to strike at the United States and Britain in the Pacific.
- Nearly 80 of the 90 accused Rome State cadets have admitted under oath that they violated the Military Academy's honor code. Those who admitted cheating have been given the opportunity to resign with a clean record.
- Rome State is not the only school contending with issues involving student athletes. The football and basketball coaches at Richmond State have resigned following disclosure that college officials are investigating alleged "malpractices" by members of the Athletic Department in the academic grading of student athletes.