Thursday, May 31, 2007

April 19th, 1934 - NL Game Summaries

Cards Squeak Out Second Win in Come from Behind Victory
Haines shuts door as Cards' hitters regain the lead

Pittsburgh 4 10 1
St. Louis (NL) 5 10 1

Joe Medwick had 2 base hits and 2 RBI as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 5 to 4 at Sportsman's Park. Although they hit up Cards starter Bill Hallahan for an early 2 run lead, Pittsburgh was unable to hold it, and St. Louis went ahead for good in the 7th inning, plating an isolated run utilizing 3 base hits. Both teams totaled 10 on the afternoon.

Jesse Haines(1-0) (pictured; see credit below) pitched 3 strong innings allowing no runs and only a single hit for the win. Ralph Birkofer(0-1) was given the loss. He allowed 10 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings. 'We didn't score as many runs as we ought to have,' said St. Louis manager Frankie Frisch. 'The key was Jesse's superb relief pitching.'

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Derringer Leads Cincinnati to First Win
Reds Avoid Cubs Sweep

Chicago (NL) 2 9 0
Cincinnati 4 10 0

Cinci Pitcher Paul Derringer (pictured) did it all – pitch, hit and field as the Reds won their first game of the year. Although Reds third baseman Mark Koenig provided the big blast, a three run homer, for the Reds, Derringer himself contributed two hits, pitched a complete game, and robbed Woody English of a sure hit in the third inning.

Reds Manager – Catcher Bob O’Farrell was all smiles after the game, his first victory as the Reds new skipper. ‘I haven’t managed since 1927,’ O’Farrell said. ‘I was afraid I’d lost my touch!’

Giants Complete Sweep Over Hapless Phils
Roy Parmelee throws complete game; blasts homer

Philadelphia (NL) 2 6 4
New York (NL) 6 13 1

At the Polo Grounds the New York Giants easily handled the Philadelphia Phillies by the score of 6 to 2. New York set the tone of the game in the first inning when they scored 3 runs on 4 hits. That scoring would be all that was needed. Overall New York out-hit Philadelphia 13 to 6. Roy Parmelee (1-0) (pictured) went 8 innings allowing 2 runs for the win. Phil Collins (0-1) was the loser. He was unable to control the New York offense and allowed 11 hits and 2 walks in 7 innings. The Phillies had trouble in the field as well as the plate, allowing four errors, two by catcher Jimmie Wilson.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

April 19th, 1934 - AL Games Summaries

Tigers Win Rubber Match Over Sox

Gehringer Blast Proves to be Difference Maker in Close Contest

Detroit 5 11 0
Chicago (AL) 3 10 0

Detroit Second baseman Charlie Gehringer (pictured) was as brilliant at the plate as he was in the field today, hitting a two run homer and a triple, driving in three altogether. His 3 RBIs proved the difference as the Tigers prevailed in the rubber match of their 3 game series with the Chicago White Sox. In his first start, 'Schoolboy' Rowe went the distance at Comiskey Park. Chicago was unable to recover after Detroit went ahead in the top of the 2nd inning scoring a single run using 2 hits. Detroit finished with 11 hits in the victory. The win went to Rowe (1-0) who allowed 3 runs in the game. Phil Gallivan (0-1) absorbed the loss. Although Rowe gave up 10 hits to the Sox, he was able to get outs when they were needed. 'I had a little blister on my index finger before the game, but I thought it was nothing.' Rowe said. 'I was lucky I got a win because I couldn't put the ball where I wanted it.'


A's Triumph in Sloppy Game

Pitchers Yield 16 Hits, 15 Walks

New York (AL) 6 6 0
Philadelphia (AL) 8 10 0

In a two run game the Philadelphia Athletics got by the New York Yankees by the score of 8 to 6. Philadelphia took the lead for keeps in the bottom of the 6th inning scoring 2 runners on 1 hit. Good pitching was in short supply at Shibe. New York was out-hit by Philadelphia, 10 hits to 6, but drew 9 walks from A's pitchers. The win went to Bill Dietrich (1-0) who allowed no runs in 3 and 2/3 innings. Bob Kline recorded his 1st save. Danny Macfayden(0-1) was the loser. He was unable to control the Philadelphia offense and allowed 9 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings.



Indians Sweep Browns With Strong Hitting
Tribe Makes Statement with Bats; Will Host Tigers Tomorrow

St. Louis (AL) 2 7 2
Cleveland 10 11 0

Mel Harder tossed a complete game at League Park where the Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Browns by the score of 10 to 2. Cleveland drew first blood jumping out to an early lead in the first inning as they scored 3 runs on 4 base hits. That was all the runs Harder (1-0) needed. Cleveland had a total of 11 hits for the game, including a pair by third sacker Willie Kamm (pictured). Ed Wells (0-1) was the losing pitcher. He got hit hard, allowing 8 hits and 3 walks in 2 and 2/3 innings.



Boston Sweeps Doubleheader to Earn Series Split with Nats
Sox Outscore Visitors 27-2, get 39 hits in "Boston Massacre"

Game One

Washington 0 8 1
Boston (AL) 12 18 3

Game Two

Washington 2 9 1
Boston (AL) 15 21 0

Boston scored in the first inning of the first game of their double header with the Washington Nationals and didn't stop all afternoon to the delight of the Boston faithful who have had to endure losses in the opening games of the series.

In the first game, Rube Walberg threw a complete game shutout as the Red Sox ball club embarrassed the Nationals by the count of 12 to 0. Walberg (1-0) pitched a solid game. He was reached for 8 hits and 1 walk in 9 innings. Boston totaled 18 for the game. Lefty Stewart (0-1) took the loss for Washington. He was unable to control the Boston offense and allowed 12 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings.

In the nightcap, Boston infielder Bill Cissell, a recent acquisition from the Cleveland Indians, went 5 for 5 and center fielder Carl Reynolds had 2 base hits and 3 RBI. Johnny Welch pitched a complete game as the Red Sox continued to run on all cylinders, ripping the Nationals by a large 15 to 2 margin. Boston jumped out to the early lead in the first inning when they tallied 2 runs on 2 hits. Boston bats were hot in the 3rd inning which saw them plate 4 runs on 6 hits and the 5th inning when they had 6 runs on 7 hits. Boston managed 21 in their 2nd victory. The win was credited to Welch (1-0) who went the distance, allowing 2 runs. Ray Prim (0-1) was the losing pitcher. He got hit pretty hard, allowing 11hits and 4 walks in 3 and 2/3 innings.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

April 18th, 1934 - NL Game Summaries

Cards Get it Together, Beat Bucs 8-2
"Daffy" Dean Gives a "Dizzy" Performance

Pittsburgh 2 7 0
St. Louis (NL) 8 13 1

St. Louis resumed its old form today, scoring 5 runs in the 5th inning, and following up with 3 more in the next. "We did everything right today," said Manager Frankie Frisch. "We pitched, hit, fielded, moved guys along on the base paths, almost like a professional ball club," he said with a grin. Frisch himself caught the Bucs and the 1,952 fans in attendance by surprise when he sacrificed runners on first and second over with no outs. The selfless play inspired the rest of the bench to a 5 run fifth. The rally was sparked by Pitcher Paul Dean's (pictured) single. Dean was solid on the mound as well, giving up only two runs on seven hits in a complete game. Larry French (0-1) suffered the loss. He was hit hard and gave up 8 hits and 2 walks in 4 and 2/3 innings. Paul Martin stole two bases and Rip Collins hit his first home run of the season in an all around strong Cardinal performance.

Giants Win in Second Straight Over Phillies, 9-0
Fitzsimmons "Lights Out" as Giants Shutout Phillies Again

Philadelphia (NL) 0 2 0
New York (NL) 9 15 0

Phillies' pitching was able to hold off the Giants for three innings, but no more as the defending champs scored 8 times in the fourth inning en route to a 9-0 victory. While the Giants were hitting for extra bases, pitcher Fred Fitzsimmons (pictured) was both blanking the Phillies, who were able to get no more than two hits and a walk, and hitting. Fitzsimmons contributed to the offense barrage with a home run. "Me and Fred are in a home run race this year," joked outfielder Mel Ott, who also homered.


Cubs go to 2-0 with Second Win Over Reds
Cincinnati Plays Another Listless Game

Chicago (NL) 4 12 0
Cincinnati 2 9 1

Guy Bush (pictured) went the distance at Crosley Field where the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 4 to 2. Bush (1-0) gave a fine effort for Chicago. He went 9 innings surrendering 9 hits and no walks. The game was a scoreless duel until the 7th inning. Dazzy Vance(0-1) was the losing pitcher. He struck out 11 batters in 7 and 1/3 innings despite losing the game.




Braves Bats Too Much for Brooklyn
7 runs in last two innings seal Braves' win

Boston (NL) 13 18 0
Brooklyn 6 15 1

The Boston Braves registered 4 runs in the 9th inning and easily topped the Brooklyn Dodgers; the final score was 13 to 6. The game started off with Boston taking the lead in the first scoring 2 runs using 3 hits. Bill Urbanski (pictured) led off and he tripled. After an out was recorded, Wally Berger stepped up to the plate and he would ground out, which plated a run. Randy Moore then slapped a single. Pinky Whitney came up and drew a walk. Buck Jordan came to the plate and singled scoring the final run of the inning. Boston ended up with 18 hits for the game while Brooklyn had 15. The victory was credited to Fred Frankhouse (1-0) who went 8 and 2/3 innings, allowing 6 runs. The loss was charged to Ownie Carroll (0-1). He surrendered 13 hits and 1 walk in 7 innings.

Monday, May 28, 2007

April 18th, 1934 - AL Game Summaries

White Sox Turn Tables on Tigers
9th Inning Tiger Rally Falls Short

Detroit 5 12 0
Chicago (AL) 7 10 0

After pitching three perfect innings, Tigers starter Vic Sorrell was pounded for five runs in the 4th. The Tigers managed to score 1 in the 7th and 2 more in the 9th to close the gap to 7-5, and were threatening to score again, but White Sox third baseman Joe Chamberlain speared Hank Greenberg's line drive for the final out. Al Simmons hit 2 doubles and had 2 RBIs. Chicago brought 5 runs across the plate in the 4th inning when they had 5 base hits. The key at-bat was by Luke Appling who electrified Comiskey Park when he doubled, which was good for two runs. The win went to Whit Wyatt (1-0) who allowed 2 runs in 5 and 2/3 innings. Wyatt got relief help from Ted Lyons who gained credit for his 1st save. Sorrell (0-1) took the loss. In all, Chicago scored big getting 6 runs off him in 5 innings. 'We made some mistakes on the basepaths,' said Detroit Skipper Mickey Cochrane, noting that Tigers second baseman Charlie Gehringer had been picked off and that he himself was thrown out at home plate. 'We need to work on that on our next off day.'

Yanks even Series with A's
Ruffing the Hero on Both Sides of the Plate

New York (AL) 8 12 0
Philadelphia (AL) 1 4 1

Yankee Pitcher Red Ruffing was the star on the field and at bat in the Yankees first win of 1934. On the mound, Ruffing held the A's to one run on four hits, only giving up a solo home run to Jimmie Foxx. At the plate, Ruffing went three for four, and hit one out of the park as well. Johnny Marcum (0-1) was the loser. He was touched for 9 hits and 3 walks in 6 and 2/3 innings. NY first baseman Lou Gehrig had two hits. The Babe contributed to his team's first win of the season by drawing three walks.




Nationals Blank Sox for Second Win
Cronin, Weaver Star in 8-0 Rout

Washington 8 11 1
Boston (AL) 0 4 2

Monte Weaver tossed a shutout as the Washington Nationals beat the Boston RedSox by a score of 8 to 0. Weaver (1-0) was tremendous on the mound for Washington. He gave up just 4 hits and 3 walks in 9 innings. Washington had a total of 11 hits for the game. Bob Weiland(0-1) was hit with the loss. He allowed 5 runs and 8 hits in 8 innings. A key element in Boston's defeat were two untimely errors by shortstop Bill Werber.



Indians Waste No Time in Drubbing of Browns
Pearson dominates from Start to Finish

St. Louis (AL) 0 4 1
Cleveland 10 14 1

Joe Vosmik had 4 hits and 4 RBI and Monte Pearson (pictured) pitched 9 strong innings as the Cleveland Indians destroyed the St. Louis Browns by a score of 10 to 0 at League Park. The Cleveland fans enjoyed the offense provided by Vosmik. He slapped a one base hit resulting in a run in the 1st inning, belted a three-run homer (his 1st of the season) in the 2nd inning, ripped a base-knock in the 4th inning and lined a base-hit in the 6th inning. Cleveland managed 15 in their victory. Pearson (1-0) was credited with the shutout. Bump Hadley (0-1) was tagged with the loss. He lasted only 1 and 1/3 innings giving up 7 hits and 2 walks.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

April 17th, 1934 - NL Game Summaries (opening day)

Pirates, Traynor Rough Up Cards
Redbirds Appear Rusty in Opener

Pittsburgh 7 8 0
St. Louis (NL) 2 10 3

The Pittsburgh Pirates ripped the St. Louis Cardinals by a 7 to 2 count, despite being out hit by the St. Louis ball club 10 to 8. Dizzy Dean (0-1) was the losing pitcher. He surrendered 8 hits and 7 walks in 9 innings. In addition to Dean's walks, the Cards five errors factored into their opening day loss at Sportsman's Park.

Pittsburgh went ahead for good in the top of the 3rd inning with 3 runs utilizing 2 base hits. Lloyd Waner got things going when he laced a single .Fred Lindstrom was next and he drew a walk. Paul Waner then reached on an error plating two runs. Pie Traynor (pictured) stepped in and he lined a base-hit scoring the final run of the inning, one of three hits in five at bats for the Bucs' third sacker. That was all pitcher Heinie Meine (1-0) needed. In all, Pittsburgh had 8 hits for the afternoon.

'We did nothing well today,' said Cards' manager Frankie Frisch. 'We gave up 7 walks, committed 3 errors and made I don't know how many mistakes on the base paths. Looks like a lot of the spring training rust came north with us.'

Braves Win Opener on Road 7-2
Brandt Goes the Distance for Boston

Boston (NL) 7 13 0
Brooklyn 2 7 1

Braves hurler Ed Brandt (pictured) completed the game without help from the bullpen at Ebbetts Field where the Boston Braves beat the Brooklyn Dodgers by the score of 7 to 2. Boston took the lead for keeps in the 2nd inning with 2 runs on 3 hits. Hal Lee kicked off the action when he hit a single. Shanty Hogan was next to the plate and he slapped a single. Brandt then laid down a sacrifice bunt. BillUrbanski then doubled in two runs. Boston totaled 13 on the afternoon. Brandt (1-0) was the winner allowing 2 runs for the game. Van Lingle Mungo(0-1) was given the loss. He allowed 11 hits and 6 walks in 8 innings.


Cubs Over Reds 6-2
Chicago Looks Sharp in Opener

Chicago (NL) 6 13 0
Cincinnati 2 5 1

Lon Warneke came through with a solid 9 innings as the Chicago Cubs outscored the Cincinnati Reds 6 to 2. Warneke (1-0) looked very much in control throughout the day. He allowed only 5 hits and 1 walk in 9 innings. Chicago banged out 13 on the afternoon. Si Johnson(0-1) took the loss. He got hit pretty hard, allowing 13 hits and 2 walks in 8 innings. Cubs manager and first baseman Charlie Grimm (pictured) went 3 for 4 with a double to lead the Cubs' hitting.





Giants Pick Up Where they Left Off
World Champs Resume Winning Ways

Philadelphia (NL) 0 7 0
New York (NL) 4 9 1

Giants manager and third baseman Bill Terry had 2 base hits and Carl Hubbell (pictured) tossed a shutout as the New York Giants beat the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 4 to 0. Hubbell (1-0) gave New York a solid outing. He was stingy on the mound, allowing just 7 hits and no walks in 9 innings. After the 3rd inning, neither team was able to score. Jumbo Jim Elliott (0-1) suffered the loss. He pitched 7 innings giving up 9 hits and 3 walks.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

April 17th, 1934 - AL Game Summaries (opening day)

Tigers Win Opening Game in Strong Showing
Cochrane, Marberry dominate Sox on both Sides of Plate


Detroit 9 14 2
Chicago (AL) 1 9 2

Detroit Manager-Catcher Mickey Cochrane (pictured) had 4 hits at Comiskey Park as the Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox 9 to 1. Chicago fell behind quickly as the Detroit offense came through in the first inning scoring 2 runners on 3 hits. That early scoring was all that Tigers' starter Firpo Marberry (1-0) needed. Detroit had 14 hits for the game and Chicago had 9. The loss was charged to Sam Jones (0-1). He allowed 13 hits and 4 walks in 7 innings. 'They won't all be this easy,' acknowledged Cochrane, 'but it's a great way to open the season.'



A's Triumph over Yankees in Opener
Late Yankee Rally Falls Short

New York (AL) 9 12 2
Philadelphia (AL) 11 12 5

The Philadelphia A's roughed up Yankee starter Left Gomez right out of the box, scoring nine times in the first three innings. Poor fielding by Connie Mack's Athletics, however, allowed the Yankees to make a late run, coming up just short as Babe Ruth grounded out with the bases loaded in the 9th.

Athletics Shortstop Eric McNair (pictured) had two hits and a fine day in the field. The home town fans were very also appreciative of the fine hitting performance provided by Pinky Higgins. He lined a base-hit bringing in a run in the 2nd inning, doubled with all three runners coming home in the 3rd inning and doubled again, knocking in a run in the 5th inning. New York made it exciting in the 9th, but they were unable to push the needed runs across. Sugar Cain (1-0) allowed 7 runs in 7 and 2/3 innings, and picked up the victory. Lefty Gomez (0-1) was hit with the loss. Despite losing Yankee manager Joe McCarthy was optimistic after the game. 'We'll get over this one. Sometimes the breaks fall your way, sometimes they don't. Any one of a dozen little things go different, and we come out on top.'

Washington Downs BoSox 5-2
Nats' Pitcher Tames Beantowners; spoil opening of New Fenway

Washington 5 14 0
Boston (AL) 2 9 1

John Stone had 3 base hits and Earl Whitehill (pictured) pitched a complete game as the Washington Senators defeated the Boston Red Sox by a score of 5 to 2 at the opening day at the newly renovated Fenway Park. Whitehill (1-0) delivered a fine performance for Washington. He was reached for 9 hits and 3 walks in 9 innings. Washington finished with 14 hits in the victory. Gordon Rhodes (0-1) took the loss. He was touched for 11 hits and 6 walks in 6 and 1/3 innings.


Despite the loss, Sox owner Tom Yawkey was clearly enjoying himself, pointing out all of newly renovated Fenway's new features to fans and press. 'We worked almost non-stop to rebuild after the fire, and I think the stadium speaks for itself,' said a beaming Yawkey.


Indians Over Browns in Slugfest
Browns Strike First, but Tribe Overpowers

St. Louis (AL) 8 12 2
Cleveland 11 17 2

The St. Louis Browns tagged Indians Pitcher Oral Hildebrand for four runs in the first inning, and led 5-0 after three innings. Indian bats awoke in the fifth, however, and a 5 run inning was followed by a 4 run sixth. The Browns made a 9th inning bid, scoring 3 runs, but fell short.

Tribesman Left Fielder Joe Vosmik (pictured) went 4 for 4 and T\third baseman Willie Kamm had 3 base hits and 4 RBI. Hildebrand (1-0) still pitched well enough to earn the win. He was reached for 12 hits and 3 walks in 8 and 2/3 innings. Hildebrand got help from Willis Hudlin who was credited with his 1st save. George Blaeholder (0-1) was tagged with the loss. He was unable to control the Cleveland offense and allowed 12 hits and 3 walks in 5 and 2/3 innings. 'We just made a lot of mistakes, mostly mental,' Browns' manager Rogers Hornsby said. 'It's bad enough when the other team beats you, but when you start beating yourselves, that's really bad.'

Friday, May 25, 2007

April 16th, 1934 - Profile


Commissioner Landis

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis was in his 15th season as Commissioner (he would serve 25) in 1934. His unusual name comes from the Civil War battle in which his father was wounded. Landis was a federal judge who presided over several important cases, most notably one of the earliest involving baseball's status under federal antitrust laws, when the Federal League sued the Major Leagues for blocking access to MLB players. More notoriously, Landis presided over the trial of the African American boxer Jack Johnson - a shameful ordeal beyond the purview of this blog (see here for more on this episode).

Appointed as baseball's first sole commissioner by the owners after the "Black Sox" scandal of 1919 to restore integrity to baseball, Landis did them one better, ruling imperiously over the game in a manner never seen before or since. Approached by the owners to head what they proposed as a multi-member commission to oversee the game, Landis informed them that he would only accept on the condition that he be the sole member and given absolute control of all aspects of the game. It is a sign of the dire straights the game was in at that point that the owners accepted his terms.

Landis dealt harshly with both players and owners whose conduct he deemed "not in the best interests" of baseball. For example, although he barred eight of the 1919 White Sox from baseball for their role in fixing the World Series, he also forced White Sox owner Charlie Comiskey to clean up the pecuniary practices that indirectly led to the scandal by severely underpaying his players.

Landis used his power in ways that helped the game by cleaning up the gambling, brawling, drinking and other unsavory practices that plagued baseball in the first quarter of the century. He was also, however, principally responsible for maintaining baseball's color barrier, which fell soon after he left office.

Interestingly, Landis championed the minor leagues, and opposed Major League owners' efforts to control them via the "farm system." At the same time, however, he opposed efforts of minor leagues, such as the Pacific Coast League, to reposition themselves as new major leagues in addition to the AL and NL. These positions can arguably be reconciled by Landis's strong sense of integrity of the game of baseball and his innate conservatism.

Landis's contributions to the game are significant. Baseball historian Bill James credits Landis rather than Ruth with saving baseball after the Black Sox scandal ('Baseball in 1920 was not threatened by a lack of popularity. Baseball in 1920 was threatened by a lack of honesty. The man who saved baseball from that threat was not Ruth, but...Landis"). He came into baseball at a time when its existence was precarious and left it indisputably as America's past time. The judgment in his Wikidpedia entry that Landis was the right person at the right time for the job, but who stayed too long, seems about right.

www.dickperez.com

April 15th, 1934 - The 1934 St. Louis Browns

Before they left St. Louis to become the Baltimore Orioles, the Browns competed with the Washington Senators for the cellar in the American League. In 1934, St. Louis finished 6th, edging out the Senators by only a single game, with a record of 67-85. They were managed by former Cardinal great Roger Hornsby, who would also get to bat 23 times in the season. At 38, Hornsby was arguably still the best player on the team. Only Sam West (of) had a better than average year among St. Louis hitters. The Browns are saved only by a starting pitching rotation consistently better than average, with Bobo Newsom the best. The bullpen is solid, if unspectacular. This is the first of Hornsby's four seasons at the helm. It's also his best. The Browns will alternate between 7th and 8th place for the rest of the decade.

April 14th, 1934 - The 1934 Pittsburgh Pirates


The 1934 Pittsburgh Pirates finished just under .500 at 74-76, in fifth place. Paul Waner (of) and Arky Vaughan (ss) were the team's best hitters that year. Larry French is a strong starter and Waite Hoyt is among the best relief pitchers in the game. Third baseman Pie Traynor will take over as manager during the season and continue to manage the Pirates for the rest of the decade, during which they'll improve and make a run at the pennant in 1938, falling just two games back of the Cubs.

April 13th, 1934 - Transaction

Dodgers Deal McManus to Braves
Boston (NL) has purchased the contract of third baseman Marty McManus from the Brooklyn Dodgers for an undisclosed sum. McManus never actually played for Brooklyn, having been signed as a free agent by them in January. Last season McManus played for the Red Sox, where he hit .284 in 106 games. McManus has previously played for St. Louis (AL) and Detroit.



Thursday, May 24, 2007

March 30th, 1934 - The 1934 Philadelphia A's

The 1934 Philadelphia A's are a shadow of their recent selves. Having won the World Series in 1929 and 1930, and the AL pennant in 1931, the A's have been slowly sliding, and would reach fifth place in 1934 with a record of 68-82. They still have Jimmie Foxx (1b). Bob Johnson (of) and Pinky Higgins (3b) also provide solid hitting. Their starting pitching, however, is mediocre. George Caster, a reliever, is their best pitcher in 1934. Connie Mack is still managing after 34 years. Even more amazingly, he's got another 16 to go before he hangs it up after the 1950 season. Still, the A's slide will continue. Next year, they'll drop to 8th and will not do better than 7th for the rest of the decade.

March 28th, 1934 - Injury News

Maranville Breaks Leg in Exhibition Game

The Boston Braves suffered a blow today when their second baseman, 42 year old veteran Rabbit Maranville, broke his leg in an exhibition game with the New York Yankees today. Despite his age, Maranville has shown no sign of slowing down in recent years, finishing in the top 20 for league MVP in each of the past three seasons. The effort with which he has played the game since coming up with the Braves in 1912 was on display in the dramatic collision with Yankee catcher Norman Kies on a double steal. Doctors are doubtful that Maranville can return to baseball this season.

March 26th, 1934 - The 1934 Philadelphia Phillies

"At least we're better than the Reds," should have been the motto of the 7th place, 56-93 Phils. In 1934, outfielder Johnny Moore provides what offense exists, and the Phils will always have a chance when Curt Davis starts. Euel Moore and Phill Collins are also good starters. Reliever Syl Johnson rounds out what is good about the Phils pitching staff, however, meaning the the Phils managers have a lot of tough decisions when deciding whether to yank one of those pitchers for a pinch hitter. The best Phils year of the 1930s came in 1932, when they finished fourth. For the rest of the decade, they finished seventh or eighth place ever year.

March 24th, 1934 - Transactions

Cards Swap Giants Watkins for Davis

The St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants traded regular outfielders today, with the Redbirds sending George Watkins to the Polo Grounds in exchange for George "Kiddo" Davis. Davis hit .258 in 126 games for New York while Watkins hit .278 in 138 games.

March 10th, 1934 - Transactions

Catcher Ruel Signed by Chi Sox

The Chicago White Sox have signed catcher "Muddy Ruel" to a contract for the 1934 baseball season. The veteran catcher has played for the St. Louis Browns, the Detroit Tigers, the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators in his 19 year major league career. Last season Ruel played in 36 games for the Browns, hitting only .190. Ruel is best known for scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning at Griffith Stadium to give Washington their only World Series victory.

March 5th, 1934 - Transactions

Reds Puchase Brennan Contract from Yankees

The Cincinnati Reds have purchased the contract of Don Brennan from the New York Yankees. Last season, Brennan was a 29 year old rookie pitcher for the Yanks, going 5-1 with an ERA of 4.98.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

February 26th, 1934 - News Item


Giants Great McGraw Dies
Long time skipper led team to 10 NL pennants in 31 years

John McGraw, the long time manager of the New York Giants and former baseball player, died last night at the age of 60 from cancer. McGraw played for Baltimore mostly from 1891 to 1902, when he became player-manager of the Giants. He held that dual role for four more years, when he retired as a player and continued to manage the Giants until two years ago when current player-manager Bill Terry took over. Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw called McGraw "the real and most authentic most remarkable man in America." Umpire Bill Klem, with whom McGraw often had furious rows, said "John McGraw off the field was a man in every old fashioned sense of the word." Klem said that McGraw was very charitable towards those in need, but shunned attention for his acts of kindness.

February 24th, 1934 - Transactions

Dodgers Name New Manager
Stengel Once Played for Brooklyn Club

The Brooklyn Dodgers announced yesterday that they were replacing manager Max Carey with former Dodger outfield Casey Stengel. Stengel played for the Dodgers from 1912 to 1917. During that period, the team was mostly known as the Robins. The team went back to the previous name "Dodgers" only two years ago. Dodgers had been the team's name in the 1911 and 1912 campaigns as well. "Darned if I don't know a few things about baseball, and I think I can teach baseball," Stengel told reporters yesterday.

February 22nd, 1934 - 1934 Cleveland Indians

The 1934 Cleveland Indians finished third in the American League at 85-69. They are managed by arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, Walter Johnson. Earl Averill (of) and Hal Trosky (1b) are their strongest hitters. Mel Harder is their star starting pitcher, with strong relief from Belve Bean and Lloyd Brown. The Indians are a steady team in the 1930s, finishing mostly in 3rd place, never higher, nor worse than 5th.

February 21st, 1934 - The 1934 Cincinnati Reds

The 1934 Cincinnati Reds finished at the bottom of the National League with a 52-99 record. The struggling Reds would go through three managers that season. Future Hall of Famer Chick Hafey, who had spent most of his career with the Cardinals, was in his third season as a Red and the best hitter on the 1934 Reds. Paul Derringer and Benny Frey were solid starters, and Dan Brennan was adequate out of the bullpen. No other Reds pitcher had a season worth mentioning. The Reds performance was no surprise. They had finished last in the previous three seasons. In 1938, Bill McKechnie takes the team over and turns it around, finishing fourth in 1938,and then winning the pennant in 1939 and the World Series in 1940.

February 15th, 1934 - Transactions

Brown Purchase Redbird Pitcher

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they were selling the contract of pitcher Bill McAfee today. Fortunately for McAfee, he won't have far to relocate. In fact, he won't even have a different home field. McAfee's new team is the St. Louis Browns. McAfee won't miss his former teammates much, though. In fact, he's never even met most of them since he played last season for the Washington Nationals and was only traded to the Cardinals in the off season. The University of Michigan grad through 61 innings in 27 games for the Nats last year, with a record of 3-2, but an ERA of 6.62

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

February 15th, 1934 - The 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers

The 1934 Dodgers are not yet the powerhouse they'll become once Branch Rickey arrives in the 1940s. Their closest brush to greatness in 1934 comes from their manager - Casey Stengel. Still, "dem Bums" will finish sixth at 71-81. The Dodgers have some decent hitters: Sam Leslie (1b), Buzz Boyle (of), Donny Taylor (of), and Len Koenecke (of). They only have one quality starting pitcher, though, Van Mungo, and one relief pitcher, Dutch Leonard. The rest of the pitching staff runs the gamut from subpar to awful. The Dodgers won't improve much over the next two years under Stengel, and he'll be replaced. At the end of the decade, Leo Durocher will take control.

February 14th, 1934 - The 1934 New York Yankees

The 1934 New York Yankees finished second in 1934 with a record of 94-60. Babe Ruth is at the end of his career. This is his last season in pinstripes. Next year he will be in Boston (NL). Still, he will appear in 106 games and have an exceptional year by any standards other than his own. Lou Gehrig (1b) and Bill Dickey (c) are the other big Yankee hitting stars in 1934. Lefty Gomez and Johnny Allen are the Yankees big starting pitchers, with Johnny Murphy coming out of the bullpen. The Yankees are in between World Series at this point. Having won it in 1932, they'll win it again from 1936 through 1939. The legendary Joe McCarthy is in his fourth year as the Yankees' skipper.

February 13th, 1934 - Transaction

Rice Signs with Indians for '34 Season
Braves also make moves

The Cleveland Indians announced today that they had offered Sam Rice a contract for the 1934 season, and that the veteran of 19 seasons with the Washington Nationals had accepted. Rice had played nearly every game in the Nationals outfield until 1932, when he playing time began to dwindle. The Nationals recently dropped Rice.

In other moves, the Boston Braves announced that they had picked up free agent Dick Barrett and had selected Pirates pitcher Steve Swetonic off waivers.

February 6th, 1934 - Transactions


Reds Pick Up Dazzy Vance Off Waivers
St. Louis Declined to Keep Pitcher

The Cincinnati Reds announced today that they had picked pitcher Dazzy Vance up off of waivers. Vance was a long time star pitcher for the Brooklyn ball club (as shown in picture) between 1922-1932, but played last season for St. Louis (NL), where he went 6-2 with a 3.55 ERA. St. Louis is heavy on quality pitching this year, and decided to release Vance.

February 5th, 1934 - Transactions

Phillies Purchase Allen Contract From Redbirds

Phillies officials announed today that they had purchased the contract of outfielder Ethan Allen from the St. Louis Cardinals. Allen had been a fixture in the Cincinnati Reds outfield in 1928 and 1929, but since being traded to the Giants in 1930 has played more of a utility role. Last season he played in St. Louis, where he hit .241/.280/.291. He is expected to play more of an every day role on the hurting Philadelphia (NL) team.

Monday, May 21, 2007

January 20th, 1934 - Transactions

Pennock a Red Sox Once More
Recently released Yankees pitcher rejoins old team

Herb Pennock, recently released from the New York Yankees, has signed on to play with the Boston Red Sox for the 1934 baseball season, team officials said today. Pennock, known as the "Knight of Kennett Square," after his birthplace in Kennett Square, PA, pitched for Boston from 1915 to 1922 after being traded from Philadelphia. Pennock has been mostly a starter, but only saw limited action, much of it in relief, during the Yankees's 1933 campaign.

January 19, 1934


"How Are they Going to Stop Us?" asks Cardinals Pitching Ace

Dean predicts Pennant for St. Louis


Cardinals pitcher Dizzy Dean turned heads at an interview yesterday when he made bold predictions for himself, his brother, and his team. The Cardinals WILL win the Pennant, he promised. His brother Paul would play a key part in making that happen, said Dean. "Paul's going to be a sensation. He'll win 18-20 games. I'll count 20 to 25 for myself. I won 20 last season and I know I'll pass that figure," said a confident Dean.
Editors Note: IRL, Dean made good on his prediction. The Cardinals, of course, did win the NL pennant. Dizzy won 30, and his rookie brother Paul (known as "Daffy") won 19. Dizzy is known for making the observation "It ain't braggin if you can do it."

January 16, 1934 - Transactions


Yankees Re-sign the Babe
Bambino Takes Cut in Pay Despite 34 HRs Last Year

The Yankees announced that they have resigned their star slugger, Babe Ruth, for $35,000. Despite the large sum, it represents a large decrease in pay from his 1933 salary of $52,000. Ruth had also discussed signing on as player-manager with Detroit for 1934, so the announcement of his re-signing resulted in a collective sigh of relief from Yankee fans.

January 15th, 1934 - The 1934 Boston Braves

Boston had a team in each league until the Braves moved to Milwaukee after the 1952 season. The Braves were one of the dominant teams in early National League history (the period prior to the formation of the American League in 1901). Boston's 1934 National League team, however, would finish fourth with a 78-73 record. Wally Berger (of) was their big slugger, but not their only accomplished batsman. Similarly, Fred Frankhouse anchored a fairly solid starting rotation. Boston's lack of a competent reliever, however, will make it difficult to win the close ones in late innings. The Braves slid to the bottom of the league in 1935, and experienced near last finishes for the rest of the decade. In 1938, Casey Stengel took the reins, but will not be able to accomplish anything before his departure after the 1942 season.

January 14th, 1934 - The 1934 Boston Red Sox

The 1934 Boston Red Sox finished fourth with a record of 76 and 76. Roy Johnson (of) and Bill Werber (3b) were their best hitters 1934. Wes Ferrell and Fritz Ostermuller were their star starting pitchers with Herb Pennock and Joe Mulligan the leaders of a strong bullpen. One note of interest is Lefty Grove. One of the all time greatest pitchers in baseball, Grove has had a terrific career prior to 1934, and will have a terrific career after it. During 1934, however, he was playing injured, the result of letting a bad toothache go untended long enough for it to effect his pitching. Other than his first year in the league and his last, Grove had an incredible ERA for every year EXCEPT 1934. The Beantowners manager is Bucky Harris, who had just left the managing job in Detroit. Their fourth place finish will be the best for Boston until 1938. In 1935, Joe Cronin will be sold to Boston by his father in law, Washington Nationals owner Clark Griffith, and he'll play shortstop and replace Harris (who will move to Washington to manage) managing from 1935 through 1948.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

January 13th, The 1934 Chicago Cubs

The 1934 Chicago Cubs finished third in the NL with a 86-65 record. Outfielders Babe Herman, Kiki Cuyler and Chuck Klein, along with Catcher Gabby Hartnett, provided plenty of offense. Lon Warneke and Bill Lee anchored a strong starting rotation. Bud Tinning provided strong relief, but was the only real Chicago reliever. Charlie Grimm's Cubs had won the pennant only two years before, and would win again the next year (1935) and in 1938.

January 12th, 1934 - The 1934 Chicago White Sox

The 1934 Chicago White Sox finished in the cellar with an abysmal record of 53-99 despite a lineup that includes Hall of Famers Al Simmons, Luke Appling and Zeke Bonura. One the primary reasons was their poor starting rotation. George Earnshaw is the only starter who had a good year. Even worse was their bullpen. Only Harry Kinzy can be called "adequate" in 1934. The Sox changed managers in the middle of the year, replacing Lew Fonseca with Jimmie Dykes. Dykes partially turned things around, and the Sox finished mostly third and fourth for the rest of the 30s.