April 19th, 1934 - Tiger of the Week: Mickey Cochrane

Tiger of the Week - Mickey Cochrane (HA4)

"Had he come to it at another time he might be remembered as a colorful, fiery playing manager who led the Tigers to two pennants and a World Series win - and nothing more. But...to a depression ridden Detroit, Cochrane's baseball leadership brought an interest, an ethusiasm, an elan that somehow kept hearts high and grins going despite life's daily disappointments."

-A Detroit Free Press editorial from 1962, reprinted in Cobb Would Have Caught It

Player-managers were common in the 1930s, and in 1934 Detroit's Manager, Mickey Cochrane, was also the regular catcher.

Although well known for his years with the Tigers, the bulk of Cochrane's playing days were spent with the Philadelphia A's. Cochrane had started out as an outfielder, but his minor league manager made a catcher out of him due to necessity. Aside from a single outfield appearance in 1932, Cochrane played every one of his 1452 games behind home plate.

Philadelphia A's owner/manager Connie Mack had been so impressed with Cochrane during the Roaring 20s, he had purchased Cochrane's entire team just to get the rights to him. Mack's gamble paid off, and Cochrane and teammate Lefty Grove would become the backbone of the A's championship teams of the late 1920s and early 30s.

After the 1933 season, however, the Depression forced the cash strapped A's to sell his contract to Detroit. Tiger owner Frank Navin had been shopping for a player-manager, and had nearly purchased Babe Ruth's contract from the Yankees. Ruth dithered, however, and the Tigers signed Cochrane instead. In 1934, Cochrane won his second AL MVP (his first was in 1928) and led the Tigers to the AL pennant.

Cochrane's intensity was pervasive. According to one Detroit baseball historian, "You only had to watch him return the ball to the pitcher. There were no lollipop lobs from the scowling, jugeared catcher the papers dubbed 'Black Mike.' He fired it hard and true, a clothesline back to the mound...the message was clear: If you weren't in the game, you could find yourself suddenly out of it." Despite this, he was also a fair manager and a good teacher. CWCI, p. 52. Among his innovations was a one handed catching style that enabled him to get the ball out of his mitt faster.

Cochrane stood out from most of the players of the 1930s by virtue of being a college graduate (Boston University - Business Administration). Music, theater and Rudyard Kipling were among his hobbies. CWCI pp. 48-52.

Cochrane was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947, and is one of only sixteen backstops so honored. A lifetime .320 hitter (.296 neutralized), Cochrane, like Ted Williams, hit a home run in his last at bat in 1937. Defensively, Cochrane also was quite strong. In 1934, Strat rates him a 1/4/-3.

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CWCI

Revised 08.15.07

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'