[Marmel]

1938

April

In the AL East, the Boston Red Sox are on top of the standings with a 16-9 record. They have no problem getting to the top, just a big problem staying there in September. The Cleveland Naps are just 1 game back, while Montreal is 2 out. In the West, Atlanta, Vedas and LA are all tied for first with 14-11 records. San Francisco is 3 games back while Detroit is 6 back.

In the NL East, the Pittsburgh Pirates start out 15-10 and lead the Phillies by 1 game. New York is 3 back while Syracuse is 4 back. Brooklyn is already 8 games back. In the Midwest, Cincinnati and the expansion Houston Astros are both 15-10 and in first place. Chicago is just 1 back while Dallas and St. Louis are 4 back.

May

In the AL East, the Boston Red Sox remain in first with a 36-18 record. They lead the Naps by 4 games. The rest of the division is already 11 games back or further. In the West, Atlanta had moved into first place all alone, but only by 1 game over the LA Waves. Vegas is 3 down while Detroit is 4 back.

In the NL East, Pittsburgh is 36-18 and blowing away the competition. Philadelphia is the next closest team and they are 10 back. In the Midwest, Cincinnati remains in first, but now all alone. Chicago is 3 games out while the Astros have fallen to 7 out.

June

Boston continues to lead the AL East with a 53-28 record. Only the Cleveland Naps, 3 games back have a chance to catch them. In the West, it is a different story. LA has moved into first place with a 45-36 record, but they are being chased by Vegas (3 back) and San Francisco (4 back). The Atlanta Black Birds had a terrible month and have fallen 7 games off the pace.

In the NL East, It is still all Pittsburgh. They are 52-29. The Phillies made up a bit of ground and are now 8 games back. In the Midwest, the Cubs have moved into first place with a 47-34 record. Cincinnati is 3 back. St. Louis and Houston are both 8 games back at the break.

In the All-Star game, the AL beat the NL, 5-4. Pinkey Whitney hit a pinch hit 2 run homer in the 8th inning which turned out to be the game winner. He was named MVP.

July

In the AL East, the Red Sox are 69-37 and continue to hold that 4 game lead over the Naps. In the West, the LA Waves have increased their lead to 6 games over Vegas, and 7 games over San Francisco.

In the NL East, Philadelphia was unbeatable in July and have made up 8 games to pull into a first place tie with Pittsburgh. Both teams are 60-46. The New York Giants are now only 1 game back as Pittsburgh has also lost 9 of their last 10 games! In the Midwest, Chicago has opened up a 7 game lead over Cincinnati. St. Louis is 8 back while Houston is 9 back.

On July 29, Philadelphia Phillies’ Dick Barrett threw a No-Hitter in a 5-1 victory over the Reds. Dick struck out 5 and walked 5, while the Phillies defense was atrocious, committing 4 errors and allowing an unearned run to score on no hits!

August

In the AL East, the Red Sox are 86-48 and hold a 3 game lead over the Naps. Will Boston hold on this season or will they meltdown for the 3rd consecutive year? In the West, Los Angeles is 71-63 and lead the Westerners by 3 games and the Las Vegas Aces by 4.

In the NL East, the Phillies have won 9 straight to end the month and are in first place by 1 game over the New York Giants. The Pirates continue to slump and are now 5 games back. In the Midwest, St. Louis has stormed all the way back and now lead the division by 3 games over the Cubs and 6 games over Houston.

On August 16, Atlanta’s Harlan Pyle threw a no-hitter against the Tigers in a 2-0 victory. Harlan struck out 11 and walked just 1 batter on the day!

On August 20, San Francisco’s Allyn Stout threw a No-Hitter in a 3-0 victory over Philadelphia Athletics. Stouts struck out 5 and walked 4 on the day!

September 14, 1938

With 15 games left in the season, Boston has extended their lead to 5 games, and should finally be able to win the division and reach the postseason. In the West, San Francisco had a 10 game winning streak to start the month and have moved into first by 3 games over LA and Vegas.

In the NL East, the Phillies are now 2 games up on the Giants while Pittsburgh is 5 back. In the Midwest, Chicago has moved back in front, but by only 1 game over the Cardinals. Houston has fallen apart and are 11 back.

September 21, 1938

The Boston Red Sox have clinched the AL East! In the West, San Francisco leads Vegas and LA by 4 games.

In the NL East, the Phillies are 3 up while in the Midwest, Chicago is just 1 up on the Cardinals.


September 26, 1938

The San Francisco Westerners have clinched the AL West and will meet the Red Sox in the ALCS.

In the NL East, the Phillies lead is down to 2 games with 3 to play. In the Midwest, the Cubs are 3 up.


September 27, 1938

The Chicago Cubs have clinched the NL Midwest division.

In the East, the Phillies are 1 game up with 2 to play, over the New York Giants.


September 29 and 30, 1938

On the 29th, the Phillies are on the road in Syracuse, while the Giants host the Pirates. In the early game the Phillies get beaten 7-1 to the Warriors of Syracuse. The Giants take advantage and win 9-5 in the evening to forge a tie for first with 1 game left.

On the 30th, Philly hosts Syracuse while New York is in Chicago for the early game.

New York jumps out to a 1-0 lead in the first, but the Cubs go up 3-1 after 2 innings. The Cubs tack on another in the third to make it 4-1.

Both teams get 1 in the 7th, but the Cubs still lead 5-2. The 8th inning is huge for New York, they put up 4 runs to take a 6-5 lead heading into the ninth.

New York beans the first batter in the bottom of the ninth, and with 1 out, they walk one. The Cubs bunt the runners over so it is 2nd and 3rd base with 2 outs. For 8 time Ty Cobb winner Chuck Klein! Klein rips on to the gap which scores both base runner and the Cubs win 7-6!

This sets up Philly for a “Win and they are in” game against Syracuse.

Syracuse jumps out to a 2-0 lead, but the Phillies tie it up at 2 in the 4th inning. They tack on three runs in the next 4 inning to go up 5-2. Syracuse tries to rally, but fall just 1 run short. The Phillies win 5-4 and clinch the NL East!

1938 Final Standings

AL Standings :
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
East
Boston 102 60 .630 -- .235 2.82
Cleveland 96 66 .593 6 .233 3.32
Montreal 76 86 .469 26 .231 3.66
Washington 75 87 .463 27 .225 3.55
Philadelphia (A) 66 96 .407 36 .231 4.01
West
San Francisco 85 77 .525 -- .238 3.64
Las Vegas 83 79 .512 2 .237 3.70
Los Angeles 82 80 .506 3 .228 3.16
Detroit 74 88 .457 11 .244 3.96
Atlanta 71 91 .438 14 .242 3.86
NL Standings :
(Name W L PCT GB AVG ERA)
East
Philadelphia (N) 92 70 .568 -- .247 3.45
New York 91 71 .562 1 .242 3.55
Pittsburgh 88 74 .543 4 .246 3.70
Syracuse 79 83 .488 13 .238 3.59
Brooklyn 72 90 .444 20 .237 3.52
Midwest
Chicago 88 74 .543 -- .237 3.64
St. Louis 82 80 .506 6 .231 2.81
Houston 79 83 .488 9 .247 3.97
Cincinnati 77 85 .475 11 .238 3.45
Dallas 62 100 .383 26 .241 4.90



1938 Statistical Leaders

TOP 5 in BATTING AVG :
.313 Pepper Martin(DET,AL)
.312 Jack Rothrock(DAL)
.310 Bennie Tate(ATL,AL)
.300 Johnny Burnett(CIN,NL)
.297 Goose Goslin(LA,AL)
TOP 5 in HOMERUNS :
42 Shanty Hogan(CLE,AL)
37 Babe Phelps(ATL,AL)
37 Jimmie Foxx(NY1,NL)
36 Wally Berger(CHN)
35 Hank Greenberg(WS1)
TOP 5 in RBI :
119 Shanty Hogan(CLE,AL)
114 Babe Phelps(ATL,AL)
110 Larry Bettencourt(PHI)
108 Chuck Klein(CHN,NL)
102 Jack Burns(BOS)
TOP 5 in ERA :
2.18 Dizzy Dean(BOS,AL)
2.34 Rip Sewell(BRO)
2.37 Dutch Ulrich( LA,AL)
2.45 Cliff Melton(HOU,NL)
2.56 Bruce Cunningham( BOS,AL)
TOP 5 in WINS :
27 Dizzy Dean(BOS,AL)
24 Fabian Kowalik(PIT,NL)
24 Dick Coffman(DET)
24 George Hockette(LA,AL)
23 Bruce Cunningham( BOS,AL)
TOP 5 in SAVES :
15 Ike Powers(CHN,NL)
10 Ed Durham(LV)
7 Ed Heusser(WS1)
7 Allyn Stout(SF,AL)
7 Bobby Burke(DAL)




ALCS

The ALCS opens in Boston, and the Red Sox dominate in game one, winning it 7-3. Boston also beats the San Francisco Westerners, 4-1 in game 2 to take a 2-0 Series lead, as the Series now shifts out west.

In game 3, the Westerners get a 6 hit shutout from SP Russ Van Atta, and win 6-0. The Westerner’s pitching continues to be red hot. Chief Hogsett throws a 4 hit shutout and san Francisco wins 4-0 and tie the Series up at 2 games each. Boston finally scores some runs on the road, and take game 5, 6-2. Boston has a 3-2 Series lead heading back home.

San Francisco is facing elimination in game 6, but they rally for 5 runs late to take this one 8-6, and set up a final game 7 in Boston!

The Sox score first, 3 runs in the second inning, to take a 3-0 lead. San Francisco comes right back with 3 of their own in the 3rd inning to tie the game at 3.

The game remains tied heading into the 9th inning!

San Francisco goes down in order in the top of the ninth.

The Red Sox get a 1 out double from the 8 hole in their lineup, and send in a pinch hitter for Dizzy Dean. The Sox cannot take advantage and this game goes to extra innings.

San Francisco gets a lead off walk in the 10th, and a successful bunt moves him to second. After an intentional walk, Bill Sweeney strokes a double to score 1 run! Another intentional walk loads the bases for a double play, but John Kroner blasts a Grand Slam for San Francisco!

Boston is deflated and go down in order in the bottom of the 10th. San Francisco wins, 8-3 in 10 innings and are going to the World Series! The Westerners return for the first time since they went 3 years in a row as the San Francisco White Sox in 1923, 24, and 25. They lost the last two.

Meanwhile, Boston melted down again, this time with a 3 run lead in Game 7 of the ALCS.

NLCS

The NLCS begins in Philadelphia and the Phillies score 2 runs in the 8th and 9th innings to take game 1, 6-5. Game 2 is another Philly comeback. They trailed the Cubs late, but scored 4 in the 7th inning for a 4-3 victory and a 2-0 Series lead.

The Cubs are more comfortable at home, and are able to take game 3, 6-4, but the Phillies still lead 2 games to 1. The Phillies take game 4 on the road by a 6-2 final and now lead the Cubs 3-1 in the Series. The Phillies finish out this series in Chicago with a 7-2 beating of the Cubs. The Phillies are headed to the Series for the first time since 1929 when they lost to Atlanta. That was their only appearance.




World Series

The World Series opens in Philadelphia. The Westerners are full of confidence after that game 7 in the ALCS and pile up 9 runs in a 9-2 game 1 victory. In game 2, San Francisco holds off a late rally to win 5-4 and claim a 2-0 lead in the Series as it heads out West!

The Phillies respond with a 9 run outburst of their own to take game 3, 9-2. Another 8 runs in game 4 give the Phillies a 8-2 win and now the World Series is tied at 2 game each!

Game 5 is pivotal, especially for the home team, but San Francisco’s pitching has disappeared. Philadelphia wins 5-2 on 10 hits and now lead 3-2 heading back home.

The Westerners put up a good fight but they just ran out of gas. They fall 2-1 in game 6, and the Phillies win their first ever World Championship!

Champion Review


Paul “Daffy” Dean was the staff lead for the Phils. He went 21-11 with a 2.86 ERA. Vito Tamulis went 20-11 with a 3.42 ERA. Bob Weiland won 17 games and posted a 3.86 ERA.

Suitcase Bob Seeds (LF) batted .291 with 18 homers. CF Johnny Frederick batted .279 with 22 homers and 102 RBI. 3B Larry Bettencourt batted .258 with 24 homeruns and a team high 110 RBI. 1B Dolph Camilli batted just .232 but led the team with 25 homeruns.


Ty Cobb Award

AL: RF Shanty Hogan, CLE, (560 AB, .277 AVG, 42 HR, 119 RBI, 108 R, 155 Hits, .900 OPS) - This is Hogan’s second Ty Cobb in three years.
NL: RF Chuck Klein, CHN, (564 AB, .278 AVG, 34 HR, 108 RBI, 81 R, 157 Hits, .862 OPS) - Klein has now won 9 of the last 10 Ty Cobb Awards.




Cy Young Award

AL: Dizzy Dean, BOS, (Record: 27-11, 2.18 ERA, 346.1IP, 216 Ks, 67 BB)
NL: Fabian Kowalik, PIT, (Record: 24-12, 3.12 ERA, 340IP, 187 Ks, 46 BB)




Bob Meusel Award

AL: Bob Klinger, CLE, (Record: 19-15, 3.02 ERA, 309.2 IP, 146 Ks, 96 BB)
NL: Carl Doyle, CIN, (Record: 13-10, 3.41 ERA, 222 IP, 134 Ks, 118 BB)




1938-1939 Offseason

Retirees:

Ethan Allen retires ...
Belve Bean retires ...
Walter Beall retires ...
Red Barnes retires ...
Ted Blankenship retires ...
Pete Donohue retires ...
Marty Callaghan retires ...
Guy Cantrell retires ...
Ed Corey retires ...
Harry Courtney retires ...
Tod Dennehey retires ...
Peaches Davis retires ...
Sam Gibson retires ...
Jerry Conway retires ...
Jumbo Elliott retires ...
Ike Eichrodt retires ...
Earle Brucker retires ...
Skinny Graham retires ...
Tex Jeanes retires ...
Herm Merritt retires ...
Syl Johnson retires ...
Paul Derringer retires ...
Hal Finney retires ...
Drew Rader retires ...
Ren Kelly retires ...
Bobby Reeves retires ...
Lefty Stewart retires ...
Mal Moss retires ...
Wilcy Moore retires ...
Buz Phillips retires ...
Gale Staley retires ...
Johnny Riddle retires ...
Bunny Roser retires ...
Rudy Miller retires ...
Bud Teachout retires ...
Sloppy Thurston retires ...
Allie Watt retires ...
Nolen Richardson retires ...
Max West retires ...
George Watkins retires ...
Urbane Pickering retires ...
Joe Vance retires ...
CLE: Roy Meeker retires ...
CLE: Lafayette Henion retires ...
CLE: Otis Brannan retires ...
CLE: Jim Wright retires ...
PHA: Pie Traynor retires ...
PHA: Heinie Manush retires ...
WS1: Vic Sorrell retires ...
DET: Ed Wells retires ...
LV: Pat Veltman retires ...
LV: Tom Angley retires ...
LV: Ed Grimes retires ...
LA: Dutch Hoffman retires ...
LA: Bill Barrett retires ...
LA: Chick Fullis retires ...
LA: Hy Vandenberg retires ...
SF: Harry Mccurdy retires ...
BRO: Les Barnhart retires ...
NY1: Joe Stripp retires ...
NY1: Buzz Arlett retires ...
SYR: Edward Park retires ...
CHN: Pete Susko retires ...
CIN: Tommy Thomas retires ...
CIN: Ben Cantwell retires ...
CIN: Ed Chapman retires ...
HOU: Nick Cullop retires ...
SLN: Bob Cremins retires ...





League Outlook

Brooklyn and Syracuse both continue to disappoint. I think Syracuse is just on a longer curve than a usual expansion team, but Brooklyn is really struggling, finishing last behind Syracuse the last couple of years, and being so close to the powerhouse Giants is hurting this franchise. This will be the last season that get to show they are capable of turning things around. They will need to be relocated.

Free Agency, of Note

Some truly great hitter, including Mr. Chuck Klein are in the free agent pool this year. There are also a couple of very good pitchers. Lets see how this year pans out.

The first signing of the year is by Brooklyn. Already in trouble, they do not help themselves by signing 37 year old and declining CF Johnny Frederick (5-5-5). Once a great player, Johnny is at the end of his career and might not even have 1 good season left. Brooklyn signed him for 4 years at 4 million per year. Go figure.

Dallas signed away Boston’s starting CF Pete Fox (8-3-6). He signed a 4 year deal.

Chuck Klein (7-8-8) resigns with the Cubs to finish out his Hall of Fame Career.

Montreal signs lifetime Vegas pitcher Ad Liska (8-8-7) to a 7 year deal.

Pittsburgh signs 3B Bill Brubaker (8-4-6) to a 4 year deal.

The Waves sign RF Frank Doljack (8-4-7) to a 4 year deal.

Atlanta signs SP Fabian Kowalik (8-7-8) to a 5 year contract.

Amateur Draft

Dallas holds the #1 overall pick and they select the next big thing, Ted Williams. Ted is already Major League ready with incredible ratings of (7-8-9). He is only 20 years old and might single handedly turn around the Dallas franchise!

Here is how the entire first round played out:

Dallas pick: RF Ted Williams
Philadelphia (A) pick: P Marius Russo
Atlanta pick: RF Charlie Keller
Brooklyn pick: P Joe Haynes
Detroit pick: P Oad Swigart
Washington pick: P Dizzy Trout
Montreal pick: P Les Mccrabb
Cincinnati pick: P Fred Hutchinson
Syracuse pick: P Early Wynn
Houston pick: P Hal Newhouser
St. Louis pick: P Johnny Gee
Los Angeles pick: P Alex Carrasquel
Las Vegas pick: CF Barney Mccosky
San Francisco pick: P Bill Crouch
Pittsburgh pick: 1B Buster Adams
Chicago pick: 1B Johnny Hopp
New York pick: P Manny Salvo
Philadelphia (N) pick: 2B Johnny Berardino
Cleveland pick: CF Bob Elliott
Boston pick: P Ike Pearson