1946 MLB images

[abravesfan]

Aaron Robinson

31 year old catcher Aaron Robinson batted seventh for the Yankees. Left handed batter slugged .506 in what was probably his career year. Took over the starting role when the previous incumbent Bill Dickey was appointed field manager in May. His home run total of 16 was 10th highest in the League, two of which were hit in successive innings of Bob Feller, including a Grand Slam! His .297 batting average also led all regulars and there is a strong case to be made that he was the most effective catcher in the League.

[abravesfan]

Joe Gordon

Eighth place hitter for the Yankees was 31 year old second baseman Joe Gordon, returning after 2 years absence of military service. Not one of the Hall of Famer's best, after the end of the season he was traded to Cleveland in exchange for Allie Reynolds. No doubt adversely affected by the departure of Joe McCarthy mid-season. Gordon was a huge favorite of McCarthy's. Gordon, however, was selected to the All-Star game, where he drove in 2 runs, but ended the season with a .210 batting average. More enthusiastic on the field than at bat.

[abravesfan]

Spud Chandler

The only Yankee pitcher named to the All-Star game was 38 year old right hander Spud Chandler. Led the Yankees in wins with 20. Completed 20 of the 32 games he started posting a 2.10 ERA that included 6 shutouts. Finished 3rd in the League in winning percentage, hits per game, opponents batting average and on-base percentage. Despite his age led all AL pitchers in fielding range.

[abravesfan]

Bill Bevens

29 year old Bill Bevens was the second mainstay of the Yankees starting rotation posting an ERA of 2.23. Fifth best in the League in terms of opponents batting average, hits per game and clutch pitching index. Little doubt that 1946 was the best season of his career.

[abravesfan]

Joe Page

Behind Chandler and Bevens no Yankee pitcher started more than 20 games. 5 started between 10 and 20, of those left hander Joe Page started the most at 17. Developed an over-powering fastball.

[ol' aches and pains]

Warren Spahn saw action in Germany in WWII, and didn't win his first MLB game until 1946, at age 25. He stuck around long enough to "compile" 363 victories, the most by a left-hander in history.
warren-spahn-01.jpg

[abravesfan]

Tiny Bonham

31 year old Ernie Bonham started the 4th most games for the Yankees. This turned out to be his final season with the Yankees as he traded to the Pirates after the end of the season for a pitcher who never played for New York. Tragically passed at 36 following complications after an appendectomy. The issue that emerged in terms of the pension rights of his widow played a significant role in the formation of the players union. Colorization by Krantzbucks.

[abravesfan]

Johnny Murphy

37 year old Johnny Murphy returned to the Yankees after 2 years of Military Service where he worked on the Atomic Bomb Project. This turned out to be Murphy's final year with the Yankees as he was released prior to the start of the 1947 season and was subsequently signed by the Red Sox. Murphy was the Yankees closer in 1946 finishing 24 games, his 7 saves ranked 3rd in the League..

[abravesfan]

Johnny Lindell

6'4" outfielder Johnny Lindell appeared in 102 games more than any other Yankee bench player in 1946. Also appeared in the Majors as a pitcher revealing an arm that enabled him to participate in a number of double plays from the outfield.

[abravesfan]

Billy Johnson

Back up third baseman, 27 year old Billy Johnson appeared in 85 games.

[abravesfan]

Bill Dickey

Hall of Famer Bill Dickey surrendered his starting role to Aaron Robinson. Nevertheless, he was named to the All-Star game. The 39 year old left handed hitter returned to the Yankees after a 2 year absence in the Navy. This was Dickey's final year as a player, he replaced Joe McCarthy as the manager in late May, a role he filled until September 12.

[3rdGenCub]

Great stuff!

[abravesfan]

Randy Gumpert

28 year old right hander Randy Gumpert proved to be a highly effective pitcher for the Yankees in 1946 posting a 11-3 record featuring an ERA of 2.31 . Notably his most recent prior MLB experience was back in 1938, partly contributed to by 3 years of Military Service from 1943 through 1945. Colorization by ortforshort.

[abravesfan]

Al Gettel

Al Gettel's second and final year with the Yankees. Posted a 2.97 ERA from 103 innings pitched. Gettel's departure featured another interesting trade between the Yankees and Indians. The Indians received Gettel, Gene Bearden and Hal Peck for Sherm Lollar and Ray Mack. The key acquisition in terms of their output with the team acquiring their services would appear to be Gene Bearden who within 2 years was a 20 game winner. Mack appeared in just 1 game for the Yankees in what turned out to be his final MLB season. Lollar played just 33 games for the Yankees over 2 seasons.

[abravesfan]

Cuddles Marshall

21 year old right handed pitcher Cuddles Marshall made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 1946 starting 11 games. Historically he became the first Yankee pitcher to start a night game at Yankee Stadium. His nickname was provoked by reporters seeking a nickname for him that generated a response from his road room-mate Joe Page.