This Date in Browns History!

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 9th

On This Date in History!



July 9, 1948: Browns Will Host All Star Game on July 13th; AL Will Win, 5-2!

Al Zarilla will be the Brown's only player in the 1948 All Star Game.

The 1948 All Star Game is only four days away!

Outfielder Al Zarilla will be their only field representative as the St. Louis Browns host the All Star Game for the first time. It will be the second All Star Game ever played in Sportsman's Park. The initial game in St. Louis was hosted by the Cardinals on July 9, 1940.

In the 1948 game, the American League will defeat the National League, 5-2, as Vic Raschi of the New York Yankees picks up the win and Johnny Schmitz of the Chicago Cubs takes the loss. Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals will homer in the first inning for the NL and Hoot Evers of the Detroit Tigers will go yard for the AL in the second frame. - The 1948 win will be the third in a row for the AL - and the first error-free contest in All Star Game history.

Why do the Browns only have one player representing them in the 1948 Summer Classic? Today's regular season action provides a clue. On July 9, 1948, the Browns are busy getting whacked, 9-1, in a road game against the Cleveland Indians. By the time the Browns play two more games at Cleveland prior to the break, they will send Al Zarilla to "The Game" from a club that is 28-45 at All Star time.



Browns in The All Star Game, 1933-1953:

From 1st to Last All Star, Sam West to Satchel Paige.

Sam West was the first and only Brown to appear in the original 1933 All Star Game. Satchel Paige was the last Brown to enter an All Star Game when he came in to pitch the 8th inning of the 1953 contest. The following is a list of all Browns ever named to the American League All Star Team. Those who actually played in games are listed in bold type. The Rode-The-Pines-Only Stars are shown in ordinary light-shaded script:

1933: Sam West, Outfield.

1934: Sam West, Outfield.

1935: Rollie Hemsley, Catcher; Sam West, Outfield.

1936: Rollie Hemsley, Catcher.

1937: Sam West, Outfield Beau Bell, Outfield; Harlond Clift, 3rd Base.

1938: Bobo Newsom, Pitcher.

1939: Myril Hoag, Outfield; George McQuinn, 1st Base.

1940: George McQuinn, 1st Base.

1941: Roy Cullenbine, Outfield.

1942: George McQuinn, 1st Base.

1943: Chet Laabs, Outfield; Vern Stephens, Shortstop.

1944: George McQuinn, 1st Base; Vern Stephens, Shortstop; Bob Muncrief. Pitcher.

1945 Game Cancelled Due To Wartime Travel Restrictions, but George McQuinn, 1st Base,
and Vern Stephens, Shortstop, were All Star Picks.

1946: Vern Stephens, Shortstop; Jack Kramer, Pitcher.

1947: Jack Kramer, Pitcher.

1948: Al Zarilla, Outfield.

1949: Bob Dillinger, 3rd Base.

1950: Sherm Lollar, Catcher.

1951: Ned Garver, AL Starting Pitcher.

1952: Satchel Paige, Pitcher.

1953: Billy Hunter, Shortstop; Satchel Paige, Pitcher.



Births on July 9



John Joseph "Jack" or "Red" Powell

Jack Powell won 22 games for the 1st 1902 Browns club.

Jack Powell is born on July 9, 1874 in Bloomington, Illinois. The BR/TR pitcher will become the most prolific hurler in Browns history, setting and holding many club pitching records, including most franchise starts (264), most franchise complete games (210), most franchise career shutouts (27), and most franchise career strikeouts (884). Powell is a Brown for two tours of duty (1902-1903 and 1905-1912). For his total career (1897-1912), Jack Powell will win 245 games, lose 245 games, and he will register an ERA of 2.97. - The great Jack Powell will pass away on October 17, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois at the age of 70.



R. Emmet "Snags" Heidrick born in Queenstown, PA on July 9, 1876. The BL/TR infielder/outfielder will pitch one inning for the 1902 first-season Browns club, but he will start at shortstop regularly and bat.289 in 110 games and 447 AB's. Overall, "Snags" Heidrick will play three straight years for the Browns as a starter from 1902 to 1904, moving from short to center field in the latter two seasons. After a three-year break from the big leagues, "Snags" will return to finish his career by playing in 25 games for the 1908 Browns. Over his total career (1898-1908), Heidrick will register a very respectable .300 BA in 3,047 total times AB. - "Snags" Heidrick will die on January 20, 1916 in Clarion, PA at the age of 39.



William Charles "Bill" McCorry is born on July 9, 1887 in Saranac Lake, New York. McCorry will become a BR/TR pitcher whose total MLB career consists of two losing starts for the 1909 Browns and an ERA of 9.00 for his 15 inning MLB career. After 1909, McCorry will be ....... oh well, ... nuf sed. - Bill McCorry will pass away on March 22, 1973 in Augusta, Georgia at the age of 85.

BCT/GB, Bill McCorry!



Louis Americo "Lou" or "Crip" Polli is born on July 9, 1901 in Barre, Vermont. The BR/TR will pitch 6.2 innings for the 1932 Browns and record no W/L mark to go with his 5.41 ERA. He looks like a sure-fire Gone-for-Gooder when he he then disappears for years, but the labor demands of wartime baseball proves that conclusion wrong when Poli returns in 1944 at age 43 to lose 2 games for the New York Giants in 35.2 innings of big league work. With a career record of 0-2, and and an ERA of 4.68, Lou Poli really is gone-for-good after 1944. - Lou Poli will pass away on December 19, 2000 in Berlin, Vermont at (WOW!) age 99.



Anthony Paul "Tony" or "Dego" Criscola is born on July 9, 1915 in Walla Walla, Washington. The BL/TR part-time outfielder will play for 3 years in the big leagues (1942-1944), with the first 2 seasons in service to the Browns. After a brief spin with the 1944 Reds, Criscola will finish with an MLB career BA of .248 and 1 HR in a total of 367 at bats. - Tony Criscola will pass away on July 10, 2001 in La Jolla, California at the age of 86.



Deaths on July 9



Stanley Andrew "Stan" or "Happy Rabbit" Rojek



Stan Rojek passes away on July 9, 1997 in North Tonawanda, New York at the age of 78. The BR/TR "Happy Rabbit" made the 1952 Browns his last short hop on the way to retirement early that season. The middle infielder went 1 for 7 (.143) in 9 games as a Brown, hanging it all up for good on May 13, 1952. Rojek played most of his career in the National League with the Dodgers (1942, 1946-1947), Pirates (1948-1951), and Cardinals (1951). His career BA was .266 with 4 HR's in 522 games. - Stan Rojek was born on April 21, 1919 in North Tonawanda, New York.

Today's Reference Links: http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://baseball-almanac.com/asgbox/yr1948as.shtml

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

Have an All Star Weekend, Everybody! :atthepc

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 10th

On This Date in History!



July 10, 2005: Looking Back On Brownie Performances in the All Star Game.

No Brown Ever Homered in An All Star Game.

It isn't much to write home about, but the performances of 14 individual Browns players in the 21 All Star Games that were played during the franchise's life span are part of our club's history. To be fair about it, Browns players only found their various ways into 13 of the 21 scheduled games that were possible. On 7 occasions, no elected Browns were used in the games - and, in 1945, the game was cancelled due to wartime travel restrictions.

Ned Garver was the only Browns pitcher to start for the AL.

Here's a brief rundown of how our guys did, given the chance to play. The years when no Browns played, and the 1945 cancelled year are ommitted below for the sake of brevity:

1933: Sam West entered the game late as a substitute center fielder, but never got to bat or field a ball.

1934: Sam West again enters the game late as a substitute center fielder. He doesn't get to bat, but he does become the first Brown to record an All Star Game put out when he catches a routine fly ball.

1935: Rollie Hemsley becomes the first Brown to start and play the whole All Star Game at his position. Hemsley records 6 putouts as the AL catcher. He also goes 1 for 4 at the plate, recording the Browns' 1st All Star hit, 1st and only All Star triple, and 1st All Star run.

1937: Sam West starts and plays the whole game in left field. He goes 2 for 4, scores a run, and catches 5 fly ball outs.

1939: Myril Hoag enters the game only as a pinch hitter for pitcher Red Ruffing in the 3rd inning and promptly strikes out.

1941: Roy Cullenbine pinch hits for pitcher Bob Feller in the 3rd inning and unceremoniously grounds out.

1943: For the first time, the Browns provide two starters who play the entire game. Chet Laabs goes 0 for 3 as the AL center fielder, but he does get on base and scores a run. Vern Stephens is the AL shortstop and he goes 1 for 3. Stephens also produces the Browns 1st sacrifice hit in an All Star Game and makes the Browns' 1st All Star Game error.

1944: For the 2nd year in a row, the Browns have two starters who play the whole game. George McQuinn plays 1st base. He makes an error in the field and goes 1 for 4 at the plate. For the 2nd straight year, Vern Stephens is the only man playing shortstop for the AL and he bangs one unproductive single in 4 times at bat. Bob Muncrief becomes the 1st Brown to pitch in an All Star Game when he takes over for Tex Hughson of the Red Sox with 2 outs in the 5th and then pitches through the 6th. For his 1 1/3 innings of work, Muncrief gives up only a single hit as he also records 1 strikeout. Muncrief gives up no runs and no walks.

1946: Vern Stephens enters the game as a replacement for Johnny Pesky at shortstop. Vern has his best day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with the 1st and only Browns All Star double, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI. Jack Kramer also enters the game and pitches the last 3 innings, giving up 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 walk, and recording 3 strikeouts. Kramer also gets a single in his only time at bat and comes around to score.

1948: Al Zarilla enters the game as a replacement in right field for Moon Mullin of the Tigers and goes 0 for 2 at bat. On defense, Al catches 2 fly balls in right field.

1949: Bob Dillinger enters the game as a pinch runer for George Kell of the Tigers. He comes around to score and then takes Kell's place at 3rd base. Dillinger then collects an RBI single in his only time at bat and comes around to score his 2nd run of the game.

1951: Ned Garver becomes the only Browns pitcher to start a game and he does a great job. In his 3 innings on the mound, Garver gives up 0 earned runs, 1 hit, and 1 walk, while striking out 3, but he does not figure in the W/L decision. At the plate, Ned is 0 for 1.

1953: Billy Hunter makes a plain vanilla appearance as a pinch runner for Mickey Mantle in the 7th inning, but is stranded on the base paths. Sadly, the task of becoming the last Browns All Star falls to Satchel Paige Old Satch pitches the 8th and final inning of a game already lost and only makes it worse. He also leaves the books closed on the worst performance by a St. Louis AL pitcher. Satchel Paige surrenders 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk, while striking out no one in a 5-1 loss to the National League. - It's just too bad that "Old Satch" couldn't have played in that first All Star Game, back in 1933. I'm willing to Pete Rose the idea that "Young Satch" could've shown some of those early Hall of Famers a few pitches they couldn't lay wood upon.



Births on July 10



James Robert "Jimmy" or "Loafer" McAleer is born on July 7, 1864 in Youngstown, Ohio. The BR/TR outfielder will go 2 for 3 in 2 games for the original 1902 Browns club and then come back years later to go 0 for 2 in a couple of times at bat for the 1907 Browns. How did he do it? Easy. Jimmy McAleer will be acting as the original manager of the Browns from 1902 to 1909. Prior to the Browns, McAleer will manage the Cleveland club in 1901. After the Browns, he will manage Washington for 2 years (1910-1911). Over the course of his playing career (1889-1898, 1901-1902, 1907), Jimmy McAleer will hit .253 with 12 HR's in 1,020 games. - Jimmy McAleer will pass away on April 29, 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio at the age of 66. - Don't know how he got his nickname. His record hardly fits his description as a "Loafer."



John Arnold "Johnny" Niggeling is born on July 19, 1903 in Remsen, Iowa. The BR/TR pitcher will go on to a 9-year MLB career (1938-1946) that results in a record of 64 wins, 69 losses, and an ERA of 3.22. As a Brown (1940-1943), Niggeling will have a record of 35 wins and 39 losses. Johnny Niggeling will pass away on September 16, 1963 in LeMars, Iowa at the age of 60.



Charles Augustus "Chuck" Stevens is born on July 10, 1918 in Van Houten, New Mexico. The BB/TL 1st baseman will have an All Browns MLB career (1941, 1946, 1948) and he will hit .251 with 4 homers in 732 total times at bat. - Chuck Stevens is still alive in 2005.

Happy 87th Birthday, Chuck Stevens! :atthepc



Deaths on July 10



Charles Walter "Bobby" Messenger passes away on July 10, 1951 in Bath, Maine at the age of 67. Messenger was a BB/TR short-time outfielder (1909-1911, 1914) who got into one game for the 1914 Browns and went 0 for 2. His career BA of .172 and his appearance in only 44 games on defense are enough to suggest his "BB/TR" stands for "Bats Badly/Throws Rarely." No big mystery here. After 1914, the big leagues killed this "Messenger" with the message that he was henceforth gone-for-good from their future plans. - Bobby Messenger was born on March 19, 1884 in Bangor, Maine.



Joseph Oscar "Joe" or "Peco" Giard passes away on July 10, 1956 in Worcester, Massachusetts at the age of 57. The BL/TL pitcher was 13-15 for the 1925-1926 Browns before moving over to finish his big league career on he staff of the mighty 1927 Yankees. Giard had no record at New York, and he mainly pitched mop up innings in 16 games. Giard finished with a career record of 13 wins, 15 losses, and an ERA of 5.96. - Joe Giard was born on October 7, 1898 in Ware, Massachusetts.



Albert Theodore "Allie" Moulton passes away on July 10, 1968 in Peabody, Massachusetts at the age of 82. The BR/TR 2nd baseman went 4 for 15 (.067 BA) for the 1911 Browns and then disappeared. Well, he didn't exactly disappear as Claude Rains did in "The Invisible Man", but .... you know what I mean. - Bye, bye, Mr. Got-There-Guy! - Allie Moulton was born in on January 16, 1886 in Medway, Massachusetts.

BCT/GB, Allie Moulton!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.sportingnews.com/features/allstar/1953.html

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 11th

On This Date in History!



July 11, 1925: Sisler Racks 7 RBI in 2 Innings! Browns Blast Sens, 10-5!

George The Great Amazes Again!

George Sisler electrifies the crowd at Sportsman's Park today as he drives in seven runs in two innings. First Sisler triples with the bases loaded in the 3rd inning. He follows up that blow by crushing a grand slam homer in the 4th inning. On the strength of Sisler's powerful wings, the St. Louis Browns fly past the Washington Senators, 10-5. The win over Washington pulls the Browns record to .500 on the year at 41-41.



A Brownie Record Booker

Question: What Brown named Sisler is the franchise's career leader in RBI?

"Here I am again!"

Answer: A fellow named George Sisler holds the Browns' career mark with 959 RBI.



Births on July 11





Vitautis Casimirus "Vito" Tamulis is born on July 11, 1911 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The BL/TL pitcher will ride a 6-year career (1934-1935, 1938-1941) to a record of 40 wins, 28 losses, and an ERA of 3.97. He will only be 0-3 in one partial season with the 1938 Browns. - Vito Tamulis will pass away on May 5, 1974 in Nashville, Tennessee at the age 62.



George Alvin "George" or "Bingo" Binks is born on July 11, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois. The BL/TL 1st baseman/outfielder will go on to a 5-year MLB career (1944-1948) in which he bats .253 with 8 homers in 1,093 total at bats. After shifting to the Browns for the final 15 games he plays in the 1948 season, it doesn't take "Bingo" long to find the door to The Land of Gone For Good. After hitting .217 in his brief stop in St. Louis, George Binks never blinks again in the big leagues. - The good news in 2005 is that Bingo Binks is still around to see the sun arise again on another natal anniversary.

Happy 89th Birthday, George "Bingo" Binks!



Deaths on July 11





Through 2005, no Browns have ever died on July 11th.
Watch out for banana peels today, Bingo Binks!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

Have a great week, everybody! - If you have to buy gas today, I hope you have either a major league playing contract, or else, one of those new hybrid cars!

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 12th

On This Date in History!



July 12, 1931: Sportsman's Park Crowd Makes Farce of MLB Doubles Mark.

Greed Tweaks Record Book Today!

It's one of those rarer days in the history of Sportsman's Park in which the Cardinals, not the Browns, are the cause of historical embarrassment. Place the blame on greed and Cardinal management for this farcical day in the annals of baseball. - The largest crowd in the history of Sportsman's Park in St. Louis, 45,715 (in a ballpark with 35,000 seats), creates a travesty and permanently distorts the record for doubles hit in a game. Easy fly balls drop for ground-rule doubles among the fans encroaching on the field. There are 32 doubles hit in two games played between the Cardinals and Cubs. 11 are hit in the first game and 21 are stroked into the ubiquitous crowd in the 2nd. The effect of making space for fans all around the field sets up an almost guaranteed ground rule double on any ball that eludes the fielders. Records for the most doubles in one game (21) and also for a doubleheader (32) are the sorry legacy of those overflow crowd ticket sales. - Shame on you, Cardinals! You never saw the Browns dealing with overflow crowds in that manner!

Incidentally, the Cubs took Game One on Double Indemnity Day by a score of 7-5. The Cardinals took Game Two, 17-13. (Apparently the Cubs missed an extra point try in the nitecap.)



July 12, 1912: Yankees "Steal Home" Victory Over Browns, 4-1!

Jack Warhop Steals Home on Browns Today!

At Hilltop Park in Upper Manhattan today, the Yankees take a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Browns as New York pitcher Jack Warhop steals home in the 3rd inning. It is Warhop's 2nd theft of home in three years.



July 12, 1911: Revenge of Former Brown Guides NY Past SL, 12-2!

Roy Hartzell: Funny. He doesn't look vindictive.

New York Yankee third baseman Roy Hartzell, acquired from the St. Louis Browns in January for Jimmy Austin and Frank LaPorte, has a career day as the cleanup hitter. He hits a 3-run double and another double in one inning. Roy then piles on a sacrifice fly and a grand slam to drive in eight runs. It is an American League record until Jimmie Foxx's nine RBI in a game in 1933. Oh yeah. New York defeats the Browns in St. Louis today, 12–2.



A Brownie Record Booker

Question: What Browns hurler holds the franchise record for most consecutive pitching victories?

Answer: Alvin Crowder owns that one. Crowder won 10 games in a row back in 1928.



Births on July 12



Robert Daniel "Bob" Cooney is born on July 12, 1927 in Glen Falls, New York. In his 2-season MLB/Browns career, the Fordham alumnus TR/BR pitcher will notch a record of 1 win, 5 losses, and an ERA of 5.95. - Bob Cooney will pass away on May 4, 1976 in Glen Falls, New York at the age of 48.



Thomas Francis "Tom" or "The Arm" Hafey is born on July 12, 1913 in Berkeley, California. The BR/TR brother of Bud Hafey and cousin of Cardinal great Chick Hafey will have a short career in the big leagues as a 3rd baseman/outfielder with the 1939 Giants and 1944 Browns. Tom Hafey will hit for a career BA of .248 and 6 homers in his short spin at the top. - Tom Hafey will pass away on October 2, 1996 at El Cerrito, California at the age of 83.



Deaths on July 12



Walter Franklin "Walt" Judnich passes away on July 12, 1971 in Glendale, Arizona at the age of 53. The BL/TL 1st baseman started out with the Browns (1940-1942) and then went off to WWII. He picked up with the Browns again after his military service (1946-1947) and then finished his MLB career in limited action with the 1948 Indians and 1949 Pirates. Judnich was a good hitter, topping the .300 mark twice as a regular for the Browns and finishing his career with 90 homers and a BA of .282 for 2,786 big league AB's. - Walt Judnich was born on January 24, 1917 in San Francisco, California.

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1912&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 13th

On This Date in History!



July 13, 1946: Zarilla Ties Rare Triples Mark! Browns Down A's, 11-4!


Zeke Got 2! What are the odds of anyone ever hitting 3 triples in 1 Inning?

Curt Walker of the Cincinnati Reds did it back in 1926. Others may have also, but today is the day for Al Zarilla of the St. Louis Browns to turn the trick. What does he do? - Zeke gets two triples in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia A's as the Browns coast to an 11-4 win at Shibe Park. It's not likely that anyone is ever going to hit three triples in one inning, but as long as MLB has clubs like the Devil Rays and Royals suiting up on defense, the chance does exist.



July 13, 1944: Potter Pitches Browns to Nite Cap Split with Tribe, 5-6, 4-1!


The '44 Browns are on their way to the mountain top!

Nelson Potter pitches the St. Louis Browns to a 10-inning complete game win over the Indians at Cleveland, 4-1, to gain a split in a doubleheader. Sig Jakucki lost the first game for the Browns, 6-5. The Browns' 1944 record is now 46-35. (Thank you, Bud Kane, Treasurer of the St. Louis Browns Historical Society, for contributing the highlights of this day in Browns history!)



July 13, 1930: A's Capture 1st Place with 12-1 Drubbing of Browns!

Mack Men Are On A Roll!

The defending American League champion Philadelphia A's sail into permanent 1930 season possession of 1st place today by trouncing the St. Louis Browns at Sportsman's Park, 12-1. The Browns drop to a record of 32-51 as the club moves steadily on their way to a 6th place finish.



July 13, 1922: Fear of Browns (?) Keeps BoSox Fans Home! Browns Win, 2-0!

"Hitting clean up today for the St. Louis Browns ..."

The smallest crowd in Fenway Park history - only 68 fans - show up to watch the Browns' Herman Pillette shut out the Red Sox, 2–0. Alex Ferguson takes the loss for the Beantowners. - Hmmm! - Must've been that mighty 1922 Browns club that frightened the Boston fans into staying home today!



July 13, 1920: Ruth Is Big Draw to Browns @ Yankees Doubleheader!

Babe Ruth Well on His Way to Burying The Deadball Era!

Babe Ruth's powerful bat is drawing fans to the Polo Grounds like a giant magnet in his first year with the New York Yankees. With 12 home runs in June alone, Yankee fans are flocking to see the mighty Ruth mash the new livlier baseball to the far regions of ningdom come. A twin bill with the St. Louis Browns today draws a new home record crowd of 38,823. It is the 3rd record-breaking crowd of the year for the Yankees at the Polo Grounds and the fans get a split for their money. The Yankees take the opener, 6-4, but the Browns come back to win the nite cap handily by 7-2. When the dust settle, the Browns are sitting on a 38-40 record through this date in the 1920 season.



A Brownie Record Booker



Question: What is the overall record of the St. Louis Browns for their 52 years of existence from 1902 through 1953?

Answer: 3.414 wins and 4,465 losses.



Births on July 13



John Augustus "Jiggs" Donahue is born on July 13, 1879 in Springfield, Ohio. The BL/TL `st baseman will play 9 years in the big leagues (1900-1902, 1904-1909) and hit .255 with 4 HR's. In his only year with the Browns (1902), Donahue will appear in only 30 games with all of his starts at catcher. Jiggs will hit .236 and 1 HR with that 1st Browns club. - Jiggs Donahue will pass away on July 19, 1913 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 34.



Willard Almond "Bill" Lasley is born on July 13, 1902 in Gallipolis, Ohio. The BB/TR pitcher will work 2 games and 4 innings for the 1924 Browns and that's the extent of is MLB career. Lasley has now wins or losses, but is around long enough to buy a ticket to the Land of Gone for Good by registering a brief career ERA of 6.75. - Bill Lasley will pass away on August 21, 1990 in Seattle, Washngton at the age of 88.

BCT/GB, Bill Lasley!



Harry ("Harry" or "Fritz") Dorish is born on July 13, 1921 in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. The BR/TR pitcher will a 10-year (1947-1956) MLB career record of 45 wins, 43 losses, and an ERA of 3.83. In his only year with the 1950 Browns, Dorish is 4-9 with an ERA of 6.44 - Harry Dorish will pass away in Wilkes-Barre, PA on December 31, 2000 at the age of 79.



Deaths on July 13



Morris Hiram "Red" Badgro passes away on July 13, 1998 in Kent, Washington at the age of 95. The Southern Cal alumnus and BL/TR outfielder played 2 years in the big leagues for the 1929-1930 Browns. Badgro batted .257 with 2 home runs in 382 games. - Red Badgro was born on December 1, 1902 in Orillia, Washington.

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1920&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 14th

On This Date in History!



July 14, 1937: Red Sox Rout Browns, 15-6! Gaffke Ties Scoring Record!

Red Sox Outfielder Touches Home Plate 5 Times Today!

Today produces only one of the 4,465 losses in St. Lous Browns History, but it is one of those baby-seal-clubbing losses that long ago anesthetized fans from any real hope of winning a World Series. In a game at Sportsman's Park, Boston outfielder Fabian Gaffke ties the American League record by scoring 5 runs against the Browns as the Red Sox romp, 15-6. Gaffke only goes on to score 43 runs in his six-year MLB tour (1936-1939, 1941-1942), so today's output represents 11.6% of his career total. - In the aftermath of another painlessly forgettable game, the Browns' 1937 record slips to 22-48.



July 14, 1916: Once Upon a Time, There Were No Pitch Counts.

Carl Mays had to leave the game "early" after pitching "only" 15 innings.

At Fenway Park today, Carl Mays of the Boston Red Sox and lefty Ernie Kolb of the St. Louis Browns battle each other in a marathon of goose eggs. After 17 innings, the game ends in a darkness-called tie, with the score forever frozen on 0–0. Koob pitches all 17 innings, while Mays lasts 15. - Wonder what happened to Mays that caused him to leave the game early? - Maybe he exceeded his maximum game pitch count.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What 1st baseman named Sisler holds the American League record for the highest season batting average by a man at his position?

George The Great!

Answer: George Sisler set the standard for highest season batting average by a 1st baseman when he cranked out an amazing .420 mark back in 1922 in 142 games played. In 141 of those games, Sisler played 1st base. In the other game, he appeared as a pinch hitter.



Births on July 14



Julio Giacomo "Julio" Bonetti is born in Genoa, Italy on July 14, 1911. The BR/TR pitcher will go 6-14 with the 1937-1938 Browns. He will return to pitch 1.1 innings of no-decision ball for the 1939 Cubs as the wrap on an MLB short-time career. His finals stats include 6 wins, 14 losses, and an ERA of 6.04. - Julio Bonetti, a real-deal Italian-American, will pass away on June 17, 1952 in Belmont, California at the age of 40.



Bryan Maris "Bryan" Stephens is born on July 14, 1920 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The BR/TR pitcher is 5-10 with the 1947 Indians and 3-6 for the 1948 Browns to finish with a career MLB record of 8 wins, 16 losses, and an ERA of 5.16. - Bryan Stephens will pass away on November 21, 1991 in Santa Ana, California at the age of 71.



Deaths on July 14



William Dunn "Bill" Dalrymple passes away on July 14, 1967 in San Diego, Californiia at the age of 76. The ?B/TR utility player went 0 for 2 in his only MLB time with the 1915 Browns and then traipsed off to The Land of Gone For Good. - Bil Dalrymple was born on October 7, 1891 in Baltimore. Maryland.

BCT/GB, Bill Dalrymple! Did you have time to finish the whole cup?



Leo Thomas "Dee" Walsh passes away on July 14, 1951 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 61. The BB/TR Missourian played a utility role with the 1913-1915 Browns, sharing the same actual date of birth in 1913 with one-season teammate Johnny Johnston. Walsh hit .195 with 0 homers in 89 games in his three seasons. - Dee Walsh was born on March 28, 1890. in St. Louis, Missouri.

Today's Reference Links -

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1937&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 15

On This Date in History!



July 15, 1920: Ruth Ties His Record 29 HR Mark of 1919 vs. Browns Today!

Babe Ruth: He's Just Getting Started!

At Yankee Stadium today, Babe Ruth ties his 1919 season record of 29 HRs with a game-winner in the 13th to lead the New York Yankees past the St. Louis Browns, 13-10. Two days from now, Ruth will break the 1919 mark by hitting his next two homers off Chicago White Sox pitcher Dickie Kerr. The Babe will go on to completely shatter the old record and stand the baseball-watching world on its collective ear by hitting 54 homers over the entire 1920 season. There may not be any "crying in baseball," but the ranting in Boston already is reaching the boiling point over the sale of Ruth to the Yankees. On this date in history, their worst fears cannot begin to embrace the pain and dire disappointment that lays ahead for the Red Sox Nation over the next 83 years. - Lost in the bright glow of Ruth's bat on July 15, 1920 is the fact the Browns' season record now slips to 39-41.



July 15, 1916: Ruth Pitches Red Sox to DH Split with Browns, 1-2, 17-4!

Babe Ruth: He Could Pitch Too!

At Fenway Park today, the Boston Red Sox play their 4th doubleheader in 6 days, losing the opener, 2–1, to the St. Louis Browns. In Game One, Tilly Walker's RBI double in the 8th gives Boston its first score in 28 innings. Boston breaks out in Game Two, pounding four Brownie pitchers for 18 hits to win, 17–4. Babe Ruth starts the nitecap picks up the Red Sox win, leaving the game with a big lead after six innings. - At the end of the day, the Browns' season record to date is 36-44.



July 15, 1915: Sisler Pitches CG Opener as Browns Sweep Sens, 5-2, 4-3!

George Sisler: He Could Pitch Too!

At Sportsman's Park today, George Sisler allows 6 hits as he pitches the St. Louis Browns to a 5-2 complete game victory over the Washington Senators in Game One of a twin bill. The Browns also take Game Two by 4-3. The home doubleheader sweep elevates the Browns' 1915 season record to 31-46.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who holds the franchise mark for most road home runs in a single season?

The Goose Was On The Loose in 1930!

Answer:Goose Goslin tops all others with the 16 homers he hit on the road during the 1930 season.



Births on July 15



No Browns were born today. Ever.



Deaths on July 15



Emilio Antonio "Emilio" or "Pal" Palmero passes away on July 15, 1970 in Toledo, Ohio at the age of 75. The BL/TL Cuban National pitcher won 6, lost 15, and recorded a 5.17 ERA during his spotty 5-year (1915-1916, 1921, 1926, 1928) MLB career. Palmero played one year for the 1921 Browns and went 4-7 with an even 5.00 ERA. - Emilio Palmera was born on June 13, 1895 in Guanabacoa, Cuba.

Today's Reference Links ...

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team... y=1920&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

Have a great weekend, everybody! - And stay away from Houston, Emily! We're already flooding! h

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 16th

On This Date in History!



July 16, 1953: Browns Use "Back-to-Back-to-Backs" To Down NY, 8-6!


Courtney, Kryhoski, & Dyck Bang 3 Straight HR's in 1st! SL Splits DH with NY, 8-6, 3-7!

It happens at the newly re-named Busch Stadium in St. Louis. That's what the modest new owner of the Cardinals, Mr. August Busch, now calls our anciently revered Sportsman's Park, but that's another story. Today's tale belongs to the slender annals of Brownie power-hitting. Today the St. Louis Browns tie an MLB record with 3 straight homers in the 1st inning by Clint Courtney, Dick Kryhoski, and Jim Dyck. The Browns' five bases-empty homers (We're not sure who hit the other two based on available reports.) in three innings establishes a new mark. (A new mark for what? Team? League? MLB? I hate unclear reporting.) At any rate, the early burst of Brown Power is enough to pace St. Louis past the club that invented the batting power club, the New York Yankees. The final score is 8-6, Browns, and it happens in the first game of a twin bill. The Browns will the drop the nite cap, 7-3, to split the day's "W" dividends with New York and move their season mark to 32-56. - Give the Browns credit for their Game One explosion. That kind of effort from a team that begins the day 24 games behind the .500 mark is an extradordinary display of heart - mixed with a little talent and luck.



July 16, 1948: Dillinger Kills Reynolds in Browns Robbery of Yankees, 10-4!

"Getaway Arm" of Cliff Fannin Drives Browns Gang from Scene of Crime Today!

The St. Louis Browns today behave as a gang that is packing heat and very much armed and dangerous. In a rare felonious rampage, the Browns hold up the 3rd place Yankees at The House That Ruth Built, pistol whipping New York pitcher Allie Reynolds, 10–4, for good measure. Bob Dillinger leads the way in the Browns' assault with a bases loaded triple, 3 singles, 2 stolen bases and 5 RBI. Browns hurler Cliff Fannin holds the Yankees scoreless until Phil Rizzuto's homer in the 8th. The Scooter's shot is not enough to stop the Browns from getting away with a victory. - The Brownie crime elevates their season record to a still lowdown 29-46, but Bob Dillinger shows enough violence today to make the "wanted posters" which now hang in covet-state on the office walls of a few American League general managers.



July 16, 1922: George Sisler Leads Browns By Walter Johnson & Sens, 2-0!

George Sisler's Sac Fly Provides Margin of Victory!

The Washington Senators started the great Walter Johnson against the St. Louis Browns at Griffith Stadium today, but it wasn't enough to make the difference. The Browns defeat the Senators as George Sisler drives in the first run with a sacrifice fly against Walter Johnson. The Browns triumph, 2-0, to take their 1922 season mark up to 50-36.



A Brownie Record Booker

Question: Which Browns club holds the franchise record for most errors committed in a single season?

Answer: The 1910 Browns must have been a team to behold. That bunch established this onerous club record by committing 378 errors over the course of their 154-game season.



Births on July 16




No Baseball-Playing Brownies Ever Popped Out of The Oven on July 16th!



Deaths on July 16



George Earl "Earl" McNeely passes away on July 16, 1971 in Sacramento, California at the age of 73. The BR/TR outfielder/1st baseman had an 8-year MLB career (1924-1931) in which he batted .272 with 4 HR's. McNeely finished his career with the 1928-1931 Browns. - Earl McNeely was born on May 12, 1898 in Sacramento, California.

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1904&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 17th

On This Date in History!



July 17, 1951: Satchel Paige Signs with The St. Louis Browns!

His Royal Satchelness.

After pitching for Bill Veeck and the Cleveland Indians in 1948-1949, Satchel Paige rejoins his old sponsor today by signing with the St. Louis Browns. The situation is slightly different this time. - The 1948 Indians were battling for a pennant. The 1951 Browns are fighting for survival. At signing time, the Browns will be 26-57 on the season by the end of the day and struggling, as per always, to draw a crowd. Old pro that he is, Satchel Paige understands what he's getting into. Just being in the majors leagues is big to Satchel. Paige has dreamed forever of playing in the league that wouldn't let him and the Browns technically qualified as an MLB club. Besides, Paige was signing with his old friend Bill Veeck - and Bill Veeck could sell cruise tickets on a ship christened the Titanic II.

In 1948, Paige's dream of playing in the big leagues had come true because of Bill Veeck. The Cleveland Indians were in dire need of extra pitching for the pennant race in 1948 - and Bill Veeck needed Satch badly. Just to be sure of what he was getting, Veeck tested Paige's accuracy before offering him a big league contract. As the story goes, Veeck placed a cigarette on the ground for use as a home plate. Paige took aim at the seemingly impossible to hit goal. He blazed five fastballs, and all but one screamed directly over the cigarette. Veeck was pleased. Paige signed. And the Indians won the 1948 American League pennant and the World Series.

No such grand illusions exist for Satchel Paige as he joins the Browns in the summer of 1951. He draws his satisfaction from knowing that he's back in the league that he could have dominated only twenty years earlier.



July 17, 1948: Lopat Junk Balls Goose Eggs from Browns! NY Wins, 4-0!

Eddie Lopat: The Great Deceiver Wins Again!

If you are a Yankee fan, it's a nice day in the Bronx as New York's Eddie Lopat scatters 11 hits to defeat the St. Louis Browns, 4-0. It is the Yankee hurler's 2nd shutout in a row - and his 3rd this year. Lopat threw a lot of hittable stuff today. The problem for the Browns, per usual, is deception. When a pitch comes in, the batter is looking for something else. Put another way, Lopat has the ability to throw slow tantalizing stuff that only looks hittable before it breaks - or falls out of the strike zone. Lopat doesn't blow people away. He teases them away, producing a lot of balls on the ground. The net effect of this deception? It is another frustrating day for the St. Louis Browns at Yankee Stadium as their 1948 record slips to 29-47.



July 17, 1942: Laabs Slabs A's Twice with HR'S! Browns Take Two, 4-2, 11-1!

Chet Laabs: 2 HR's Today! 8 HR's in 8-Game Win Streak!

The St. Louis Browns are on a roll under manager Luke Sewell, achieving an 8-game win streak today with doubleheader road victories, 4-2 and 11-1, over the Philadelphia Athletics. Chet Laabs blasts homers in both games for the Browns. Laabs' bat is the main piston firing the current Browns surge. During the 8-game winning streak, Laabs has blasted 8 HR's. He will finish second to Ted Williams in the American League in 1942 with 27 homers. - Today's sweep surges the Browns record to 45-43 on the season.



July 17, 1934: Knott Buries Farm Assignment Fears; Browns Take A's, 7-4!

Jack Knott: Today He Beats A's; In 1941, He Will Join Mr. Mack's Club!

It is a scary day for young Browns pitcher Jack Knott. He doesn't want to be released or re-assigned to a minor league club, but the Philadelphia A's are doing all in their power to punch his ticket at Sportsman's Park. - Bob Johnson, Jimmie Foxx, and Pinky Higgins all hit successive HRs in the fourth inning for the A's, but pitcher Knott manages to survive, hanging on as the winning pitcher in a 7-4 Browns victory. - The complete game win by Jack Knott elevates the Browns' season record to 35-41.



July 17, 1902: Browns Take Ironic Forfeit Win Over Orioles!

"What goes around, comes around."

Left with only five players available to play, the 1902 Baltimore Orioles forfeit a game to the first year St. Louis Browns and also their franchise to the league, which borrows players from other teams and operates the club for the balance of the season. The Orioles hobble to a last place finish in 1902 and will move and become the New York Highlanders (eventually, Yankees) in 1903. - After getting pounded by the Yankees for decades, the Browns will finish the 1953 season in last place and then move from St. Louis to become the new Baltimore Orioles in 1954.



A Brownie Record Booker

Question: Why did Browns owner Bill Veeck have a large hole in his wooden leg?

Answer: The hole in Bill Veeck's wooden leg had a function. No kidding. Veeck used it as an ash tray during office meetings.



Births on July 17



Not today. Ever.



Deaths on July 17



Kenneth Eugene "Ziggy" Sears
Kenneth Eugene "Ziggy" Sears passes away on July 17, 1968 in Bridgeport, Texas. The University of Alabama alumnus and BL/TR catcher had brief stops in the big leagues with the 1943 Yankees and the 1946 Browns. He hit .282 and 2 homers in a total of 202 times at bat. After his playng days, Sears enjoyed a colorful career in the AA Texas League as an umpire. - Ziggy Sears was born on July 6, 1917 in Streator, Illinois.



Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean


He started as a Cardinal,
But he finished as a Brown!

Dizzy Dean passes away at the age of 64 on July 17, 1974 in Reno, Nevada. At last, we have a Brownie short-timer who was also a lot more than a got-there-guy. Ole Diz built a 150-83 record as a Cardinal and Cub on his way to a Hall of Fame career (1930-1941), but he came out of the announcer's booth to appear in one more game for the Browns as a gate-pumping starter on September 28, 1947. Dizzy went 4 innings that day, giving up no runs, 3 hits, and 1 walk on his way to permanent retirement. He had no "K"s and was not involved in the decision of his only Browns appearance. American treasure Dizzy Dean was born on January 16, 1910 in Lucas, Arkansas. - God bless you, Diz, and thanks for reminding us all those times on tv that, no matter what, "It's a great day for baseball!"



Chief Hogsett
Birth Name: Elon Chester Hogsett
Nickname: Chief
Born On: 11-02-1903
Born In: Brownell, Kansas
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 07-17-2001
Died In: Hays, Kansas
Cemetery: Unknown
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Height: 6-00
Weight: 190
First Game: 09-18-1929
Last Game: 06-03-1944
Draft: Not Applicable

Chief Hogsett pitched for 11 years in the big leagues (1929-1938, 1944), finishing with an MLB career record of 63-87 and an ERA of 5.02. Chief Hogsett was 19-34 in his two seasons with the 1936-1937 Browns. He was 97 when he died in 2001.



Tomorrow!

I'm going to be taking my very first vacation in a long while tomorrow and I will be leaving the family at home to go do some research on the New Orleans Pelicans - and also to visit with old friends at Tulane University. I will be away from the internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. (That's going to feel strange for a wired junkie like me.)

Before I depart in the morning, I will be posting 5 separate skeletal reports on each of the 5 days I will be gone. These will be fleshed out and rewritten as I have time to do them upon my return.

The next fully regular post here will be next Saturday, July 23rd.

Have a nice weekend, everybody! :atthepc

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1951&t=SLA

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.cmgww.com/baseball/paige/bio2.html

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 18th

Please Note: I will be away from the Internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. The following 5 skeletal posts for each of these days I'm gone will be fleshed out as I have time upon my return. Regular fully written reports will resume here upon my return, Saturday, July 23rd.

On This Date in History!

Facts on July 18

1916 At Boston, Babe Ruth pitches the Red Sox to a 4–3 win over the Browns. in the 3rd, Ruth triples and then scores on a infield grounder bowling over St. Louis C Hank Severeid and knocking him unconscious. Grover Hartley replaces the injured Severeid.

Births on July 18

Ben Huffman
Birth Name: Benjamin Franklin Huffman Bats : Left
Born On: 07-18-1914 Throws : Right
Born In: Rileyville, Virginia Height : 5-11½
Died On: 02-22-2005 Weight : 175
Died In: Luray, Virginia First Game: 04-23-1937
College: Bridgewater College Last Game: 10-02-1937
Nickname: Bennie Draft: Not Applicable


Deaths on July 18

Andy Anderson
Birth Name: Andy Holm Anderson Bats : Right
Born On: 11-13-1922 Throws : Right
Born In: Bremerton, Washington Height : 5-11
Died On: 07-18-1982 Weight : 172
Died In: Seattle, Washington First Game: 05-10-1948
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-02-1949
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Andy Anderson had a 2-season (1949-1950) MLB career with the Browns. He batted .257 with 2 HRs in 253 times at bat and was then gone for good! - Andy Anderson was 59 when he passed away in 1982. - BCT/GB, Andy Anderson! :atthepc


Pete Laydon
Birth Name: Peter John Laydon Bats : Right
Born On: 12-30-1919 Throws : Right
Born In: Dallas, Texas Height : 5-11
Died On: 07-18-1982 Weight : 185
Died In: Edna, Texas First Game: 04-28-1948
College: University of Texas Last Game: 07-15-1948
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 19th

Please Note: I will be away from the Internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. The following 5 skeletal posts for each of these days I'm gone will be fleshed out as I have time upon my return. Regular fully written reports will resume here upon my return, Saturday, July 23rd.

On This Date in History!

Facts on July 19

1950 Southpaw Ed Lopat of the Yanks wins 16–1 over the Browns, throwing a 2-hitter in the first game of a doubleheader.
1948 At Boston, Mel Parnell wins stopping the Browns, 4–1 as his infielders tally 11 assists. The Sox score all their runs in the 1st on Bobby Doerr's grand slam.

1917 The Browns Allen Sothoron defeats the Senators and Walter Johnson, 4–2.

Births on July 19

Earl Hamilton
Birth Name: Earl Andrew Hamilton Bats : Left
Born On: 07-19-1891 Throws : Left
Born In: Gibson City, Illinois Height : 5-08
Died On: 11-17-1968 Weight : 160
Died In: Anaheim, California First Game: 04-14-1911
College: None Attended Last Game: 05-04-1924
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Earl Hamilton had a 14-year MLB career (1911-1924) in whiche he won 116, lost 147, and recorded a 3.15 ERA. As a Brown for 7 seasons, Hamilton won 60 and lost 89. - Earl Hamilton was 77 when he died in 1968.





Deaths on July 19

Jiggs Donahue
Birth Name: John Augustus Donahue Bats : Left
Born On: 07-13-1879 Throws : Left
Born In: Springfield, Ohio Height : 6-01
Died On: 07-19-1913 Weight : 178
Died In: Columbus, Ohio First Game: 09-10-1900
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-02-1909
Nickname: Jiggs Draft: Not Applicable

Sam Agnew
Birth Name: Samuel Lester Agnew Bats : Right
Born On: 04-12-1887 Throws : Right
Born In: Farmington, Missouri Height : 5-11
Died On: 07-19-1951 Weight : 185
Died In: Sonoma, California First Game: 04-10-1913
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-28-1919
Nickname: Slam Draft: Not Applicable

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 20th

Please Note: I will be away from the Internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. The following 5 skeletal posts for each of these days I'm gone will be fleshed out as I have time upon my return. Regular fully written reports will resume here upon my return, Saturday, July 23rd.

On This Date in History!

Facts on July 20

1947 Hank Thompson plays 2B and Willard Brown CF for the St. Louis Browns against the Red Sox. It marks the first time that two black players appear in the same major-league lineup.

1944 The Browns Nelson Potter becomes the first pitcher suspended for throwing spitballs. He is banished for 10 days for allegedly "putting an illegal substance on the ball." Potter will return and win 19 games for St. Louis.

Births on July 20

Heinie Manush
Birth Name: Henry Emmett Manush Bats : Left
Born On: 07-20-1901 Throws : Left
Born In: Tuscumbia, Alabama Height : 6-01
Died On: 05-12-1971 Weight : 200
Died In: Sarasota, Florida First Game: 04-20-1923
College: None Attended Last Game: 05-22-1939
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable


Deaths on July 20



Jim Suchecki
Birth Name: James Joseph Suchecki Bats : Right
Born On: 08-25-1926 Throws : Right
Born In: Chicago, Illinois Height : 5-11
Died On: 07-20-2000 Weight : 185
Died In: Crofton, Maryland First Game: 05-20-1950
College: None Attended Last Game: 05-01-1952
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Jim Suchecki was 0-6 with an ERA of 5.38 for three different teams from 1950 to 1952. All 6 of his losses were recorded during his 1951 season as a Brown. - Jim Suchecki was 73 when he died in 2000.

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 21st

Please Note: I will be away from the Internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. The following 5 skeletal posts for each of these days I'm gone will be fleshed out as I have time upon my return. Regular fully written reports will resume here upon my return, Saturday, July 23rd.

On This Date in History!

Facts on July 21

1937 Rogers Hornsby is fired as manager of the St. Louis Browns for playing the horses; Jim Bottomley takes over.

1928 Jimmie Foxx hits the longest drive ever seen out of Shibe Park as the A's take two from St. Louis, increasing their lead over the third-place Browns to 10 games.

1915 Babe Ruth pitches and bats the Red Sox to a 4–2 win over the host St. Louis Browns. Ruth is 4-for-4 with a tremendous homer and two doubles, and knocks in three runs. He scatters five hits with the two St. Louis runs coming on Heinie Wagner errors.

Births on July 21

Walt Leverenz
Birth Name: Walter Fred Leverenz Bats : Left
Born On: 07-21-1888 Throws : Left
Born In: Chicago, Illinois Height : 5-10
Died On: 03-19-1973 Weight : 175
Died In: Atascadero, California First Game: 04-18-1913
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-23-1915
Nickname: Tiny Draft: Not Applicable

Deaths on July 21

No Browns Ever Died on July 21st.

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 22nd

Please Note: I will be away from the Internet from Monday, July 18th, through Friday, July 22nd. The following 5 skeletal posts for each of these days I'm gone will be fleshed out as I have time upon my return. Regular fully written reports will resume here upon my return, Saturday, July 23rd.

On This Date in History!

Facts on July 22

1915 At St. Louis, the Red Sox use three pitchers in subduing the Browns 7–3. With the Red Sox ahead, Carl Mays takes over in the 2nd with two outs and pitches through the 8th to earn the win. Browns rookie George Sisler pitches in the 9th inning, allowing a hit to Red Sox reliever Smokey Joe Wood.

1905 Weldon Henley of the Athletics, who will win four games all year, fires a no-hitter against the 7th place St. Louis Browns 6-0. Harry Davis and Lave Cross each have three hits off Barney Pelty. St. Louis cops a split by defeating Rube Waddell, 3-2, in the nitecap.

Births on July 22

Bill Grahame
Birth Name: William James Grahame Bats : Unknown
Born On: 07-22-1884 Throws : Left
Born In: Owosso, Michigan Height : 6-00
Died On: 02-15-1936 Weight : Unknown
Died In: Holt, Michigan First Game: 04-18-1908
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-14-1910
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable


George Baumgardner
Birth Name: George Washington Baumgardner
Nickname: None
Born On: 07-22-1891
Born In: Barboursville, West Virginia
Zodiac: Cancer
Died On: 12-13-1970
Died In: Barboursville, West Virginia
Cemetery: Barboursville Cemetery, Barboursville, West Virginia
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 178
First Game: 04-14-1912 (Age 20)
Last Game: 05-15-1916
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher George Baumgardner had a 5-season (1912-1916) all Browns MLB career, winning 36, losing 47, and registering a 3.22 ERA. - George Baumgardner was 79 when he died in 1970.



Al LaMacchia
Birth Name: Alfred Anthony LaMacchia Bats : Right
Born On: 07-22-1921 Throws : Right
Born In: St. Louis, Missouri Height : 5-10½
Died On: Still Living Weight : 190
Died In: Still Living First Game: 09-27-1943
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-29-1946
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable


Jim Rivera
Birth Name: Manuel Joseph Rivera Bats : Left
Born On: 07-22-1922 Throws : Left
Born In: New York, New York Height : 6-00
Died On: Still Living Weight : 196
Died In: Still Living First Game: 04-15-1952
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-30-1961
Nickname: Jungle Jim Draft: Not Applicable


Deaths on July 22

No Browns Have Ever Died on July 22nd.

[Bill_McCurdy]

July 23rd

I'm back live this morning - and glad to be. The trip to New Orleans was great, but I'm always glad to be home too. - I'm going to try something on the daily format presentation this morning that I hope is helpful to reading the milestone entries on births and deaths. Since those ID posts I left for this past week look so uniform and neat, I'm going to try leaving them in this form and then adding the written stories of a player's time with the Browns and Big League baseball. If it doesn't work, I can always go back to the other format. Send me a personal message on how this new style reads to you. Again, it's great to be back! :atthepc

On This Date in History!



July 23, 1922: Umps Miss Train! [email protected] Officiated By Trainers!

Tom Connolly and partner Brick Owens Must've Overslept.

When umpires Brick Owens and Tom Connolly miss a train for Detroit, the Tigers and St. Louis Browns press their trainers, Bierhalter and Howley, into substitute service as arbiters for the day. It works out better for Detroit as the Tigers take the Browns, 3-2, and drop St. Louis to a season-to-date mark of 38-27.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who are the only two Browns buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

Answer: Of the 16 former big leaguers interred at Arlington National Cemetery, two men, Doc Lavan and Lu Blue, are former members of the St. Louis Browns.

Arlington National Cemetery Includes Two Former Browns.

Shortstop Doc Lavan played 12 seasons for the Browns, Athletics, Senators, and Cardinals. The Michigan native was a graduate of of the University of Michigan Medical School. He retired from th Navy as a commander after serving in the medical corps during both World Wars. (p. 49)

Lu Blue was born in D.C. and had the longest big league career of any of these (ANC interred) players. He played first base for the Tigers, Browns, White Sox, and Dodgers from 1921 through 1933, Blue was an infantry sergeant during World War I. He entered the Army in 1918 and served at Camp Lee in Virginia until 1919. In the late 1930w, Blue operated a baseball school in northern Virginia, and in the 1940s he operated a chicken far. (p. 50)

- excerpted from "Baseball Notables at Arlington National Cemetery" by David Vincent, pp. 46-52, The National Pastime: A Review of Baseball History, Vol. 25 published by the Society for American Baseball Research (1925).

Births on July 23



Pete Schmidt
Birth Name: Friedrich Christoph Herman Schmidt Bats : Right
Born On: 07-23-1890 Throws : Right
Born In: Lowden, Iowa Height : 5-11
Died On: 03-11-1973 Weight : 175
Died In: Pembroke, Ontario, Canada First Game: 07-14-1913
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-14-1913
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pete Schmidt's whole MLB pitching career consisted of working 2 innings of relief for the 1913 Browns - work that earned him no decision and an eternal ERA of 4.50 in one game on July 14, 1913. - He was then gone-for-Canada-and-parts-in-between! - BCT/GB, Pete Schmidt!



Johnny Groth

Johnny Groth scored the last run in Browns history.

Birth Name: John Thomas Groth Bats : Right
Born On: 07-23-1926 Throws : Right
Born In: Chicago, Illinois Height : 6-00
Died On: Still Living Weight : 182
Died In: Still Living First Game: 09-05-1946
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-28-1960
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Of his 15-year, mainly Tiger MLB career (1946-1960), shortstop Johnny Groth only spent 1953 as a member of the St. Louis Browns. He batted .253 with 10 HRs for the 1953 Browns - and also scored the last run in Browns history. For his career, Groth batted .279 with 60 HRs. - Happy 79th Birthday. Johnny Groth!



Deaths on July 23



John Anderson
Birth Name: John Joseph Anderson Bats : Both
Born On: 12-14-1873 Throws : Right
Born In: Sarpsborg, Norway Height : 6-02
Died On: 07-23-1949 Weight : 180
Died In: Worcester, Massachusetts First Game: 09-08-1894
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-02-1908
Nickname: Honest John Draft: Not Applicable

1st baseman/outifielder John Anderson enjoyed a 14-year career in the big leagues (1894-1899, 1901-1908), hitting .290 with 49 homers. As a full-time player for the 1902-1903 Browns, Anderson batted .284 in each of his two St. Louis seasons, collecting 6 total HRs. Anderson was 75 at the ime of his death.



Roy Mahaffey


Roy Mahaffey: "Popeye" couldn't find his spinach as a '36 Brown.
(Mahaffey sort of resembles today's Tom Glavine, doesn't he?)

Birth Name: Lee Roy Mahaffey Bats : Right
Born On: 02-09-1903 Throws : Right
Born In: Belton, South Carolina Height : 6-00
Died On: 07-23-1969 Weight : 180
Died In: Anderson, South Carolina First Game: 08-31-1926
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-28-1936
Nickname: Popeye Draft: Not Applicable

Roy Mafaffey pitched 9 years in the big leagues (1926-1936), finishing with a career record of 67 wins, 49 losses, and an ERA of 5.01. The Browns picked up Mahaffey on waivers from the Athletics on January 29, 1936. In his final season, and his only year as a Brown, Mahaffey was 2-6, 8.10 for the 1936 club. He dd not finish the year. The Browns released Mahaffey on July 28, 1936. - Art Mahaffey died at the age of nearly 66.



Lefty West
Birth Name: Weldon Edison West Bats : Right
Born On: 09-03-1915 Throws : Left
Born In: Gibsonville, North Carolina Height : 6-00
Died On: 07-23-1979 Weight : 165
Died In: Hendersonville, North Carolina First Game: 04-30-1944
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-15-1945
Nickname: Lefty Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Lefty West was 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 25 games for the 1944-1945 Browns. The two seasons were his only MLB experience prior to his departure into the The Land of Gone for Good. - Lefty West was nearly age 64 at the time of his death. - BCT/GB, Lefty West!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...logy/today.stm

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

Have a great weekend, everybody! - I'm just happy to be home!