This Date in Browns History!

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 22nd - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!




It's happened. Hurrricane Rita has turned further north and appears to be headed straight toward us in Houston, with landfall expected some time late Fiday night or early Saturday morning. I got my wife out yesterday and my 21 year old son Neal stayed behind to help me (the one-armed man) get the house protected as much as possible. That may have been a waste of time because this 175 mph monster looks stronger than our house can hope to withstand.

The problem with leaving now is that hundreds of thousands are now trying the same thing. This morning, local reports note that people trying to go north who started out last night about 9 pm are stuck in a traffic jam on I-45 North that boils down to most people taking 10 hours to cover 20 miles. It is now about 7 am Thursday morning.

Now I've got to find another way to seek a different escape route or better shelter for my son and I, plus our two dogs and parrot. We don't have much time to make our best decisions. The risk of hitting the road now is that we may get stuck out there in a traffic jam, run out of gas, and be at the mercy of Rita in our car. - Browns history will resume from the point it stops here when we've dealt with this crisis with God's help.

Pray for us, folks! - I'll be back in touch as I am able.

- Bill

4:00 PM THURS.. SEPT. 22 UPDATE. We tried to get out of town, but couldn't do it. If you've been watching any of the tv coverage, you will see the reason. It's a traffic gridlock on every route out of Houston. If you have a tank of gas, chances are you will run out of fuel again before you get to your destination and then be unable to re-fuel. We sampled the experience and decided we we were better off going home and hunkering down. In two hours on the road, we only made a 15 mile round trip. When we got home again, Samson, our 10 year old Cocker Spaniel, gave me one of those "what was that all about?" looks. Morti, our 1 year old Shih Tzu, just barked - which was what he was doing in the car anyway. Perry the Quaker Parrot also barked. Perry listens to Morti and has learned to imitate him.

Looks like we better hold on. Tomorrow's going to be a bumpy night. I'll keep you posted as possible. Right now we've got some work to do on the house.

Meanwhile, keep up your prayers for all of us down here in harm's way.

- Bill

8:00 PM THURS.. SEPT. 22 UPDATE. We've boarded up the windows in our house, thanks to my son and a good friend. (The Pete Gray of this forum held the ladder.) - Nothing left to DO now but hunker down and wait. In service to my own sanity (to the arguable extent that this attribution applies to me), here's today's history post. (I need my normal time with the history of our beloved St. Louis Browns.)

- Bill


1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Friday, September 22:
Detroit (82-63, .566)
St. Louis (81-64, .559) 1.0 GB
New York (78-66, .542) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Friday, September 22:
@ St. Louis: Browns 4 - Athletics 2.
@ Detroit: Tigers 7, 8 - Red Sox 4, 6.
@ Cleveland: Yankees 7 - Indians 3.

Game Reports/Comments for Friday, September 22:
Everybody Wins, But Detroit Increases Lead. All three contenders took care of business today, but the Tigers won twice to increase theie lead over 2nd place St. Louis to one full game.

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 23:
Philadelphia @ St. Louis
Boston @ Detroit
New York @ Cleveland

Games Scheduled for Sunday, September 24:
Philadelphia @ St. Louis
Boston @ Detroit
New York @ Cleveland

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago (2)



September 22, 1935: Earl Caldwell Shuts Out Tigers, 1-0, in Browns Debut!

Detroit's Schoolboy Rowe was Truant from the Win Column Today.

The Browns' Earl Caldwell, who was just called up from San Antonio of the Texas League, responded well to his promotion by goose-egging the league-leading Detroit Tigers, 1–0, on 3 hits. Schoolboy Rowe was the loser for the home team Tigers and worse - his error in the top of the 6th allowed the only run the Browns scored. Caldwell pitched briefly in the National League 7 years ago. The Browns are hoping that old Earl can keep doing what he did today.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Friday, September 22:
New York (92-56, .622)
St. Louis (89-60, .597) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Friday, September 22:
@ St. Louis: Browns 11 - Athletics 5.
@ Cleveland: Yankees 9 - Indians 3.

Game Reports/Comments for Friday, September 22:
NY MAGIC # NOW DOWN TO 3. The Yankees and Browns both won today, but the Gothams seems unstoppable. - The Browns need to win all of their remaining 5 games and hope that the Yankees go 2-4 in their final 6 to take the pennant outright. - If you had been an oddsmaker on this date in history, what kind of odds would you have given on that kind of Browns comeback?

SIZE=2]Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 23: [/SIZE]
Philadelphia @ St. Louis.
New York @ Cleveland.

Games Scheduled for Sunday, September 24:
Philadelphia @ St. Louis.
New York @ Cleveland.

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.



September 22, 1912: Eddie Collins Steals The Pants off The Browns!

Eddie Collins Had A Banner Day!

Eleven days after he stole 6 bases in a game, Eddie Collins of the Philadelphia Athletics did it again today against the St. Louis Browns. Included in his 6 swipes were thefts of 3rd base and home as the A's beat the Browns, 8–2, in the first of two games. Collins had no steals in game 2. Collins will end the year with 63 steals, a distant second to Clyde Milan's 88. Browns' catcher Jim Stephens is getting used to this kind of baserunning larceny. Sephens shared the backstop a year ago (September 28, 1911) when 15 stolen bases were racked up.



September 22, 1909: Browns' Original Manager Resigns!

Jimmy McAleer Was the Browns 1st Manager.

Jimmy McAleer, one of the American League's original managers, resigned his position with the St. Louis Browns today after 8 years at the helm. - McAleer will take over as manager of the Washington Nationals.



A Browns Record Booker.

Question: In what season did the Browns commit their fewest errors as a team?

Answer: The 1947 Browns did it when they committed only 134 errors in 154 games. Pretty good going there, Brownies!



Births on September 22



Larry Bettencourt
Birth Name: Lawrence Joseph Bettencourt Bats : Right
Born On: 09-22-1905 Throws : Right
Born In: Newark, California Height : 5-11
Died On: 09-15-1978 Weight : 195
Died In: New Orleans, Louisiana First Game: 06-02-1928
College: Saint Mary's College of California Last Game: 09-17-1932
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Utility player Larry Bettencourt ha a 3-season, all Browns MLB career (1928, 1931-1932) in which he batted .258 with 8 homers in 395 times at bat. - Larry Bettencourt was one week shy of his 73rd birthday when he died in 1978.



Tom Wright
Birth Name: Thomas Everette Wright Bats : Left
Born On: 09-22-1923 Throws : Right
Born In: Shelby, North Carolina Height : 5-11½
Died On: Still Living Weight : 180
Died In: Still Living First Game: 09-15-1948
College: None Attended Last Game: 04-18-1956
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Tom Wright had a 9-year MLB career (1948-1956) in which he hit .256 with 6 homers. In his only partial season with the 1952 Browns, Wright batted .242 with 1 HR. - Tom Wright is still very much with us in 2005. - Happy 82nd Birthday, Tom Wright!



Deaths on September 22



No Browns Ever Died on This Date. *

* On that encouraging note, I'll bid you all good night. - Please continue to keep us in your prayers and positive thoughts.






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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 23rd - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Saturday, September 23:
Detroit (83-63, .569)
St. Louis (82-64, .562) 1.0 GB
New York (79-66, .545) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Saturday, September 23:
@ St. Louis: Browns 3 - Athletics 1.
@ Detroit: Tigers 8 - Red Sox 2.
@ Cleveland: Yankees 7 - Indians 2.

Game Reports/Comments for Saturday, September 23:
AND DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME! It's a horse race now, with all three contenders winning today. The Detroit blue-black steed holds on to a one length lead over the gloden brown stallion from St. Louis - and a three and one-half length bulge over the pin-striped nag from New York. (Maybe that last horse is really a zebra!)

Games Scheduled for Sunday, September 24:
Philadelphia @ St. Louis
Boston @ Detroit
New York @ Cleveland

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago (2)

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago



September 23, 1933: Tigers Manager Harris Resigns After Win Over Browns.

Bucky Harris Hangs It Up in the Motor City.

Despite the 5th-place Detroit Tigers' 5–3 home win over the St. Louis Browns today, manager Bucky Harris submits his resignation. Babe Ruth's name will be prominent in the newspapers as a possible replacement. As always, Ruth will not get the job.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Saturday, September 23:
New York (93-56, .624)
St. Louis (89-61, .593) 4.5 GB

Scoreboard for Saturday, September 23:
@ St. Louis: Athletics 6 - Browns 5.
@ Cleveland: Yankees 7 - Indians 6.

Game Reports/Comments for Saturday, September 23:
ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTING. The Yankees' win and the Browns' loss today have dropped New York's magic number to a mere 1. - Enough said.

Games Scheduled for Sunday, September 24:
Philadelphia @ St. Louis.
New York @ Cleveland.

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

SIZE=2]Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27: [/SIZE]
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.



September 23, 1915: New York Dumps St. Louis Twice in Gotham.

Sisler Shines in the Darkness of a Double Defeat.

In the first of two games in New York, the Yankees top the St. Louis Browns, 7–0. The Yankees also take the second game by 5-1. In the opener, George Sisler provides the Browns bright spot by pitching one perfect inning of relief.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who replaced the 9-season (1902-1909) original manager of the St. Louis Browns Jimmy McAleer?

Answer: Jack O'Connor was the 2nd Browns manager. He lasted only one season as the manager of the 1910 club.



Births on September 23



Lefty Stewart
Birth Name: Walter Cleveland Stewart Bats : Right
Born On: 09-23-1900 Throws : Left
Born In: Sparta, Tennessee Height : 5-10
Died On: 09-26-1974 Weight : 160
Died In: Knoxville, Tennessee First Game: 04-20-1921
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-29-1935
Nickname: Lefty Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Lefty Stewart had a 10-year career (1921, 1927-1935) and he posted a record of 101 wins, 98 losses, and a 4.19 ERA. Stewart had his best years as a Brown (1928-1934) and his only 20-win season when he went 20-12 for the 1930 club. - Lefty Stewart was 74 when he died in 1974.



Deaths on September 23



Lefty Mills
Birth Name: Howard Robinson Mills Bats : Left
Born On: 05-12-1910 Throws : Left
Born In: Dedham, Massachusetts Height : 6-01
Died On: 09-23-1982 Weight : 187
Died In: Riverside, California First Game: 06-10-1934
College: None Attended Last Game: 08-29-1940
Nickname: Lefty Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Lefty Mills had a 5-year, all-Browns MLB career (1934, 1937-1940), posting 15 wins, 30 losses, and an ERA of 6.06. - Dusty Mills was 72 when he passed away in 1982.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

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

Rita Note.

Rita comes calling upon us in the wee small hours of Saturday morning. - God willing, I will see you on the other side of the wind. - Bill.

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 24th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



Rita Note.

Dodging The Bullet in Houston.

(With apologies to John Lennon and Paul McCartney, this little song of thanks may be sung - with a few note and cadence transitions - to the tune of "Lovely Rita, Meter Maid.") If the power doesn't blow from the few storm bands still waving west toward our place, the regular post for "This Date in Browns History" will follow below.

Ugly Rita - Hurricane,
Good luck just came between us,
When it got dark it towed your wrath away.

Geraldo standing by a - parking meter,
Trying to give us - a glimpse of Rita,
Filling in a ticket in his melodrama book.

In a FOX cap - he looked much older,
Draggin' a hand mike across his shoulder,
Made him look a little like a military man.

Ugly Rita - Hurricane,
May I inquire discreetly,
Are we now free,
From all the worst of thee?

Took her out - but not to win her,
Had a laugh - and tossed my dinner,
Told her I would never like to see her again!

Got the bill for Rita - and I paid it,
Headed home - and barely made it,
Sitting on the sofa with a Cheeto or two.

Oh, ugly Rita - Hurricane,
Where would we be - without you?
Free from your wrath - and reports by Geraldo too!



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Sunday, September 24:
Detroit (84-63, .571)
St. Louis (83-64, .565) 1.0 GB
New York (79-67, .541) 4.5 GB

Scoreboard for Sunday, September 24:
@ St. Louis: Browns 3 - Athletics 2.
@ Detroit: Tigers 9 - Red Sox 5.
@ Cleveland: Indians 4 - Yankees 1.

Game Reports/Comments for Sunday, September 24:
BROWNS KEEPING PACE WITH TIGERS! YANKEES FALLING BACK! It's becoming more of a two horse race by the day as the Yankees fade in the stretch.

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago (2)

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago

Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago



September 24, 1933: Tiger Bridges Takes No-No to 9th; 2-Hits Browns, 7-0!

Tommy Bridges Loses No-Hit Bid in 9th for 4th Time in 2 Years.

Detroit's Tommy Bridges reached the 9th inning at home with a no-hitter for the 3rd time this season - and the 4th time in two years. He yielded a pair of hits, as the Detroit Tigers beat the St. Louis Browns, 7–0. Despite the splendid win and its encouraging note on the club's future, Bucky Harris is sticking with his decision to resign as manager of the Tigers.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Sunday, September 24:
New York (93-57, .620)
St. Louis (90-61, .596) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Sunday, September 24:
@ St. Louis: Browns 7 - Athletics 4.
@ Cleveland: Indians 3 - Yankees 0.

Game Reports/Comments for Sunday, September 24:
NY MAGIC # 1 STUCK ON 1! NY LOSES! SL WINS! The Browns picked up a game on New York today, but the margin of error for St. Louis remains thread-thin. Any single win by the Yankees, or loss by the Browns, gives the 1922 American League pennant to New York.

Games Scheduled for Monday, September 25:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

SIZE=2]Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27: [/SIZE]
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York @ Boston.



September 24, 1921: Double Duty Dixie Davis Divides DH with BoSox, 1-2, 11-0!

"I just had a feeling he could do it!" - Lee Fohl.

At Fenway Park today, St. Louis Browns pitcher Dixie Davis pitched both ends of the doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox, scattering 9 hits and losing the opener, 2–1. Browns manager Lee Fohl then sent Davis back out to pitch the 2nd game - and Dixie rewarded his boss by coasting to an 11–0 win in the nitecap. - Pitch count? Forget it. Pitchers were real men back in 1921. - Getting to pitch the nitecap after giving up 9 hits and losing the opener? - Priceless.



September 24, 1916: Sisler Loses in DH Opener with A'S, 2-0!

You can't do it all, or win 'em all, but George sure tried!

In the first game of a home doubleheader, Browns 1st baseman George Sisler pitched his 2nd game in eight days, tossing a complete game, but losing, 2–0, to the A's Harry Seibold. - The Browns came back to take the nitecap, 3-2.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What Browns club holds the record for most team triples in a single season?

Answer: The 1921 Browns legged out all those gappers into 106 triples over the year.




Births on September 24th



Otto Neu
Birth Name: Otto Adam Neu Bats : Right
Born On: 09-24-1894 Throws : Right
Born In: Springfield, Ohio Height : 5-11
Died On: 09-19-1932 Weight : 170
Died In: Kenton, Ohio First Game: 07-10-1917
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-10-1917
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Otto Neu was 0 for 1 in his only time at bat for the Browns on July 10, 1917 and that was it. - Otto Neu was 5 days short of his 38th birthday when he died in 1932. - BCT/GB, Otto Neu! - Moonlight Graham had little on you! :atthepc



Kewpie Pennington
Birth Name: George Louis Pennington Bats : Right
Born On: 09-24-1896 Throws : Right
Born In: New York, New York Height : 5-08½
Died On: 05-03-1953 Weight : 168
Died In: Newark, New Jersey First Game: 04-14-1917
College: None Attended Last Game: 04-14-1917
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Kewpie Pennington was a Moonlight Graham type who pitched one scoreless inning for the Browns on April 14, 1917 before inexplicably departing for the Land of Gone-For-Good. "Kewpie" surrendered one single, but no runs, in his only big league game and he was not involved in the decision. - Kewpie Pennington was 56 WHEN HE DIED IN 1953. - BCT/GB, Kewpie Pennington!



Deaths on September 24



Sherm Lollar

Sherm Lollar also got away from the Browns.

Birth Name: John Sherman Lollar Bats : Right
Born On: 08-23-1924 Throws : Right
Born In: Durham, Arkansas Height : 6-01
Died On: 09-24-1977 Weight : 185
Died In: Springfield, Missouri First Game: 04-20-1946
College: Pittsburg State Teachers College Last Game: 09-07-1963
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Sherm Lollar hit .264 with 155 HR's over the course of his total MLB career (1946-1963). Lollar was a Brown for 3 seasons (1949-1951) and he batted .261, .280. and .252 during his St. Louis AL tenure. Sherm Lollar was another good one who got away from the Browns for financial reasons and sorry trading assessments. - Sherm Lollar was 53 when he died in 1977.



Red Embree
Birth Name: Charles Willard Embree Bats : Right
Born On: 08-30-1917 Throws : Right
Born In: El Monte, California Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-24-1996 Weight : 165
Died In: Eugene, Oregon First Game: 09-10-1941
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-02-1949
Nickname: Red Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Red Embree finished his 8-year big league career (1941-1042, 1944-1949) as a member of the Browns. - Embree went 3-13, 5.37 with the 1949 Browns. His career record was 31-48, 3.72. - Red Embree was 79 when he died in 1996.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

Have a Great Weekend - with Sunshine and No Wind & Rain, Everybody!

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 25th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Monday, September 25:
Detroit (84-64, .568)
St. Louis (84-64, .568)
New York (81-67, .547) 3.0 GB

Scoreboard for Monday, September 25:
@ St. Louis: Browns 3 - Red Sox 0.
@ Detroit: Athletics 2 - Tigers 1.
@ Chicago: Yankees 3, 5 - White Sox 1, 4.

Game Reports/Comments for Monday, September 25:
BROWNS PULL INTO TIE WITH TIGERS! YANKEES SWEEP DH TO FATTEN THIN HOPES! The Browns pulled into a tie with the Tigers today and the Yankees won their desperation doubleheader at Chicago to mildly revive their fading chances. - The Browns owe some gratitude to pitcher Russ Christopher of the A's. - His 2-1 mastery of the Motor City Bengals opened the door for the Browns to get even with 6 games to go.

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago

Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit



September 25, 1926: Yankees Clinch Pennant at Expense of Browns!

Browns pitcher Milt Gaston was one of several Yankee victims today.

The New York Yankees took two from the St. Louis Browns today at Sportsman's Park to nail down the American League flag, winning the opener, 10–2, behind Herb Pennock. Babe Ruth's grand slam was the big blow in the first game. In the nitecap, Lou Gehrig homered in the 3rd inning off Milt Gaston, while Ruth matched him with a 2-run home run in the 6th off Win Ballou. Ruth added a solo shot in the 9th, his 46th, off Joe Giard to seal the Waite Hoyt, 10–4, victory. Despite the score, the nitecap was played in a new American League record time of 55 minutes. The National League record time for a 9-inning game is 51 minutes, set on September 28, 1919. - The big money, TV ERA will assure that these records are safer than the career win total of the great Cy Young.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Monday, September 25:
New York (93-57, .620)
St. Louis (90-61, .596) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Monday, September 25:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Game Reports/Comments for Monday, September 25:
A Schedule-Maker Pause Button. Remember. The year is 1922. There is no jet plane travel between big league cities and the longest haul by train, Boston to St. Louis, is a good 16-hour poker game away. For these, and other possible reasons beyond our awareness, the conclusion of the 1922 American League season now hangs in futile suspension for several days. If these are not the reasons for this untimely hiatus between games, we are left with only one sure conclusion. - The 1922 American League schedule-maker was no Pulitzer Prize playwright.

Games Scheduled for Tuesday, September 26:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York @ Boston.



September 25, 1910: Big Train Begins Record Assault Against Browns!

Walter Johnson 1-Hits Browns, 3-0.

At Sportsman's Park today, Walter Johnson threw the first of his two career one-runner games, missing a perfect game when a grounder skipped by shortstop George McBride for a single. Johnson's one-hitter was good for a 3–0 Washington Nationals victory over the St. Louis Browns.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What Browns club holds the record for most team doubles in a single season?

Answer: The 1937 Browns are the club's double champions. They banged out327 two-base hits over the year to set the all time franchise record.



Births on September 25



Paul Hopkins
Birth Name: Paul Henry Hopkins Bats : Right
Born On: 09-25-1904 Throws : Right
Born In: Chester, Connecticut Height : 6-00
Died On: 01-02-2004 Weight : 175
Died In: Middletown, Connecticut First Game: 09-29-1927
College: Colgate University Last Game: 07-12-1929
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Paul Hopkins is rembered best for his long life span. He pitched only 23.1 big league innings (the last 2 innings as a Brown) in 2 seasons (1927, 1929), achieving a total record of 1 win, 1 loss, and an ERA of 2.96. - When he died in 2004 at the age 99, however, he passed away as the world's oldest living former major leaguer.

BCT/GB, Paul Hopkins!



Deaths on September 25



Frank LaPorte
Birth Name: Frank Breyfogle LaPorte Bats : Right
Born On: 02-06-1880 Throws : Right
Born In: Uhrichsville, Ohio Height : 5-08
Died On: 09-25-1939 Weight : 175
Died In: Newcomerstown, Ohio First Game: 09-29-1905
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-03-1915
Nickname: Pot Draft: Not Applicable

Utility infielder Fran LaPorte had a fine BA of .281 over the 11 big league seasons he played from 1905 to 1915. As a Brown for two seasons (1911-1912), LaPorte gave a good accounting of himself, hitting .314 and .312 as an infielder/outfielder. - Not sure about the origins of that "Pot" nickname. If we could find a full-body photo of LaPorte, we might be able to rule in or out one obvious possibility. - "Pot" LaPorte died in 1939 at the age of 59.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 26th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



September 26, 1953: Billy Hunter Hits Last HR in Browns History!

An Older Billy Hunter Has His Place on The Books.

Shortstop Billy Hunter wrote his name onto the next to last page of Browns history today. His home run in a losing cause at venerable Sportsman's Park against the Chicago White Sox will be the last long ball ever hit in the 52-year history of the club as the Browns. The 6-3 loss to the White Sox sends the Browns into their final game tomorrow as a last place club nursing a 54-99 record. How painfully fitting. The Browns will play their final game of all time with only one positive motivation left to them - that is, to avoid 100 losses in the 1953 season.



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Tuesday, September 26:
Detroit (85-64, .571)
St. Louis (85-64, .571)
New York (82-67, .550) 3.0 GB

Scoreboard for Tuesday, September 26:
@ St. Louis: Browns 1 - Red Sox 0.
@ Detroit: Tigers 6 - Athletics 0.
@ Chicago: Yankees 9 - White Sox 5.

Game Reports/Comments for Tuesday, September 26:
EVERYBODY WINS! BROWNS & TIGERS HEADED FOR WIRE DEAD EVEN! The St. Louis Browns and the Detroit Tigers head for the finish line in a dead heat tie on the record and apparent determination to win it all. Each boomed into the last 5 games with shutout victories over their foes while the New York Yankees held on to their slim chance that both front runners will collapse with a convincing win over the Chicago White Sox.

Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27:
Boston @ St. Louis
Philadelphia @ Detroit
New York @ Chicago

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

END OF 1944 SEASON.



September 26, 1926: What Was Possible Before Television Came Along.

+ = No Way To Break This Record!

On this last playing date in 1926 at Sportsman's Park, the St. Louis Browns defeated the American League champion New York Yankees twice, 6–1 and 6–2, in a total time of only 2 hours, 7 minutes. It is a major-league record for a twin bill as the shortest time ever needed for a doubleheader. The 2nd game is the fastest in American League history: 55 minutes. The Yankees totalled 19 hits and the Browns collected 26 safeties in the two games. In Game Two, Babe Ruth had one at bat - and then hit the bench to rest for the upcoming World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. By leaving the game, Ruth missed the chance to face George Sisler, who entered the nitecap as a reliever. Sisler pitched the final two innings for the Browns, allowing no runs. When the Browns scored four in the 8th, Sisler picked up the victory. - As another quirky note on today's fast finish, Browns coach Jimmie Austin, 46 years old, enters the nitecap and contributes to the win by knocking in a run with a double - and then stealing home. Austin is not the oldest player to steal a base. Arlie Latham did that one back in 1909 at the age of 50. Austin is the oldest to steal home. The Yankees use Fred Merkle in the final game of his career. Merkle replaced Lou Gehrig at 1st base in the 6th. - How did they do it so quickly? - Well, the Yankees were ready to rest up for the World Series. The Browns were just ready to go home. And neither club had to worry about television timeouts holding up their mutual interest in an early exodus.




1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Tuesday, September 26:
New York (93-57, .620)
St. Louis (90-61, .596) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Tuesday, September 26:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Game Reports/Comments for Tuesday, September 26:
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ(YAWN!)ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ !!!

Games Scheduled for Wednesday, September 27:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York @ Boston.

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Washington

END OF 1922 SEASON.



September 26, 1920: Horsehide Hits Horse's A$$ for Ground Rule Double!


"Memo To All Mounted Officers: From this date forth, all personnel drawing duty at Sportsman's Park shall always make sure that their mounts are positioned to face home plate and not the bleachers." - Chief, StLPD.

In St. Louis today, an overflow Sunday crowd of 30,000 watched the Cleveland Indians top the St. Louis Browns, 7–5, behind 7 innings of strong relief pitching by George Uhle. Shortstop Joe Sewell knocked home 4 runs for the Indians - and catcher Steve O'Neill contributed a drive that hit a mounted policeman's horse for a ground rule double.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who hit the last home run in St. Louis Browns history?

Answer: If you don't know the answer to this one, you've not been paying attention.



Births on September 26



No Browns ever dropped into life on September 26.



Deaths on September 26



John Scheneberg
Birth Name: John Bluford Scheneberg Bats : Both
Born On: 11-20-1887 Throws : Right
Born In: Guyandotte, West Virginia Height : 6-01
Died On: 09-26-1950 Weight : 180
Died In: Huntington, West Virginia First Game: 09-23-1913
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-24-1920
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher John Scheneberg made two brief and separate 1-game appearances for the 1913 Pirates and the 1920 Browns. He was 0-1 with an 11.25 balloon for his career ERA over 8.0 innings of work. He picked up his lone decision as a Pirate - and then set sail for The Land of Gone for Good via a 2 inning layover in St. Louis, seven years later. - John Scheneberg was 62 when he died in 1950. - BCT/GB, John Scheneberg!



Lefty Stewart
Birth Name: Walter Cleveland Stewart Bats : Right
Born On: 09-23-1900 Throws : Left
Born In: Sparta, Tennessee Height : 5-10
Died On: 09-26-1974 Weight : 160
Died In: Knoxville, Tennessee First Game: 04-20-1921
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-29-1935
Nickname: Lefty Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Lefty Stewart had a 10-year career (1921, 1927-1935) and he posted a record of 101 wins, 98 losses, and a 4.19 ERA. Stewart had his best years as a Brown (1928-1934) and his only 20-win season when he went 20-12 for the 1930 club. - Lefty Stewart was 74 when he died in 1974.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 27th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



September 27, 1953: Last Dance for The St. Louis Browns!

Johnny Groth scored the last run in Browns history.

Stardust time. Today the St. Louis Browns played both their last game in Sportsman's Park and also the last game in the franchise's 52-year history. Fittingly, they lose, 2-1, to Billy Pierce and the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings for their 100th defeat of the 1953 season. Dee Pillette started and took the last loss for the Browns. Reserve 1st baseman Ed Mickelson drove in center fielder Johnny Groth in the 4th inning for the last run scored in the history of the Browns franchise.

Here's the way I described the last game in a parody written a few years ago:

The Lost Hurrah: September 27, 1953
Chicago White Sox 2 - St. Louis Browns 1.

(A respectful parody of "Casey At The Bat" by Ernest L. Thayer in application to the last game ever played by our beloved Browns.)

by Bill McCurdy (1997)

The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Brownie nine that day;
They were moving from St. Louis - to a place quite far away,
And all because Bill Veeck had said, "I can't afford to stay,"
The team was playing their last game - in that fabled Brownie way.

With hopes of winning buried deep - beneath all known dismay,
The Brownies ate their cellar fate, but still charged out to play.
In aim to halt a last hard loss - in a season dead since May,
They sent Pillette out to the mound - to speak their final say.

The White Sox were that last dance foe - at the former Sportsman's Park,
And our pitcher pulsed the pallor of those few fans in the dark.
To the dank and empty stands they came, - one final, futile time,
To witness their dear Brownies reach - ignominy sublime.

When Mickelson then knocked in Groth - for the first run of the game,
It was to be the last Browns score, - from here to kingdom came.
And all the hopes that fanned once more, - in that third inning spree,
Were briefly blowing in the wind, - but lost eternally.

For over seven innings then, - Dee bleached the White Sox out,
And the Browns were up by one to oh, - when Rivera launched his clout.
That homer tied the score at one, - and then the game ran on.
Until eleven innings played, - the franchise was not gone.

But Minnie's double won the game - for the lefty, Billy Pierce,
And Dee picked up the last Browns loss; - one hundred times is fierce!
And when Jim Dyck flew out to end - the Browns' last time at bat,
The SL Browns were here no more, and that was that, - was that!

Oh, somewhere in this favored land, the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, - and little children shout,
But there's no joy in Sislerville, - the Brownies have pulled out.



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Wednesday, September 27:
Detroit (86-64, .573)
St. Louis (85-65, .567) 1.0 GB
New York (83-67, .553) 3.0 GB

Scoreboard for Wednesday, September 27:
@ St. Louis: Red Sox 4 - Browns 1.
@ Detroit: Tigers 4 - Athletics 0.
@ Chicago: Yankees 7 - White Sox 2.

Game Reports/Comments for Wednesday, September 27:
DETROIT TAKES 1-GAME LEAD WITH 4 TO GO! Put this one in the "be careful what you demand!" column for the St. Louis Browns. Faced with an easy-to-call rainout at Fenway Park, the Browns give the lead back to Detroit by insisting on playing the Boston Red Sox in the rain under the arcs despite the bad weather. The Browns then go out and lose, 4-1, to a Boston club that was halting a 10-game losing streak. The Browns' loss combined with Detroit's 4-0 goose-egging of the A's to give the Tigers a one game lead with only four games left on the schedule for all three contenders.

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

END OF 1944 SEASON.



September 27, 1928: Sens & Goslin Top Browns & Manush, 6-5!

Manush (L) & Goslin were historic rivals in greatness!

At St. Louis today, Bump Hadley pitches the Washington Senators to a 6–5 win over the St. Louis Browns. Goose Goslin, who will end the '28 season as the American League batting champion with a .379 BA, is 2-for-4 today, Rival hitter Heinie Manush of the Browns has only one hitin the game, but it is a memorable clout. Manush's 3-run home run in the Browns 5-run 9th almost pulls the game out. Manush has 13 homers in 1928 - and all 13 are hit at home. Heinie finishes .001 points behind Goose for the AL batting crown with a BA of .378. ("Almost" and "not even close" are descriptors we get used to using in the re-telling of St. Louis Browns history.) - Heinie Manush and Goose Goslin seem to have been destined for direct rivalry and comparison. On June 30, 1930 the Browns and Senators aid that rivalry by trading their two hitting stars, but it isn't a straight one-for-one deal. The Browns also surrender pitcher General Crowder to the Senators in exchange for Goslin. In the long run, both players cross the bar to greatness and are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Wednesday, September 27:
New York (93-57, .620)
St. Louis (90-61, .596) 3.5 GB

Scoreboard for Wednesday, September 27:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Game Reports/Comments for Wednesday, September 27:
THE YAWN GOES ON! Wouldn't we love to know how the Browns and Yankees actually spent this little hiatus time on the schedule as the 1922 season drew closer to the end? - At least, the Yankees swing back into action tomorrow.

Games Scheduled for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
New York @ Boston.

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Washington

END OF 1922 SEASON.



September 27, 1921: Shocker Shuts Out Yankees at the Polo Grounds, 2-0!

Urban Shocker is 27-12 in 1921.

At the Polo Grounds today, Urban Shocker of the St. Louis Browns stops the New York Yankees, 2–0, for his 5th win in nine decisions against the Gothams this year. It also is Shocker's 27th win of the year and it sends the Browns record to 79-73 with two games left to play in the 1921 season.



September 27, 1915: Sisler Pitches; Browns lose to Boston, 8-4!

Sisler Makes 2nd Late Season Start.

At Fenway Park this afternoon, St. Louis Browns 1st baseman George Sisler made his 2nd pitching start in September. Sisler was not involved in the decision even though he gave up 4 runs in 7 innings. The Red Sox beat St. Louis, 8–4, dropping the Browns 1915 season record to 62-86 with 6 games left to play.



September 27, 1904: Much Adieu About Nothing.

Willie Sudhoff.

In St. Louis today, Willie Sudhoff of the St. Louis Browns and Chief Bender of the Philadlphia Athletics faced off for 10 innings without either team scoring. The game ended in a tie due to darkness.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What two players combined to record the last run and rbi in Browns history.

Answer: (See the comment in yesterday's answer space.)



Births on September 27



Willie Adams
Birth Name: James Irvin Adams Bats : Right
Born On: 09-27-1890 Throws : Right
Born In: Clearfield, Pennsylvania Height : 6-04
Died On: 06-18-1937 Weight : 180
Died In: Albany, New York First Game: 06-30-1912
College: Albright College Last Game: 09-06-1919
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Willie Adams broke into the big leagues with the 1912 Browns and went 2-3 with an ERA of 3.89. He also pitched 9 innings for the 1913 Browns, but will had no W/L record. In 1914, Adams jumped to the Federal League. Over his total career (1912-1914, 1918-1919), "Willie" Adams posted a final big league mark of only 8 wins, 16 losses, and an ERA of 4.87. - Willie Sudhoff was 46 when he died in 1937.



Perry Currin
Birth Name: Perry Gilmore Currin Bats : Left
Born On: 09-27-1928 Throws : Right
Born In: Washington, D.C. Height : 6-00
Died On: Still Living Weight : 175
Died In: Still Living First Game: 06-29-1947
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-17-1947
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Perry Currin appeared in 3 games for the 1947 Browns and went 0 for 2 with 1 walk to show for his blink-of-an-eye MLB career. Yep. Currin was a first degree gone-for-gooder from there on. - BCT/GB, Perry Currin! - Happy 77th Birthday too!



Deaths on September 27



Lou Nordyke
Birth Name: Louis Ellis Nordyke Bats : Right
Born On: 08-07-1876 Throws : Right
Born In: Brighton, Iowa Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-27-1945 Weight : 185
Died In: Los Angeles, California First Game: 04-18-1906
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-27-1906
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

In his only big league season, 1st baseman Lou Nordyke hit .245 with no homers by going 13 for 53 in 25 games for the 1906 Browns.- BCT/GB, Lou Nordyke! You were one of the first Browns to come and leave early! - Lou Nordyke was 69 when he died in 1945.



Fred Walden
Birth Name: Thomas Fred Walden Bats : Right
Born On: 06-25-1890 Throws : Right
Born In: Fayette, Missouri Height : Unknown
Died On: 09-27-1955 Weight : Unknown
Died In: Jefferson Barracks, Missouri First Game: 06-03-1912
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-03-1912
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Fred Walden is a true candidate for the Moonlight Graham MLB Alumni Association. - Walden caught in one game for the Browns on June 3, 1912 as his only appearance in the big leagues. He didn't play for long because he never came to bat. In his one chance for a play in the field, he made an error, assuring speedy delivery of his passport and train ticket to The Land of Gone For Good. - Fred Walden was 65 when he died in 1955. - BCT/GB, Fred Walden!

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 28th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



September 28, 1947: DIZZY DEAN PITCHES FOR BROWNS IN '47 FINALE!

Dizzy Dean's Brief Browns' Playing Career Was Gaedelesque!

On the season's last day, the St. Louis Browns are desperate for a ticket seller. As a result, they bring announcer Dizzy Dean in to pitch against the Chicago White Sox. Ole Diz gives up only 3 hits in 4 innings and laces a clean single in his only time at bat, but a pulled leg muscle forces his early retirement from the game. - The White Sox go on from there to score all their runs in the 9th to win, 5-2. - Even with Dean as an attraction, the game draws less than 16,000 fans and the Browns finish the 1947 season with a total attendance of only 320,000, less than half that of their 1946 draw. How bad was it? - Only three days prior to their finale, a Browns' game drew only 350.



1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Thursday, September 28:
Detroit (86-64, .573)
St. Louis (85-65, .567) 1.0 GB
New York (83-67, .553) 3.0 GB

Scoreboard for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
Detroit: No Game Today.
New York: No Game Today.

Game Reports/Comments for Thursday, September 28:
RAIN GENERATES A QUIET BEFORE THE STORM. The 1944 American League pennant race went on hold today when both big games were rained out in St. Louis and Detroit. As a result, we are looking at a firecracker finish tomorrow when the Yankees and Browns play a make up game doubleheader in St. Louis, followed by two single game dates on Saturday and Sunday. With a one-game lead, the Tigers will entertain he Senators in a Friday make up game twin bill, also followed by two single date games over the weekend. - Come Sunday night, barring more rain or a dang tie, we should be ready to hail the new champion. - Stay tuned.

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
New York @ St. Louis (2).
Washington @ Detroit (2).

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

END OF 1944 SEASON.



September 28, 1935: Indians Sweep Visiting Browns in Twin Bill, 3-0, 7-3!

Joe Vosmik's Day Will Cost Him the AL Batting Championship.

At Cleveland today, the Indians sweep the Browns, 3-0 and 7-3, with Joe Vosmik (.350) of the Tribe going only 1-for-7 on the day He still leads Buddy Myer (.348) of the Senators in the race for the 1935 American League batting championship. - In the end, Myer (.349) will edge out Vosmik (.348) for that honor.



September 28, 1928: Crowder of the Browns Has Best Record at 21-5!

General Crowder was dominant for the Browns in 1928.

At St. Louis today, Browns pitcher Alvin "General" Crowder beats his former teammates, the Washington Senators, 4–3, to finish with the American League's best record, 21-5. Crowder will later return to Washington in the 1930 Manush for Goslin trade and go on to win 50 games in two years for Washington.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Thursday, September 28:
New York (93-58, .616)
St. Louis (90-61, .596) 3.0 GB

Scoreboard for Thursday, September 28:
St. Louis: No Game Today.
@ Boston: Red Sox 3 - Yankees 1.

Game Reports/Comments for Thursday, September 28:
SL HOPE LIVES AS NY FALLS. The Yankees had a chance to drive the last coffin nail yesterday, but couldn't do it. New York's 3-1 loss at Boston reduced their lead over the Browns to 3 games - with each club now facing their last 3 games against other foes. A tie for the AL crown is still possible, but not probable.

Games Scheduled for Friday, September 29:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Washington

END OF 1922 SEASON.



September 28, 1920: Tribe's Bagby Wins 30th Against Browns!

Jim Bagby Was The Big Gun for Cleveland in 1920.

On the strength of Jim Bagby's 30th win, the Cleveland Indians beat the St. Louis Browns, 9–5. The Indians now lead the idle Chicago White Sox by one game and by three and one half over the New York Yankees, who can do no better than tie for the pennant now.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who was the last losing pitcher in a game for the St. Louis Beowns?

Answer: Duane "Dee" Pillette took the last loss in the last game ever played by the St. Louis Browns on September 27, 1953 at Sportsman's Park. - The Chicago White Sox won the game, 2-1.



Births on September 28



Pete Compton
Birth Name: Anna Sebastian Compton Bats : Left
Born On: 09-28-1889 Throws : Left
Born In: San Marcos, Texas Height : 5-11
Died On: 02-03-1978 Weight : 170
Died In: Kansas City, Missouri First Game: 09-06-1911
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-02-1918
Nickname: Bash Draft: Not Applicable


... but "A Boy Named Anna" had the same problem!

What are the odds on a guy named "Anna" surviving childhood, especially in Texas, and then going on to play baseball in the major leagues? Whatever the case, the BL/TL outfielder did survive childhood and went on to play 6 years in the big leagues from 1911 to 1918, hitting for a career BA of .241 and 5 homers in his total 773 ABs. Compton broke in with the Browns and played his first 3 seasons with the St. Louis AL club. His best and only full year of playing more than 100 games was 1912 when he made the box score 103 times and hit .280. - Pete Compton was 88 when hed died in 1978. For overcoming your parents' poor decision on that baptismal name, and for making it all the way to the Browns, we have to extend a big BCT/GB to you, Pete Compton. - Congratulations, "Bash"!



Glen Moulder
Birth Name: Glen Hubert Moulder Bats : Right
Born On: 09-28-1917 Throws : Right
Born In: Cleveland, Oklahoma Height : 6-00
Died On: 11-27-1994 Weight : 180
Died In: Decatur, Georgia First Game: 04-28-1946
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-18-1948
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Glen Moulder went 4-2 with a 3.92 ERA for the 1947 Browns. In his 3-year MLB career (1946-1948) won 7, lost 8, and had a 5.21 ERA. - Glen Moulder was 77 when he died in 1994.



Bill Jennings
Birth Name: William Lee Jennings Bats : Right
Born On: 09-28-1925 Throws : Right
Born In: St. Louis, Missouri Height : 6-02
Died On: Still Living Weight : 175
Died In: Still Living First Game: 07-19-1951
College: Washington University in Saint Louis Last Game: 09-30-1951
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Bill Jennings batted .179 in 64 games for the 1951 Browns in his only MLB season. Bill was never gone-for-good. He was a regular attendee at our annual Brownie Round Up banquets and a loyal St. Louisan and Browns alumnus forever. - Happy 80th Birthday, Bill Jennings!



Deaths on September 28



John Frill
Birth Name: John Edmond Frill Bats : Right
Born On: 04-03-1879 Throws : Left
Born In: Reading, Pennsylvania Height : 5-10½
Died On: 09-28-1918 Weight : 170
Died In: Westerly, Rhode Island First Game: 04-16-1910
College: None Attended Last Game: 08-21-1912
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher John Frill was a short-timer who went 0-1 with a 20.79 balloon ERA in 4.1 innings of work for the 1912 Browns. - For his 2 seasons, Frill had a career mark of 3 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 5.85. - John Frill was 39 when he died in 1918.



Ned Crompton
Birth Name: Edward Crompton Bats : Left
Born On: 02-12-1889 Throws : Left
Born In: Liverpool, England Height : 5-10½
Died On: 09-28-1950 Weight : 175
Died In: Aspinwall, Pennsylvania First Game: 09-13-1909
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-08-1910
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Left fielder Ned Crompton played for the 1909 Browns and went 10 for 63 (.159) with 2 doubles,1 triple, and 0 homers in 17 games played. Denied the chance for a Brownie return the next season, Crompton found his way into one final game for the Cincinnati Reds on October 8, 1910. Crompton even got to play center field in his last hurrah, but things don't go so well. Ned struck out in his only two times at bat as a 1910 Red and was gone for good - Ned Crompton was 61 when he died in 1950.



Red Corriden
Birth Name: John Michael Corriden Bats : Right
Born On: 09-04-1887 Throws : Right
Born In: Logansport, Indiana Height : 5-09
Died On: 09-28-1959 Weight : 165
Died In: Indianapolis, Indiana First Game: 09-08-1910
College: None Attended Last Game: 05-15-1915
Nickname: Red Draft: Not Applicable

Utility man Red Corriden had a 5-year (1910, 1912-1914) career, batting .205 with 6 homers. In his one year with the 1910 Browns, Corriden hit .155 with 1 HR in 84 times at bat. - Red Corriden was 72 when he died in 1959.



Norm McMillan
Birth Name: Norman Alexis McMillan Bats : Right
Born On: 10-05-1895 Throws : Right
Born In: Latta, South Carolina Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-28-1969 Weight : 175
Died In: Marion, South Carolina First Game: 04-12-1922
College: Clemson Agricultural College Last Game: 10-06-1929
Nickname: Bub Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Norm McMillan batted .260 with 6 homers in a 5-year MLB career (1922-1924, 1928-1929). In his only season for the 1924 Browns, McMillan batted .279 in 76 games. - Norm McMillan was 73 when he died in 1969.



Willie Hogan
Birth Name: William Henry Hogan Bats : Right
Born On: 09-14-1884 Throws : Right
Born In: North San Juan, California Height : 5-10
Died On: 09-28-1974 Weight : 175
Died In: San Jose, California First Game: 04-12-1911
College: Santa Clara College Last Game: 09-22-1912
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Willie Hogan played for two years in the big leagues (1911-1912), mostly as a Brown. He batted .236 with 3 homers in 822 times at bat. Willie Hogan was 89 when he died in 1974.



Moose Solters
Birth Name: Julius Joseph Soltesz Bats : Right
Born On: 03-22-1906 Throws : Right
Born In: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-28-1975 Weight : 190
Died In: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania First Game: 04-17-1934
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-26-1943
Nickname: Lemons or Moose Draft: Not Applicable



Outfielder Moose Solters batted .289 with 83 homers over the course of his 9-year MLB career (1934=1941, 1943). Moose enjoyed two tours with the Browns (1935-1936 and 1939). He racked up his best BA year as a member of the 1935 Browns by hitting .330 in 127 games. - Moose Solters passed away in 1975 at the age of 69. He left this world as a man who overcame great adversity to perform great service for others suffering from blindness.

BCT/GB, Moose Solters!

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 29th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



September 29,1953: AL Signs "Death Certificate" of the St. Louis Browns.

They took our team, but they (sorta') kept our colors.

A Baltimore syndicate headed by Baltimore Mayor Tom D'Alesandro buys Bill Veeck's interest in the Browns for 2.475 million dollars. The American League approves the shift of the Browns to Baltimore without Bill Veeck.




1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Friday, September 29:
Detroit (87-65, .572)
St. Louis (87-65, .572)
X - New York (83-69, .546) 4.0 GB

X = Eliminated.

Scoreboard for Friday, September 29:
@ St. Louis: Browns 4, 1 - Yankees 1, 0.
@ Detroit: Tiger 5, 2 - Senators 2, 9.

Game Reports/Comments for Friday, September 29:
SL SWEEPS INTO TIE FOR 1ST WITH DETROIT! NY ELIMINATED! In an almost unbelievably poor demonstration of support, only 6,172 fans turn out to watch a final weekend doubleheader at Sportsman's Park that will make or break the Browns' chances for their first American League pennant. The poor attendance for this big twin bill is only made unsurprising by the fact that the contending Browns enter this last stand of the 1944 season already ranked last in the American League in the area of paying fan support. - Handsome Jack Kramer rewards the paying faithful few by shutting down the Yankees in the opener, 4-1. Nels Potter follows Kramer's class act in the nitecap with a fine 1-0 shutout of the Yankees and Hank Borowy, even though St. Louis batters garner only 2 hits in his support. The sweep pulls the Browns into a tie for 1st place with the Tigers and also eliminates New York from contention. In Detroit, the Tigers fall into a tie with St. Louis when they are only able to split against two Washington knuckleballers, beating Johnny Niggeling, 5-2, in the opener, but losing to Mickey Haefner, 9-2, in the nightcap. The next two games will tell us if the Browns finally make it or not. Either way, the only shame here is the poor support the club is receiving from local fans in this finest hour of the St. Louis Browns.

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

END OF 1944 SEASON.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Friday, September 29:
New York (93-59, .612)
St. Louis (91-61, .599) 2.0 GB

Scoreboard for Friday, September 29:
@ St. Louis: Browns 3 - White Sox 2.
@ Boston: Red Sox 1 - Yankees 0.

Game Reports/Comments for Friday, September 29:
BROWNS STILL ALIVE! THEY ARE NOW 2 DOWN WITH 2 TO GO! In a painful tease, the baseball gods allow the Browns to pull within 2 games of the Yankees with only 2 games remaining. 1922 Browns fans who bite into this lure of late hope must do so at the risk of the yank that is yet to come.

Games Scheduled for Saturday, September 30:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Boston

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Washington

END OF 1922 SEASON.



September 29, 1917: Babe Ruth Gets 6th 1917 Shutout Against Browns, 11-0!

There was no Clark Kent side of this guy!

Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox coasts to his 6th shutout of the year, an 11–0 pasting of the St. Louis Browns. Ruth builds upon his growing superstar image as he also leads the offense with three hits and three runs scored.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: In their last loss in history, a 2-1 defeat by the Chicago White Sox at Sportsman's Park on September 27, 1953, who was the last opposing pitcher to gain a winning decision against the St. Louis Browns?

Answer: Lefty Billy Pierce did it.



Births on September 29



No Browns were ever born on September 29.



Deaths on September 29



No Browns ever died on September 29.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

September 30th - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



September 30, 1951: Garver Wins 20th for Browns Club That Lost 102!

Ned Garver was 20-12 for the Last Place '51 Browns!

St. Louis Browns pitching ace Ned Garver completed one of the greatest achievements in baseball history at Sportsman's Park today. Garver won his 20th game of the season, defeating the Chicago White Sox, 9–5, to become the only pitcher ever who would win 20 games for a last-place team that lost 100 games or more. The 1951 Browns finished with a record of 52-102, a full 46 games behind the American League champion Yankees - and 10 games back of the 7th place Senators. - The Browns' hopeless finish will lend support to the story of what supposedly happens over the winter when Garver asks for a raise in pay on his 1952 contract. He is refused by Browns owner Bill Veeck. Pointing to the hopeless finish of the '51 Browns, Veeck allegedly tells Garver that a raise is not justified, reasoning that "we could have finished last without you." (This same story is later attributed to Ralph Kiner and his experience in seeking a raise from the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it originated with Garver and Veeck of the Browns.)

Max Patkin: Garver's Chase of Win #20 Wasn't Enough!

The Browns took no chances that Ned Garver's pursuit of his 20th win would be enough to draw a crowd on the last day of the 1951 season. Prior to the game, the Harlem Globetrotters defeated a team led by baseball clown Max Patkin as an added attraction. The basketball "game" was played on a wooden court set up behind 3rd base.




1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Saturday, September 30:
Detroit (88-65, .575)
St. Louis (88-65, .575)
X - New York (83-70, .543) 5.0 GB

X = Eliminated.

Scoreboard for Saturday, September 30:
@ St. Louis: Browns 2 - Yankees 0.
@ Detroit: Tiger 7 - Senators 3.

Game Reports/Comments for Saturday, September 30:
Browns & Tigers in Photo Finish with 1 Game To Go! You had to figure it would come down to this. - After battling each other all season, the St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers are hurdling toward the last day of the 1944 season in a dead heat for the American League pennant. - At Detroit today, Hal Newhouser won his 29th game as the Tigers clawed the Washington Senators, 7-3. - Out in St. Louis, he Browns followed up about an hour later with a victory of their own as Denny Galehouse went all the way for a 2-0 shutout of the New York Yankees. - Galehouse's his 9th win of the year kept the Browns in an exact record tie with the Tigers at 88-65. The only disappointing number floating out of Sportsman's Park this afternoon was the attendance. A mere 12,982 fans paid to see this important Browns game on the next to last day of the season. - As the cliche' goes, tomorrow is a game for all the marbles. - It will be interesting to see how many fans show up in St. Louis to watch the "shootin' match."

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
New York @ St. Louis
Washington @ Detroit

END OF 1944 SEASON.



September 30, 1934: Browns Coach Becomes Oldest Old Coot To Score!

J. Howard Marshall's Marriage to Anna Nicole Smith Does Not Count Here.

At some point in a 6-2, 10-6 twin bill loss to the Tigers in Detroit, Browns coach Charley O'Leary reaches base as a pinch hitter at age 52. When he comes around to score, O'Leary also becomes the oldest MLB player ever to do so.



September 30, 1928: Goslin Edges Manush for 1928 AL Batting Title!

Goslin Wins by .001 Percentage Points!

In Washington's 9–1 win over the Browns at Sportsman's Park today, Senators outfielder Goose Goslin collects 2 hits for the 3rd day in a row. The last of these is a looping single in the 9th inning which allows the Goose to edge Browns outfielder Heinie Manush for the American League batting title by the narrow margin of .379 to .378. It is Goose's only batting title in his 18-year MLB career. - Other players get caught up in today's competition for this individual achievement. Nats' ace Sam Jones volunteers to pitch to stop Manush, while George Blaeholder tries the same for St. Louis. Blaeholder gets Goslin in his first two at bats, but Goose then hits a 5th inning home run that will give him the foundation for his 9th inning difference-maker.




1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Saturday, September 30:
New York (94-59, .614)
X - St. Louis (92-61, .601) 2.0 GB

X = Eliminated.

Scoreboard for Saturday, September 30:
@ St. Louis: Browns 11 - White Sox 7.
@ Boston: Yankees 3 - Red Sox 1.

Game Reports/Comments for Saturday, September 30:
YANK! IT'S DONE! The New York Yankees are new to this pennant collection business, but today they clinched their 2nd consecutive American League flag by beating the Boston Red Sox, 3–1, behind pitchers Waite Hoyt and Joe Bush. The disappointed St. Louis Browns console themselves with the hope that their fine club will rally next year to capture the pennant and close the flag-gap that now exists between themselves and the novice champion Yankees. - The Browns did blast the Chicago White Sox in St. Louis today to remain 2 games back - but 2 games back with 1 game to go offers no consolation. - Season's end plays out tomorrow, regardless. In baseball, we finish what we start.

Games Scheduled for Sunday, October 01:
Chicago @ St. Louis
New York @ Washington

END OF 1922 SEASON.



September 30, 1910: .800 Hitter Finished After One-Game Career!

"Hey Gramps! Tell us the story again about that time you played for the Browns!"

When we remember the long trail of our club's many short-time gone-for-gooders, Ray Jansen stands alone at the head of the class. In a game today that will prove to be both his debut and swan song, 3rd baseman Ray Jansen bangs out 4 hits in 5 times at-bat as his Browns fall at home to the Chicago White Sox by a score of 9-1. It will prove to be the only game that Jansen ever plays in the big leagues. Speeding his exit are his three errors at the hot corner.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: In their last loss in history, a 2-1 defeat by the Chicago White Sox at Sportsman's Park on September 27, 1953, who was the last opposing batter to homer against the St. Louis Browns?

Answer: Outfielder Jim Rivera did it.



Births on September 30



Johnny Allen
Birth Name: John Thomas Allen Bats : Right
Born On: 09-30-1905 Throws : Right
Born In: Lenoir, North Carolina Height : 6-00
Died On: 03-29-1959 Weight : 180
Died In: St. Petersburg, Florida First Game: 04-19-1932
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-26-1944
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Johnny Allen played only one partial season for the 1941 Browns (2-5, 5.68), but this stop came on the heels of his presence for years as an earlier force with the Yankees and Indians. Allen posted a career (1932-1944) mark of 142 wins, 75 losses, and an ERA of 3.75. Allen's best year was registered for the 1936 Indians when he logged a 20-10, 3.44 ERA mark. Allen finished the 1942 season with the Dodgers and also hurled for he Giants before wrapping things up in 1944. - Johnny Allen was 53 when he died in 1959.



Ben Taylor
Birth Name: Benjamin Eugene Taylor Bats : Left
Born On: 09-30-1924 Throws : Left
Born In: Metropolis, Illinois Height : 6-00
Died On: 05-11-1999 Weight : 185
Died In: Alma, Oklahoma First Game: 07-29-1951
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-21-1955
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

1st baseman Ben Taylor had a 52-game, 3 season MLB career with the '51 Browns, '52 Tigers, and '55 Braves. Overall, he batted ,231 with 3 HR's. - Ben Taylor passed away at age 74 in 1999.



Deaths on September 30



Jack Harper
Birth Name: Charles William Harper Bats : Right
Born On: 04-02-1878 Throws : Right
Born In: Galloway, Pennsylvania Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-30-1950 Weight : 178
Died In: Jamestown, New York First Game: 09-18-1899
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-06-1906
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Jack Harper was one of the original 1902 Browns. He contributed a fine record of 15 wins, 11 losses, and ERA of 4.13 to the club's maiden voyage through the American League. Sadly, 1902 also was Harper's only year as a Brown. Over the road of his full career (1899-1906), Jack Harper compiled an MLB record of 80 wins, 64 losses, and an ERA of 3.55. Brownie original Jack Harper was 72 when he died in 1950.



Hank Thompson
Birth Name: Henry Curtis Thompson Bats : Left
Born On: 12-08-1925 Throws : Right
Born In: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Height : 5-09
Died On: 09-30-1969 Weight : 174
Died In: Fresno, California First Game: 07-17-1947
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-30-1956
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

2nd baseman/utility infielder Hank Thompson broke into the big leagues on July 17, 1947 as the first black player in the history of the St, Louis Browns. Hank batted .256 with 0 homers in 78 times at bat for the '47 Browns. It was also his only season in St. Louis. - Over his 9-year career (1947, 1949-1956), Thompson batted .267 with 129 homers. - Hank Thompson was 43 when he died in 1969.



Del Pratt
Birth Name: Derrill Burnham Pratt Bats : Right
Born On: 01-10-1888 Throws : Right
Born In: Walhalla, South Carolina Height : 5-11
Died On: 09-30-1977 Weight : 175
Died In: Texas City, Texas First Game: 04-11-1912
College: Georgia Tech & Alabama Last Game: 09-29-1924
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

2nd baseman Del Pratt also played other infield and outfield positions during his big league career (1912-1924). Pratt's early big league career was with the Browns (1912-1917). Del was an excellent hitter, batting over .300 in 6 full seasons and finishing with a career BA of .292 and 43 homers. Pratt was 89 when he passed away in 1977.



Nels Potter
Birth Name: Nelson Thomas Potter Bats : Left
Born On: 08-23-1911 Throws : Right
Born In: Mount Morris, Illinois Height : 5-11
Died On: 09-30-1990 Weight : 180
Died In: Mt. Morris, Illinois First Game: 04-25-1936
College: Manchester College Last Game: 09-18-1949
Nickname: Nellie Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Nels Potter went 19-7 with a 2.83 ERA for the 1944 American League Champion St. Louis Browns. In his 5+ seasons as a Brown (1943-1948), Nels won 57 and lost 48. For his 12 year career (1936, 1938-1941, 1943-1949), Potter recorded 92 wins, 97 losses, and an ERA of 3.99. - Nels Potter was 79 when he passed away in 1990.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL_1951.shtml

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

Have a Great Baseball Weekend, Everybody! :atthepc

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 1st - 2nd Time Around.

On This Date in History!



October 1, 1953: Bill Veeck Submits Formal Resignation as Browns President.

Bill Veeck: The Hall of Fame Will Not Overlook His Genius.

Bill Veeck formally resigned today as president of the St. Louis Browns. It is an empty, but essential legal move, one made in conjunction with the already approved transfer of the franchise to Baltimore in 1954. - As much as his enemies may hope this day also represents the end of Bill Veeck in baseball, it will not. The P.T. Barnum of baseball will go on from here to find new marketing fun in Chicago. - His act will not stop until he is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.



October 1, 1950: Zernial Bangs 4 HRs in White Sox DH Split with Browns!

Gus Zernial Really Blew Out the Candles on the '50 AL Season Today!

What a way to end a season! - Gus Zernial of the Chicago White Sox used the last day of the season to explode into the record books of his club as the leading home run hitter in one season. Zernial began play today with 25 homers - a total that left him trailing Zeke Bonura, who hit 27 home runs for the White Sox back in 1934. Bonura's White Sox record was tied by Joe Kuhel in 1940. - Gus Zernial fixed that tie today by bolting past both men. In a 4-3, 6-10 doubleheader split with the St. Louis Browns, Zernial connected for 4 homers. He hit one homer in the 4-3 first-game White Sox win over the visiting Browns. He then added 3 more long balls in the 10-6 nightcap loss to give him the new club record of 29. Zernial's feat also tied an American League record for most HR's in a twinbill. Interestingly, 10 of Zernial's 29 HR's in 1950 came at the expense of the St. Louis Browns.





1944 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Sunday, October 01:
St. Louis (89-65, .578)
X - Detroit (88-66, .571) 1.0 GB
X - New York (83-71, .539) 6.0 GB

X = Eliminated.

Scoreboard for Sunday, October 01:
@ St. Louis: Browns 5 - Yankees 2.
@ Detroit: Senators 4 - Tigers 1.

Game Reports/Comments for Sunday, October 01:



BROWNS WIN 1ST AMERICAN LEAGUE PENNANT! LAABS & JAKUCKI STAR!

It finally happened. In their 43rd year of existence, the St. Louis Browns finally won their first American League pennant. Unlike 1922, there would be no late in the day spoilage of hope by the New York Yankees in 1944. In fact, this time, a Browns victory over the Yankees would propel the men from St. Louis past the almost as hungry Tigers of Detroit - with a little help too from the Senators of Washington.

The good news started in the Motor City - where the home Tigers began their defense of a dead heat tie with the Browns going into these last two dramatic games of the season. Because their game began earlier, the results of Washington @ Detroit would be known in St. Louis before the Browns big game with the Yankees was settled.

In Detroit, 45,565 Tiger fans showed up to watch 27-game winner Dizzy Trout, pitching on one day's rest. To their heartbreak, Trout would lose to Washington knuckleballer Dutch Leonard, 4-1. Prior to today, Leonard had lost 7 straight to Detroit in 1943-44. Years later, Leonard will report that he had received a phone call offering him $20,000 to throw the game. - If he did, he didn't. Leonard beat the Tigers and left the Detroit club's final fate squarely on the line with the outcome of New York @ St. Louis. A Yankees win over the Browns would restore the tie for 1st place and force a playoff game between St. Louis and Detroit.

It wasn't to be. The hunger out in St. Louis was too great.

To their belated credit, St. Louis fans finally awakened to what was going on. The Browns had their first sellout in 20 years as 37,815 fans packed Sportsman's Park to bear witness to the miracle. The 1944 Browns did not disappoint. St. Louis clinched the flag on this final day of the season by sweeping the Yankees and winning today, 5-2, on a pair of 2-run homers by Chet Laabs. Sig Jakucki was the winning pitcher. For both Laabs and Jakucki, it was their finest hour - on the finest day in the history of the Browns.

The St. Louis Browns today became the 1944 champions of the American League. It's in the book of our history - and no one can ever take it away.

END OF 1944 SEASON.



1922 American League Pennant Race

Standings Thru Games of Sunday, October 01:
New York (94-60, .610)
X - St. Louis (93-61, .604) 1.0 GB

X = Eliminated.

Scoreboard for Sunday, October 01:
@ St. Louis: Browns 2 - White Sox 1.
@ Washington: Senators 6 - Yankees 1.

Game Reports/Comments for Sunday, October 01:
BROWNS CLOSE FINAL GAP TO 1-GAME DEFICIT. While the Browns fought hard on the last day to scrap out a 2-1 win at home over the White Sox, the '22 champion Yankees travelled to Washington for a one-game disinterested loss to the Senators, 6-1. - The greatest club in Browns history must now hang in the books without a championship - but with a one-game deficit that will forever invite reverie and tempt regret for what might've been. - If only George Sisler had not been hurt immediately prior to the last big series in St. Louis against the Yankees. - If only that fan had not awakened the Gothams by throwing that bottle at Yankee outfielder Whitey Witt. - If only either of those two one-run losses in the last Yankees series had gone the Browns' way. - These possibilities can and will be reviewed forever by all those who come after us to discover anew the greatness of the 1922 Browns and their near miss on the pennant. - All we can do as individual fans is but to remember this simple fact and move on. - In baseball, as in everyday life, there are no do-overs. We either make our peace with what happens - or else - live hard with the pain of regret. - It's a pick 'em than no one else on earth can ever make for us. - It doesn't matter if we're talking about a lost love - a lost career - or the greatest team in our history - the 1922 St. Louis Browns.

END OF 1922 SEASON.



October 1, 1921: Browns' 11-6 Win at Detroit Points to Bright Future in '22!

Ty Cobb Out For Disciplinary Reasons.

On the next to last day of the season at Detroit, the Browns beat the Tigers, 11–6, in 11 innings. Detroit is without Ty Cobb who was suspended for an argument with an ump a week ago in Washington (though Detroit has not played since the 26th). Detroit's Harry Heilmann is 0-for-5 and down to .396. He'll go 1-for-4 tomorrow, but will lead the American League in hitting with a .394 average. - The Browns will also win tomorrow, 12-3, to finish the 1921 AL season with an upbeat record of 81-73. - It looks as though the Browns may finally have what it takes to go all the way to the top in 1922.



October 1, 1920: Browns Beat Worried White Sox, 8-6!

The Black Sox: Their Troubles Have Only Just Begun.

In their first game following the indictment of eight players on charges of fixing the 1919 World Series, the Chicago White Sox lose to the St. Louis Browns, 8-6. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Indians split a twin bill with the Detroit Tigers. Chicago now trails Cleveland by 2 with 2 games left to play, but the White Sox are now burdened with a threatened loss that goes far beyond the probability that they will not be returning to the World Series in 1920.



October 1, 1916: Browns Steal 8 Today on Run into Record Book.

"BEEP! BEEP! - The 1916 Browns wuz my kinda' ballclub!"

The St. Louis Browns waited until the last day of the season to put the icing on this cake. In a 6–3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Sportsman's Park today, the Browns stole 8 bases to give themselves a team total 234 steals on the year. It will stand as an American League record until the 1976 Oakland Athletics swipe an incredible total of 341. Not to be majorly outdone, Detroit adds 7 steals of its own for a combined 15 steals in the game by both clubs. That 15 total steals ties the American League record for two clubs that New York set by themselves on September 28, 1911.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: If The Roadrunner serves well as an apt symbol of the 1916 Browns, how does Wile E. Coyote stack up as a caricature of the club's total history?



Answer: It's sort of rhetorical.



Births on October 1



Ray Kolp
Birth Name: Raymond Carl Kolp Bats : Right
Born On: 10-01-1894 Throws : Right
Born In: New Berlin, Ohio Height : 5-10½
Died On: 07-29-1967 Weight : 187
Died In: Cincinnati, Ohio First Game: 04-16-1921
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-21-1934
Nickname: Jockey Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Ray Kolp had a 12-year MLB career (1921-1924, 1927-1934) in which he won 79, lost 95, and posted a 4.08 ERA. As a 4-season Brown (1921-1924), Ray Kolp posted his best year for the great 1922 St. Louis club when he won 14, lost 4, and had an ERA of 3.93. - Ray Kolp was 72 when he died in 1967.



Deaths on October 1



Hub Northen
Birth Name: Hubbard Elwin Northen Bats : Left
Born On: 08-16-1885 Throws : Left
Born In: Atlanta, Texas Height : 5-08
Died On: 10-01-1947 Weight : 175
Died In: Shreveport, Louisiana First Game: 09-10-1910
College: None Attended Last Game: 10-05-1912
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Center fielder Hub Northen broke into the big leagues with the 1910 Browns and batted .198 (19 for 98) with 0 homers in 26 games. After one AB with the Reds in 1911, Northen moved to the Dodgers for limted action there. He then started for the 1912 Dodgers in the final year of his MLB career, leaving the scene with a pretty fair BA of .272 for his 3-year (1910=1912) run in the majors. - Hub Northen was 62 when he died in 1947.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=DET

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1944&t=NYA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=SLA

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1922&t=NYA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 2nd - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!




October 2, 1949: Browns End Season with Another Player Stunt!

Hmmm! - Maybe Wile E. Coyote Really Was Running the Show!

The 1949 St. Louis Browns enter the last day of the season in a familiar spot. They are a 7th place club with a record of 52-100 and facing the unenviable task of playing a meaningless doubleheader at Sportsman's Park against the Chicago White Sox. Add to the abysmal equation the fact that the Browns are struggling to push paid attendance past the 270,000 mark.

It means only one thing. - It's marketing stunt time again in Brownsville.

To promote the gate, the Browns announce to the media that manager Zach Taylor has "decided" to play the opener of the twin bill a little differently. He will start 9 different pitchers for each of the 9 innings to be played against the White Sox in Game One.

Game One is played as promoted - and the Browns lose, 4-3. The boys then go back to conventional pitcher use in the nitecap and they win, 5-3, for a split with the White Sox.

Mercifully, the 1949 season ends, - The next-to-last-place 1949 Browns finish with a record of 52-101 and an official paid attendance of 270,936.

Note: Baseball Library (dot) Com erroneously states that the opponent in this game was the Detroit Tigers.



October 2, 1943: Yankees Set Record for Twin Bill Sweeps Against Browns!

NY Goes On To Win World Series Over Cardinals.

On the next to last day of the 1943 season at Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Bombers take 2 from the St. Louis Browns, 5-1 and 7-6. It is New York's 14th sweep of a doubleheader, an American League mark. Bud Metheny hits a HR in the opener for the Yankees' 100th roundtripper of the season. - As a result, the Browns' season mark falls to 72-79 with one game left to play tomorrow against the Yankees.



October 2, 1938: Bobo Newsom wins 20th game for the 7th-place Browns.

Bobo's Other 20-Win Year will be 21-5 for the '41 Tigers.

For the first time since his 1929 big league debut, St. Louis Browns hurler Bobo Newsom becomes a 20-game winner by defeating the Chicago White Sox, 4-3, in the first game of a doubleheader played on the last day of the 1938 season at Comiskey Park. The Browns lose the nitecap, 3-0, to finish in 7th place in the American League with a record of 55-97. - Newsom's win today allows him to finish the year with a personal record of 20-16 - and with an E.R.A. of 5.08.



October 2, 1908: "Score first. Argue later." - Hugh Jennings, Detroit Manager.

Hugh Jennings was noted for his passionate "go-get-em" style.

In Detroit today, the Tigers score two runs in the 9th to edge the St. Louis Browns, 7–6. Ty Cobb scores the winning run , but he is practically carried across the plate by Hugh Jennings. Cobb had been held at 3rd base by the umpire - who believed that Detroit 1st baseman Claude Rossman's double had gone into the crowd. Cobb argued that it had not. The wizened Jennings later reminded young Cobb to, "score first, argue later." The Tigers remain in first by a half-game with four games left to play.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What was the fewest players ever used by the Browns in the playing of a single season?

Answer: The Browns achieved that little mark in personnel economy when they used only 19 different players during the 1906 season.



Births on October 2






No St. Louis Brownies Ever Came Out of the Oven on October 2nd.



Deaths on October 2



Tom Hafey
Birth Name: Thomas Francis Hafey Bats : Right
Born On: 07-12-1913 Throws : Right
Born In: Berkeley, California Height : 6-01
Died On: 10-02-1996 Weight : 180
Died In: El Cerrito, California First Game: 07-21-1939
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-30-1944
Nickname: The Arm Draft: Not Applicable

Tom Hafey was the brother of Bud Hafey and the cousin of Cardinal great outfielder Chick Hafey. Tom had a short career in the big leagues as a 3rd baseman/outfielder with the 1939 Giants and the 1944 Browns. Tom Hafey posted a career BA of .248 and 6 homers in his short spin at the top. - Tom Hafey was 83 when he died in 1996.



Les Tietje
Birth Name: Leslie William Tietje Bats : Right
Born On: 09-11-1911 Throws : Right
Born In: Sumner, Iowa Height : 6-00½
Died On: 10-02-1996 Weight : 178
Died In: Rochester, Minnesota First Game: 09-18-1933
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-04-1938
Nickname: Toots Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Les Tietje had a six-year MLB career (1933-1938), winning 22, losing 41, and filling out an ERA of 5.11. Tietje was 6-12 for the 1936-1938 Browns. - Les Tietje was 84 when he died in 1996.

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

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/schedule.php?y=1949&t=SLA

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 3rd - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



October 3, 1929: Crowder Pitches Browns Past Indians in 10, 3-2!

General Crowder Was 17-15 for the 1929 Browns!

With time running out in the 1929 season, Alvin "General" Crowder of the St. Louis Browns takes advantage of his home park and no pressure to pitch the St. Louis Browns by the Cleveland Indians, 3–2, in 10 innings. It is Crowder's 17th win of the season against 15 defeats. - The Browns and Indians will continue to wrap up the season with three more games over the next four days at Sportsman's Park. - In today's game, Earl Averill accounts for all of the Indians' scoring with a 2-run home run. Averill's blast is his 18th HR of the year and also his 5th of the season off General Crowder. By comparison, only George Kelly's 6 homers off Vic Aldridge in 1923 represents a greater one-year HR production by one batter over one pitcher. The "6 HR's off 1 pitcher by 1 batter in 1 season" mark will be later tied twice. Ted Williams will hit 6 homers off Johnny Rigney of the White Sox in 1941. Ted Kluszewski will bang 6 long balls off Max Surkont of the Braves in 1954. (Referential credit for these facts is extended here to historian Dave Vincent.)



October 3, 1920: Sisler Gets Record-Setting 257th Hit of the Season!

George The Great!

It is the last game of the 1920 season at Sportsman's Park, but it is a day that will generate a number that will be long cherished by Browns fans and baseball historians. In the Browns' 16-7 win over the Chicago White Sox, George Sisler gets his 257th hit of the season to set a major league record that will stand for 84 years. - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners will break Sisler's mark when he garners 262 hits in 2004. - What did Sisler do in his record-setting game that will go unequalled years later by Ichiro? - Sisler also will pitch an inning of scoreless relief in the 9th.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What was the most players ever used by the Browns in the playing of a single season?

Answer: The 1951 Browns established that mark in a season that played out as one of ongoing auditions. They used a whopping 52 different players during the 1951 season.



Births on October 3



Armando Marsans
Birth Name: Armando Marsans Bats : Right
Born On: 10-03-1887 Throws : Right
Born In: Matanzas, Cuba Height : 5-10
Died On: 09-03-1960 Weight : 157
Died In: Havana, Cuba First Game: 07-04-1911
College: None Attended Last Game: 07-13-1918
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder/outfielder Aremando Marsansa native of Cuba, had an 8-year MLB career (1911-1918), batting .269 with 2 HR's in 655 games played. Marsans hit .254 in 150 games for the 1916 Browns and .230 in 75 games for the 1916 Browns before being dealt to the Yankees. - Armando Marsans was 72 when he died in 1960.



Deaths on October 3



Pinky Hargrave
Birth Name: William McKinley Hargrave Bats : Both
Born On: 01-31-1896 Throws : Right
Born In: New Haven, Indiana Height : 5-08½
Died On: 10-03-1942 Weight : 180
Died In: Ft. Wayne, Indiana First Game: 05-18-1923
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-23-1933
Nickname: Pinky Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Pinky Hargrave batted .278 with 39 homers in a big league career that spanned from 1923 to 1933. As a member of the 1925-1926 Browns, Hargrave hit .284 and .281 - and also bagged 15 homers in 460 total AB's with the club in those two years. Pinky Hargrave died in 1942 at the age of 46.


Jerry McCarthy
Birth Name: Jerome Francis McCarthy Bats : Left
Born On: 05-23-1923 Throws : Left
Born In: Brooklyn, New York Height : 6-01
Died On: 10-03-1965 Weight : 205
Died In: Oceanside, New York First Game: 06-19-1948
College: University of Pennsylvania Last Game: 06-23-1948
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Jerry McCarthy got into 2 games as a 1st baseman for the 1948 Browns and that was it. McCarthy made 2 errors in the field, but he went 1 for 3 (.333 BA) before he soon found himself gone-for-good. Jerry McCarthy died at age 42 in 1965. - BCT/GB, Jerry McCarthy!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseball-almanac.com/team...p?y=1929&t=SLA

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/chronology/today.stm

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 4th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



October 4, 1944: The Streetcar World Series; Browns vs. Cardinals, Game 1:

Browns 2 - Cardinals 1.

1944 is 1st Year that all World Series Games are played West of the Mississippi!

The St. Louis Browns won their first-ever World Series game today at Sportsman's Park - and it happened against their same town rivals and long term ballpark tenants, the St. Louis Cardinals, by a score of 2-1 - and before a packed house of divided loyalty. - The Cardinals played as the "home" team in Game 1, as they will in Game 2. The Browns will be the "home" club in Games 3, 4, and 5 (if necessary). Should the Series go the distance, the Cards again will take the 3rd base "home" dugout in Games 6 & 7 (if needed).

In the opener, 1st baseman George McQuinn provides all the offense the Browns need with a 2-run homer to right field in the top of the 4th with outfielder Gene Moore on base. (Count the Brownie World Series firsts that happened on that one swing of the bat.) Nine strong innings from righty Denny Galehouse shuts down the Cardinals to give the Browns a 1-0 lead in the World Series. Pitcher Mort Cooper of the Cardinals also had a fine day, giving up only 2 hits over 7 innings. Unfortunately for Cooper and the Cards, one of those Browns hits was the McQuinn homer. - Game 2 will be played tomorrow. Bob Muncrief goes for the Browns. Max Lanier takes the mound for the Cardinals.



October 4, 1925: Tigers Take Browns in Last Day DH! Sisler & Cobb Both Pitch!

"Sometimes we have to look the other way!" - Commisssioner Landis (?)

It's a loose-as-a-goose wrap up of the 1925 season for the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns as they meet in a final day doubleheader at Sportsman's Park. How loose is it? - The Cleveland Indians were supposed to be here for these games against the Browns, but they declined to keep the appointment for a meaningless playing date that would pay them little in return. The Tigers were already in town and agreed to stay and fill in for the Indians since their season was already done. (Can you imagine this scenario happening today? How much time would ESPN spend on it?) The games do bear consequence for the American League batting championship. Harry Heilmann gets 6 hits in Detroit's doubleheader sweep over the Browns, 10–4 and 11–6, to edge out teammate Ty Cobb for the batting crown, .393 to .389. - For Cobb, it is his 20th straight year to bat over .300 on the season. In the 2nd game, the final game of the season, managers George Sisler of the Browns and Ty Cobb of the Tigers both pitch in relief in for the two clubs. Cobb is perfect in his one inning, while Sisler holds the Tigers scoreless in two.



October 25, 1923: Tris Speaker Brings Double-Trouble to the Browns!

The Grey Eagle was best at reaching 2nd base with one swing.

Cleveland's Tris Speaker connects against the St. Louis Browns for his 57th double of the season as the visiting Tribe win, 5–1. Speaker's final total of 59 doubles on the year is a record that will be beaten in 1931 when Earl Webb of the Boston Red Sox collects an incredible total of 67 two-baggers. - Speaker's 792 doubles remains today as the career record in big league history.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who hit the first World Series home run ever for the St. Louis Browns?

Answer: OK. Let's not always see the same hands.



Births on October 4



Harry Ables
Birth Name: Harry Terrell Ables Bats : Right
Born On: 10-04-1884 Throws : Left
Born In: Terrell, Texas Height : 6-02½
Died On: 02-08-1951 Weight : 200
Died In: San Antonio, Texas First Game: 09-04-1905
College: Southwestern University Last Game: 05-05-1911
Nickname: Hans Draft: Not Applicable

Harry Ables broke into the big leagues by going 0 and 3 as a pitcher for the 1905 Browns in 6 games. He had two other brief cracks in the big leagues with the 1909 Cleveland Naps and the 1911 New York Highlanders, finishing with a career MLB mark of 1 win, 5 losses, and a 4.04 ERA. - Harry Ables was 66 when he died in 1951. - BCT/GB, "Hans" Ables!



Shorty Dee
Birth Name: Maurice Leo Dee Bats : Right
Born On: 10-04-1889 Throws : Right
Born In: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Height : 5-06
Died On: 08-12-1971 Weight : 155
Died In: Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts First Game: 09-14-1915
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-14-1915
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

September 14, 1915 is the the total time frame for the big league career of shortstop Shorty Dee. With a nickname to match his longevity, Shorty went out to shortstop for the Browns on that day and went 0 for 3. He did draw a walk and score a run on his way to The Land of Gone for Good! - BCT/GB, Shorty Dee! Bless your heart, Mr. Dee! You were hardly a Brown long enough to finish that cup of coffee. - Shorty Dee was 81 at the time of his 1971 passing.



Don Lenhardt
Birth Name: Donald Eugene Lenhardt Bats : Right
Born On: 10-04-1922 Throws : Right
Born In: Alton, Illinois Height : 6-03
Died On: Still Living Weight : 190
Died In: Still Living First Game: 04-18-1950
College: University of Illinois Last Game: 09-25-1954
Nickname: Don or Footsie Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Don Lenhardt played all or parts of 4 seasons with the Browns (1950-1951, 1952-1953). Over his 5-year big league career (1950-1954), "Footsie" batted .271 with 61 homers. - Don is an active participant in the annual banquets od the St. Louis Browns Historical Society and today he is celebrating a birthday.

Happy 83rd Birthday, Don Lenhardt! Looking forward to seeing you at the (as yet unplanned) 2006 banquet reunion.



Deaths on October 4



Fred Graf
Birth Name: Frederick Gottleib Graf Bats : Right
Born On: 08-25-1889 Throws : Right
Born In: Canton, Ohio Height : 5-10½
Died On: 10-04-1979 Weight : 164
Died In: Chattanooga, Tennessee First Game: 05-14-1913
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-18-1913
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

3rd baseman Fred Graf went 2 for 5 (.400 BA) in 4 games for the 1913 Browns. He had 1 double, 3 walks, 1 run scored, 3 RBI, and 3 strike out appearances as a batter on his way to The Land of Gone for Good. - Fred Graf lived to age 90 before he passed away in 1979.

Today's Reference Links ... http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/hi...p?feature=1944

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/chronology/today.stm

The Baseball Encyclopedia by MacMillan

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/chronology/today.stm

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 5th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



October 5, 1944: The Streetcar World Series; Browns vs. Cardinals, Game 2:

Cardinals 3 - Browns 2 (11 innings).

1944 is 1st Year that all World Series Games are played West of the Mississippi!

It was a tight game that required extra frames for settlement. Finally, with 2 Cardinals on in the bottom of the 11th, Ken O'Dea's pinch single off Browns reliever Bob Muncrief drove in Ray Sanders for 1 run and a Cardinals' 3-2 win. Two errors by Browns starter Nels Potter and one by 3rd baseman Mark Christman gave the Cards a 2-0, early-inning, unearned run lead. The Browns tied it up at 2-2 with runs off Cardinals starter Max Lanier in the 7th, but reliever Blix Donnelly came in to shut the Browns down over the final 4 frames. Donnelly struck out 7 and allowed only 3 balls to be hit out of the infield on his way to a win in relief. - With the Series now tied at a game each, the Browns will become the home team tomorrow and they willl send Handsome Jack Kramer to the mound. - The Cardinals will counter with Ted Wilks.



October 5, 1908: Browns Spoil Cleveland Pennant Hopes!

"Nap Lajoie didn't need me to help him figure this one out!"

The St. Louis Browns today ended the Cleveland Naps' pennant hopes with a 3–1 win in the opener of two at Sportsman's Park. Cleveland takes the 2nd game, 5–3, but they can no longer hope for a record that will advance them to the pennant at 90-64. If the Tigers win against the White Sox tomorrow, their 90–63 mark will top Cleveland by a half game. If the White Sox win, their 89-63 record will put them percentage points ahead of Cleveland for the American League pennant, - Some days you can't win - especially on those days when your club has been mathematically eliminated and there are no clear MLB policy provisions for making up rained out games that could make a difference.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Who scored the first World Series run ever for the St. Louis Browns?

Answer: Gene Moore.



Births on October 5



Rollin Cook
Birth Name: Rollin Edward Cook Bats : Right
Born On: 10-05-1890 Throws : Right
Born In: Toledo, Ohio Height : 5-09
Died On: 08-11-1975 Weight : 152
Died In: Toledo, Ohio First Game: 07-06-1915
College: Ohio State University Last Game: 08-11-1915
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Rollin Cook worked 13.2 relief innings in 5 games for the 1915 Browns as his total big league experience. He picked up no wins or losses, but he did drag a personal ERA of 7.25 into the record books before vanishing forever into The Land of Gone For Good! - Rollin Cook was 84 at the time of his 1975 death. - BCT/GB, Rollin Cook!



Paul Speraw
Birth Name: Paul Bachman Speraw Bats : Right
Born On: 10-05-1893 Throws : Right
Born In: Annville, Pennsylvania Height : 5-08½
Died On: 02-22-1962 Weight : 145
Died In: Cedar Rapids, Iowa First Game: 09-15-1920
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-15-1920
Nickname: Birdie Draft: Not Applicable

3rd baseman Paul Speraw went 0 for 2 as a Brown in a game played on September 15, 1920 and was then gone for good from the big leagues forever thereafter. - Pual Speraw was 68 when he died in 1962, - BCT/GB, Paul Speraw!



Norm McMillan
Birth Name: Norman Alexis McMillan Bats : Right
Born On: 10-05-1895 Throws : Right
Born In: Latta, South Carolina Height : 6-00
Died On: 09-28-1969 Weight : 175
Died In: Marion, South Carolina First Game: 04-12-1922
College: Clemson Agricultural College Last Game: 10-06-1929
Nickname: Bub Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Norm McMillan batted .260 with 6 homers in a 5-year MLB career (1922-1924, 1928-1929). In his only season for the 1924 Browns, McMillan batted .279 in 76 games. - Norm McMillan was 73 when he died in 1969.



Sam West
Birth Name: Samuel Filmore West Bats : Left
Born On: 10-05-1904 Throws : Left
Born In: Longview, Texas Height : 5-11
Died On: 11-23-1985 Weight : 165
Died In: Lubbock, Texas First Game: 04-17-1927
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-24-1942
Nickname: Sam or Sammy Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Sam West had a fine 16-year MLB career (1927-1942), batting .299 lifetime with 75 homers. In 6 seasons with the Browns (1933-1938), Sam was an American League all star, batting over .300 5 times. - Sam West was 81 when he passed away in 1985.



Deaths on October 5



Lyman Lamb
Birth Name: Laymon Raymond Lamb Bats : Right
Born On: 03-17-1895 Throws : Right
Born In: Lincoln, Nebraska Height : 5-07
Died On: 10-05-1955 Weight : 150
Died In: Fayetteville, Arkansas First Game: 09-14-1920
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-24-1921
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Utility player Lyman Lamb had 2-season (1920-1921) MLB career with the St. Louis Browns. In his total 54 games, Lamb batted .272 with 1 HR. - Lyman Lamb was 60 when he died in 1955.

Lyman was a little Lamb,
Who seemed to want to play.
He hit the ball for two short years,
But still - he didn't stay. :noidea


George Curry
Birth Name: George James Curry Bats : Right
Born On: 12-21-1888 Throws : Right
Born In: Bridgeport, Connecticut Height : 6-00
Died On: 10-05-1963 Weight : 185
Died In: West Haven, Connecticut First Game: 07-16-1911
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-07-1911
Nickname: Soldier Boy Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher George Curry was 0-3 with a 7.47 ERA for the 1911 Browns on his way to The Land of Gone for Good. He was 74 when he died in 1963.



Ed Grimes
Birth Name: Edward Adelbert Grimes Bats : Right
Born On: 09-08-1905 Throws : Right
Born In: Chicago, Illinois Height : 5-10
Died On: 10-05-1974 Weight : 165
Died In: Chicago, Illinois First Game: 04-19-1931
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-17-1932
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Ed Grimes played two seasons for the 1931-1932 Browns as his total MLB experience. In 74 games, he batted .248 with 0 HR's (31 for 125) and then quickly found the road to The Land of Gone For Good! - Ed Grimes was 69 when he passed away in 1974. - BCT/GB, Ed Grimes!

Today's Reference Links ... The MacMillan Baseball Encyclopedia

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/chronology/today.stm

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

October 6th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



October 6, 1944: The Streetcar World Series; Browns vs. Cardinals, Game 3:

Browns 6 - Cardinals 2.

1944 is 1st Year that all World Series Games are played West of the Mississippi!

The St. Louis Browns take a 2-1 game lead in the World Series with a 6-2 victory for Jack Kramer, who fans 10. Five straight singles, a walk, and a wild pitch, all after two outs off Cardinal reliever Fred Schmidt, give the Browns 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. - Game 4 is tomorrow - with Harry "The Cat" Brecheen going for the St. Louis Cardinals against Sig Jakucki of the Browns.



May 6, 1929: Browns Sweep DH; Can Howley, Hire Killifer as New Manager in 1930!

Joe Sewell struck out only 4 times in 578 AB's in 1929.

It was a busy last day of the season for the St. Louis Browns at Sportsman's Park. First the 4th place Browns dumped the 3rd-place Cleveland Indians, 4–2 and 4–1, as Cleveland's shortstop Joe Sewell finished his 152-game schedule with just four strikeouts as a hitter. Overshadowing the actual games, most of the local attention was off the field on next year. In spite of today's success, the Browns said goodbye to manager Dan Howley after three years and 7th, 3rd, and 4th place finishes. Bill Killefer was signed to manage the Browns in 1930, but Howley will not be out of work for long. On October 15th, the Cincinnati Reds will hire Dan Howley as their manager for next season. - Very little is truly new under the sun - and the major league managerial merry-go-round has been spinning pretty much the same way since forever.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: Which Browns club achieved the highest slugging average for a single season?

Answer: That would be the great 1922 Browns, of course. Their .455 slugging average was the best in Browns history.



Births on October 6



Johnny Tillman
Birth Name: John Lawrence Tillman Bats : Both
Born On: 10-06-1893 Throws : Right
Born In: Bridgeport, Connecticut Height : 5-11
Died On: 04-07-1964 Weight : 170
Died In: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania First Game: 09-20-1915
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-22-1915
Nickname: Ducky Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher John "Ducky" Tillman wasn't long for "Lake Big Leagues." Tillman pitched for the Browns in 2 games in September 1915, registering a 1-0 record with an ERA of 0.90 for 10 innings of work in 2 days (September 20-22). For reasons now lost in time to easy answers, Tillman never worked again in the big leagues. - Johnny Tillman was 70 when he died in 1964. - BCT/GB, DuckyTillman! - You "done good," even if you were done fast!



Deaths on October 6



So far, no Browns ever died on October 6.

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

MacMillan's Baseball Encyclopedia

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