This Date in Browns History!

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 3rd - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 3, 1926: Sisler Steps Down! Dan Howley Steps Up!

Sisler Ready To Just Play - and Leave the Managing to Howley.

George Sisler's tenure as playing manager of the St. Louis Browns ended today when the greatest Brown in history was replaced by Dan Howley. Sisler was on the job as Browns skipper from 1924 through 1926, finishing 4th, 3rd, & 7th. - Sisler will remain with the Browns as a player in 1927 and then move on briefly to Washington in 1928 and then to Boston of the National League that same season. Sisler will play with the Braves through 1930 and then retire.

Dan Howley will hold down the wheel for the Browns from 1927 through 1929, but will leave after finishing 7th, 3rd, & 4th - not a bad result for a Brownie mentor.

For the record, Dan Howley broke into baseball as a catcher with Indianapolis of the American Association in 1906. He appeared briefly with the Phillies in 1913. He managed at Montreal for four years, then moved to Toronto (International League), where he won a pennant in 1918. He was a coach for the Tigers in 1919 and 1921-22. He returned to Toronto, and in 1926 won a pennant to break Baltimore's streak of seven straight flags. A combative manager known for his ability to develop young pitchers, he managed the Browns and Reds for three seasons each.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What Browns pitcher later ran for political office after his playing days and was elected mayor of his home town?

Hizzoner Ned!

Answer: It was none other than Ned Garver, the Browns pitcher who went 20-12 for the last place 1951 Browns who finished with a 52-102 record. Some years after his 1961 retirement from baseball, Garver successfully ran for Mayor of Ney, Ohio, his home town. - Garver served several terms as the chief officer of his rural village of a few hundred people, but he developed no ambitions for higher office up the political food chain. - Today Ned Garver seems perfectly happy to celebrate each day that dawns and his memories of the Browns - while letting the rest of the world go by.



Births on November 3



Ike Rockenfield
Birth Name: Isaac Broc Rockenfield
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-03-1876
Born In: Omaha, Nebraska
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 02-21-1927
Died In: San Diego, California
Cemetery: Unknown
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-07
Weight: 150
First Game: 05-05-1905
Last Game: 10-07-1906
Draft: Not Applicable

2nd baseman Ike Rockenfield hit .221 with 0 dead ball era homers in his 2-season big league career with the 1905-1906 Browns and was then gone-for-good. Ike Rockenfield was 50 when he died in 1927. - BCT/GB, Ike Rockenfield!



Clyde Southwick
Birth Name: Clyde Aubra Southwick Bats : Left
Born On: 11-03-1886 Throws : Right
Born In: Maxwell, Iowa Height : 6-00
Died On: 10-14-1961 Weight : 180
Died In: Freeport, Illinois First Game: 08-22-1911
College: Iowa State College of Agricultural & Mechanical Arts Last Game: 09-09-1911
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Clyde Southwick went 3 for 12 (.250) with no homers in 4 games for the 1911 Browns and then hit the trail for the Land of Gone for Good. - Clyde Southwick was 75 when he died in 1961. - BCT/GB, Clyde Southwick!



Deaths on November 3



Bobby Wallace
Birth Name: Rhoderick John Wallace
Nickname: Rhody
Born On: 11-04-1873
Born In: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 11-03-1960
Died In: Torrance, California
Cemetery: Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-08
Weight: 170
First Game: 09-15-1894
Last Game: 09-02-1918
Draft: Not Applicable

Bobby Wallace had a 4-season big league pitching career (1894-1896, 1902), compiling a career record of 24-22 with a 3.87 ERA. - Pitching was not where Bobby Wallace made his mark in big league baseball. - Wallace had a 25-year career in MLB (1894-1918) as a position player who excelled at shortstop - and mainly as a Brown (1902-1916). He is widely regarded as the greatest shortstop in Browns history. Wallace batted .268 with 34 dead ball era homers to his credit. - Bobby Wallace was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953. - He was one day shy of his 87th birthday when he died in 1960.



Vern Stephens
Birth Name: Vernon Decatur Stephens Bats : Right
Born On: 10-23-1920 Throws : Right
Born In: McAlister, New Mexico Height : 5-10
Died On: 11-03-1968 Weight : 185
Died In: Long Beach, California First Game: 09-13-1941
College: None Attended Last Game: 06-30-1955
Nickname: Buster Draft: Not Applicable

Another great Browns shortstop died on November 3rd. Vern Stephens played 15 years (1941-1955) in the big leagues as a slugging shortstop with a .286 career batting average and 247 HR's. Vern played his first 7 seasons with the Browns, returning later to play 46 games for the 1953 final Browns club. - Vern Stephens was 48 when he died in 1968.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 4th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 4, 1902-1953: Nothing Happened.


The baseball season was over - and November was
too early to be talking about next year's contract.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What led to the expansion of seating capacity at Sportsman's Park during the 1920s?

Answer: The success of the Browns on the field in 1919-23 and again in 1925 inspired owner Phil Ball. Buoyed by his optimism, the confident Ball predicted a World Series for Sportsman's Park by 1926. In anticipation, he increased the capacity of his ballpark from 18,000 to 30,000. As things turned out, there was a World Series in Sportsman's Park in 1926 - but it starred the National League Cardinals and their stunning upset of the Ruthian Yankees. St. Louis had been considered a "Browns' town" until the Cardinals won it all in their first World Series appearance. - 27 years later, in 1953, Browns owners and their dwindling base of fans would get to feel the "ouch" of that other shoe dropping.



Births on November 4



Bobby Wallace
Birth Name: Rhoderick John Wallace
Nickname: Rhody
Born On: 11-04-1873
Born In: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 11-03-1960
Died In: Torrance, California
Cemetery: Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-08
Weight: 170
First Game: 09-15-1894
Last Game: 09-02-1918
Draft: Not Applicable

Bobby Wallace had a 4-season big league pitching career (1894-1896, 1902), compiling a career record of 24-22 with a 3.87 ERA. - Pitching was not where Bobby Wallace made his mark in big league baseball. - Wallace had a 25-year career in MLB (1894-1918) as a position player who excelled at shortstop - and mainly as a Brown (1902-1916). He is widely regarded as the greatest shortstop in Browns history. Wallace batted .268 with 34 dead ball era homers to his credit. - Bobby Wallace was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953. - He was one day shy of his 87th birthday when he died in 1960.



Jack Enzenroth
Birth Name: Clarence Herman Enzenroth
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-04-1885
Born In: Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 02-21-1944
Died In: Detroit, Michigan
Cemetery: Unknown
College: University of Michigan
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-07
Weight: 160
First Game: 05-01-1914
Last Game: 09-22-1915
Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Jack Enzenroth went 1 for 6 (.167) for the 1914 Browns before skipping over to finish his "big league" time with the 1914-1915 Kansas City Packers of the ill-fated Federal League. Technically speaking, Enzeroth finished his big league career (1914-1915) with a BA of .174 and no dead ball homers. He was then - gone for good! - Jack Enzenroth was 58 when he died in 1944. - BCT/GB, Jack Enzenroth!



George O'Brien
Birth Name: George Joseph O'Brien
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-04-1889
Born In: Cleveland, Ohio
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 03-24-1966
Died In: Columbus, Ohio
Cemetery: Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 185
First Game: 08-16-1915
Last Game: 08-23-1915
Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher George O'Brien went 2 for 9 (.222) with no dead ball era homers in 2 games for the 1915 Browns and was then gone for good from the big leagues. - George O'Brien was 76 when he died in 1966. - BCT/GB, George O'Brien!



Sig Gryska
Birth Name: Sigmund Stanley Gryska
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-04-1914
Born In: Chicago, Illinois
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 08-27-1994
Died In: Hines, Illinois
Cemetery: Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11½
Weight: 173
First Game: 09-28-1938
Last Game: 10-01-1939
Draft: Not Applicable

Shorstop Sig Gryska had a short, but pretty hot career in 25 games for the 1938-1939 Browns, batting .329 (23 for 70) with no homers, Like so many others, he was then gone for good. - Sig Gryska was 79 when he passed away in 1994. - BCT/GB, Sig Gryska!



Deaths on November 4




So far, no Browns have ever died on November 4th!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb.../NOVEMBER4.stm

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...uis_Browns.stm

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

Have a great weekend, everybody! :atthepc

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 5th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 5, 1907: Browns Get Jimmy Williams in Trade with NY Highlanders!

"Not me! I ain't that old! Besides, I only got 1 'M' in my name!" - Jimy Williams.

The New York Highlanders today traded 2nd baseman Jimmy Williams and outfielder Danny Hoffman to the St. Louis Browns for pitcher Fred Glade, speedy 2nd baseman Harry Niles, and outfielder Charlie Hemphill. Glade will pitch just five games in 1908 before retiring. - Those Highlanders would change their nickname to the New York Yankees in 1913. Too bad the Browns didn't take that simple name change as a warning sign on the road to ruin. Such a sign would have read: "Stop Trading With The Guys From New York!"



November 5, 1901: American League Leases Sportsman's Park for New St. Louis Club!


Johnson & Comiskey Join in Odd Couple Deal!

Surprise! Sportsman's Park in St. Louis is leased today for five years by American League President Ban Johnson and Chicago White Stockings owner Charles Comiskey as a place to play for a future American League team. Two weeks later, the Milwaukee franchise will officially be transferred to St. Louis and be born again in 1902 as the Browns. - If the Browns had been a superstitious lot, they would have seen a couple of bad omens in these two directly related events. - In the first place, Johnson and Comiskey were on the road to becoming power-struggling enemies in the American League. The few things they did together were rife with bad results and hurt feelings. - The second bad sign was fairly obvious. - The City of St. Louis was getting an 8th place Brewers club that finished 35.5 games out of 1st place in the American League in 1901 with a record of 48 wins and 89 losses. - In spite of the Browns jump to 2nd place in their innaugural season of 1902 with a 78-58 record, the Browns never got their financial feet on the ground - even with the help from the AL that made sure the club was stocked with players that made a good impression during their first year. - As a result, the Browns would quickly fall into the pattern that eventually doomed them to the second division and killed their chances for long term success. That pattern was the practice of selling away good players to pay the rent and light bills.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: What's the story behind the Browns near move to Los Angeles in 1942?

Answer: It began with too many bad years in St. Louis on the field and at the gate, but a move to the West Coast only made sense with the development of air travel in the 1930s as a remedy to the distance problem from most big league cities for a California based team. Here's how one source in Baseball Library (dot) Com summarized the birth and death of the move that the Browns didn't make:

The Browns drew only 80,922 fans for the entire 1936 season - the first year of Donald Barnes' ownership. The downward spiral reached its nadir in 1939; from 1937 to 1939, the Browns compiled a 144-316 record. The franchise was developing a hard-luck aura; in 1941 Barnes tried to move his team to Los Angeles. The league meeting for approval was held in Chicago one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Understandably, Barnes was denied.

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseb...uis_Browns.stm

Births on November 5



Rasty Wright
Birth Name: Wayne Bromley Wright
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1895
Born In: Ceredo, West Virginia
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 06-12-1948
Died In: Columbus, Ohio
Cemetery: Union Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio
College: Ohio State University
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
First Game: 06-22-1917
Last Game: 10-04-1923
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Rasty Wright was a key hurler for the great 1922 club and a career (1917-1919, 1922-1923) Brown. His total record for 5 MLB seasons was 24 wins, 19 losses, and an ERA of 4.05. - Rasty Wright was 52 when he died in 1948.

BCT/GB, Rasty Wright! Thanks for your 9-7 Contribution to the 1922 Pennant Run!



Jack Ogden
Birth Name: John Mahlon Ogden
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1897
Born In: Ogden, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 11-09-1977
Died In: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cemetery: Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Pennsylvania
College: Swarthmore College
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 190
First Game: 06-22-1918
Last Game: 09-09-1932
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Jack Ogden complied a spotty 5-season record in the big leagues over a 14-year time stretch (1918, 1928-1929, 1931-1932). He was 19-24 in his 2 seasons as a Brown (1928-1929) with his 1928 Brownie record of 15-16 beng hhis highest winning year. Ogden finished with a career MLB record of 25-34 with an ERA of 4.24. - Jack Ogden was 80 when he died in 1977.



Ollie Sax
Birth Name: Erik Oliver Sax
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1904
Born In: Branford, Connecticut
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 03-21-1982
Died In: Newark, New Jersey
Cemetery: Arlington Cemetery, Kearny, New Jersey
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-08
Weight: 164
First Game: 04-13-1928
Last Game: 09-30-1928
Draft: Not Applicable

3rd baseman Ollie Sax hit .176 (3 for 17) with no homers in 16 games for the 1928 Browns and then oved on to the Land of Gone for Good. - Ollie Sax was 77 when he died in 1982. - BCT/GB, Ollie Sax!



Carl Fischer
Birth Name: Charles William Fischer
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1905
Born In: Medina, New York
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 12-10-1963
Died In: Medina, New York
Cemetery: Mount Ridge Cemetery, Royalton, New York
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
Height: 6-00
Weight: 180
First Game: 07-19-1930
Last Game: 07-02-1937
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Carl Fischer had a 7-year MLB career (1930-1935, 1937), finishing with a record of 46 wins, 50 losses, and an ERA of 4.63. - Fischer was 3-7 with a 5.57 ERA in 1932 after coming over from Washington during the season. It was to be his only time with the Browns. - Carl Fischer was 58 when he died in 1963.



Mike Goliat
Birth Name: Mike Mitchell Goliat
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1921
Born In: Yatesboro, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 01-13-2004
Died In: Seven Hills, Ohio
Cemetery: All Saints Cemetery, Northfield, Ohio
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 180
First Game: 08-03-1949
Last Game: 04-27-1952
Draft: Not Applicable

Mike Goliat is best remembered as the good field/no hit 2nd baseman of the 1950 Philadelphia Phillie "Whiz Kids." - For his 4-season MLB career (1949-1952), Goliat batted .225 with 20 HRs. - Goliat was a Brown for a season and a half in 1951-1952 and he finished his career with our American League club. - Mike Goliat was 82 when he died in 2004.



Deaths on November 5



George Stovall
Birth Name: George Thomas Stovall
Nickname: Firebrand
Born On: 11-23-1877
Born In: Leeds, Missouri
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Died On: 11-05-1951
Died In: Burlington, Iowa
Cemetery: Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-02
Weight: 180
First Game: 07-04-1904
Last Game: 10-03-1915
Draft: Not Applicable

1st baseman George Stovall had a 12-year MLB career (1904-1915) and he batted .265 with 15 dead ball era homers to his credit. During his Browns years (1912-1913), Stovall did double duty as a playing manager. - George Stovall passed away in 1951, a mere 18 days shy of his 84th birthday.



Charlie Root
Birth Name: Charles Henry Root
Nickname: Chinski
Born On: 03-17-1899
Born In: Middletown, Ohio
Zodiac: Pisces
Died On: 11-05-1970
Died In: Hollister, California
Cemetery: Unknown
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-10½
Weight: 190
First Game: 04-18-1923
Last Game: 09-02-1941
Draft: Not Applicable

During his 17-year MLB career (1923, 1926-1941), pitcher Charlie Root won 201, lost 160, and recorded an ERA of 3.59. - Root is best remembered as the Cubs pitcher who threw Babe Ruth's alleged "called shot" in the 1932 World Series, but few know that Charlie started as a Brown. Root was 0-4 with a 5.70 ERA in his rookie 1923 season as a Brown. It was also Charlie's only time with the Browns. - Charlie Root was 71 when he died in 1970.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 6th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 6, 1902-1953: One More Autumn Day When Nothing Happened. *



* ... with the St. Louis Browns, that is.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: During their 52 year history (1902-1953), how much of the time did the club spend finishing last (8th) or next to last (7th) place in the American League?

Hope was hard to come by for Browns fans.

Answer: The Browns were dead last or next to dead last 42.3% of the time. The boys finished last 10 times and next to last another 12 seasons. That's 22 times in 52 seasons. h



Births on November 6



Earl Clark
Birth Name: Bailey Earl Clark
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-06-1907
Born In: Washington, D.C.
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 01-16-1938
Died In: Washington, D.C.
Cemetery: Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, Maryland
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
First Game: 08-17-1927
Last Game: 05-25-1934
Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Earl Clark hit .291 with 4 HRs over his career (1927-1934) and he played his last season as a Brown for the '34 club, hitting only .171 in 13 games. - Earl Clark was only 30 when he died in 1938.



Deaths on November 6



Roy Hartzell
Birth Name: Roy Allen Hartzell
Nickname: None
Born On: 07-06-1881
Born In: Golden, Colorado
Zodiac: Cancer
Died On: 11-06-1961
Died In: Golden, Colorado
Cemetery: Golden Cemetery, Golden, Colorado
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 5-08½
Weight: 155
First Game: 04-17-1906
Last Game: 07-25-1916
Draft: Not Applicable

Utility position player Roy Hartzell had an 11-year career (1906-1916) in which he batted .252 with 12 HR's. Hartzell was a 5-season Brown (1906-1910) whose best year was 1908 when he hit .265 in 115 games. - Roy Hartzell passed away in 1961 at the age of 80.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 7th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 7, 1938: Fred Haney Signs as New Browns Manager.

Fred Haney: There wil be little to smile about in 1939.

In St. Louis todaym Fred Haney signed to manage the St. Louis Browns. Haney takes over for Gabby Street, who led the Browns to a 55-97 record and 7th place finish in 1938. - Haney is on course for date with destiny, His 1838 Browns will finish dead last with the worst record ever achieved in franchise history. The '39 Browns will go 43-111 and finish 8th.



A Browns Record Booker

Question: After the disastrous 1939 season, how did Fred Haney fare as manager of the Browns?

Answer: Manager Fred Haney's 1940 Browns improved to 67-87 and a 6th place finish. Haney was then removed in 1941 when the Browns got off to a 15-29 start and replaced by Luke Sewell, who took the club on a 55-55 ride the rest of the way - and a final mark of 70-84 that was good enough for another 6th place ending. - Sewell would stay on to become the only manager ever to lead the Browns to an American League pennant in 1944.




Births on November 7




Alan Strange
Birth Name: Alan Cochrane Strange
Nickname: Inky
Born On: 11-07-1906
Born In: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 06-27-1994
Died In: Seattle, Washington
Cemetery: Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, Washington
College: Pennsylvania State College
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-09
Weight: 162
First Game: 04-17-1934
Last Game: 08-16-1942
Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Alan Strange had an MLB career (1934-1935, 1940-1942) that was almost all Browns, except for 16 games with the Senators at the tail end of the 1935 season. His career BA was .223 with 1 HR in 947 official times at bat. - Alan Strange was 87 when he died in 1984.



Deaths on November 7



Tex Shirley
Birth Name: Alvis Newman Shirley
Nickname: Tex
Born On: 04-25-1918
Born In: Birthright, Texas
Zodiac: Taurus
Died On: 11-07-1993
Died In: DeSoto, Texas
Cemetery: Red Oak Cemetery, Red Oak, Texas
College: None Attended
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Height: 6-01
Weight: 175
First Game: 09-06-1941
Last Game: 09-21-1946
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Tex Shirley enjoyed a 5-year MLB career with the Athletics (1941-42) and Browns (1944-1946). Tex was a member of the Browns' only American League championship club in 1944 and he finished his total MLB career with a record of 19 wins, 30 losses, and an ERA of 4.25. Except for the 2 losses he took as he was coming up with the A's, everything else was achieved as a Brown. - Tex Shirley was 75 when he passed away in 1993.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 8th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 8, 1901: American League Lease on Sportsman's Park is Talk of St. Louis.

In the absence of any easily accessible reports on the subject from that fall and winter prior to the first season of the Browns, we may only imagine how St. Louisans thought about the coming of a second big league team in 1902 - if, indeed, they thought about it at all. In lieu of another "nothing happened" post on this date in history, here's a brief fictional flashback to a conversation among customers overheard down at at Krieger's Bar out on Page Avenue. The day is Friday, November 8, 1901. The time is 8:42 PM.

"Thank God It's Friday!"

Karl Krieger, 45, is standing behind his polished oak bar, cloth-dusting mugs and shot glasses. - About a dozen men are sitting at tables around the small neighborhood tavern, playing cards and smoking cigars. - Sitting at the bar and sipping on heavy-headed dark beer draughts are Gustav Schultz, a 31-year old brewery employee; Connie McElvey, a 38-year old machinist; and Peter Burmeister, a 24-year old typesetter for the St. Louis Post Dispatch. We don't have enough time travel credit to stay here for long, but here's what we do hear while we're there:

Krieger: "So, Peter, what's this lease on Sportsman's Park all about? Are we really going to get one of them new American League teams in St. Louis?"

Burmeister: "How would I know, Karl?"

Krieger: "Well, you do work at the Post-Dispatch, don't you?"

Burmeister: "I'm a typesetter, Karl. - You don't have to know nothing to set type. You just have to make sure that nothing gets misspelled."

McElvey: “Hit me again, Karl! – I got a terrible Friday thirst!”

Schultz: “As far as I’m concerned, you don’t have to know nothing to write for the Post-Dispatch period! – What do them guys know about doing real work? – And what would you rather have at the end of the day, anyway – a good story – or a good beer?

Krieger: “All I know is – St. Louis ain’t had a good base ball team since the days of Charlie Comiskey and the old Brown Stockings! – I was only a young man in them days, but I remember. That Charlie boy and his pals could really play some ball!”

McElvey: “Hit me again, Karl!”

Burmeister: “All I know is – I need to find me a lady friend!”

Schultz: “All I know is – I got another 12-hour workday staring me in the face on Saturday! – Who’s got time to watch baseball, anyway?”

McElvey: “All I know is – I need another beer!”

Krieger: “All I know is – you fellows sure are a barrel of laughs! – Hey! I could stand the thought of a new base ball team coming to St. Louis next year. – It would give us more to talk about around here on a Friday night!”



Births on November 8



Beauty McGowan
Birth Name: Frank Bernard McGowan
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-08-1901
Born In: Branford, Connecticut
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 05-06-1982
Died In: Hamden, Connecticut
Cemetery: St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, Connecticut
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190
First Game: 04-12-1922
Last Game: 05-13-1937
Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Beauty McGowan had a 5-year, chopped up MLB career (1922-1923, 1928-1929, 1937) in which he hit .262 with 6 HR's. As a member of the 1928 Browns (.363 in 47 games) and 1929 Browns (.254 in 125 games), Beauty also banged out 4 of his 6 career homers.



Deaths on November 8



Ed Murray
Birth Name: Edward Francis Murray
Nickname: None
Born On: 05-08-1895
Born In: Mystic, Connecticut
Zodiac: Taurus
Died On: 11-08-1970
Died In: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cemetery: Olivet Cemetery, Cheyenne, Wyoming
College: Trinity College
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-06
Weight: 145
First Game: 06-24-1917
Last Game: 06-24-1917
Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Eddie Murray struck out in his only time at bat in the major leagues and he he did it for the St. Louis Browns on June 24, 1917. - Move over, Moonlight Graham! - Ed Murray will pass away in 1970 at the age of 75. - BCT/GB, Eddie Murray!

Today's Reference Links ... http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 9th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 9, 1953: Supreme Court Ruling Again Defies The Facts!


"Rick, I've been asked to serve as the new Commissioner of Baseball."

How many times do we see it in everyday life? Authority rules one way while reality moves in the opposite direction. I think I'e used my favorite movie example elsewhere in his lengthy history thread, but I will use it again here. In the film "Casablanca," Inspector Renault (Claude Rains) shuts down Rick's Cafe' Americain, ostensibly because he is "shocked" to find that gambling is going on there. As soon as he explains his reasons to protesting cafe owner Rick (Humphrey Bogart), a cafe employee approaches Renault and presents him with his own gambling winnings for the evening. - "Oh, thank you very much!" Renault says matter-of-factly as he pockets the cash.

Well, here's another taste of baseball's enjoyment of its exempt status from the normal rules governing business. When it is convenient to ownership, baseball cries "that's business." - When the control of ownership is tested as unfair business practice, baseball cries "but we're a sport, not a business."

The United States Supreme Court today again affirmed in a 7-2 decision that baseball is a sport and not a business and therefore not subject to antitrust laws. This latest ruling was made in a case involving New York Yankee minor league player George Toolson, who refused to move from AAA to AA.

If baseball is a sport, and not a business, why are St. Louis American League fans still heartbroken over their recent loss of the Browns to Baltimore due to financial losses locally by former owner Bill Veeck and promises by the new ownership that the club will make more money in the Maryland city as the re-christened Orioles?



Births on November 9



Ed Linke
Birth Name: Edward Karl Linke
Nickname: Babe
Born On: 11-09-1911
Born In: Chicago, Illinois
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 06-21-1988
Died In: Chicago, Illinois
Cemetery: Unknown
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
First Game: 04-27-1933
Last Game: 09-04-1938
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Ed Linke had a 6-year MLB career (1933-1938) in which he won 22, lost 22, while registering an ERA of 5.61. - He played only his last year as a 1938 Brown, but he was with the club long enough to drop his career record to .500 by going 1-7 on the year. - Ed Linke was 66 when he died in 1988.



Bob Neighbors



Birth Name: Robert Otis Neighbors
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-09-1917
Born In: Talihina, Oklahoma
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 08-08-1952
Died In: North Korea
Cemetery: Unknown
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
First Game: 09-16-1939
Last Game: 09-30-1939
Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Bob Neighbors only had a .182 BA (2 for 13) with 1 HR for the 1939 Browns as his total big league experience, but that's OK. Neighbors had a much higher calling in life. He gave his life for his country fighting for the US military in North Korea on August 8, 1952. - BCT/GB, Bob Neighbors! - Browns fans will remember you, and all true Americans still thank you, for making that supreme sacrifice in our behalf! - Bob Neighbors was 34 when he was killed in action during the Korean War in 1952



Jerry Priddy
Birth Name: Gerald Edward Priddy
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-09-1919
Born In: Los Angeles, California
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 03-03-1980
Died In: North Hollywood, California
Cemetery: Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, Culver City, California
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11½
Weight: 180
First Game: 04-17-1941
Last Game: 09-27-1953
Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Jerry Priddy posted a career average of .265 with 61 HR's from 1941 to 1953, Priddy played for the Browns for 2 seasons in 1948 and 1949. - Jerry Priddy was 60 when he died in 1980.



Deaths on November 9



Walt Meinert
Birth Name: Walter Henry Meinert
Nickname: None
Born On: 12-11-1890
Born In: New York, New York
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Died On: 11-09-1958
Died In: Decatur, Illinois
Cemetery: Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur, Illinois
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Height: 5-07½
Weight: 150
First Game: 09-06-1913
Last Game: 09-12-1913
Draft: Not Applicable

Right fielder Walt Meinert went 3 for 8 (.375 BA) with no dead ball era homers in 4 games, 6-day MLB career for the 1913 Browns and then quickly found the road to The Land of Gone for Good. - Walt Meinert was 67 when he died in 1958.



Jack Ogden
Birth Name: John Mahlon Ogden
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-05-1897
Born In: Ogden, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 11-09-1977
Died In: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cemetery: Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Pennsylvania
College: Swarthmore College
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 190
First Game: 06-22-1918
Last Game: 09-09-1932
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Jack Ogden complied a spotty 5-season record in the big leagues over a 14-year time stretch (1918, 1928-1929, 1931-1932). He was 19-24 in his 2 seasons as a Brown (1928-1929) with his 1928 Brownie record of 15-16 beng hhis highest winning year. Ogden finished with a career MLB record of 25-34 with an ERA of 4.24. - Jack Ogden was 80 when he died in 1977.



Bob Weiland
Birth Name: Robert George Weiland
Nickname: Lefty
Born On: 12-14-1905
Born In: Chicago, Illinois
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Died On: 11-09-1988
Died In: Chicago, Illinois
Cemetery: Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Height: 6-04
Weight: 215
First Game: 09-30-1928
Last Game: 04-26-1940
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Bob Weiland had a 12-year MLB career (1928-1935, 1937-1940) in which he won 62, lost 94, and recorded an ERA of 4.24. In his only year for the 1935 Browns, Weiland was 0-2 with an ERA of 9.56. - Bob Weiland was 82 when he died in 1988.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 10th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 10, 1953: How Do St. Louisans Feel About The Loss of The Browns?



"Oh well, ...................at least we still have the Cardinals!"



.........."NUTS!"



Births on November 10



Cy Morgan
Birth Name: Harry Richard Morgan
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-10-1878
Born In: Pomeroy, Ohio
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 06-28-1962
Died In: Wheeling, West Virginia
Cemetery: Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry, Ohio
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 175
First Game: 09-18-1903 (Age 25)
Last Game: 09-01-1913
Draft: Not Applicable

Never to be confused with Cy Young, Cy Morgan was a BR/TR pitcher who still managed a fair 10-year MLB career (1903-1905, 1907-1913). He finished with a record of 78 wins, 78 losses, and an ERA of 2.51. This "Cy" won 4 and lost 14 for the 1903-1905 and 1907 Browns. - Cy Morgan was 83 when he died in 1962.



Jim Park
Birth Name: James Park
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-10-1892
Born In: Richmond, Kentucky
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 12-17-1970
Died In: Lexington, Kentucky
Cemetery: Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Kentucky
College: Kentucky Agricultural & Mechanical College
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-02
Weight: 175
First Game: 09-07-1915 (Age 23)
Last Game: 07-11-1917
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Jim Park had a 3-season, all-Browns MLB career (1915-1917) in which he won 4, lost 5, and recorded an ERA of 3.02 in 42 games and 122 innings of work. - Jim Park was 79 when he died in 1970.



Johnny Lipon
Birth Name: John Joseph Lipon
Nickname: Skids
Born On: 11-10-1922
Born In: Martins Ferry, Ohio
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 08-17-1998
Died In: Houston, Texas
Cemetery: Memorial Oaks Cemetery, Houston, Texas
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-00
Weight: 175
First Game: 08-16-1942 (Age 20)
Last Game: 04-25-1954
Draft: Not Applicable

Shortstop Johnny Lipon had a 9-season MLB career (1942, 1946, 1948-1954), notably with Detroit (1942, 1946, 1948-1952), but he did go 2 for 7 (.286) for the 1953 Browns. - For his career, Lipon batted .259 with 10 home runs. - Johnn Lipon was 75 when he died in 1998.



Deaths on November 10





No Browns Ever Died Today. So Far.

Today's Reference Link ... http://www.baseball-almanac.com/

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 11th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 11, 2005: Remember & Honor Veteran's Day This Friday!



Maybe it's only fitting that November 11th is a veritable "black hole" day in Browns history. We have no Browns news bits, births, or deaths to report for this date. Instead, we will use the time and space to recall and honor all Veterans of military service who have given of themselves to the protection of these beautiful United States of America. - We salute you, Veterans - and with special reflection upon all family and friends who help us put faces to this high calling in our everyday lives.

BCT/GB, American Military Veterans!

For all who may be interested, here's a link which explains how Veteran's Day started and evolved into what it is today - a time for pause and honorable recognition of our Veterans.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.htm

We'll be back to reporting Browns history on Saturday - or whenever the black hole of non-eventfulness passes away. :atthepc

Have a nice weekend, everybody!

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 12th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 12, 1936: Syndicate Buys Browns from Ball Estate!



Following the death of Phil Ball, wealthy owner of the St. Louis Browns, his estate sells the team to a syndicate headed by Donald L. Barnes and William O. DeWitt. As the new owners of Sportsman's Park, Barnes and DeWitt announce their intention to install lights and bring night baseball to the American League. It is an idea that is heartily endorsed by the Cardinals as well.



November 12, 1920: Landis Named as Commssioner of Baseball!

Baseballs won't be the only thing that Landis throws out!

With Ban Johnson barred from the meeting, the 16 big league clubs settle their differences. The 12-team-league idea is discarded, and the two leagues will continue with their same identities. The owners unanimously elect Kenesaw Mountain Landis chairman for seven years. Judge Landis accepts, but only with the understanding by owners that he will serve as sole commissioner with the final authority over the players and owners, while remaining a federal judge (with his $7,500 federal salary deducted from the baseball salary of $50,000). The agreement will be signed on January 12, 1921, the date set for Landis to begin his duties.



Births on November 12



Don Johnson



Birth Name: Donald Roy Johnson
Nickname: Don
Born On: 11-12-1926
Born In: Portland, Oregon
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: Still Living
Died In: Still Living
Cemetery: n/a
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6-03
Weight: 200
First Game: 04-20-1947 (Age 20)
Last Game: 09-24-1958
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Don Johnson had a 7-year MLB career (1947, 1950-1952, 1954-1955, 1958) in which he won 27, lost 38, and posted a 4.78 ERA. He was 5-7 in his two seasons as a Brown (1950-1951). - Don Johnson is celebrating today. - Happy 79th Birthday, Don Johnson!



Deaths on November 12



Ernie Koob

Birth Name: Ernest Gerald Koob Bats : Left
Born On: 09-11-1892 Throws : Left
Born In: Keeler, Michigan Height : 5-10
Died On: 11-12-1941 Weight : 160
Died In: Lemay, Missouri First Game: 06-23-1915
College: Western State Normal School Last Game: 08-30-1919
Nickname: None Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Ernie Koob had a 4-year, all- Browns MLB career (1915-1917, 1919), winning 23, losing 30, and registering an ERA of 3.13. - Ernie Koob was 48 when he passed away in 1941.



Cass Michaels



Birth Name: Casimir Eugene Michaels
Nickname: Cass
Born On: 03-04-1926
Born In: Detroit, Michigan
Zodiac: Pisces
Died On: 11-12-1982
Died In: Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Cemetery: Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
First Game: 08-19-1943 (Age 17)
Last Game: 08-27-1954
Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Cass Michaels had a 12-year MLB career in which he batted .262 with 53 HRs. In his only season witj St. Louis as a member of the 1952 Browns, Michaels batted .265 with 3 homers. - Cass Michaels was 56 when he died in 1982.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 13th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 13, 1939: Post Mortem on Our Worst Season in Franchise History.


Browns Fan # 1: "Find any word on our prospects for 1940?"
Browns Fan # 2: "Give me a minute. I'm checking the obituary page."



Births on November 13



Andy Anderson
Birth Name: Andy Holm Anderson
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-13-1922
Born In: Bremerton, Washington
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 07-18-1982
Died In: Seattle, Washington
Cemetery: Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery, Seattle, Washington
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-11
Weight: 172
First Game: 05-10-1948 (Age 25)
Last Game: 10-02-1949
Draft: Not Applicable

Infielder Andy Anderson had a 2-season (1948-1949) MLB career with the Browns. He batted .257 with 2 HRs in 253 times at bat and was then gone for good! - Andy Anderson was 59 when he passed away in 1982. - BCT/GB, Andy Anderson! :atthepc



Jim Delsing



Birth Name: James Henry Delsing
Nickname: None
Born On: 11-13-1925
Born In: Rudolph, Wisconsin
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: Still Living
Died In: Still Living
Cemetery: n/a
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
First Game: 04-21-1948 (Age 22)
Last Game: 09-30-1960
Draft: Not Applicable

Outfielder Jim Delsing had a 10-year MLB career (1948-1956, 1960) in which he batted .252 with 40 homers. Delsing was a Brown for 3 seasons (1950-1952) after coming over from the Yankees after the start of the 1950 season. - Jim Delsing also is the answer to a trivia question: Who pinch ran for midget Eddie Gaedel once the little fellow walked back on August 19, 1951? - Jim Delsing is celebrating this morning in St. Louis. - Happy 80th Birthday, Jim Delsing!



Deaths on November 13



Muddy Ruel
Birth Name: Herold Dominic Ruel
Nickname: Muddy
Born On: 02-20-1896
Born In: St. Louis, Missouri
Zodiac: Pisces
Died On: 11-13-1963
Died In: Palo Alto, California
Cemetery: Alta Mesa Memorial Park, Palo Alto, California
College: University of Washington
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-09
Weight: 150
First Game: 05-29-1915 (Age 19)
Last Game: 08-25-1934
Draft: Not Applicable

Catcher Muddy Ruel got his 10-game start with the 1915 Browns and later returned to play 36 games for the 1933 Browns. His big league career was much bigger than his direct service to the St. Louis Americans. From 1915 to 1934, Muddy played in 1,468 big league games and he hit for a career BA of .275. Ruel returned to the Browns later as manager of the last place 1947 club. - The history of how he got his nickname is muddy. - Muddy Ruel was 67 when he died in 1963.

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

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

[portobob]

Satchel Paige and "Fire" Trucks

Didn't see the game you referenced....Satch beating the Tigers, but I did see him pitch in other games. I remember his fastball during night games. It was like a white streak headed for the plate. He was, of course, way, way past his peak by then. He must have been amazing in the Negro Leagues as a young man. He had a wacky move he called the "Hesitation Pitch". It was effective because hitters hadn't seen anything like it. The pitch could come in like a change-up or it could come with plenty of heat. If he was a mean guy (like Gibson or Don Drysdale) he would have been even tougher.

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 14th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 14, 1953: Sun Sets on a One-Team City


St. Louis Still Saying Goodbye to Browns!
Their Loss Won't Really Hit Home Til Spring!



Births on November 14



Harry Howell
Birth Name: Harry Taylor Howell
Nickname: Handsome Harry
Born On: 11-14-1876
Born In: Unknown, New Jersey
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 05-22-1956
Died In: Spokane, Washington
Cemetery: Greenwood Memorial Cemetery, Spokane, Washington
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-09
Weight: Unknown
First Game: 10-10-1898 (Age 21)
Last Game: 05-14-1910
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher "Handsome Harry" Howell had a 13-year (1898-1910) MLB record of 131 wins, 146 losses, and an ERA of 2.74. Howell had a 7-year (1904-1910) Browns record of 68 wins and 91 losses. - Harry Howell was 79 when he died in 1956.



Deaths on November 14



Ski Melillo


"He fought to the fin-itch,
'Cause he ate his spinach!"

Birth Name: Oscar Donald Melillo Bats : Right
Born On: 08-04-1899 Throws : Right
Born In: Chicago, Illinois Height : 5-08
Died On: 11-14-1963 Weight : 150
Died In: Chicago, Illinois First Game: 04-18-1926
College: None Attended Last Game: 09-18-1937
Nickname: Ski or Spinach Draft: Not Applicable

Ski Mellio was rhe Browns 2nd baseman from 1926 through an early season trade in 1935. Melillo had his best year in 1931 when he collected 189 hits and registered a .306 batting average. Oscar played out the balance of his career (1935-37) with the Boston Red Sox, finishing with 1,316 career hits and a career batting average of .260.

Melillo's career and life were threatened by Bright's disease, an often fatal kidney inflammation. He doggedly stuck to a doctor's prescribed diet of spinach, and nothing but spinach, until cured. That commitment allowed the fellow they already called "Ski" for the usual anatomical reasons to acquire the second nickname of "Spinach." He must have missed out on the name of "Popeye" by hitting the public eye prior to the great popularity of the spinach-empowered cartoon sailor man.

A smooth-fielding second baseman, Melillo was a Browns regular for nearly a decade. He later became a popular big league coach, serving as a loyal lieutenant to Lou Boudreau with the Indians, Red Sox, and A's. - The spinach man was 74 at the time of his 1963 death.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 15th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 15, 1935: Browns Fans Had Little Money To Spend And Even Less Reason To Cheer in 1935 ...


... and only 80,922 came to Sportsman's Park to watch.



Births on November 15



Joe Ostrowski
Birth Name: Joseph Paul Ostrowski
Nickname: Professor
Born On: 11-15-1916
Born In: West Wyoming, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 01-03-2003
Died In: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Cemetery: St. Joseph Church Cemetery, West Wyoming, Pennsylvania
College: University of Scranton
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Height: 6-00
Weight: 180
First Game: 07-18-1948 (Age 31)
Last Game: 08-20-1952
Draft: Not Applicable

Pitcher Joe Ostrowski had a 5-season MLB career (1948-1952) in which he posted a record of 23-25 and an ERA of 4.54. )strowski broke in with the Browns and was 14-18 with them for 2+ seasons of work (1948-1950). - Joe Ostrowski was 86 when he died in 2003.



Milt Byrnes
Birth Name: Milton John Byrnes
Nickname: Skippy
Born On: 11-15-1916
Born In: St. Louis, Missouri
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 02-01-1979
Died In: St. Louis, Missouri
Cemetery: Our Redeemer Cemetery, Affton, Missouri
College: None Attended
Bats: Left
Throws: Left

Outfielder Milt Byrnes played 3 seasons in the big leagues (1943-1945), batting a career-best .295 for the 1944 American League championship club. He finished his all-Browns MLB career with a .274 BA, 16 HRs, and 154 RBIs. - Milt Byrnes was 62 when he died in 1979.



Deaths on November 15



Jack McAleese
Birth Name: John James McAleese
Nickname: None
Born On: 08-22-1877
Born In: Sharon, Pennsylvania
Zodiac: Leo
Died On: 11-15-1950
Died In: New York, New York
Cemetery: St. Mary Cemetery, Sharon, Pennsylvania
College: None Attended
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 5-08
Weight: Unknown
First Game: 08-10-1901 (Age 23)
Last Game: 10-03-1909
Draft: Not Applicable

Jack McAleese had two brief, but equivalently unsuccessful careers in the big leagues as a pitcher for the White Sox (1901) and later as an outfielder/3rd baseman for the Browns (1909). - McAleese pitched 3 innings for the1901 White Sox, getting no decision but posting a 9.00 ERA. - Eight years later, Jack attempted a comeback with the Browns as a position player, but in 267 times at bat he hit only .213 and was gone for good. - Jack McAleese was 73 when he died in 1950.

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

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

[Bill_McCurdy]

November 16th - 2nd Time Around

On This Date in History!



November 16, 1901: What if ....

... P.T. Barnum had been the original owner of the Browns?

We could've had ...

... a midget batting in 1902!
... a bearded lady playing the ballpark organ!
... the strong man blasting dingers in the dead ball era!
... Siamese twins setting records for double plays!
... an elephant that was big enough to stomp the A's' elephant!
... a center fielder who went after fly balls while standing on the back of a galloping horse!
... clowns playing on the sidelines - and not on the field!
... the Greatest Show On Earth!

In other words - November 16th is another slow day in Browns history.



Births on November 16



Reeve McKay
Birth Name: Reeve Stewart McKay
Nickname: Rip
Born On: 11-16-1881
Born In: Morgan, Texas
Zodiac: Scorpio
Died On: 01-18-1946
Died In: Dallas, Texas
Cemetery: Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas
College: None Attended
Draft: Not Applicable
Bats: Unknown
Throws: Right
Height: 6-01½
Weight: 168
First Game: 10-02-1915 (Age 33)
Last Game: 10-02-1915

Move over, Moonlight Graham! - Pitcher Reeve "Rip" McKay threw one inning for the Browns on October 2, 1915, a date that tells us almost certainly that it was the last date of the season. In his one inning of work, McKay gave up 1 earned run on 1 hit for no record, but a career ERA of 9.00. Reeve McKay was 64 when he died in 1946. - BCT/GB to you, Rip!



Deaths on November 16



So far, no Browns have died on November 16.

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

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