In spite of his limited play behind the plate, Richard Smith, the “Brews” bulky backstop was the cornerstone of Milwaukee’s strong foundation from 1936-1952…

“Red” Smith
The “Player’s” Coach

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2011 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

In spite of his limited play behind the plate, Richard Smith, the “Brews” bulky backstop was the cornerstone of Milwaukee’s strong foundation from 1936-1952…

“Red” Smith
The “Player’s” Coach

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2011 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

Many a South Side youngster dreamed of making it to the big leagues while playing on the sandlots of Milwaukee. For Chester Peter Laabs, his dream came true …

Milwaukee’s Sandlot Superstar
“Chet Laabs”

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2011 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

“The hard-hit ball bounced twice on the second floor porch of a house on the south side of W. Burleigh St. before it was retrieved by a spectator viewing the George Meyer Co. Big Shore Store Triple A League game at the Auer Avenue diamond. The year was 1934 and the batter who smashed the Herculean clout was Chet Laabs, the stocky Meyer second baseman with the powerful wrists, one of the best sandlotters developed on the South Side.”

Young Chet Laabs was introduced to readers of the South Side Times by writer George Reimann and in his book about Sandlot Baseball on Milwaukee’s South Side back in 1968.

Chester Peter Laabs was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 30, 1912. As with many of the youngsters, playing ball was a regular activity for Chet and he excelled at the game at an early age. He grew up in the south side neighborhood near South 4th and Mitchell Street. He began his amateur career at the age of 13. His hitting brought notice in 1930 when young Chet hit .518 for the Federation Life Insurance team.

Chet started out as an outfielder but moved to the infield, playing 3rd, short and 2nd. He was a sometime pitcher for Wally Erdman’s West End Merchants Major A team which won the League Championship in 1932. He set a record that year by striking out 17 batters in one game for the Merchants.

1932 West End Merchants – Chet Laabs
(Top row 3rd from left)

Prior to his time with West End, Laabs played with the Braman Coals and the Federation Life Insurance baseball teams. Chet Laabs was considered extremely fast, one game, reaching base on bunts 5 times. His best years according to Reimann were 1932-1934 with a total of 45 extra base hits and a 6 for 6 day in 1932.
That same year his batting average was a huge .468.

In 1933 Laabs helped to lead his Upper Vliet St. Merchants to the Major AA title with a .396 batting average.

In 1934, Chet Laabs led the league with a .441 batting average. Chet was picked to play 2nd base on the amateur All-Star team by the readers of Wisconsin News for a charity game against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was here that manager Al Sothoron took notice and signed the young Laabs. Baseball scouts took keen interest in Laabs. The Chicago Cubs wanted to sign him to a contract but he was already under contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

The Milwaukee Brewers would send Chet to Fort Wayne in 1935 for his first taste of professional baseball. The Fort Wayne Chiefs were part of the “Three Eye” League (Illinois-Indiana-Iowa), a class B minor league team. The 23-year-old Laabs was phenomenal while playing in 87 games that summer. In his 362 at bats he stroked 139 hits for a .384 batting average. Twenty-two of the hits were doubles, 10 were triples and 24 were home runs for a .699 slugging percentage.
He finished the 1935 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. In the 8 games he played in he hit 11 for 32, a .344 batting average with 2 doubles and a triple. With just one year in professional baseball, he was being called one of the best looking hitters in years.

While many major league teams were interested in Chet Laabs, the Milwaukee Brewers had a close relationship with the Detroit Tigers and owner Henry Bendinger had promised them the first chance at him.
The Detroit Tigers, managed by Mickey Cochrane, wasted no time in purchasing Laabs. The 5 foot 8 inch, 175 pound powerhouse would be joining Detroit in the spring of 1936.

1936 Spring Training with fellow sandlot alum,
“The Duke of Mitchell Street” Al Simmons
(Author’s Collection)

Chet Laabs lived up to the expectations as a great right handed hitter in spring training but Detroit wanted him to fill a void in their outfield, a position that he needed more experience with. So as part of a deal with the Brewers, they sent him back to Milwaukee for the 1936 campaign to get experience in the field.

The “farming out” of Laabs to Milwaukee would prove to be a lucky break as the Milwaukee Brewers and Chet Laabs were about to have a heck of a season!

Chet Laabs hits another one at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

1936 MILWAUKEE

The Milwaukee Brewers had a season to remember in 1936, winning their first American Association crown in 22 years. It will forever be considered one of Milwaukee’s greatest teams.
They were considered, at the time, the best minor league club in the country.

Milwaukee not only won the pennant that year with a 90-64 record, they went on to defeat Kansas City in 4 straight games and dispatched the Indianapolis Indians 4 games to 1 to win the Shaughnessy playoffs.

They made easy work of the International League’s Buffalo Bisons, winning 4 out of 5 games to win the Little World Series.
For the season their record was 102 wins with just 66 losses.

Chet Laabs’ Game-Used Bat
(Author’s Collection)

The victory was a team effort and Chet Laabs contributed superbly to the Brew’s season. With clutch hitting Laabs saved the day on many occasions.
In the 157 games Chet played he stroked 203 hits in 675 at bats. Twenty-seven of the hits went for doubles, 16 were three-baggers, and a team-leading 42 were home runs.

His batting average was a healthy .324 with a .619 slugging percentage and 150 RBIs for the 1936 season. In the outfield he finished with a .947 fielding average.

“Little Chester” had a great season in 1936
(Author’s Collection)

A great 1936 campaign behind him, “Little Chester,” one of the best natural hitters in the game of baseball, would rejoin the Detroit Tigers for the 1937 season.

Detroit Tigers Signed Postcard
(Author’s Collection)

DETROIT TIGERS

While he did well his first two years in the minor leagues, playing at baseball’s highest level would be a challenge. As previously mentioned, Mickey Cochrane had felt Laabs would have his best chance at making it in the bigs if he learned how to play the outfield. After watching him during the spring of 1936, he didn’t think the small but powerful Milwaukeean was suited for playing in the infield. Sent down to the Brewers to gain experience, he had done well in his assignment with Milwaukee and was now considered ready to move on.

While his hitting was never a question mark, it is interesting to note that Minneapolis skipper Donie Bush, whose Millers team played against Milwaukee in 1936, felt that he could be pitched to.

Chet Laabs would get his chance to prove himself a major league hitter and outfielder with the Tigers in 1937.

In the 72 games played with them in 1937, the right-handed Laabs got 58 hits in 242 at bats, with 13 doubles, 5 triples and 8 home runs for the 2nd place Detroit Tigers. With only 37 RBIs, his output was nothing near his minor league totals. Nineteen thirty-eight wasn’t much better with 211 at bats in 64 games played. Fifty hits were all he could muster with 7 doubles, 3 triples and 7 home runs. His batting average dropped to a dismal .237.

Echoing the words of Donnie Bush, pitchers had found something on Chet that at times, neutralized his power.

On October 2, 1938 Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller set a strikeout record* against the Detroit Tigers, setting down 18 players via the K. A main victim that day was Chet Laabs who struck out 5 times, including the final out on a fastball called strike.(*The record has since been surpassed by Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan.)

According to Feller:

“Laabs was stocky and muscular strong. He had a lot of power for a little guy. If he ever got a low one he’d hit it. But he could not hit a high fastball, he had a blind spot two feet tall.”

In 1939 the Detroit Tigers needed an “Ace” pitcher and traded Chet Laabs to the Browns along with Mark Christman (Milwaukee Brewers 1950-51) and four other players for Buck (Bobo) Newsom, who had won 20 games in 1938 for 7th place St Louis. Chet played only 5 games for the Tigers in 1939.

ST. LOUIS BROWNS

Saint Louis was a good fit for Chet and the Browns in 1939. In the 95 games he hit for a .300 average with his new team. He collected 95 hits in his 317 at bats, 20 doubles, 5 triples and 10 four baggers. His RBI total for the year was 62.

In 1940, Laabs played in 105 games for St Louis hitting, .271.

For 1941 he played in 118 games and improved his batting average to .278.

Chet had his best year with the St. Louis Browns in 1942. While playing in 144 games, Chet posted his career-best stats: 99 RBI’s, 143 hits, 21 doubles, 7 triples, and 27 home runs, second only to Ted Williams (36).

All-Star Chet Laabs played another full season in 1943, hitting 17 home runs, but saw his batting average fall to .250 with 85 runs batted in. He also led the league in one statistic that wasn’t so desirable, strikeouts with 105.

With the war going on, Chet’s availability would be limited in 1944 due to his working full time in a war plant in St. Louis. Even so, playing only on evenings and weekends, Chet helped the Browns in spite of his .234 batting average. His two home runs against the Yankees in the final game of the season lifted his team to a 5-2 victory for a one-game pennant win over Detroit. The Brownies would go on to lose the World Series to their hometown National League rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 games to 2.

1944 World Series – Laabs with the American League Champions
The St. Louis Browns
(Author’s Collection)

Chet Laabs would play two more years with the St. Louis Browns. He would scatter 26 hits in 35 games played in 1945. In 1946 he hit for a .261 average in his 80 games played.

THE LATER INNINGS

Chet Laabs would finish his major league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947, playing in only 15 games. He would briefly return to minor league ball but be out of baseball as a player after the 1950 season.

His major league play encompassed 11 seasons:

950 Games
3102 At bats = 813 Hits
151 Doubles
44 Triples
117 Home Runs
509 RBI’s
Batting Average .262

His 8 year Minor League career:

771 Games
2819 At bats = 877 Hits
146 Doubles
46 Triples
183 Home Runs
319 RBI’s
Batting Average .311

Chet Laabs Model Baseball Glove
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s Chet Laabs, like Al Simmons before him and Ken Keltner shortly thereafter, proved that the dreams of young sandlot baseball players making it to the big leagues, can come true.

Those dreams of young baseball players continue today…

Many a South Side youngster dreamed of making it to the big leagues while playing on the sandlots of Milwaukee. For Chester Peter Laabs, his dream came true …

Milwaukee’s Sandlot Superstar
“Chet Laabs”

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2011 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

“The hard-hit ball bounced twice on the second floor porch of a house on the south side of W. Burleigh St. before it was retrieved by a spectator viewing the George Meyer Co. Big Shore Store Triple A League game at the Auer Avenue diamond. The year was 1934 and the batter who smashed the Herculean clout was Chet Laabs, the stocky Meyer second baseman with the powerful wrists, one of the best sandlotters developed on the South Side.”

Young Chet Laabs was introduced to readers of the South Side Times by writer George Reimann and in his book about Sandlot Baseball on Milwaukee’s South Side back in 1968.

Chester Peter Laabs was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 30, 1912. As with many of the youngsters, playing ball was a regular activity for Chet and he excelled at the game at an early age. He grew up in the south side neighborhood near South 4th and Mitchell Street. He began his amateur career at the age of 13. His hitting brought notice in 1930 when young Chet hit .518 for the Federation Life Insurance team.

Chet started out as an outfielder but moved to the infield, playing 3rd, short and 2nd. He was a sometime pitcher for Wally Erdman’s West End Merchants Major A team which won the League Championship in 1932. He set a record that year by striking out 17 batters in one game for the Merchants.

1932 West End Merchants – Chet Laabs
(Top row 3rd from left)

Prior to his time with West End, Laabs played with the Braman Coals and the Federation Life Insurance baseball teams. Chet Laabs was considered extremely fast, one game, reaching base on bunts 5 times. His best years according to Reimann were 1932-1934 with a total of 45 extra base hits and a 6 for 6 day in 1932.
That same year his batting average was a huge .468.

In 1933 Laabs helped to lead his Upper Vliet St. Merchants to the Major AA title with a .396 batting average.

In 1934, Chet Laabs led the league with a .441 batting average. Chet was picked to play 2nd base on the amateur All-Star team by the readers of Wisconsin News for a charity game against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was here that manager Al Sothoron took notice and signed the young Laabs. Baseball scouts took keen interest in Laabs. The Chicago Cubs wanted to sign him to a contract but he was already under contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

The Milwaukee Brewers would send Chet to Fort Wayne in 1935 for his first taste of professional baseball. The Fort Wayne Chiefs were part of the “Three Eye” League (Illinois-Indiana-Iowa), a class B minor league team. The 23-year-old Laabs was phenomenal while playing in 87 games that summer. In his 362 at bats he stroked 139 hits for a .384 batting average. Twenty-two of the hits were doubles, 10 were triples and 24 were home runs for a .699 slugging percentage.
He finished the 1935 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. In the 8 games he played in he hit 11 for 32, a .344 batting average with 2 doubles and a triple. With just one year in professional baseball, he was being called one of the best looking hitters in years.

While many major league teams were interested in Chet Laabs, the Milwaukee Brewers had a close relationship with the Detroit Tigers and owner Henry Bendinger had promised them the first chance at him.
The Detroit Tigers, managed by Mickey Cochrane, wasted no time in purchasing Laabs. The 5 foot 8 inch, 175 pound powerhouse would be joining Detroit in the spring of 1936.

1936 Spring Training with fellow sandlot alum,
“The Duke of Mitchell Street” Al Simmons
(Author’s Collection)

Chet Laabs lived up to the expectations as a great right handed hitter in spring training but Detroit wanted him to fill a void in their outfield, a position that he needed more experience with. So as part of a deal with the Brewers, they sent him back to Milwaukee for the 1936 campaign to get experience in the field.

The “farming out” of Laabs to Milwaukee would prove to be a lucky break as the Milwaukee Brewers and Chet Laabs were about to have a heck of a season!

Chet Laabs hits another one at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

1936 MILWAUKEE

The Milwaukee Brewers had a season to remember in 1936, winning their first American Association crown in 22 years. It will forever be considered one of Milwaukee’s greatest teams.
They were considered, at the time, the best minor league club in the country.

Milwaukee not only won the pennant that year with a 90-64 record, they went on to defeat Kansas City in 4 straight games and dispatched the Indianapolis Indians 4 games to 1 to win the Shaughnessy playoffs.

They made easy work of the International League’s Buffalo Bisons, winning 4 out of 5 games to win the Little World Series.
For the season their record was 102 wins with just 66 losses.

Chet Laabs’ Game-Used Bat
(Author’s Collection)

The victory was a team effort and Chet Laabs contributed superbly to the Brew’s season. With clutch hitting Laabs saved the day on many occasions.
In the 157 games Chet played he stroked 203 hits in 675 at bats. Twenty-seven of the hits went for doubles, 16 were three-baggers, and a team-leading 42 were home runs.

His batting average was a healthy .324 with a .619 slugging percentage and 150 RBIs for the 1936 season. In the outfield he finished with a .947 fielding average.

“Little Chester” had a great season in 1936
(Author’s Collection)

A great 1936 campaign behind him, “Little Chester,” one of the best natural hitters in the game of baseball, would rejoin the Detroit Tigers for the 1937 season.

Detroit Tigers Signed Postcard
(Author’s Collection)

DETROIT TIGERS

While he did well his first two years in the minor leagues, playing at baseball’s highest level would be a challenge. As previously mentioned, Mickey Cochrane had felt Laabs would have his best chance at making it in the bigs if he learned how to play the outfield. After watching him during the spring of 1936, he didn’t think the small but powerful Milwaukeean was suited for playing in the infield. Sent down to the Brewers to gain experience, he had done well in his assignment with Milwaukee and was now considered ready to move on.

While his hitting was never a question mark, it is interesting to note that Minneapolis skipper Donie Bush, whose Millers team played against Milwaukee in 1936, felt that he could be pitched to.

Chet Laabs would get his chance to prove himself a major league hitter and outfielder with the Tigers in 1937.

In the 72 games played with them in 1937, the right-handed Laabs got 58 hits in 242 at bats, with 13 doubles, 5 triples and 8 home runs for the 2nd place Detroit Tigers. With only 37 RBIs, his output was nothing near his minor league totals. Nineteen thirty-eight wasn’t much better with 211 at bats in 64 games played. Fifty hits were all he could muster with 7 doubles, 3 triples and 7 home runs. His batting average dropped to a dismal .237.

Echoing the words of Donnie Bush, pitchers had found something on Chet that at times, neutralized his power.

On October 2, 1938 Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller set a strikeout record* against the Detroit Tigers, setting down 18 players via the K. A main victim that day was Chet Laabs who struck out 5 times, including the final out on a fastball called strike.(*The record has since been surpassed by Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan.)

According to Feller:

“Laabs was stocky and muscular strong. He had a lot of power for a little guy. If he ever got a low one he’d hit it. But he could not hit a high fastball, he had a blind spot two feet tall.”

In 1939 the Detroit Tigers needed an “Ace” pitcher and traded Chet Laabs to the Browns along with Mark Christman (Milwaukee Brewers 1950-51) and four other players for Buck (Bobo) Newsom, who had won 20 games in 1938 for 7th place St Louis. Chet played only 5 games for the Tigers in 1939.

ST. LOUIS BROWNS

Saint Louis was a good fit for Chet and the Browns in 1939. In the 95 games he hit for a .300 average with his new team. He collected 95 hits in his 317 at bats, 20 doubles, 5 triples and 10 four baggers. His RBI total for the year was 62.

In 1940, Laabs played in 105 games for St Louis hitting, .271.

For 1941 he played in 118 games and improved his batting average to .278.

Chet had his best year with the St. Louis Browns in 1942. While playing in 144 games, Chet posted his career-best stats: 99 RBI’s, 143 hits, 21 doubles, 7 triples, and 27 home runs, second only to Ted Williams (36).

All-Star Chet Laabs played another full season in 1943, hitting 17 home runs, but saw his batting average fall to .250 with 85 runs batted in. He also led the league in one statistic that wasn’t so desirable, strikeouts with 105.

With the war going on, Chet’s availability would be limited in 1944 due to his working full time in a war plant in St. Louis. Even so, playing only on evenings and weekends, Chet helped the Browns in spite of his .234 batting average. His two home runs against the Yankees in the final game of the season lifted his team to a 5-2 victory for a one-game pennant win over Detroit. The Brownies would go on to lose the World Series to their hometown National League rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, 4 games to 2.

1944 World Series – Laabs with the American League Champions
The St. Louis Browns
(Author’s Collection)

Chet Laabs would play two more years with the St. Louis Browns. He would scatter 26 hits in 35 games played in 1945. In 1946 he hit for a .261 average in his 80 games played.

THE LATER INNINGS

Chet Laabs would finish his major league career with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947, playing in only 15 games. He would briefly return to minor league ball but be out of baseball as a player after the 1950 season.

His major league play encompassed 11 seasons:

950 Games
3102 At bats = 813 Hits
151 Doubles
44 Triples
117 Home Runs
509 RBI’s
Batting Average .262

His 8 year Minor League career:

771 Games
2819 At bats = 877 Hits
146 Doubles
46 Triples
183 Home Runs
319 RBI’s
Batting Average .311

Chet Laabs Model Baseball Glove
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s Chet Laabs, like Al Simmons before him and Ken Keltner shortly thereafter, proved that the dreams of young sandlot baseball players making it to the big leagues, can come true.

Those dreams of young baseball players continue today…

“Praise the Lord,
And Pass the … Inspiration.”

“1945”
Bill Veeck returns to Milwaukee’s
Victory Garden.

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

The snows of winter had blanketed the Victory Gardens of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1944. The bounty of summer crops was harvested, consumed and what was left over canned for later use. The anticipation of Christmas and thoughts of family were on the minds of those hunkering down for the long Midwestern winter. Central to these thoughts were the husbands, sons and other loved ones, who were absent and serving their country in Europe, the Pacific and elsewhere.

Pfc. John R. Tenpenny left his wife Lucille and newborn
son Peter
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while serving with the 6th Armored Division in Europe.

With the cold winds of December came the knowledge that the war was now entering its 4th year. Those at home did what they could to hasten the day of victory and prayed for the safety of their loved ones in harms way. Participating in conservation efforts and the National Defense Bond and Stamp program helped to supply the troops.

Original Sheet Music by Irving Berlin
(Author’s collection)

While families pitched in where they could at home, soldiers abroad had to deal with life and death situations on a daily basis. Many of the fighting men were literally living “ … on a Wing and a Prayer.”

Original Sheet Music “On a Wing and A Prayer”
(Author’s collection)

For the GI, the letters from home were a most precious keepsake and were read and reread, over and over, again and again. Any reminder of home and what they were fighting for was held onto tenaciously. Letters, photos of wives, girlfriends, movie stars and entertainers were welcomed reminders of what they left behind. If not stashed in their helmets, they were found in footlockers or any other convenient places to remind them of home.

Airplanes became the canvases for artists in uniform who decorated the noses of their planes with painted ladies for good luck.

1940’s Esquire Magazine Alberto Vargas Pinup
(Author’s Collection)

A popular artist at the time was Alberto Vargas, whose work appeared in Esquire Magazine during the war years. His whimsical poses were very popular as were the “Petty Girls” done by artist George Petty.

Popular music and its performers were very patriotic and supportive of the soldiers. Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters were just a few of the favorites of the “Boogie Woogie Bugle” boys far from home.

Original Sheet Music by the Andrews Sisters
(Author’s Collection)

Radio and movie personality Bob Hope would begin a journey to entertain the troops that would last for a half century as he and members of his radio program began visiting soldiers during World War II.

Bob Hope, Frances Langford and guitarist Tony Romano
(Author’s Collection)

As for the importance of what they were doing, literally risking their lives to be with GI’s and what it meant to the soldiers, Bob Hope shared this letter he received from the father of a GI.

Dear Mom and Dad,

It was almost more than a man could stand …

December 1944

Specialist 3rd Class Wes Livengood (18-4 last year pitching for Milwaukee)
is pitching while in training camp in Bainbridge, Maryland.

S/Sgt. Nick Kamzic (Brewer rookie)
is “Somewhere in France”

A still, snow covered Borchert Field is a warm welcome
for the President of the Milwaukee Brewers

Bill Veeck came home Wednesday afternoon, December 13, 1944. Dusk was beginning to fall as he stepped from the 5:10 train at the Milwaukee Road in his uniform as private, first class, in the Marine Corps and greeted friends with the same old Veeck grin. All of the ball park gang was on hand to welcome the president of the Brewers and he was glad to see them. As he limped across the tracks to the street with his cane, he looked at the familiar scene up N. 3rd St. and he was glad to see that too.

“Lunch tomorrow, fellows,” he ordered. “Lunch at the same old place and don’t be in a hurry to go back to work. We have a lot of talking to do.”
(R.G. Lynch – Milwaukee Journal)

A smiling Bill Veeck at his desk once again
(Author’s Collection)

Pfc. Bill Veeck’s work began before his brief December visit to Milwaukee. From the Corona Naval Hospital in Corona, California where he was receiving medical care, he resumed his job as president of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Veeck was the first baseball club president to enter the armed forces, joining the United States Marines December 4, 1943. After boot camp Veeck was sent to the Pacific and was stationed at New Caledonia, Guadalcanal and Guam before being hospitalized with jungle ulcers and a recurring ankle injury. The ankle originally injured years ago in college, collapsed on him in the Pacific. Since arriving in the United States he has spent most of this time at the Naval Hospital at Corona, California where a series of operations were performed.

First on the agenda was finding a replacement for manager Casey Stengel who Veeck had tried to resign for 1945. But according to Stengel, by the time he received the offer from Bill Veeck, Casey had already committed to join the Yankees organization and manage the Kansas City Blues. Subsequently Veeck learned in early November that Bill Meyer, manager of the International League’s Newark Bears had declined his offer as manager and would prefer to remain part of the New York Yankee organization also.

Veeck would be successful in finding a replacement shortly thereafter. Milwaukee announced that Henry Nicholas (Nick) Cullop would leave the Columbus Red Birds to become the Brewers skipper for 1945. The “Hipper Dipper” had managed the St. Louis Cardinal affiliate Red Birds for the past two years and was named the American Association’s manager of the year in 1943 for leading that team to victory in the playoffs and Little World Series that year. He beat Charlie Grimm’s Milwaukee Brewers 3 games to 1, then swept the Indianapolis Indians. In the LWS he beat the International League’s Syracuse Chiefs, 4 games to 1.

Nick had a solid career as a baseball player. He played 5 years as a major leaguer and spent 21 years in the minors. Before moving up to manage the Red Birds, Cullop did double duty as a player manager for the Class B Asheville Tourists in 1941 in the Piedmont League and did the same in 1942 for the Class C Pocatello Cardinals of the Pioneer League, both St. Louis Cardinals affiliates.

Having been both a pitcher and an outfielder, the power hitting Cullop had an impressive .312 batting average with 420 home runs. Nick was a favorite of Milwaukee fans at Borchert Field and was called a “home run hitter deluxe.” He would bring a lot to the Milwaukee Brewers team as their manager. He was well aware that he had two tough acts to follow in Charlie Grimm and Casey Stengel.

Manager Nick Cullop at Waukesha’s Frame Field
(Milwaukee Journal)

In spite of their weather woes last year in Waukesha, Wisconsin, general manager Rudy Schaffer announced November 21st that Milwaukee would again be holding spring workouts at Waukesha’s Frame Field. In spite of some hardships, experienced by all baseball teams, they would not be venturing further south until we “whipped the Germans.” It was still up to the Office of Defense Transportation and Commissioner Landis to give the ok for travel and that was not going to happen with the war going on. Trying to put the best spin on the situation, Schaffer kept things optimistic and did not mention Charlie Grimm’s protestations of last spring. He reminded everyone of their winning the pennant the past two years after training in Waukesha.

Draft Status: Baseball’s new “vital” statistic

The Brewers had to keep an eye on the changing draft status of players when putting their team together. Several players were being reclassified. Floyd Speer, a pitcher Nick Cullop was looking to for being a starter was classified 1A (eligible for military service).
The most desirable status for teams in search of players when considering trades was
4F (not acceptable for military service). The Brewers had several, some having physical disabilities but their status could change depending on the directives of the mobilization director. The Milwaukee roster also had 3 players that were classified 1C (medically discharged). A couple more players, Lew Flick and Owen Scheetz were classified 2C (working in defense plants).

The Milwaukee Brewers would begin spring training without the services of coach Red Smith who would be joining former skipper Charlie Grimm in Chicago with the Cubs. Richard Smith was a valuable part of the Brewer organization for the 8 years he spent in Milwaukee. He was an excellent judge of talent and had a close relationship with the players. He would be missed.
Even though Bill Veeck was occupied with his own serious health issues in California, he wasted no time phoning outfielder Bill “Willie Card” Norman to offer him the job to replace Smith as coach.

Change was a constant in the minor leagues and the Milwaukee Brewers were not immune from those year to year changes. Many of the players from the Brewers 1944 roster received their “promotions” to the Major Leagues, so Veeck and company were already working to strengthen the team because of these departures.

To buttress their outfield, Lew Flick was picked up from Philadelphia. He was both a speedster and a solid hitter. Slugger Bill Burgo was picked up from Toledo, hitting .324 for the Mud Hens last season. Bill Norman would remain available as player/coach and was assured of plenty of playing time by manager Cullop.

Spring training in Waukesha proved to be nothing like the nightmare of 1944. While it was cold at the outset as with years before, they trained inside at the Hartland site until it got warmer outside. The Brewers wanted to make sure that none of the pitchers got cold or had soreness to any extent due to the cold.
For the most part, the weather seemed to cooperate with Milwaukee and the Brewers got a good look at their prospect and veterans.

Cullop was pleased with the nucleus of players he had returning from the past season: Julio Acosta, Arky Biggs, Jack Farmer, Floyd Speer and Owen Scheetz. He predicted that his 1945 Brewers were going to be “a real battling, colorful club next year.”
Bill Burgo lived up to expectations and “spanked” out the hits in preseason play. The “little” outfielder was making quite an impression.
Their outfield was pretty much set, but they were in need of infielders and another catcher and looked to replace Dick Culler and Tommy Nelson who were traded to Boston.

April 1945

Sgt. James Daublender (Brewer rookie pitcher)
was “Somewhere in the Aleutians.”

Pfc. Bill Veeck sent greetings and best wishes to all Milwaukeeans as he was still in Corona Naval Hospital recovering from surgery. Bill had one leg in a cast and that ankle would be stiff for life. The other leg was in bandages and for awhile, there was a danger that he could have lost that leg. But Bill seemed more concerned with his Milwaukee Brewers.

Flags were at half staff at Borchert Field to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt who passed away on April 12, 1945.

With the season about to begin, Nick “Tomato Face” Cullop felt his Milwaukee Brewers were ready for 1945. Their outfield had probably some of the best players in the Association, with slugger Bill Burgo and Lew “the Flash” Flick whose speed on the base paths as well as in the outfield would be an asset for the team. Rounding it out would be steady Bill Norman and Ed Kobesky. The opening infield would be Clarence “Buck” Etchison at 1st, Joe Rullo at 2nd, Arky Biggs playing shortstop and Gene Nance at 3rd.
Joe Stephenson, would share the catching duties with Tommy Padden. Handyman Otto Denning was ready to step in at catcher if needed. Denning was a versatile player who could catch, play at 1st base or in the outfield.
Newcomers to the pitching staff, Carl Lindquist, Jack McGillen and Bob Mistelle would join the veteran crew of Julio Acosta, Jack Farmer, Don Hendrickson, Owen Scheetz and Floyd Speer.

The home opener was scheduled for April 25th against the Minneapolis Millers.
The Brewers would continue playing morning games as long as there was interest in them and the first one of the season was scheduled to start at 10 am April 30th.

With some of the blackout restrictions being lifted, 34 more of the popular night games were scheduled for 1945, the first being May 17th against Louisville.

Fans were being asked to contribute to another war effort. A fairly easy one, instead of keeping fouls hit into the grandstand as souvenirs, they were asked to return balls hit into the grandstands to the ushers. The baseballs collected would be sent to the various Army camps for use in their recreational games.

1945 Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

The April 18th opener in Minneapolis with the Millers had been postponed due to the cold weather. Bill Veeck was assuring manager Nick Cullop that he would shore up the Milwaukee Brewers roster with a couple of infielders, a catcher and another pitcher.

Predictions for 1945 were pretty grim. Prognosticators failed for the first time since 1942 to pick Milwaukee to finish first.
According to Milwaukee Journal’s Sam Levy, the Brewers were expected to do no better than 4th place behind Louisville, Toledo and Columbus. Milwaukee’s outfield was considered their strong suit but the infield needed shoring up, especially at shortstop. Arky Biggs was more at home playing 2nd and 3rd base. He did play the shortstop position for part of last season too. It was felt that, at 36 years old, he did not have the range to make the plays or execute the long throws from that position.

Milwaukee Brewers 1945 Roster and Statistics
(Courtesy of Rex Hamann /American Association Almanac)

The 1945 Milwaukee Brewers team was a “typical Bill Veeck outfit” according to R.G. Lynch of the Milwaukee Journal. Heavy on hitting, he would rather have a good hitting squad, sometimes overlooking fielding and speed as long as they can “pickle the pill.” The record of the past 3 years seems to have proved his case. Lynch unlike Levy, felt the Brewers would again be favored to win the American Association and would lead the league in hitting. Only time would tell which Journal scribe would be right!

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

Cold weather greeted the Milwaukee “Eskimos” for the home opener April 25th, but the Brewers should have stayed home. Shortstop Florian Zielinski gave up four of the game’s 6 unearned runs in the 7-4 loss. Shortstop definitely loomed as Milwaukee’s most vulnerable position as the benched Zielinski’s replacement, Aldo Cavarello’s bad throw gave up another unearned tally later in the game. Neither player would last long in Brewer uniforms.

The cold weather would continue to be a factor as postponement would follow postponement. In spite of traveling 1300 miles to 3 cities in the first two weeks of the season, Milwaukee only played one game during that time. The idleness of the team was preventing the Brewers from getting into playing shape, something they needed to do and soon if they were to be competitive this year. Many of the players on the Brewers starting squad came late in the spring. Manager Cullop was confident that they would “play into shape.”

May 1945

Wes Livengood writes he is
“On his way over.”

Sgt. James Daublander, (Brewer rookie pitcher from Mosinee) is stationed in the Aleutians, he doesn’t have much chance to play baseball there … but follows it in the Sporting News.

Milwaukee’s poor play led to their losing a 5-3 decision on May 5th in the opening series in Louisville against the Colonels. 2 errors in the 8th inning by the infield dropped the Brewers into 3rd place. Their hitting was still missing in action with only 4 hits and the team leaving 10 men on base.

On May 7th the Milwaukee Brewers were 6-5 and in 3rd place. Other news that day was a bit more important than baseball box scores.

Victory was declared over Germany!

New Yorker’s Stop and Pray for “Victory in Europe Day” – May 7th, 1945
(Author’s Collection)

America and the world were elated with the victory over Germany and they celebrated the declaration of VE Day, but there was still a job to do in the Pacific with Japan. With Europe now safe there was a growing hope that the nightmare of World War II would soon be over.

Northwest Airlines Training Poster
With Germany and Italy defeated, Japan was next!
(Author’s Collection)

On May 8th, Milwaukee’s bats came alive as the Brewers battled back to win a 6-3 decision against the Indianapolis Indians. After spotting them 3 runs in the first inning, pitcher Bob Mistele settled down after a shaky first inning and pitched a good ball game. He held them to just two more hits for the rest of the game. Mistele’s performance would earn him a starting spot in the Brewers rotation. Manager Cullop seemed satisfied with the current infield having Otto Denning at first, Rullo at 2nd, Biggs at shortstop and Gene Nance at 3rd.

May 11th’s game was a rainout for the Brewers for their 10th postponement of the young season. Originally scheduled to play 24 double headers, they were now up to 34. More were expected and Nick Cullop was worried about his pitching staff.
How could he keep his pitchers in shape if they didn’t get work? With all the double headers coming up his pitchers would have to be “Iron men” to handle the work load.
After their 12th postponement, Pitcher Don Hendrickson suggested that the league take a two week recess to start spring training over again. He went on to say that they were in better shape 5 weeks ago.

The Brewers would be home May 17th after breaking even on the road trip. The “amphibious Brewers” were hoping for better weather and play at home. “Cullop’s crustaceans” still need time to sort out the best players as after a month of play, Nick needed more time to know and set his team. The Brewers were in 4th place with a 9-7 record.

The Milwaukee Brewers would battle at home and fought their way back to first place by the end of the home stand with a 17-9 record. Nick Cullop had managed his team well and was settling in. He reminded people of Charlie Grimm, but Nick was more decisive than Charlie. Where Grimm would hesitate sometimes with pitching changes, some would say, waiting too long to pull a struggling pitcher, Cullop was quick with the hook. His strategy was anything but automatic in how he ran his game, matching his calls to the situation and making adjustments.
“Tomato Face” was proving to be a very capable field general.

June 1945

T/Sgt. Eddie Karas, Brewer rookie pitcher, writes from Brussels Belgium says he has enough points to be discharged by the end of July.

Lee Balser, Brewer Pitcher in 1941 has been in the South Pacific for over 35 months.

The road trip blues started with their end of May trip against the Kansas City Blues. It would continue into early June dropping the Brews from 1st place.
Errors again played a starring role in the Brewer defeats but their hitting would also turn sour.

Cullop wasted no time in shaking things up, benching veteran Bill Norman and shifting his outfield around.
The Brewers would exchange places from 1st to 3rd for much of the month. The entire first division was neck and neck.

The Milwaukee Brewers purchased pitcher Elmer Burkart and infielder Johnny Price from the Columbus Red Birds in mid June. The Brewers had quality in their pitching but not quantity and the 4-3 Burkart was seen as insurance for the upcoming double headers.
Price, for the same reason would spell the Brewer regulars of Biggs, Denning, Nance and Rullo in the infield. He hit pretty well from the left side and had a .288 batting average with the Birds.

“The Johnny Price Show”
(Author’s Collection)

John Price was a great addition to the team. Besides playing baseball he was a one man circus. The snake charmer, contortionist, acrobat was favorite of fans across the country because of his pre game clowning.

Price was all business when playing a game. He was very entertaining when doing his act. He excelled in trick throws and catches while standing on his head or hanging suspended by his feet and catching batted balls.

Johnny was a perfect fit for the Borchert Field vaudeville show which was continued by acting President Rudy Schaffer and Vice President Mickey Heath during Bill Veeck’s absence. On June 25th, Price joined in the festivities by charming snakes and did his throwing and catching routine. He was joined on the field by “fiddling” pitcher Jack McGillen, singing by Louisville Colonel crooner Rex Cecil and a special surprise appearance by tenor James Melton.

It was so successful that Milwaukee would schedule another special “Johnny Price Show” for August 18th at Borchert Field prior to their night game with the Toledo Mud Hens.

July 1945

By the 4th of July, it was a 5 team race with Milwaukee back in first place. Nick Cullop predicted a “hell of a race” for the pennant. He said the team that wins the championship would have to battle each and every team in the league. The team seemed to be poised to make their move. With the sale of pitcher Don Hendrickson to Boston, they picked up a good shortstop in Elmer Weingartner, catcher Mike Ulisney, Larry Rosenthal for the outfield and a boost to their pitching staff with the addition of Ewald Pyle.

The Brewers battled and played well in July and were just a game back of Indianapolis in the league with a record of 60-38 by July 26th. The race would remain tight.

August 1945

T/Sgt. Eddie Karas expected discharge did not happen. He finds himself in England helping with rehabilitation of wounded Yanks.

The welcome mat was being readied for Corporal Bill Veeck who would soon be returning to Milwaukee after 20 months in the Marines.

By August, the torrid pennant race was between 3 teams, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Louisville. The lead switched back and forth early on between the Brews and the Indians.
Manager Cullop was confident they were well positioned to recapture the lead from Indianapolis. The Brewers had performed well on the road and would be returning home August 11th to open a four game set against the Indianapolis Indians, followed by a four game series against Louisville.

Indianapolis skipper Bill Burrell felt that the “team that got the breaks would win the pennant.”

Milwaukee would lose the series 3 games to 1 to the front runners from Indy, falling behind them by 3 1/2 games. But the race would continue to stay close.

Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945

(Photo Courtesy of the National Archives)

After facing intense conventional bombing and finally two devastating atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and August 9th, Japan announced its surrender on August 14, 1945.

Victory over Japan or “VJ Day” was declared and celebrated worldwide.

The formal surrender occurred aboard the USS Missouri in Japan harbor on September 2, 1945.

World War II was history.

Bill Veeck was released from the hospital at Corona, California and was expected to be home, in “sport shirt” by Monday August 20th.
Bill was welcomed home by 10,000 fans August 21st during a double header against Columbus. His team swept the pair from the Red Birds, 4-2 and 7-3, closing the gap to just a half game in the American Association race. Good pitching by Owen Scheetz and Ewald Pyle led the team to the twin victories for the inspired Brewers.
No pre-game pep talk was needed as Manger Cullop overheard his players say that they wanted to win the two games for Bill Veeck.

On August 23rd the Brewers recaptured the lead in the American Association with a 3-2 victory over last place Columbus. The pitching of lefty Julio Acosta and timely hitting by Gene Nance to drive in what would be the winning RBI in the seventh inning secured the game for the hometown Brews. The Indianapolis Indians helped the Brewers cause by losing their 4th straight game to the Millers.

On Saturday August 25th, Bill Veeck rewarded his first place skipper Nick Cullop with a new contract and a substantial raise for 1946. Long before he left the hospital in California, Bill had decided to extend the contract of Cullop, but wanted the pleasure of being there to sign him in person.

An August 26th twin killing of Casey Stengel’s Kansas city Blues vaulted Milwaukee to a 4 game lead.

September 1945

T/Sgt. Nick Kamzic and Sgt. Leon Balzer were recent visitors at Borchert Field. Both were expected to be with the Brewers next year.

Bill Veeck was back in the hospital, recovering from another surgery on his ankle at Milwaukee’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was in great spirits and expected to be in attendance during the upcoming double header September 3rd with Kansas City.

Have wheel chair, will travel.

In spite of losing 4 late season games to the Millers, the Brewers maintained their 3 1/2 game lead over Indy.

Milwaukee would clinch its 3rd consecutive American Association title on September 8th with a 5-1 victory over the Saint Paul Saints at Borchert Field.

The Brewers finished the 1945 season with a 93-61 record.

Once again a set of Milwaukee Brewers baseball cards by the Grand Photo Studio was offered for sale at Borchert Field and by mail. The 1945 set contained 16 cards but is probably the hardest of the 3 series to find. They were similar to the previous year, using identical photos for those players returning from 1944.

Julio Acosta / Arky Biggs

Grand Studio Cards

(Author’s Collection)

Cuban left hander Julio Acosta had his best season with Milwaukee in 1945. He finished with a record of 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA in his 186 innings pitched.

“Fighting” Arky Biggs had another splendid season with a .320 batting average with 164 hits, 6 home runs and 70 RBI’s. He was a steadying influence in the infield and gave everything he had in each game. He divided his time between shortstop and 2nd base, doing well at both positions in spite of his age.

Bill Burgo / Nick Cullop
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Bill Burgo added extra punch to the league leading Milwaukee Brewers in 1945. He hit for a .277 batting average in his 147 games. He had 147 hits with 6 round trippers and drove in 86 runs.

Manager Nick Cullop made the most out of his players, taking the Brews to a record tying 3rd consecutive American Association Pennant. The pugnacious manager’s style garnered respect in the league and he was a favorite of players and fans alike. Cullop was named the Sporting News Manager of the Year, his second nod in 3 years.

“Peaches” Davis/ Otto Denning
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Roy “Peaches” Davis was winless with 3 losses in Milwaukee with a 4.11 ERA in 1945.

Otto Denning was a valuable player for the Brewers in 1945, a solid anchor at 1st base all season with his .987 fielding average and with his ability to hit. He averaged a .306 BA, gathering 148 hits with 9 home runs and 92 RBI’s to boot! An aggressive player, Bill Veeck was glad to finally have him on the team, having had his eye on him prior to 1945.

Lew Flick / Don Hendrickson
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Lew “the Flash” Flick was a novelty in Milwaukee. This team was used to “muscle men” on the squad, but his speed helped the team in the field and on the base paths. The 1945 American Association batting champ led the league in hitting with 215 base hits in 575 at bats for a .374 batting average. He hit 11 out of the park with 92 runs batted in. He had 12 stolen bases and fielded a .982 average in the outfield.

Don Hendrickson was a solid pitcher for Milwaukee. Manager Nick Cullop used him as a model for the younger pitchers during spring training. The veteran had a 2.72 ERA and a 8-2 record over 106 innings pitched before deservedly moving up to the Boston Braves in July.

Ed Kobesky / Carl Lindquist
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee had high hopes for outfielder Ed Kobesky, but he hit a disappointing .189 for the Brews, appearing in 57 games.

Pitcher Carl Lindquist went 8-5 in 186 innings for Milwaukee in 1945.

Jack McGillen / Gene Nance
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Jack McGillen went 1-1 for Milwaukee in his 32 inning stint with the Brewers.

3rd baseman Gene Nance led the league with 106 RBI, batting a solid .317.
He collected 179 hits in 564 at bats. 17 of them were home runs.

Bill Norman / Joe Rullo
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

“Coach” Norman’s other job in 1945 had him in the outfield as a part timer.
In his 53 games with Milwaukee he hit .236 before being sold to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League in July.

2nd sacker Joe “the Barber” Rullo collected 133 in 475 at bats for a .280 average while with Milwaukee in 1945.

Owen Scheetz / Floyd Speer
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Owen Scheetz was the Milwaukee mound ace in 1945 hurling a 19-8 record with 20 complete games. He had a stingy 1.95 ERA against his American Association opponents for the year.

Floyd Speer was a major leaguer with the White Sox in 1944. He had an assortment of pitches with good speed on his fastball. He tallied a 12-8 record in 182 innings for Milwaukee in the 1945 season.

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Postcard
(Author’s Collection)

An interesting patch can be seen on the left sleeve of 3 of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1945 Milwaukee Brewers team photograph. Mike Ulisney top row far right, Arky Biggs, middle row 2nd from right and Johnny Price-front row left next to Rudy Schaffer, all wear the “ruptured duck” patch on their game uniforms. The patch showed that they served their country honorably in World War II.

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
(Replica-Author’s Collection)

Some returning baseball players chose to wear this “Ruptured Duck” insignia patch on their uniforms. The Golden Eagle upon a military green background was representative of the pin and patch worn by returning serviceman to indicate their honorable discharge.

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
Biggs and Ulisney

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
Johnny Price

Military Insignia Patch and Pin
(Author’s Collection)

The patch and pin were issued to service personnel who were about to leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It allowed them to continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. Soldiers thought the eagle looked more like a duck and because it meant they were going home, the popular saying was, “They took off like a Ruptured Duck”…hence the nickname.

1945 American Association Champions
(Author’s Collection)

Nick Cullop’s Milwaukee Brewers were picked to barely escape the 2nd division before the start of 1945. The scrappy makeshift wartime Brewers team had something to prove and they did, finishing the season on top with a record of 93-61.

Milwaukee led the league in hitting and got an outstanding performance from batting champion Lew Flick who belted 215 hits with a .374 batting average. Veteran Arky Biggs came through with a .320 batting average while 3rd baseman Gene Nance batted .317 with 106 RBI’s. “Handyman” Otto Denning contributed a solid .306 batting average.

Infielder Arky Biggs at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s starting pitching was solid with Owen Scheetz leading the American Association with a 19-8 record including 20 complete games out of 25 starts. Bill Davis went 15-4, Julio Acosta finished the season at 15-10 with Don Hendrickson pitching in at 8-2 and Floyd Speer 12-8.

Pitcher Owen Scheetz at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

As with last year, the Milwaukee Brewers would open the first round of the playoffs against the 3rd place Louisville Colonels.
Milwaukee lost the home opener 9-1 as everything went wrong for the Brews. Julio Acosta pitched well for the first 3 innings scattering a pair of hits, but he melted down in inning 4 allowing 7 runs in that frame.
Larry Rosenthal saved them from being shut out with a home run in the 6th inning.
The champs were dejected after the loss, but manager Cullop reminded them it was only the first game.

Pitcher Julio Acosta at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

The vanquished became the vindicated as game 2 was won in 11 innings by Julio Acosta. Milwaukee bounced back with a 4-3 victory. Acosta came in the 10th inning with the game tied at 3-3 to relieve Owen Scheetz. Acosta reached base on an error in the 11th inning and Johnny Price tripled the pitcher home to even the series at a game apiece.

Game 3 went to Louisville as the hero of game 2, Johnny Price became the goat. Four errors were committed by the shortstop. The first three were harmless for the Brews, but number 4 opened the door in 9th inning. 2 runs scored and the Brewers went down 2 games to 1 in the series.

In game 4, the “papier mache” defense and anemic hitting led to a 7-2 loss. Two errors in the 2nd inning led to their demise, Louisville scoring 4 times that inning. The champs had their backs to the wall down 3 games to 1.

Chiding his players for their lackadaisical performance before the game seemed to spark some life into the Brewers in game 5. After Hipper’s dressing down, they overcame a bad start. Milwaukee, with Julio Acosta pitching, hung on for the 6-4 victory.

Pitcher Floyd Speer at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

Manager Cullop shook up his lineup for game 6, replacing Johnny Price at short with Arky Biggs taking over that position. An ill Otto Denning, in spite of a sore throat came back to play at first. The Brewers were out hit 16-8 but the game was tied going into the 10th inning. Floyd Speer gave up two singles (one of them because he failed to cover first base). The next batter tried to sacrifice but it led to a force out. A single loaded the bases with only one out. The next hitter flied out to Arky Biggs for the 2nd out, but Louisville’s Frank “Chick” Genovese drove in the winning run with a single.

As with Casey Stengel’s 1944 squad last year, Cullop’s Brews lost to Louisville 4 games to 2. Milwaukee was out of the playoffs after one round for the 3rd straight year.
After his team led the league in batting, Cullop was unable to explain the lack of hitting in the playoff series.
Unlike his predecessors, he took it hard. Bill Veeck told him not to be upset by the loss, but Cullop did NOT like to lose.

1945 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

On October 26, 1945 the Bill Veeck era came to an end when he sold his interest in the Milwaukee Brewers to Chicago attorney Oscar Salenger. Bill Veeck was reported to have tried to sell to local investors, but his desire to join his ill wife in Arizona induced him to finalize the deal with Salenger quickly. Rudy Schaffer was quickly elected President to succeed his former boss. Immediately, Shaffer and Manager Nick Cullop moved on to the job of improving the Milwaukee Brewer squad for 1946.

Veeck Turns over Ownership of the
Brews to Oscar Salenger
(Author’s Collection)

Bill Veeck would not be away from baseball for long. His story was just beginning.

William Veeck Jr.’s short time in Milwaukee (1941-1945) left a lasting imprint on the city. He believed in Milwaukee as a Big League baseball town. He proved that if you fielded a quality team, the fans of this city would support them.

In September, he cautioned the fans at the end of the season that you could not expect a pennant every year. Baseball just didn’t work that way, especially with the constant changes in the minor leagues.

Veeck took over a team in trouble in 1941. By 1942 he just missed coming in 1st. The Milwaukee Brewers under his leadership captured 3 consecutive pennants in 1943, 1944 and 1945.
In spite of his cautioning about lofty expectations, his record speaks for itself.

After his departure at the end of the 1945 season, the Milwaukee Brewers would continue to be a very competitive and exciting team. In the next 7 seasons they would finish in the 1st division for all but two of those years.
They would go on to win 2 more American Association pennants (1951, 1952) and twice win the Little World Series. (1947, 1951).

What he began would continue …

Thanks Bill!

Stay tuned for
Vintage Brew
Volume 4
in 2011

“Praise the Lord,
And Pass the … Inspiration.”

“1945”
Bill Veeck returns to Milwaukee’s
Victory Garden.

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Printed with permission of the Author

The snows of winter had blanketed the Victory Gardens of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1944. The bounty of summer crops was harvested, consumed and what was left over canned for later use. The anticipation of Christmas and thoughts of family were on the minds of those hunkering down for the long Midwestern winter. Central to these thoughts were the husbands, sons and other loved ones, who were absent and serving their country in Europe, the Pacific and elsewhere.

Pfc. John R. Tenpenny left his wife Lucille and newborn
son Peter
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin while serving with the 6th Armored Division in Europe.

With the cold winds of December came the knowledge that the war was now entering its 4th year. Those at home did what they could to hasten the day of victory and prayed for the safety of their loved ones in harms way. Participating in conservation efforts and the National Defense Bond and Stamp program helped to supply the troops.

Original Sheet Music by Irving Berlin
(Author’s collection)

While families pitched in where they could at home, soldiers abroad had to deal with life and death situations on a daily basis. Many of the fighting men were literally living “ … on a Wing and a Prayer.”

Original Sheet Music “On a Wing and A Prayer”
(Author’s collection)

For the GI, the letters from home were a most precious keepsake and were read and reread, over and over, again and again. Any reminder of home and what they were fighting for was held onto tenaciously. Letters, photos of wives, girlfriends, movie stars and entertainers were welcomed reminders of what they left behind. If not stashed in their helmets, they were found in footlockers or any other convenient places to remind them of home.

Airplanes became the canvases for artists in uniform who decorated the noses of their planes with painted ladies for good luck.

1940’s Esquire Magazine Alberto Vargas Pinup
(Author’s Collection)

A popular artist at the time was Alberto Vargas, whose work appeared in Esquire Magazine during the war years. His whimsical poses were very popular as were the “Petty Girls” done by artist George Petty.

Popular music and its performers were very patriotic and supportive of the soldiers. Bing Crosby, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters were just a few of the favorites of the “Boogie Woogie Bugle” boys far from home.

Original Sheet Music by the Andrews Sisters
(Author’s Collection)

Radio and movie personality Bob Hope would begin a journey to entertain the troops that would last for a half century as he and members of his radio program began visiting soldiers during World War II.

Bob Hope, Frances Langford and guitarist Tony Romano
(Author’s Collection)

As for the importance of what they were doing, literally risking their lives to be with GI’s and what it meant to the soldiers, Bob Hope shared this letter he received from the father of a GI.

Dear Mom and Dad,

It was almost more than a man could stand …

December 1944

Specialist 3rd Class Wes Livengood (18-4 last year pitching for Milwaukee)
is pitching while in training camp in Bainbridge, Maryland.

S/Sgt. Nick Kamzic (Brewer rookie)
is “Somewhere in France”

A still, snow covered Borchert Field is a warm welcome
for the President of the Milwaukee Brewers

Bill Veeck came home Wednesday afternoon, December 13, 1944. Dusk was beginning to fall as he stepped from the 5:10 train at the Milwaukee Road in his uniform as private, first class, in the Marine Corps and greeted friends with the same old Veeck grin. All of the ball park gang was on hand to welcome the president of the Brewers and he was glad to see them. As he limped across the tracks to the street with his cane, he looked at the familiar scene up N. 3rd St. and he was glad to see that too.

“Lunch tomorrow, fellows,” he ordered. “Lunch at the same old place and don’t be in a hurry to go back to work. We have a lot of talking to do.”
(R.G. Lynch – Milwaukee Journal)

A smiling Bill Veeck at his desk once again
(Author’s Collection)

Pfc. Bill Veeck’s work began before his brief December visit to Milwaukee. From the Corona Naval Hospital in Corona, California where he was receiving medical care, he resumed his job as president of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Veeck was the first baseball club president to enter the armed forces, joining the United States Marines December 4, 1943. After boot camp Veeck was sent to the Pacific and was stationed at New Caledonia, Guadalcanal and Guam before being hospitalized with jungle ulcers and a recurring ankle injury. The ankle originally injured years ago in college, collapsed on him in the Pacific. Since arriving in the United States he has spent most of this time at the Naval Hospital at Corona, California where a series of operations were performed.

First on the agenda was finding a replacement for manager Casey Stengel who Veeck had tried to resign for 1945. But according to Stengel, by the time he received the offer from Bill Veeck, Casey had already committed to join the Yankees organization and manage the Kansas City Blues. Subsequently Veeck learned in early November that Bill Meyer, manager of the International League’s Newark Bears had declined his offer as manager and would prefer to remain part of the New York Yankee organization also.

Veeck would be successful in finding a replacement shortly thereafter. Milwaukee announced that Henry Nicholas (Nick) Cullop would leave the Columbus Red Birds to become the Brewers skipper for 1945. The “Hipper Dipper” had managed the St. Louis Cardinal affiliate Red Birds for the past two years and was named the American Association’s manager of the year in 1943 for leading that team to victory in the playoffs and Little World Series that year. He beat Charlie Grimm’s Milwaukee Brewers 3 games to 1, then swept the Indianapolis Indians. In the LWS he beat the International League’s Syracuse Chiefs, 4 games to 1.

Nick had a solid career as a baseball player. He played 5 years as a major leaguer and spent 21 years in the minors. Before moving up to manage the Red Birds, Cullop did double duty as a player manager for the Class B Asheville Tourists in 1941 in the Piedmont League and did the same in 1942 for the Class C Pocatello Cardinals of the Pioneer League, both St. Louis Cardinals affiliates.

Having been both a pitcher and an outfielder, the power hitting Cullop had an impressive .312 batting average with 420 home runs. Nick was a favorite of Milwaukee fans at Borchert Field and was called a “home run hitter deluxe.” He would bring a lot to the Milwaukee Brewers team as their manager. He was well aware that he had two tough acts to follow in Charlie Grimm and Casey Stengel.

Manager Nick Cullop at Waukesha’s Frame Field
(Milwaukee Journal)

In spite of their weather woes last year in Waukesha, Wisconsin, general manager Rudy Schaffer announced November 21st that Milwaukee would again be holding spring workouts at Waukesha’s Frame Field. In spite of some hardships, experienced by all baseball teams, they would not be venturing further south until we “whipped the Germans.” It was still up to the Office of Defense Transportation and Commissioner Landis to give the ok for travel and that was not going to happen with the war going on. Trying to put the best spin on the situation, Schaffer kept things optimistic and did not mention Charlie Grimm’s protestations of last spring. He reminded everyone of their winning the pennant the past two years after training in Waukesha.

Draft Status: Baseball’s new “vital” statistic

The Brewers had to keep an eye on the changing draft status of players when putting their team together. Several players were being reclassified. Floyd Speer, a pitcher Nick Cullop was looking to for being a starter was classified 1A (eligible for military service).
The most desirable status for teams in search of players when considering trades was
4F (not acceptable for military service). The Brewers had several, some having physical disabilities but their status could change depending on the directives of the mobilization director. The Milwaukee roster also had 3 players that were classified 1C (medically discharged). A couple more players, Lew Flick and Owen Scheetz were classified 2C (working in defense plants).

The Milwaukee Brewers would begin spring training without the services of coach Red Smith who would be joining former skipper Charlie Grimm in Chicago with the Cubs. Richard Smith was a valuable part of the Brewer organization for the 8 years he spent in Milwaukee. He was an excellent judge of talent and had a close relationship with the players. He would be missed.
Even though Bill Veeck was occupied with his own serious health issues in California, he wasted no time phoning outfielder Bill “Willie Card” Norman to offer him the job to replace Smith as coach.

Change was a constant in the minor leagues and the Milwaukee Brewers were not immune from those year to year changes. Many of the players from the Brewers 1944 roster received their “promotions” to the Major Leagues, so Veeck and company were already working to strengthen the team because of these departures.

To buttress their outfield, Lew Flick was picked up from Philadelphia. He was both a speedster and a solid hitter. Slugger Bill Burgo was picked up from Toledo, hitting .324 for the Mud Hens last season. Bill Norman would remain available as player/coach and was assured of plenty of playing time by manager Cullop.

Spring training in Waukesha proved to be nothing like the nightmare of 1944. While it was cold at the outset as with years before, they trained inside at the Hartland site until it got warmer outside. The Brewers wanted to make sure that none of the pitchers got cold or had soreness to any extent due to the cold.
For the most part, the weather seemed to cooperate with Milwaukee and the Brewers got a good look at their prospect and veterans.

Cullop was pleased with the nucleus of players he had returning from the past season: Julio Acosta, Arky Biggs, Jack Farmer, Floyd Speer and Owen Scheetz. He predicted that his 1945 Brewers were going to be “a real battling, colorful club next year.”
Bill Burgo lived up to expectations and “spanked” out the hits in preseason play. The “little” outfielder was making quite an impression.
Their outfield was pretty much set, but they were in need of infielders and another catcher and looked to replace Dick Culler and Tommy Nelson who were traded to Boston.

April 1945

Sgt. James Daublender (Brewer rookie pitcher)
was “Somewhere in the Aleutians.”

Pfc. Bill Veeck sent greetings and best wishes to all Milwaukeeans as he was still in Corona Naval Hospital recovering from surgery. Bill had one leg in a cast and that ankle would be stiff for life. The other leg was in bandages and for awhile, there was a danger that he could have lost that leg. But Bill seemed more concerned with his Milwaukee Brewers.

Flags were at half staff at Borchert Field to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt who passed away on April 12, 1945.

With the season about to begin, Nick “Tomato Face” Cullop felt his Milwaukee Brewers were ready for 1945. Their outfield had probably some of the best players in the Association, with slugger Bill Burgo and Lew “the Flash” Flick whose speed on the base paths as well as in the outfield would be an asset for the team. Rounding it out would be steady Bill Norman and Ed Kobesky. The opening infield would be Clarence “Buck” Etchison at 1st, Joe Rullo at 2nd, Arky Biggs playing shortstop and Gene Nance at 3rd.
Joe Stephenson, would share the catching duties with Tommy Padden. Handyman Otto Denning was ready to step in at catcher if needed. Denning was a versatile player who could catch, play at 1st base or in the outfield.
Newcomers to the pitching staff, Carl Lindquist, Jack McGillen and Bob Mistelle would join the veteran crew of Julio Acosta, Jack Farmer, Don Hendrickson, Owen Scheetz and Floyd Speer.

The home opener was scheduled for April 25th against the Minneapolis Millers.
The Brewers would continue playing morning games as long as there was interest in them and the first one of the season was scheduled to start at 10 am April 30th.

With some of the blackout restrictions being lifted, 34 more of the popular night games were scheduled for 1945, the first being May 17th against Louisville.

Fans were being asked to contribute to another war effort. A fairly easy one, instead of keeping fouls hit into the grandstand as souvenirs, they were asked to return balls hit into the grandstands to the ushers. The baseballs collected would be sent to the various Army camps for use in their recreational games.

1945 Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

The April 18th opener in Minneapolis with the Millers had been postponed due to the cold weather. Bill Veeck was assuring manager Nick Cullop that he would shore up the Milwaukee Brewers roster with a couple of infielders, a catcher and another pitcher.

Predictions for 1945 were pretty grim. Prognosticators failed for the first time since 1942 to pick Milwaukee to finish first.
According to Milwaukee Journal’s Sam Levy, the Brewers were expected to do no better than 4th place behind Louisville, Toledo and Columbus. Milwaukee’s outfield was considered their strong suit but the infield needed shoring up, especially at shortstop. Arky Biggs was more at home playing 2nd and 3rd base. He did play the shortstop position for part of last season too. It was felt that, at 36 years old, he did not have the range to make the plays or execute the long throws from that position.

Milwaukee Brewers 1945 Roster and Statistics
(Courtesy of Rex Hamann /American Association Almanac)

The 1945 Milwaukee Brewers team was a “typical Bill Veeck outfit” according to R.G. Lynch of the Milwaukee Journal. Heavy on hitting, he would rather have a good hitting squad, sometimes overlooking fielding and speed as long as they can “pickle the pill.” The record of the past 3 years seems to have proved his case. Lynch unlike Levy, felt the Brewers would again be favored to win the American Association and would lead the league in hitting. Only time would tell which Journal scribe would be right!

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

Cold weather greeted the Milwaukee “Eskimos” for the home opener April 25th, but the Brewers should have stayed home. Shortstop Florian Zielinski gave up four of the game’s 6 unearned runs in the 7-4 loss. Shortstop definitely loomed as Milwaukee’s most vulnerable position as the benched Zielinski’s replacement, Aldo Cavarello’s bad throw gave up another unearned tally later in the game. Neither player would last long in Brewer uniforms.

The cold weather would continue to be a factor as postponement would follow postponement. In spite of traveling 1300 miles to 3 cities in the first two weeks of the season, Milwaukee only played one game during that time. The idleness of the team was preventing the Brewers from getting into playing shape, something they needed to do and soon if they were to be competitive this year. Many of the players on the Brewers starting squad came late in the spring. Manager Cullop was confident that they would “play into shape.”

May 1945

Wes Livengood writes he is
“On his way over.”

Sgt. James Daublander, (Brewer rookie pitcher from Mosinee) is stationed in the Aleutians, he doesn’t have much chance to play baseball there … but follows it in the Sporting News.

Milwaukee’s poor play led to their losing a 5-3 decision on May 5th in the opening series in Louisville against the Colonels. 2 errors in the 8th inning by the infield dropped the Brewers into 3rd place. Their hitting was still missing in action with only 4 hits and the team leaving 10 men on base.

On May 7th the Milwaukee Brewers were 6-5 and in 3rd place. Other news that day was a bit more important than baseball box scores.

Victory was declared over Germany!

New Yorker’s Stop and Pray for “Victory in Europe Day” – May 7th, 1945
(Author’s Collection)

America and the world were elated with the victory over Germany and they celebrated the declaration of VE Day, but there was still a job to do in the Pacific with Japan. With Europe now safe there was a growing hope that the nightmare of World War II would soon be over.

Northwest Airlines Training Poster
With Germany and Italy defeated, Japan was next!
(Author’s Collection)

On May 8th, Milwaukee’s bats came alive as the Brewers battled back to win a 6-3 decision against the Indianapolis Indians. After spotting them 3 runs in the first inning, pitcher Bob Mistele settled down after a shaky first inning and pitched a good ball game. He held them to just two more hits for the rest of the game. Mistele’s performance would earn him a starting spot in the Brewers rotation. Manager Cullop seemed satisfied with the current infield having Otto Denning at first, Rullo at 2nd, Biggs at shortstop and Gene Nance at 3rd.

May 11th’s game was a rainout for the Brewers for their 10th postponement of the young season. Originally scheduled to play 24 double headers, they were now up to 34. More were expected and Nick Cullop was worried about his pitching staff.
How could he keep his pitchers in shape if they didn’t get work? With all the double headers coming up his pitchers would have to be “Iron men” to handle the work load.
After their 12th postponement, Pitcher Don Hendrickson suggested that the league take a two week recess to start spring training over again. He went on to say that they were in better shape 5 weeks ago.

The Brewers would be home May 17th after breaking even on the road trip. The “amphibious Brewers” were hoping for better weather and play at home. “Cullop’s crustaceans” still need time to sort out the best players as after a month of play, Nick needed more time to know and set his team. The Brewers were in 4th place with a 9-7 record.

The Milwaukee Brewers would battle at home and fought their way back to first place by the end of the home stand with a 17-9 record. Nick Cullop had managed his team well and was settling in. He reminded people of Charlie Grimm, but Nick was more decisive than Charlie. Where Grimm would hesitate sometimes with pitching changes, some would say, waiting too long to pull a struggling pitcher, Cullop was quick with the hook. His strategy was anything but automatic in how he ran his game, matching his calls to the situation and making adjustments.
“Tomato Face” was proving to be a very capable field general.

June 1945

T/Sgt. Eddie Karas, Brewer rookie pitcher, writes from Brussels Belgium says he has enough points to be discharged by the end of July.

Lee Balser, Brewer Pitcher in 1941 has been in the South Pacific for over 35 months.

The road trip blues started with their end of May trip against the Kansas City Blues. It would continue into early June dropping the Brews from 1st place.
Errors again played a starring role in the Brewer defeats but their hitting would also turn sour.

Cullop wasted no time in shaking things up, benching veteran Bill Norman and shifting his outfield around.
The Brewers would exchange places from 1st to 3rd for much of the month. The entire first division was neck and neck.

The Milwaukee Brewers purchased pitcher Elmer Burkart and infielder Johnny Price from the Columbus Red Birds in mid June. The Brewers had quality in their pitching but not quantity and the 4-3 Burkart was seen as insurance for the upcoming double headers.
Price, for the same reason would spell the Brewer regulars of Biggs, Denning, Nance and Rullo in the infield. He hit pretty well from the left side and had a .288 batting average with the Birds.

“The Johnny Price Show”
(Author’s Collection)

John Price was a great addition to the team. Besides playing baseball he was a one man circus. The snake charmer, contortionist, acrobat was favorite of fans across the country because of his pre game clowning.

Price was all business when playing a game. He was very entertaining when doing his act. He excelled in trick throws and catches while standing on his head or hanging suspended by his feet and catching batted balls.

Johnny was a perfect fit for the Borchert Field vaudeville show which was continued by acting President Rudy Schaffer and Vice President Mickey Heath during Bill Veeck’s absence. On June 25th, Price joined in the festivities by charming snakes and did his throwing and catching routine. He was joined on the field by “fiddling” pitcher Jack McGillen, singing by Louisville Colonel crooner Rex Cecil and a special surprise appearance by tenor James Melton.

It was so successful that Milwaukee would schedule another special “Johnny Price Show” for August 18th at Borchert Field prior to their night game with the Toledo Mud Hens.

July 1945

By the 4th of July, it was a 5 team race with Milwaukee back in first place. Nick Cullop predicted a “hell of a race” for the pennant. He said the team that wins the championship would have to battle each and every team in the league. The team seemed to be poised to make their move. With the sale of pitcher Don Hendrickson to Boston, they picked up a good shortstop in Elmer Weingartner, catcher Mike Ulisney, Larry Rosenthal for the outfield and a boost to their pitching staff with the addition of Ewald Pyle.

The Brewers battled and played well in July and were just a game back of Indianapolis in the league with a record of 60-38 by July 26th. The race would remain tight.

August 1945

T/Sgt. Eddie Karas expected discharge did not happen. He finds himself in England helping with rehabilitation of wounded Yanks.

The welcome mat was being readied for Corporal Bill Veeck who would soon be returning to Milwaukee after 20 months in the Marines.

By August, the torrid pennant race was between 3 teams, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Louisville. The lead switched back and forth early on between the Brews and the Indians.
Manager Cullop was confident they were well positioned to recapture the lead from Indianapolis. The Brewers had performed well on the road and would be returning home August 11th to open a four game set against the Indianapolis Indians, followed by a four game series against Louisville.

Indianapolis skipper Bill Burrell felt that the “team that got the breaks would win the pennant.”

Milwaukee would lose the series 3 games to 1 to the front runners from Indy, falling behind them by 3 1/2 games. But the race would continue to stay close.

Surrender of Japan, Tokyo Bay, 2 September 1945

(Photo Courtesy of the National Archives)

After facing intense conventional bombing and finally two devastating atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and August 9th, Japan announced its surrender on August 14, 1945.

Victory over Japan or “VJ Day” was declared and celebrated worldwide.

The formal surrender occurred aboard the USS Missouri in Japan harbor on September 2, 1945.

World War II was history.

Bill Veeck was released from the hospital at Corona, California and was expected to be home, in “sport shirt” by Monday August 20th.
Bill was welcomed home by 10,000 fans August 21st during a double header against Columbus. His team swept the pair from the Red Birds, 4-2 and 7-3, closing the gap to just a half game in the American Association race. Good pitching by Owen Scheetz and Ewald Pyle led the team to the twin victories for the inspired Brewers.
No pre-game pep talk was needed as Manger Cullop overheard his players say that they wanted to win the two games for Bill Veeck.

On August 23rd the Brewers recaptured the lead in the American Association with a 3-2 victory over last place Columbus. The pitching of lefty Julio Acosta and timely hitting by Gene Nance to drive in what would be the winning RBI in the seventh inning secured the game for the hometown Brews. The Indianapolis Indians helped the Brewers cause by losing their 4th straight game to the Millers.

On Saturday August 25th, Bill Veeck rewarded his first place skipper Nick Cullop with a new contract and a substantial raise for 1946. Long before he left the hospital in California, Bill had decided to extend the contract of Cullop, but wanted the pleasure of being there to sign him in person.

An August 26th twin killing of Casey Stengel’s Kansas city Blues vaulted Milwaukee to a 4 game lead.

September 1945

T/Sgt. Nick Kamzic and Sgt. Leon Balzer were recent visitors at Borchert Field. Both were expected to be with the Brewers next year.

Bill Veeck was back in the hospital, recovering from another surgery on his ankle at Milwaukee’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was in great spirits and expected to be in attendance during the upcoming double header September 3rd with Kansas City.

Have wheel chair, will travel.

In spite of losing 4 late season games to the Millers, the Brewers maintained their 3 1/2 game lead over Indy.

Milwaukee would clinch its 3rd consecutive American Association title on September 8th with a 5-1 victory over the Saint Paul Saints at Borchert Field.

The Brewers finished the 1945 season with a 93-61 record.

Once again a set of Milwaukee Brewers baseball cards by the Grand Photo Studio was offered for sale at Borchert Field and by mail. The 1945 set contained 16 cards but is probably the hardest of the 3 series to find. They were similar to the previous year, using identical photos for those players returning from 1944.

Julio Acosta / Arky Biggs

Grand Studio Cards

(Author’s Collection)

Cuban left hander Julio Acosta had his best season with Milwaukee in 1945. He finished with a record of 15-10 with a 3.44 ERA in his 186 innings pitched.

“Fighting” Arky Biggs had another splendid season with a .320 batting average with 164 hits, 6 home runs and 70 RBI’s. He was a steadying influence in the infield and gave everything he had in each game. He divided his time between shortstop and 2nd base, doing well at both positions in spite of his age.

Bill Burgo / Nick Cullop
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Bill Burgo added extra punch to the league leading Milwaukee Brewers in 1945. He hit for a .277 batting average in his 147 games. He had 147 hits with 6 round trippers and drove in 86 runs.

Manager Nick Cullop made the most out of his players, taking the Brews to a record tying 3rd consecutive American Association Pennant. The pugnacious manager’s style garnered respect in the league and he was a favorite of players and fans alike. Cullop was named the Sporting News Manager of the Year, his second nod in 3 years.

“Peaches” Davis/ Otto Denning
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Roy “Peaches” Davis was winless with 3 losses in Milwaukee with a 4.11 ERA in 1945.

Otto Denning was a valuable player for the Brewers in 1945, a solid anchor at 1st base all season with his .987 fielding average and with his ability to hit. He averaged a .306 BA, gathering 148 hits with 9 home runs and 92 RBI’s to boot! An aggressive player, Bill Veeck was glad to finally have him on the team, having had his eye on him prior to 1945.

Lew Flick / Don Hendrickson
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Lew “the Flash” Flick was a novelty in Milwaukee. This team was used to “muscle men” on the squad, but his speed helped the team in the field and on the base paths. The 1945 American Association batting champ led the league in hitting with 215 base hits in 575 at bats for a .374 batting average. He hit 11 out of the park with 92 runs batted in. He had 12 stolen bases and fielded a .982 average in the outfield.

Don Hendrickson was a solid pitcher for Milwaukee. Manager Nick Cullop used him as a model for the younger pitchers during spring training. The veteran had a 2.72 ERA and a 8-2 record over 106 innings pitched before deservedly moving up to the Boston Braves in July.

Ed Kobesky / Carl Lindquist
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee had high hopes for outfielder Ed Kobesky, but he hit a disappointing .189 for the Brews, appearing in 57 games.

Pitcher Carl Lindquist went 8-5 in 186 innings for Milwaukee in 1945.

Jack McGillen / Gene Nance
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Jack McGillen went 1-1 for Milwaukee in his 32 inning stint with the Brewers.

3rd baseman Gene Nance led the league with 106 RBI, batting a solid .317.
He collected 179 hits in 564 at bats. 17 of them were home runs.

Bill Norman / Joe Rullo
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

“Coach” Norman’s other job in 1945 had him in the outfield as a part timer.
In his 53 games with Milwaukee he hit .236 before being sold to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the International League in July.

2nd sacker Joe “the Barber” Rullo collected 133 in 475 at bats for a .280 average while with Milwaukee in 1945.

Owen Scheetz / Floyd Speer
Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Owen Scheetz was the Milwaukee mound ace in 1945 hurling a 19-8 record with 20 complete games. He had a stingy 1.95 ERA against his American Association opponents for the year.

Floyd Speer was a major leaguer with the White Sox in 1944. He had an assortment of pitches with good speed on his fastball. He tallied a 12-8 record in 182 innings for Milwaukee in the 1945 season.

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Postcard
(Author’s Collection)

An interesting patch can be seen on the left sleeve of 3 of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1945 Milwaukee Brewers team photograph. Mike Ulisney top row far right, Arky Biggs, middle row 2nd from right and Johnny Price-front row left next to Rudy Schaffer, all wear the “ruptured duck” patch on their game uniforms. The patch showed that they served their country honorably in World War II.

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
(Replica-Author’s Collection)

Some returning baseball players chose to wear this “Ruptured Duck” insignia patch on their uniforms. The Golden Eagle upon a military green background was representative of the pin and patch worn by returning serviceman to indicate their honorable discharge.

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
Biggs and Ulisney

“Ruptured Duck” Baseball Patch
Johnny Price

Military Insignia Patch and Pin
(Author’s Collection)

The patch and pin were issued to service personnel who were about to leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It allowed them to continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. Soldiers thought the eagle looked more like a duck and because it meant they were going home, the popular saying was, “They took off like a Ruptured Duck”…hence the nickname.

1945 American Association Champions
(Author’s Collection)

Nick Cullop’s Milwaukee Brewers were picked to barely escape the 2nd division before the start of 1945. The scrappy makeshift wartime Brewers team had something to prove and they did, finishing the season on top with a record of 93-61.

Milwaukee led the league in hitting and got an outstanding performance from batting champion Lew Flick who belted 215 hits with a .374 batting average. Veteran Arky Biggs came through with a .320 batting average while 3rd baseman Gene Nance batted .317 with 106 RBI’s. “Handyman” Otto Denning contributed a solid .306 batting average.

Infielder Arky Biggs at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s starting pitching was solid with Owen Scheetz leading the American Association with a 19-8 record including 20 complete games out of 25 starts. Bill Davis went 15-4, Julio Acosta finished the season at 15-10 with Don Hendrickson pitching in at 8-2 and Floyd Speer 12-8.

Pitcher Owen Scheetz at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

As with last year, the Milwaukee Brewers would open the first round of the playoffs against the 3rd place Louisville Colonels.
Milwaukee lost the home opener 9-1 as everything went wrong for the Brews. Julio Acosta pitched well for the first 3 innings scattering a pair of hits, but he melted down in inning 4 allowing 7 runs in that frame.
Larry Rosenthal saved them from being shut out with a home run in the 6th inning.
The champs were dejected after the loss, but manager Cullop reminded them it was only the first game.

Pitcher Julio Acosta at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

The vanquished became the vindicated as game 2 was won in 11 innings by Julio Acosta. Milwaukee bounced back with a 4-3 victory. Acosta came in the 10th inning with the game tied at 3-3 to relieve Owen Scheetz. Acosta reached base on an error in the 11th inning and Johnny Price tripled the pitcher home to even the series at a game apiece.

Game 3 went to Louisville as the hero of game 2, Johnny Price became the goat. Four errors were committed by the shortstop. The first three were harmless for the Brews, but number 4 opened the door in 9th inning. 2 runs scored and the Brewers went down 2 games to 1 in the series.

In game 4, the “papier mache” defense and anemic hitting led to a 7-2 loss. Two errors in the 2nd inning led to their demise, Louisville scoring 4 times that inning. The champs had their backs to the wall down 3 games to 1.

Chiding his players for their lackadaisical performance before the game seemed to spark some life into the Brewers in game 5. After Hipper’s dressing down, they overcame a bad start. Milwaukee, with Julio Acosta pitching, hung on for the 6-4 victory.

Pitcher Floyd Speer at Borchert Field
(Author’s Collection)

Manager Cullop shook up his lineup for game 6, replacing Johnny Price at short with Arky Biggs taking over that position. An ill Otto Denning, in spite of a sore throat came back to play at first. The Brewers were out hit 16-8 but the game was tied going into the 10th inning. Floyd Speer gave up two singles (one of them because he failed to cover first base). The next batter tried to sacrifice but it led to a force out. A single loaded the bases with only one out. The next hitter flied out to Arky Biggs for the 2nd out, but Louisville’s Frank “Chick” Genovese drove in the winning run with a single.

As with Casey Stengel’s 1944 squad last year, Cullop’s Brews lost to Louisville 4 games to 2. Milwaukee was out of the playoffs after one round for the 3rd straight year.
After his team led the league in batting, Cullop was unable to explain the lack of hitting in the playoff series.
Unlike his predecessors, he took it hard. Bill Veeck told him not to be upset by the loss, but Cullop did NOT like to lose.

1945 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

On October 26, 1945 the Bill Veeck era came to an end when he sold his interest in the Milwaukee Brewers to Chicago attorney Oscar Salenger. Bill Veeck was reported to have tried to sell to local investors, but his desire to join his ill wife in Arizona induced him to finalize the deal with Salenger quickly. Rudy Schaffer was quickly elected President to succeed his former boss. Immediately, Shaffer and Manager Nick Cullop moved on to the job of improving the Milwaukee Brewer squad for 1946.

Veeck Turns over Ownership of the
Brews to Oscar Salenger
(Author’s Collection)

Bill Veeck would not be away from baseball for long. His story was just beginning.

William Veeck Jr.’s short time in Milwaukee (1941-1945) left a lasting imprint on the city. He believed in Milwaukee as a Big League baseball town. He proved that if you fielded a quality team, the fans of this city would support them.

In September, he cautioned the fans at the end of the season that you could not expect a pennant every year. Baseball just didn’t work that way, especially with the constant changes in the minor leagues.

Veeck took over a team in trouble in 1941. By 1942 he just missed coming in 1st. The Milwaukee Brewers under his leadership captured 3 consecutive pennants in 1943, 1944 and 1945.
In spite of his cautioning about lofty expectations, his record speaks for itself.

After his departure at the end of the 1945 season, the Milwaukee Brewers would continue to be a very competitive and exciting team. In the next 7 seasons they would finish in the 1st division for all but two of those years.
They would go on to win 2 more American Association pennants (1951, 1952) and twice win the Little World Series. (1947, 1951).

What he began would continue …

Thanks Bill!

Stay tuned for
Vintage Brew
Volume 4
in 2011

Before “Jolting” a certain New York Yankee
back to reality on July 17, 1941…
the hometown fans already knew that Kenny Keltner was destined for stardom…

“1937”
From Bay View, to Borchert Field & Beyond …
Ken Keltner

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Kenneth Frederick Keltner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 31, 1916.
He spent most of his young life with beautiful Lake Michigan as his backyard, in the quiet neighborhood of Bay View.

Lake Michigan at South Shore Park

Young Kenny Keltner attended grade school in his neighborhood at nearby Trowbridge Elementary School and later, Boys Technical High School.
In the days before television and other modern day distractions, baseball was a very popular activity occupying a young boy’s time, all across America.

Bay View’s Trowbridge School

Ken Keltner was no exception, in fact, he learned early on that he was pretty darned good at it. Soon, playing ball was all he wanted to do, as a result, he gave up on high school to pursue his love of baseball.

1932 Gerber Morticians-Ken Keltner Front Row 3rd from left
(Sand Lot Baseball – George Reimann)

Ken Keltner began his sand lot baseball career in 1932 while playing shortstop for the Gerber Morticians in the Midget League (under 18 years of age).
1933 found the young right hander playing with the Hebein Drugs team. In 1934 his Justright team won the Major A championship, thanks in part to his .413 batting average.
In 1935 Keltner advanced to Major AA ball with the Sanders Clothiers, hitting .402 for them.
An energized Kenny Keltner could not get enough of baseball and found some spare time to enjoy playing softball on the side.

Like another Milwaukean, Chet Laabs, who played sand lot ball 3 years prior to Keltner, his hitting ability caught the eye of the ever present Milwaukee Brewers scouts. The American Association Brewers were always prospecting for hidden treasures at the neighborhood diamonds in those days.

In 1935, Keltner was brought to Borchert field by umpire, Hal O’Brien (Schiefelbein) to meet his friend, Milwaukee Brewers manager Al Sothoron. After watching Kenny play, “Old Fidge” was sold on the youngster.
It didn’t take too long for Sothoron to convince the youngster to give up softball and to concentrate on his hardball skills, with Milwaukee of course.

A rare glimpse into this world of scouting can be viewed in correspondence dated August 15th, 1935. Milwaukee Brewers President Harry (Heine) Bendinger wrote a letter to the Detroit Tigers’ Frank Navin, which included this very interesting post script comment on their latest discovery, Ken Keltner.

“These alleged baseball experts of ours here in Milwaukee are running around like wild for the past week. Reason: They say they have another local sand lot boy that is a find. Al says he hits them as hard as Laabs.”

1935 Milwaukee Brewers Correspondence
(Author’s Collection )

The 6 foot Keltner was signed to a contract by the Milwaukee Brewers and was assigned to play for the Fieldale Towlers of Virginia in 1936, a class D team in the Bi-State League.
Fieldale was managed by Joseph Guyon and Richard (Red) Smith. The 19 year old from Bay View, Wisconsin did not disappoint his handlers. He had a spectacular year with the Towlers.
He gathered 175 hits in his 486 at bats while playing in 118 games for the Fieldale team. Keltner’s average was .360 with 118 runs batted in. His power as a hitter was evident as he stroked 37 doubles, 17 triples and 32 round trippers for a slugging percentage of .683. He played 3rd base and shortstop and compiled a .943 fielding average. The Milwaukee Brewers wanted a closer look at him for 1937.

Spring Training Begins

Ken Keltner set out for spring training in 1937 to begin workouts in Fieldale. After two weeks there, he was expected to report with the other infielders and outfielders to the Milwaukee Brewers spring training camp in Biloxi Mississippi by March 21st.

Keltner and Brewers Teammates Amid the Wysteria
Spring Training in Biloxi (Author’s Collection)

An eager Ken Keltner surprised everyone by showing up a week early.
Brewers Manager Al Sothoron had intended to try out the youngster at 1st base, but after talking with Red Smith, Sothoron soon changed his mind and would use him elsewhere.
Besides being a capable 3rd baseman at Fieldale, Smith advised Sothoron:

“Keltner is destined to develop into a greater hitter than Laabs.”

Smith was in camp to assist Sothoron during spring training. He managed Fieldale for the Brewers last year and would be managing Hopkinsville of the Kitty League for 1937.
Hopkinsville picked up the remnants of the Fieldale team after dissolution of the Bi-State League according to the Sporting News.
Smith had an extensive baseball career and was considered a “keen judge of young players.”

In opening drills, the “Bay View Larruper” was tried out in center field.
A bright sun seemed to challenge Keltner that day, but he did well enough for Sothoron to continue the experiment in the outfield.
Milwaukee’s outfield was questionable this spring for the Brewers, with an injured Jack Kloza hoping to make a comeback.
Sothoron planned on giving the 20 year old a lot of attention and wanted to try him out in several positions while he was in camp.
When working out at 3rd base, he moved and fielded the grounders like he had been there all his life.

Spring Training – Keltner Leaps
(Author’s Collection)

It didn’t take long for him to be noticed. The “promising youngster” was showing “class” at bat and in the field and talk was that he would be challenging holdout veteran Lin Storti for his position at 3rd base.
In his first game of the spring season, Keltner had a good day.
At bat he went 1 for 4 with 2 put outs in a 4-3 victory over the 1936 National League title holders, the New York Giants.
He had one error due on a bad hop.

Spring Training – Keltner Digs One Out
(Author’s Collection)

Keltner was a very hot prospect and several teams expressed interest in him. Milwaukee considered the offers, but the Brewers needed more than the cash offered, they needed players. They knew Ken Keltner would be worth a lot more if they waited.
His being a home grown boy was also a big plus and they expected him to boost attendance at Borchert Field.
Manager Sothoron was also practical. He felt that as good as Keltner was, he wasn’t going to rush him. If he needed more seasoning, he was ready to send him to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 1937 season. As it turned out, Pelican manager Larry Gilbert was satisfied with his team and he didn’t need him.

The Bay View boy would be returning home with the Milwaukee Brewers ball club. Opening day was set for April 16, against the Saint Paul Saints.
With outfielder Jack Kloza’s rehab not working out and the loss of outfield prospect Tom Henrich to the Yankees ( by virtue of Baseball Commissioner Landis’ decision), Ken Keltner would greet his Milwaukee fans as their starting left fielder.

Spring Training – Keltner Fires to First
(Author’s Collection)

The Season Begins

Even though the Milwaukee Brewers were the reigning American Association champions, most doubted that they would finish in the 1st division. Milwaukee had lost too many of their key players from the 1936 team.
The Brewers hitting was weakened by the loss of both Chet Laabs and slugger Rudy York, both of them graduating to the major leagues.
“Big and Little Dynamite” had produced most of the Brewers power last year.
The Brews suffered heavy losses to their pitching staff too. Gone were Luke Hamlin, Joe Heving and Clyde Hatter, who won a combined 54 games for the AA champions last year.
Only Forest “Tot” Pressnell (19-9) remained from last year’s starters.
The catching corps seemed to be in good hands with veteran Bill Brenzel and Hank Helf who had replaced George Detore.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

8,700 Borchert Field fans greeted Ken Keltner and the Milwaukee Brewers on April 16th.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecards
(Author’s Collection)

It proved to be a good opening game for both the Brewers and for Keltner, as the left fielder went 2 for 5 with 2 put outs in a 10-5 blow out of the “Apostles.”

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard-vs Saint Paul
Milwaukee lineup April 1937
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee would go on a early season tear, and leave the rest of the league behind.

Ken Keltner would be a big factor for Milwaukee’s breakout success in 1937.

Keltner Watches One Soar
(Author’s Collection)

Keltner’s continued his hard hitting, with 3 base hits on Monday April 19th giving him 6 for 14 at bats in the first 4 games of the young season.
He hit a triple to start off the scoring against the Minneapolis Millers, driving in teammate Frenchy Uhalt. The Brewers went on to win 8-7 against the early season favorites.

On May 7th, Gullic and Keltner, the “Home Run Twins” helped Tot Pressnell win against the Indianapolis Indians 5-4.
Ted Gullic hit one out of the park and Keltner did him one better by blasting 2 home runs over the left field wall.

Sunday May 9, Milwaukee played a double header against Toledo, winning both ends for their 7th straight league win and the 11th straight home victory (The streak was at 19 games in a row counting last years playoffs).
Keltner hit a triple, double and two singles, just the home run shy of the cycle in game one. The Brewers were 15-4 and solidly on top of the American Association.

On May 12th the Brews defeated the Red Birds 6-5 for their 9th in a row, their 13th consecutive at Borchert Field.

The streak finally ran aground at 12 games, with Milwaukee losing the 2nd game of a double header to Indianapolis May 17th.

The Milwaukee Brewers fans were ecstatic. After the first month of the 1937 campaign, visions of 1936 were dancing in their heads. Hometown hero Ken Keltner was batting at a lofty .360 average. In spite of the preseason doomsayers, the 1937 Brewers seemed to be unstoppable.
As of May 21 the first place Milwaukee Brewers had a record of 22-6.

Hello? Was that a noise I heard? Something scraping, a ping, no a rattle, maybe a squeak, a disturbing vibration. Did you hear it?

Yes, Milwaukee, the wheels were about to fall off the Brewers victory train and Ken Keltner was about to stumble along with them.

Just as fast as they rose, the Milwaukee Brewers went into a sickening nose dive, a losing streak of 11 straight games. By June 10th, the Milwaukee Brewers had fallen out of first place, a position they had held on to since August 4th, 1936.
But the precipitous drop didn’t stop there.
While Ken Keltner saw his batting average fall below the .300 level, the losses kept coming for the Brewers.
By the time June 21st rolled around, the Brews were down to 4th place with a record of 29-28.

Where would it end?

The Milwaukee Journal’s June 26th Box score pleaded:

“SAND THE RAILS !”

While the Nation was focused on the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart, lost somewhere in the Pacific,
Milwaukee fans were concerned with their Brewers, who were now lost in the American Association’s 2nd division.

Milwaukee crashed into 6th place by the 4th of July, and Keltner’s batting average went thump, as it fell below .270!

Falling out of the first division was extremely traumatic for the fans after their Championship year in 1936.
The great start this year convinced them that 1937 was going to be more of the same.
The upset fans began criticizing the team, knowing that if something wasn’t done soon…the season would be over.
Management agreed. Having tried many adjustments during the slump, resulting in little success, it was time for a change.
In a major shake up, Friday July 9th, the Brewers gave up on Jim Shilling and Eddie Hope at 2nd base and returned Lin Storti to the keystone sack, where he played part of last season.
Ken Keltner was moved to 3rd base. Ted Gullic took over in left field.

Teammates: Eddie Hope, Ted Gullic , Ken Keltner
(Author’s Collection)

The “Sanded Rails” seemed to be working for the Milwaukee Brewers, slowing their descent.
The Brews swept Minneapolis Millers in a double header victory at Borchert Field Sunday the July 11th. 8-7 in game one and a 12-2 trouncing in game 2.
3rd baseman Keltner was held 0-4 in game one but came back to hit 3-4 in the second with 3 RBIs.
The Brewers repeated their double header magic against the St. Louis Blues July 18th.
Winning a marathon 15 inning game 9-8 on Lin Storti’s double. Keltner batting 8 times in game one with a homer and 2 singles.
The 43-44 Brewers had moved up into 5th place.

The Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted opined that the season was pretty much lost for the Brewers with 4th place being the highest they could achieve. He advised the Brewers to start looking toward rebuilding their squad for the 1938 season. The Brewers had some cash to spend and needed to bolster the “weak spots.”
Both Keltner and Pressnell were mentioned as being of interest to the major leagues, but he didn’t feel they would garner the Brewers much in cash or players.

After the Saint Paul Saints hammered the Brewers 14-4 in the opener of a 5 game series July 23rd, Milwaukee’s double header mastery helped them bounce back again, as the Brews double teamed the “Apostles” 11-7 in the opener and nipping them in the night cap, 6-5.
Keltner enjoyed a 6-8 evening in the twin bill.

By August, Milwaukee was turning it around with a maturing Ken Keltner returning to his early season form at the plate.
Another double duty victory was had at the expense of the Indianapolis Indians Sunday August 1st at Borchert Field.
Ken Keltner belting out 6 hits in 11 at bats, moving his batting average from .306 to .314. Game one was a 19-5 crusher, followed by a 9-1 trouncing. The Brewers were back in the first division again.

Kenny Keltner’s play was getting noticed around the league.

By April 5th, the young 3rd sacker’s batting average was at a .526 pace for his last 14 games. He had raised his 1937 average by 40 points to .315 during his 15 game hitting streak.

Sam Levy of the Milwaukee Journal touted the “moxey” of young Ken Keltner. In spite of the swarm of major league scouts who were on him constantly, all the attention failed to upset him. Instead of freezing up from the scrutiny he was getting from the “Ivory Hunters,” he gave them more “food for thought,” by playing a spectacular game on Saturday August 7th.
He joined 3 of his Milwaukee teammates, to set an American Association record. He led off with the first of what would be 4 home runs in a row. Then teammates Ted Gullic, Hank Helf and Al Milnar followed him with round trippers.
Not finished by any means, Keltner took another one out of the park in the eighth inning, defeating the Toledo Mud Hens, 10-8. Milwaukee was now solidly in 4th position with a 57-50 record.

1937 Radio Appreciation Night Team Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Everyone expected the news.

On Saturday August 28, it was officially announced by Milwaukee Brewers president Harry Bendinger and Secretary Lou Nahin, that 3rd baseman Ken Keltner was sold to the Cleveland Indians for 6 players and an unannounced amount of cash. The deal between the two teams solidified the close relationship between the two teams for another year.
There were other teams who wanted him. The New York Yankees had told Milwaukee to “write their own price tag.” The bottom line for Milwaukee was that cash was not what they needed. The New York Yankees were unable to offer as much as the Indians did with needed players.
Fans would be sad to see him go but all would agree that Ken Keltner had earned his trip to the major leagues.
After a fine first season with Fieldale, he proved his mettle and importance to the Milwaukee Brewers team by playing wherever he was needed.
Not only was he able to fill the bill in left field and replace his Milwaukee sand lot predecessor Chet Laabs, he took over at 3rd base when he was needed to take on that role for his team.

In spite of his early season slump, due in part to a sinus problem, Keltner did not lose heart. After falling off from his meteoric start, he raised his mid season batting average of .278 back into the .300s in short order. He showed great ability to hit against both right and left handed pitching, a necessary skill if one was to last in the bigs.

Not even “Ken Keltner night” activities on September 8th at Borchert Field deterred the Bay View native from business as usual. The Milwaukee Brews took another double H from the Millers that Wednesday night as the Bay View Brewers star collected 2 home runs, a Chrysler and a golf bag for his “Night” of work.

Extra Innings – The Playoffs

The Milwaukee Brewers finished the season with an 80-73 record, a solid 4th place finish, and by virtue of that finish, they made it to the post season playoffs.
Their first opponent would be the tough Toledo Mud Hens opening Tuesday September 14th, in Ohio. The Hens, (89-65) were the runner ups in 1937 and throughout the season they handled the Milwaukee 9 pretty easily. Toledo won 14 of the 22 matchups.
They were heavy favorites to defeat the Brews.
The Milwaukee Journal’s R.G. Lynch, while aware of Milwaukee’s strengths and weaknesses, was cautiously optimistic:

“The Brewers … may prove unexpectedly tough in the playoff series.”

This proved to be prophetic.

Ken Keltner Personal Model Bat
(Author’s Collection)

Behind Tot Pressnell’s “Dizzy Liz” (knuckleball), and a timely home run in the 7th inning by Bernard Bartholomew “Frenchy” Uhalt, the Brewers took game one 5-4.

Toledo evened up the series, one apiece, with a 6-5 squeaker in 10 innings in game two.
Milwaukee took a one run lead into the bottom of the inning, but Toledo’s Babe Herman
ended it with a 2 run shot off of pitcher George Blaeholder.
Ken Keltner, who was held hitless in game one, stroked a Texas League double in the first frame and scored on a Lin Storti single.

In the top of the 10th, Keltner reached on an error. He later scored on Mickey Heath’s second triple of the game.
But the tide turned quickly in the bottom half. Keltner’s low throw allowed a runner on base and up stepped the “Babe” to end it in victory for the Mud Hens.

Game 3 was all Brewers, as manager Al Sothoron’s surprise start of rookie pitcher Allan Johnson worked like a charm.
Milwaukee defeated the Mud Hens 11-4. Ken Keltner contributed with a 2 for 5 day with two RBI’s.
Next stop, Borchert field.

In Game 4, Bill Zuber and Ralph Winegarner combined to pitch a 6 hitter as Milwaukee defeated Toledo 15-6, taking a commanding lead in the playoff series 3 game to 1. Keltner chipped in with 3 put outs on a single and an RBI.

Game 5 was a slugfest with Toledo coming out on top 11-10. The two teams combined for 35 hits in the 11 inning game.

The Brewers sealed the Mudhen’s fate in Game six with a 12-3 blowout. Jeff Heath and Ken Keltner were major contributors in the clincher with 3 hits a piece.

In round one of the playoffs against Toledo, Keltner performed well. His combined statistics showed that he hit safely 8 times out of 28 at bats for a .286 batting average. He had 2 doubles, 1 home run and drove in 7 runs. In the field he had one error and 8 put outs for a fielding average of .947.

The Brewers next opponent would be the American Association champions, the Columbus Red Birds (90-64) who defeated the Minneapolis Millers in the other semi final.

Monday September 20th was a rest day for Milwaukee. Like in the previous round, the Brewers would be on the road to open the series in Ohio.

Game 1 went to the Red Birds by a score of 7-3. The Brewers bats were virtually silent with only 3 hits for the loss.
A double by Jeff Heath, followed by home runs by Lin Storti and Ted Gullic put the otherwise anemic Brews on the board. Only one batter got on base the last 6 innings off of Columbus pitcher Mort Cooper.

Game 2 wasn’t much better for the Brewers as they got shut down again in a 5 hitter 3-2.

With their backs against the wall and trying to salvage a win in Columbus, Game 3 was all Milwaukee pitcher Ralph Winegarner. The Brewers right hander had a no hitter going into the final inning. He finished the game with a 2 hit 3-0 shutout.
Ralph even broke the deadlocked game open in the 8th inning by launching a lead off home run himself.
They scored two more insurance runs in the inning. One of them was a line drive home run by Ken Keltner, a 375 foot line drive over the left field bleachers. Keltner who was hitless in the series, went 2-4 for the day.

The series mercifully moved to Milwaukee Saturday, September 24th, but lack of hitting again was the curse for the Borchert Brewers who lost the game 2-0.
The Red Birds pitcher, Max Macon scattered the 6 Milwaukee hits in the shut out. The Brewers were facing elimination as they were down 3 games to 1 in the series.

Expecting an easy kill in Game 5, the Columbus team heckled the Brewers before the contest with “We’ve got our railroad tickets for Newark,” boasts, a reference to the upcoming Little World Series which would go to the victor.
As always, It is NOT a good thing for a team to publicly belittle an opponent. Milwaukee was no exception, as the angry Brewers won the game.
Mickey Heath knocked the wind out of the Columbus sails with an 8th inning blast over the right field fence. The “dissed” Brewers plucked the Birds, 6-5, tightening the race, 2 games to 3.

The better team won according to Brewers skipper Al Sothoron and the Columbus “flock” flew off victoriously after beating the Brewers 10-4 in game 6. The triumphant and “cocky” Red Birds went on to lose the Little World Series to Newark, 4 games to 3.

Rare Tin 1937 Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers seemed to have run out of steam in their series with the Columbus Red Birds.
As a team, their hitting failed to materialize. A paltry .213 batting average clearly showed the reason for failure. The Red Birds by comparison hit .283.
By contrast, the Brewers team hit for a .319 average against the Toledo Mud Hens.

While the Brewers could not repeat their success of 1936, they showed guts and a fighting spirit.
They could have panicked and lost it all when the wheels were threatening to fall off after a great start. The team showed its character by hanging in there and finishing well.

Young Ken Keltner exemplified this hanging tough.
After an explosive start, he had to deal with a slump, partially caused by a sinus problem and probably just part of his maturing into a ball player.
He did not quit. He was poised and unflappable and he would soon show his ability and “Moxie” at the major league level in 1938.
Ken Keltner finished 1937 with a batting average of .310, with 170 hits in 549 at bats in the 142 games he played.
He had 26 doubles, 5 triples and 27 home runs and 96 RBI’s.

He did lead the American Association with 92 strike outs in 1937.
Not too bad for the 20 year old when one compares him to 2002 All Star Jose Hernandez of the “major league” Milwaukee Brewers.
Jose benched himself rather than risking embarrassment, as he was near setting an all time record for whiffs that year.
In spite of his “benching” Jose still had 188 fans in 525 at bats for his 152 games played for the Major League Milwaukee Brewers.

Ken Keltner Signed Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

Ken Keltner spent 13* years in the major leagues from 1937-1950. All but 1950 was spent with the Cleveland Indians. (*He had a single at bat with Cleveland in 1937)

From the beginning, any worries that the 21 year old Keltner would not be ready for prime time in the majors was quickly put to rest.
The rookie put together a stellar first season as one of the best of the league’s new faces in the game.
He hit .276 with 26 homers and 113 runs batted in for his first year with the team.

Rookie Keltner 1938 Press Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Ken Keltner became one of the best 3rd basemen in baseball. He was an exceptional fielder as well as being a dangerous hitter.
Many still argue that the 7 time All Star belongs in the baseball Hall of Fame.
He was an important part of the Cleveland Indians team throughout the 1940s.
His contributions were crucial in Cleveland’s drive to the World Series in 1948.

Ken Keltner Signed Exhibit Card
(Author’s Collection)

In his 13 seasons in the majors, Ken Keltner had a batting average of .276.
He had 1570 base hits, 308 doubles, 69 triples, 163 home runs and 853 runs batted in.
Defensively he had a career fielding average of .947.

Ken Keltner At the Plate
(Author’s Collection)

The Cleveland Indians released Ken Keltner on April 18, 1950 and he was signed as a free agent by the Boston Red Sox. Keltner’s play was limited to just 13 games while with the Sox. Boston released him June 6th the same year.

He wrapped up his baseball career with the Pacific Coast League’s Sacramento Solons in 1951.

Ken Keltner Boston Red Sox
(Author’s Collection)

” July 17, 1941 “

Much has been written about the day “The Streak” ended and Ken Keltner’s role in ending it. Instead of adding my version to the many already out there, I think it is sufficient to let those who were there speak about it. Suffice it to say, the streak ended with the New York Yankees outfielder failing to get a hit in his 4 times at bat that day. Two of the outs were handled by the Cleveland Indians’ 3rd baseman, Ken Keltner.

Goudey R 303 Premiums & Signed Joe DiMaggio Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Hall of Famer and Cleveland Indians 2nd baseman, Lou Boudreau also accounted for one of DiMaggio’s outs that day:

“In the first inning, DiMaggio pulled a low inside curve down the line at 3rd that Keltner backhanded and, with his strong arm, nipped Joe at first by half a step. ”
“Then in the seventh, when the Yankees went ahead 2-1, DiMaggio did it again and so did Keltner. Joe hit another shot down the line. Keltner backhanded the ball behind the bag, just as he did in the first inning, and again his throw to first was on the mark and in time.”

“He was a real professional, one of the best third basemen, I’ve ever seen and, in my opinion, one who also belongs in the Hall of Fame.”

One of baseball’s finest pitchers, Hall of Famer “Rapid” Robert Feller has high praise for his teammate:

“Keltner was simply the best in the American League.
He could go to his right better than anyone and had a great great arm. “

“Ken Keltner …stopped Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak at 56 consecutive games with two of the greatest stops anyone ever saw. But Kenny did a lot more in 13 years as one of the best players in the American League, and one of the best teammates a guy could ask for.”

John Sturm played first base for the 1941 New York Yankees :

“I knew Keltner when he was with Milwaukee.
He had a terrific arm and he was a helluva good fielder.
He was a great big league ball player, that Keltner.”

Joe DiMaggio – New York Yankees

“One of the best in the business at protecting the foul line is Ken Keltner.
He can backhand a ball hit down the line as skillfully as any third baseman I have ever seen.
In fact, I have a particular reason to remember Ken because when my hitting streak of fifty-six straight games was broken in a night game in Cleveland in 1941, he made two stops on balls I hit over the bag which I thought were sure two-baggers when they left the bat.”

Ken Keltner – Cleveland Indians

In his book, Streak, Michael Seidel relates to us Keltner’s point of view.
When asking Keltner about why he positioned himself the way he did against DiMaggio, Seidel explains:

“…he figured that to get an extra step’s worth of time because of the damp field; he also wanted to hold any hit that got past him to a single. He wasn’t thinking about DiMaggio’s streak but about the Indians attempt … to challenge the Yankees … in the pennant race.

After the game, Keltner was not happy about losing and snapped at the reporters “that DiMaggio hit ’em and he caught ’em.”

When asked about which ball was the toughest to handle, Keltner told Seidel:

“They were pretty much in the same place, the throws were more difficult than the stops, and the throws were identical.
I had to put something on them, and the plays at first were both very close.”

Ken Keltner Pennant
American Nut & Chocolate Company
(Author’s Collection)

On the 50 anniversary of the hitting streak, a bronze statue was unveiled at National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Ken Keltner was brought in from a convalescent home in Wisconsin for the ceremony.

Spotting Keltner, DiMaggio asked:

“What the hell is he doing here?”

Keltner, with cane in hand, approached Joe and shook hands.

“You know, Kenny, you were lucky it rained that morning, you never would have stopped those balls.”

Keltner had to be smiling as he hobbled away…

Ken Keltner Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

In a SABR Chapter meeting on March 6, 2002, Ken Keltner’s eldest son Randy was asked if his dad was tired of hearing about the DiMaggio streak? Randy said:

“He loved it!”

On December 12, 1991, Milwaukee’s 7 time All Star
Kenneth Frederick Keltner passed away.

Humboldt Park, Facing South Pine Ave.
(Near Keltner’s Residence in Bay View)

In 1999 the baseball diamond in Humboldt Park where Keltner had played as a youth, was renamed Ken Keltner Field according to author James Nitz in his Society for American Baseball Research biography on Ken Keltner.

Like Jim Nitz, I am very proud to be a member of the Ken Keltner Badger Chapter of SABR that bears his name.

Ken Keltner Field
Humboldt Park – Milwaukee Wisconsin

Before “Jolting” a certain New York Yankee
back to reality on July 17, 1941…
the hometown fans already knew that Kenny Keltner was destined for stardom…

“1937”
From Bay View, to Borchert Field & Beyond …
Ken Keltner

By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Kenneth Frederick Keltner was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 31, 1916.
He spent most of his young life with beautiful Lake Michigan as his backyard, in the quiet neighborhood of Bay View.

Lake Michigan at South Shore Park

Young Kenny Keltner attended grade school in his neighborhood at nearby Trowbridge Elementary School and later, Boys Technical High School.
In the days before television and other modern day distractions, baseball was a very popular activity occupying a young boy’s time, all across America.

Bay View’s Trowbridge School

Ken Keltner was no exception, in fact, he learned early on that he was pretty darned good at it. Soon, playing ball was all he wanted to do, as a result, he gave up on high school to pursue his love of baseball.

1932 Gerber Morticians-Ken Keltner Front Row 3rd from left
(Sand Lot Baseball – George Reimann)

Ken Keltner began his sand lot baseball career in 1932 while playing shortstop for the Gerber Morticians in the Midget League (under 18 years of age).
1933 found the young right hander playing with the Hebein Drugs team. In 1934 his Justright team won the Major A championship, thanks in part to his .413 batting average.
In 1935 Keltner advanced to Major AA ball with the Sanders Clothiers, hitting .402 for them.
An energized Kenny Keltner could not get enough of baseball and found some spare time to enjoy playing softball on the side.

Like another Milwaukean, Chet Laabs, who played sand lot ball 3 years prior to Keltner, his hitting ability caught the eye of the ever present Milwaukee Brewers scouts. The American Association Brewers were always prospecting for hidden treasures at the neighborhood diamonds in those days.

In 1935, Keltner was brought to Borchert field by umpire, Hal O’Brien (Schiefelbein) to meet his friend, Milwaukee Brewers manager Al Sothoron. After watching Kenny play, “Old Fidge” was sold on the youngster.
It didn’t take too long for Sothoron to convince the youngster to give up softball and to concentrate on his hardball skills, with Milwaukee of course.

A rare glimpse into this world of scouting can be viewed in correspondence dated August 15th, 1935. Milwaukee Brewers President Harry (Heine) Bendinger wrote a letter to the Detroit Tigers’ Frank Navin, which included this very interesting post script comment on their latest discovery, Ken Keltner.

“These alleged baseball experts of ours here in Milwaukee are running around like wild for the past week. Reason: They say they have another local sand lot boy that is a find. Al says he hits them as hard as Laabs.”

1935 Milwaukee Brewers Correspondence
(Author’s Collection )

The 6 foot Keltner was signed to a contract by the Milwaukee Brewers and was assigned to play for the Fieldale Towlers of Virginia in 1936, a class D team in the Bi-State League.
Fieldale was managed by Joseph Guyon and Richard (Red) Smith. The 19 year old from Bay View, Wisconsin did not disappoint his handlers. He had a spectacular year with the Towlers.
He gathered 175 hits in his 486 at bats while playing in 118 games for the Fieldale team. Keltner’s average was .360 with 118 runs batted in. His power as a hitter was evident as he stroked 37 doubles, 17 triples and 32 round trippers for a slugging percentage of .683. He played 3rd base and shortstop and compiled a .943 fielding average. The Milwaukee Brewers wanted a closer look at him for 1937.

Spring Training Begins

Ken Keltner set out for spring training in 1937 to begin workouts in Fieldale. After two weeks there, he was expected to report with the other infielders and outfielders to the Milwaukee Brewers spring training camp in Biloxi Mississippi by March 21st.

Keltner and Brewers Teammates Amid the Wysteria
Spring Training in Biloxi (Author’s Collection)

An eager Ken Keltner surprised everyone by showing up a week early.
Brewers Manager Al Sothoron had intended to try out the youngster at 1st base, but after talking with Red Smith, Sothoron soon changed his mind and would use him elsewhere.
Besides being a capable 3rd baseman at Fieldale, Smith advised Sothoron:

“Keltner is destined to develop into a greater hitter than Laabs.”

Smith was in camp to assist Sothoron during spring training. He managed Fieldale for the Brewers last year and would be managing Hopkinsville of the Kitty League for 1937.
Hopkinsville picked up the remnants of the Fieldale team after dissolution of the Bi-State League according to the Sporting News.
Smith had an extensive baseball career and was considered a “keen judge of young players.”

In opening drills, the “Bay View Larruper” was tried out in center field.
A bright sun seemed to challenge Keltner that day, but he did well enough for Sothoron to continue the experiment in the outfield.
Milwaukee’s outfield was questionable this spring for the Brewers, with an injured Jack Kloza hoping to make a comeback.
Sothoron planned on giving the 20 year old a lot of attention and wanted to try him out in several positions while he was in camp.
When working out at 3rd base, he moved and fielded the grounders like he had been there all his life.

Spring Training – Keltner Leaps
(Author’s Collection)

It didn’t take long for him to be noticed. The “promising youngster” was showing “class” at bat and in the field and talk was that he would be challenging holdout veteran Lin Storti for his position at 3rd base.
In his first game of the spring season, Keltner had a good day.
At bat he went 1 for 4 with 2 put outs in a 4-3 victory over the 1936 National League title holders, the New York Giants.
He had one error due on a bad hop.

Spring Training – Keltner Digs One Out
(Author’s Collection)

Keltner was a very hot prospect and several teams expressed interest in him. Milwaukee considered the offers, but the Brewers needed more than the cash offered, they needed players. They knew Ken Keltner would be worth a lot more if they waited.
His being a home grown boy was also a big plus and they expected him to boost attendance at Borchert Field.
Manager Sothoron was also practical. He felt that as good as Keltner was, he wasn’t going to rush him. If he needed more seasoning, he was ready to send him to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 1937 season. As it turned out, Pelican manager Larry Gilbert was satisfied with his team and he didn’t need him.

The Bay View boy would be returning home with the Milwaukee Brewers ball club. Opening day was set for April 16, against the Saint Paul Saints.
With outfielder Jack Kloza’s rehab not working out and the loss of outfield prospect Tom Henrich to the Yankees ( by virtue of Baseball Commissioner Landis’ decision), Ken Keltner would greet his Milwaukee fans as their starting left fielder.

Spring Training – Keltner Fires to First
(Author’s Collection)

The Season Begins

Even though the Milwaukee Brewers were the reigning American Association champions, most doubted that they would finish in the 1st division. Milwaukee had lost too many of their key players from the 1936 team.
The Brewers hitting was weakened by the loss of both Chet Laabs and slugger Rudy York, both of them graduating to the major leagues.
“Big and Little Dynamite” had produced most of the Brewers power last year.
The Brews suffered heavy losses to their pitching staff too. Gone were Luke Hamlin, Joe Heving and Clyde Hatter, who won a combined 54 games for the AA champions last year.
Only Forest “Tot” Pressnell (19-9) remained from last year’s starters.
The catching corps seemed to be in good hands with veteran Bill Brenzel and Hank Helf who had replaced George Detore.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

8,700 Borchert Field fans greeted Ken Keltner and the Milwaukee Brewers on April 16th.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecards
(Author’s Collection)

It proved to be a good opening game for both the Brewers and for Keltner, as the left fielder went 2 for 5 with 2 put outs in a 10-5 blow out of the “Apostles.”

1937 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard-vs Saint Paul
Milwaukee lineup April 1937
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee would go on a early season tear, and leave the rest of the league behind.

Ken Keltner would be a big factor for Milwaukee’s breakout success in 1937.

Keltner Watches One Soar
(Author’s Collection)

Keltner’s continued his hard hitting, with 3 base hits on Monday April 19th giving him 6 for 14 at bats in the first 4 games of the young season.
He hit a triple to start off the scoring against the Minneapolis Millers, driving in teammate Frenchy Uhalt. The Brewers went on to win 8-7 against the early season favorites.

On May 7th, Gullic and Keltner, the “Home Run Twins” helped Tot Pressnell win against the Indianapolis Indians 5-4.
Ted Gullic hit one out of the park and Keltner did him one better by blasting 2 home runs over the left field wall.

Sunday May 9, Milwaukee played a double header against Toledo, winning both ends for their 7th straight league win and the 11th straight home victory (The streak was at 19 games in a row counting last years playoffs).
Keltner hit a triple, double and two singles, just the home run shy of the cycle in game one. The Brewers were 15-4 and solidly on top of the American Association.

On May 12th the Brews defeated the Red Birds 6-5 for their 9th in a row, their 13th consecutive at Borchert Field.

The streak finally ran aground at 12 games, with Milwaukee losing the 2nd game of a double header to Indianapolis May 17th.

The Milwaukee Brewers fans were ecstatic. After the first month of the 1937 campaign, visions of 1936 were dancing in their heads. Hometown hero Ken Keltner was batting at a lofty .360 average. In spite of the preseason doomsayers, the 1937 Brewers seemed to be unstoppable.
As of May 21 the first place Milwaukee Brewers had a record of 22-6.

Hello? Was that a noise I heard? Something scraping, a ping, no a rattle, maybe a squeak, a disturbing vibration. Did you hear it?

Yes, Milwaukee, the wheels were about to fall off the Brewers victory train and Ken Keltner was about to stumble along with them.

Just as fast as they rose, the Milwaukee Brewers went into a sickening nose dive, a losing streak of 11 straight games. By June 10th, the Milwaukee Brewers had fallen out of first place, a position they had held on to since August 4th, 1936.
But the precipitous drop didn’t stop there.
While Ken Keltner saw his batting average fall below the .300 level, the losses kept coming for the Brewers.
By the time June 21st rolled around, the Brews were down to 4th place with a record of 29-28.

Where would it end?

The Milwaukee Journal’s June 26th Box score pleaded:

“SAND THE RAILS !”

While the Nation was focused on the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart, lost somewhere in the Pacific,
Milwaukee fans were concerned with their Brewers, who were now lost in the American Association’s 2nd division.

Milwaukee crashed into 6th place by the 4th of July, and Keltner’s batting average went thump, as it fell below .270!

Falling out of the first division was extremely traumatic for the fans after their Championship year in 1936.
The great start this year convinced them that 1937 was going to be more of the same.
The upset fans began criticizing the team, knowing that if something wasn’t done soon…the season would be over.
Management agreed. Having tried many adjustments during the slump, resulting in little success, it was time for a change.
In a major shake up, Friday July 9th, the Brewers gave up on Jim Shilling and Eddie Hope at 2nd base and returned Lin Storti to the keystone sack, where he played part of last season.
Ken Keltner was moved to 3rd base. Ted Gullic took over in left field.

Teammates: Eddie Hope, Ted Gullic , Ken Keltner
(Author’s Collection)

The “Sanded Rails” seemed to be working for the Milwaukee Brewers, slowing their descent.
The Brews swept Minneapolis Millers in a double header victory at Borchert Field Sunday the July 11th. 8-7 in game one and a 12-2 trouncing in game 2.
3rd baseman Keltner was held 0-4 in game one but came back to hit 3-4 in the second with 3 RBIs.
The Brewers repeated their double header magic against the St. Louis Blues July 18th.
Winning a marathon 15 inning game 9-8 on Lin Storti’s double. Keltner batting 8 times in game one with a homer and 2 singles.
The 43-44 Brewers had moved up into 5th place.

The Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted opined that the season was pretty much lost for the Brewers with 4th place being the highest they could achieve. He advised the Brewers to start looking toward rebuilding their squad for the 1938 season. The Brewers had some cash to spend and needed to bolster the “weak spots.”
Both Keltner and Pressnell were mentioned as being of interest to the major leagues, but he didn’t feel they would garner the Brewers much in cash or players.

After the Saint Paul Saints hammered the Brewers 14-4 in the opener of a 5 game series July 23rd, Milwaukee’s double header mastery helped them bounce back again, as the Brews double teamed the “Apostles” 11-7 in the opener and nipping them in the night cap, 6-5.
Keltner enjoyed a 6-8 evening in the twin bill.

By August, Milwaukee was turning it around with a maturing Ken Keltner returning to his early season form at the plate.
Another double duty victory was had at the expense of the Indianapolis Indians Sunday August 1st at Borchert Field.
Ken Keltner belting out 6 hits in 11 at bats, moving his batting average from .306 to .314. Game one was a 19-5 crusher, followed by a 9-1 trouncing. The Brewers were back in the first division again.

Kenny Keltner’s play was getting noticed around the league.

By April 5th, the young 3rd sacker’s batting average was at a .526 pace for his last 14 games. He had raised his 1937 average by 40 points to .315 during his 15 game hitting streak.

Sam Levy of the Milwaukee Journal touted the “moxey” of young Ken Keltner. In spite of the swarm of major league scouts who were on him constantly, all the attention failed to upset him. Instead of freezing up from the scrutiny he was getting from the “Ivory Hunters,” he gave them more “food for thought,” by playing a spectacular game on Saturday August 7th.
He joined 3 of his Milwaukee teammates, to set an American Association record. He led off with the first of what would be 4 home runs in a row. Then teammates Ted Gullic, Hank Helf and Al Milnar followed him with round trippers.
Not finished by any means, Keltner took another one out of the park in the eighth inning, defeating the Toledo Mud Hens, 10-8. Milwaukee was now solidly in 4th position with a 57-50 record.

1937 Radio Appreciation Night Team Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Everyone expected the news.

On Saturday August 28, it was officially announced by Milwaukee Brewers president Harry Bendinger and Secretary Lou Nahin, that 3rd baseman Ken Keltner was sold to the Cleveland Indians for 6 players and an unannounced amount of cash. The deal between the two teams solidified the close relationship between the two teams for another year.
There were other teams who wanted him. The New York Yankees had told Milwaukee to “write their own price tag.” The bottom line for Milwaukee was that cash was not what they needed. The New York Yankees were unable to offer as much as the Indians did with needed players.
Fans would be sad to see him go but all would agree that Ken Keltner had earned his trip to the major leagues.
After a fine first season with Fieldale, he proved his mettle and importance to the Milwaukee Brewers team by playing wherever he was needed.
Not only was he able to fill the bill in left field and replace his Milwaukee sand lot predecessor Chet Laabs, he took over at 3rd base when he was needed to take on that role for his team.

In spite of his early season slump, due in part to a sinus problem, Keltner did not lose heart. After falling off from his meteoric start, he raised his mid season batting average of .278 back into the .300s in short order. He showed great ability to hit against both right and left handed pitching, a necessary skill if one was to last in the bigs.

Not even “Ken Keltner night” activities on September 8th at Borchert Field deterred the Bay View native from business as usual. The Milwaukee Brews took another double H from the Millers that Wednesday night as the Bay View Brewers star collected 2 home runs, a Chrysler and a golf bag for his “Night” of work.

Extra Innings – The Playoffs

The Milwaukee Brewers finished the season with an 80-73 record, a solid 4th place finish, and by virtue of that finish, they made it to the post season playoffs.
Their first opponent would be the tough Toledo Mud Hens opening Tuesday September 14th, in Ohio. The Hens, (89-65) were the runner ups in 1937 and throughout the season they handled the Milwaukee 9 pretty easily. Toledo won 14 of the 22 matchups.
They were heavy favorites to defeat the Brews.
The Milwaukee Journal’s R.G. Lynch, while aware of Milwaukee’s strengths and weaknesses, was cautiously optimistic:

“The Brewers … may prove unexpectedly tough in the playoff series.”

This proved to be prophetic.

Ken Keltner Personal Model Bat
(Author’s Collection)

Behind Tot Pressnell’s “Dizzy Liz” (knuckleball), and a timely home run in the 7th inning by Bernard Bartholomew “Frenchy” Uhalt, the Brewers took game one 5-4.

Toledo evened up the series, one apiece, with a 6-5 squeaker in 10 innings in game two.
Milwaukee took a one run lead into the bottom of the inning, but Toledo’s Babe Herman
ended it with a 2 run shot off of pitcher George Blaeholder.
Ken Keltner, who was held hitless in game one, stroked a Texas League double in the first frame and scored on a Lin Storti single.

In the top of the 10th, Keltner reached on an error. He later scored on Mickey Heath’s second triple of the game.
But the tide turned quickly in the bottom half. Keltner’s low throw allowed a runner on base and up stepped the “Babe” to end it in victory for the Mud Hens.

Game 3 was all Brewers, as manager Al Sothoron’s surprise start of rookie pitcher Allan Johnson worked like a charm.
Milwaukee defeated the Mud Hens 11-4. Ken Keltner contributed with a 2 for 5 day with two RBI’s.
Next stop, Borchert field.

In Game 4, Bill Zuber and Ralph Winegarner combined to pitch a 6 hitter as Milwaukee defeated Toledo 15-6, taking a commanding lead in the playoff series 3 game to 1. Keltner chipped in with 3 put outs on a single and an RBI.

Game 5 was a slugfest with Toledo coming out on top 11-10. The two teams combined for 35 hits in the 11 inning game.

The Brewers sealed the Mudhen’s fate in Game six with a 12-3 blowout. Jeff Heath and Ken Keltner were major contributors in the clincher with 3 hits a piece.

In round one of the playoffs against Toledo, Keltner performed well. His combined statistics showed that he hit safely 8 times out of 28 at bats for a .286 batting average. He had 2 doubles, 1 home run and drove in 7 runs. In the field he had one error and 8 put outs for a fielding average of .947.

The Brewers next opponent would be the American Association champions, the Columbus Red Birds (90-64) who defeated the Minneapolis Millers in the other semi final.

Monday September 20th was a rest day for Milwaukee. Like in the previous round, the Brewers would be on the road to open the series in Ohio.

Game 1 went to the Red Birds by a score of 7-3. The Brewers bats were virtually silent with only 3 hits for the loss.
A double by Jeff Heath, followed by home runs by Lin Storti and Ted Gullic put the otherwise anemic Brews on the board. Only one batter got on base the last 6 innings off of Columbus pitcher Mort Cooper.

Game 2 wasn’t much better for the Brewers as they got shut down again in a 5 hitter 3-2.

With their backs against the wall and trying to salvage a win in Columbus, Game 3 was all Milwaukee pitcher Ralph Winegarner. The Brewers right hander had a no hitter going into the final inning. He finished the game with a 2 hit 3-0 shutout.
Ralph even broke the deadlocked game open in the 8th inning by launching a lead off home run himself.
They scored two more insurance runs in the inning. One of them was a line drive home run by Ken Keltner, a 375 foot line drive over the left field bleachers. Keltner who was hitless in the series, went 2-4 for the day.

The series mercifully moved to Milwaukee Saturday, September 24th, but lack of hitting again was the curse for the Borchert Brewers who lost the game 2-0.
The Red Birds pitcher, Max Macon scattered the 6 Milwaukee hits in the shut out. The Brewers were facing elimination as they were down 3 games to 1 in the series.

Expecting an easy kill in Game 5, the Columbus team heckled the Brewers before the contest with “We’ve got our railroad tickets for Newark,” boasts, a reference to the upcoming Little World Series which would go to the victor.
As always, It is NOT a good thing for a team to publicly belittle an opponent. Milwaukee was no exception, as the angry Brewers won the game.
Mickey Heath knocked the wind out of the Columbus sails with an 8th inning blast over the right field fence. The “dissed” Brewers plucked the Birds, 6-5, tightening the race, 2 games to 3.

The better team won according to Brewers skipper Al Sothoron and the Columbus “flock” flew off victoriously after beating the Brewers 10-4 in game 6. The triumphant and “cocky” Red Birds went on to lose the Little World Series to Newark, 4 games to 3.

Rare Tin 1937 Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers seemed to have run out of steam in their series with the Columbus Red Birds.
As a team, their hitting failed to materialize. A paltry .213 batting average clearly showed the reason for failure. The Red Birds by comparison hit .283.
By contrast, the Brewers team hit for a .319 average against the Toledo Mud Hens.

While the Brewers could not repeat their success of 1936, they showed guts and a fighting spirit.
They could have panicked and lost it all when the wheels were threatening to fall off after a great start. The team showed its character by hanging in there and finishing well.

Young Ken Keltner exemplified this hanging tough.
After an explosive start, he had to deal with a slump, partially caused by a sinus problem and probably just part of his maturing into a ball player.
He did not quit. He was poised and unflappable and he would soon show his ability and “Moxie” at the major league level in 1938.
Ken Keltner finished 1937 with a batting average of .310, with 170 hits in 549 at bats in the 142 games he played.
He had 26 doubles, 5 triples and 27 home runs and 96 RBI’s.

He did lead the American Association with 92 strike outs in 1937.
Not too bad for the 20 year old when one compares him to 2002 All Star Jose Hernandez of the “major league” Milwaukee Brewers.
Jose benched himself rather than risking embarrassment, as he was near setting an all time record for whiffs that year.
In spite of his “benching” Jose still had 188 fans in 525 at bats for his 152 games played for the Major League Milwaukee Brewers.

Ken Keltner Signed Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

Ken Keltner spent 13* years in the major leagues from 1937-1950. All but 1950 was spent with the Cleveland Indians. (*He had a single at bat with Cleveland in 1937)

From the beginning, any worries that the 21 year old Keltner would not be ready for prime time in the majors was quickly put to rest.
The rookie put together a stellar first season as one of the best of the league’s new faces in the game.
He hit .276 with 26 homers and 113 runs batted in for his first year with the team.

Rookie Keltner 1938 Press Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Ken Keltner became one of the best 3rd basemen in baseball. He was an exceptional fielder as well as being a dangerous hitter.
Many still argue that the 7 time All Star belongs in the baseball Hall of Fame.
He was an important part of the Cleveland Indians team throughout the 1940s.
His contributions were crucial in Cleveland’s drive to the World Series in 1948.

Ken Keltner Signed Exhibit Card
(Author’s Collection)

In his 13 seasons in the majors, Ken Keltner had a batting average of .276.
He had 1570 base hits, 308 doubles, 69 triples, 163 home runs and 853 runs batted in.
Defensively he had a career fielding average of .947.

Ken Keltner At the Plate
(Author’s Collection)

The Cleveland Indians released Ken Keltner on April 18, 1950 and he was signed as a free agent by the Boston Red Sox. Keltner’s play was limited to just 13 games while with the Sox. Boston released him June 6th the same year.

He wrapped up his baseball career with the Pacific Coast League’s Sacramento Solons in 1951.

Ken Keltner Boston Red Sox
(Author’s Collection)

” July 17, 1941 “

Much has been written about the day “The Streak” ended and Ken Keltner’s role in ending it. Instead of adding my version to the many already out there, I think it is sufficient to let those who were there speak about it. Suffice it to say, the streak ended with the New York Yankees outfielder failing to get a hit in his 4 times at bat that day. Two of the outs were handled by the Cleveland Indians’ 3rd baseman, Ken Keltner.

Goudey R 303 Premiums & Signed Joe DiMaggio Photo

(Author’s Collection)

Hall of Famer and Cleveland Indians 2nd baseman, Lou Boudreau also accounted for one of DiMaggio’s outs that day:

“In the first inning, DiMaggio pulled a low inside curve down the line at 3rd that Keltner backhanded and, with his strong arm, nipped Joe at first by half a step. ”
“Then in the seventh, when the Yankees went ahead 2-1, DiMaggio did it again and so did Keltner. Joe hit another shot down the line. Keltner backhanded the ball behind the bag, just as he did in the first inning, and again his throw to first was on the mark and in time.”

“He was a real professional, one of the best third basemen, I’ve ever seen and, in my opinion, one who also belongs in the Hall of Fame.”

One of baseball’s finest pitchers, Hall of Famer “Rapid” Robert Feller has high praise for his teammate:

“Keltner was simply the best in the American League.
He could go to his right better than anyone and had a great great arm. “

“Ken Keltner …stopped Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak at 56 consecutive games with two of the greatest stops anyone ever saw. But Kenny did a lot more in 13 years as one of the best players in the American League, and one of the best teammates a guy could ask for.”

John Sturm played first base for the 1941 New York Yankees :

“I knew Keltner when he was with Milwaukee.
He had a terrific arm and he was a helluva good fielder.
He was a great big league ball player, that Keltner.”

Joe DiMaggio – New York Yankees

“One of the best in the business at protecting the foul line is Ken Keltner.
He can backhand a ball hit down the line as skillfully as any third baseman I have ever seen.
In fact, I have a particular reason to remember Ken because when my hitting streak of fifty-six straight games was broken in a night game in Cleveland in 1941, he made two stops on balls I hit over the bag which I thought were sure two-baggers when they left the bat.”

Ken Keltner – Cleveland Indians

In his book, Streak, Michael Seidel relates to us Keltner’s point of view.
When asking Keltner about why he positioned himself the way he did against DiMaggio, Seidel explains:

“…he figured that to get an extra step’s worth of time because of the damp field; he also wanted to hold any hit that got past him to a single. He wasn’t thinking about DiMaggio’s streak but about the Indians attempt … to challenge the Yankees … in the pennant race.

After the game, Keltner was not happy about losing and snapped at the reporters “that DiMaggio hit ’em and he caught ’em.”

When asked about which ball was the toughest to handle, Keltner told Seidel:

“They were pretty much in the same place, the throws were more difficult than the stops, and the throws were identical.
I had to put something on them, and the plays at first were both very close.”

Ken Keltner Pennant
American Nut & Chocolate Company
(Author’s Collection)

On the 50 anniversary of the hitting streak, a bronze statue was unveiled at National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Ken Keltner was brought in from a convalescent home in Wisconsin for the ceremony.

Spotting Keltner, DiMaggio asked:

“What the hell is he doing here?”

Keltner, with cane in hand, approached Joe and shook hands.

“You know, Kenny, you were lucky it rained that morning, you never would have stopped those balls.”

Keltner had to be smiling as he hobbled away…

Ken Keltner Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

In a SABR Chapter meeting on March 6, 2002, Ken Keltner’s eldest son Randy was asked if his dad was tired of hearing about the DiMaggio streak? Randy said:

“He loved it!”

On December 12, 1991, Milwaukee’s 7 time All Star
Kenneth Frederick Keltner passed away.

Humboldt Park, Facing South Pine Ave.
(Near Keltner’s Residence in Bay View)

In 1999 the baseball diamond in Humboldt Park where Keltner had played as a youth, was renamed Ken Keltner Field according to author James Nitz in his Society for American Baseball Research biography on Ken Keltner.

Like Jim Nitz, I am very proud to be a member of the Ken Keltner Badger Chapter of SABR that bears his name.

Ken Keltner Field
Humboldt Park – Milwaukee Wisconsin

This diminutive Brewer,
inch for inch, pound for pound,
proved to be a “Mighty Mite” for Milwaukee

“Dinty”
Dennis John Gearin
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Dennis John Gearin, a man after my own heart and well … height, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 15, 1897. The son of an Irish grocery store owner, he had a baseball career that spanned 15 years and had a long tenure in Milwaukee. He was arguably one of the shortest pitchers ever to play the game, at 5’4″ tall and weighing in at 148 lbs (later years weighing about 160 lbs).

Gearin seemed to have collected more nicknames than any other player in the history of baseball. Most of them were due to his size and many were not very complimentary.

Denny Gearin got an early start, playing baseball for the Pawtucket Rovers (Pawtucket, RI) in the Colonial league in 1915. In the 27 games played, he pitched 203.2 innings. Unfortunately, the 17 year old pitcher lost 16 of them, while posting zero victories. A rough start for the youngster. His hitting wasn’t much better, he tallied only 12 hits in his 69 times at the plate for a .174 batting average. He exhibited some power, hitting 4 doubles and a home run.
He returned to baseball with the Providence Grays of the Eastern League in 1918. In the 5 games he pitched, Gearin won 3 and lost 1 in 37.1 innings pitched. In 184 times at bat, he had 43 hits, for a .234 batting average.
His next year with Providence was more impressive. In the 14 games Gearin appeared in, he won 11 and lost 2 during the 109 innings pitched.
That year, the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) would also give Denny a look where he went 12-7 in the 19 games he appeared in. He pitched 175 innings with an era of 3.46 for Oakland. His combined ERA for 1919 was a pretty stunning 1.88.

Dennis Gearin – 1920 Milwaukee Brewers
(Chicago Daily News)

“Little Nemo” joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 1920. Otto Borchert purchased his contract for $750 from the Oakland Oaks and brought him to Milwaukee because of his versatility. He could play the outfield and was a good hitter. Top that off of course, with his pitching ability, the left hander had a good fastball and curve ball.
Gearin became an instant hit with the team. Early on opposing teams learned the hard way how good of a hitter he was. Joe McCarthy, manager of the Louisville Colonels walked a batter to face Gearin thinking he was an easy out and was greeted with a base hit by the “midget.” He should have known better as Gearin had done the same thing twice before the past week to Jack Hendricks of Indianapolis. He gave the American Association quick notice: Beware, the little Irishman is not an easy out!
Playing in 88 games as an outfielder this first year with Milwaukee, he hit for a .276 batting average while tallying a 7-9 pitching record in 21 games for the 78-88 Brews. His Earned Run Average that year was 3.80.

1920 Milwaukee Brewers-Dennis Gearin -#7

In 1921, “Nemo” Gearin, once again played in the outfield more games than he pitched. His batting average for the “Fighting Eganites” improved to .307 and his pitching record was a solid 14 wins vs. 11 losses for the 81-86 Milwaukee team. Denny Gearin, as a pitcher, had a good fastball and his “slants” kept the opposing hitters off balance.

1921 Milwaukee Brewers-Dennis Gearin-Front row
2nd from left. To his left, Manager Jack Egan.

“Kewpie” was a power house at the plate for the 1922 Milwaukee Brewers, hitting a healthy .350. He pitched in with 11 victories that season as the Brewers finished the season in 5th place at 85-83.

Dennis Gearin – 1922 Milwaukee Brewers
(Author’s Collection)

1923 was a memorable year for “Dinty”, pitching an impressive 12 victories vs. only 5 defeats for a 3.76 ERA. Early in the season he led the league in victories and had won six in a row. At the plate his batting average was a solid .338 by mid July.

Milwaukee Brewer President Otto Borchert said of Gearin:

“I think our team has one of the greatest players in the league in Kewpie Gearin. He is as good a pitcher as we have in the Association; he can play the outfield and hit the ball for .300 mark or better.”

He was definitely being noticed outside of Milwaukee as “Jawn ” McGraw, manager of the New York Giants took a chance on the “Dainty” southpaw and purchased him from the Brewers in early August.
Gearin was summoned to Milwaukee by Borchert from Indianapolis where Harry Clark’s Brewers were playing.

“Gearin wanted a chance to go to the big leagues. I saw an opportunity for him to get part of the world series money this year and when he agreed to the proposition, I informed John McGraw.” said Borchert.

Terms of the deal was $25,000 cash and players to be named later. They would be disclosed after McGraw had a closer look at Gearin during spring training next year, when he would evaluate all of his rookies.

“John” Gearin New York Giants
1923 Original Press Photo
(Author’s Collection)

John McGraw broke from his usual preference for big pitchers by acquiring the 5’4″, 150 pound Gearin in August of 1923, but felt his record showed he had the needed stamina to make it in the big show.

While with the National League Champion New York Giants, Gearin saw limited action. He got two hits in his 7 times at bat for a .286 batting average. As a pitcher he went 1-1 in the 24 innings pitched with a 3.38 ERA.
His did get a chance to appear in the World Series of 1923 as a pinch runner in the first game, won by the Giants. The New York Giants eventually lost the series to Babe Ruth’s Yankees in 6 games.

He did well enough during the 1923 season to get his second look for 1924 with the Giants. McGraw needed a good left hander and thought that Gearin may fill the bill for his team.
Unfortunately for Gearin, his time in the big leagues didn’t last. The Giants used him sparingly, 29 innings where he won 1 and lost 2 with a 2.48 ERA. Control seemed to be a problem as he had 16 walks, 30 hits in those innings and gave up 3 home runs.

He played briefly with the Boston Braves before returning to Milwaukee in May of 1924.

His major league totals:
2 wins and 4 losses with an combined era of 2.89.
At bat Gearin hit for a .313 average with 5 hits in 16 at bats with one RBI.

Back with Milwaukee for 1924, “Dinny” went 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 53 innings for the 4th place, 83-83 Milwaukee Brewers.

Dennis Gearin – Original Clipping And Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

While Otto Borchert’s Milwaukee Brewers tanked in 1925, finishing with a 74-94 season(only Columbus doing worse at 61-106), it proved to be a great year for the Irish lefthander. Gearin posted a 20 victory season vs. just 13 defeats.

In 1926, the much improved Milwaukee Brewers finished the year in 3rd place with a 93-71 record. While the “Mighty Mite’s” play was off from his 1925 pace, it was another memorable season for the “Gill of the Shamrock,” thanks to his performance on Saturday August 21, 1926.

Newspaper Headlines for 1926 No Hitter

Denny Gearin pitched himself a gem of a ball game with a no hitter against the Columbus Senators for his first place Milwaukee Brewers(80-45 at the time).
)
Going the distance at Milwaukee’s Athletic Field, Gearin joined a pretty exclusive club when he bested the “Buckeye State” team 10-0. It was his first start since July 24th, having only pitched some innings in relief in between but he was in control the entire game.
Only 3 reached first base during his no hit victory over the Bucks, 2 of them on free passes and one by an error. There were very few hard hit balls, only 4 of them making it to the outfield as lazy fly balls easily caught by the Brewer defense. Gearin’s control was masterful with a “two foot break” on his curveball. His fastball “smoked up the alley.”
He retired the first 14 batters and he set down 10 Senators by strike outs. He retired them in order in 7 of the 9 innings. His every move was cheered on by the crowd. His “dipping shoots” and “breezing fastball” kept the opposition helpless as well as hitless. It was the first Milwaukee no hit game since Joe Hovlik did it 13 years earlier in 1913.
The last no hit game for the American Association was June 18, 1921 by Bob Clark of Columbus against Indianapolis. (Clark was a teammate of Gearin with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1922)

1922 Dennis Gearin and Bob Clark
(Author’s Collection)

When he curved a 3rd strike to get the final out in the 9th inning, striking out the side, the crowd gave him probably the finest ovation received by a single player in the history of Milwaukee baseball at the time.
Milwaukee had a solid offensive attack that day with Gearin being responsible for 3 of the runs. Denny proving once again, that he was more than just a good pitcher.

Dennis Gearin – Milwaukee Brewers
(Author’s Collection)

In 1927 and 1928, the Brewers could do no better than 3rd place but were competitive, finishing with a 99-69 record in 1927 and 90-78 in 1928. Gearin pitched in with 8 victories in 27 and followed with 7 in 28.

The Milwaukee Brewers fell out of contention for 1929-1930, finishing far below .500 and in 7th place both years. Gearin tallied a combined total of 14 victories over those two seasons.

His last year with Milwaukee was 1931 where he had a 7-7 season.

Dennis Gearin -Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

His pitching totals while with Milwaukee from 1920-1931 were 115 wins vs. 112 losses. When playing the outfield and batting on a regular basis, Gearin was nearly always a .300 hitter.
As expected, his average dipped when pitching, but he still had an impressive overall batting average of .285 for 13 seasons in double A ball.

Denny “Kewpie-Little Nemo-et al.” Gearin

Here is a “short” list of his many AKA’s :

Angel
Denny (seemed to be HIS favorite)
Dinny
Dinty
Dainty
Dainty Dinty
Gill of The Shamrock
Hermit and Leading Citizen (Pewaukee’s)
John
Kewpie
Left handed redhead
Little Forkhander
Little Nemo
Nemo
Little Irishman
Midget
Midget Southpaw
Mighty Mite
Sawed Off Red Head
Smallest pitcher in captivity
Wee Dinny
Wee Sprig of The Shamrock

Barnstorming – Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
(Courtesy AA Sports)

Denny Gearin’s only appearance against the mighty New York Yankees was in the 1923 World Series as a pinch runner for the National League champion New York Giants.
Many wonder, myself included, how he would have fared, pitching against the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Well, he sort of got a second chance at Babe Ruth when the barnstorming Bustin Babes and Larrupin Lous came to Borchert field on October 28, 1928. As part of Lou Gehrig’s team, Denny faced the Bambino in front of 8,000 cheering baseball fans.

Gearin and Ruth went head to head for the first time in the 6th inning. Denny had him swinging and missing twice at his curve balls. Then the grinning Irishman got him to ground out on a slow roller to 2nd. In the 9th, Ruth still had trouble connecting with Gearin’s “hooks.” After a “skyscraping foul,” Ruth, forever the crowd pleaser, took one over the right field fence, bouncing it on a 7th Street roof top, the ball ending up in a backyard near 6th street.
The Bams beat the Gehrigs 5-4 with that blast.

Dennis Gearin -Original Clippings, Signature
(Author’s Collection)

While height may have been a factor in his limited time up in the big leagues, his competitiveness and heart were always big enough for Milwaukee. Size didn’t stop Denny Gearin from being one of the Milwaukee Brewer giants for 11 years and a definite fan favorite during those roaring 20s. This Kewpie was definitely a prize that was appreciated by the Athletic Park faithful.
Denny passed away in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, March 13, 1959.

Milwaukee fans will always look up to you Denny.

This diminutive Brewer,
inch for inch, pound for pound,
proved to be a “Mighty Mite” for Milwaukee

“Dinty”
Dennis John Gearin
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Dennis John Gearin, a man after my own heart and well … height, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on October 15, 1897. The son of an Irish grocery store owner, he had a baseball career that spanned 15 years and had a long tenure in Milwaukee. He was arguably one of the shortest pitchers ever to play the game, at 5’4″ tall and weighing in at 148 lbs (later years weighing about 160 lbs).

Gearin seemed to have collected more nicknames than any other player in the history of baseball. Most of them were due to his size and many were not very complimentary.

Denny Gearin got an early start, playing baseball for the Pawtucket Rovers (Pawtucket, RI) in the Colonial league in 1915. In the 27 games played, he pitched 203.2 innings. Unfortunately, the 17 year old pitcher lost 16 of them, while posting zero victories. A rough start for the youngster. His hitting wasn’t much better, he tallied only 12 hits in his 69 times at the plate for a .174 batting average. He exhibited some power, hitting 4 doubles and a home run.
He returned to baseball with the Providence Grays of the Eastern League in 1918. In the 5 games he pitched, Gearin won 3 and lost 1 in 37.1 innings pitched. In 184 times at bat, he had 43 hits, for a .234 batting average.
His next year with Providence was more impressive. In the 14 games Gearin appeared in, he won 11 and lost 2 during the 109 innings pitched.
That year, the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) would also give Denny a look where he went 12-7 in the 19 games he appeared in. He pitched 175 innings with an era of 3.46 for Oakland. His combined ERA for 1919 was a pretty stunning 1.88.

Dennis Gearin – 1920 Milwaukee Brewers
(Chicago Daily News)

“Little Nemo” joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 1920. Otto Borchert purchased his contract for $750 from the Oakland Oaks and brought him to Milwaukee because of his versatility. He could play the outfield and was a good hitter. Top that off of course, with his pitching ability, the left hander had a good fastball and curve ball.
Gearin became an instant hit with the team. Early on opposing teams learned the hard way how good of a hitter he was. Joe McCarthy, manager of the Louisville Colonels walked a batter to face Gearin thinking he was an easy out and was greeted with a base hit by the “midget.” He should have known better as Gearin had done the same thing twice before the past week to Jack Hendricks of Indianapolis. He gave the American Association quick notice: Beware, the little Irishman is not an easy out!
Playing in 88 games as an outfielder this first year with Milwaukee, he hit for a .276 batting average while tallying a 7-9 pitching record in 21 games for the 78-88 Brews. His Earned Run Average that year was 3.80.

1920 Milwaukee Brewers-Dennis Gearin -#7

In 1921, “Nemo” Gearin, once again played in the outfield more games than he pitched. His batting average for the “Fighting Eganites” improved to .307 and his pitching record was a solid 14 wins vs. 11 losses for the 81-86 Milwaukee team. Denny Gearin, as a pitcher, had a good fastball and his “slants” kept the opposing hitters off balance.

1921 Milwaukee Brewers-Dennis Gearin-Front row
2nd from left. To his left, Manager Jack Egan.

“Kewpie” was a power house at the plate for the 1922 Milwaukee Brewers, hitting a healthy .350. He pitched in with 11 victories that season as the Brewers finished the season in 5th place at 85-83.

Dennis Gearin – 1922 Milwaukee Brewers
(Author’s Collection)

1923 was a memorable year for “Dinty”, pitching an impressive 12 victories vs. only 5 defeats for a 3.76 ERA. Early in the season he led the league in victories and had won six in a row. At the plate his batting average was a solid .338 by mid July.

Milwaukee Brewer President Otto Borchert said of Gearin:

“I think our team has one of the greatest players in the league in Kewpie Gearin. He is as good a pitcher as we have in the Association; he can play the outfield and hit the ball for .300 mark or better.”

He was definitely being noticed outside of Milwaukee as “Jawn ” McGraw, manager of the New York Giants took a chance on the “Dainty” southpaw and purchased him from the Brewers in early August.
Gearin was summoned to Milwaukee by Borchert from Indianapolis where Harry Clark’s Brewers were playing.

“Gearin wanted a chance to go to the big leagues. I saw an opportunity for him to get part of the world series money this year and when he agreed to the proposition, I informed John McGraw.” said Borchert.

Terms of the deal was $25,000 cash and players to be named later. They would be disclosed after McGraw had a closer look at Gearin during spring training next year, when he would evaluate all of his rookies.

“John” Gearin New York Giants
1923 Original Press Photo
(Author’s Collection)

John McGraw broke from his usual preference for big pitchers by acquiring the 5’4″, 150 pound Gearin in August of 1923, but felt his record showed he had the needed stamina to make it in the big show.

While with the National League Champion New York Giants, Gearin saw limited action. He got two hits in his 7 times at bat for a .286 batting average. As a pitcher he went 1-1 in the 24 innings pitched with a 3.38 ERA.
His did get a chance to appear in the World Series of 1923 as a pinch runner in the first game, won by the Giants. The New York Giants eventually lost the series to Babe Ruth’s Yankees in 6 games.

He did well enough during the 1923 season to get his second look for 1924 with the Giants. McGraw needed a good left hander and thought that Gearin may fill the bill for his team.
Unfortunately for Gearin, his time in the big leagues didn’t last. The Giants used him sparingly, 29 innings where he won 1 and lost 2 with a 2.48 ERA. Control seemed to be a problem as he had 16 walks, 30 hits in those innings and gave up 3 home runs.

He played briefly with the Boston Braves before returning to Milwaukee in May of 1924.

His major league totals:
2 wins and 4 losses with an combined era of 2.89.
At bat Gearin hit for a .313 average with 5 hits in 16 at bats with one RBI.

Back with Milwaukee for 1924, “Dinny” went 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 53 innings for the 4th place, 83-83 Milwaukee Brewers.

Dennis Gearin – Original Clipping And Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

While Otto Borchert’s Milwaukee Brewers tanked in 1925, finishing with a 74-94 season(only Columbus doing worse at 61-106), it proved to be a great year for the Irish lefthander. Gearin posted a 20 victory season vs. just 13 defeats.

In 1926, the much improved Milwaukee Brewers finished the year in 3rd place with a 93-71 record. While the “Mighty Mite’s” play was off from his 1925 pace, it was another memorable season for the “Gill of the Shamrock,” thanks to his performance on Saturday August 21, 1926.

Newspaper Headlines for 1926 No Hitter

Denny Gearin pitched himself a gem of a ball game with a no hitter against the Columbus Senators for his first place Milwaukee Brewers(80-45 at the time).
)
Going the distance at Milwaukee’s Athletic Field, Gearin joined a pretty exclusive club when he bested the “Buckeye State” team 10-0. It was his first start since July 24th, having only pitched some innings in relief in between but he was in control the entire game.
Only 3 reached first base during his no hit victory over the Bucks, 2 of them on free passes and one by an error. There were very few hard hit balls, only 4 of them making it to the outfield as lazy fly balls easily caught by the Brewer defense. Gearin’s control was masterful with a “two foot break” on his curveball. His fastball “smoked up the alley.”
He retired the first 14 batters and he set down 10 Senators by strike outs. He retired them in order in 7 of the 9 innings. His every move was cheered on by the crowd. His “dipping shoots” and “breezing fastball” kept the opposition helpless as well as hitless. It was the first Milwaukee no hit game since Joe Hovlik did it 13 years earlier in 1913.
The last no hit game for the American Association was June 18, 1921 by Bob Clark of Columbus against Indianapolis. (Clark was a teammate of Gearin with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1922)

1922 Dennis Gearin and Bob Clark
(Author’s Collection)

When he curved a 3rd strike to get the final out in the 9th inning, striking out the side, the crowd gave him probably the finest ovation received by a single player in the history of Milwaukee baseball at the time.
Milwaukee had a solid offensive attack that day with Gearin being responsible for 3 of the runs. Denny proving once again, that he was more than just a good pitcher.

Dennis Gearin – Milwaukee Brewers
(Author’s Collection)

In 1927 and 1928, the Brewers could do no better than 3rd place but were competitive, finishing with a 99-69 record in 1927 and 90-78 in 1928. Gearin pitched in with 8 victories in 27 and followed with 7 in 28.

The Milwaukee Brewers fell out of contention for 1929-1930, finishing far below .500 and in 7th place both years. Gearin tallied a combined total of 14 victories over those two seasons.

His last year with Milwaukee was 1931 where he had a 7-7 season.

Dennis Gearin -Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

His pitching totals while with Milwaukee from 1920-1931 were 115 wins vs. 112 losses. When playing the outfield and batting on a regular basis, Gearin was nearly always a .300 hitter.
As expected, his average dipped when pitching, but he still had an impressive overall batting average of .285 for 13 seasons in double A ball.

Denny “Kewpie-Little Nemo-et al.” Gearin

Here is a “short” list of his many AKA’s :

Angel
Denny (seemed to be HIS favorite)
Dinny
Dinty
Dainty
Dainty Dinty
Gill of The Shamrock
Hermit and Leading Citizen (Pewaukee’s)
John
Kewpie
Left handed redhead
Little Forkhander
Little Nemo
Nemo
Little Irishman
Midget
Midget Southpaw
Mighty Mite
Sawed Off Red Head
Smallest pitcher in captivity
Wee Dinny
Wee Sprig of The Shamrock

Barnstorming – Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
(Courtesy AA Sports)

Denny Gearin’s only appearance against the mighty New York Yankees was in the 1923 World Series as a pinch runner for the National League champion New York Giants.
Many wonder, myself included, how he would have fared, pitching against the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Well, he sort of got a second chance at Babe Ruth when the barnstorming Bustin Babes and Larrupin Lous came to Borchert field on October 28, 1928. As part of Lou Gehrig’s team, Denny faced the Bambino in front of 8,000 cheering baseball fans.

Gearin and Ruth went head to head for the first time in the 6th inning. Denny had him swinging and missing twice at his curve balls. Then the grinning Irishman got him to ground out on a slow roller to 2nd. In the 9th, Ruth still had trouble connecting with Gearin’s “hooks.” After a “skyscraping foul,” Ruth, forever the crowd pleaser, took one over the right field fence, bouncing it on a 7th Street roof top, the ball ending up in a backyard near 6th street.
The Bams beat the Gehrigs 5-4 with that blast.

Dennis Gearin -Original Clippings, Signature
(Author’s Collection)

While height may have been a factor in his limited time up in the big leagues, his competitiveness and heart were always big enough for Milwaukee. Size didn’t stop Denny Gearin from being one of the Milwaukee Brewer giants for 11 years and a definite fan favorite during those roaring 20s. This Kewpie was definitely a prize that was appreciated by the Athletic Park faithful.
Denny passed away in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, March 13, 1959.

Milwaukee fans will always look up to you Denny.

Sport shirts packed away, “Leatherneck” Bill was occupied in the Pacific. Charlie Grimm was hearing the siren call from the
“Walls of Ivy.” Veeck would be fuming, Stengel was assuming …
the management of the Brews……

“Casey at the Bat”
The 1944 Milwaukee Brewers
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

DUTY CALLS…

With the dawning of 1944, the United States of America entered its 3rd year of World War II. By this time, no one seemed to be spared getting their call up from Uncle Sam, including fathers with children. This author’s father was no exception.

Milwaukee’s International Harvester Plant 1944
(Author’s Collection)

Tenpenny J.R.

Milwaukee Brewers owner, Bill Veeck had enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1943.

“The draft never bothered me,” explained Veeck to the Milwaukee Journal’s R.G. Lynch. “I knew they were going to get around to me, but I was going to wait until they did. Then they began to draft fathers. That made things different. Sure, I’ve got 3 children, but I can go and know Ellen (Mrs. Veeck) and the kids will be alright. I mean I am in a better position to go than a lot of other men who have kids. I couldn’t sit back and let the draft get those fellows first, so I volunteered. It was the only way I could feel right about it.”

The Milwaukee Brewers President was in excellent health at the age of 30, and reported for duty to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton,
San Diego, California in early December. After 7 strenuous weeks, Veeck finished boot camp on Jan 29th. Soon afterwards, Private First Class William Veeck Jr. was deployed with other Marines to the Pacific, reportedly serving in Bougainville and Guadalcanal.

With Veeck gone, the club was in the very capable hands of Manager Charlie Grimm and General Manager Rudie Schaffer, who was made acting President.
Don Stewart of the Chicago Cubs was to join the Brewers in an advisory capacity in January. A longtime friend of Bill Veeck, he came with a lot of baseball experience under his belt. Unfortunately, he left 3 weeks later to take the top job with the Cubs affiliate in Los Angeles. Charlie Grimm was named team vice president soon afterwards.

After winning the American Association pennant in 1943, the Brewers were flush with money and were able to look for players to replace departing ones during the winter months. Milwaukee needed a catcher to replace the departing Hank Helf. 1st base was a concern because Heinz “Dutch” Becker was expected to play with the Cubs in 1944.
They were also in need of a 2nd baseman to replace Don Johnson.
Dick Culler was seen as an excellent shortstop for the upcoming year to replace Tony York.
Bill Nagel was slated to take over the hot corner from departed Grey Clarke.
Their outfield was pretty well set, with Hal Peck expected to return to his hard hitting, fleet footed self in right field. Hershel Martin was expected to continue his superb hitting and fly catching in centerfield.

Bill Norman and Frank Secory were both vying for the 3rd spot in the pasture.
Grimm felt his pitching was better than what they had in 1943.
Expectations were high for pitchers Charlie Sproull, Owen Scheetz and Charlie Gassoway, who had been a bit unpredictable from the left hand side the previous year. He was expected to mature into a quality pitcher.

SPRING TRAINING IN ” MUDVILLE ” …

Charlie Grimm as “Casey at the Bat” 1944 Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm waxed poetic on March 9, 1944 when he portrayed Thayer’s beloved character, “Casey at the Bat” for the Milwaukee Athletic Club crowd. It would later prove to be prophetic early on during the season.

With spring training slated to open March 20, the Milwaukee Brewers would be returning to Waukesha’s Frame Field. Exhibition games were planned against local industrial teams.

While the team jested about the weather and discussed dog sleds and snowball fights last year, 1944 would be no joking matter. The reality of playing baseball in Wisconsin’s winter would be painfully apparent this year.

Back to “Mudville”- near Waukesha’s Frame Field
The Moor Mud Baths
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm didn’t have to go to the Moor Mud baths to be neck deep in the muck, as field conditions at Frame field were muddy enough for him. The weather would not cooperate with the Milwaukee Brewers in Waukesha. Attempting any training at Frame Field was darn near impossible.
The Brewers were forced to hold indoor sessions at a riding Academy in nearby Hartland until the grounds dried out.

While practicing indoors was fine for the pitchers and catchers. Grimm needed a playing field for game like conditions for his infielders.
The Brewers were ever hopeful that conditions would improve. They made adjustments, which included turning the field around and having the batting cage in deep center field so the hitters, at least, could get in some practice. The infield though, was “still a morass.”

Charlie was very much concerned about conditioning his team.

“Unless we get some outdoor practice pretty soon, I am afraid to think what might happen to us when we open our exhibition season schedule against the University of Wisconsin Madison April 1st.” said Grimm. “So far we have not had much of a chance to hold fielding practice. The diamond at Frame Field may not be ready for a few more days but at least we were able to work out on the grassy sidelines. “

Conditions at Frame Field were so bad that The Brewers were even exploring practicing at Borchert Field!
Players braved the cold weather in Waukesha, running and playing pepper but the home plate resembled a “hog wallow” making it impossible to practice.

Then came the snow. Charlie Grimm had had it. He was “Fed Up” with trying to train in Wisconsin. “Enough is enough,” he said and suggested the Cubs training center at French Lick, Indiana.

“We just can’t get in the right kind of shape with these conditions and there is no competition for the team to put on edge.”

The club, according to their manager, just wasn’t ready to play with the season opener looming 2 weeks away, on April 19th.

In spite of their spring training woes, American Association sportswriters picked the Brewers to finish 1st place for 1944. They garnered 8 first place votes, with Columbus(4) and Indianapolis (3) also receiving 1st place votes. A vote of confidence came from the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted for “Jolly Cholly” Grimm to get the most out of his players as he did last year.

The Columbus Red Birds skipper, Nick Cullop, didn’t agree. He felt the Brewers were weaker this year and felt his team was positioned to be a strong contender.

Ready or not, with only 16 innings of exhibition ball behind them, the Milwaukee Brewers were set to open their 1944 campaign. They would have to “play our way into shape.”

In spite of the spring training disaster, the Milwaukee Brewers were considered a strong team for 1944. The outfield was anchored solidly in centerfield with Hershel Martin, considered one of the best outfielders in the league. Dick Culler at shortstop with Tommy Nelson at second gave strength to the infield in the middle and would rival last year’s combo of Tony York and Don Johnson.
The Brewers sported some of the best pitching in the league with Gassaway and Acosta coming from the portside and had ample throwers from the right side as well. Sproull, Scheetz, Farmer, Caldwell, Bob Bowman and Dick Hearn. The catching was in good hands with Jim Pruett and rookie Ken Raddant backing him up.
Add to this strong nucleus, the likes of Hal Peck, Frank Secory, Heinz Becker (back from Chicago), Bill Nagel, Bill Norman and Ed Scheiwe, the Brewers were ready to have at the league on opening day.

1944 Milwaukee Brewer Program
(Author’s Collection)

1944 Brewer Roster-American Association Almanac
(Courtesy Rex Hamann)

Note* Scheiwe is correct spelling.

With the war effort in Milwaukee considered important again this year, the Brewers continued with plans to do their part with furnishing much needed recreation for the workers in defense plants. Baseball games at Borchert Field were vital to moral and the well being of the workers and families. Production at the facilities improved due to these games according to local plant managers. Morning games for factory workers would again be included for 1944. Defense plant discounts will also be renewed for this year with special ticket prices offered for the local defense and factory workers. A.O. Smith, Froemming Bros. Inc., the Miller Brewing Company, Siemann Body plant of Nash -Kelvinator Corporation, Harnischfeger Corporation and the Cleaver Brooks Company were some of the participants.
Ladies nights would, of course, be scheduled as usual too.

Entertainment was on the agenda for home games at Borchert like last year.
Hersh Martin and his “Brewer Wildcats” were scheduled to play June 12th. Martin at the piano was now in charge of the troupe while Bill Veeck was away with the marines.
Joining him this year would be Ed Scheiwe on mouth organ, catcher Jim Pruett at the drums, and Dick Culler playing a mean base fiddle. Bob Bowman scraped out rhythm on his washboard. “Hot jive folks can jitterbug to.” Also singing at the “Orchard” will be the “Cuban Frank Sinatra” Julio Acosta.

THE SEASON BEGINS …

In spite of the poor conditions during spring training and the resulting worries about the players being ready, Charlie Grimm’s Brewers were strong out of the gate grabbing immediate hold of first place. Opening day brought in 13,569 eager fans.

But there were rumblings in nearby Chicago where Jimmie Wilson quit as the Cubs manager on May 1st.
Rumors surfaced immediately that Milwaukee’s manager Charlie Grimm was being considered for the job. He told the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted that he was not contacted and would remain in Milwaukee to look out for his and Bill Veeck’s interests, but added an “unless…”
Charlie stated he would have to get a “marvelous” offer to consider going back to Chicago.
That had the fans up in arms. Charlie Grimm was a much loved icon in Milwaukee and was credited along with Bill Veeck with rebuilding the national pastime in Milwaukee.
Charlie was their manager, their comedian, their friend and like Bill Veeck, someone fans felt would help make Milwaukee a major league city.

But the court of public opinion didn’t have much of a chance to voice its case, as it was announced officially that Casey Stengel would take over as manager of the team and that Charlie Grimm was Chicago bound with Casey taking over the reigns in Milwaukee Sunday May 7th.

Charlie in Chicago – 1944 original press photo
(Author’s Collection)

One would assume that Brewer owner and president Bill Veeck was part of the negotiations and approved of these changes, but that wasn’t the case. He was at war and thus, out of circulation.
It happened so fast it caught Leatherneck Bill completely by surprise. To say he was “Agog” or in a “Dither” about the changes, would be putting it mildly.

“I’m coming out of a mess hall on Bougainville this night and I hear a sports flash on the camp radio. It says Charlie Grimm, manager of my Milwaukee Brewers, has been signed to replace Jimmie Wilson of the Chicago Cubs. Then the announcer says Casey Stengel is taking over as manager of the Brewers. That’s all I hear, but it is enough … I’m stunned. Six weeks later I get the straight dope by mail, but by that time I’m snapping in for some new kind of neurosis. After I hear the news I don’t know what to think. I’m on guard duty the same night and all night long all kinds of thoughts are rushing through my head. What are they DOING to me? Is my pal Grimm mad? Why doesn’t somebody tell me these things?”

(Veeck in interview with Marine Corps Combat Correspondent S/Sgt Gordon D. Marsten 1944)

THE MIGHTY CASEY…

Casey at the Dugout-Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Stengel had managed at the major league level with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1934-1936 and also with the Boston Braves (Bees) from 1938-1943.
He had been a skilled right fielder, playing in the major leagues from 1912 to 1925. Charles Dillon Stengel had a lifetime batting average of .284 over 14 seasons. He also had a reputation of being a bit of a clown, but was all business when it came to playing and managing.

“To follow a man like Grimm in Milwaukee is probably the toughest job I ever tackled.” he stated in the club offices, “But I am going to pitch with everything I have and I think we will all get along splendidly.”

They did get along splendidly. His Milwaukee Brewers didn’t miss a beat with Casey in charge and continued their winning ways.

On May 12 they buried the Indianapolis Indians 16-3 for their 9th straight victory in a 19 hit game. Hal Peck hit 2 home runs, a double, a single, and drove in 5 runs. Tommy Nelson contributed a 3 run homer in the eighth inning and had two great defensive plays, snagging a hard line drive in the 2nd and snaring another ball, made a spectacular glove hand flip to Culler to get the force out in the 4th inning.

Hal Peck Original Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Hershel Martin was the hero in their 11th consecutive victory against Louisville.
Milwaukee’s star outfielder tallied 4 hits and drove in 7 runs in a 13-3 drubbing of the Colonels to complete the series sweep. Martin was looking forward to returning to Milwaukee for some “home cooking.”

Hershel Martin Sportrait
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers would lose Martin in June to the New York Yankees in a trade for Ed Levy, announced Vice President Mickey Heath. He assured the team that this deal wouldn’t hurt the team. The Brewers also added pitcher Don Hendrickson and catcher Roy Easterwood. Ken Raddant did a decent job at catcher, backing up Jim Pruett but was not quite ready for AA ball.

The Brewers continued their dominance of the league in July, having won 12 of 20 road games leading up to the 4th of July. Slumps didn’t last long for Stengel’s Brewers and winning double headers were becoming common place for the team. Taking two from Kansas city 25-7 and 5-1, and two from Saint Paul, 5-1 and 7-6. More would follow throughout the season.

George Binks was the hot topic of major league owners and his former boss, Charlie Grimm was fielding questions about Bingo and his .415 batting average.

“Ever since joining the Cubs in early May I have been getting long distance phone calls from major league owners and scouts about George Binks.”

Pinch hitting for his pitcher, “Bing Bang” Binks belted a 3 run home run to secure the victory against the Millers for pitcher Charlie Sproull.

Charlie Sproull – Original Autographed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s pitching was well balanced with Earl Caldwell having one of his best years in baseball. Offensively Milwaukee was hitting a collective .316 and had plenty of power at the plate with Becker, Binks, Levy, Nagel, Peck, and Secory.
Bill Nagel, who came to the Brewers as partial payment for Grey Clarke via the White Sox, was just off the chart with 102 RBI’s.(And it was only July!)
As the month came to a close, Milwaukee was 11 games ahead of Louisville with a record of 74-30.

August found the Brewers dealing Ed Scheiwe and some cash to Kansas City for infielder Arky Biggs. Needing some utility help, Biggs was expected to more than adequately fill the bill. Biggs was hitting .364 with the Blues prior to his joining the Brews. The race tightened up a bit in August with Toledo trailing the Brewers by 7 1/2 games. Talk of the playoffs circulated among the players, even if a bit prematurely.

September 1st had the Milwaukee Brewers solidly in first place with a 92-46 record.
The Brewers clinched the American Association Championship September 6th with a 6-0 shutout victory by Julio Acosta over the Saint Paul Saints. This was the second time in two years that the Cuban Showboat clinched the game for Milwaukee. He clinched it in 1943 by beating Indianapolis.

Julio Acosta – Original Autographed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

“Was I OK tonight?” Acosta asked as he dressed … “You pitched your best game of the season tonight,” said outfielder Bill Norman to the Cuban side wheeler.

The Brewers occupied and held 1st place all season long and General Manager Rudie Schaffer lamented: “This would have been a perfect day, if only Bill (Veeck) was here to see the club he built before joining the marines win the pennant.”

1944 Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

*(This 1944 set of Milwaukee Brewer baseball card series was again done by Milwaukee’s Grand Photo Studio. These (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches) cards are similar to the previous year’s offering but did not have the Grand Studio name on the cards. They had printed autographs and were sold at the Borchert Field concession stands and by mail, for 25 cents a set.

Considered scarce, they demand a premium price when found in complete near mint sets. Here is a rare view of the complete 26 card set. )

Julio Acosta / Heinz Becker
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

A surprise birthday present for Jolly Cholly in 1943, Julio Acosta jumped out of a cake at Borchert Field. In 1944, Julio won 13 while losing 10 with a 3.89 ERA. He was considered one of the best lefties in the American Association for the year.

First baseman Heinz Becker, after a short spring with the Chicago Cubs, rejoined the Brewers. He improved his batting average to .346 in 146 games in 1944.

George Binks / Bob Bowman
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

George Binks was a clutch utility player in the field and at home plate for Milwaukee. He batted .374 over 100 games playing both the outfield and filling in at 1st base in 1944.

Bob Bowman went 1-0 in limited play in 1944.

Earl Caldwell / Dick Culler
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Earl ‘Teach” Caldwell had one of his best years in baseball as he led the American Association with a 19 win vs. 5 loss season in 1944.
His ERA was a cool 2.97.

Shortstop Dick Culler was superb at shortstop and was part of the best double play combination in 1944, Culler to Nelson to Becker. He hit a solid .308 for the season. Quick on the base paths, he used the great Ty Cobb’s fall away slide, throwing his body away from the base and reaching to tag the base with his hand. An all around clutch player for the Brews.

Roy Easterwood / Jack Farmer
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Catcher Roy Easterwood, a needed backup catcher late in the season, played in 37 games in 1944 with a BA of .283.

Jack Farmer pitched in with an 8 and 6 record and a 2.96 ERA.

Charlie Gassaway / Dick Hearn
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Lefty Charlie Gassaway pitched in with a smokin’ 18 wins vs. only 8 losses.

His ERA was a classy 2.75 and he did well as both starter and a reliever.

Dickie Hearn tallied a 6-7 record in 103 innings pitched.

Don Hendrickson / Ed Levy
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Don Hendrickson went 12 and 7 with an excellent 2.57 ERA in 1944.

Ed Levy replaced Hershel Martin in the outfield with a .286 BA in 46 games.

Hershel Martin / Bill Nagel
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

In 58 games, Hershel Martin hit .358. before joining the New York Yankees at mid season.

Slugger Bill Nagel playing 3rd base hit .308, the Brewer RBI leader.
Bill wanted to play outfield but, Charlie Grimm in need of infielders suggested he try 3rd base. “I will do the best I can Charlie but I would rather play outfield.”
Well, his play at 3rd proved to be a great asset to the Brewers with his strong throwing arm. He rarely made a bad throw. He also provided “booming base hits.” Manager Casey Stengel was a big backer of his as Nagel played very well on opposing ball fields. Opposing players respected his prowess “at the dish with ducks on the pond.”

Tommy Nelson / Bill Norman
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

At 2nd base in 1944, Tommy Nelson played 146 games for the year hitting for a .303 average. An awesome infielder, he was a key part of the Milwaukee Brewer defense.

Bill Norman was much improved over last year hitting .296.

Hal Peck / Jimmy Pruett
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Hal Peck hit a smokin’ .345 for the year. An expert bunter, some insisted he was even faster since shooting his foot in an accident at his home in 1942, which was expected to slow him down.
“When I was in the hospital for more than a month in 1942. I thought my baseball days were definitely finished.” said Peck.”…I got a pep talk from Bill Veeck. It sort of cheered me up and I made up my mind I was going to be a big leaguer, toes or not. “
Casey Stengel called him his ” million dollar baby.”

Jimmy Pruett hit .312 along with his catching duties. He was considered “fearless” in his blocking of the plate. His many female fans were no doubt upset with is marriage during the 1944 season.

Ken Raddant / Owen Scheets
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Young Ken Raddant filled in as catcher for 27 games early in the season and batted .241.

Pitcher Owen Scheetz went 11-7 for the year.

Eddie Scheiwe / Frank Secory
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Erwin “Eddie” Scheiwe played briefly at shortstop compiling a BA of .243.

Frank Secory’s play was solid in the outfield in 88 games and contributed with a BA of .290 and a fielding average of .946.

Red Smith / Floyd Speer
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Red Smith continued on as a valuable coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, which was especially important with the absence of Bill Veeck.

Floyd Speer pitched 108 innings for a 7 – 2 record.

Charlie Sproull / Casey Stengel
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Sproull wowed the crowd with his 2.50 ERA and posted a record of 16 – 7.

The not so “Old Perfesser” Casey Stengel took over the helm from the departing Charlie Grimm. He provided a smooth transition and led the team to victory in 1944. He proved his mettle as a manager in Milwaukee and would go on to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of baseball’s greatest field generals with the New York Yankees.

1944 American Association Champions

Thanks to Bill Veeck’s and Charlie Grimm’s building of the franchise, the Milwaukee Brewers had a strong base to work with in the winter of 1943-1944 that was considered at a pre-war standard. In Veeck’s absence, Grimm, Rudie Schaffer and others put together the needed pieces for a great team. With Grimm’s early departure and his hiring of Casey Stengel, the team was left in competent hands. Brewer announcer Michael “Mickey” Heath stepped out of the background to become Vice President after Grimm moved on to Chicago. A Milwaukee Brewer baseball player himself and good judge of talent, he made important decisions during the season to shore up the team and help keep them on track and winning. Heath and Veeck had discussed players on a regular basis in the past and Veeck always respected Mickey’s opinion with player personnel, so his choice was a natural.

The 1944 Milwaukee Brewers had the power of several big bats to drive them towards the pennant. Becker, Biggs, Binks, Culler, Levy, Nagel, Peck, and Secory all contributed.
Pitching was a strength the team relied on in the stretch. Acosta, Caldwell, Gassaway, Farmer, Hendrickson, Scheetz and Sproull. Both Gassaway and Hendrickson spent time starting and relieving.

Any slumps did not last long and no one really came close to the Brewers who clinched the season in early September for their 2nd consecutive American Association crown.

Casey Stengel-Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Casey Stengel’s Brewers finished with Milwaukee’s best record in the history of the franchise at 102 – 51. Although they were picked to win it all, including the Little World Series, the 3rd place Louisville team had something to say about that. Louisville had bested the Brewers in 10 of the 22 games played between them. They had tough pitching that had given the Brewers trouble during the regular season. The Brewers after leading the series 2 games to 1, fell victim to “cheap infield hits” by the Colonels and breakdowns in pitching did them in, according to Casey.

Unfortunately, like Charlie Grimm before him, his 1944 Brewer team went down in the first round of the playoffs, 4 games to 2.

…Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;

But there is no joy in Mudville – mighty Casey has struck out.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer ©

1944 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

Pfc. William Veeck Jr. returned to Borchert Field in December 1944, a year after leaving Milwaukee to join the Marine Corps. Behind him was the war in the Pacific; ahead of him would be the struggle to regain his health and rejoining his beloved Milwaukee Brewers for the 1945 season.

December 1944 -Back at Borchert

Sport shirts packed away, “Leatherneck” Bill was occupied in the Pacific. Charlie Grimm was hearing the siren call from the
“Walls of Ivy.” Veeck would be fuming, Stengel was assuming …
the management of the Brews……

“Casey at the Bat”
The 1944 Milwaukee Brewers
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

DUTY CALLS…

With the dawning of 1944, the United States of America entered its 3rd year of World War II. By this time, no one seemed to be spared getting their call up from Uncle Sam, including fathers with children. This author’s father was no exception.

Milwaukee’s International Harvester Plant 1944
(Author’s Collection)

Tenpenny J.R.

Milwaukee Brewers owner, Bill Veeck had enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1943.

“The draft never bothered me,” explained Veeck to the Milwaukee Journal’s R.G. Lynch. “I knew they were going to get around to me, but I was going to wait until they did. Then they began to draft fathers. That made things different. Sure, I’ve got 3 children, but I can go and know Ellen (Mrs. Veeck) and the kids will be alright. I mean I am in a better position to go than a lot of other men who have kids. I couldn’t sit back and let the draft get those fellows first, so I volunteered. It was the only way I could feel right about it.”

The Milwaukee Brewers President was in excellent health at the age of 30, and reported for duty to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton,
San Diego, California in early December. After 7 strenuous weeks, Veeck finished boot camp on Jan 29th. Soon afterwards, Private First Class William Veeck Jr. was deployed with other Marines to the Pacific, reportedly serving in Bougainville and Guadalcanal.

With Veeck gone, the club was in the very capable hands of Manager Charlie Grimm and General Manager Rudie Schaffer, who was made acting President.
Don Stewart of the Chicago Cubs was to join the Brewers in an advisory capacity in January. A longtime friend of Bill Veeck, he came with a lot of baseball experience under his belt. Unfortunately, he left 3 weeks later to take the top job with the Cubs affiliate in Los Angeles. Charlie Grimm was named team vice president soon afterwards.

After winning the American Association pennant in 1943, the Brewers were flush with money and were able to look for players to replace departing ones during the winter months. Milwaukee needed a catcher to replace the departing Hank Helf. 1st base was a concern because Heinz “Dutch” Becker was expected to play with the Cubs in 1944.
They were also in need of a 2nd baseman to replace Don Johnson.
Dick Culler was seen as an excellent shortstop for the upcoming year to replace Tony York.
Bill Nagel was slated to take over the hot corner from departed Grey Clarke.
Their outfield was pretty well set, with Hal Peck expected to return to his hard hitting, fleet footed self in right field. Hershel Martin was expected to continue his superb hitting and fly catching in centerfield.

Bill Norman and Frank Secory were both vying for the 3rd spot in the pasture.
Grimm felt his pitching was better than what they had in 1943.
Expectations were high for pitchers Charlie Sproull, Owen Scheetz and Charlie Gassoway, who had been a bit unpredictable from the left hand side the previous year. He was expected to mature into a quality pitcher.

SPRING TRAINING IN ” MUDVILLE ” …

Charlie Grimm as “Casey at the Bat” 1944 Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm waxed poetic on March 9, 1944 when he portrayed Thayer’s beloved character, “Casey at the Bat” for the Milwaukee Athletic Club crowd. It would later prove to be prophetic early on during the season.

With spring training slated to open March 20, the Milwaukee Brewers would be returning to Waukesha’s Frame Field. Exhibition games were planned against local industrial teams.

While the team jested about the weather and discussed dog sleds and snowball fights last year, 1944 would be no joking matter. The reality of playing baseball in Wisconsin’s winter would be painfully apparent this year.

Back to “Mudville”- near Waukesha’s Frame Field
The Moor Mud Baths
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm didn’t have to go to the Moor Mud baths to be neck deep in the muck, as field conditions at Frame field were muddy enough for him. The weather would not cooperate with the Milwaukee Brewers in Waukesha. Attempting any training at Frame Field was darn near impossible.
The Brewers were forced to hold indoor sessions at a riding Academy in nearby Hartland until the grounds dried out.

While practicing indoors was fine for the pitchers and catchers. Grimm needed a playing field for game like conditions for his infielders.
The Brewers were ever hopeful that conditions would improve. They made adjustments, which included turning the field around and having the batting cage in deep center field so the hitters, at least, could get in some practice. The infield though, was “still a morass.”

Charlie was very much concerned about conditioning his team.

“Unless we get some outdoor practice pretty soon, I am afraid to think what might happen to us when we open our exhibition season schedule against the University of Wisconsin Madison April 1st.” said Grimm. “So far we have not had much of a chance to hold fielding practice. The diamond at Frame Field may not be ready for a few more days but at least we were able to work out on the grassy sidelines. “

Conditions at Frame Field were so bad that The Brewers were even exploring practicing at Borchert Field!
Players braved the cold weather in Waukesha, running and playing pepper but the home plate resembled a “hog wallow” making it impossible to practice.

Then came the snow. Charlie Grimm had had it. He was “Fed Up” with trying to train in Wisconsin. “Enough is enough,” he said and suggested the Cubs training center at French Lick, Indiana.

“We just can’t get in the right kind of shape with these conditions and there is no competition for the team to put on edge.”

The club, according to their manager, just wasn’t ready to play with the season opener looming 2 weeks away, on April 19th.

In spite of their spring training woes, American Association sportswriters picked the Brewers to finish 1st place for 1944. They garnered 8 first place votes, with Columbus(4) and Indianapolis (3) also receiving 1st place votes. A vote of confidence came from the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted for “Jolly Cholly” Grimm to get the most out of his players as he did last year.

The Columbus Red Birds skipper, Nick Cullop, didn’t agree. He felt the Brewers were weaker this year and felt his team was positioned to be a strong contender.

Ready or not, with only 16 innings of exhibition ball behind them, the Milwaukee Brewers were set to open their 1944 campaign. They would have to “play our way into shape.”

In spite of the spring training disaster, the Milwaukee Brewers were considered a strong team for 1944. The outfield was anchored solidly in centerfield with Hershel Martin, considered one of the best outfielders in the league. Dick Culler at shortstop with Tommy Nelson at second gave strength to the infield in the middle and would rival last year’s combo of Tony York and Don Johnson.
The Brewers sported some of the best pitching in the league with Gassaway and Acosta coming from the portside and had ample throwers from the right side as well. Sproull, Scheetz, Farmer, Caldwell, Bob Bowman and Dick Hearn. The catching was in good hands with Jim Pruett and rookie Ken Raddant backing him up.
Add to this strong nucleus, the likes of Hal Peck, Frank Secory, Heinz Becker (back from Chicago), Bill Nagel, Bill Norman and Ed Scheiwe, the Brewers were ready to have at the league on opening day.

1944 Milwaukee Brewer Program
(Author’s Collection)

1944 Brewer Roster-American Association Almanac
(Courtesy Rex Hamann)

Note* Scheiwe is correct spelling.

With the war effort in Milwaukee considered important again this year, the Brewers continued with plans to do their part with furnishing much needed recreation for the workers in defense plants. Baseball games at Borchert Field were vital to moral and the well being of the workers and families. Production at the facilities improved due to these games according to local plant managers. Morning games for factory workers would again be included for 1944. Defense plant discounts will also be renewed for this year with special ticket prices offered for the local defense and factory workers. A.O. Smith, Froemming Bros. Inc., the Miller Brewing Company, Siemann Body plant of Nash -Kelvinator Corporation, Harnischfeger Corporation and the Cleaver Brooks Company were some of the participants.
Ladies nights would, of course, be scheduled as usual too.

Entertainment was on the agenda for home games at Borchert like last year.
Hersh Martin and his “Brewer Wildcats” were scheduled to play June 12th. Martin at the piano was now in charge of the troupe while Bill Veeck was away with the marines.
Joining him this year would be Ed Scheiwe on mouth organ, catcher Jim Pruett at the drums, and Dick Culler playing a mean base fiddle. Bob Bowman scraped out rhythm on his washboard. “Hot jive folks can jitterbug to.” Also singing at the “Orchard” will be the “Cuban Frank Sinatra” Julio Acosta.

THE SEASON BEGINS …

In spite of the poor conditions during spring training and the resulting worries about the players being ready, Charlie Grimm’s Brewers were strong out of the gate grabbing immediate hold of first place. Opening day brought in 13,569 eager fans.

But there were rumblings in nearby Chicago where Jimmie Wilson quit as the Cubs manager on May 1st.
Rumors surfaced immediately that Milwaukee’s manager Charlie Grimm was being considered for the job. He told the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Red Thisted that he was not contacted and would remain in Milwaukee to look out for his and Bill Veeck’s interests, but added an “unless…”
Charlie stated he would have to get a “marvelous” offer to consider going back to Chicago.
That had the fans up in arms. Charlie Grimm was a much loved icon in Milwaukee and was credited along with Bill Veeck with rebuilding the national pastime in Milwaukee.
Charlie was their manager, their comedian, their friend and like Bill Veeck, someone fans felt would help make Milwaukee a major league city.

But the court of public opinion didn’t have much of a chance to voice its case, as it was announced officially that Casey Stengel would take over as manager of the team and that Charlie Grimm was Chicago bound with Casey taking over the reigns in Milwaukee Sunday May 7th.

Charlie in Chicago – 1944 original press photo
(Author’s Collection)

One would assume that Brewer owner and president Bill Veeck was part of the negotiations and approved of these changes, but that wasn’t the case. He was at war and thus, out of circulation.
It happened so fast it caught Leatherneck Bill completely by surprise. To say he was “Agog” or in a “Dither” about the changes, would be putting it mildly.

“I’m coming out of a mess hall on Bougainville this night and I hear a sports flash on the camp radio. It says Charlie Grimm, manager of my Milwaukee Brewers, has been signed to replace Jimmie Wilson of the Chicago Cubs. Then the announcer says Casey Stengel is taking over as manager of the Brewers. That’s all I hear, but it is enough … I’m stunned. Six weeks later I get the straight dope by mail, but by that time I’m snapping in for some new kind of neurosis. After I hear the news I don’t know what to think. I’m on guard duty the same night and all night long all kinds of thoughts are rushing through my head. What are they DOING to me? Is my pal Grimm mad? Why doesn’t somebody tell me these things?”

(Veeck in interview with Marine Corps Combat Correspondent S/Sgt Gordon D. Marsten 1944)

THE MIGHTY CASEY…

Casey at the Dugout-Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Stengel had managed at the major league level with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1934-1936 and also with the Boston Braves (Bees) from 1938-1943.
He had been a skilled right fielder, playing in the major leagues from 1912 to 1925. Charles Dillon Stengel had a lifetime batting average of .284 over 14 seasons. He also had a reputation of being a bit of a clown, but was all business when it came to playing and managing.

“To follow a man like Grimm in Milwaukee is probably the toughest job I ever tackled.” he stated in the club offices, “But I am going to pitch with everything I have and I think we will all get along splendidly.”

They did get along splendidly. His Milwaukee Brewers didn’t miss a beat with Casey in charge and continued their winning ways.

On May 12 they buried the Indianapolis Indians 16-3 for their 9th straight victory in a 19 hit game. Hal Peck hit 2 home runs, a double, a single, and drove in 5 runs. Tommy Nelson contributed a 3 run homer in the eighth inning and had two great defensive plays, snagging a hard line drive in the 2nd and snaring another ball, made a spectacular glove hand flip to Culler to get the force out in the 4th inning.

Hal Peck Original Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Hershel Martin was the hero in their 11th consecutive victory against Louisville.
Milwaukee’s star outfielder tallied 4 hits and drove in 7 runs in a 13-3 drubbing of the Colonels to complete the series sweep. Martin was looking forward to returning to Milwaukee for some “home cooking.”

Hershel Martin Sportrait
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers would lose Martin in June to the New York Yankees in a trade for Ed Levy, announced Vice President Mickey Heath. He assured the team that this deal wouldn’t hurt the team. The Brewers also added pitcher Don Hendrickson and catcher Roy Easterwood. Ken Raddant did a decent job at catcher, backing up Jim Pruett but was not quite ready for AA ball.

The Brewers continued their dominance of the league in July, having won 12 of 20 road games leading up to the 4th of July. Slumps didn’t last long for Stengel’s Brewers and winning double headers were becoming common place for the team. Taking two from Kansas city 25-7 and 5-1, and two from Saint Paul, 5-1 and 7-6. More would follow throughout the season.

George Binks was the hot topic of major league owners and his former boss, Charlie Grimm was fielding questions about Bingo and his .415 batting average.

“Ever since joining the Cubs in early May I have been getting long distance phone calls from major league owners and scouts about George Binks.”

Pinch hitting for his pitcher, “Bing Bang” Binks belted a 3 run home run to secure the victory against the Millers for pitcher Charlie Sproull.

Charlie Sproull – Original Autographed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee’s pitching was well balanced with Earl Caldwell having one of his best years in baseball. Offensively Milwaukee was hitting a collective .316 and had plenty of power at the plate with Becker, Binks, Levy, Nagel, Peck, and Secory.
Bill Nagel, who came to the Brewers as partial payment for Grey Clarke via the White Sox, was just off the chart with 102 RBI’s.(And it was only July!)
As the month came to a close, Milwaukee was 11 games ahead of Louisville with a record of 74-30.

August found the Brewers dealing Ed Scheiwe and some cash to Kansas City for infielder Arky Biggs. Needing some utility help, Biggs was expected to more than adequately fill the bill. Biggs was hitting .364 with the Blues prior to his joining the Brews. The race tightened up a bit in August with Toledo trailing the Brewers by 7 1/2 games. Talk of the playoffs circulated among the players, even if a bit prematurely.

September 1st had the Milwaukee Brewers solidly in first place with a 92-46 record.
The Brewers clinched the American Association Championship September 6th with a 6-0 shutout victory by Julio Acosta over the Saint Paul Saints. This was the second time in two years that the Cuban Showboat clinched the game for Milwaukee. He clinched it in 1943 by beating Indianapolis.

Julio Acosta – Original Autographed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

“Was I OK tonight?” Acosta asked as he dressed … “You pitched your best game of the season tonight,” said outfielder Bill Norman to the Cuban side wheeler.

The Brewers occupied and held 1st place all season long and General Manager Rudie Schaffer lamented: “This would have been a perfect day, if only Bill (Veeck) was here to see the club he built before joining the marines win the pennant.”

1944 Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

*(This 1944 set of Milwaukee Brewer baseball card series was again done by Milwaukee’s Grand Photo Studio. These (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches) cards are similar to the previous year’s offering but did not have the Grand Studio name on the cards. They had printed autographs and were sold at the Borchert Field concession stands and by mail, for 25 cents a set.

Considered scarce, they demand a premium price when found in complete near mint sets. Here is a rare view of the complete 26 card set. )

Julio Acosta / Heinz Becker
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

A surprise birthday present for Jolly Cholly in 1943, Julio Acosta jumped out of a cake at Borchert Field. In 1944, Julio won 13 while losing 10 with a 3.89 ERA. He was considered one of the best lefties in the American Association for the year.

First baseman Heinz Becker, after a short spring with the Chicago Cubs, rejoined the Brewers. He improved his batting average to .346 in 146 games in 1944.

George Binks / Bob Bowman
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

George Binks was a clutch utility player in the field and at home plate for Milwaukee. He batted .374 over 100 games playing both the outfield and filling in at 1st base in 1944.

Bob Bowman went 1-0 in limited play in 1944.

Earl Caldwell / Dick Culler
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Earl ‘Teach” Caldwell had one of his best years in baseball as he led the American Association with a 19 win vs. 5 loss season in 1944.
His ERA was a cool 2.97.

Shortstop Dick Culler was superb at shortstop and was part of the best double play combination in 1944, Culler to Nelson to Becker. He hit a solid .308 for the season. Quick on the base paths, he used the great Ty Cobb’s fall away slide, throwing his body away from the base and reaching to tag the base with his hand. An all around clutch player for the Brews.

Roy Easterwood / Jack Farmer
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Catcher Roy Easterwood, a needed backup catcher late in the season, played in 37 games in 1944 with a BA of .283.

Jack Farmer pitched in with an 8 and 6 record and a 2.96 ERA.

Charlie Gassaway / Dick Hearn
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Lefty Charlie Gassaway pitched in with a smokin’ 18 wins vs. only 8 losses.

His ERA was a classy 2.75 and he did well as both starter and a reliever.

Dickie Hearn tallied a 6-7 record in 103 innings pitched.

Don Hendrickson / Ed Levy
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Don Hendrickson went 12 and 7 with an excellent 2.57 ERA in 1944.

Ed Levy replaced Hershel Martin in the outfield with a .286 BA in 46 games.

Hershel Martin / Bill Nagel
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

In 58 games, Hershel Martin hit .358. before joining the New York Yankees at mid season.

Slugger Bill Nagel playing 3rd base hit .308, the Brewer RBI leader.
Bill wanted to play outfield but, Charlie Grimm in need of infielders suggested he try 3rd base. “I will do the best I can Charlie but I would rather play outfield.”
Well, his play at 3rd proved to be a great asset to the Brewers with his strong throwing arm. He rarely made a bad throw. He also provided “booming base hits.” Manager Casey Stengel was a big backer of his as Nagel played very well on opposing ball fields. Opposing players respected his prowess “at the dish with ducks on the pond.”

Tommy Nelson / Bill Norman
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

At 2nd base in 1944, Tommy Nelson played 146 games for the year hitting for a .303 average. An awesome infielder, he was a key part of the Milwaukee Brewer defense.

Bill Norman was much improved over last year hitting .296.

Hal Peck / Jimmy Pruett
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Outfielder Hal Peck hit a smokin’ .345 for the year. An expert bunter, some insisted he was even faster since shooting his foot in an accident at his home in 1942, which was expected to slow him down.
“When I was in the hospital for more than a month in 1942. I thought my baseball days were definitely finished.” said Peck.”…I got a pep talk from Bill Veeck. It sort of cheered me up and I made up my mind I was going to be a big leaguer, toes or not. “
Casey Stengel called him his ” million dollar baby.”

Jimmy Pruett hit .312 along with his catching duties. He was considered “fearless” in his blocking of the plate. His many female fans were no doubt upset with is marriage during the 1944 season.

Ken Raddant / Owen Scheets
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Young Ken Raddant filled in as catcher for 27 games early in the season and batted .241.

Pitcher Owen Scheetz went 11-7 for the year.

Eddie Scheiwe / Frank Secory
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Erwin “Eddie” Scheiwe played briefly at shortstop compiling a BA of .243.

Frank Secory’s play was solid in the outfield in 88 games and contributed with a BA of .290 and a fielding average of .946.

Red Smith / Floyd Speer
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Red Smith continued on as a valuable coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, which was especially important with the absence of Bill Veeck.

Floyd Speer pitched 108 innings for a 7 – 2 record.

Charlie Sproull / Casey Stengel
1944 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Sproull wowed the crowd with his 2.50 ERA and posted a record of 16 – 7.

The not so “Old Perfesser” Casey Stengel took over the helm from the departing Charlie Grimm. He provided a smooth transition and led the team to victory in 1944. He proved his mettle as a manager in Milwaukee and would go on to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of baseball’s greatest field generals with the New York Yankees.

1944 American Association Champions

Thanks to Bill Veeck’s and Charlie Grimm’s building of the franchise, the Milwaukee Brewers had a strong base to work with in the winter of 1943-1944 that was considered at a pre-war standard. In Veeck’s absence, Grimm, Rudie Schaffer and others put together the needed pieces for a great team. With Grimm’s early departure and his hiring of Casey Stengel, the team was left in competent hands. Brewer announcer Michael “Mickey” Heath stepped out of the background to become Vice President after Grimm moved on to Chicago. A Milwaukee Brewer baseball player himself and good judge of talent, he made important decisions during the season to shore up the team and help keep them on track and winning. Heath and Veeck had discussed players on a regular basis in the past and Veeck always respected Mickey’s opinion with player personnel, so his choice was a natural.

The 1944 Milwaukee Brewers had the power of several big bats to drive them towards the pennant. Becker, Biggs, Binks, Culler, Levy, Nagel, Peck, and Secory all contributed.
Pitching was a strength the team relied on in the stretch. Acosta, Caldwell, Gassaway, Farmer, Hendrickson, Scheetz and Sproull. Both Gassaway and Hendrickson spent time starting and relieving.

Any slumps did not last long and no one really came close to the Brewers who clinched the season in early September for their 2nd consecutive American Association crown.

Casey Stengel-Signed Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Casey Stengel’s Brewers finished with Milwaukee’s best record in the history of the franchise at 102 – 51. Although they were picked to win it all, including the Little World Series, the 3rd place Louisville team had something to say about that. Louisville had bested the Brewers in 10 of the 22 games played between them. They had tough pitching that had given the Brewers trouble during the regular season. The Brewers after leading the series 2 games to 1, fell victim to “cheap infield hits” by the Colonels and breakdowns in pitching did them in, according to Casey.

Unfortunately, like Charlie Grimm before him, his 1944 Brewer team went down in the first round of the playoffs, 4 games to 2.

…Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;

But there is no joy in Mudville – mighty Casey has struck out.

Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer ©

1944 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

Pfc. William Veeck Jr. returned to Borchert Field in December 1944, a year after leaving Milwaukee to join the Marine Corps. Behind him was the war in the Pacific; ahead of him would be the struggle to regain his health and rejoining his beloved Milwaukee Brewers for the 1945 season.

December 1944 -Back at Borchert

While some shamelessly point only to his 1945 “Merkle Moment” in the Philadelphia sun, George Binks shined in Milwaukee during the summer of 1944…

“Bingo”

George Binks
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
(Copyright 2010 (Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

George Alvin Binkowski was born July 11, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois.

He shortened his name to Binks when he began in baseball, adopting the moniker, “Bingo.”
It proved to be a name that was both easily remembered and popular with fans as well as the sports writers during a baseball career that spanned 15 years.

George started playing baseball during the depression while working in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Finding that he had natural ability for the game, he launched himself into a baseball career playing for the Monessen Indians in the Pennsylvania State Association in 1936 at the age of 21.
In 1937 he was playing for the Owensboro Oilers of the Kentucky Illinois and Tennessee League and the Springfield Indians of the Middle Atlantic League. 1938 found him playing on 3 more teams in 3 different leagues: The Tyler Trojans of the East Texas League, Springfield Indians again and the Wilkes-Barre Barons of the Eastern League. He played the entire 1939 season with the Cedar Rapids Raiders of the Illinois Indiana Iowa League.

In 1940, our well traveled Bingo played with the Cedar Rapids Raiders and the Charleston Senators of the Middle Atlantic League. In 1941, he played with 3 teams in Wisconsin: The Madison Blues of the Illinois Indiana Iowa League, The Green Bay Blue Sox of the Wisconsin State League and catching my breath and throwing away my map, which is a mess by now …
he finally arrived in Milwaukee, joining the American Association Brewers late in the year.

While in Green Bay, manager Red Smith tweaked George’s batting stance and he became a much improved hitter. Once he spread it out a bit “he became one of the best hitters,”
according to Smith.
Red subsequently recommended him to Milwaukee’s Charlie Grimm.

(Red Smith would have a long association with The Milwaukee Brewers as a player-1930’s, coach-1940’s and General Manager in the 1950’s.)

George Binks 1941 Milwaukee Brewers

In his first at bat, Binks swatted a home run. Way to go Bingo!

While 1941 was mostly miserable and forgettable for Milwaukee and Charlie Grimm, affectionately known as “Jolly Cholly,” considered the late season addition of Binks to be “the only good thing he remembered from that season.” (Grimm’s first year managing the Brewers)
George was a hit in the 5 games played as a Brewer that year. He tallied an impressive .444 batting average with 8 hits in 18 at bats with a double and a home run.

When the war broke out, Binks was classified 4-F, “not acceptable for military service,” because he was deaf in one ear due to having mastoid trouble in his childhood. Instead of sitting out the war and continuing his career, he sacrificed baseball to work as a machinist in a converted auto factory in South Bend, Indiana, producing war material for the war effort during 1942 and ’43.

George Binks 1944 Grand Studio Card
(Author’s Collection)

George returned to baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers in 1944, playing like he was gone for only 2 days, not for 2 years! He immediately became an integral part of the team. Having the ability to play both first base and the outfield and with his ever present batting prowess, he would have a crucial role with the Brews the entire season.

Grimm left the Brewers in the capable hands of Casey Stengel when Charlie yielded to the siren call to manage the Chicago Cubs. With his prized utility man hitting near .400, Casey bragged: “his greatest value has been as a pinch hitter.” Binks had a superb batting average of .300 in that role. He was called a “lifesaver” as a hitter for the Brewers.

Box Score May 1944

In addition to being a quality player, George Binks was also quite the character. Even his glove got the attention of the press.

As early as 1941, George’s first baseman’s mitt was a topic of much conversation. Seemingly held together with tape and bailing wire, the team couldn’t get him to give it up. It was a good luck charm given to him by a major league scout when he first began playing baseball in 1936. It was the cause of much laughter and some consternation with manager Charlie Grimm who considered it a “hunk of leather.”
“I just can’t part with it,” said Binks in 1944, “There’s a lot of memories in that piece of leather. It’s not the fanciest glove, I know, but I prefer it to a new one.” Binks turned down a new glove offered to him by manager Grimm. The web of the glove is made of bird cage wire put together by a Green Bay clubhouse boy when the leather wore out. “It’s been a luck charm
so I will go on using it,” said Binks.
Well, he did use it until a storm tore the roof off of Borchert field on June 15th. In the ensuing excitement he lost the treasured keepsake.

George Binks 1944 Favorite Glove Photo and Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Besides jury-rigging gloves, George was considered the “handy man” on the Brewer club too. He was comfortable playing at the first sack as well as filling in when needed in the outfield during the absences of Frank Secory and Bill Norman. His hitting was not affected by changing positions.
In late August, while expounding to the Wrigley field press about the ability of their clutch utility man, George Binks, Milwaukee Brewer manager Stengel answered a question posed to him. “Can he play third?” Ignoring the obvious ignorance of the questioner who didn’t know George was a southpaw, Casey, so confident in the fielding skills of Binks, responded in the affirmative. Normally the 3rd sack was reserved for right handers. But with Casey, anything was possible. While in Toledo a few years earlier, he shocked the fans by inserting outfielder John Cooney, a left hander, at 2nd base.

The phlegmatic Bingo, was such a good hitter that he never seemed to bother with the identity of the opposing pitcher. Shortstop Arky Biggs, a former Brewer teammate in 1944, remembers an incident with Milwaukee where Binks had gotten a base hit and later scored. When he sat down next to Biggs he watched the pitcher wind up and asked him, “when did the left hander come into the game?” He had been pitching for two innings! Maybe this was why he was such a good hitter; he didn’t care who was pitching, he just swung away at “his” pitches. Bingo was acknowledged as being an important factor in the Brewer pennant drive all year. Starting out filling in for Heinz Becker at first base, but playing mostly as their left fielder. George’s pinch hitting was repeatedly noted as winning several games for the Brews. His hitting was phenomenal. As late as August, he was hitting at a “fat” .407 batting average.
George finished the season with a team leading, .374 batting average. In one hundred games, Bingo had 105 base hits in 281 at bats, 17 doubles, 2 triples and 11 round trippers. His fielding average was .956.

George Binks Game Used Bat
(Author’s Collection)

His dream of playing major league ball became a reality that same year when the Brewers sold him to the Washington Senators (Nationals). On August 25th he joined the Senators after the season ended with Milwaukee in Chicago against the White Sox. He played in a total of 5 games with the Nats in 1944, scattering 3 singles in 12 at bats.

1945 would be a season to remember for Bingo in more ways than one.
George had a great year on the field and at bat. Playing in 145 games that year, Binks tallied 153 hits in 550 at bats for a .278 batting average. He was second in the league in doubles with 32 and fifth in RBIs with 81. He had a stellar .983 fielding average too. George even garnered votes for American League MVP for 1945 (placing 21st).
Manager Ossie Bluege considered Bingo a great outfielder and a great left handed hitter. “Binks has the greatest gloved hand I have ever seen on an outfielder, I have never seen him drop a ball that he got his glove on.” He was a valuable player in the outfield, on first base and as a hitter he was a spark plug for the team. When regular first baseman, Joe Kuhel, went down with an injury, Binks filled in and went on a hitting tear that rocketed them into pennant contention almost single-handedly. The Senators winning 16 of their next 22 games.
But he was not without problems. Being deaf in one ear was at times, a handicap for him and his teammates. More than once he had trouble in the outfield with being called off by his fellow outfielders, which made collisions a definite possibility if they weren’t mindful of his handicap. He also was picked off base one time because he could not hear the warnings from the bench. He had a penchant for missing or ignoring signs from the bench on a regular basis, among other mental errors. But his bat was so valuable for Washington that manager Bluege could ill afford to bench him. His teammates mostly kidded him good-naturedly about his foibles.

“Boner Bingo” Original Press Photo
(Author’s collection)

His biggest mistake, the “Binks Boner,” occurred while the Washington Senators were contending for the 1945 American League pennant and it looms as large as Bill Buckner’s through the legs error in 1986 and “Bonehead” Fred Merkle’s famous flub of 1908. The Nats were in a close race thanks in no small part to the hard hitting Binks. Washington was playing a double header with the Athletics in Philadelphia. The first game was tied and in extra innings. The bright sun played a roll that day as it had been “dancing in and out of the clouds” all day. Binks did not take a cue from his Philadelphia outfield counterpart who had his sunglasses brought out to him. When A’s outfielder Ernie Kish hit a fly to center field, George lost the ball in the sun, it dropping in for a double instead of an easy out. The next man was walked intentionally to set up the double play possibility. Future hall of famer and Philadelphia 3rd baseman, George Kell, drove in the winning run with a single. The Senators did win the 2nd game of the twin bill, but never caught up to the Detroit Tigers.
Blame fell on Binks for his misplay, deservedly so, but owner Clark Griffith could well share the blame for his scheduling arrangements for the 1945 season. Trying to earn some extra money, he rented the ballpark to the Washington Redskins for the last week of September. The schedule was arranged to finish on the road and also forced them to play more double headers, where they couldn’t use their best pitchers to their advantage.
They were forced to wait and hope that the Tigers would lose. They didn’t. The Nationals finishing 1 1/2 games behind Detroit, who went on to defeat Charlie Grimm’s Chicago Cubs in the World Series 4-3 that season.

George went on to play another season with the Washington Senators in 1946, moving on to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947 and later on to the St. Louis Browns for 1948, his final season in the majors. He played a couple more years in AAA ball before retiring after 1950.

George Binks was able to live out his dream of playing major league baseball. While the World was at war, he stepped up to a different plate, in spite of his handicap and not being able to fight. He served his country quietly by working in a critical industry, actually giving up the game he loved for two years.

Returning in 1944, he became one of those very special players who kept the sport alive, lifting moral at home and abroad while others gave up their time and some, their lives, for our country.

While some choose to remember him only for his blunder, losing the ball in the sun and that single game, remember, his team finished a full game and 1/2 back. So like the press photo said, you can’t blame the entire season on his one misplay. They finished more than 1 game behind the Tigers. His hard hitting and fielding actually helped put them in contention in the first place. He was a valuable part of the Washington team, giving them that chance at the pennant.

George Binks 1944 Original Snapshot and Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

He was a valuable part of the Brewer team in 1944 in Milwaukee. The fans loved watching the Borchert “Bingo Party“ put on by this scrappy utility player. He was their “handyman,” playing when and where they needed him, truly a “lifesaver.” Be it first base, outfield, pinch hitter, even 3rd base… if Casey would have needed him there. He was their “go to” guy in a pinch. His bat was always a critical addition to the lineup and, no doubt, a major player on the team that won Bill Veeck his 2nd American Association title in a row while he was away serving his country.

We tip our caps to you Bingo!

While some shamelessly point only to his 1945 “Merkle Moment” in the Philadelphia sun, George Binks shined in Milwaukee during the summer of 1944…

“Bingo”

George Binks
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
(Copyright 2010 (Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

George Alvin Binkowski was born July 11, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois.

He shortened his name to Binks when he began in baseball, adopting the moniker, “Bingo.”
It proved to be a name that was both easily remembered and popular with fans as well as the sports writers during a baseball career that spanned 15 years.

George started playing baseball during the depression while working in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Finding that he had natural ability for the game, he launched himself into a baseball career playing for the Monessen Indians in the Pennsylvania State Association in 1936 at the age of 21.
In 1937 he was playing for the Owensboro Oilers of the Kentucky Illinois and Tennessee League and the Springfield Indians of the Middle Atlantic League. 1938 found him playing on 3 more teams in 3 different leagues: The Tyler Trojans of the East Texas League, Springfield Indians again and the Wilkes-Barre Barons of the Eastern League. He played the entire 1939 season with the Cedar Rapids Raiders of the Illinois Indiana Iowa League.

In 1940, our well traveled Bingo played with the Cedar Rapids Raiders and the Charleston Senators of the Middle Atlantic League. In 1941, he played with 3 teams in Wisconsin: The Madison Blues of the Illinois Indiana Iowa League, The Green Bay Blue Sox of the Wisconsin State League and catching my breath and throwing away my map, which is a mess by now …
he finally arrived in Milwaukee, joining the American Association Brewers late in the year.

While in Green Bay, manager Red Smith tweaked George’s batting stance and he became a much improved hitter. Once he spread it out a bit “he became one of the best hitters,”
according to Smith.
Red subsequently recommended him to Milwaukee’s Charlie Grimm.

(Red Smith would have a long association with The Milwaukee Brewers as a player-1930’s, coach-1940’s and General Manager in the 1950’s.)

George Binks 1941 Milwaukee Brewers

In his first at bat, Binks swatted a home run. Way to go Bingo!

While 1941 was mostly miserable and forgettable for Milwaukee and Charlie Grimm, affectionately known as “Jolly Cholly,” considered the late season addition of Binks to be “the only good thing he remembered from that season.” (Grimm’s first year managing the Brewers)
George was a hit in the 5 games played as a Brewer that year. He tallied an impressive .444 batting average with 8 hits in 18 at bats with a double and a home run.

When the war broke out, Binks was classified 4-F, “not acceptable for military service,” because he was deaf in one ear due to having mastoid trouble in his childhood. Instead of sitting out the war and continuing his career, he sacrificed baseball to work as a machinist in a converted auto factory in South Bend, Indiana, producing war material for the war effort during 1942 and ’43.

George Binks 1944 Grand Studio Card
(Author’s Collection)

George returned to baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers in 1944, playing like he was gone for only 2 days, not for 2 years! He immediately became an integral part of the team. Having the ability to play both first base and the outfield and with his ever present batting prowess, he would have a crucial role with the Brews the entire season.

Grimm left the Brewers in the capable hands of Casey Stengel when Charlie yielded to the siren call to manage the Chicago Cubs. With his prized utility man hitting near .400, Casey bragged: “his greatest value has been as a pinch hitter.” Binks had a superb batting average of .300 in that role. He was called a “lifesaver” as a hitter for the Brewers.

Box Score May 1944

In addition to being a quality player, George Binks was also quite the character. Even his glove got the attention of the press.

As early as 1941, George’s first baseman’s mitt was a topic of much conversation. Seemingly held together with tape and bailing wire, the team couldn’t get him to give it up. It was a good luck charm given to him by a major league scout when he first began playing baseball in 1936. It was the cause of much laughter and some consternation with manager Charlie Grimm who considered it a “hunk of leather.”
“I just can’t part with it,” said Binks in 1944, “There’s a lot of memories in that piece of leather. It’s not the fanciest glove, I know, but I prefer it to a new one.” Binks turned down a new glove offered to him by manager Grimm. The web of the glove is made of bird cage wire put together by a Green Bay clubhouse boy when the leather wore out. “It’s been a luck charm
so I will go on using it,” said Binks.
Well, he did use it until a storm tore the roof off of Borchert field on June 15th. In the ensuing excitement he lost the treasured keepsake.

George Binks 1944 Favorite Glove Photo and Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Besides jury-rigging gloves, George was considered the “handy man” on the Brewer club too. He was comfortable playing at the first sack as well as filling in when needed in the outfield during the absences of Frank Secory and Bill Norman. His hitting was not affected by changing positions.
In late August, while expounding to the Wrigley field press about the ability of their clutch utility man, George Binks, Milwaukee Brewer manager Stengel answered a question posed to him. “Can he play third?” Ignoring the obvious ignorance of the questioner who didn’t know George was a southpaw, Casey, so confident in the fielding skills of Binks, responded in the affirmative. Normally the 3rd sack was reserved for right handers. But with Casey, anything was possible. While in Toledo a few years earlier, he shocked the fans by inserting outfielder John Cooney, a left hander, at 2nd base.

The phlegmatic Bingo, was such a good hitter that he never seemed to bother with the identity of the opposing pitcher. Shortstop Arky Biggs, a former Brewer teammate in 1944, remembers an incident with Milwaukee where Binks had gotten a base hit and later scored. When he sat down next to Biggs he watched the pitcher wind up and asked him, “when did the left hander come into the game?” He had been pitching for two innings! Maybe this was why he was such a good hitter; he didn’t care who was pitching, he just swung away at “his” pitches. Bingo was acknowledged as being an important factor in the Brewer pennant drive all year. Starting out filling in for Heinz Becker at first base, but playing mostly as their left fielder. George’s pinch hitting was repeatedly noted as winning several games for the Brews. His hitting was phenomenal. As late as August, he was hitting at a “fat” .407 batting average.
George finished the season with a team leading, .374 batting average. In one hundred games, Bingo had 105 base hits in 281 at bats, 17 doubles, 2 triples and 11 round trippers. His fielding average was .956.

George Binks Game Used Bat
(Author’s Collection)

His dream of playing major league ball became a reality that same year when the Brewers sold him to the Washington Senators (Nationals). On August 25th he joined the Senators after the season ended with Milwaukee in Chicago against the White Sox. He played in a total of 5 games with the Nats in 1944, scattering 3 singles in 12 at bats.

1945 would be a season to remember for Bingo in more ways than one.
George had a great year on the field and at bat. Playing in 145 games that year, Binks tallied 153 hits in 550 at bats for a .278 batting average. He was second in the league in doubles with 32 and fifth in RBIs with 81. He had a stellar .983 fielding average too. George even garnered votes for American League MVP for 1945 (placing 21st).
Manager Ossie Bluege considered Bingo a great outfielder and a great left handed hitter. “Binks has the greatest gloved hand I have ever seen on an outfielder, I have never seen him drop a ball that he got his glove on.” He was a valuable player in the outfield, on first base and as a hitter he was a spark plug for the team. When regular first baseman, Joe Kuhel, went down with an injury, Binks filled in and went on a hitting tear that rocketed them into pennant contention almost single-handedly. The Senators winning 16 of their next 22 games.
But he was not without problems. Being deaf in one ear was at times, a handicap for him and his teammates. More than once he had trouble in the outfield with being called off by his fellow outfielders, which made collisions a definite possibility if they weren’t mindful of his handicap. He also was picked off base one time because he could not hear the warnings from the bench. He had a penchant for missing or ignoring signs from the bench on a regular basis, among other mental errors. But his bat was so valuable for Washington that manager Bluege could ill afford to bench him. His teammates mostly kidded him good-naturedly about his foibles.

“Boner Bingo” Original Press Photo
(Author’s collection)

His biggest mistake, the “Binks Boner,” occurred while the Washington Senators were contending for the 1945 American League pennant and it looms as large as Bill Buckner’s through the legs error in 1986 and “Bonehead” Fred Merkle’s famous flub of 1908. The Nats were in a close race thanks in no small part to the hard hitting Binks. Washington was playing a double header with the Athletics in Philadelphia. The first game was tied and in extra innings. The bright sun played a roll that day as it had been “dancing in and out of the clouds” all day. Binks did not take a cue from his Philadelphia outfield counterpart who had his sunglasses brought out to him. When A’s outfielder Ernie Kish hit a fly to center field, George lost the ball in the sun, it dropping in for a double instead of an easy out. The next man was walked intentionally to set up the double play possibility. Future hall of famer and Philadelphia 3rd baseman, George Kell, drove in the winning run with a single. The Senators did win the 2nd game of the twin bill, but never caught up to the Detroit Tigers.
Blame fell on Binks for his misplay, deservedly so, but owner Clark Griffith could well share the blame for his scheduling arrangements for the 1945 season. Trying to earn some extra money, he rented the ballpark to the Washington Redskins for the last week of September. The schedule was arranged to finish on the road and also forced them to play more double headers, where they couldn’t use their best pitchers to their advantage.
They were forced to wait and hope that the Tigers would lose. They didn’t. The Nationals finishing 1 1/2 games behind Detroit, who went on to defeat Charlie Grimm’s Chicago Cubs in the World Series 4-3 that season.

George went on to play another season with the Washington Senators in 1946, moving on to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947 and later on to the St. Louis Browns for 1948, his final season in the majors. He played a couple more years in AAA ball before retiring after 1950.

George Binks was able to live out his dream of playing major league baseball. While the World was at war, he stepped up to a different plate, in spite of his handicap and not being able to fight. He served his country quietly by working in a critical industry, actually giving up the game he loved for two years.

Returning in 1944, he became one of those very special players who kept the sport alive, lifting moral at home and abroad while others gave up their time and some, their lives, for our country.

While some choose to remember him only for his blunder, losing the ball in the sun and that single game, remember, his team finished a full game and 1/2 back. So like the press photo said, you can’t blame the entire season on his one misplay. They finished more than 1 game behind the Tigers. His hard hitting and fielding actually helped put them in contention in the first place. He was a valuable part of the Washington team, giving them that chance at the pennant.

George Binks 1944 Original Snapshot and Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

He was a valuable part of the Brewer team in 1944 in Milwaukee. The fans loved watching the Borchert “Bingo Party“ put on by this scrappy utility player. He was their “handyman,” playing when and where they needed him, truly a “lifesaver.” Be it first base, outfield, pinch hitter, even 3rd base… if Casey would have needed him there. He was their “go to” guy in a pinch. His bat was always a critical addition to the lineup and, no doubt, a major player on the team that won Bill Veeck his 2nd American Association title in a row while he was away serving his country.

We tip our caps to you Bingo!

You could say that Charles Arthur Shires was never lacking in self esteem.
When your traveling trunk is emblazoned with the sobriquet
Art “THE GREAT” Shires, it is a good bet that you exude confidence.
Art brought his traveling side show to Brew Town and the American Association in 1931.

“Whataman”

Charles Arthur Shires
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 (Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Art “The Great “Shires – Traveling Trunk

In 1966 while working a summertime job, Bob Buege,
author of “The Milwaukee Braves, A Baseball Eulogy, “
was told this story from an older coworker (60 ish) Leonard Szydlowski.
He was a good story teller and a big baseball fan. One summer night,
Leonard told Bob about Art Shires,
who used to play for the Milwaukee Brewers
and how Art got his nickname…

Art Shires was playing one night…
When he came up to bat, he let the first pitch go.
The umpire yelled “ball one!”
Getting back into the box,
the 2nd pitch came,
“ball two.”
The next pitch was outside and the umpired yelled
“3 balls!”
A lady seated along the foul line stood up and cried out,

“What a man!”

Art (Whataman) Shires Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Charles Arthur Shires was born August 13, 1907 in Italy Texas.

He broke onto the baseball scene in 1926 at the age of 18, playing for the Waco Cubs of the Texas League (A) from 1926-1928.
He was an imposing figure at 6′ 1″ and 195 lbs.

Art hit very well while there, his batting average was .301 over the 3 years in Waco. This young ball player also was a superb fielder, averaging in the .990’s.
He joined the Chicago White Sox late in the 1928 season and had quite a stunning major league debut.

Art Shires Chicago White Sox – Postcard

(Author’s Collection)

When Art came to bat in his first big league game, he hit a triple and 3 singles off of pitching great Red Ruffing.
“So this is the great American League I heard so much about.”
He was quoted as saying to Ted Lyons:
“You can start calling me “the Great”, I’ll hit .400.”
He didn’t quite make it there, but he did hit .341 that first season and was subsequently named the White Sox team captain for 1929.

Art (The Great) Shires Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Baseball always has had players with large egos, but Shires quickly took this confidence above and beyond anything ever seen before.

George Vass of Baseball Digest relates this gem about those early days:

“When he went home to Waxahachie, Texas he hired a band, took a whole coach of the interurban line that ran to Waxahachie and had signs proclaiming, The Great Shires plastered on the cars. When the train pulled in, Shires led the band in a parade down Main Street welcoming himself home, according to Paul Richards, a witness.” (former Atlanta GM)
He wore a “green ensemble, spats, muffler, handkerchief in his suit breast pocket and a topcoat…and it was 85 degrees in the shade!”
When asked why he called himself great, he responded quoting Shakespeare:
“Some are born great, some choose greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Well, I was born great!”

1931 W517 Strip Card #43
(Author’s Collection)

Cocky and Brash, this roaring 20’s rock star, boasted a wardrobe of over 50 suits, 100 hats, 40 pairs of spats, a half a dozen tuxes, and enough casual clothes for every occasion. He most certainly would have been on the cover of GQ magazine if it would have been published back then.

But lacking maturity and possessing that swelled ego, this youngster had problems balancing the bluster with all of his talent.
Hard drinking and insolence led to arguments and fistfights, 2 of which involved his manager Lena Blackburne.*

(*Interesting to note that Lena Blackburne played with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1912 and 1913)

White Sox Manager Lena Blackburne – Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Always the clown, one day during batting practice, he insisted on wearing a red felt cap, refusing to take it off, much to the ire of his manager. He also became quite vocal about what was wrong with his team, which caused much dissension.
His team captaincy didn’t last long. Neither did his tenure in Chicago.
When not suspended and actually playing baseball, he did quite well for the White Sox.

1928 – Batting Average .340 for the season with a fielding avg. of .990
1929 – Batting Average .312 for the season with a fielding avg. of .991
1930 – Batting Average .291 for the season with a fielding avg. of .979

The White Sox shipped him to Washington on June 16, 1930 for pitcher Garland Braxton and catcher Bennie Tate.

He played very well for the Washington Senators, hitting .369 for the remainder of the season and posting a fielding avg. of .989. Unfortunately his troubles followed him there and he soon wore out his welcome, with accusations that he was slacking off.

Into The Squared Circle

Buoyed by his assumed pugilistic ability during the Blackburne bouts, the Great One decided to step into the ring and try out a boxing career.

His first bout was December 10, 1929 when he took on “Dangerous” Dan Daly of Cleveland at the White City arena in Chicago. Shires pranced around in his raspberry and deep purple robe emblazoned with “Art The Great Shires” in large letters on the back, his handler’s clothing declared the same message.
In spite of this pre-fight flourish, the actual fight itself was considered comical as neither fighter showed much finesse, slugging it out toe to toe in the center of the ring. It was over in less than 30 seconds; Shires scoring a knock out victory over Daly.

A fight was proposed between Shires and his cross town baseball rival, Chicago Cubs star Hack Wilson (The Dempsey of the Dugouts). Wilson was willing, but Cubs officials nixed it and it never went past the talking stage.
Concerned about fight fixing accusations, Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis stepped in and declared that baseball and boxing didn’t mix, adding that Shires needed to decide what he wanted to do for a career.
Landis used the opportunity to declare that any player who participated in “professional boxing will be regarded by his office as having permanently retired from baseball.”

Shires chose baseball. His boxing career now over, his record ended up at 5 wins and 2 defeats.

Kenesaw Mountain Landis (seated)

Original Photo (Author’s Collection)

In what was called the most important and popular transaction ever made by the Milwaukee Brewers to date, Art Shires, “the now retired heavyweight champion of baseball”, was purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers from Clark Griffith’s Washington Senators for $10,000 in late November 1930.

Married to Wisconsin co-ed Elizabeth Greenabaum
(Author’s Collection)

Considered the most picturesque figure in baseball at the time, (and the best dressed) with his garrulous nature and feisty demeanor, the Home Brews were looking forward to teaming him up with their other resident clown, Walter “Cuckoo” Christensen.
Shires was expected to pack in the crowds with those who loved him and yes, those ready to give him what for. Love him or hate him, Louis Nahin, vice president of the Milwaukee Brewers, expected him to be a great draw for the fans.
Shires was no stranger to Borchert field, as he played on the American League all star team when they put on an exhibition game there during the 1929 season. His running self laudatory comments with the fans endeared him with many but also had others wanting a piece of him. Both extremes guaranteed a spinning turnstile at the orchard which was just what the ownership wanted.

By the time the Milwaukee Brewers arrived at spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the press couldn’t get enough of the him. His arriving a bit late didn’t seem to matter to them or the fans, it only heightened the anticipation. As expected, the two comedians of the Brewer baseball team got a lot of face time in front of the cameras. (Christensen and Shires) In his first preseason game against the Millers, Shires rapped out a double to the cheers of the crowd. Back in Milwaukee, the newspapers were full of pictures and stories of their new found phenom.

1931 Milwaukee Brewer Art Shires with Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

When the season opened, What-a-man! What-a-man! was the headline as he showed early on that he could hit the ball. His timely hitting was driving in runs and more importantly, winning games. In what Shires called a “fair” day at the plate against Indianapolis, the “Great One” had just 3 hits. 2 singles and a double coupled with a pair of walks. In the first 8 games of the season, he had been responsible for 10 runs, 3 of them in extra innings. On opening day in Columbus, Art gave the opposing fans a sample of his ability by driving in 3 runs. Even the newspaper box score was titled Whataman.

To those detractors in Washington who claimed that he let himself go and wasn’t playing hard enough, he showed none of that in Milwaukee. Injuring his ankle, he refused to quit. Charles Arthur Shires was showing everyone his “Big Bat as well as his Big Head.”

Clearly in Milwaukee, Shires was making more noise with his play on the field, than with his mouth. He was all business once the game started.

Art “What a Cud” Shires
(Author’s Collection)

“What a Cud” Shires, “the American Tobacco company’s best customer” judging from his huge jaw filled chaw, was making quite the impression.
In a high scoring slugfest at Borchert field on Thursday May 14th, Shires went 5 for 5 in a victory against Louisville.
Milwaukee and Shires were proving to be a good fit.

“Well Suited” for Milwaukee

Art acknowledged that he loved Milwaukee and its fans, but he was having trouble hitting in Borchert field. The background made it hard to pick up the ball coming to the plate. He said by the time he got comfortable with seeing and hitting the ball well, it was time to hit the road and play in another ball park.
Shires was maturing as a ball player and was considered “unanimously” by his fellow players to be their most consistent “clubber.”

By May 30th, “Whatahitter” Shires took the lead in the American Association batting race, including leading the league in total bases.
People were beginning to notice him outside of Milwaukee too. Opposing teams feared the man’s ability as a competitor, not his mouth.
Talks of his return to the “bigs” began to hit the newspapers, sincere interest mixed with rumors of who wanted him. The New York sports writers said several teams were bidding for the great one. The Boston Braves, Philadelphia Athletics and Cincinnati Reds of the National League were mentioned in the stories. Speculation was that his value as a player had grown to $100,000.
Veteran Milwaukee baseball observers said that “Shires is one of the best players that ever appeared in that circuit. A born showman, a colorful lad, he plays the game like a champion and keeps the linotype machines humming. He is the best drawing card in the league and would be worth $100,000 for some of the big league teams which are drab.”
Predictions were that he would surely be back in the big leagues next season. It appeared that both the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators made a mistake by letting him go.
Even the Chicago Cubs were rumored to have scouts watching the “Star Slugger” for Mr. Wrigley.

1931 Milwaukee Journal Cartoon

By the end of July, “Whatabatter” Shires was leading the league in runs batted in with 94.
The Chicago Cubs contingent that did show up in the Borchert audience was none other than the top brass of the team, President William Veeck, manager Rogers Hornsby, scout Jack Boyle and coach O’Leary.
But rumors of his going on to Chicago were “premature” according to Veeck.
Art concentrated on his play and seemed more concerned about his slumping average, which he blamed on his breaking of all his favorite bats. He assured everyone that was temporary, as he had just put in a late season order for more Louisville lumber and hoped to have more of his favorite war clubs in hand soon.

His so called slump didn’t last long.

Charles (Art) Shires Game Used Bat-
The only known Specimen seen to date
(Author’s Collection)

Unfazed by all the attention, “King Arthur” had his 105th RBI on August 11th, the box score declaring “Art IS Great,” as his 9th inning 3 run homer won the game against Louisville.
While Milwaukee struggled to keep their heads above the .500 mark, Shires kept up his torrid pace, hitting .387 in late August and nearing the 200 hit mark.
Another rumor of Shires being picked up by World Series hopefuls, the Philadelphia Athletics came and went, being denied by the Brews President Louis Nahin.

There was no let up for Art, he was the team leader in both hitting and play on the field, in spite of the Brewers being stuck in the middle of the pack. In early September, in a 6-4 victory against the Kansas City Blues, Art excelled in all phases of the game. Going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI’s that day, he also put in a stellar day at 1st base with 12 putouts and 3 spectacular plays. In the 3rd inning he dug out a bad throw to prevent an error by his player/manager boss, Frank O’Rourke who was fielding at 3rd.

(O’Rourke took over the reigns from Manager Marty Berghammer on August 3rd )

A couple of innings later he went “a mile in the air (more or less) to flag a burning smash with a glove hand catch from Denver Grigsby’s bat that brought loud huzzas from the customers.” The next inning he followed it up with a diving tag on a bunt laid down by Kansas City pitcher Thomas.
Shires continued to play hard in spite of his team’s mediocrity.
With 6 games left to play, Art was injured in a collision with a teammate while chasing a foul ball. Rather than risk damage to the leg, he was benched by Manager O’Rourke.

The 1931 Milwaukee Brewers couldn’t get itself free of the .500 mark and finished the season with a disappointing record of 83-85 in 5th place. No one could keep up with the Saint Paul Saints who finished at the top of the American Association with a 104-63 record.

While the season was disappointing, Art Shires was anything but.
The Great Shires entertained as well as shined as a ball player. He was totally focused on doing his job and didn’t let himself get side tracked in 1931.

He won the American Association batting crown with a.385 batting average with 623 at bats in 157 games.
He pounded out a whopping 240 hits, 45 of them doubles, 8 triples and 11 round trippers.
He drove in 131 RBI’s, had a .536 slugging percentage with 334 total bases.
He fielded his position well with a .988 percentage.

Shires with the Boston Braves in 1932

Art returned to the big leagues in 1932 joining the Boston Braves.

It would be his last year in the majors as injuries took their toll on him. He continued on for a few years in the minors but would be out of baseball after the 1935 season.

Art, had the rare honor of having his story told in comic book form in this rare 1st issue of Sports Action comics.

1949 Sports Action Comics
(Author’s Collection)

(1949 Animirth Comics Inc. aka Marvel/Atlas Comics)

Baseball’s Most Colorful Character
Art (Whattaman) Shires

Art “The Great” Shires
The Chicago White Sox’ Colorful Clown

The Art Shires comic book story has that wonderful child prodigy opening we are used to seeing when it comes to our baseball heroes. As with other stories from this time period, it has him hitting the baseball great distances which seemed like miles, through windows with the typical disbelieving adult recipients of said damage, later championing his cause.
This comic does however, pose a fairly accurate depiction of his rise to fame…and his fade from it.

“Wottaman”

“AND SO THE FINAL CURTAIN CAME DOWN NOT ONLY UPON THE COLORFUL SPORTING CAREER OF ART SHIRES, BUT ON THE MAN HIMSELF! THE MAN DESTINY HAD CHOSEN TO BECOME ONE OF SPORTSDOM’S GREATS WAS SOON FORGOTTEN…AND SO, THE ONCE GREAT ART SHIRES, ABOUT WHOM FAME AND LEGEND HAD SPRUNG, NOW DISAPPEARED INTO OBLIVION AND WAS LOST IN THE CROWD OF ANONYMITY…”

Milwaukee was indeed fortunate to see the Great One at his apex.

Charles Arthur Shires lived up to the team’s, the fan’s, and more importantly, his own expectations as a player that year. He became the 6th Brewer player to win the American Association batting championship in 1931, something Milwaukee did better than any other team in the American Association.
In their 51 year history, Milwaukee had 13 batting champions.

People looking back on his life can point to a lot of negatives; there were many during his lifetime before and after Milwaukee.
But, if you ask me the obvious question:

“How great thou Art?”

Wincing at the inference
and ducking the blasphemy,
I have to simply say:

“What A Brewer!”

You could say that Charles Arthur Shires was never lacking in self esteem.
When your traveling trunk is emblazoned with the sobriquet
Art “THE GREAT” Shires, it is a good bet that you exude confidence.
Art brought his traveling side show to Brew Town and the American Association in 1931.

“Whataman”

Charles Arthur Shires
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2010 (Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Art “The Great “Shires – Traveling Trunk

In 1966 while working a summertime job, Bob Buege,
author of “The Milwaukee Braves, A Baseball Eulogy, “
was told this story from an older coworker (60 ish) Leonard Szydlowski.
He was a good story teller and a big baseball fan. One summer night,
Leonard told Bob about Art Shires,
who used to play for the Milwaukee Brewers
and how Art got his nickname…

Art Shires was playing one night…
When he came up to bat, he let the first pitch go.
The umpire yelled “ball one!”
Getting back into the box,
the 2nd pitch came,
“ball two.”
The next pitch was outside and the umpired yelled
“3 balls!”
A lady seated along the foul line stood up and cried out,

“What a man!”

Art (Whataman) Shires Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Charles Arthur Shires was born August 13, 1907 in Italy Texas.

He broke onto the baseball scene in 1926 at the age of 18, playing for the Waco Cubs of the Texas League (A) from 1926-1928.
He was an imposing figure at 6′ 1″ and 195 lbs.

Art hit very well while there, his batting average was .301 over the 3 years in Waco. This young ball player also was a superb fielder, averaging in the .990’s.
He joined the Chicago White Sox late in the 1928 season and had quite a stunning major league debut.

Art Shires Chicago White Sox – Postcard

(Author’s Collection)

When Art came to bat in his first big league game, he hit a triple and 3 singles off of pitching great Red Ruffing.
“So this is the great American League I heard so much about.”
He was quoted as saying to Ted Lyons:
“You can start calling me “the Great”, I’ll hit .400.”
He didn’t quite make it there, but he did hit .341 that first season and was subsequently named the White Sox team captain for 1929.

Art (The Great) Shires Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Baseball always has had players with large egos, but Shires quickly took this confidence above and beyond anything ever seen before.

George Vass of Baseball Digest relates this gem about those early days:

“When he went home to Waxahachie, Texas he hired a band, took a whole coach of the interurban line that ran to Waxahachie and had signs proclaiming, The Great Shires plastered on the cars. When the train pulled in, Shires led the band in a parade down Main Street welcoming himself home, according to Paul Richards, a witness.” (former Atlanta GM)
He wore a “green ensemble, spats, muffler, handkerchief in his suit breast pocket and a topcoat…and it was 85 degrees in the shade!”
When asked why he called himself great, he responded quoting Shakespeare:
“Some are born great, some choose greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them.

Well, I was born great!”

1931 W517 Strip Card #43
(Author’s Collection)

Cocky and Brash, this roaring 20’s rock star, boasted a wardrobe of over 50 suits, 100 hats, 40 pairs of spats, a half a dozen tuxes, and enough casual clothes for every occasion. He most certainly would have been on the cover of GQ magazine if it would have been published back then.

But lacking maturity and possessing that swelled ego, this youngster had problems balancing the bluster with all of his talent.
Hard drinking and insolence led to arguments and fistfights, 2 of which involved his manager Lena Blackburne.*

(*Interesting to note that Lena Blackburne played with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1912 and 1913)

White Sox Manager Lena Blackburne – Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Always the clown, one day during batting practice, he insisted on wearing a red felt cap, refusing to take it off, much to the ire of his manager. He also became quite vocal about what was wrong with his team, which caused much dissension.
His team captaincy didn’t last long. Neither did his tenure in Chicago.
When not suspended and actually playing baseball, he did quite well for the White Sox.

1928 – Batting Average .340 for the season with a fielding avg. of .990
1929 – Batting Average .312 for the season with a fielding avg. of .991
1930 – Batting Average .291 for the season with a fielding avg. of .979

The White Sox shipped him to Washington on June 16, 1930 for pitcher Garland Braxton and catcher Bennie Tate.

He played very well for the Washington Senators, hitting .369 for the remainder of the season and posting a fielding avg. of .989. Unfortunately his troubles followed him there and he soon wore out his welcome, with accusations that he was slacking off.

Into The Squared Circle

Buoyed by his assumed pugilistic ability during the Blackburne bouts, the Great One decided to step into the ring and try out a boxing career.

His first bout was December 10, 1929 when he took on “Dangerous” Dan Daly of Cleveland at the White City arena in Chicago. Shires pranced around in his raspberry and deep purple robe emblazoned with “Art The Great Shires” in large letters on the back, his handler’s clothing declared the same message.
In spite of this pre-fight flourish, the actual fight itself was considered comical as neither fighter showed much finesse, slugging it out toe to toe in the center of the ring. It was over in less than 30 seconds; Shires scoring a knock out victory over Daly.

A fight was proposed between Shires and his cross town baseball rival, Chicago Cubs star Hack Wilson (The Dempsey of the Dugouts). Wilson was willing, but Cubs officials nixed it and it never went past the talking stage.
Concerned about fight fixing accusations, Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis stepped in and declared that baseball and boxing didn’t mix, adding that Shires needed to decide what he wanted to do for a career.
Landis used the opportunity to declare that any player who participated in “professional boxing will be regarded by his office as having permanently retired from baseball.”

Shires chose baseball. His boxing career now over, his record ended up at 5 wins and 2 defeats.

Kenesaw Mountain Landis (seated)

Original Photo (Author’s Collection)

In what was called the most important and popular transaction ever made by the Milwaukee Brewers to date, Art Shires, “the now retired heavyweight champion of baseball”, was purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers from Clark Griffith’s Washington Senators for $10,000 in late November 1930.

Married to Wisconsin co-ed Elizabeth Greenabaum
(Author’s Collection)

Considered the most picturesque figure in baseball at the time, (and the best dressed) with his garrulous nature and feisty demeanor, the Home Brews were looking forward to teaming him up with their other resident clown, Walter “Cuckoo” Christensen.
Shires was expected to pack in the crowds with those who loved him and yes, those ready to give him what for. Love him or hate him, Louis Nahin, vice president of the Milwaukee Brewers, expected him to be a great draw for the fans.
Shires was no stranger to Borchert field, as he played on the American League all star team when they put on an exhibition game there during the 1929 season. His running self laudatory comments with the fans endeared him with many but also had others wanting a piece of him. Both extremes guaranteed a spinning turnstile at the orchard which was just what the ownership wanted.

By the time the Milwaukee Brewers arrived at spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the press couldn’t get enough of the him. His arriving a bit late didn’t seem to matter to them or the fans, it only heightened the anticipation. As expected, the two comedians of the Brewer baseball team got a lot of face time in front of the cameras. (Christensen and Shires) In his first preseason game against the Millers, Shires rapped out a double to the cheers of the crowd. Back in Milwaukee, the newspapers were full of pictures and stories of their new found phenom.

1931 Milwaukee Brewer Art Shires with Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

When the season opened, What-a-man! What-a-man! was the headline as he showed early on that he could hit the ball. His timely hitting was driving in runs and more importantly, winning games. In what Shires called a “fair” day at the plate against Indianapolis, the “Great One” had just 3 hits. 2 singles and a double coupled with a pair of walks. In the first 8 games of the season, he had been responsible for 10 runs, 3 of them in extra innings. On opening day in Columbus, Art gave the opposing fans a sample of his ability by driving in 3 runs. Even the newspaper box score was titled Whataman.

To those detractors in Washington who claimed that he let himself go and wasn’t playing hard enough, he showed none of that in Milwaukee. Injuring his ankle, he refused to quit. Charles Arthur Shires was showing everyone his “Big Bat as well as his Big Head.”

Clearly in Milwaukee, Shires was making more noise with his play on the field, than with his mouth. He was all business once the game started.

Art “What a Cud” Shires
(Author’s Collection)

“What a Cud” Shires, “the American Tobacco company’s best customer” judging from his huge jaw filled chaw, was making quite the impression.
In a high scoring slugfest at Borchert field on Thursday May 14th, Shires went 5 for 5 in a victory against Louisville.
Milwaukee and Shires were proving to be a good fit.

“Well Suited” for Milwaukee

Art acknowledged that he loved Milwaukee and its fans, but he was having trouble hitting in Borchert field. The background made it hard to pick up the ball coming to the plate. He said by the time he got comfortable with seeing and hitting the ball well, it was time to hit the road and play in another ball park.
Shires was maturing as a ball player and was considered “unanimously” by his fellow players to be their most consistent “clubber.”

By May 30th, “Whatahitter” Shires took the lead in the American Association batting race, including leading the league in total bases.
People were beginning to notice him outside of Milwaukee too. Opposing teams feared the man’s ability as a competitor, not his mouth.
Talks of his return to the “bigs” began to hit the newspapers, sincere interest mixed with rumors of who wanted him. The New York sports writers said several teams were bidding for the great one. The Boston Braves, Philadelphia Athletics and Cincinnati Reds of the National League were mentioned in the stories. Speculation was that his value as a player had grown to $100,000.
Veteran Milwaukee baseball observers said that “Shires is one of the best players that ever appeared in that circuit. A born showman, a colorful lad, he plays the game like a champion and keeps the linotype machines humming. He is the best drawing card in the league and would be worth $100,000 for some of the big league teams which are drab.”
Predictions were that he would surely be back in the big leagues next season. It appeared that both the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators made a mistake by letting him go.
Even the Chicago Cubs were rumored to have scouts watching the “Star Slugger” for Mr. Wrigley.

1931 Milwaukee Journal Cartoon

By the end of July, “Whatabatter” Shires was leading the league in runs batted in with 94.
The Chicago Cubs contingent that did show up in the Borchert audience was none other than the top brass of the team, President William Veeck, manager Rogers Hornsby, scout Jack Boyle and coach O’Leary.
But rumors of his going on to Chicago were “premature” according to Veeck.
Art concentrated on his play and seemed more concerned about his slumping average, which he blamed on his breaking of all his favorite bats. He assured everyone that was temporary, as he had just put in a late season order for more Louisville lumber and hoped to have more of his favorite war clubs in hand soon.

His so called slump didn’t last long.

Charles (Art) Shires Game Used Bat-
The only known Specimen seen to date
(Author’s Collection)

Unfazed by all the attention, “King Arthur” had his 105th RBI on August 11th, the box score declaring “Art IS Great,” as his 9th inning 3 run homer won the game against Louisville.
While Milwaukee struggled to keep their heads above the .500 mark, Shires kept up his torrid pace, hitting .387 in late August and nearing the 200 hit mark.
Another rumor of Shires being picked up by World Series hopefuls, the Philadelphia Athletics came and went, being denied by the Brews President Louis Nahin.

There was no let up for Art, he was the team leader in both hitting and play on the field, in spite of the Brewers being stuck in the middle of the pack. In early September, in a 6-4 victory against the Kansas City Blues, Art excelled in all phases of the game. Going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI’s that day, he also put in a stellar day at 1st base with 12 putouts and 3 spectacular plays. In the 3rd inning he dug out a bad throw to prevent an error by his player/manager boss, Frank O’Rourke who was fielding at 3rd.

(O’Rourke took over the reigns from Manager Marty Berghammer on August 3rd )

A couple of innings later he went “a mile in the air (more or less) to flag a burning smash with a glove hand catch from Denver Grigsby’s bat that brought loud huzzas from the customers.” The next inning he followed it up with a diving tag on a bunt laid down by Kansas City pitcher Thomas.
Shires continued to play hard in spite of his team’s mediocrity.
With 6 games left to play, Art was injured in a collision with a teammate while chasing a foul ball. Rather than risk damage to the leg, he was benched by Manager O’Rourke.

The 1931 Milwaukee Brewers couldn’t get itself free of the .500 mark and finished the season with a disappointing record of 83-85 in 5th place. No one could keep up with the Saint Paul Saints who finished at the top of the American Association with a 104-63 record.

While the season was disappointing, Art Shires was anything but.
The Great Shires entertained as well as shined as a ball player. He was totally focused on doing his job and didn’t let himself get side tracked in 1931.

He won the American Association batting crown with a.385 batting average with 623 at bats in 157 games.
He pounded out a whopping 240 hits, 45 of them doubles, 8 triples and 11 round trippers.
He drove in 131 RBI’s, had a .536 slugging percentage with 334 total bases.
He fielded his position well with a .988 percentage.

Shires with the Boston Braves in 1932

Art returned to the big leagues in 1932 joining the Boston Braves.

It would be his last year in the majors as injuries took their toll on him. He continued on for a few years in the minors but would be out of baseball after the 1935 season.

Art, had the rare honor of having his story told in comic book form in this rare 1st issue of Sports Action comics.

1949 Sports Action Comics
(Author’s Collection)

(1949 Animirth Comics Inc. aka Marvel/Atlas Comics)

Baseball’s Most Colorful Character
Art (Whattaman) Shires

Art “The Great” Shires
The Chicago White Sox’ Colorful Clown

The Art Shires comic book story has that wonderful child prodigy opening we are used to seeing when it comes to our baseball heroes. As with other stories from this time period, it has him hitting the baseball great distances which seemed like miles, through windows with the typical disbelieving adult recipients of said damage, later championing his cause.
This comic does however, pose a fairly accurate depiction of his rise to fame…and his fade from it.

“Wottaman”

“AND SO THE FINAL CURTAIN CAME DOWN NOT ONLY UPON THE COLORFUL SPORTING CAREER OF ART SHIRES, BUT ON THE MAN HIMSELF! THE MAN DESTINY HAD CHOSEN TO BECOME ONE OF SPORTSDOM’S GREATS WAS SOON FORGOTTEN…AND SO, THE ONCE GREAT ART SHIRES, ABOUT WHOM FAME AND LEGEND HAD SPRUNG, NOW DISAPPEARED INTO OBLIVION AND WAS LOST IN THE CROWD OF ANONYMITY…”

Milwaukee was indeed fortunate to see the Great One at his apex.

Charles Arthur Shires lived up to the team’s, the fan’s, and more importantly, his own expectations as a player that year. He became the 6th Brewer player to win the American Association batting championship in 1931, something Milwaukee did better than any other team in the American Association.
In their 51 year history, Milwaukee had 13 batting champions.

People looking back on his life can point to a lot of negatives; there were many during his lifetime before and after Milwaukee.
But, if you ask me the obvious question:

“How great thou Art?”

Wincing at the inference
and ducking the blasphemy,
I have to simply say:

“What A Brewer!”

“Doc” Buckner was the Milwaukee Brewers much loved trainer. He died while on his way to join the team for spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1938. The Milwaukee Brewers mourned his passing, but over the years, the real loss has been our losing sight of who he really was….

Out of the Shadows…
“Doc” Buckner
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
(Copyright 2009 Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

If you are a hamburger fan as I am and live on the south side of Milwaukee, no one needs to tell you about The Nite Owl Drive In. A fixture in the neighborhood of Milwaukee’s airport since 1948, it boasts one of the finest tasting hamburgers in the city. It is a righteous boast too, as I highly recommend their Jumbo Bacon Cheeseburger with fried onions. This delicious treat is huge and it won’t cost you a “fist full of dollars,” but it will require a mitt full of napkins.

Nite Owl Drive In – Milwaukee Wisconsin

Located at 830 East Layton Avenue, they are open for business, Tuesday through Saturday, from spring until late fall. Operated by Chris Roepke, whose grandfather Ralph started the business over 60 years ago, it retains a lot of the same charm it had during its heyday.
The walls are a collectible collage of Milwaukee’s storied past. One can get lost and “almost” forget to eat as you take it all in.

Nite Owl Drive In – Interior View

On the north wall near the restrooms, there is a large Coca Cola button sign. Below it is an old newspaper photograph of the 1936 Milwaukee Brewers.

Nite Owl Drive In – Milwaukee Journal Photo

Although the diner’s copy of this photo has faded with time, it is a great memento of the Milwaukee Brewer team that won the American Association Championship that year.

1936 Brewer Team Photo -Doc Buckner-top left
(Author’s collection)

The first time I saw this photograph, what struck me the most, was the man in the upper left hand corner. What drew my attention to him was the jersey that he wore, as I had recently acquired one for my collection.

1934 Milwaukee Brewer Road Jersey
(Author’s Collection)

The man in the picture was Doc Buckner, the trainer of the Milwaukee Brewers at the time. This was a surprise to me, as the photograph was from 1936, clearly 11 years before Jackie Robinson broke into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was 10 years before Branch Rickey first brought Jackie to the minor league Montreal Royals of the International League, thus ending the color barrier in baseball.

I was intrigued with this and had to learn more about him.

So begins his story…

Jackie Robinson Framed Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Doc Buckner was the Milwaukee Brewers trainer from 1920 until his death in 1938. Ironically, this was the same position held by his brother William who worked as trainer for the major league Chicago White Sox baseball club from 1908-1916 and again from 1920-1933.

Doc shows up in team photos as early as 1924, during spring training in Florida.

1924 Spring Training Milwaukee Sentinel
“Washington Jefferson” Buckner – club trainer.
( Top Center Photo )

Known by several names and nicknames, “Washington Jefferson” Buckner, “George Washington” Buckner, “Doctah” Buckner, Doc, Buck, etc.,
Harry E. Buckner, his given name, was always part of what was happening with the American Association Brewers, in spite of his many monikers.

1925 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner far left-behind screen
(Courtesy Rex Hamann)

Doc Buckner was exceedingly popular with his teammates and the Brewers ball club.
Along with taking care of the usual maladies, sore shoulders, barked shins and the like, he kept the team loose while entertaining them, strumming a guitar, tickling the ivories or just making them laugh.

1926 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner – top row far left
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers hadn’t won an American Association title since the twin victories of 1913 and 1914, so his sense of humor and ability as an entertainer, kept them from being discouraged and made life fun around Borchert field when things didn’t go right. There were many examples of this reported.

1929 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner Top Row far left

Friday March 14, 1930 at Fort Pierce Florida Buckner took part in a joke on veteran player Rosy Ryan. While Ryan was out practicing, someone put a bullfrog into one of his socks. When Rosy went to get dressed he didn’t notice it right away,

“there was a tremendous uproar when his pink tootsies nosed into the frog. Foot, frog and sock went, all flew in different directions. …Doc Buckner is now the proud owner of a sportive pair of silk socks that once belonged to Ryan.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel)

Doc entertains during 1931 spring training-
Milwaukee Sentinel

Good luck charms, “witching eyes” and rabbit’s feet were all part of his repertoire. Doc also helped manage their equipment and was trusted with holding onto special baseballs and mementos for the players while the game was going on.

1932 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner middle-2nd row

Original Photo(Author’s Collection)

Obviously one of the gang, seen here in their midst while waiting for the train in this 1932 vintage photo.

1933 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner 3rd row far left
(Author’s Collection-courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Hat cocked and a mile wide smile, everyone on this team was enjoying themselves in this spring training photo from 1933.

1934 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner front row far right

(Author’s Collection)

This color team photo shows Doc in the front row, right hand corner
with Manager Al “Fidge” Sothoron directly behind him.

1936 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner is on the far right
(Author’s Collection)

The 1936 Champion Brewers with Doc Buckner
in a more serious pose in this portrait taken at Borchert Field, showing its unusual wooden outfield wall.

“Cookin’ with Bass”-Doc Buckner
(Author’s Collection)

Here is a hilarious photo from 1936.
“Club Trainer is shown roasting a black bass in the club house.

The fish was caught by Jack Hallett, rookie pitcher while expert anglers Sothoron and President Bendinger couldn’t get a nibble.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel- March 12, 1936)

Doc Buckner taking care of Milwaukee Brewer pitcher
Allan Johnson(Author’s Collection)

The players loved “good, old Doc Buckner.”
Beyond his usual duties of taking care of their aches and pains he kept up the morale of the team. No matter how they were doing, good or bad, he kept them in the best of humor. Keeping them laughing, he actually had players coming in early to get in on the fun, including playing “cops and robbers” in the clubhouse.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner front row far right
(Author’s Collection)

In what would be his last team photo, A healthy looking Buckner is seen sitting in the front row.
The 3rd player seated to his right is future major league all star, Ken Keltner.

In the spring of 1938, Harry Buckner went to join the team in Hot Springs Arkansas, but on March 26th, he became seriously ill and was sent back to his home in Chicago. The Doc had been dealing with an ailing heart for the last few years and had been hospitalized the past summer. Fearing that his heart had weakened, he was advised to return home at once. It was a sad time as the Doc was forced to say goodbye and head back home.

The outpouring of the affection the team had for Harry Buckner was immediate. Expecting him to retire, the local papers were full of well wishes and assurances that Milwaukee would take care of their beloved trainer for the rest of his life.

… Manager Al Sothoron said he would remain on the payroll as long as he lives. “Buck was a faithful old fellow, and we are going to play out the string with him. He will never be in want and if his health does improve, we are going to take him along with us, with no work for him to do.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel March-27-1938)

Unfortunately, Buckner never made it back home, he died en route at 10 pm that evening.

Local newspapers spread the sad news that he had passed away and the story was picked up later by other newspapers.

“Myron Esler is the new trainer of the Milwaukee Brewers being named following the death of Harry Buckner March 26.”
(The Sporting News March 31, 1938)

“Harry (Doc) Buckner- 60 year old negro trainer of the Milwaukee American Association club since 1920, died while on route to Chicago, Ill. March 26. He had been ill for some time and left Hot Springs Ark. where the Brewers are training. In the afternoon for treatment in Chicago, but death overtook him at 10 o’clock in the evening. The widow survives.”
(The Sporting News March 31, 1938)

BUCKNER-Harry E. Fond husband of Dora Buckner. Of Milwaukee Assoc. baseball club. Died suddenly March 26 on route from Hot Springs Ark. Body will arrive Chicago Tuesday. Funeral Thursday, 2 p.m. from
3800 S. Michigan av. Fond brother of William Buckner, formerly of White Sox baseball club.
Monday March 28, 1938

(Chicago Herald Examiner)

That Milwaukee loved and appreciated the many years Harry Buckner was their trainer was apparent, as it was expressed locally and vocally. Rudy Schaffer represented the team at his funeral in Chicago and the team provided a huge wreath of flowers along with their condolences. They would genuinely miss the man who had been with them for almost 20 years.

“Every one of the Brewer ball players who were with the club last season will miss good, old “Doc” Buckner…because Buckner was one of the most lovable old gentlemen you’d ever wish to know.” “…he kept the players in the best of humor. No matter how badly things might be going, Buckner could always humor the players and get them laughing.”

It is interesting to note that when they reported his death, the Sporting News began this report with his being replaced by Myron Esler and then spoke of his death in more detail, later in the issue. The story seemed to end there. But there was so much more that could have been written about this man, perhaps it was overlooked, or simply forgotten.

HIS LIFE BEFORE MILWAUKEE

Harry E. Buckner was not just the trainer of Milwaukee’s minor league baseball team. He in fact, had a long career as one of baseball’s premiere players in the early days of African American baseball.
Buckner played during the period known as the time of the great independents, playing on several different teams, as was the norm during that time.
His career spanned the years 1896-1918. He was a contemporary of Hall of Famers Andrew “Rube” Foster and Sol White. His ability was prominently mentioned in White’s classic history of Colored Baseball, “Sol White’s Official Baseball Guide” written in 1907.

1899 “…The Columbia Giants with their additional pitcher, Buckner, from the Chicago Unions, were stronger in points at that time than any colored team. …Wilson, Miller and Buckner formed a trio of twirlers hard to duplicate.”

1903 “…The Philadelphia Giants had some of the hardest hitters of the colored profession, Robert Foots, William Bell, Charles Carter, Harry Buckner, Sol White, Frank Grant, …”

1913 Mohawk Giants Team Photo
(Author’s Collection courtesy of The Baseball Hall of Fame)

Author James Riley presents this bio on Buckner.

Buckner, Harry (nickname: Green River)
Career: 1896-1918 Positions: p, of, c, ss.

Teams: Chicago Unions (’96-’98), Columbia Giants (03′),
Cuban X Giants(’04-’05), Quaker Giants,
Brooklyn Royal Giants (’09-’10), New York
Lincoln Giants (’11-’12), Smart Set (’12),
Mohawk Giants (’13), Chicago Giants (’14-’18)

One of the leading players during the early years of black baseball, this talented and versatile athlete could pitch, catch, and play both infield and outfield. He was one of only a few Americans who played in Cuba during the first decade of the century, pitching for Almendares in the Cuban winter league of 1907. He began his career as a pitcher with W. S. Peter’s Chicago Unions in 1896 and after three years joined the Columbia Giants for another two seasons on the mound. In 1901 Frank Leland combined the Unions and the Columbia Giants into a single team, the Chicago Union Giants, but Buckner opted to play in the East.
He was a smart pitcher and was called the “speed marvel” of the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1910. That season the Royals won the eastern championship for the second consecutive year and, along with Rube Foster, Dan McClellan and Walter Ball, Buckner was considered to be “head and shoulders above” all other pitchers. In 1909 he also was a regular behind the plate, when not pitching, and in 1917 he was the regular right fielder and batted third in the lineup. In 1911, playing with the New York Lincoln Giants, he split a pair of decisions while batting .336. He pitched the next two seasons with the Smart Set and the Mohawk Giants of Schenectady, New York, before returning to Chicago to finish his career with the Chicago Giants.
During his 23 years in black baseball, he was associated with numerous teams in both the East and Midwest. Buckner also was a keen judge of talent; he, Rube Foster, and Sol White discovered the great John Henry Lloyd in 1905.
(Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Leagues)

Close up of Harry Buckner – 1913 Mohawk Giants

Harry Buckner could and did, do it all. He was one of the leading players of the era. Besides being one of the great pitchers, he also could be called upon to catch, play the infield as well as the outfield. He could hit well and was quick on the base paths. In 1909, when he joined the Brooklyn Royal Giants, their pitchers dominated the league with Buckner, Andrew “Rube” Foster, Dan McClellan and Walter Bell during his two years on the team.

Comparison: Harry E. Buckner in 1913 &1932

Here is a rare interview with Harry Buckner discussing his playing days. It affords us a glimpse of how good he really was and it is a priceless introduction to the intelligence, memory and humor of the man.

The teasing he got from the players shows the affection and respect they had for him as a fellow player. Yes, even manager Al Sothoron, was pitching to him.
One should note that he fended off the implication that baseball during his time was anything but tough, professional baseball.
He could more than hold his own against those who played in the major leagues.
He was a great ballplayer.

Maybe, I’m Wrong – Milwaukee Journal

(Author’s Collection)

Yes, Suh! The Doctah Could Hit That Ball!

“Yes, Suh! Right ovah the center field bleachers!”
It was Doc Buckner Broadcasting. With a couple of shots of high powered hooch under his belt and a bat in his big paws, the presiding genius of the Brewers rubbing table was living in the old days over again, while some of the Brewers sat around in the shade of the left field stand and ribbed the “Doctah.”
“Show us your swing, Doc.” “Let’s see how you used to hit ’em.” “Shucks, I bet you couldn’t hit the ball out of the infield.”
“Shuah could.” chuckled Doc, giving the bat a vicious swing. “I could hit boy!”
“Come on, show us, ” suggested one of the players, and the idea took hold immediately.
A couple of players seized the maestro of the arnica bottle and, like a balky mule with his feet sliding, he was hustled up to the plate, where Manager Al Sothoron was pitching for batting practise.(sic)
Once there, Doc was game. He cocked his faded old cap over one eye, spread his feet and fell into a batting crouch.
“All right, boss,” he called to Fidge.
“Put one ovah and ah’ll knock it out of the pahk.”
In came the ball low. Doc was not biting on bad ones. The next one was over the plate and Doc fouled it.
“Gimme a good one, boss,” he urged, making the bat whistle.
“What could you do with a good one?”
yelled one of the players. “Bet you can’t get a safe hit.”
Crack! The ball went sizzling down the third base line and out to the fence, a hit in anybody’s ball game, and Doc trudged back to the clubhouse dragging his bat behind.

Played 21 Years

The youngsters on the Brewer club can kid the old “Doctah” all they want to, but the chances are that few of them will ever be the ballplayer he was in his day. Buckner was a good pitcher and a great hitter.
He still has a pair of powerful shoulders. Records are not available, but I believe he hit .380 or better in the old Colored All-Star league, and had a .390 average on season in the Cuban winter league. He played professional ball 21 years. He was a member of the Cuban-X team, the first all star negro line up, and he played with the Lincoln Giants of New York, the Philadelphia Colored Giants and Rube Foster’s American Giants of Chicago in the Colored All Star league. He admits he’s 51 now, but Lou Nahin says he’s more likely 60.
“Where was it that you hit a ball over the center field bleachers?” I asked after following Buckner back to the clubhouse.
“Barre, Vt.,” he replied.
“Small park, I suppose.”
“Not so small,” said Doc. “Big as this one.”
“Do you mean to say you could hit one over the center field bleachers her in Borchert field?”
“Sure. Boy, I could hit that ball. I hit one over the left field stand in the Polo Grounds. Park wasn’t as big as it is now, but it was plenty big. And I hit one at Harrisburg, Pa., past the flagpole.
And I hit one they’re still talking about down in Havana. That’s an awful big park, boss, Almendares park.
You could set this one down inside of it and have enough room left over to play a ball game outside. I hit one so far, right inside the park, that the center fielder never went after it. He just turned around and watched it go.”

Beat Big Train

“How about the pitching? Did you ever hit against a real pitcher?”
“Say boss, you remember Breckenridge, used to be with Washington? Use to have some great games against him. And Joe Moore-you see that piece in the paper about him the other day, how he only pitched 38 balls in a whole game?
That was Williamsport against the Philadelphia Colored Giants. We only got three hits off him and I got one of them. And we beat Walter Johnson one time in 1914. Was playing at Schenectady, N.Y. then and we used to pull ’em in from all around. Last game of the season, we played Montreal. We beat him 1-0 in 14 innings.”
“How about your own pitching, Doc?”
“I could pitch plenty. Underhand, like this, and plenty of stuff.
Used to walk over to the other fellows’ bench and say,
‘Go ahead, boys, get your base hits today, ’cause you goin’ to starve tomorrow. I’m goin’ to pitch.

Blackie O’Rourke, he remembered me. Played against me when he was a kid.

“Pitched against Brown college one time.
Goin’ hot.
Coach he told his college boys, ‘Ne’ mind.
We get to this fellow along about the eight inning.
He can’t keep going’ like this.’
Well boss, when I walk out there in the ninth I say to that coach, ‘Keep yo’ eyes peeled, You goin’ to see nine of the fastes’ balls you ever did see!

“Then I laid ’em in.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Nine of ’em.
I had control, boss.
I set them college boys down before they even knew what they was up there for!”

Doc in his batting stance-1936-37
(Author’s Collection)

A SOBERING REALITY

One thing was clear to me when I searched for images of Harry Buckner while with the Milwaukee Brewers, he was often pictured with the players in the team photos. In all aspects of his duties with Milwaukee, he was openly treated as part of the team. Once I started looking, I was able to find him easily from local sources.
While searching for more photos, I had access to a complete set of early Spalding guides from the period that Doc was with the team.
I was hoping to fill in some of the gaps for the years that I was missing.
What I found was distressing.
While the American Association Milwaukee Brewers were always pictured as a team in the guides, only one year, 1936 had him pictured with the Brewers. I shot a quick digital photo of the small picture and looked at what I had.

1937 Spalding Guide Photo

Something caught my eye immediately, even though it was a small photo and difficult to see.
Upon magnification I became very upset with what I found.
All the players shown were listed with their formal first and last names.
Doc Buckner, was not, he was mentioned by his last name only. “Buckner, (Trainer)”

1937 Spalding Guide Photo – Close-up

What was worse, was what was done to the image itself, his face was obliterated so you couldn’t tell who he was or more to the point, “what” he looked like.
This was not done post publishing by some angry reader, it was printed this way.
I shouldn’t have been so shocked. This is how baseball was during those days.
But I was and am still outraged 62 years later after the dust of many years has settled on that past.
Where the Milwaukee Brewers had him in most of their team photos,
he wasn’t welcome in the Spalding Guides.

HOPE FOR CHANGE

While the ever deepening sands of time obscure their neglected records, hopefully continued research and due diligence given to available newspaper reports and written records of interviews of Black baseball and its players, researchers can blow back some of those sands. More research is needed so we can piece together this marvelous history of their times.

African American players, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th century need more scrutiny. Clearly a force in baseball at the time of the great independent teams, Harry E. Buckner had the respect of his peers, among them, Hall of Famers Rube Foster and Sol White.
Major league baseball really needs to revisit how it treats Black Baseball and needs to recognize the early era players along with the later, more recognizable players.

Surely Harry E. Buckner should be considered for enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame when baseball deliberates future nominations to the hall.

I feel it is time for a separate committee to deal with the Negro Leagues, similar to the Veterans committee. It is time to shine a focused light on the men who played in the shadows of baseball by no fault of their own. Their recognition is long over due.

Like those before him and the many, many fine baseball men of the past since his days (Buck O’Neil included), Harry E. Buckner stayed close to the game he loved in spite of its poor treatment of people of color.
A testament to the “game” of baseball’s effect on society in spite of itself.
They loved the sport of baseball, its competition, its camaraderie, the community it provided and maybe even sensed that it was through baseball that change could and would eventually come.

“Baseball should be taken seriously by the colored player, by his effort of his great ability, will open the avenue in the near future wherein he may walk hand in hand with the opposite race in the greatest of all American games, baseball.”

Sol White-Hall of Fame Player, Historian

The Midwest and Milwaukee seemed to be ahead of the curve when it came to that forward thinking.

” Buc was a faithful old fellow, and we are going to play out the string with him, He will never be in want…”

Al Sothoron- Milwaukee Brewer Manager 1938

“Buzz & George & all colored were not treated well at this time but they were fine gentlemen and I was proud to have them as teammates.”

Bert Thiel – Milwaukee Brewers 1951-52
(Speaking of race and teammates, James Clarkson and George Crowe)

Milwaukee was “A (relatively) color-blind team in a sport and society that was anything but.”
Chance Michaels – www.borchertfield.com

“Shuah could.” … “I could hit boy!”

“I could pitch plenty. … Used to walk over to the other fellows’ bench and say, ‘Go ahead, boys, get your base hits today, ’cause you goin’ to starve tomorrow. I’m goin’ to pitch. “

Stay tuned for
Vintage Brew
Volume 3
in 2010

“Doc” Buckner was the Milwaukee Brewers much loved trainer. He died while on his way to join the team for spring training in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1938. The Milwaukee Brewers mourned his passing, but over the years, the real loss has been our losing sight of who he really was….

Out of the Shadows…
“Doc” Buckner
By Paul Tenpenny (Tencentz@aol.com)
(Copyright 2009 Tencentzports)
Reprinted with permission of the Author

If you are a hamburger fan as I am and live on the south side of Milwaukee, no one needs to tell you about The Nite Owl Drive In. A fixture in the neighborhood of Milwaukee’s airport since 1948, it boasts one of the finest tasting hamburgers in the city. It is a righteous boast too, as I highly recommend their Jumbo Bacon Cheeseburger with fried onions. This delicious treat is huge and it won’t cost you a “fist full of dollars,” but it will require a mitt full of napkins.

Nite Owl Drive In – Milwaukee Wisconsin

Located at 830 East Layton Avenue, they are open for business, Tuesday through Saturday, from spring until late fall. Operated by Chris Roepke, whose grandfather Ralph started the business over 60 years ago, it retains a lot of the same charm it had during its heyday.
The walls are a collectible collage of Milwaukee’s storied past. One can get lost and “almost” forget to eat as you take it all in.

Nite Owl Drive In – Interior View

On the north wall near the restrooms, there is a large Coca Cola button sign. Below it is an old newspaper photograph of the 1936 Milwaukee Brewers.

Nite Owl Drive In – Milwaukee Journal Photo

Although the diner’s copy of this photo has faded with time, it is a great memento of the Milwaukee Brewer team that won the American Association Championship that year.

1936 Brewer Team Photo -Doc Buckner-top left
(Author’s collection)

The first time I saw this photograph, what struck me the most, was the man in the upper left hand corner. What drew my attention to him was the jersey that he wore, as I had recently acquired one for my collection.

1934 Milwaukee Brewer Road Jersey
(Author’s Collection)

The man in the picture was Doc Buckner, the trainer of the Milwaukee Brewers at the time. This was a surprise to me, as the photograph was from 1936, clearly 11 years before Jackie Robinson broke into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was 10 years before Branch Rickey first brought Jackie to the minor league Montreal Royals of the International League, thus ending the color barrier in baseball.

I was intrigued with this and had to learn more about him.

So begins his story…

Jackie Robinson Framed Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Doc Buckner was the Milwaukee Brewers trainer from 1920 until his death in 1938. Ironically, this was the same position held by his brother William who worked as trainer for the major league Chicago White Sox baseball club from 1908-1916 and again from 1920-1933.

Doc shows up in team photos as early as 1924, during spring training in Florida.

1924 Spring Training Milwaukee Sentinel
“Washington Jefferson” Buckner – club trainer.
( Top Center Photo )

Known by several names and nicknames, “Washington Jefferson” Buckner, “George Washington” Buckner, “Doctah” Buckner, Doc, Buck, etc.,
Harry E. Buckner, his given name, was always part of what was happening with the American Association Brewers, in spite of his many monikers.

1925 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner far left-behind screen
(Courtesy Rex Hamann)

Doc Buckner was exceedingly popular with his teammates and the Brewers ball club.
Along with taking care of the usual maladies, sore shoulders, barked shins and the like, he kept the team loose while entertaining them, strumming a guitar, tickling the ivories or just making them laugh.

1926 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner – top row far left
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers hadn’t won an American Association title since the twin victories of 1913 and 1914, so his sense of humor and ability as an entertainer, kept them from being discouraged and made life fun around Borchert field when things didn’t go right. There were many examples of this reported.

1929 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner Top Row far left

Friday March 14, 1930 at Fort Pierce Florida Buckner took part in a joke on veteran player Rosy Ryan. While Ryan was out practicing, someone put a bullfrog into one of his socks. When Rosy went to get dressed he didn’t notice it right away,

“there was a tremendous uproar when his pink tootsies nosed into the frog. Foot, frog and sock went, all flew in different directions. …Doc Buckner is now the proud owner of a sportive pair of silk socks that once belonged to Ryan.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel)

Doc entertains during 1931 spring training-
Milwaukee Sentinel

Good luck charms, “witching eyes” and rabbit’s feet were all part of his repertoire. Doc also helped manage their equipment and was trusted with holding onto special baseballs and mementos for the players while the game was going on.

1932 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner middle-2nd row

Original Photo(Author’s Collection)

Obviously one of the gang, seen here in their midst while waiting for the train in this 1932 vintage photo.

1933 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner 3rd row far left
(Author’s Collection-courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Hat cocked and a mile wide smile, everyone on this team was enjoying themselves in this spring training photo from 1933.

1934 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner front row far right

(Author’s Collection)

This color team photo shows Doc in the front row, right hand corner
with Manager Al “Fidge” Sothoron directly behind him.

1936 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner is on the far right
(Author’s Collection)

The 1936 Champion Brewers with Doc Buckner
in a more serious pose in this portrait taken at Borchert Field, showing its unusual wooden outfield wall.

“Cookin’ with Bass”-Doc Buckner
(Author’s Collection)

Here is a hilarious photo from 1936.
“Club Trainer is shown roasting a black bass in the club house.

The fish was caught by Jack Hallett, rookie pitcher while expert anglers Sothoron and President Bendinger couldn’t get a nibble.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel- March 12, 1936)

Doc Buckner taking care of Milwaukee Brewer pitcher
Allan Johnson(Author’s Collection)

The players loved “good, old Doc Buckner.”
Beyond his usual duties of taking care of their aches and pains he kept up the morale of the team. No matter how they were doing, good or bad, he kept them in the best of humor. Keeping them laughing, he actually had players coming in early to get in on the fun, including playing “cops and robbers” in the clubhouse.

1937 Milwaukee Brewers-Buckner front row far right
(Author’s Collection)

In what would be his last team photo, A healthy looking Buckner is seen sitting in the front row.
The 3rd player seated to his right is future major league all star, Ken Keltner.

In the spring of 1938, Harry Buckner went to join the team in Hot Springs Arkansas, but on March 26th, he became seriously ill and was sent back to his home in Chicago. The Doc had been dealing with an ailing heart for the last few years and had been hospitalized the past summer. Fearing that his heart had weakened, he was advised to return home at once. It was a sad time as the Doc was forced to say goodbye and head back home.

The outpouring of the affection the team had for Harry Buckner was immediate. Expecting him to retire, the local papers were full of well wishes and assurances that Milwaukee would take care of their beloved trainer for the rest of his life.

… Manager Al Sothoron said he would remain on the payroll as long as he lives. “Buck was a faithful old fellow, and we are going to play out the string with him. He will never be in want and if his health does improve, we are going to take him along with us, with no work for him to do.”
(Milwaukee Sentinel March-27-1938)

Unfortunately, Buckner never made it back home, he died en route at 10 pm that evening.

Local newspapers spread the sad news that he had passed away and the story was picked up later by other newspapers.

“Myron Esler is the new trainer of the Milwaukee Brewers being named following the death of Harry Buckner March 26.”
(The Sporting News March 31, 1938)

“Harry (Doc) Buckner- 60 year old negro trainer of the Milwaukee American Association club since 1920, died while on route to Chicago, Ill. March 26. He had been ill for some time and left Hot Springs Ark. where the Brewers are training. In the afternoon for treatment in Chicago, but death overtook him at 10 o’clock in the evening. The widow survives.”
(The Sporting News March 31, 1938)

BUCKNER-Harry E. Fond husband of Dora Buckner. Of Milwaukee Assoc. baseball club. Died suddenly March 26 on route from Hot Springs Ark. Body will arrive Chicago Tuesday. Funeral Thursday, 2 p.m. from
3800 S. Michigan av. Fond brother of William Buckner, formerly of White Sox baseball club.
Monday March 28, 1938

(Chicago Herald Examiner)

That Milwaukee loved and appreciated the many years Harry Buckner was their trainer was apparent, as it was expressed locally and vocally. Rudy Schaffer represented the team at his funeral in Chicago and the team provided a huge wreath of flowers along with their condolences. They would genuinely miss the man who had been with them for almost 20 years.

“Every one of the Brewer ball players who were with the club last season will miss good, old “Doc” Buckner…because Buckner was one of the most lovable old gentlemen you’d ever wish to know.” “…he kept the players in the best of humor. No matter how badly things might be going, Buckner could always humor the players and get them laughing.”

It is interesting to note that when they reported his death, the Sporting News began this report with his being replaced by Myron Esler and then spoke of his death in more detail, later in the issue. The story seemed to end there. But there was so much more that could have been written about this man, perhaps it was overlooked, or simply forgotten.

HIS LIFE BEFORE MILWAUKEE

Harry E. Buckner was not just the trainer of Milwaukee’s minor league baseball team. He in fact, had a long career as one of baseball’s premiere players in the early days of African American baseball.
Buckner played during the period known as the time of the great independents, playing on several different teams, as was the norm during that time.
His career spanned the years 1896-1918. He was a contemporary of Hall of Famers Andrew “Rube” Foster and Sol White. His ability was prominently mentioned in White’s classic history of Colored Baseball, “Sol White’s Official Baseball Guide” written in 1907.

1899 “…The Columbia Giants with their additional pitcher, Buckner, from the Chicago Unions, were stronger in points at that time than any colored team. …Wilson, Miller and Buckner formed a trio of twirlers hard to duplicate.”

1903 “…The Philadelphia Giants had some of the hardest hitters of the colored profession, Robert Foots, William Bell, Charles Carter, Harry Buckner, Sol White, Frank Grant, …”

1913 Mohawk Giants Team Photo
(Author’s Collection courtesy of The Baseball Hall of Fame)

Author James Riley presents this bio on Buckner.

Buckner, Harry (nickname: Green River)
Career: 1896-1918 Positions: p, of, c, ss.

Teams: Chicago Unions (’96-’98), Columbia Giants (03′),
Cuban X Giants(’04-’05), Quaker Giants,
Brooklyn Royal Giants (’09-’10), New York
Lincoln Giants (’11-’12), Smart Set (’12),
Mohawk Giants (’13), Chicago Giants (’14-’18)

One of the leading players during the early years of black baseball, this talented and versatile athlete could pitch, catch, and play both infield and outfield. He was one of only a few Americans who played in Cuba during the first decade of the century, pitching for Almendares in the Cuban winter league of 1907. He began his career as a pitcher with W. S. Peter’s Chicago Unions in 1896 and after three years joined the Columbia Giants for another two seasons on the mound. In 1901 Frank Leland combined the Unions and the Columbia Giants into a single team, the Chicago Union Giants, but Buckner opted to play in the East.
He was a smart pitcher and was called the “speed marvel” of the Brooklyn Royal Giants in 1910. That season the Royals won the eastern championship for the second consecutive year and, along with Rube Foster, Dan McClellan and Walter Ball, Buckner was considered to be “head and shoulders above” all other pitchers. In 1909 he also was a regular behind the plate, when not pitching, and in 1917 he was the regular right fielder and batted third in the lineup. In 1911, playing with the New York Lincoln Giants, he split a pair of decisions while batting .336. He pitched the next two seasons with the Smart Set and the Mohawk Giants of Schenectady, New York, before returning to Chicago to finish his career with the Chicago Giants.
During his 23 years in black baseball, he was associated with numerous teams in both the East and Midwest. Buckner also was a keen judge of talent; he, Rube Foster, and Sol White discovered the great John Henry Lloyd in 1905.
(Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Leagues)

Close up of Harry Buckner – 1913 Mohawk Giants

Harry Buckner could and did, do it all. He was one of the leading players of the era. Besides being one of the great pitchers, he also could be called upon to catch, play the infield as well as the outfield. He could hit well and was quick on the base paths. In 1909, when he joined the Brooklyn Royal Giants, their pitchers dominated the league with Buckner, Andrew “Rube” Foster, Dan McClellan and Walter Bell during his two years on the team.

Comparison: Harry E. Buckner in 1913 &1932

Here is a rare interview with Harry Buckner discussing his playing days. It affords us a glimpse of how good he really was and it is a priceless introduction to the intelligence, memory and humor of the man.

The teasing he got from the players shows the affection and respect they had for him as a fellow player. Yes, even manager Al Sothoron, was pitching to him.
One should note that he fended off the implication that baseball during his time was anything but tough, professional baseball.
He could more than hold his own against those who played in the major leagues.
He was a great ballplayer.

Maybe, I’m Wrong – Milwaukee Journal

(Author’s Collection)

Yes, Suh! The Doctah Could Hit That Ball!

“Yes, Suh! Right ovah the center field bleachers!”
It was Doc Buckner Broadcasting. With a couple of shots of high powered hooch under his belt and a bat in his big paws, the presiding genius of the Brewers rubbing table was living in the old days over again, while some of the Brewers sat around in the shade of the left field stand and ribbed the “Doctah.”
“Show us your swing, Doc.” “Let’s see how you used to hit ’em.” “Shucks, I bet you couldn’t hit the ball out of the infield.”
“Shuah could.” chuckled Doc, giving the bat a vicious swing. “I could hit boy!”
“Come on, show us, ” suggested one of the players, and the idea took hold immediately.
A couple of players seized the maestro of the arnica bottle and, like a balky mule with his feet sliding, he was hustled up to the plate, where Manager Al Sothoron was pitching for batting practise.(sic)
Once there, Doc was game. He cocked his faded old cap over one eye, spread his feet and fell into a batting crouch.
“All right, boss,” he called to Fidge.
“Put one ovah and ah’ll knock it out of the pahk.”
In came the ball low. Doc was not biting on bad ones. The next one was over the plate and Doc fouled it.
“Gimme a good one, boss,” he urged, making the bat whistle.
“What could you do with a good one?”
yelled one of the players. “Bet you can’t get a safe hit.”
Crack! The ball went sizzling down the third base line and out to the fence, a hit in anybody’s ball game, and Doc trudged back to the clubhouse dragging his bat behind.

Played 21 Years

The youngsters on the Brewer club can kid the old “Doctah” all they want to, but the chances are that few of them will ever be the ballplayer he was in his day. Buckner was a good pitcher and a great hitter.
He still has a pair of powerful shoulders. Records are not available, but I believe he hit .380 or better in the old Colored All-Star league, and had a .390 average on season in the Cuban winter league. He played professional ball 21 years. He was a member of the Cuban-X team, the first all star negro line up, and he played with the Lincoln Giants of New York, the Philadelphia Colored Giants and Rube Foster’s American Giants of Chicago in the Colored All Star league. He admits he’s 51 now, but Lou Nahin says he’s more likely 60.
“Where was it that you hit a ball over the center field bleachers?” I asked after following Buckner back to the clubhouse.
“Barre, Vt.,” he replied.
“Small park, I suppose.”
“Not so small,” said Doc. “Big as this one.”
“Do you mean to say you could hit one over the center field bleachers her in Borchert field?”
“Sure. Boy, I could hit that ball. I hit one over the left field stand in the Polo Grounds. Park wasn’t as big as it is now, but it was plenty big. And I hit one at Harrisburg, Pa., past the flagpole.
And I hit one they’re still talking about down in Havana. That’s an awful big park, boss, Almendares park.
You could set this one down inside of it and have enough room left over to play a ball game outside. I hit one so far, right inside the park, that the center fielder never went after it. He just turned around and watched it go.”

Beat Big Train

“How about the pitching? Did you ever hit against a real pitcher?”
“Say boss, you remember Breckenridge, used to be with Washington? Use to have some great games against him. And Joe Moore-you see that piece in the paper about him the other day, how he only pitched 38 balls in a whole game?
That was Williamsport against the Philadelphia Colored Giants. We only got three hits off him and I got one of them. And we beat Walter Johnson one time in 1914. Was playing at Schenectady, N.Y. then and we used to pull ’em in from all around. Last game of the season, we played Montreal. We beat him 1-0 in 14 innings.”
“How about your own pitching, Doc?”
“I could pitch plenty. Underhand, like this, and plenty of stuff.
Used to walk over to the other fellows’ bench and say,
‘Go ahead, boys, get your base hits today, ’cause you goin’ to starve tomorrow. I’m goin’ to pitch.

Blackie O’Rourke, he remembered me. Played against me when he was a kid.

“Pitched against Brown college one time.
Goin’ hot.
Coach he told his college boys, ‘Ne’ mind.
We get to this fellow along about the eight inning.
He can’t keep going’ like this.’
Well boss, when I walk out there in the ninth I say to that coach, ‘Keep yo’ eyes peeled, You goin’ to see nine of the fastes’ balls you ever did see!

“Then I laid ’em in.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Nine of ’em.
I had control, boss.
I set them college boys down before they even knew what they was up there for!”

Doc in his batting stance-1936-37
(Author’s Collection)

A SOBERING REALITY

One thing was clear to me when I searched for images of Harry Buckner while with the Milwaukee Brewers, he was often pictured with the players in the team photos. In all aspects of his duties with Milwaukee, he was openly treated as part of the team. Once I started looking, I was able to find him easily from local sources.
While searching for more photos, I had access to a complete set of early Spalding guides from the period that Doc was with the team.
I was hoping to fill in some of the gaps for the years that I was missing.
What I found was distressing.
While the American Association Milwaukee Brewers were always pictured as a team in the guides, only one year, 1936 had him pictured with the Brewers. I shot a quick digital photo of the small picture and looked at what I had.

1937 Spalding Guide Photo

Something caught my eye immediately, even though it was a small photo and difficult to see.
Upon magnification I became very upset with what I found.
All the players shown were listed with their formal first and last names.
Doc Buckner, was not, he was mentioned by his last name only. “Buckner, (Trainer)”

1937 Spalding Guide Photo – Close-up

What was worse, was what was done to the image itself, his face was obliterated so you couldn’t tell who he was or more to the point, “what” he looked like.
This was not done post publishing by some angry reader, it was printed this way.
I shouldn’t have been so shocked. This is how baseball was during those days.
But I was and am still outraged 62 years later after the dust of many years has settled on that past.
Where the Milwaukee Brewers had him in most of their team photos,
he wasn’t welcome in the Spalding Guides.

HOPE FOR CHANGE

While the ever deepening sands of time obscure their neglected records, hopefully continued research and due diligence given to available newspaper reports and written records of interviews of Black baseball and its players, researchers can blow back some of those sands. More research is needed so we can piece together this marvelous history of their times.

African American players, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th century need more scrutiny. Clearly a force in baseball at the time of the great independent teams, Harry E. Buckner had the respect of his peers, among them, Hall of Famers Rube Foster and Sol White.
Major league baseball really needs to revisit how it treats Black Baseball and needs to recognize the early era players along with the later, more recognizable players.

Surely Harry E. Buckner should be considered for enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame when baseball deliberates future nominations to the hall.

I feel it is time for a separate committee to deal with the Negro Leagues, similar to the Veterans committee. It is time to shine a focused light on the men who played in the shadows of baseball by no fault of their own. Their recognition is long over due.

Like those before him and the many, many fine baseball men of the past since his days (Buck O’Neil included), Harry E. Buckner stayed close to the game he loved in spite of its poor treatment of people of color.
A testament to the “game” of baseball’s effect on society in spite of itself.
They loved the sport of baseball, its competition, its camaraderie, the community it provided and maybe even sensed that it was through baseball that change could and would eventually come.

“Baseball should be taken seriously by the colored player, by his effort of his great ability, will open the avenue in the near future wherein he may walk hand in hand with the opposite race in the greatest of all American games, baseball.”

Sol White-Hall of Fame Player, Historian

The Midwest and Milwaukee seemed to be ahead of the curve when it came to that forward thinking.

” Buc was a faithful old fellow, and we are going to play out the string with him, He will never be in want…”

Al Sothoron- Milwaukee Brewer Manager 1938

“Buzz & George & all colored were not treated well at this time but they were fine gentlemen and I was proud to have them as teammates.”

Bert Thiel – Milwaukee Brewers 1951-52
(Speaking of race and teammates, James Clarkson and George Crowe)

Milwaukee was “A (relatively) color-blind team in a sport and society that was anything but.”
Chance Michaels – www.borchertfield.com

“Shuah could.” … “I could hit boy!”

“I could pitch plenty. … Used to walk over to the other fellows’ bench and say, ‘Go ahead, boys, get your base hits today, ’cause you goin’ to starve tomorrow. I’m goin’ to pitch. “

Stay tuned for
Vintage Brew
Volume 3
in 2010

“Mr. Baseball”
& his 1943 Milwaukee Brewers
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

With every best wish,
Very sincerely yours,
FDR”

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard
(Author’s Collection)

In 1943, America entered its second year of World War II. While industry geared up for wartime production and baseball had gotten the “green light” from FDR, things would be very different from the pre-war days.

One major change for baseball came with spring training. The government Office of Defense Transportation called for less travel by baseball teams, the result was having them train closer to home. Milwaukee for the first time since 1918 announced that spring training for the team would open April 6th in Wisconsin at Waukesha’s Frame Field. This was the home for Waukesha’s entry in the Land O Lakes league.

While General Manager Rudy Schaffer quoted weather bureau records predicting temperatures in the 50’s, jokes were plentiful about Waukesha’s winter wonderland.

The team would have a varied conditioning program according to the Milwaukee Journal’s R. G. Lynch, which would include snowball fights, playing in snowshoes and ice skating. Bill Veeck wanted them to play ice hockey but this was deemed too rough a sport for the team.

Bill Veeck and Schaffer were both against Charlie Grimm’s idea of a Polar Bear club, fearing that cutting holes in the ice of the Fox river for midnight swims, may result in losing a player to the swift current. With the war on, players were hard enough to come by to risk losing one to nocturnal swimming. 2 sled dog teams driven by Eskimos would carry the team to and from the field. Doc Feron was at the Mayo Clinic to learn how to care for frostbite and chilblains.

All kidding aside, the weather was expected to be a bit raw, but the facilities were considered adequate and Charlie Grimm felt that the nearby Moor Mud baths would help get the team into condition.

Charlie Grimm and Mickey Heath enjoying the
Moor Mud Baths of Waukesha, Wisconsin
(Author’s Collection)

Envelope Opener Moor Mud Baths

(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm was confident his Brewers would be in as good of shape as any other team. Plans were set for the arrival of the players, with practices starting at 10 am and finishing by 2:30 pm. Workouts would begin with warm up calisthenics led by Red Smith.
The players arrived in good physical condition due to the war work many were involved with. Bill Norman actually reported in at 10 lbs under his playing weight from last year and Grey Clarke was said to have lost the “Alderman’s Front” he had last year.
After coming so close in 1942, expectations were high for the upcoming season and opening day in Minneapolis. Milwaukee was sporting a sound infield and were leading the league in batting strength with the addition of Ted Norbert, Texas League Home run champ Merv Connors and returning Brewer home run champ Bill Norman.
With a little boost to their pitching staff, things would be looking strong for the start of 1943.

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

1943 Home Opening Day Ticket
(Author’s Collection)

While Charlie Grimm worked hard preparing his team on the frozen soil of Waukesha, Wisconsin, the Brewer’s “Mr. Baseball,” tilled the fertile pastures of his creative genius. He combined shrewd deals for players and promotional ideas to bring the fans into the stands, a skill which no one was better at than Veeck. People outside of the American Association were beginning to notice the Sporting News 1942 Executive Of The Year. No less than 3 major magazines ran articles on Bill Veeck in 1943:

Baseball’s Number 1 Screwball: Bill Veeck of Milwaukee
Look Magazine

Boy Magnate
Saturday Evening Post

Squirrel Night at the Brewers, Billy Veeck is baseball’s best showman.
Esquire Magazine

1943 “Mr. Baseball” Bill Veeck
(Author’s Collection)

When FDR wrote his response to Judge Landis, he expressed confidence in the judge and the baseball owners that they would do what was best for baseball and the country.

Milwaukee had a strong industrial base and Bill Veeck, taking Roosevelt’s words to heart, made sure that baseball would be accessible to those working hard in the war effort. As in 1942, special Defense Plant nights with group discounts were offered for several of the city’s employers including:
A O Smith; Allen Bradley; Allis Chalmers; Ampco Metal; Briggs and Stratton; Chain Belt Co.; Cutler Hammer; Harnischfeger Corporation and Wisconsin Electric to name just a few.
Blood drives were also a regular fixture at the games with fans donating a pint of blood given game passes.

Morning Baseball’s First Game Handbill
(Courtesy John Effenheim)

Listening to fans’ concerns during off season meetings at factories, some night shift workers told Veeck that they weren’t always able to attend games due to their work schedules. Bill told them he’d do something about it. True to his word, he scheduled several morning games and seasoned them with that “Screwy-but Funny,” Bill Veeck sense of humor.
While vendors passed out the breakfast, the players and coaches hammed it up, adding to the merriment. Bill Veeck believed he could fill the stands if you gave them a game and a gag.

This morning game seems to have
started a bit too early for Red Smith…

Veeck never announced his gags in advance, preferring to get the best results from his surprised fans. Unsuspecting victims would be given live pigeons, blocks of ice, live lobsters, ladders etc., anything to get a response. Milwaukeeans flocked to Borchert to take part in the fun.

Bill Veeck, Lefty Grimm and Rudy Schaffer
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers also provided some music to the home games with “Jolly Cholly” on his banjo, Veeck on the slide whistle and GM Rudy Schaffer on a one string tin can fiddle. They even coaxed outfielder Herschel Martin to join them on piano for a home series opener in June against Louisville.
Joe Berry, Bob Bowman, Earl Caldwell and Dutch Hoffman joined in and performed as a barber shop quartet.
Dick Rice’s popular “Brewer band,” a 5 piece Dixieland jive band finished the pregame music and the fans cheered their approval.

Veeck the Fan…
(Author’s Collection)

Bill continued his habit of spending time with the fans to get their perspective because he was a fan himself.

Age didn’t matter…he listened
(Author’s Collection)

Age was no barrier to finding out what the fans loved, in fact Bill spent a lot of time with the youngsters and befriended many of them.

A young Bill Topitzes first met Sportshirt Bill in 1942, when he fell in love with baseball after his uncles took him to his first game at the age of 9. He started going by himself and Veeck soon took a liking to the lad. They became good friends. Young Bill started out as a ball watcher on 8th street.(chased down balls hit out of the park and returned them) Because of his relationship with Veeck, he moved inside and eventually worked his way up from ball boy to bat boy and then to clubhouse boy for the Brewers. Soon he was taking care of both clubhouses by himself. He also worked the scoreboard. Topitzes pitched in as one of the people in charge of the hoses underneath old wooden Borchert Field to put out the small fires started by cigarettes being dropped through the seats.

Fencing with the opposition…

Determined to press any advantage or minimize any disadvantage to win last year, Bill Veeck introduced opposing teams to a wire screen atop the right field fence at Borchert field to compensate for the Brewer’s lack of left hander hitting.
By the time the Toledo Mudhens came to town for its first series of the year, June 13, 1943, they too were greeted by the same wire screen. But a controversy seemed to be building on its effectiveness.
The screen was designed to blunt the opposition’s left handed hitters. While it stopped two home runs during the double header that day it had little effect on the outcome of the games as the Brewers split the twin bill with the Mudhens.
In fact both fans and local baseball writers seemed to dislike the screen. Besides depriving the players the home runs which could help keep them on the job or justify a raise in pay, the fans tended to favor seeing the home runs, be they “homers” or round trippers hit by the visitors.
In early September the screen came down. The final tally was 11 to 7 in favor of the opposition. The Brewers actually lost more home runs than their foes.

When asked if he regretted putting up the screen, the fleet of mouth Veeck said he no longer needed it because he had a couple good left handed hitters now and a pair of southpaws. He went on to defend it as good psychology as his right handed pitchers had more confidence when facing left handed hitters. “So you see, it has been of real value, ask our pitchers.”
A much different response may have come from Milwaukee Brewer outfielder Hershel Martin who lost 9 home runs to the screen.
Although it has been reported that Bill Veeck moved this screen several times during games to gain an advantage, during its life span, the only detected movement of the screen in 1943 was generated by the “spin” of Sport Shirt Bill.

Let them Eat Cake…

Never one to pass up a birthday surprise, Bill Veeck presented Charlie Grimm with one on his 45th birthday, August 28, 1943.
Prior to the start of the game against Indianapolis, Charlie was given various presents while the band played “Happy Birthday.” But Bill had one more birthday present for the manager of the Brewers. A large cake was carried out from home plate by his Milwaukee players. Suddenly the heads of a bunch of dancing girls popped out of the cake while another round “Happy Birthday” was sung to the surprised manager. As the girls stepped out of the cake, Veeck told Charlie maybe he should take a closer look inside as there might be another surprise. Out popped recently acquired pitcher Julio Acosta in a Milwaukee Brewer uniform. Bill had just obtained him from the Piedmont league. He played for the Richmond club and was their strike out leader with a record of 17 wins 6 losses for the year. Just what Charlie needed, a left handed pitcher.

Happy Birthday Charlie Grimm
(Author’s Collection)

The Season …

Milwaukee won its first game behind a 5 hitter pitched by Joe Berry in the second game of the new season after losing the opener to Minneapolis. They struggled early in the season pretty much playing .500 ball in May and it wasn’t until later in June that they moved into 2nd place.
July found them in 1st place as Joe Berry continued to pitch masterfully on his way to a 11 game winning streak. Team hitting was very strong and they played well defensively. Most of the month they traded the 1st and 2nd place positions with Indianapolis.

They held this position at the top by a thin margin until a slump hit them in August.

The nose dive in August caused by the pitchers losing some of their steam had the fans nervous…but the Brewers did not give up or give in. Neither did Veeck nor Charlie Grimm, both kept the team battling. The Brewers came roaring back in September and clinched the pennant on September 17th.

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Roster
Courtesy Rex Hamann

*(The following Milwaukee Brewer baseball card series has had a somewhat obscure history, not much of anything has been written about them until now. These high gloss (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches) cards have the name Grand Studio printed on the lower right hand edge.

The Grand Photo Studio was located on the south side of Milwaukee. Specializing in portraits, of which I have many old family photos that were done by them, they were the “Official Brewer Photographer” according to their advertisements. These beautiful glossy cards that sported printed autographs, were sold at the Borchert field concession stands.
Similar in layout to the 1942 Brewer poster, they remain quite scarce and demand a premium price when found in complete near mint sets. Here is a rare view of the complete 22 card set. )

Joe Berry / Bob Bowman
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

“Jittery” Joe Berry “as jittery as the rock of Gibraltar,” finished 1943 with a 18-10 record with a 2.78 ERA. An untiring powerhouse in spite of his size, he actually pitched 5 games in 13 days at one point of the season.
The mighty Brewer “Atom” had a extraordinary season and advised teammate Wes Livingood on pitch selection.

Bob Bowman went 6-2 with a 3.04 ERA during the season.

Earl Caldwell / Grey Clarke
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Earl “Teach” Caldwell won 10 while losing 11 in 1943 with a 3.68 Earned Run Average.

3rd baseman Grey Clarke led the Brewers and the league with his .346 batting average, gathering 185 hits with 29 doubles. He added 10 home runs and tallied 97 RBI’s.

Merv Conners / Paul Erickson
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

1st baseman Merv Connors batted .246 in 32 games played.

Pitcher Paul Erickson, before being called up to the bigs, won 6 games and lost 4 with a 3.19 ERA.

Charlie Grimm / Hank Helf
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Manager Charlie Grimm did not insert himself as a player this year as he did in the past, but spent his time concentrating on managing the Milwaukee Brewers, winning his first American Association Pennant, their 1st since 1936.

Hank Helf had what was considered his best year in baseball, fielding spectacularly and pitching in with a .260 batting average.

Don Johnson / Wes Livengood
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

2nd baseman Don Johnson played his position well and hit for a .283 average for the season.

Wes Livingood was the perfect complement to Joe Berry winning 18 games while losing 10. His ERA was a low 3.04.

Hershel Martin/ Tommy Nelson
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Hersh Martin was clearly a fan favorite in 1943 and in spite of some ailments, batted .307 while playing right and center fields for the Brewers. He hit 13 round trippers and compiled 66 RBI’s. Not only a great hitter, pitchers credited him saving many a game by his skill in the outfield. Not a showboat fielder, he made the plays look easy.

Utility man Tommy Nelson hit .256 in the 66 games played and would have been a regular on any other team. He stepped in to play for Grey Clarke and saved a game for the Brewers.

Ted Norbert / Bill Norman
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Left fielder Ted Norbert hammered the ball for a .293 average in the 1943 season, playing in 146 games. He led the team and the American Association with 25 home runs and 117 RBI’s.

Spectacular plays in center field and power hitting were Bill Norman’s contribution for 1943 finishing the season at .275 with 18 Home runs and 82 Runs batted in.

Henry Oana / Jimmy Pruett
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

The Hawaiian Prince, Hank Oana was a strong offensive threat for the Brewers while pitching. He won 3 game and lost 5 before joining the Detroit Tigers in the majors.

Jimmy Pruett put on a strong performance and complemented Hank Helf well at catcher. He hit .287 in the 52 games he played.

Bill Sahlin / Frank Secory
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Bill Sahlin had only a brief stay with the Brewers in 1943 pitching two innings with no decisions.

Destined to be a Major League umpire, Frank Secory was a steady and experienced back up in the outfield. He hit .219 in 50 games.

Red Smith / Charlie Sproull
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Big Red Smith was Charlie Grimm’s able assistant as coach in 1943.

Pitcher Charlie Sproull exceeded expectations in 1943 pitching in with 5 victories in 92 innings.

Hugh Todd / Tony York
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Considered a good prospect, Hugh Todd hit .250 and was a reserve outfielder for the Brewers, appearing in 57 games.

Shortstop Tony York had a great year in the field and hitting in the 150 games played. He finished with a .287 batting average.

1943 Bill Veeck Presents Trophy To Grey Clarke

(Author’s Collection)

Grey Clarke finished atop the American Association as Batting Champ in 1943 with his .346 Average. He was the 9th Brewer to win the title since the league began play in 1902.

1943 Bill’s Home Made Champions Banner
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers preseason concerns with pitching were allayed as soon as the season started. The addition of Jittery Joe Berry was an instant plus. This tiny but tough pitcher was virtually unstoppable in 1943 and was the anchor of its pitching staff. Always cool and dependable, he was ready to go to the mound as a starter or if need be, to relieve. Joe had a phenomenal 11 game winning streak during the season. Pitcher Wes Livengood also performed brilliantly going 18-10 for the season. Charlie Sproul performance more than exceeded the team’s early expectations. Bill Fleming and Charlie Gassoway did a great job in relief.

The predicted strong offense was a force the opposition had to contend with. Hershel Martin and Grey Clarke battled early and often for the batting lead in the American Association. The return of Heinz “Der Schlager” Becker in June also contributed to the power hitting Brewer team which included sluggers Ted Norbert, Bill Norman and Tony York.

Defense played a major role for the Brewers, as Tony York and Don Johnson sparkled as a double play combo. Fielding was excellent at all positions. Bill Norman made the loss of Ted Gullic a lot easier to bear as he made many spectacular game saving catches.

Catchers Hank Helf and Jimmy Pruett handled the pitchers well and performed well defensively. They also added to the batting punch of the Milwaukee Team. Helf was rated as “the outstanding catcher in the AA” in August as he excelled at cutting down base runners and catching attempted steals. He had his best season as a player in 1943.

The Brewers, in spite of injuries, had good depth on the bench to help them when the injuries cropped up. Many of them would have been starters on another team. This was another example of Bill Veeck being an excellent baseball man first and a great promoter second.

Charlie Grimm received deserved credit for his ability of bringing out maximum cooperation from his players. His Brewer team was not made up of nine individuals but a coordinated team with each player putting out his best effort.

They became the team to beat. They finished on top of the American Association 5 1/2 games above the 2nd place Indianapolis Indians, winning 90 games while losing only 61.

Controversy over the playoffs again flooded the sports pages. Many writers as well as fans felt the American Association champion should represent their league in the Junior World Series, having bettered the teams in their division over the long baseball season. Some felt it hurt baseball to have these playoff games.
But, there was no stopping the scheduled playoffs and unfortunately for the Brewers, they were eliminated in the first round, losing to 3rd place Columbus, 3 games to 1.

Milwaukee in spite of losing in the post season had a banner year. The Milwaukee Brewer team and their fans had a lot to look forward to for 1944.

1943 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

At the end of 1943, World War II was still front page news … and changes were on the horizon … in Milwaukee and elsewhere…

During the year Bill Veeck began corresponding with some 50 – 60 boys in the service, sharing with them what was going on with Milwaukee baseball. As news of his letters spread from camp to camp, the list of those writing him swelled.

Bill took very seriously keeping up the morale of those in the service.
He strived to bring a bit of home to those away from home.

Bill took a much larger step for the war effort in November of 1943,
as he enlisted in the Marines.

Veeck Joins the Marines, November 1943
(Milwaukee Sentinel)

1943 Postscript

Bill Veeck’s hard work rebuilding the Milwaukee Brewers in 1941 and 1942 paid off with the Brews taking the 1943 American Association Crown with a 90-61 record under the skillful management of Charlie Grimm.

This is a rare view of Grimm’s championship ring from that season.

(CJG – Charles John Grimm)

American Association Champions – Obverse
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee 1943 AA – Side View
(Author’s Collection)

“Mr. Baseball”
& his 1943 Milwaukee Brewers
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

With every best wish,
Very sincerely yours,
FDR”

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard
(Author’s Collection)

In 1943, America entered its second year of World War II. While industry geared up for wartime production and baseball had gotten the “green light” from FDR, things would be very different from the pre-war days.

One major change for baseball came with spring training. The government Office of Defense Transportation called for less travel by baseball teams, the result was having them train closer to home. Milwaukee for the first time since 1918 announced that spring training for the team would open April 6th in Wisconsin at Waukesha’s Frame Field. This was the home for Waukesha’s entry in the Land O Lakes league.

While General Manager Rudy Schaffer quoted weather bureau records predicting temperatures in the 50’s, jokes were plentiful about Waukesha’s winter wonderland.

The team would have a varied conditioning program according to the Milwaukee Journal’s R. G. Lynch, which would include snowball fights, playing in snowshoes and ice skating. Bill Veeck wanted them to play ice hockey but this was deemed too rough a sport for the team.

Bill Veeck and Schaffer were both against Charlie Grimm’s idea of a Polar Bear club, fearing that cutting holes in the ice of the Fox river for midnight swims, may result in losing a player to the swift current. With the war on, players were hard enough to come by to risk losing one to nocturnal swimming. 2 sled dog teams driven by Eskimos would carry the team to and from the field. Doc Feron was at the Mayo Clinic to learn how to care for frostbite and chilblains.

All kidding aside, the weather was expected to be a bit raw, but the facilities were considered adequate and Charlie Grimm felt that the nearby Moor Mud baths would help get the team into condition.

Charlie Grimm and Mickey Heath enjoying the
Moor Mud Baths of Waukesha, Wisconsin
(Author’s Collection)

Envelope Opener Moor Mud Baths

(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm was confident his Brewers would be in as good of shape as any other team. Plans were set for the arrival of the players, with practices starting at 10 am and finishing by 2:30 pm. Workouts would begin with warm up calisthenics led by Red Smith.
The players arrived in good physical condition due to the war work many were involved with. Bill Norman actually reported in at 10 lbs under his playing weight from last year and Grey Clarke was said to have lost the “Alderman’s Front” he had last year.
After coming so close in 1942, expectations were high for the upcoming season and opening day in Minneapolis. Milwaukee was sporting a sound infield and were leading the league in batting strength with the addition of Ted Norbert, Texas League Home run champ Merv Connors and returning Brewer home run champ Bill Norman.
With a little boost to their pitching staff, things would be looking strong for the start of 1943.

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Team Photo
(Author’s Collection)

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

1943 Home Opening Day Ticket
(Author’s Collection)

While Charlie Grimm worked hard preparing his team on the frozen soil of Waukesha, Wisconsin, the Brewer’s “Mr. Baseball,” tilled the fertile pastures of his creative genius. He combined shrewd deals for players and promotional ideas to bring the fans into the stands, a skill which no one was better at than Veeck. People outside of the American Association were beginning to notice the Sporting News 1942 Executive Of The Year. No less than 3 major magazines ran articles on Bill Veeck in 1943:

Baseball’s Number 1 Screwball: Bill Veeck of Milwaukee
Look Magazine

Boy Magnate
Saturday Evening Post

Squirrel Night at the Brewers, Billy Veeck is baseball’s best showman.
Esquire Magazine

1943 “Mr. Baseball” Bill Veeck
(Author’s Collection)

When FDR wrote his response to Judge Landis, he expressed confidence in the judge and the baseball owners that they would do what was best for baseball and the country.

Milwaukee had a strong industrial base and Bill Veeck, taking Roosevelt’s words to heart, made sure that baseball would be accessible to those working hard in the war effort. As in 1942, special Defense Plant nights with group discounts were offered for several of the city’s employers including:
A O Smith; Allen Bradley; Allis Chalmers; Ampco Metal; Briggs and Stratton; Chain Belt Co.; Cutler Hammer; Harnischfeger Corporation and Wisconsin Electric to name just a few.
Blood drives were also a regular fixture at the games with fans donating a pint of blood given game passes.

Morning Baseball’s First Game Handbill
(Courtesy John Effenheim)

Listening to fans’ concerns during off season meetings at factories, some night shift workers told Veeck that they weren’t always able to attend games due to their work schedules. Bill told them he’d do something about it. True to his word, he scheduled several morning games and seasoned them with that “Screwy-but Funny,” Bill Veeck sense of humor.
While vendors passed out the breakfast, the players and coaches hammed it up, adding to the merriment. Bill Veeck believed he could fill the stands if you gave them a game and a gag.

This morning game seems to have
started a bit too early for Red Smith…

Veeck never announced his gags in advance, preferring to get the best results from his surprised fans. Unsuspecting victims would be given live pigeons, blocks of ice, live lobsters, ladders etc., anything to get a response. Milwaukeeans flocked to Borchert to take part in the fun.

Bill Veeck, Lefty Grimm and Rudy Schaffer
(Author’s Collection)

The Brewers also provided some music to the home games with “Jolly Cholly” on his banjo, Veeck on the slide whistle and GM Rudy Schaffer on a one string tin can fiddle. They even coaxed outfielder Herschel Martin to join them on piano for a home series opener in June against Louisville.
Joe Berry, Bob Bowman, Earl Caldwell and Dutch Hoffman joined in and performed as a barber shop quartet.
Dick Rice’s popular “Brewer band,” a 5 piece Dixieland jive band finished the pregame music and the fans cheered their approval.

Veeck the Fan…
(Author’s Collection)

Bill continued his habit of spending time with the fans to get their perspective because he was a fan himself.

Age didn’t matter…he listened
(Author’s Collection)

Age was no barrier to finding out what the fans loved, in fact Bill spent a lot of time with the youngsters and befriended many of them.

A young Bill Topitzes first met Sportshirt Bill in 1942, when he fell in love with baseball after his uncles took him to his first game at the age of 9. He started going by himself and Veeck soon took a liking to the lad. They became good friends. Young Bill started out as a ball watcher on 8th street.(chased down balls hit out of the park and returned them) Because of his relationship with Veeck, he moved inside and eventually worked his way up from ball boy to bat boy and then to clubhouse boy for the Brewers. Soon he was taking care of both clubhouses by himself. He also worked the scoreboard. Topitzes pitched in as one of the people in charge of the hoses underneath old wooden Borchert Field to put out the small fires started by cigarettes being dropped through the seats.

Fencing with the opposition…

Determined to press any advantage or minimize any disadvantage to win last year, Bill Veeck introduced opposing teams to a wire screen atop the right field fence at Borchert field to compensate for the Brewer’s lack of left hander hitting.
By the time the Toledo Mudhens came to town for its first series of the year, June 13, 1943, they too were greeted by the same wire screen. But a controversy seemed to be building on its effectiveness.
The screen was designed to blunt the opposition’s left handed hitters. While it stopped two home runs during the double header that day it had little effect on the outcome of the games as the Brewers split the twin bill with the Mudhens.
In fact both fans and local baseball writers seemed to dislike the screen. Besides depriving the players the home runs which could help keep them on the job or justify a raise in pay, the fans tended to favor seeing the home runs, be they “homers” or round trippers hit by the visitors.
In early September the screen came down. The final tally was 11 to 7 in favor of the opposition. The Brewers actually lost more home runs than their foes.

When asked if he regretted putting up the screen, the fleet of mouth Veeck said he no longer needed it because he had a couple good left handed hitters now and a pair of southpaws. He went on to defend it as good psychology as his right handed pitchers had more confidence when facing left handed hitters. “So you see, it has been of real value, ask our pitchers.”
A much different response may have come from Milwaukee Brewer outfielder Hershel Martin who lost 9 home runs to the screen.
Although it has been reported that Bill Veeck moved this screen several times during games to gain an advantage, during its life span, the only detected movement of the screen in 1943 was generated by the “spin” of Sport Shirt Bill.

Let them Eat Cake…

Never one to pass up a birthday surprise, Bill Veeck presented Charlie Grimm with one on his 45th birthday, August 28, 1943.
Prior to the start of the game against Indianapolis, Charlie was given various presents while the band played “Happy Birthday.” But Bill had one more birthday present for the manager of the Brewers. A large cake was carried out from home plate by his Milwaukee players. Suddenly the heads of a bunch of dancing girls popped out of the cake while another round “Happy Birthday” was sung to the surprised manager. As the girls stepped out of the cake, Veeck told Charlie maybe he should take a closer look inside as there might be another surprise. Out popped recently acquired pitcher Julio Acosta in a Milwaukee Brewer uniform. Bill had just obtained him from the Piedmont league. He played for the Richmond club and was their strike out leader with a record of 17 wins 6 losses for the year. Just what Charlie needed, a left handed pitcher.

Happy Birthday Charlie Grimm
(Author’s Collection)

The Season …

Milwaukee won its first game behind a 5 hitter pitched by Joe Berry in the second game of the new season after losing the opener to Minneapolis. They struggled early in the season pretty much playing .500 ball in May and it wasn’t until later in June that they moved into 2nd place.
July found them in 1st place as Joe Berry continued to pitch masterfully on his way to a 11 game winning streak. Team hitting was very strong and they played well defensively. Most of the month they traded the 1st and 2nd place positions with Indianapolis.

They held this position at the top by a thin margin until a slump hit them in August.

The nose dive in August caused by the pitchers losing some of their steam had the fans nervous…but the Brewers did not give up or give in. Neither did Veeck nor Charlie Grimm, both kept the team battling. The Brewers came roaring back in September and clinched the pennant on September 17th.

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Roster
Courtesy Rex Hamann

*(The following Milwaukee Brewer baseball card series has had a somewhat obscure history, not much of anything has been written about them until now. These high gloss (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches) cards have the name Grand Studio printed on the lower right hand edge.

The Grand Photo Studio was located on the south side of Milwaukee. Specializing in portraits, of which I have many old family photos that were done by them, they were the “Official Brewer Photographer” according to their advertisements. These beautiful glossy cards that sported printed autographs, were sold at the Borchert field concession stands.
Similar in layout to the 1942 Brewer poster, they remain quite scarce and demand a premium price when found in complete near mint sets. Here is a rare view of the complete 22 card set. )

Joe Berry / Bob Bowman
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

“Jittery” Joe Berry “as jittery as the rock of Gibraltar,” finished 1943 with a 18-10 record with a 2.78 ERA. An untiring powerhouse in spite of his size, he actually pitched 5 games in 13 days at one point of the season.
The mighty Brewer “Atom” had a extraordinary season and advised teammate Wes Livingood on pitch selection.

Bob Bowman went 6-2 with a 3.04 ERA during the season.

Earl Caldwell / Grey Clarke
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Earl “Teach” Caldwell won 10 while losing 11 in 1943 with a 3.68 Earned Run Average.

3rd baseman Grey Clarke led the Brewers and the league with his .346 batting average, gathering 185 hits with 29 doubles. He added 10 home runs and tallied 97 RBI’s.

Merv Conners / Paul Erickson
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

1st baseman Merv Connors batted .246 in 32 games played.

Pitcher Paul Erickson, before being called up to the bigs, won 6 games and lost 4 with a 3.19 ERA.

Charlie Grimm / Hank Helf
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Manager Charlie Grimm did not insert himself as a player this year as he did in the past, but spent his time concentrating on managing the Milwaukee Brewers, winning his first American Association Pennant, their 1st since 1936.

Hank Helf had what was considered his best year in baseball, fielding spectacularly and pitching in with a .260 batting average.

Don Johnson / Wes Livengood
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

2nd baseman Don Johnson played his position well and hit for a .283 average for the season.

Wes Livingood was the perfect complement to Joe Berry winning 18 games while losing 10. His ERA was a low 3.04.

Hershel Martin/ Tommy Nelson
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Hersh Martin was clearly a fan favorite in 1943 and in spite of some ailments, batted .307 while playing right and center fields for the Brewers. He hit 13 round trippers and compiled 66 RBI’s. Not only a great hitter, pitchers credited him saving many a game by his skill in the outfield. Not a showboat fielder, he made the plays look easy.

Utility man Tommy Nelson hit .256 in the 66 games played and would have been a regular on any other team. He stepped in to play for Grey Clarke and saved a game for the Brewers.

Ted Norbert / Bill Norman
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Left fielder Ted Norbert hammered the ball for a .293 average in the 1943 season, playing in 146 games. He led the team and the American Association with 25 home runs and 117 RBI’s.

Spectacular plays in center field and power hitting were Bill Norman’s contribution for 1943 finishing the season at .275 with 18 Home runs and 82 Runs batted in.

Henry Oana / Jimmy Pruett
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

The Hawaiian Prince, Hank Oana was a strong offensive threat for the Brewers while pitching. He won 3 game and lost 5 before joining the Detroit Tigers in the majors.

Jimmy Pruett put on a strong performance and complemented Hank Helf well at catcher. He hit .287 in the 52 games he played.

Bill Sahlin / Frank Secory
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Bill Sahlin had only a brief stay with the Brewers in 1943 pitching two innings with no decisions.

Destined to be a Major League umpire, Frank Secory was a steady and experienced back up in the outfield. He hit .219 in 50 games.

Red Smith / Charlie Sproull
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Big Red Smith was Charlie Grimm’s able assistant as coach in 1943.

Pitcher Charlie Sproull exceeded expectations in 1943 pitching in with 5 victories in 92 innings.

Hugh Todd / Tony York
1943 Grand Studio Cards
(Author’s Collection)

Considered a good prospect, Hugh Todd hit .250 and was a reserve outfielder for the Brewers, appearing in 57 games.

Shortstop Tony York had a great year in the field and hitting in the 150 games played. He finished with a .287 batting average.

1943 Bill Veeck Presents Trophy To Grey Clarke

(Author’s Collection)

Grey Clarke finished atop the American Association as Batting Champ in 1943 with his .346 Average. He was the 9th Brewer to win the title since the league began play in 1902.

1943 Bill’s Home Made Champions Banner
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers preseason concerns with pitching were allayed as soon as the season started. The addition of Jittery Joe Berry was an instant plus. This tiny but tough pitcher was virtually unstoppable in 1943 and was the anchor of its pitching staff. Always cool and dependable, he was ready to go to the mound as a starter or if need be, to relieve. Joe had a phenomenal 11 game winning streak during the season. Pitcher Wes Livengood also performed brilliantly going 18-10 for the season. Charlie Sproul performance more than exceeded the team’s early expectations. Bill Fleming and Charlie Gassoway did a great job in relief.

The predicted strong offense was a force the opposition had to contend with. Hershel Martin and Grey Clarke battled early and often for the batting lead in the American Association. The return of Heinz “Der Schlager” Becker in June also contributed to the power hitting Brewer team which included sluggers Ted Norbert, Bill Norman and Tony York.

Defense played a major role for the Brewers, as Tony York and Don Johnson sparkled as a double play combo. Fielding was excellent at all positions. Bill Norman made the loss of Ted Gullic a lot easier to bear as he made many spectacular game saving catches.

Catchers Hank Helf and Jimmy Pruett handled the pitchers well and performed well defensively. They also added to the batting punch of the Milwaukee Team. Helf was rated as “the outstanding catcher in the AA” in August as he excelled at cutting down base runners and catching attempted steals. He had his best season as a player in 1943.

The Brewers, in spite of injuries, had good depth on the bench to help them when the injuries cropped up. Many of them would have been starters on another team. This was another example of Bill Veeck being an excellent baseball man first and a great promoter second.

Charlie Grimm received deserved credit for his ability of bringing out maximum cooperation from his players. His Brewer team was not made up of nine individuals but a coordinated team with each player putting out his best effort.

They became the team to beat. They finished on top of the American Association 5 1/2 games above the 2nd place Indianapolis Indians, winning 90 games while losing only 61.

Controversy over the playoffs again flooded the sports pages. Many writers as well as fans felt the American Association champion should represent their league in the Junior World Series, having bettered the teams in their division over the long baseball season. Some felt it hurt baseball to have these playoff games.
But, there was no stopping the scheduled playoffs and unfortunately for the Brewers, they were eliminated in the first round, losing to 3rd place Columbus, 3 games to 1.

Milwaukee in spite of losing in the post season had a banner year. The Milwaukee Brewer team and their fans had a lot to look forward to for 1944.

1943 Signed Team Baseball
(Author’s Collection)

At the end of 1943, World War II was still front page news … and changes were on the horizon … in Milwaukee and elsewhere…

During the year Bill Veeck began corresponding with some 50 – 60 boys in the service, sharing with them what was going on with Milwaukee baseball. As news of his letters spread from camp to camp, the list of those writing him swelled.

Bill took very seriously keeping up the morale of those in the service.
He strived to bring a bit of home to those away from home.

Bill took a much larger step for the war effort in November of 1943,
as he enlisted in the Marines.

Veeck Joins the Marines, November 1943
(Milwaukee Sentinel)

1943 Postscript

Bill Veeck’s hard work rebuilding the Milwaukee Brewers in 1941 and 1942 paid off with the Brews taking the 1943 American Association Crown with a 90-61 record under the skillful management of Charlie Grimm.

This is a rare view of Grimm’s championship ring from that season.

(CJG – Charles John Grimm)

American Association Champions – Obverse
(Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee 1943 AA – Side View
(Author’s Collection)

“Bunions”
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Heinz Reinhard Becker was born in Berlin, Germany on August 26, 1915, in the midst of the first World War. His father, a “Brewer” by trade, left his war ravaged homeland with his family to start a new life, raising cattle in Venezuela after the war. In 1925 they moved to Dallas, Texas.
The climate must have been good for young Heinz Becker as he grew to Texas sized proportions, 6′ 2″ and 200 lbs.

An athletically talented young man, he was noticed by several scouts and soon found himself in class D baseball by 1938, playing with the Rayne Rice Birds of the Evangeline League (D) and the Oklahoma City Indians of the Texas League (A1).
1939 found Becker with the Palestine Pals and Tyler Trojans of the East Texas League (C) and in 1940 he played with the Longview Texans of the East Texas League (C). Heinz was developing into a very strong .300 plus average hitter and found himself with Dallas Rebels of the Texas league by 1941 (A1).

Becker caught the attention of Bill Veeck, the new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers with the American Association (AA) who was in the process of rebuilding his team in Milwaukee and they acquired his contract from Dallas in the fall of 1941.

1942 Grand Studio Photo with Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Once Heinz Becker arrived in Milwaukee he quickly became a fan favorite.
An outfielder with Dallas, he was moved to 1st base and responded with a .961 fielding average.

But it was the switch hitting “Hammering” Heinz that the fans took to their hearts. By 1942 he was one of the most feared hitters in the American Association. He hit with a .340 batting average. 170 hits, including 30 doubles, 12 triples, 6 home runs with 94 RBI‘s. Not a bad debut by any means.

Heinz had a short stint with the Cubs after spending spring training with them in 1943 but wasn’t quite ready and was sent back to Milwaukee in June. A great deal for Charlie Grimm’s Brewers as his hitting onslaught continued unabated from last year. Heinz helped his team to a first place finish in the American Association for 1943 with a .326 batting average in 101 games. He tallied 115 hits, with 22 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs and 61 RBI‘s.

1944 Grand Studio Card
(Author’s Collection)

Not missing a beat for 1944, Heinz again figured prominently in helping Casey Stengel’s Brewers to repeat in the top position for the American Association that year. “Batman” Becker hit .346 in 146 games with 526 at bats. He collected 182 hits, with 26 doubles, 9 triples, 10 home runs and a whopping 115 RBI‘s.

1944 Down and Dirty trying to tag Arky Biggs of the Blues
(Author’s Collection)

He played hard in the infield too, having a .987 fielding percentage with 1338 put outs and 112 assists in 1944.

1944 Brewer Family Sportrait
(Author’s Collection)

Red Thisted wrote this for his “Brewer Family Sportraits” about Heinz in the Milwaukee Sentinel:

Big Becker Is Real ‘Batman’

Heinz Becker … Brawny first baseman born in Berlin, Germany … Is a real “Batman” with our apologies to the Sentinel comic strip of the same name … He’s simply vicious at the plate and is the most feared hitter in the … association …
This is Becker’s third year in the quest of the league batting title … Hit .340 in 1942 and Eddie Stanky nosed him out by two points … Clubbed .326 last summer but was happy that the batting crown went to his buddy Grey Clarke … this year he appears to be a cinch to hit above .350 and even with Hal Peck setting a steaming pace Heinz is not a bad bet to finish on top.
Bill Veeck bought him from Dallas of the Texas league in the fall of ’41 and he was sold to the Cubs at the end of the next campaign … Wasn’t quite ready and bounced back … Again this spring had a trial with the Bruins but couldn’t get along with Jimmy Wilson, and says he will quit cold if sent to any one else except Grimm.
Because he was born in Germany, Becker received a formal note from Hitler several years ago urging him to return at once … Presumably to join the wehrmacht … Heinz, of course, didn’t bother to answer … Winters in Dallas and keeps in trim with a snappy game of soccer … In the batting clutch give me Becker – THISTED.

1938-1944 Heinz Becker Game Used Minor League Bat
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm left Milwaukee to manage the Chicago Cubs in 1944. Having managed Heinz, he knew what he could do with the bat and never gave up on him. So Becker was given another shot with the Chicago Cubs in 1945. Although his play was limited by health issues, Heinz proved to be quite an asset in a part time role and he helped the team in its quest for the National League pennant that year. He was a key reserve who hit .286 in 67 games with 2 home runs and 27 RBI’s. He played great defense making no errors in his 28 appearances at first base, his contributions subbing for the injured Phil Cavaretta kept them on pace in 1945. He pinch hit 3 times in the 1945 World Series going 1 for 2 with a walk and a single off Dizzy Trout in game 4.

Heinz Becker Chicago Cubs Photo
(Author’s Collection)

“Bunions” was the nickname that was hung on poor Heinz, also known as “Bad Feet” Becker as his feet were the absolute worst in the annals of baseball. His flat feet were the cause of his being classified 4F for Military service and the varied afflictions with his feet eventually limited his baseball career. He had broken ankles that never healed properly, He had bunions and corns so bad that he had to be treated almost daily by a foot doctor in Chicago according to his manager Charlie Grimm.
Heinz played briefly in 1946 with the Cubs before being traded to the Cleveland Indians and his old boss Bill Veeck.

Heinz Becker Cleveland Indians Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz hit for a .299 batting average in 147 at bats for the Indians with 44 hits. He returned to Milwaukee in 1947.

Heinz Becker 1947 Milwaukee Brewers Sketch Book Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz Becker reestablished his dominance over American Association pitching upon his return to Milwaukee in 1947 and had his best year ever. He won for himself what was denied so many times in the past, the American Association Batting title. Appearing in 131 games Heinz hit for a .363 batting average with 166 hits, including 23 doubles, 8 triples, 11 home runs and 90 RBI’s.

Heinz Becker 1947 American Association Batting Champ
Who’s who in the American Association
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz Becker’s final year with Milwaukee was 1948. He had another solid year at the plate hitting for a .321 batting average with 155 hits, 28 doubles, 5 triples and 10 home runs.

Heinz Becker Stats from 1948 Who’s Who
(Author’s Collection)

After Milwaukee, Heinz went on to play with the Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League (AAA) for 1949.
In 1950 he played for the Dallas Eagles in the Texas League (AA) and finished his career with the Corpus Christi Aces of the Gulf Coast League(B)in 1953.

German born Heinz Reinhard Becker felt at home in his adopted country. He found love (Hattie, his wife) and happily raised his family in Dallas, Texas where he first set down roots in the 1920’s.

That he was a fan favorite and found acceptance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during World War II should be no surprise. Milwaukee was built by immigrants and the German people were a large part of the population. He was seen as a kindred soul and a fellow traveler who found a 2nd home here while he played the game of baseball.

Being a product of immigration myself many generations removed,
(Tenpenny = Zehnpfennig) it is easy to understand why he loved Milwaukee and Milwaukee loved him. It is a fine city with plenty of reminders of home for all immigrants. Even today, its ethnic heritages are celebrated all year long.

Heinz, I send you a collective thanks for all of the great memories you gave us, from your fans of Borchert Field past and present.

I raise my glass of Vintage Brew to you my friend.

“Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit.”

I am very pleased to announce that I have joined Chance Michaels and his online Museum dedicated to the history of the American Association Milwaukee Brewers 1902-1952.
http://www.borchertfield.com
We both share a common passion for the Brewers of Borchert field and of spreading the news:

“That Milwaukee’s first ballgame wasn’t in 1953.”

I also want to encourage readers who want to learn more about the American Association to support as I do, Rex Hamann and his American Association Almanac.

Rex Hamann Editor/Publisher
The American Association Almanac
14201 Crosstown Blvd. NW
Andover, Minnesota 55304-2211

http://www.aaalmanac.com/
http://www.theoldaa.wordpress.com/
http://www.almanacpark.blogspot.com/

“Bunions”
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports
Reprinted with permission of the Author

Heinz Reinhard Becker was born in Berlin, Germany on August 26, 1915, in the midst of the first World War. His father, a “Brewer” by trade, left his war ravaged homeland with his family to start a new life, raising cattle in Venezuela after the war. In 1925 they moved to Dallas, Texas.
The climate must have been good for young Heinz Becker as he grew to Texas sized proportions, 6′ 2″ and 200 lbs.

An athletically talented young man, he was noticed by several scouts and soon found himself in class D baseball by 1938, playing with the Rayne Rice Birds of the Evangeline League (D) and the Oklahoma City Indians of the Texas League (A1).
1939 found Becker with the Palestine Pals and Tyler Trojans of the East Texas League (C) and in 1940 he played with the Longview Texans of the East Texas League (C). Heinz was developing into a very strong .300 plus average hitter and found himself with Dallas Rebels of the Texas league by 1941 (A1).

Becker caught the attention of Bill Veeck, the new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers with the American Association (AA) who was in the process of rebuilding his team in Milwaukee and they acquired his contract from Dallas in the fall of 1941.

1942 Grand Studio Photo with Autograph
(Author’s Collection)

Once Heinz Becker arrived in Milwaukee he quickly became a fan favorite.
An outfielder with Dallas, he was moved to 1st base and responded with a .961 fielding average.

But it was the switch hitting “Hammering” Heinz that the fans took to their hearts. By 1942 he was one of the most feared hitters in the American Association. He hit with a .340 batting average. 170 hits, including 30 doubles, 12 triples, 6 home runs with 94 RBI‘s. Not a bad debut by any means.

Heinz had a short stint with the Cubs after spending spring training with them in 1943 but wasn’t quite ready and was sent back to Milwaukee in June. A great deal for Charlie Grimm’s Brewers as his hitting onslaught continued unabated from last year. Heinz helped his team to a first place finish in the American Association for 1943 with a .326 batting average in 101 games. He tallied 115 hits, with 22 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs and 61 RBI‘s.

1944 Grand Studio Card
(Author’s Collection)

Not missing a beat for 1944, Heinz again figured prominently in helping Casey Stengel’s Brewers to repeat in the top position for the American Association that year. “Batman” Becker hit .346 in 146 games with 526 at bats. He collected 182 hits, with 26 doubles, 9 triples, 10 home runs and a whopping 115 RBI‘s.

1944 Down and Dirty trying to tag Arky Biggs of the Blues
(Author’s Collection)

He played hard in the infield too, having a .987 fielding percentage with 1338 put outs and 112 assists in 1944.

1944 Brewer Family Sportrait
(Author’s Collection)

Red Thisted wrote this for his “Brewer Family Sportraits” about Heinz in the Milwaukee Sentinel:

Big Becker Is Real ‘Batman’

Heinz Becker … Brawny first baseman born in Berlin, Germany … Is a real “Batman” with our apologies to the Sentinel comic strip of the same name … He’s simply vicious at the plate and is the most feared hitter in the … association …
This is Becker’s third year in the quest of the league batting title … Hit .340 in 1942 and Eddie Stanky nosed him out by two points … Clubbed .326 last summer but was happy that the batting crown went to his buddy Grey Clarke … this year he appears to be a cinch to hit above .350 and even with Hal Peck setting a steaming pace Heinz is not a bad bet to finish on top.
Bill Veeck bought him from Dallas of the Texas league in the fall of ’41 and he was sold to the Cubs at the end of the next campaign … Wasn’t quite ready and bounced back … Again this spring had a trial with the Bruins but couldn’t get along with Jimmy Wilson, and says he will quit cold if sent to any one else except Grimm.
Because he was born in Germany, Becker received a formal note from Hitler several years ago urging him to return at once … Presumably to join the wehrmacht … Heinz, of course, didn’t bother to answer … Winters in Dallas and keeps in trim with a snappy game of soccer … In the batting clutch give me Becker – THISTED.

1938-1944 Heinz Becker Game Used Minor League Bat
(Author’s Collection)

Charlie Grimm left Milwaukee to manage the Chicago Cubs in 1944. Having managed Heinz, he knew what he could do with the bat and never gave up on him. So Becker was given another shot with the Chicago Cubs in 1945. Although his play was limited by health issues, Heinz proved to be quite an asset in a part time role and he helped the team in its quest for the National League pennant that year. He was a key reserve who hit .286 in 67 games with 2 home runs and 27 RBI’s. He played great defense making no errors in his 28 appearances at first base, his contributions subbing for the injured Phil Cavaretta kept them on pace in 1945. He pinch hit 3 times in the 1945 World Series going 1 for 2 with a walk and a single off Dizzy Trout in game 4.

Heinz Becker Chicago Cubs Photo
(Author’s Collection)

“Bunions” was the nickname that was hung on poor Heinz, also known as “Bad Feet” Becker as his feet were the absolute worst in the annals of baseball. His flat feet were the cause of his being classified 4F for Military service and the varied afflictions with his feet eventually limited his baseball career. He had broken ankles that never healed properly, He had bunions and corns so bad that he had to be treated almost daily by a foot doctor in Chicago according to his manager Charlie Grimm.
Heinz played briefly in 1946 with the Cubs before being traded to the Cleveland Indians and his old boss Bill Veeck.

Heinz Becker Cleveland Indians Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz hit for a .299 batting average in 147 at bats for the Indians with 44 hits. He returned to Milwaukee in 1947.

Heinz Becker 1947 Milwaukee Brewers Sketch Book Photo
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz Becker reestablished his dominance over American Association pitching upon his return to Milwaukee in 1947 and had his best year ever. He won for himself what was denied so many times in the past, the American Association Batting title. Appearing in 131 games Heinz hit for a .363 batting average with 166 hits, including 23 doubles, 8 triples, 11 home runs and 90 RBI’s.

Heinz Becker 1947 American Association Batting Champ
Who’s who in the American Association
(Author’s Collection)

Heinz Becker’s final year with Milwaukee was 1948. He had another solid year at the plate hitting for a .321 batting average with 155 hits, 28 doubles, 5 triples and 10 home runs.

Heinz Becker Stats from 1948 Who’s Who
(Author’s Collection)

After Milwaukee, Heinz went on to play with the Seattle Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League (AAA) for 1949.
In 1950 he played for the Dallas Eagles in the Texas League (AA) and finished his career with the Corpus Christi Aces of the Gulf Coast League(B)in 1953.

German born Heinz Reinhard Becker felt at home in his adopted country. He found love (Hattie, his wife) and happily raised his family in Dallas, Texas where he first set down roots in the 1920’s.

That he was a fan favorite and found acceptance in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during World War II should be no surprise. Milwaukee was built by immigrants and the German people were a large part of the population. He was seen as a kindred soul and a fellow traveler who found a 2nd home here while he played the game of baseball.

Being a product of immigration myself many generations removed,
(Tenpenny = Zehnpfennig) it is easy to understand why he loved Milwaukee and Milwaukee loved him. It is a fine city with plenty of reminders of home for all immigrants. Even today, its ethnic heritages are celebrated all year long.

Heinz, I send you a collective thanks for all of the great memories you gave us, from your fans of Borchert Field past and present.

I raise my glass of Vintage Brew to you my friend.

“Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit.”

I am very pleased to announce that I have joined Chance Michaels and his online Museum dedicated to the history of the American Association Milwaukee Brewers 1902-1952.
http://www.borchertfield.com
We both share a common passion for the Brewers of Borchert field and of spreading the news:

“That Milwaukee’s first ballgame wasn’t in 1953.”

I also want to encourage readers who want to learn more about the American Association to support as I do, Rex Hamann and his American Association Almanac.

Rex Hamann Editor/Publisher
The American Association Almanac
14201 Crosstown Blvd. NW
Andover, Minnesota 55304-2211

http://www.aaalmanac.com/
http://www.theoldaa.wordpress.com/
http://www.almanacpark.blogspot.com/

“15,599”

by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)

Copyright 2009 Tencentzports


Reprinted with permission of the Author

In 1936, the Milwaukee Brewers were at the top of their game. The American Association Champions finished the season with 90 wins and 64 losses, breezing through the playoffs. They defeated Buffalo 4 games to 1 for the Little World Series crown.

In 1937, led by local favorite Kenny Keltner (batting .310) and slugger Ted Gullic (.321), the crew finished the season with a respectable 83-70 record, good enough for a 4th place finish in the hotly contested American Association’s 1st division.
1938 found the Brewers finishing in similar fashion, this time in 3rd place with an 81-70 record. Whitlow Wyatt pitched in with a scorching 23-7 season and a 2.37 ERA.

The continuing attrition of its better players anchored the Milwaukee Brewers to the depths of the American Association for both 1939 and 1940. 1941 looked to be a repeat of the bad performances of the previous two years, both Milwaukee and its owner, Henry Bendinger were looking for change.

A bit further south, a young Bill Veeck Jr., whose father was baseball executive William L. Veeck, a past and very successful president of the Chicago Cubs, was looking beyond Chicago. Bill Jr. was anxious to try out his own ideas on how to run a ball club, instead of being confined within the vine-covered walls of Wrigley field that he had planted.

When Bendinger approached Chicago Cubs owner Phil Wrigley about buying the team, Wrigley declined, so Bill saw his chance to strike out on his own, according to his friend, Charlie Grimm. With Grimm in tow and with the blessing of Phil Wrigley, the 27 year old Veeck put together some “creative” financing and arrived in Milwaukee June 23, 1941 as the new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Charlie Grimm listens intently to Bill Veeck Sr.
(Original Press Photo-Author’s Collection)

Contrary to some opinions, Milwaukee always had a strong base of fan support. Veeck knew this and his main concern upon arrival was to spruce up the old Borchert park and improve the on-field product to bring those loyal fans back in force.

Bill wasn’t above getting his hands dirty,
or his pants wet!
(Photo courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Taking out a loan, he set out to make Borchert field a cleaner, more welcoming ballpark. Both he and Charlie burnt the midnight oil with the hired help scrubbing down the place. A new coat of paint spruced things up a bit and a new Ladies room was constructed for his female guests. People were beginning to see a change.

Shirtsleeve Bill greets his “guests”
(Photo courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Bill continued the habit he had started in Chicago. He made it a regular practice to meet and speak with Milwaukee fans to find out what they liked or disliked, complaints or compliments. He sat with them during the games, he shook hands before and after games. He knew what they wanted and gave it to them and then some. He acknowledged that a lot of his best ideas came from the fans. He was still a “fan” himself.

His biggest job was improving the team. 1941 was a transition year for sure as Bill put in many hours trying to pry the team out of last place. Unfortunately, that is where they ended up by season’s end.

He made many changes and was confidently looking forward to opening day in 1942.

So were the players. In his 10th year in the league, Ted Gullic was enthusiastic when speaking of the 1942 Milwaukee Brewers. “This club is so good.” said Gullic, “I’ll have a tough time holding a job, I mean that. We have loads of power. That boy Stanky is really a shortstop, the kind Brewer fans will rave about.”
A lot of new faces were on the 1942 team. Manager Charlie Grimm’s Milwaukee Brewers were more than ready for the season opener April 16, 1942, according to Grimm, as he was predicting a pennant if his pitching held up.

1942 Milwaukee Brewers Season Roster
(Courtesy Rex Hamann, American Association Almanac)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Team Picture/Poster
(Author’s Collection)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Closeup #1

(Naktenis, Blaeholder, Lanfronconi & Vandenberg)
(Becker, Gullic Norman & Secory)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Closeup #2

( Grimm -Page, George, Stanky & Clarke)
( Rogers, Lowry, Lawson & Peck)

Opening day arrived with tickets selling briskly and Borchert field workers scrambling to finish the improvements on the ball park. It appeared that sales were within reach of the record crowd of 1927’s opener of 15,282. Since then, the highest the Brewers could muster on opening day was the 13,113 attendance of 1931.

Amid the opening day hoopla, a record crowd was ready for a great season opener as this Milwaukee Journal photo taken at 2:45 pm Thursday April 16th attests. But in a matter of minutes, dark clouds opened up with a furious downpour which had the fans and players alike, scrambling for cover.

It ended as quickly as it started, with the sun shining a short time later, but the damage was done. The downpour flooded the playing field and the Milwaukee Brewers had to call the game.

Bill Veeck walked on to the field after the downpour marveling at the sunshine and empty stands that surrounded him. Rain happens and so do opportunities…
Every year, the American Association gives a trophy to the team who’s opening day attendance is the largest. With 15,599, a new record for Borchert Field, Milwaukee seemed to have a shot at that trophy. But the rain had started another storm … that of protest. Bill appealed to League President George Trautmann who seemed to agree that the cash customers were present and the game got underway, so it was an official opening day crowd. Others cried foul, that it was a rainout, so it shouldn’t count. Trautman overuled that protest as a poll of 6 clubs showed a majority backed Milwaukee’s game as counting. Unfortunately, the opening day trophy is awarded to the city having the greatest per capita attendance on the first day of the season. So, Indianapolis who had 12,242 or 2.9% of its population vs. Milwaukee’s 15,599 or 2.6%, was awarded the trophy.

There was no doubt in Bill Veeck’s mind nor in the hearts of the local fans, that Milwaukee deserved the trophy … and darn it, if they were not going to give them one, Bill would take care of it himself.

The presentation of the trophy was no secret, American Association President George Trautman was invited to Borchert field to be on hand when the ceremony would take place on Tuesday June 2, 1942 before starting that night’s game.
How he was going to do it was a surprise to all in attendance. Bill Veeck was about to spring on Milwaukee what would become his trademark- the Stunt. As the ceremony began. an armored car drove up and uniformed guards brought out the near 4 foot tall trophy. For contrast, Veeck pulled out a smaller trophy from a nearby garbage can, that trophy being the league trophy given to Milwaukee by the American Association when they did win the attendance award with 13,113 in 1931. Puny by comparison to his trophy, he cajoled Trautman to donate that one to the Government for its tin drive. The league president was a captive audience sitting in his box seat, with nowhere to hide. Bill went on after him, having the time of his life, presenting Trautment with a red banded white cane and a seeing eye dog, while the song “Three blind Mice” played over the public address system, suggesting the dog and cane should be standard equipment for all league umpires. He also gave George a bouquet of vegetables.
It was all in good fun and even though the crowd couldn’t hear what Bill was saying into the mike, everyone seemed to understand and enjoyed it thoroughly.

The 1931 Attendance Trophy
(Author’s Collection)

Veeck in his Borchert Field Office –

1931 “13,113” Attendance Trophy on far left
Bill’s “15,599” Trophy 2nd from right.
(Photo Author’s Collection-courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

While the 1931 trophy obviously survived the “tin drive”, as it shows up in this 1945 photo of Bill back in his Borchert Office, it is unclear what happened to the 15,599 trophy. Bill Veeck tells the tale of reusing a large trophy several times and just changing the brass plate for each occasion, which may very well have been Milwaukee’s 15,599 trophy, so it may be lost to history.

The Brewers went on to much success in 1942, finishing in 2nd place and Bill Veeck was named minor league executive of the year. This was only the beginning of a brilliant baseball career and baseball would never, ever be the same.

“15,599”

by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)

Copyright 2009 Tencentzports


Reprinted with permission of the Author

In 1936, the Milwaukee Brewers were at the top of their game. The American Association Champions finished the season with 90 wins and 64 losses, breezing through the playoffs. They defeated Buffalo 4 games to 1 for the Little World Series crown.

In 1937, led by local favorite Kenny Keltner (batting .310) and slugger Ted Gullic (.321), the crew finished the season with a respectable 83-70 record, good enough for a 4th place finish in the hotly contested American Association’s 1st division.
1938 found the Brewers finishing in similar fashion, this time in 3rd place with an 81-70 record. Whitlow Wyatt pitched in with a scorching 23-7 season and a 2.37 ERA.

The continuing attrition of its better players anchored the Milwaukee Brewers to the depths of the American Association for both 1939 and 1940. 1941 looked to be a repeat of the bad performances of the previous two years, both Milwaukee and its owner, Henry Bendinger were looking for change.

A bit further south, a young Bill Veeck Jr., whose father was baseball executive William L. Veeck, a past and very successful president of the Chicago Cubs, was looking beyond Chicago. Bill Jr. was anxious to try out his own ideas on how to run a ball club, instead of being confined within the vine-covered walls of Wrigley field that he had planted.

When Bendinger approached Chicago Cubs owner Phil Wrigley about buying the team, Wrigley declined, so Bill saw his chance to strike out on his own, according to his friend, Charlie Grimm. With Grimm in tow and with the blessing of Phil Wrigley, the 27 year old Veeck put together some “creative” financing and arrived in Milwaukee June 23, 1941 as the new owner of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Charlie Grimm listens intently to Bill Veeck Sr.
(Original Press Photo-Author’s Collection)

Contrary to some opinions, Milwaukee always had a strong base of fan support. Veeck knew this and his main concern upon arrival was to spruce up the old Borchert park and improve the on-field product to bring those loyal fans back in force.

Bill wasn’t above getting his hands dirty,
or his pants wet!
(Photo courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Taking out a loan, he set out to make Borchert field a cleaner, more welcoming ballpark. Both he and Charlie burnt the midnight oil with the hired help scrubbing down the place. A new coat of paint spruced things up a bit and a new Ladies room was constructed for his female guests. People were beginning to see a change.

Shirtsleeve Bill greets his “guests”
(Photo courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

Bill continued the habit he had started in Chicago. He made it a regular practice to meet and speak with Milwaukee fans to find out what they liked or disliked, complaints or compliments. He sat with them during the games, he shook hands before and after games. He knew what they wanted and gave it to them and then some. He acknowledged that a lot of his best ideas came from the fans. He was still a “fan” himself.

His biggest job was improving the team. 1941 was a transition year for sure as Bill put in many hours trying to pry the team out of last place. Unfortunately, that is where they ended up by season’s end.

He made many changes and was confidently looking forward to opening day in 1942.

So were the players. In his 10th year in the league, Ted Gullic was enthusiastic when speaking of the 1942 Milwaukee Brewers. “This club is so good.” said Gullic, “I’ll have a tough time holding a job, I mean that. We have loads of power. That boy Stanky is really a shortstop, the kind Brewer fans will rave about.”
A lot of new faces were on the 1942 team. Manager Charlie Grimm’s Milwaukee Brewers were more than ready for the season opener April 16, 1942, according to Grimm, as he was predicting a pennant if his pitching held up.

1942 Milwaukee Brewers Season Roster
(Courtesy Rex Hamann, American Association Almanac)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Team Picture/Poster
(Author’s Collection)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Closeup #1

(Naktenis, Blaeholder, Lanfronconi & Vandenberg)
(Becker, Gullic Norman & Secory)

The 1942 Milwaukee Brewers Closeup #2

( Grimm -Page, George, Stanky & Clarke)
( Rogers, Lowry, Lawson & Peck)

Opening day arrived with tickets selling briskly and Borchert field workers scrambling to finish the improvements on the ball park. It appeared that sales were within reach of the record crowd of 1927’s opener of 15,282. Since then, the highest the Brewers could muster on opening day was the 13,113 attendance of 1931.

Amid the opening day hoopla, a record crowd was ready for a great season opener as this Milwaukee Journal photo taken at 2:45 pm Thursday April 16th attests. But in a matter of minutes, dark clouds opened up with a furious downpour which had the fans and players alike, scrambling for cover.

It ended as quickly as it started, with the sun shining a short time later, but the damage was done. The downpour flooded the playing field and the Milwaukee Brewers had to call the game.

Bill Veeck walked on to the field after the downpour marveling at the sunshine and empty stands that surrounded him. Rain happens and so do opportunities…
Every year, the American Association gives a trophy to the team who’s opening day attendance is the largest. With 15,599, a new record for Borchert Field, Milwaukee seemed to have a shot at that trophy. But the rain had started another storm … that of protest. Bill appealed to League President George Trautmann who seemed to agree that the cash customers were present and the game got underway, so it was an official opening day crowd. Others cried foul, that it was a rainout, so it shouldn’t count. Trautman overuled that protest as a poll of 6 clubs showed a majority backed Milwaukee’s game as counting. Unfortunately, the opening day trophy is awarded to the city having the greatest per capita attendance on the first day of the season. So, Indianapolis who had 12,242 or 2.9% of its population vs. Milwaukee’s 15,599 or 2.6%, was awarded the trophy.

There was no doubt in Bill Veeck’s mind nor in the hearts of the local fans, that Milwaukee deserved the trophy … and darn it, if they were not going to give them one, Bill would take care of it himself.

The presentation of the trophy was no secret, American Association President George Trautman was invited to Borchert field to be on hand when the ceremony would take place on Tuesday June 2, 1942 before starting that night’s game.
How he was going to do it was a surprise to all in attendance. Bill Veeck was about to spring on Milwaukee what would become his trademark- the Stunt. As the ceremony began. an armored car drove up and uniformed guards brought out the near 4 foot tall trophy. For contrast, Veeck pulled out a smaller trophy from a nearby garbage can, that trophy being the league trophy given to Milwaukee by the American Association when they did win the attendance award with 13,113 in 1931. Puny by comparison to his trophy, he cajoled Trautman to donate that one to the Government for its tin drive. The league president was a captive audience sitting in his box seat, with nowhere to hide. Bill went on after him, having the time of his life, presenting Trautment with a red banded white cane and a seeing eye dog, while the song “Three blind Mice” played over the public address system, suggesting the dog and cane should be standard equipment for all league umpires. He also gave George a bouquet of vegetables.
It was all in good fun and even though the crowd couldn’t hear what Bill was saying into the mike, everyone seemed to understand and enjoyed it thoroughly.

The 1931 Attendance Trophy
(Author’s Collection)

Veeck in his Borchert Field Office –

1931 “13,113” Attendance Trophy on far left
Bill’s “15,599” Trophy 2nd from right.
(Photo Author’s Collection-courtesy Baseball Hall of Fame)

While the 1931 trophy obviously survived the “tin drive”, as it shows up in this 1945 photo of Bill back in his Borchert Office, it is unclear what happened to the 15,599 trophy. Bill Veeck tells the tale of reusing a large trophy several times and just changing the brass plate for each occasion, which may very well have been Milwaukee’s 15,599 trophy, so it may be lost to history.

The Brewers went on to much success in 1942, finishing in 2nd place and Bill Veeck was named minor league executive of the year. This was only the beginning of a brilliant baseball career and baseball would never, ever be the same.

“Roll Out the Barrel
Man ! ”
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports


Reprinted with permission of the Author

In 1953, like newlyweds, the Milwaukee Braves and their fans celebrated their new relationship, the players were treated like royalty and the nation marveled as Milwaukee set attendance records, a phenomenon heralded as the “Miracle in Milwaukee.”

A strong bond developed between the team and their fans through the early years as the Braves were always competitive and in the thick of the baseball title chase year after year. It culminated in a National League Pennant and World Series Championship in 1957 against the New York Yankees and a near repeat in 1958. Life in 1950’s Milwaukee could be summed up as baseball Heaven on earth.

But as they entered the 1960’s, the team struggled and fell from their familiar position in the first division with seasons now ending with the team in a disappointing 5th or 6th place. Attendance fell off naturally as a result, but what happened next caught Milwaukee fans completely by surprise. Milwaukee soon found themselves in the unbelievable situation of having its team plotting to leave them for someone else. As suspicions grew and the news leaked out, local newspapers were full of recriminations and accusations, denials and threats and it ended badly in a bitter divorce-like battle, ultimately resulting in Milwaukee losing their team in 1966 to Atlanta. This team, mind you, had never finished under .500 in its 13 years of playing in Milwaukee’s County Stadium but they left for the greener pastures of a fast growing southern city.

Led by Milwaukee businessman Allan “Bud” Selig, Milwaukee began working to bring major league baseball back to Milwaukee.
Well aware of the bitter feelings due to the Braves leaving town, Selig looked back in history and to his youth, when he chose a name and insignia for Milwaukee’s “new” team, The Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Inc.

“We chose the Brewers name and the Barrel Man because of my great and very fond memories of the AAA Milwaukee Brewers. There had been so much antagonism towards Baseball and the Milwaukee Braves because of their unfortunate departure to Atlanta that I wanted to have a name that brought back pleasant memories of Baseball in Milwaukee. I know the Brewers provided many years of great entertainment for Baseball fans and that is why we chose the name-Brewers. “(February 2009)

Baseball returned to Milwaukee County stadium on July 24, 1967 as the Chicago White Sox took on the Minnesota Twins. The program from this game was full of hope and proclamations from the Governor of Wisconsin- Warren Knowles, Henry Maier – Mayor of Milwaukee, County Executive -John Doyne and the Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors-Eugene Grobschmidt.

Baseball returns to Milwaukee-
1967 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

Inside it was a “who’s who” of Baseball and the movers and shakers of our community, who were supporting the effort to return baseball to Milwaukee. The program promised:

“THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG.”

Although only one game,
it promised the fans it was
only the beginning.

It was in fact, just the beginning. More games came in 1968 and 1969 and Milwaukee fans were treated to some great baseball at county stadium. The city showed Major League Baseball that Milwaukee would support a franchise and that they deserved a major league team.

1968 Milwaukee Brewer Program-
(Author’s Collection)

1968 full ticket Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
(Author’s Collection)

1969 Milwaukee Brewers program-the Barrel Man points the way…
To the right of his swinging bat, the Seattle Pilots Logo
(Author’s Collection)

Early Barrel man pin
(Author’s Collection)

In 1969 when the Pilots went financially belly up after just one year in Seattle, Milwaukee had its chance at last. On April 7, 1970, 5 years after losing the Braves, The Milwaukee Brewers of the American League played their first game in Milwaukee County Stadium.

Baseball Returns to Milwaukee – April 7th, 1970
Opening Day Ticket Stub & Parking Ticket
(Author’s Collection)

Barrel Man in “Rare” form:
Celebrating in “Lederhosen”
1970 Inaugural Season Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

1970 Milwaukee Brewer scorecard
(Author’s Collection)

Baseball in Milwaukee was here to stay, and so was its mascot, The hard swinging Barrel Man. But where did this popular icon come from? Most fans, including myself had no idea that his history predated the current Milwaukee Brewer team. A closer look back in history shows us where he came from.

1970 Milwaukee Brewer Inaugural Season Schedules
( Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee has always been and probably will always be associated with the brewing industry, even though we are no longer the “Beer Capital of the World”. The influx of German immigrants led to the growth of the Brewing industry in Milwaukee in the mid 1800’s. So it was natural to use the beer connection and to poke some self deprecating humor at the city and its people as can be seen in this whimsical baseball related postcard from nearly 100 years ago. Baseball was becoming a popular sport and its play was spreading across the nation at the same time as the flow of beer.

1913 postmarked Milwaukee Postcard – had us guzzling the suds while playing baseball.

(Author’s Collection)

The earliest depiction of the Milwaukee Brewer Barrel Man may surprise you as I have found him first portrayed by the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Cartoonist, Cad Brand as far back as 1901, over 100 years ago! The Brewer team mentioned was affiliated with the American League that year.

1901 Milwaukee Sentinel Cartoon by Cad Brand
showing a
Brewer Barrel Man

He shows up in a similar but slightly different form in another 1909 Cad Brand Cartoon as all the league mascots line up for the start of the baseball season. The Milwaukee Brewers mentioned were now part of the newly formed American Association.

Milwaukee Sentinel Cartoon by Cad Brand
showing the
American Association Mascots
poised to begin the “marathon” baseball season in 1909.

But as Bud Selig intimated, the Barrel Man he “borrowed” from the AAA Milwaukee Brewers had its roots in the 1940’s. Ironically created by then Milwaukee Brewer General Manager Rudolph (Rudie) Schaffer, the same Rudy Schaffer, Selig worked closely with in 1967 for that July 24th game at County Stadium that ushered baseball back to Milwaukee. Schaffer was the Chicago White Sox Business Manager at the time.

Rudie Schaffer (in 1943 & 1967)
(Author’s Collection)

When Bill Veeck, with Charlie Grimm as Manager, took over the Milwaukee Brewers in 1941, he “discovered” Rudolph Schaffer, then the team secretary. A hard working young man that Bill became fond of and trusted implicitly, he soon became General Manager. An integral part of the Management team, many of the positive changes, and antics of Bill’s were aided or executed by this bright young man. He would join Bill Veeck as Veeck moved on to bigger and better things.

1942 brought us into a different and darker world with the attack on Pearl Harbor and our increasing involvement with World War II. It also brought out our first glimpse of “Owgust”, pronounced and sometimes spelled as “Awgoost” the Barrel Man.

Manager Grimm and “Awgoost “confer on the sidelines in 1942
(Author’s collection)

Depicted on the new 1942 Program in his Red White and Blue best, was “Owgust” the Barrel Man. The brainchild of Rudy Schaffer, according to the Milwaukee Journal, his design became the official team insignia and mascot that year.

1942 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard
“Awgoost’s /Owgust’s” Debut
(Author’s Collection)

The colorful scorecard debuts in the Milwaukee Journal
(Author’s Collection)

This new mascot also appeared on the team warm-up jackets as can been seen in this photo from 1943.

Team Photo with Charlie Grimm and Bill Veeck
(Author’s Collection)

Guess who? – pictured on the Team Jackets

From 1942 until the teams departure after 1952, the Barrel Man image was everywhere the Brewers could use him.

Swinging for the fences at Borchert field on the 1943 program…

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

In 1943 he also gets top billing on the new team newsletter called “Brewer News”.

1943 Brewer News

(Author’s Collection)

And of course, he gets his own column in the newsletter called
“Owgust” Talks.

Brewer News “Owgust” Talks

(Author’s Collection)

He soars in 1944…

1944 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

A perfect slide in 1945…

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

He was a Big Hit in 1947…

1947 Milwaukee Brewers Program

Yes, fans, this is our “Modern Day” Barrel man … circa 1947. When comparing the artwork used in 1967 to this version it is easy to see where the Modern day Milwaukee Brewers got their mascot.

“Origin of the Modern Day Barrel man”
1947 meets 1967
– dusting off and re-using, a much loved mascot
(Author’s comparison)

Protecting the plate in later years…

1946, 1947, 1949-1950 Milwaukee Brewers Program(s)
(Author’s Collection)

A barrel “kid” appeared in 1947 and 1948…

1947 Milwaukee Brewers sketchbook with new Frank Marasco artwork depicting a younger barrel “kid “.
(Author’s Collection)

1948 Milwaukee Brewers Program with Marasco artwork
(Author’s Collection)

Even with this new look, the familiar Owgust was not far away, still being used inside these programs.

Charlie Grimm returns in 1951 to manage the team and appears as a barrel chested “Owgust” on the cover of the 1951 program, but inside and on the back cover, our hero still resides…

1951 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

1951 Milwaukee Brewers Program Reverse
(Author’s Collection)

In the playoffs of 1951, he is found “swinging” in the newspaper as his team went on to win it all that year.

1951 Newspaper Illustration
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers were American Association Champions as well as Junior World Series Champs in 1951 and the Barrel Man was there encouraging fans to BACK YOUR BREWERS in 1952.

1952 Milwaukee Brewers Program Reverse

While the 1952 team was one of the best in the history of the team, finishing the season with over 100 victories and on top of the American Association for it‘s second straight year, the Brewer’s season ended with a heartbreaking 2nd round 7th game loss in the playoffs to Kansas City. This was followed by an eviction notice as the team was being displaced by the arrival of their parent team, Milwaukee Braves in the spring of 1953.

The Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association gave us many fine years of baseball memories and a great mascot that is still treasured by present day Milwaukee Brewer Fans.

1952 Final Season Schedule
( Author’s Collection)

Here are some more images of our “modern” day Barrel Man.

“Back The Brewers “- bumper sticker
(Author’s Collection )

1970’s Brewer Pins
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Pennants
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Seat Cushion
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Patches
(Author’s Collection)

1975 All Star Game Old Timers Program
(Author’s Collection )

While he graced our pennants, pins, programs and fan patches, he never got his chance to be part of the actual uniform of the team until 1999 during a “Turn Ahead The Clock” promotion. Wearing short sleeved “futuristic” looking designs, the Milwaukee Brewers chose to put their guy front and center on these uniforms. From zero to 99, he zoomed into public view. One of the more popular designs used in major league baseball during that promotion, it was a great debut for the Barrel Man. It was long overdue.

1999 Turn Ahead the Clock Jersey

(Author’s Collection)

But he pretty much has remained a background “promotional” piece for the team since then. Caps and other team giveaways, pins and bobble heads.

2009 Cooperstown Classic Brewer Cap
(Author’s Collection )

2008 Barrel Man Bobble Head Stadium Giveaway
(Author’s Collection)

I am not alone in my desire to see a more permanent use of our Barrel Man. From Angelfire.com to Miller Park, MLB blogs to Wikipedia, fans are speaking out for their beloved mascot.
He has a much longer, faithful and storied history than the current Bernie Brewer mascot and at the very least, returning a patch of his likeness on the team jackets or elsewhere would be a well deserved acknowledgement for our 67 year old (going on 108) Mascot.

How about it Milwaukee Brewers?

Like the team, he has been ever faithful to the City of Milwaukee and he deserves a more permanent place of honor on the official team uniform.

Stay Tuned for more Vintage Brew…

“Roll Out the Barrel
Man ! ”
by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)
Copyright 2009 Tencentzports


Reprinted with permission of the Author

In 1953, like newlyweds, the Milwaukee Braves and their fans celebrated their new relationship, the players were treated like royalty and the nation marveled as Milwaukee set attendance records, a phenomenon heralded as the “Miracle in Milwaukee.”

A strong bond developed between the team and their fans through the early years as the Braves were always competitive and in the thick of the baseball title chase year after year. It culminated in a National League Pennant and World Series Championship in 1957 against the New York Yankees and a near repeat in 1958. Life in 1950’s Milwaukee could be summed up as baseball Heaven on earth.

But as they entered the 1960’s, the team struggled and fell from their familiar position in the first division with seasons now ending with the team in a disappointing 5th or 6th place. Attendance fell off naturally as a result, but what happened next caught Milwaukee fans completely by surprise. Milwaukee soon found themselves in the unbelievable situation of having its team plotting to leave them for someone else. As suspicions grew and the news leaked out, local newspapers were full of recriminations and accusations, denials and threats and it ended badly in a bitter divorce-like battle, ultimately resulting in Milwaukee losing their team in 1966 to Atlanta. This team, mind you, had never finished under .500 in its 13 years of playing in Milwaukee’s County Stadium but they left for the greener pastures of a fast growing southern city.

Led by Milwaukee businessman Allan “Bud” Selig, Milwaukee began working to bring major league baseball back to Milwaukee.
Well aware of the bitter feelings due to the Braves leaving town, Selig looked back in history and to his youth, when he chose a name and insignia for Milwaukee’s “new” team, The Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club Inc.

“We chose the Brewers name and the Barrel Man because of my great and very fond memories of the AAA Milwaukee Brewers. There had been so much antagonism towards Baseball and the Milwaukee Braves because of their unfortunate departure to Atlanta that I wanted to have a name that brought back pleasant memories of Baseball in Milwaukee. I know the Brewers provided many years of great entertainment for Baseball fans and that is why we chose the name-Brewers. “(February 2009)

Baseball returned to Milwaukee County stadium on July 24, 1967 as the Chicago White Sox took on the Minnesota Twins. The program from this game was full of hope and proclamations from the Governor of Wisconsin- Warren Knowles, Henry Maier – Mayor of Milwaukee, County Executive -John Doyne and the Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors-Eugene Grobschmidt.

Baseball returns to Milwaukee-
1967 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

Inside it was a “who’s who” of Baseball and the movers and shakers of our community, who were supporting the effort to return baseball to Milwaukee. The program promised:

“THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG.”

Although only one game,
it promised the fans it was
only the beginning.

It was in fact, just the beginning. More games came in 1968 and 1969 and Milwaukee fans were treated to some great baseball at county stadium. The city showed Major League Baseball that Milwaukee would support a franchise and that they deserved a major league team.

1968 Milwaukee Brewer Program-
(Author’s Collection)

1968 full ticket Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees
(Author’s Collection)

1969 Milwaukee Brewers program-the Barrel Man points the way…
To the right of his swinging bat, the Seattle Pilots Logo
(Author’s Collection)

Early Barrel man pin
(Author’s Collection)

In 1969 when the Pilots went financially belly up after just one year in Seattle, Milwaukee had its chance at last. On April 7, 1970, 5 years after losing the Braves, The Milwaukee Brewers of the American League played their first game in Milwaukee County Stadium.

Baseball Returns to Milwaukee – April 7th, 1970
Opening Day Ticket Stub & Parking Ticket
(Author’s Collection)

Barrel Man in “Rare” form:
Celebrating in “Lederhosen”
1970 Inaugural Season Schedule
(Author’s Collection)

1970 Milwaukee Brewer scorecard
(Author’s Collection)

Baseball in Milwaukee was here to stay, and so was its mascot, The hard swinging Barrel Man. But where did this popular icon come from? Most fans, including myself had no idea that his history predated the current Milwaukee Brewer team. A closer look back in history shows us where he came from.

1970 Milwaukee Brewer Inaugural Season Schedules
( Author’s Collection)

Milwaukee has always been and probably will always be associated with the brewing industry, even though we are no longer the “Beer Capital of the World”. The influx of German immigrants led to the growth of the Brewing industry in Milwaukee in the mid 1800’s. So it was natural to use the beer connection and to poke some self deprecating humor at the city and its people as can be seen in this whimsical baseball related postcard from nearly 100 years ago. Baseball was becoming a popular sport and its play was spreading across the nation at the same time as the flow of beer.

1913 postmarked Milwaukee Postcard – had us guzzling the suds while playing baseball.

(Author’s Collection)

The earliest depiction of the Milwaukee Brewer Barrel Man may surprise you as I have found him first portrayed by the Milwaukee Sentinel’s Cartoonist, Cad Brand as far back as 1901, over 100 years ago! The Brewer team mentioned was affiliated with the American League that year.

1901 Milwaukee Sentinel Cartoon by Cad Brand
showing a
Brewer Barrel Man

He shows up in a similar but slightly different form in another 1909 Cad Brand Cartoon as all the league mascots line up for the start of the baseball season. The Milwaukee Brewers mentioned were now part of the newly formed American Association.

Milwaukee Sentinel Cartoon by Cad Brand
showing the
American Association Mascots
poised to begin the “marathon” baseball season in 1909.

But as Bud Selig intimated, the Barrel Man he “borrowed” from the AAA Milwaukee Brewers had its roots in the 1940’s. Ironically created by then Milwaukee Brewer General Manager Rudolph (Rudie) Schaffer, the same Rudy Schaffer, Selig worked closely with in 1967 for that July 24th game at County Stadium that ushered baseball back to Milwaukee. Schaffer was the Chicago White Sox Business Manager at the time.

Rudie Schaffer (in 1943 & 1967)
(Author’s Collection)

When Bill Veeck, with Charlie Grimm as Manager, took over the Milwaukee Brewers in 1941, he “discovered” Rudolph Schaffer, then the team secretary. A hard working young man that Bill became fond of and trusted implicitly, he soon became General Manager. An integral part of the Management team, many of the positive changes, and antics of Bill’s were aided or executed by this bright young man. He would join Bill Veeck as Veeck moved on to bigger and better things.

1942 brought us into a different and darker world with the attack on Pearl Harbor and our increasing involvement with World War II. It also brought out our first glimpse of “Owgust”, pronounced and sometimes spelled as “Awgoost” the Barrel Man.

Manager Grimm and “Awgoost “confer on the sidelines in 1942
(Author’s collection)

Depicted on the new 1942 Program in his Red White and Blue best, was “Owgust” the Barrel Man. The brainchild of Rudy Schaffer, according to the Milwaukee Journal, his design became the official team insignia and mascot that year.

1942 Milwaukee Brewers Scorecard
“Awgoost’s /Owgust’s” Debut
(Author’s Collection)

The colorful scorecard debuts in the Milwaukee Journal
(Author’s Collection)

This new mascot also appeared on the team warm-up jackets as can been seen in this photo from 1943.

Team Photo with Charlie Grimm and Bill Veeck
(Author’s Collection)

Guess who? – pictured on the Team Jackets

From 1942 until the teams departure after 1952, the Barrel Man image was everywhere the Brewers could use him.

Swinging for the fences at Borchert field on the 1943 program…

1943 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

In 1943 he also gets top billing on the new team newsletter called “Brewer News”.

1943 Brewer News

(Author’s Collection)

And of course, he gets his own column in the newsletter called
“Owgust” Talks.

Brewer News “Owgust” Talks

(Author’s Collection)

He soars in 1944…

1944 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

A perfect slide in 1945…

1945 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

He was a Big Hit in 1947…

1947 Milwaukee Brewers Program

Yes, fans, this is our “Modern Day” Barrel man … circa 1947. When comparing the artwork used in 1967 to this version it is easy to see where the Modern day Milwaukee Brewers got their mascot.

“Origin of the Modern Day Barrel man”
1947 meets 1967
– dusting off and re-using, a much loved mascot
(Author’s comparison)

Protecting the plate in later years…

1946, 1947, 1949-1950 Milwaukee Brewers Program(s)
(Author’s Collection)

A barrel “kid” appeared in 1947 and 1948…

1947 Milwaukee Brewers sketchbook with new Frank Marasco artwork depicting a younger barrel “kid “.
(Author’s Collection)

1948 Milwaukee Brewers Program with Marasco artwork
(Author’s Collection)

Even with this new look, the familiar Owgust was not far away, still being used inside these programs.

Charlie Grimm returns in 1951 to manage the team and appears as a barrel chested “Owgust” on the cover of the 1951 program, but inside and on the back cover, our hero still resides…

1951 Milwaukee Brewers Program
(Author’s Collection)

1951 Milwaukee Brewers Program Reverse
(Author’s Collection)

In the playoffs of 1951, he is found “swinging” in the newspaper as his team went on to win it all that year.

1951 Newspaper Illustration
(Author’s Collection)

The Milwaukee Brewers were American Association Champions as well as Junior World Series Champs in 1951 and the Barrel Man was there encouraging fans to BACK YOUR BREWERS in 1952.

1952 Milwaukee Brewers Program Reverse

While the 1952 team was one of the best in the history of the team, finishing the season with over 100 victories and on top of the American Association for it‘s second straight year, the Brewer’s season ended with a heartbreaking 2nd round 7th game loss in the playoffs to Kansas City. This was followed by an eviction notice as the team was being displaced by the arrival of their parent team, Milwaukee Braves in the spring of 1953.

The Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association gave us many fine years of baseball memories and a great mascot that is still treasured by present day Milwaukee Brewer Fans.

1952 Final Season Schedule
( Author’s Collection)

Here are some more images of our “modern” day Barrel Man.

“Back The Brewers “- bumper sticker
(Author’s Collection )

1970’s Brewer Pins
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Pennants
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Seat Cushion
(Author’s Collection)

1970’s Brewer Patches
(Author’s Collection)

1975 All Star Game Old Timers Program
(Author’s Collection )

While he graced our pennants, pins, programs and fan patches, he never got his chance to be part of the actual uniform of the team until 1999 during a “Turn Ahead The Clock” promotion. Wearing short sleeved “futuristic” looking designs, the Milwaukee Brewers chose to put their guy front and center on these uniforms. From zero to 99, he zoomed into public view. One of the more popular designs used in major league baseball during that promotion, it was a great debut for the Barrel Man. It was long overdue.

1999 Turn Ahead the Clock Jersey

(Author’s Collection)

But he pretty much has remained a background “promotional” piece for the team since then. Caps and other team giveaways, pins and bobble heads.

2009 Cooperstown Classic Brewer Cap
(Author’s Collection )

2008 Barrel Man Bobble Head Stadium Giveaway
(Author’s Collection)

I am not alone in my desire to see a more permanent use of our Barrel Man. From Angelfire.com to Miller Park, MLB blogs to Wikipedia, fans are speaking out for their beloved mascot.
He has a much longer, faithful and storied history than the current Bernie Brewer mascot and at the very least, returning a patch of his likeness on the team jackets or elsewhere would be a well deserved acknowledgement for our 67 year old (going on 108) Mascot.

How about it Milwaukee Brewers?

Like the team, he has been ever faithful to the City of Milwaukee and he deserves a more permanent place of honor on the official team uniform.

Stay Tuned for more Vintage Brew…

“April 1912”
“Titanic” Change for the Milwaukee Brewers

by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)

Copyright 2009 Tencentsportz



Reprinted with permission of the Author

White Star Lines – RMS Titanic

On Sunday April 14, 1912 while on it’s maiden voyage, the largest passenger ship ever launched, the Titanic, struck an iceberg and sank resulting in a tragic loss of life for more than 1500 of it’s passengers. It’s sinking resulted in many changes in maritime law and the fascination with this tragedy still interests people today as an exhibit of it’s artifacts makes it’s way across the United States.

While the world was mesmerized by the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in April of 1912, a tragedy of sorts was playing out in Milwaukee at the same time.

Charles Havenor, one of the pioneering owners of the newly formed American Association passed away on April 3rd unexpectedly from pneumonia at the age of 50.

Charles Havenor-Owner since 1902

His death meant transferring the ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team to his widow, Agnes.
Finding herself now in charge of a baseball team, Mrs. Havenor had to contend with the naysayers, deal with the rumors of the team and / or Athletic park being put up for sale and in general, learn the business of baseball very quickly.

Although she stayed on the sidelines at first during her grief she did attend all the home games and got more involved with the team as the season progressed.

Mrs. Havenor, being one of only 2 women owners in the American Association, declared publicly that women could operate a baseball team as well as any man. She felt that professional baseball was a business that women were well adapted to handle. She believed that if a woman studied the game and the players, they could do a good job. She stated that a woman’s intuition was more developed than a man’s, who only seemed to react when something happens. Women tend to look constantly ahead and can see things coming.
She believed that women were more diplomatic than men and armed with both these skills and a knowledge of the game they were equal to the task.

One of her first actions was to get more women fans involved in the sport by bringing back Ladies Day games to Milwaukee.

Agnes Havenor-New Milwaukee Brewer Owner

Before the 1912 season started, Charles Havenor had hired Hugh Duffy as manager, paying him the highest salary of any manager in the American Association.
He gave Duffy simple instructions, go ahead and get a winning team, then he left for Panama.

A future Hall of Famer, Duffy felt he had a team not quite up to the level of American Association baseball. Acknowledging a lack of money as a given with the team, Duffy felt he could build his team up gradually.

1912 Celluloid Schedule Mirror (Author’s Collection)

The season opened April 10th amid ceremony, the team paid their respects for the late Charles Havenor by adding black arm bands to their jerseys to be worn that season.

Duffy and his Brewers unfortunately started the year with a loss that day and in fact lost their first 3 games to the Toledo Mudhens, Duffy blaming it on jinks’s(sic), hexes and stolen signals.

Early season newspaper cartoon depicting a bloodied and beaten Brewer
leaving the Toledo team behind and heading for Columbus
(Author’s Collection)

As the season continued on, the team spent most of the year in the 2nd division climbing as high as 4th place in late August.

But the season was fated to end with the team in 5th place with a lackluster 78 – 85 record.

In spite of the poor finish, doing well in 1912 were pitcher’s John Nicholson who won 20 games for the season and Ralph Cutting who pitched in with 13 victories.
On the offensive side, future Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk batted .271 in 80 games, 3rd baseman Harry Clark peppered the league with a .292 average over 138 games. Outfielder Newt Randall hit .290 in 161 games.
1st baseman Tom Jones batted .274 in 150 ball games.
Harry Liebold hit .285 playing both in the outfield and at 2nd base in 158 contests.

A salary dispute near the end of the season between Manger Duffy and the Brewers led to his leaving the team and made headlines as both sides blamed each other. Duffy was a popular manager and popular with other American Association Teams, who claimed he was a benefit to the entire association. Amid all the recriminations, Duffy vs. the Brewers, the fans backed their popular manager. Duffy said he was asked to take a pay cut and the Brewers claimed he refused an offer given to him that was an increase in salary. The Brewers found themselves without a manager along with angry fans.

In what turned out to be a surprise to the local sports pundits, they installed popular 3rd baseman, Harry “Pep” Clark as manager for 1913.

The fans loved Harry and he promised them:

“I will give the Milwaukee Fans the best I have in me. I believe we will have a winning team in 1913, judging from the players we have on hand at present.”

Considered a diplomatic move, to quell the outcry from the fans and others, it turned out to be more than just “woman’s intuition”. Harry Clark was considered a fine ballplayer and a gentleman.

His hiring not only took the fire out of those who were fans of Duffy, but it proved that Brewer management was “spot on” with “Pep” as manager, as he showed them in the years to come.

This decision showed clearly that a woman could lead a baseball team as well as any man.

Photo – Harry Clark 3rd Baseman / Manager
(Author’s Collection)

The unflappable Mrs. Havenor was pretty much “unsinkable” after she installed 3rd baseman Pep Clark as manager. Call it Women’s intuition or just good business sense, the Milwaukee Brewers team under Clark finally finished at the top of the American Association for two years running, winning the Pennant in 1913 and 1914.

1913 American Association Champions Pennant
(Author’s Collection)

“April 1912”
“Titanic” Change for the Milwaukee Brewers

by Paul F. Tenpenny
(Tencentz@aol.com)

Copyright 2009 Tencentsportz



Reprinted with permission of the Author

White Star Lines – RMS Titanic

On Sunday April 14, 1912 while on it’s maiden voyage, the largest passenger ship ever launched, the Titanic, struck an iceberg and sank resulting in a tragic loss of life for more than 1500 of it’s passengers. It’s sinking resulted in many changes in maritime law and the fascination with this tragedy still interests people today as an exhibit of it’s artifacts makes it’s way across the United States.

While the world was mesmerized by the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in April of 1912, a tragedy of sorts was playing out in Milwaukee at the same time.

Charles Havenor, one of the pioneering owners of the newly formed American Association passed away on April 3rd unexpectedly from pneumonia at the age of 50.

Charles Havenor-Owner since 1902

His death meant transferring the ownership of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team to his widow, Agnes.
Finding herself now in charge of a baseball team, Mrs. Havenor had to contend with the naysayers, deal with the rumors of the team and / or Athletic park being put up for sale and in general, learn the business of baseball very quickly.

Although she stayed on the sidelines at first during her grief she did attend all the home games and got more involved with the team as the season progressed.

Mrs. Havenor, being one of only 2 women owners in the American Association, declared publicly that women could operate a baseball team as well as any man. She felt that professional baseball was a business that women were well adapted to handle. She believed that if a woman studied the game and the players, they could do a good job. She stated that a woman’s intuition was more developed than a man’s, who only seemed to react when something happens. Women tend to look constantly ahead and can see things coming.
She believed that women were more diplomatic than men and armed with both these skills and a knowledge of the game they were equal to the task.

One of her first actions was to get more women fans involved in the sport by bringing back Ladies Day games to Milwaukee.

Agnes Havenor-New Milwaukee Brewer Owner

Before the 1912 season started, Charles Havenor had hired Hugh Duffy as manager, paying him the highest salary of any manager in the American Association.
He gave Duffy simple instructions, go ahead and get a winning team, then he left for Panama.

A future Hall of Famer, Duffy felt he had a team not quite up to the level of American Association baseball. Acknowledging a lack of money as a given with the team, Duffy felt he could build his team up gradually.

1912 Celluloid Schedule Mirror (Author’s Collection)

The season opened April 10th amid ceremony, the team paid their respects for the late Charles Havenor by adding black arm bands to their jerseys to be worn that season.

Duffy and his Brewers unfortunately started the year with a loss that day and in fact lost their first 3 games to the Toledo Mudhens, Duffy blaming it on jinks’s(sic), hexes and stolen signals.

Early season newspaper cartoon depicting a bloodied and beaten Brewer
leaving the Toledo team behind and heading for Columbus
(Author’s Collection)

As the season continued on, the team spent most of the year in the 2nd division climbing as high as 4th place in late August.

But the season was fated to end with the team in 5th place with a lackluster 78 – 85 record.

In spite of the poor finish, doing well in 1912 were pitcher’s John Nicholson who won 20 games for the season and Ralph Cutting who pitched in with 13 victories.
On the offensive side, future Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk batted .271 in 80 games, 3rd baseman Harry Clark peppered the league with a .292 average over 138 games. Outfielder Newt Randall hit .290 in 161 games.
1st baseman Tom Jones batted .274 in 150 ball games.
Harry Liebold hit .285 playing both in the outfield and at 2nd base in 158 contests.

A salary dispute near the end of the season between Manger Duffy and the Brewers led to his leaving the team and made headlines as both sides blamed each other. Duffy was a popular manager and popular with other American Association Teams, who claimed he was a benefit to the entire association. Amid all the recriminations, Duffy vs. the Brewers, the fans backed their popular manager. Duffy said he was asked to take a pay cut and the Brewers claimed he refused an offer given to him that was an increase in salary. The Brewers found themselves without a manager along with angry fans.

In what turned out to be a surprise to the local sports pundits, they installed popular 3rd baseman, Harry “Pep” Clark as manager for 1913.

The fans loved Harry and he promised them:

“I will give the Milwaukee Fans the best I have in me. I believe we will have a winning team in 1913, judging from the players we have on hand at present.”

Considered a diplomatic move, to quell the outcry from the fans and others, it turned out to be more than just “woman’s intuition”. Harry Clark was considered a fine ballplayer and a gentleman.

His hiring not only took the fire out of those who were fans of Duffy, but it proved that Brewer management was “spot on” with “Pep” as manager, as he showed them in the years to come.

This decision showed clearly that a woman could lead a baseball team as well as any man.

Photo – Harry Clark 3rd Baseman / Manager
(Author’s Collection)

The unflappable Mrs. Havenor was pretty much “unsinkable” after she installed 3rd baseman Pep Clark as manager. Call it Women’s intuition or just good business sense, the Milwaukee Brewers team under Clark finally finished at the top of the American Association for two years running, winning the Pennant in 1913 and 1914.

1913 American Association Champions Pennant
(Author’s Collection)