Dodgers and Giants play a barn burner

Well it was another barn burner of a game today at The Polo Grounds, but it was the Dodgers that won the game (4-0) and the series.  Van Mungo pitched another gem; he threw a complete game shutout, allowing just 4 hits against a very tough Giants offense.  Roy Parmelee matched him for the first 5 innings.  The Dodgers finally broke through with 2 runs in the 6th.  Joe Stripp reached on an error and then Hack Wilson hit one out of the park.  That home run broke the tie and gave the Dodgers the momentum.  The Giants only had 4 at-bats with runners in scoring position and they did not get a hit in any.  Van Mungo was simply too much to handle.  Mel Ott was even 0-for-4 in this one.

Special mention for Lonny Frey who finished 3-for-5 with 2 RBI's.  

Field conditions were wet for this game and may have contributed a bit to the lack of offense.  Either way, this game was intense and you could feel the rivalry building between these two teams.  We look forward to many games at the Polo Grounds over the coming years.  But, as for now, we are glad to take this opening series.

"It was a fine game, a hell of a battle," Manager Mathew Williams said.  "Van Mungo was sensational.  This team has tremendous fight.  We are now tied for 2nd place with the Giants and Cardinals.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 New York Giants              5/2/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(9-6) New York(9-6)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Giants             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Boyle CF          4  1  1  0 .333     J.Moore LF          3  0  0  0 .386  
  L.Frey SS           5  0  3  2 .367     H.Critz 2B          4  0  1  0 .297  
  J.Stripp 3B         5  1  1  0 .289     B.Terry 1B          3  0  2  0 .333  
  H.Wilson LF         4  1  1  2 .238     M.Ott RF            4  0  0  0 .305  
  S.Leslie 1B         3  0  1  0 .345     T.Jackson SS        4  0  1  0 .241  
  J.Frederick RF      4  0  0  0 .243     G.Watkins CF        4  0  0  0 .263  
  A.Lopez C           4  1  2  0 .234     J.Vergez 3B         1  0  0  0 .235  
  J.Bucher 2B         3  0  1  0 .167   A-G.Grantham PH       1  0  0  0 .242  
  V.Mungo P           4  0  0  0 .200     P.Richards C        3  0  0  0 .100  
                                          R.Parmelee P        3  0  0  0 .125  
                                          H.Bell P            0  0  0  0 ----  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      36  4 10  4                 Totals      30  0  4  0
 
A-Pinch Hit For Vergez In 9th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  0 0 2  0 1 1  -  4 10  0
Giants.......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  4  1
 
Dodgers (9-6)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
V.Mungo WIN(4-0)          9       4   0   0   4   6   0 134   1.75
Totals                    9       4   0   0   4   6   0
 
Giants (9-6)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
R.Parmelee LOSS(0-1)      8       9   4   2   2   5   1 131   4.79
H.Bell                    1       1   0   0   1   0   0  17   0.00
Totals                    9      10   4   2   3   5   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 20,054 DATE- Wednesday, May 2nd 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 2:04
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 8  Giants: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 1  Giants: 1
ERRORS- T.Jackson
DOUBLES- T.Jackson(3rd)
TRIPLES- B.Boyle(1st)
HOME RUNS- H.Wilson(2nd)
RBIs- L.Frey-2(6th), H.Wilson-2(6th)
CAUGHT STEALING- L.Frey
WALKS- B.Boyle, S.Leslie, J.Bucher, J.Moore, B.Terry, J.Vergez-2
STRIKE OUTS- B.Boyle-2, H.Wilson-2, V.Mungo, M.Ott, T.Jackson, G.Watkins-2,
             P.Richards, R.Parmelee
GIDP- V.Mungo, M.Ott
WILD PITCHES- R.Parmelee-2
2-out RBI- H.Wilson-2, L.Frey
RLISP 2-out- M.Ott, V.Mungo-3, J.Frederick, J.Stripp, G.Grantham
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 2 for 8  Giants: 0 for 4
IBB- S.Leslie (by R.Parmelee, 8th inning)

Dodgers steal one from the Giants in thriller

What a game today it was at The Polo Grounds.  In beautiful, 80 degree weather (with fair skies), the Dodgers came from behind to win it in 11 innings, 6-4.  It was really a great atmosphere at this beautiful ballpark today, as a packed house of 43,570 was on site to see a thriller.  

Here is how the scoring went down:

In the 3rd inning, the Dodgers scored first.  Jimmy Jordan doubled and got to 2nd on a sacrifice bunt from pitcher Dutch Leonard.  Lonny Frey then hit a single, scoring Jordan.  But the Giants would answer right back in their half of the 3rd.  After an out, Carl Hubbell doubled and was plated home by the next hitter Jo-Jo Moore.  The Giants were the next team to score in the 6th.  After Bill Terry walked, Mel Ott hit an absolute missile deep over the right field wall, making it 3-1 Giants in the lead.  The Dodgers would respond in the 7th.  Al Lopez singled, and after an out was recorded, Dutch Leonard singled to put runners on the corners.  Glenn Chapman hit into a force play, scoring Lopez and making it 3-2.  In the 8th, the Dodgers would score 2 to take the lead.  With two out, Sam Leslie singled.  Len Koenecke then a double to right center; the center fielder Homer Peel then threw the ball away for an error, allowing 2 to score.  But the Giants would tie the game in the bottom of the 9th.  Pinch hitter Phil Weintraub opened up the inning with a single to center.  Then, pinch hitter Gus Mancuso sacrificed, getting Weintraub to 2nd.  Jo-Jo Moore then singled.

In the bottom of the 10th, the Giants threatened.  New pitcher for the Dodgers, Les Munns was struggling.  Bill Terry walked, then Mel Ott was hit by a pitch.  After Travis Jackson fouled out, George Grantham hit into a double play, ending the inning.

In the 11th, Al Lopez singled with one out, then Jimmy Jordan doubled, putting runners at 2nd and 3rd.  Les Munns lined out.  But Buzz Boyle answered with a crucial single to right field, scoring both runners.  This was a game that really could have went to either team and it was excellent the Dodgers were able to pull it off.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 New York Giants              5/1/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(8-6) New York(9-5)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Giants             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  G.Chapman RF        4  0  0  1 .438     J.Moore LF,CF       5  0  3  2 .415  
C-B.Boyle RF          1  0  1  2 .346     H.Critz 2B          6  0  0  0 .303  
  L.Frey 3B           6  0  1  1 .341     B.Terry 1B          3  1  1  0 .316  
  D.Taylor LF         5  0  0  0 .372     M.Ott RF            4  1  2  2 .327  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     5  0  0  0 .278   F-J.Vergez PR         0  0  0  0 .250  
  S.Leslie 1B         5  1  1  0 .345   G-H.Leiber RF         0  0  0  0 .417  
  L.Koenecke CF       5  1  2  1 .333     T.Jackson SS        5  0  1  0 .240  
  A.Lopez C           5  2  3  0 .209     G.Grantham 3B       5  0  1  0 .250  
  J.Jordan SS         5  2  3  0 .323     P.Richards C        3  0  1  0 .143  
  D.Leonard P         3  0  2  0 .500   A-L.O'Doul PH         1  0  0  0 .154  
  L.Munns P           1  0  0  0 .000   B-H.Danning C         1  0  1  0 .636  
                                          H.Peel CF           3  0  1  0 .250  
                                        D-P.Weintraub PH,LF   2  1  1  0 .200  
                                          C.Hubbell P         2  1  1  0 .125  
                                        E-G.Mancuso PH        0  0  0  0 .220  
                                          A.Smith P           0  0  0  0 .500  
                                        H-B.Ryan PH           1  0  0  0 .167  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      45  6 13  5                 Totals      41  4 13  4
 
A-Pinch Hit For Richards In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For O'Doul In 9th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Chapman In 9th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Peel In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Hubbell In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Ran For Ott In 10th Inning
G-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Vergez In 11th Inning
H-Pinch Hit For Smith In 11th Inning
 
INJURY: Mel Ott INJURED (for 0 more games) in 10th inning
 
Dodgers......... 0 0 1  0 0 0  1 2 0  0 2 -  6 13  0
Giants.......... 0 0 1  0 0 2  0 0 1  0 0 -  4 13  1
 
Dodgers (8-6)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
D.Leonard                 9      11   4   4   2   5   1 121   4.13
L.Munns WIN(1-0)          2       2   0   0   1   1   0  36   5.40
Totals                   11      13   4   4   3   6   1
 
Giants (9-5)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
C.Hubbell                 9      10   4   2   1   4   0 135   1.13
A.Smith LOSS(0-2)         2       3   2   2   0   0   0  27   4.15
Totals                   11      13   6   4   1   4   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 43,570 DATE- Tuesday, May 1st 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 2:49
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 8  Giants:10
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 3  Giants: 0
ERRORS- H.Peel
DOUBLES- L.Koenecke(3rd), A.Lopez-2(6th), J.Jordan-2(3rd), T.Jackson(2nd),
         C.Hubbell
HOME RUNS- M.Ott(6th)
RBIs- G.Chapman(3rd), B.Boyle-2(7th), L.Frey(4th), L.Koenecke(3rd),
      J.Moore-2(6th), M.Ott-2(18th)
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Leonard, C.Hubbell, G.Mancuso
WALKS- G.Chapman, J.Moore, B.Terry-2
HIT BY PITCH- M.Ott
STRIKE OUTS- G.Chapman, L.Frey-2, D.Taylor, J.Moore, H.Critz-2, T.Jackson,
             P.Richards, B.Ryan
GIDP- H.Critz, G.Grantham, P.Richards
2-out RBI- L.Koenecke, B.Boyle-2
RLISP 2-out- T.Cuccinello, J.Jordan, H.Critz-2, C.Hubbell
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 3 for 9  Giants: 3 for 10
IBB- J.Moore (by D.Leonard, 5th inning)
WEB GEMS- Top 2nd: Bill Terry robbed Al Lopez of a base hit.

Dodgers bullpen chokes in stunning loss

The Dodgers have one of the weakest bullpens in the league and it was never more apparent than today as the Giants came back from way back to win it.  The Dodgers were leading 8-3 going into the bottom of the 7th and then all hell broke loose.  Dodgers starter Tom Zachary was pulled after the 6th inning, and Ownie Carroll was brought on for relief.  Carroll ended up with an odious pitching line: 1.2 innings pitched, 7 hits, 7 earned runs, 2 walks 0 strikeouts.  He ended up with the loss, and the Dodgers as a team were left scratching their heads wondering just how did the left this one get away?

The crucial inning for the Giants was the 8th when they scored 5 runs on 6 hits.  The big hit came from Lefty O'Doul who cleared the fences with a 2-run home run.  

The poor pitching overshadowed a great performance from Brooklyn second baseman Tony Cuccinello.  He had a 4-hit game (including a home run) and 6 RBI's.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 New York Giants             4/30/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(7-6) New York(9-4)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Giants             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Boyle RF          6  0  1  1 .320     J.Moore LF          5  0  2  0 .389  
  L.Koenecke CF       6  1  1  0 .326     H.Critz 2B          5  1  0  0 .370  
  D.Taylor LF         5  2  4  1 .421     B.Terry 1B          4  2  3  1 .315  
  S.Leslie 1B         4  1  1  0 .360     T.Jackson SS        5  0  1  2 .244  
  J.Stripp 3B         4  2  2  0 .300     J.Vergez 3B         4  0  0  0 .250  
  J.Jordan SS         4  0  1  0 .269     D.Luque P           1  0  0  0 .000  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     5  2  4  6 .306     H.Leiber CF         4  2  3  1 .417  
  A.Lopez C           2  0  0  0 .158     H.Danning C         4  2  3  2 .600  
  T.Zachary P         3  0  0  0 .000     L.O'Doul RF         4  1  2  3 .167  
A-H.Wilson PH         0  0  0  0 .235     J.Salveson P        1  0  0  0 .000  
  O.Carroll P         0  0  0  0 .000     W.Clark P           1  0  0  0 .500  
  R.Lucas P           0  0  0  0 ----     H.Bell P            0  0  0  0 ----  
E-J.Frederick PH      1  0  0  0 .273   B-G.Grantham PH,3B    1  1  1  0 .259  
                                        C-G.Watkins PR        0  1  0  0 .294  
                                        D-B.Ryan 3B           0  0  0  0 .171  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      40  8 14  8                 Totals      39 10 15  9
 
A-Pinch Hit For Zachary In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Bell In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Ran For Grantham In 8th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Watkins In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Lucas In 9th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 0 1 0  1 3 0  3 0 0  -  8 14  0
Giants.......... 0 0 1  0 0 2  2 5    - 10 15  2
 
Dodgers (7-6)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
T.Zachary                 6       8   3   3   0   0   0  94   4.38
O.Carroll LOSS(0-2)       1 2/3   7   7   7   2   0   1  62  16.20
R.Lucas                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5   0.00
Totals                    8      15  10  10   2   0   1
 
Giants (9-4)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
J.Salveson                4 2/3   9   5   5   4   4   1 100   9.64
W.Clark                   2       4   3   2   1   0   0  43   5.40
H.Bell                    0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   6   0.00
D.Luque WIN(1-1)          2       1   0   0   2   2   0  38   1.80
Totals                    9      14   8   7   7   6   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 16,833 DATE- Monday, April 30th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 2:21
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers:12  Giants: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 0  Giants: 2
ERRORS- H.Critz, J.Vergez
DOUBLES- D.Taylor(4th), T.Cuccinello(3rd), B.Terry(2nd), T.Jackson(1st),
         H.Leiber(1st), H.Danning(2nd), L.O'Doul(1st)
TRIPLES- H.Leiber-2(2nd)
HOME RUNS- T.Cuccinello(2nd), L.O'Doul(1st)
RBIs- B.Boyle(5th), D.Taylor(9th), T.Cuccinello-6(10th), B.Terry(10th),
      T.Jackson-2(11th), H.Leiber(3rd), H.Danning-2(3rd), L.O'Doul-3(3rd)
STOLEN BASES- L.Koenecke(1st), D.Taylor(2nd)
CAUGHT STEALING- S.Leslie
WALKS- S.Leslie, J.Stripp, J.Jordan, A.Lopez-3, H.Wilson, B.Terry, G.Grantham
STRIKE OUTS- B.Boyle-2, S.Leslie, J.Stripp, T.Cuccinello, T.Zachary
GIDP- J.Jordan, T.Zachary
WILD PITCHES- O.Carroll
2-out RBI- T.Cuccinello-5, H.Leiber, H.Danning, B.Boyle, B.Terry, T.Jackson
RLISP 2-out- S.Leslie, T.Jackson-2, L.O'Doul-2, A.Lopez, L.Koenecke-2, J.Vergez,
             T.Cuccinello, D.Luque
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 5 for 15  Giants: 6 for 19

Benge shines in sweep of Phillies

Dodgers starter Ray Benge didn't allow a base runner until the 6th inning and finished with a complete game win in the Dodgers big sweep of the Phillies.  Benge went 9 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts, and carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning.  He has been fantastic so far this season, compiling a tiny 0.43 ERA.  On the offensive side of the ball, Buzz Boyle hit a towering home run to right field - his first of the season.  Hot hitting Sam Leslie had a pair of RBI doubles.  

The Dodgers scored in each of the first 5 innings.  They have had 10 hits or more in 8 of their past 9 games.  With this win they are now just 1 game back of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL standings.  

Around the League

• The Boston Braves were swept this weekend by the Giants in Boston.  In today's game, Giants starter Hal Schumacher didn't allow a hit until the 9th inning.  He lost his no-hit bid when Tommy Thompson singled with 0 outs in the 9th.  New York leads the league with 13 home runs.
• The St. Louis Cardinals took 2 of 3 against the Chicago Cubs this weekend at Wrigley Field.  
• Arky Vaughan is leading the batting race.  He is hitting a tremendous .511 in 45 at-bats.  Second in the race is Lou Chiozza at .438, and Paul Waner at third with .429.
• Pittsburgh swept the Cincinnati Reds at Forbes Field this weekend.  Pittsburgh is the league's top hitting team with a combined .321 team average.
• Mel Ott leads the league with 5 home runs.

On to The Polo Grounds... With the series in Philadelphia in the rearview mirror, the Dodgers now travel to Manhattan to play a big series against their rivals the New York Giants at the ol' bathtub -- The Polo Grounds.  The Dodgers were 8-14 against the Giants last season, and need to play better baseball against these tough playin' boys from across the river.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Philadelphia Phillies       4/29/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(7-5) Philadelphia(2-10)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Boyle CF          4  2  3  1 .368     A.Todd C            4  0  0  0 .250  
  L.Frey SS           4  1  2  1 .368     M.Haslin SS         4  1  1  0 .200  
  L.Koenecke RF       3  1  1  0 .351     K.Davis CF          4  0  1  1 .200  
  S.Leslie 1B         3  1  3  2 .370     J.Wilson 2B         4  0  0  0 .300  
A-J.McCarthy PR,1B    1  0  0  0 .500     B.Walters 3B        4  0  0  0 .175  
  H.Wilson LF         4  0  1  0 .235     D.Hurst 1B          3  0  0  0 .238  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     5  0  0  0 .250     H.Hendrick LF       2  0  0  0 .143  
  A.Lopez C           4  0  0  0 .167     A.Ruble RF          2  0  0  0 .000  
  J.Jordan 3B         4  0  1  1 .273     E.Moore P           1  0  0  0 .000  
  R.Benge P           4  1  1  0 .375   B-L.Chiozza PH        1  0  1  0 .438  
                                          T.Kleinhans P       0  0  0  0 ----  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      36  6 12  5                 Totals      29  1  3  1
 
A-Pinch Ran For Leslie In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Moore In 8th Inning
 
INJURY: Sam Leslie INJURED (for 0 more games) in 7th inning
 
Dodgers......... 2 1 1  1 1 0  0 0 0  -  6 12  0
Phillies........ 0 0 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  -  1  3  1
 
Dodgers (7-5)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
R.Benge WIN(1-1)          9       3   1   1   3   2   0 130   0.43  A1
Totals                    9       3   1   1   3   2   0
 
Phillies (2-10)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
E.Moore LOSS(1-1)         8      11   6   5   2   1   1 135   4.24  A1 D9
T.Kleinhans               1       1   0   0   2   1   0  27   0.00  E1
Totals                    9      12   6   5   4   2   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 19,698 DATE- Sunday, April 29th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
T- 2:15
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 9  Phillies: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 0  Phillies: 2
ERRORS- M.Haslin
DOUBLES- L.Koenecke(2nd), S.Leslie-2(2nd), L.Chiozza(3rd)
TRIPLES- M.Haslin(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Boyle(1st)
RBIs- B.Boyle(4th), L.Frey(3rd), S.Leslie-2(10th), J.Jordan(5th), K.Davis(6th)
CAUGHT STEALING- L.Koenecke
SACRIFICE HITS- E.Moore
SACRIFICE FLIES- L.Frey
WALKS- B.Boyle, L.Koenecke-2, H.Wilson, D.Hurst, H.Hendrick, A.Ruble
HIT BY PITCH- S.Leslie
STRIKE OUTS- B.Boyle, R.Benge, M.Haslin, E.Moore
GIDP- H.Wilson
PASSED BALLS- A.Todd-2
2-out RBI- B.Boyle, J.Jordan
RLISP 2-out- A.Lopez-3, L.Koenecke, R.Benge, A.Todd, A.Ruble-2, K.Davis,
             T.Cuccinello-2
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 4 for 17  Phillies: 1 for 6

Van Mungo pitches another complete game win

Van Mungo picked up his 3rd win in 3 starts, going the distance in today's 9-5 win.  He has complete games in each of his starts.  Today he was not great (allowing 5 earned runs) but pitched well enough to help an offense that has been on fire recently.  

The Dodgers got things started in the 1st inning (a recent trend).  After the hot-hitting Danny Taylor tripled, Hack Wilson hit his 1st home run on the year.

The Dodgers are now hitting .306 as a team this season (2nd in the league behind Pittsburgh).    

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Philadelphia Phillies       4/28/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(6-5) Philadelphia(2-9)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  L.Koenecke CF       4  2  2  1 .353     D.Bartell SS        5  0  0  0 .280  
  J.Frederick 1B      5  0  0  0 .281     L.Chiozza 3B        3  1  1  0 .426  
  D.Taylor LF         4  3  2  1 .364     A.Todd C            4  1  1  0 .313  
  H.Wilson RF         4  1  2  3 .231     K.Davis CF          4  1  1  3 .195  
  J.Jordan SS         4  1  2  2 .278     W.Schulmerich LF    4  0  2  0 .348  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     4  1  0  0 .282     I.Jeffries 2B       4  1  2  0 .500  
  J.Bucher 3B         3  0  0  0 .000     D.Hurst 1B          4  1  1  1 .256  
  R.Berres C          4  0  2  2 .500     E.Boland RF         4  0  1  1 .250  
  V.Mungo P           4  1  1  0 .273     C.Davis P           0  0  0  0 .000  
                                        A-A.Ruble PH          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                          E.Holley P          1  0  0  0 .333  
                                          T.Kleinhans P       0  0  0  0 ----  
                                        B-H.Hendrick PH       1  0  0  0 .200  
                                          F.Pearce P          0  0  0  0 ----  
                                        C-B.Clancy PH         1  0  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      36  9 11  9                 Totals      35  5  9  5
 
A-Pinch Hit For Davis In 2nd Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Kleinhans In 7th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Pearce In 9th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 4 2 1  0 0 2  0 0 0  -  9 11  2
Phillies........ 0 2 0  0 0 3  0 0 0  -  5  9  1
 
Dodgers (6-5)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
V.Mungo WIN(3-0)          9       9   5   5   2   2   1 141   2.33
Totals                    9       9   5   5   2   2   1
 
Phillies (2-9)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
C.Davis LOSS(0-3)         2       5   6   6   4   0   1  60   7.91
E.Holley                  3 1/3   6   3   2   1   1   0  54   3.86
T.Kleinhans               1 2/3   0   0   0   0   2   0  21   0.00
F.Pearce                  2       0   0   0   0   0   0  24   0.00
Totals                    9      11   9   8   5   3   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 28,065 DATE- Saturday, April 28th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
T- 2:22
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 6  Phillies: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 1  Phillies: 1
ERRORS- J.Bucher, R.Berres, L.Chiozza
DOUBLES- A.Todd(4th), D.Hurst(2nd)
TRIPLES- D.Taylor-2(3rd)
HOME RUNS- H.Wilson(1st), K.Davis(1st)
RBIs- L.Koenecke(2nd), D.Taylor(8th), H.Wilson-3(4th), J.Jordan-2(4th),
      R.Berres-2(2nd), K.Davis-3(5th), D.Hurst(2nd), E.Boland(1st)
STOLEN BASES- J.Jordan(1st), W.Schulmerich(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- E.Boland
SACRIFICE FLIES- J.Jordan
WALKS- L.Koenecke, D.Taylor, H.Wilson, T.Cuccinello, J.Bucher, L.Chiozza,
       E.Holley
STRIKE OUTS- J.Bucher, R.Berres, V.Mungo, W.Schulmerich, E.Boland
GIDP- V.Mungo, D.Hurst
2-out RBI- H.Wilson-2, R.Berres-2, D.Hurst, E.Boland, L.Koenecke
RLISP 2-out- V.Mungo, A.Todd-2, T.Cuccinello, D.Hurst
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 4 for 7  Phillies: 2 for 6

Dodgers offense powers 16 runs, 20 hits

The Dodgers won a wild game today at the Baker Bowl in Philadelphia, beating the Phillies 16-9.  The 16 runs scored are the most any team has scored in the league thus far this season.  The 25 combined runs also set a league record for this season.  Seven of the nine Dodger hitters had multiple hit games; of mentionable note is Joe Stripp's 5 RBI's.  The Dodgers scored in every inning except the 6th and 9th, and put up 6 runs in the 4th inning.  

In that 4th inning, Lonny Frey got things started with a walk.  Next, Danny Taylor and Len Koenecke both walked (the Dodgers had 8 walks for the game).  After a foul out from Sam Leslie, Joe Stripp hit a deep double to the left center field gap.  All 3 runs scored.  Tony Cuccinello then walked, then Al Lopez doubled to bring home Stripp.  After a Babich strikeout, Johnny Frederick hit a 2-run single.

Johnny Babich got the win for Brooklyn.  He didn't pitch great, allowing 7 earned runs in 6.2 innings.  Cy Moore takes the lost for Philadelphia.  He was hammered: 8 earned runs in 3.1 innings.

"Everything was coming up aces today," Manager Williams said.  "We had great team chemistry all game; if we continue to hit like this, we can contend for the division.  I am absolutely intent that we play as hard as we can.  Nobody favored us to win this division, but based on how we hit today, I really believe we have a chance."

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Philadelphia Phillies       4/27/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(5-5) Philadelphia(2-8)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Frederick RF      5  2  3  2 .333     D.Bartell SS        6  1  4  3 .311  
  L.Frey SS           6  1  2  1 .353     L.Chiozza 2B        5  2  2  1 .432  
  D.Taylor LF         2  1  1  0 .345     E.Allen LF          2  0  1  1 .421  
A-G.Chapman LF        3  1  2  1 .583   B-H.Hendrick PR,LF    3  0  1  1 .250  
  L.Koenecke CF       4  2  1  0 .333     W.Schulmerich RF    6  0  1  1 .333  
  S.Leslie 1B         6  2  3  1 .326     D.Hurst 1B          5  1  3  0 .257  
  J.Stripp 3B         5  3  3  5 .278     K.Davis CF          5  1  1  0 .189  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     4  2  2  1 .314     B.Walters 3B        4  1  1  1 .194  
  A.Lopez C           5  2  2  3 .188     J.Wilson C          4  3  3  0 .346  
  J.Babich P          5  0  1  0 .250     C.Moore P           1  0  0  0 .250  
  A.Herring P         1  0  0  0 .000     G.Darrow P          0  0  0  0 ----  
                                        C-A.Ruble PH          0  0  0  0 .000  
                                          E.Holley P          0  0  0  0 .500  
                                        D-A.Todd PH           1  0  0  0 .333  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      46 16 20 14                 Totals      42  9 17  8
 
A-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Taylor In 4th Inning
B-Pinch Ran For Allen In 4th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Darrow In 7th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Holley In 9th Inning
 
INJURY: Ethan Allen INJURED (for 3 more games) in 4th inning
 
Dodgers......... 1 1 3  6 3 0  1 1 0  - 16 20  1
Phillies........ 2 1 1  0 0 2  2 0 1  -  9 17  1
 
Dodgers (5-5)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
J.Babich WIN(1-1)         6 2/3  11   8   7   4   3   0 141   6.75
A.Herring                 2 1/3   6   1   1   0   2   0  38   8.44
Totals                    9      17   9   8   4   5   0
 
Phillies (2-8)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
C.Moore LOSS(0-2)         3 1/3   9   9   8   4   1   0  89  13.94
G.Darrow                  3 2/3   8   6   6   2   2   0  88  14.73
E.Holley                  2       3   1   1   2   0   0  34   3.00
Totals                    9      20  16  15   8   3   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 46,310 DATE- Friday, April 27th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 3:09
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers:13  Phillies:13
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 0  Phillies: 0
ERRORS- J.Stripp, D.Bartell
DOUBLES- L.Frey(2nd), G.Chapman(2nd), L.Koenecke(1st), J.Stripp(1st),
         A.Lopez-2(4th), D.Bartell(2nd)
TRIPLES- J.Stripp(1st)
RBIs- J.Frederick-2(6th), L.Frey(2nd), G.Chapman(2nd), S.Leslie(8th),
      J.Stripp-5(10th), T.Cuccinello(4th), A.Lopez-3(4th), D.Bartell-3(5th),
      L.Chiozza(5th), E.Allen(6th), H.Hendrick(1st), W.Schulmerich(8th),
      B.Walters(6th)
STOLEN BASES- D.Bartell(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- C.Moore, G.Darrow
SACRIFICE FLIES- J.Stripp, A.Lopez
WALKS- J.Frederick-2, L.Frey, D.Taylor, L.Koenecke-2, T.Cuccinello-2, L.Chiozza,
       B.Walters, J.Wilson, A.Ruble
HIT BY PITCH- E.Allen
STRIKE OUTS- D.Taylor, L.Koenecke, J.Babich, D.Bartell-2, W.Schulmerich-2,
             B.Walters
WILD PITCHES- A.Herring, C.Moore, G.Darrow
2-out RBI- S.Leslie, L.Frey, B.Walters, J.Frederick-2, H.Hendrick, D.Bartell-2
RLISP 2-out- J.Stripp-2, B.Walters-3, D.Taylor-2, E.Allen, J.Frederick-2,
             C.Moore-2, L.Chiozza, L.Frey, W.Schulmerich-2
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 9 for 23  Phillies: 9 for 21

Dutch Leonard goes the distance in win

The Dodgers improved their record to 4-5 with a big win over the Braves today.  Dodgers' starter Dutch Leonard pitched a complete game, going 9 innings, allowing 10 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts.  Danny Taylor was the hitting star for the Dodgers; he was 3-for-5 with 2 RBI's.   

The Dodgers got out to an early lead.  In the first inning, after an out, Frey and Taylor both hit singles.  Sam Leslie then hit a ball back to Braves starter Bob Brown.  Brown bobbled the ball, allowing Leslie to reach and Frey to trot home.  Another single from Joe Stripp made it 2-0.  But Brooklyn wasn't done.  In the 2nd inning they scored another 2 runs.  Al Lopez walked.  Dutch Leonard bunted him to 2nd.  Johnny Frederick walked, and then, with 2 outs, Danny Taylor doubled, plating 2.

The Dodgers added another run in the 6th and 4 runs in the 7th.  

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Boston Braves               4/26/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(4-5) Boston(7-2)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  J.Frederick RF      3  1  1  1 .273     B.Urbanski SS       5  0  1  0 .293  
  L.Frey SS           5  2  1  0 .357     M.McManus 2B        4  0  1  0 .341  
  D.Taylor LF         5  1  3  2 .333     H.Lee LF            4  1  3  0 .406  
  S.Leslie 1B         4  0  0  0 .297     W.Berger CF         4  0  1  0 .250  
  L.Koenecke CF       3  0  0  0 .346     R.Moore RF          4  1  2  0 .343  
  J.Stripp 3B         4  1  1  1 .226     B.Jordan 1B         4  1  1  2 .154  
  G.Chapman 2B        4  1  2  1 .556     P.Whitney 3B        4  0  1  1 .162  
  A.Lopez C           3  2  0  0 .148     S.Hogan C           4  0  0  0 .216  
  D.Leonard P         4  1  2  2 .400     B.Brown P           1  0  0  0 .000  
                                          D.Barrett P         1  0  0  0 .000  
                                        A-L.Mallon PH         1  0  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      35  9 10  7                 Totals      36  3 10  3
 
A-Pinch Hit For Barrett In 9th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 2 2 0  0 0 1  4 0 0  -  9 10  0
Braves.......... 0 0 0  3 0 0  0 0 0  -  3 10  5
 
Dodgers (4-5)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
D.Leonard WIN(1-1)        9      10   3   3   1   5   0 129   4.20  A1
Totals                    9      10   3   3   1   5   0
 
Braves (7-2)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
B.Brown LOSS(0-1)         6 1/3   7   8   5   9   2   0 152   7.11  A1 D8
D.Barrett                 2 2/3   3   1   1   0   1   0  40   6.23  D9
Totals                    9      10   9   6   9   3   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 34,995 DATE- Thursday, April 26th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 2:19
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 9  Braves: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 0  Braves: 1
ERRORS- M.McManus, W.Berger, S.Hogan, B.Brown-2
DOUBLES- D.Taylor(3rd), G.Chapman(1st), D.Leonard, B.Jordan(1st),
         P.Whitney(3rd)
RBIs- J.Frederick(4th), D.Taylor-2(7th), J.Stripp(5th), G.Chapman(1st),
      D.Leonard-2, B.Jordan-2(4th), P.Whitney(4th)
STOLEN BASES- L.Frey-2(2nd), D.Taylor(1st), J.Stripp(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- L.Frey
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Leonard
WALKS- J.Frederick-2, S.Leslie, L.Koenecke-2, J.Stripp, G.Chapman, A.Lopez-2,
       B.Brown
STRIKE OUTS- J.Frederick, D.Taylor, G.Chapman, B.Urbanski, W.Berger, S.Hogan,
             B.Brown, D.Barrett
GIDP- A.Lopez
2-out RBI- J.Stripp, D.Taylor-2
RLISP 2-out- G.Chapman, R.Moore, J.Stripp-3, J.Frederick, B.Urbanski, D.Taylor,
             P.Whitney, D.Leonard
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 5 for 15  Braves: 2 for 7

Lookin' like 'Dem Bums' in Boston

The boys from Brooklyn were knocked around in this road start in Boston, losing to the Braves, 8-2.  Boom-Boom Beck started for Brooklyn and was not effective.  He finished 5.2 innings, allowing 9 hits, 6 runs, 4 earned runs, 3 walks, 0 strikeouts.  Meanwhile, for the Braves, Ben Cantwell was strong.  He got the complete game win, allowing just 2 earned runs and 10 hits over 9 innings.

The Braves scored in 5 different innings, and you can read into them if you like, but me and Hack Wilson are having a beer and I gotta go!

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Boston Braves               4/25/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(3-5) Boston(7-1)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Boyle RF          4  0  0  0 .267     B.Urbanski SS       5  0  1  1 .306  
  O.Carroll P         0  0  0  0 .000     M.McManus 2B        4  3  2  0 .351  
  L.Frey SS           4  0  2  0 .391     H.Lee LF            3  2  3  2 .357  
  L.Koenecke CF       4  1  2  0 .391     W.Berger CF         4  1  2  1 .250  
  S.Leslie 1B         3  1  0  0 .333     R.Moore RF          5  0  2  4 .323  
  H.Wilson LF         3  0  0  0 .111     B.Jordan 1B         4  0  0  0 .136  
  J.Stripp 3B         4  0  1  1 .222     P.Whitney 3B        4  1  1  0 .152  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     4  0  3  1 .290     S.Hogan C           4  0  1  0 .242  
  A.Lopez C           4  0  0  0 .167     B.Cantwell P        4  1  0  0 .000  
  B.Beck P            2  0  2  0 .667                                          
  L.Munns P           0  0  0  0 ----                                          
A-J.Frederick PH,RF   2  0  0  0 .263                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      34  2 10  2                 Totals      37  8 12  8
 
A-Pinch Hit For Munns In 7th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  0 0 2  0 0 0  -  2 10  3
Braves.......... 2 0 2  1 0 1  0 2    -  8 12  0
 
Dodgers (3-5)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
B.Beck LOSS(0-1)          5 2/3   9   6   4   3   0   0 103   4.15
L.Munns                   0 1/3   0   0   0   1   0   0   9   9.00
O.Carroll                 2       3   2   1   1   0   0  47   9.00
Totals                    8      12   8   5   5   0   0
 
Braves (7-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
B.Cantwell WIN(1-0)       9      10   2   2   2   0   0 137   1.80
Totals                    9      10   2   2   2   0   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 35,146 DATE- Wednesday, April 25th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 2:13
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 7  Braves:10
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 1  Braves: 3
ERRORS- L.Frey, H.Wilson, T.Cuccinello
DOUBLES- R.Moore(2nd), P.Whitney(2nd)
RBIs- J.Stripp(4th), T.Cuccinello(3rd), B.Urbanski(6th), H.Lee-2(5th),
      W.Berger(7th), R.Moore-4(7th)
WALKS- S.Leslie, H.Wilson, M.McManus, H.Lee-2, W.Berger, B.Jordan
GIDP- B.Boyle, S.Leslie, S.Hogan
2-out RBI- R.Moore-4, H.Lee-2
RLISP 2-out- B.Jordan-2, S.Leslie, W.Berger-2, S.Hogan, R.Moore
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 2 for 6  Braves: 5 for 14

Critical error dooms Dodgers

What began as a tremendous pitcher's duel between Braves' starter Huck Betts and Dodgers' hurler Ray Benge ended with a hard luck loss for the Dodgers, with Sam Leslie committing a crucial error in the 8th.  The score was 0-0 heading into the bottom of the 8th.  Catcher Shanty Hogan reached base to start the inning on an error by third baseman Jimmy Jordan.  After a flyout, pitcher Huck Betts bunted a ball down the first base line; Sam Leslie fielded it and then threw it away - a crucial, two-base error.  Betts scampered over to 2nd, Shanty Hogan was at third.  Next Billy Urbanski singled against a drawn-in infield, plating both runs.  The Dodgers went quietly in the top of the 9th.

This game was probably the most exciting one we've seen so far this season, as Betts and Benge matched each other inning-for-inning deep into the game.  Betts ended up with the shutout win, going 9 innings, allowing 5 hits, 0 earned runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts.  Benge was tagged with the loss, he went 8 innings, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (0 earned runs), 2 walks, 1 strikeout.  It was the big errors in the 8th, especially Leslie's, that gave the game to the Braves.  With the win, the Braves reinforce their first place position, improving to 6-1.  They have won 6 games straight.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers At 1934 Boston Braves               4/24/1934
Updated W/L Records: Brooklyn(3-4) Boston(6-1)
 
  Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Boyle RF          3  0  0  0 .364     B.Urbanski SS       3  0  1  2 .323  
  L.Frey SS           4  0  0  0 .368     M.McManus 2B        3  0  0  0 .333  
  D.Taylor LF         4  0  0  0 .273     H.Lee LF            4  0  0  0 .280  
  L.Koenecke CF       3  0  1  0 .368     W.Berger CF         3  0  0  0 .214  
  S.Leslie 1B         4  0  2  0 .367     R.Moore 1B          3  0  1  0 .308  
  T.Cuccinello 2B     4  0  0  0 .222     P.Whitney 3B        3  0  0  0 .138  
  A.Lopez C           4  0  0  0 .200     S.Hogan C           3  0  0  0 .241  
  J.Jordan 3B         2  0  0  0 .214   A-D.Gyselman PR       0  1  0  0 ----  
C-H.Wilson PH         1  0  0  0 .167   B-A.Spohrer C         0  0  0  01.000  
  R.Benge P           3  0  2  0 .500     T.Thompson RF       3  0  1  0 .375  
                                          H.Betts P           1  1  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      32  0  5  0                 Totals      26  2  3  2
 
A-Pinch Ran For Hogan In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Gyselman In 9th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Jordan In 9th Inning
 
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  5  2
Braves.......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 2    -  2  3  0
 
Dodgers (3-4)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
R.Benge LOSS(0-1)         8       3   2   0   2   1   0  93   0.00
Totals                    8       3   2   0   2   1   0
 
Braves (6-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
H.Betts WIN(2-0)          9       5   0   0   3   4   0 122   1.10
Totals                    9       5   0   0   3   4   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 48,495 DATE- Tuesday, April 24th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 1:57
LEFT ON BASE- Dodgers: 8  Braves: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Dodgers: 1  Braves: 0
ERRORS- S.Leslie, J.Jordan
DOUBLES- R.Benge
RBIs- B.Urbanski-2(5th)
SACRIFICE HITS- H.Betts-2
WALKS- B.Boyle, L.Koenecke, J.Jordan, B.Urbanski, M.McManus
STRIKE OUTS- B.Boyle, D.Taylor, S.Leslie, R.Benge, W.Berger
GIDP- M.McManus
RLISP 2-out- B.Boyle, T.Cuccinello
TEAM RISP- Dodgers: 0 for 2  Braves: 1 for 2

Dodgers back at .500 with 15-hit attack against Phils

The Dodgers attacked the Phillies with 10 runs and 15 hits today, winning the three-game series and moving the team back to the .500 mark at 3-3.  Four Brooklyn hitters had multiple hit games (Boyle-3, Frey-4, Stripp-2, Leslie-3); Van Mungo pitched a fabulous complete game, allowing just 2 earned runs and picking up the win.  The feeling in the clubhouse was spirited after the game - just the momentum they need for the big road trip ahead of them (we'll get to that in a moment).

The Dodgers began their scoring right off the bat in the first inning.  After an out, Frey and Stripp singled back-to-back, then Danny Taylor walked.  Bases were loaded for Sam Leslie and what did he do?  How about a grand slam out of Ebbets Field to make it 4-0.  The crowd of 17,861 was going wild at this point - everyone was on their feet to watch Leslie circle the bases.  But the Phillies would respond with a run of their own in the 2nd: outfielder Wes Schulmerich tripled and was knocked home by Kiddo Davis.  

The Dodgers would respond in the 3rd.  Danny Taylor singled to lead off the inning, then Sam Leslie singled.  After an out was recorded, Len Koenecke hit a deep fly ball for the sac fly.  At this point, 5-1 Dodgers.  In the 4th, Wes Schulmerich walked with one out and was doubled home by Kiddo Davis (again).  That was all the scoring the Phillies would do.

The Dodgers would add to their lead in the 7th, but it was the 8th inning that was a sight to behold.  The team scored 4 runs on 5 hits (their were also 2 walks and a balk).  The key play in the inning was a two-run double by Buzz Boyle.  Great fun was had today at Ebbets Field despite the cool temperatures.  

Around the League:

• The Boston Braves swept the New York Giants in their series this weekend at The Polo Grounds.  Boston is now in 1st place with a 5-1 record.
• The Cardinals swept the Cubs in their series this weekend at Sportsman's Park.  Frankie Frisch has started the season 12-for-24, with 3 triples.
• Giants outfielder George Watkins hit 2 home runs in 1 game this weekend.  He is the only player this season to have 2 in 1 game.
• Mel Ott has the most home runs so far this season with 3.
• St. Louis third baseman Pepper Martin has 5 steals already this season.  No one else has more than 1.

Details about the upcoming road trip: Tomorrow the Dodgers will begin a massive, 7-city road trip that will span 23 games.  That's right, we will be visiting all 7 NL teams.  The opening series is a 4-gamer in Boston, then its 3 in Philly, 3 in New York, 3 in Cincinnati, 3 in Pittsburgh, 4 in Chicago, and 3 in St. Louis.   We will be featuring some interesting articles on this road trip chronicling life on the road.  Rest assured there will be much drinking and ribald humor.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Philadelphia Phillies At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers       4/22/1934
Updated W/L Records: Philadelphia(1-5) Brooklyn(3-3)
 
  Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Bartell SS        2  0  0  0 .308     B.Boyle RF          5  2  3  2 .500  
  L.Chiozza 2B        4  0  1  0 .500     L.Frey SS           5  1  4  1 .467  
  E.Allen LF          4  0  1  0 .375     J.Stripp 3B         4  1  2  1 .217  
  W.Schulmerich RF    3  2  2  0 .346     D.Taylor LF         1  2  1  0 .333  
  D.Hurst 1B          4  0  0  0 .217   A-J.Frederick PH,LF   2  0  0  0 .294  
  K.Davis CF          4  0  2  2 .143     S.Leslie 1B         5  1  3  4 .346  
  B.Walters 3B        4  0  0  0 .250     T.Cuccinello 2B     4  1  0  0 .261  
  J.Wilson C          3  0  0  0 .357     L.Koenecke CF       1  1  1  1 .375  
  C.Davis P           2  0  0  0 .000     C.Sukeforth C       4  0  0  0 .000  
B-A.Ruble PH          1  0  0  0 .000     V.Mungo P           4  1  1  1 .286  
  R.Grabowski P       0  0  0  0 ----                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      31  2  6  2                 Totals      35 10 15 10
 
A-Pinch Hit For Taylor In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Davis In 8th Inning
 
Phillies........ 0 1 0  1 0 0  0 0 0  -  2  6  0
Dodgers......... 4 0 1  0 0 0  1 4    - 10 15  0
 
Phillies (1-5)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
C.Davis LOSS(0-2)         7      10   6   6   2   3   1 119   5.74  A1 D4
R.Grabowski               1       5   4   4   2   0   0  46  16.88  D5
Totals                    8      15  10  10   4   3   1
 
Dodgers (3-3)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA  SCORESHEET
V.Mungo WIN(2-0)          9       6   2   2   3   3   0 105   1.00  A1
Totals                    9       6   2   2   3   3   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 17,861 DATE- Sunday, April 22nd 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 2:00
LEFT ON BASE- Phillies: 5  Dodgers: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phillies: 1  Dodgers: 2
DOUBLES- K.Davis(1st), B.Boyle(1st), V.Mungo
TRIPLES- W.Schulmerich(1st)
HOME RUNS- S.Leslie(2nd)
RBIs- K.Davis-2(2nd), B.Boyle-2(3rd), L.Frey(1st), J.Stripp(3rd),
      S.Leslie-4(7th), L.Koenecke(1st), V.Mungo
CAUGHT STEALING- L.Frey
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Stripp
SACRIFICE FLIES- L.Koenecke
WALKS- D.Bartell-2, W.Schulmerich, D.Taylor, J.Frederick, L.Koenecke-2
STRIKE OUTS- L.Chiozza, D.Hurst, B.Walters, B.Boyle, V.Mungo-2
GIDP- E.Allen, D.Hurst, C.Sukeforth
BALKS- R.Grabowski
PASSED BALLS- C.Sukeforth
2-out RBI- K.Davis, V.Mungo, B.Boyle-2, L.Frey
RLISP 2-out- J.Stripp, B.Walters-2, J.Frederick, S.Leslie-2
TEAM RISP- Phillies: 2 for 7  Dodgers: 4 for 9

Dodgers even series against Phils

It was a festive day today at Ebbets Field as the Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies before a packed house of 48,367.  The atmosphere was electric at Ebbets, temperatures were in the mid 70's, and the Dodgers got off to an early lead that they would never relinquish.

The Dodgers scored 4 runs in the 1st inning.  Five men in a row reached base to start the inning (Koenecke, Frederick, Taylor, Stripp, and Leslie).

Both teams will play the rubber game tomorrow, and then Brooklyn will depart for a massive road trip.  We will preview that road trip later tonight.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Philadelphia Phillies At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers       4/21/1934
Updated W/L Records: Philadelphia(1-4) Brooklyn(2-3)
 
  Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Bartell SS        5  0  1  0 .333     L.Koenecke CF       5  2  3  0 .333  
  L.Chiozza 2B        4  1  2  0 .545     J.Frederick RF      5  1  3  2 .333  
  E.Allen LF          4  1  1  0 .400     D.Taylor LF         2  2  0  1 .294  
  W.Schulmerich RF    5  1  2  1 .304     J.Stripp 3B         4  1  1  2 .158  
  D.Hurst 1B          3  0  0  0 .263     S.Leslie 1B         5  1  2  2 .286  
  K.Davis CF          3  1  0  0 .059     J.Jordan SS         4  0  0  2 .250  
  B.Walters 3B        4  1  2  3 .300     T.Cuccinello 2B     5  1  2  0 .316  
  A.Todd C            4  0  2  0 .375     A.Lopez C           3  0  1  0 .250  
  C.Moore P           3  0  1  0 .333     T.Zachary P         2  0  0  0 .000  
B-A.Ruble PH          1  0  0  0 .000   A-J.McCarthy PH       1  1  1  01.000  
  P.Collins P         0  0  0  0 .000     R.Benge P           1  0  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      36  5 11  4                 Totals      37  9 13  9
 
A-Pinch Hit For Zachary In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Moore In 8th Inning
 
Phillies........ 0 0 0  2 3 0  0 0 0  -  5 11  2
Dodgers......... 4 0 1  1 2 0  0 1    -  9 13  2
 
Phillies (1-4)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
C.Moore LOSS(0-1)         7      13   8   8   3   4   1 144  10.29
P.Collins                 1       0   1   0   1   0   0  16   5.00
Totals                    8      13   9   8   4   4   1
 
Dodgers (2-3)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
T.Zachary WIN(1-0)        5      10   5   3   3   2   1  89   4.26
R.Benge SAVE(1st)         4       1   0   0   1   1   0  49   0.00
Totals                    9      11   5   3   4   3   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 48,367 DATE- Saturday, April 21st 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 2:29
LEFT ON BASE- Phillies: 8  Dodgers:10
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phillies: 0  Dodgers: 2
ERRORS- D.Hurst, B.Walters, T.Cuccinello-2
DOUBLES- L.Chiozza(2nd), B.Walters(1st), A.Todd(2nd), J.Frederick(2nd),
         T.Cuccinello(2nd), J.McCarthy(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Walters(1st), S.Leslie(1st)
RBIs- W.Schulmerich(3rd), B.Walters-3(4th), J.Frederick-2(3rd), D.Taylor(5th),
      J.Stripp-2(2nd), S.Leslie-2(3rd), J.Jordan-2(2nd)
CAUGHT STEALING- W.Schulmerich
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Taylor, J.Jordan
WALKS- L.Chiozza, E.Allen, D.Hurst, K.Davis, D.Taylor-2, J.Stripp, A.Lopez
STRIKE OUTS- D.Hurst, K.Davis, C.Moore, S.Leslie, T.Zachary-2, R.Benge
GIDP- L.Chiozza, D.Hurst
WILD PITCHES- C.Moore
2-out RBI- B.Walters-3, J.Frederick-2
RLISP 2-out- D.Hurst, A.Lopez, D.Taylor, E.Allen, T.Zachary, J.Jordan, A.Todd-2,
             W.Schulmerich
TEAM RISP- Phillies: 2 for 10  Dodgers: 4 for 13

Chiozza, Phillies defeat Dodgers, 6-3

A combination of subpar situational hitting and subpar pitching have plagued the Dodgers in the early go, as they drop a hapless game to the weak Phillies, 6-3.  In today's game they left 14 runners on base, unable to get a key hit in a big moment.  Joe Stripp left 2 runners in scoring position with 2 outs, Lonny Frey 3 runners, Len Koenecke 1, and Tony Cuccinello 3.  They were 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position overall.

The Phillies jumped in the lead in the third inning, scoring 3 runs.  Dick Bartell began the attack with a single after one was out.  Lou Chiozza then singled, followed by a 2-run triple from Ethan Allen.  Allen was singled home by Don Hurst.  

The Dodgers scored in the 4th and 6th innings to make it 3-2.  In the 4th, Joe Stripp began the inning with a single.  Koenecke then singled to put runners at the corners.  Al Lopez hit into a force out, plating one run.  Then in the 6th: Cuccinello doubled, then a single from Buzz Boyle brought him home.  

The Phillies scored again in the 7th.  It was Lou Chiozza at it again (he finished 4-for-5); he tripled home Jimmie Wilson.  But the Dodgers made it 4-3 in the 8th.  Johnny Frederick hit a towering solo home run.  Unfortunately, the Phillies scored 2 runs (1 unearned from a Buzz Boyle error) in the 9th to win the game.

"We feel a little scattershot out the gate right now," Manager Williams said.  "We're not hitting on all cylinders yet; we are too jumpy and not confident enough.  Nothing to worry about, though, we will continue to play and hopefully find ourselves at .500 soon.  That's my goal right now, right the ship and reach .500 and take it from there."

BOXSCORE: 1934 Philadelphia Phillies At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers       4/20/1934
Updated W/L Records: Philadelphia(1-3) Brooklyn(1-3)
 
  Phillies           AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  D.Bartell SS        5  2  2  0 .368     B.Boyle RF          2  0  1  1 .333  
  L.Chiozza 2B        5  1  4  2 .556     L.Frey SS           5  0  1  0 .300  
  E.Allen LF          5  1  2  2 .438     D.Taylor LF         4  0  0  0 .333  
  W.Schulmerich RF    5  0  1  0 .278     S.Leslie 1B         5  0  2  0 .250  
  D.Hurst 1B          4  0  2  1 .313     J.Stripp 3B         5  1  2  0 .133  
  K.Davis CF          4  0  0  0 .071     L.Koenecke CF       4  0  2  0 .200  
  B.Walters 3B        4  0  1  0 .250     A.Lopez C           3  0  1  1 .231  
  J.Wilson C          3  2  1  0 .455     T.Cuccinello 2B     5  1  1  0 .286  
  E.Moore P           2  0  0  0 .000     J.Babich P          3  0  1  0 .333  
                                        A-J.Frederick PH      1  1  1  1 .200  
                                          A.Herring P         0  0  0  0 ----  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      37  6 13  5                 Totals      37  3 12  3
 
A-Pinch Hit For Babich In 8th Inning
 
Phillies........ 0 0 3  0 0 0  1 0 2  -  6 13  0
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  1 0 1  0 1 0  -  3 12  1
 
Phillies (1-3)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
E.Moore WIN(1-0)          9      12   3   3   6   5   1 137   3.00
Totals                    9      12   3   3   6   5   1
 
Dodgers (1-3)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
J.Babich LOSS(0-1)        8      11   4   4   0   6   0 116   4.50
A.Herring                 1       2   2   1   1   1   0  19  12.00
Totals                    9      13   6   5   1   7   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 19,373 DATE- Friday, April 20th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
T- 2:56
LEFT ON BASE- Phillies: 7  Dodgers:14
DOUBLE PLAYS- Phillies: 1  Dodgers: 0
ERRORS- B.Boyle
DOUBLES- W.Schulmerich(1st), T.Cuccinello(1st)
TRIPLES- L.Chiozza(1st), E.Allen(1st)
HOME RUNS- J.Frederick(1st)
RBIs- L.Chiozza-2(3rd), E.Allen-2(3rd), D.Hurst(1st), B.Boyle(1st),
      A.Lopez(1st), J.Frederick(1st)
STOLEN BASES- B.Boyle(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- E.Moore-2, D.Taylor
WALKS- J.Wilson, B.Boyle-3, L.Koenecke, A.Lopez-2
STRIKE OUTS- D.Bartell, W.Schulmerich, K.Davis-2, B.Walters, E.Moore-2, B.Boyle,
             D.Taylor-2, S.Leslie, J.Babich
GIDP- J.Stripp
2-out RBI- D.Hurst, B.Boyle, L.Chiozza
RLISP 2-out- J.Stripp-2, L.Frey-3, L.Koenecke, E.Allen, T.Cuccinello-3,
             B.Walters, W.Schulmerich
TEAM RISP- Phillies: 5 for 13  Dodgers: 1 for 10

Braves out-slug Dodgers for series win

Braves bats were simply too much for the Dodgers in this opening series, as the Brooklynites drop the rubber game, 7-4.  The Braves out-hit the Dodgers in the series, 31-23, and out-hit them in the finale 14-5.  The cold and rainy weather conditions throughout the series didn't seem to affect the boys from Boston's bats.

The Braves gained the lead for good in the 5th inning, plating 3 runs on 4 hits.  After two were out, Marty McManus (who had a big series) singled.  Wally Berger then doubled, and Pinky Whitney hit an RBI single.  Randy Moore walked, loading the bases.  With two outs and the bases loaded Shanty Hogan hit a two-run single.

Boston starter Huck Betts pitched a dominant game.  He allowed 2 earned runs in 7.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 walk.  He did give up a Tony Cuccinello home run.  But really, Betts was quite strong throughout the game and the Dodgers had just 3 hits before the 8th inning.

The Dodgers will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series starting tomorrow.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Boston Braves At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers               4/19/1934
Updated W/L Records: Boston(2-1) Brooklyn(1-2)
 
  Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Urbanski SS       5  0  0  0 .267     L.Koenecke CF       5  0  0  0 .000  
  M.McManus 2B        5  2  3  0 .500     L.Frey SS           4  2  2  0 .400  
  W.Berger CF         4  1  2  1 .364     D.Taylor LF         3  0  1  1 .455  
  P.Whitney 3B        5  1  3  2 .214     H.Wilson RF         1  0  1  1 .200  
  R.Moore LF          3  0  1  0 .364     J.Stripp 3B         3  0  0  0 .000  
  S.Hogan C           5  1  2  2 .167     S.Leslie 1B         3  0  0  1 .182  
  B.Jordan 1B         4  1  0  0 .182     A.Lopez C           4  0  0  0 .200  
  T.Thompson RF       5  1  2  1 .400     T.Cuccinello 2B     4  1  1  1 .333  
  H.Betts P           3  0  0  0 .000     D.Leonard P         1  0  0  0 .000  
  B.Smith P           1  0  1  01.000   A-B.Boyle PH          1  0  0  0 .000  
                                          L.Munns P           0  0  0  0 ----  
                                          T.Zachary P         1  1  0  0 .000  
                                        B-J.Frederick PH      1  0  0  0 .111  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      40  7 14  6                 Totals      31  4  5  4
 
A-Pinch Hit For Leonard In 6th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Zachary In 9th Inning
 
Braves.......... 1 0 0  0 3 0  0 3 0  -  7 14  1
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  1 0 0  0 3 0  -  4  5  0
 
Braves (2-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
H.Betts WIN(1-0)          7 1/3   5   4   2   1   3   1 119   2.45
B.Smith                   1 2/3   0   0   0   3   1   0  33   0.00
Totals                    9       5   4   2   4   4   1
 
Dodgers (1-2)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
D.Leonard LOSS(0-1)       6       8   4   4   2   3   0  96   6.00
L.Munns                   1 2/3   3   3   3   3   1   0  38  10.13
T.Zachary                 1 1/3   3   0   0   0   0   0  28   0.00
Totals                    9      14   7   7   5   4   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 12,687 DATE- Thursday, April 19th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 1:56
LEFT ON BASE- Braves:12  Dodgers: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- Braves: 0  Dodgers: 0
ERRORS- P.Whitney
DOUBLES- M.McManus-2(3rd), W.Berger(1st), P.Whitney(1st), L.Frey(1st),
         D.Taylor(2nd), H.Wilson(1st)
HOME RUNS- T.Cuccinello(1st)
RBIs- W.Berger(3rd), P.Whitney-2(2nd), S.Hogan-2(2nd), T.Thompson(1st),
      D.Taylor(4th), H.Wilson(1st), S.Leslie(1st), T.Cuccinello(2nd)
SACRIFICE HITS- H.Betts
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Taylor, H.Wilson
WALKS- B.Urbanski, W.Berger, R.Moore-2, B.Jordan, H.Wilson-2, J.Stripp,
       S.Leslie
STRIKE OUTS- B.Urbanski, M.McManus, H.Betts-2, L.Koenecke-2, J.Stripp,
             T.Cuccinello
WILD PITCHES- L.Munns
PASSED BALLS- S.Hogan
2-out RBI- P.Whitney-2, S.Hogan-2, S.Leslie
RLISP 2-out- S.Hogan, A.Lopez-5, P.Whitney, B.Jordan-2, R.Moore-3, B.Urbanski
TEAM RISP- Braves: 5 for 13  Dodgers: 0 for 8
IBB- B.Urbanski (by L.Munns, 8th inning)

Fortunes change as Dodgers drop Game 2

Manager Mathew Williams is intent on seeing his team start the season strong; he has emphasized a strong start in a number of interviews.  The Dodgers won the first game of the season yesterday, but they lost today, 7-3 to the Braves.

Dodgers' starter Ownie Carroll simply did not have his stuff in this game.  He went just 3 innings, allowing 6 hits and 4 earned runs to go with 2 walks and 0 strikeouts.  Williams was quick with the hook.  "It was clear to me he wasn't fooling the Boston batters," Williams said.  "I really felt like I needed to act quickly and pull him, so I did.  But Boston never ended up relinquishing the lead and we lost."

The Dodgers were first on the scoreboard, scoring in both the first and second innings.  Danny Taylor doubled in Johnny Frederick in the first.  In the second, Tony Cuccinello hit a sac fly that scored Jimmy Jordan.  Things were looking good at the time, but the Braves answered decisively in the third.  Bill Urbanski started the inning with a home run.  After singles from McManus and Lee, Wally Berger hit a two-run triple.  A single from Buck Jordan scored the fourth and final run on the inning.  Boston would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game.

The Braves produced more traffic on the base paths in the 8th inning.  A two-run single with the bases loaded ultimately produced two more runs.  In the 9th, they added one when Bill Urbanski scored on a McManus double.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Boston Braves At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers               4/18/1934
Updated W/L Records: Boston(1-1) Brooklyn(1-1)
 
  Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Urbanski SS       6  3  3  1 .400     G.Chapman LF        5  0  3  0 .600  
  M.McManus 2B        6  1  3  1 .444     J.Frederick RF      5  2  1  0 .125  
  H.Lee LF            3  2  2  0 .286     D.Taylor CF         5  0  3  2 .500  
B-T.Thompson PR,RF    0  0  0  0 ----     J.Stripp 3B         4  0  0  0 .000  
  W.Berger CF         3  1  1  2 .286     S.Leslie 1B         5  0  2  0 .250  
  R.Moore RF,LF       5  0  2  2 .375     J.Jordan SS         4  1  1  0 .375  
  B.Jordan 1B         3  0  1  1 .286     A.Lopez C           3  0  2  0 .333  
  P.Whitney 3B        5  0  0  0 .000     T.Cuccinello 2B     3  0  1  1 .400  
  S.Hogan C           4  0  0  0 .000     O.Carroll P         1  0  0  0 .000  
  E.Brandt P          5  0  0  0 .000     L.Munns P           0  0  0  0 ----  
  L.Mangum P          0  0  0  0 ----   A-L.Frey PH           1  0  0  0 .000  
                                          B.Beck P            1  0  0  0 .000  
                                          A.Herring P         0  0  0  0 ----  
                                        C-L.Koenecke PH       1  0  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      40  7 12  7                 Totals      38  3 13  3
 
A-Pinch Hit For Munns In 4th Inning
B-Pinch Ran For Lee In 9th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Herring In 9th Inning
 
INJURY: Hal Lee INJURED (for 1 more game) in 9th inning
 
Braves.......... 0 0 4  0 0 0  0 2 1  -  7 12  0
Dodgers......... 1 1 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  -  3 13  1
 
Braves (1-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
E.Brandt WIN(1-0)         8 2/3  13   3   3   2   6   0 128   3.12
L.Mangum SAVE(1st)        0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   5   0.00
Totals                    9      13   3   3   2   6   0
 
Dodgers (1-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
O.Carroll LOSS(0-1)       3       6   4   4   2   0   1  70  12.00
L.Munns                   1       0   0   0   3   1   0  23   0.00
B.Beck                    3       1   0   0   0   0   0  40   0.00
A.Herring                 2       5   3   3   3   0   0  60  13.50
Totals                    9      12   7   7   8   1   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 26,190 DATE- Wednesday, April 18th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
T- 2:26
LEFT ON BASE- Braves:16  Dodgers:11
DOUBLE PLAYS- Braves: 1  Dodgers: 0
ERRORS- A.Lopez
DOUBLES- M.McManus(1st), R.Moore(1st), J.Frederick(1st), D.Taylor(1st),
         A.Lopez-2(2nd)
TRIPLES- W.Berger(1st), D.Taylor(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Urbanski(1st)
RBIs- B.Urbanski(1st), M.McManus(1st), W.Berger-2(2nd), R.Moore-2(2nd),
      B.Jordan(1st), D.Taylor-2(3rd), T.Cuccinello(1st)
SACRIFICE FLIES- T.Cuccinello
WALKS- H.Lee-2, W.Berger-3, R.Moore, B.Jordan-2, J.Stripp, A.Lopez
HIT BY PITCH- H.Lee, S.Hogan
STRIKE OUTS- B.Jordan, D.Taylor, J.Stripp, J.Jordan, O.Carroll, B.Beck,
             L.Koenecke
2-out RBI- R.Moore-2, M.McManus
RLISP 2-out- E.Brandt-2, O.Carroll, B.Jordan-2, L.Frey, S.Leslie-3, G.Chapman,
             P.Whitney-2, T.Cuccinello, R.Moore-2
TEAM RISP- Braves: 3 for 11  Dodgers: 1 for 11

Dodgers top Braves in opener

Van Mungo pitched a complete game shutout, and Danny Taylor hit a big home run as the Dodgers bested the Boston Braves in the season opener, 2-0.  

There was no scoring until the 7th inning as the Dodgers scored 1 run on 1 hit (the Taylor home run).  The Braves couldn't answer, and the Dodgers scored again in the 8th as Van Mungo singled in Tony Cuccinello.  There was fine pitching throughout the game as Fred Frankhouse pitched 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits on 2 earned runs.  Van Mungo went the distance, allowing 0 earned runs on 5 hits, 5 strikeouts.

BOXSCORE: 1934 Boston Braves At 1934 Brooklyn Dodgers               4/17/1934
Updated W/L Records: Boston(0-1) Brooklyn(1-0)
 
  Braves             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Dodgers            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Urbanski SS       4  0  1  0 .250     J.Frederick CF      3  0  0  0 .000  
  M.McManus 2B        3  0  1  0 .333     J.Jordan SS         4  0  2  0 .500  
  H.Lee LF            4  0  0  0 .000     D.Taylor LF         3  1  1  1 .333  
  W.Berger CF         4  0  1  0 .250     H.Wilson RF         4  0  0  0 .000  
  R.Moore RF          3  0  1  0 .333     S.Leslie 1B         3  0  0  0 .000  
  B.Jordan 1B         4  0  1  0 .250     J.Stripp 3B         3  0  0  0 .000  
  P.Whitney 3B        4  0  0  0 .000     A.Lopez C           3  0  0  0 .000  
  S.Hogan C           3  0  0  0 .000     T.Cuccinello 2B     2  1  1  0 .500  
  F.Frankhouse P      3  0  0  0 .000     V.Mungo P           3  0  1  1 .333  
  B.Smith P           0  0  0  0 ----                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      32  0  5  0                 Totals      28  2  5  2
 
 
Braves.......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  0  5  1
Dodgers......... 0 0 0  0 0 0  1 1    -  2  5  1
 
Braves (0-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
F.Frankhouse LOSS(0-1)    7 2/3   5   2   2   2   0   1  99   2.35
B.Smith                   0 1/3   0   0   0   1   0   0  11   0.00
Totals                    8       5   2   2   3   0   1
 
Dodgers (1-0)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC    ERA
V.Mungo WIN(1-0)          9       5   0   0   2   5   0 119   0.00
Totals                    9       5   0   0   2   5   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 15,848 DATE- Tuesday, April 17th 1934 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
T- 1:57
LEFT ON BASE- Braves: 7  Dodgers: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Braves: 1  Dodgers: 0
ERRORS- S.Hogan, S.Leslie
DOUBLES- J.Jordan(1st)
HOME RUNS- D.Taylor(1st)
RBIs- D.Taylor(1st), V.Mungo
STOLEN BASES- T.Cuccinello(1st)
WALKS- M.McManus, R.Moore, J.Frederick, D.Taylor, T.Cuccinello
STRIKE OUTS- H.Lee, W.Berger, P.Whitney, F.Frankhouse-2
GIDP- V.Mungo
RLISP 2-out- H.Wilson-3, P.Whitney, F.Frankhouse
TEAM RISP- Braves: 0 for 3  Dodgers: 1 for 4

Cold, rainy conditions greet Opening Day

Opening Day is often treated with a measure of romance, but it will be difficult to do so today with low temperatures, rain, and cloudy skies.  The Dodgers are preparing to play the Boston Braves in the first of three at Ebbets Field.  Despite the rain, the game is scheduled to play on time.  Let's check those starting lineups:

Boston Braves	Brooklyn Dodgers
Bill Urbanski, SS	Johnny Frederick, CF
Marty McManus, 2B	Jimmy Jordan, SS
Hal Lee, LF	Danny Taylor, LF
Wally Berger, CF	Hack Wilson, RF
Randy Moore, RF	Sam Leslie, 1B
Buck Jordan, 1B	Joe Stripp, 3B
Pinky Whitney, 3B	Al Lopez, C
Shanty Hogan, C	Tony Cuccinello, 2B
Fred Frankhose, P	Van Mungo, P

The winds whip madly at 'Old Glory' out in centerfield as we prepare to open the season here in Brooklyn.  The grass is wet, but freshly cut.  The fans, bundled up in their winter clothes, welcome another season of Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball.  

The P.A. Announcer Pat Smith will announce today's reserve players and starting lineups right after this!

Hall of Famers playing this season

We are less than a week away from Opening Day, and the excitement is building.  We wanted to explore one interesting aspect of the 1934 NL season: the Hall of Fame players who will be playing this season.

Brooklyn

Hack Wilson (OF):  The 34-year-old is in his final season in the big leagues.  His career spans just twelve seasons; his 'hey-day' was the mid to late '20's, including his record-setting RBI season of 1930.  He is a career .307 hitter, career 144 OPS+.  From 1926 to 1930, he led the league in home runs four times and RBI's twice.  His NL-record 56 home runs in 1930 stood until the steroids era.  He is also a serious alcoholic.

Chicago

Kiki Cuyler (OF):  The 35-year-old is in his 14th season.  One of the most popular and exciting players of the era, he is a five-tools outfielder.  He is coming off back-to-back injury-plagued seasons.  He has led the league in steals four times, and will lead the league in doubles this season (book stats).  He is a career .321 hitter, career 125 OPS+.  He is known as a "gentleman" in baseball as he doesn't drink or smoke.  

Gabby Hartnett (C): Widely regarded as one of the finest catchers to ever play the game, the 33-year-old is in his 13th season.  In 1935, he will win league MVP.  He is a .297 career hitter, career 126 OPS+.  He is known for a strong and accurate throwing arm.  He appeared in four World Series.

Billy Herman (IF): The 24-year-old is in his 4th season.  In 1933, he accounted for 466 put-outs at second base - still an NL record.  He will lead the majors in hits in 1935 with 227.  He recorded back-to-back seasons with 57 doubles in 1935 & '36.  Remembered for exceptional defense.  

Chuck Klein (OF):  The 29-year-old is in his 7th season.  In his first full season in the majors he hit .356 and set a new NL record with 43 home runs.  He finished in the top 5 in MVP voting for 4 years in a row ('30 - '33).  He led the league in home runs in 4 different years.  He has a career .922 OPS and a .320 batting average.  His production began to drop off in 1934, and never again did he climb the heights he did in the early '30's.

Cincinnati

Jim Bottomley (IF):  Set the ML-record (since tied) with 12 RBI's in one game in 1924.  The 34-year-old is in his 13th season.  His best season was in 1928 when he hit 42 doubles, 20 triples, 31 home runs, and 136 RBI's.  He never had a single-season WAR total over 5.6.  By 1934 he is no longer the player he once was.

Chick Hafey (OF):  Established himself as one of the finest hitters in the game in the late '20's / early '30's.  He led the league in slugging percentage in 1927 and batting average in 1931.  The 31-year-old is in his 11th season.  Possessor of one of the strongest arms in the game.  Roommate of Jim Bottomley.

Ernie Lombardi (C):  The 26-year-old is in his 4th season.  He will win the MVP in 1938.  In his 10 seasons with the Reds, he hit over .300 in seven.  He won the league batting title in 1938 and 1942.  He threw out 47.6% of would-be base stealers in his career.  Regarded as one of the slowest base runners in Major League history.

New York

Carl Hubbell (P):  His 9.0 WAR in 1933 was tops in the majors.  He finished 23-12 that year with a 1.66 ERA.  Regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in history, his screwball is his signature pitch.  He led the league in ERA in 3 different years, and was league MVP twice.  In his 7th season, the 31-year-old  has a career ERA+ of 130.

Mel Ott (OF):  Ranks 15th all-time in career WAR with 111 - the only Hall of Famer listed here who achieved triple digits in the category.  He is a career .304 hitter, and his 511 home runs rank 25th all-time.  His 155 OPS+ ranks him among the best hitters all-time.  He led the league in home runs in 6 seasons.  In 1934, he is 25-years-old and in his 7th full season.

Bill Terry (IF):  He hit .401 in 1930 for the Giants, finishing third in MVP voting that year.  He is a career .341 hitter (18th all-time).  

Pittsburgh

Burleigh Grimes (P):  The 40-year-old is in his 19th and final season.  He spent 9 years with the Dodgers, compiling a 158-121 record, 3.46 ERA.  He throws an effective spitball pitch.  His most noteworthy season came in 1928 when he paced the NL in wins (25), games (48), complete games (28) and innings pitched (330.2).  He holds a rather pedestrian 108 ERA+ for his career

Waite Hoyt (P):   He was considered the ace of the 1927 Yankees, often considered the best team in baseball history.  In his 21 years in the big leagues, ending in 1938, he was 237-182 with 54 WAR.  He had a fine comeback season in 1934 at age 34, winning 15 games to match a 2.93 ERA.  He played for 7 teams over the course of his career, compiling a 112 ERA+.

Fred Lindstrom (IF-OF):  The 28-year-old is in his 11th season.  He began his career for the New York Giants, leading the league in 1928 in hits with 231, and finishing 2nd in the MVP vote.  In 1930 he hit .379 and hit a career high 22 home runs (he became the first third baseman in the 20th century to hit 20 home runs.  His 28.5 career WAR is low for Hall of Fame standards.

Pie Traynor (IF):  Widely regarded as the premier third baseman of his era.  In 1925, he led the Pirates to its first pennant in 16 years, hitting .320 and .346 in the World Series.  He hit a career best .366 in 1930 with 119 RBI's.  In his 13 seasons, he topped the 100 RBI mark 7 times.  He was an exceptional fielder, leading NL third basemen in putouts 7 times, double plays 4 times, and assists 3 times.  In 1934, he is 35 years old and nearing the end of his career.

Arky Vaughan (IF):  The 22-year-old shortstop is in his 3rd season.  He is the premier shortstop of his era, hitting .300 or better in each of his first 10 seasons.  His .385 average in 1935 is the highest ever in the modern era of the National League.  He led the NL in WAR for three straight seasons (1934-36).  His .318 lifetimes average is second all-time to Honus Wagner.  

Lloyd Waner (OF):  He finished 6th in MVP voting in his rookie season in 1927, hitting .355 with a league-best 133 runs scored.  He led the league in hits in 1931 (214).  The second-half of his career is not as impressive as the first, as he totaled a 99 OPS+ for his career.  He has an excellent eye at the plate, striking out more than 15 times in just three of his 18 seasons.  He was also an excellent defender, leading all NL outfielders in putouts 4 times.

Paul Waner (OF):   Became the 7th member of the 3,000 hit club in 1942.  Won the batting title in 1927 (his first of three), hitting .380 and winning the MVP.  The 31-year-old is in his 9th season.  From 1926-40, he hit .340 and led all players with 2,868 hits, 558 doubles, and 187 triples.  A player of remarkable agility.

St. Louis

Dizzy Dean (P):  The 24-year-old is in his 3rd season.  He is the ML WAR leader for 1934, winning 30 games and the NL MVP.  A four-time all-star, he won 150 games in 12 seasons.  He has a career 131 ERA+.  Known for his practical jokes, colorful personality and confident attitude, he was popular with fans and became a broadcaster post-career.

Frankie Frisch (IF):  An excellent defender, he set the record for most assists by a second baseman in 1927 with 641.  He won the NL MVP in 1931, hitting .311 with a league-best 28 steals.  He was known for his remarkable speed, nicknamed "Fordham Flash."  He stole 419 bases in his career.  The 36-year-old is in his 16th season.

Dazzy Vance (P):  His electric fastball made him the preeminent strikeout pitcher of the '20s.  He led the National League in strikeouts for 7 consecutive seasons (1922-28), often by large margins.  He is 43 years old and in his 15th season.  He led the league in WAR four times, all with the Dodgers.  His best season was 1924, when he won MVP and led the league in wins (28), ERA (2.16), complete games (30) and strikeouts (262).  He beat out Rogers Hornsby, who hit .424 that year, for the award.   

Jesse Haines (P):  The knuckle-baller pitched 19 years in the big leagues; 1934 is his 16th season, age 40.  He finished his career with 210 wins and a 3.64 ERA (109 ERA+).  He pitched in 4 World Series, helping the Cardinals win 2.  His 25 complete games in 1927 were a league best and he finished 8th in the MVP race that season.

Joe Medwick (OF):  The 22-year-old is in his 2nd season.  A solid defensive outfielder, he would go on to become one of the NL's most dangerous bats in the '30s.  He won the triple crown in 1937, hitting .374 with 31 home runs and 154 RBI's.  He led the league in both RBI's and doubles for three straight years (1936-38).  After leaving the Cardinals, his production dropped, but he spent 4 years with Brooklyn, leading the team in hits from 1940-42 and helping lead them to the 1941 World Series.  He is a career .324 hitter (134 OPS+).  

Dodgers return home from Vero Beach, prepare for Opening Day

The Dodgers' Spring Training campaign has wrapped up, and now it's all systems go for the regular season beginning in one week.

The annual pilgrimage to Vero Beach was a successful one in 1934, with players getting into season-ready shape under the Florida sun.  The palms swayed gently in the breeze as Dodger players practiced every facet of the game - from the routine (batting and fielding practice, bullpens) to more obscure (pitchers' fielding practice, situational strategy, other things).  The goal is to be in season-ready shape before next week.  Manager Williams thinks they look good.

"Every player showed up this year intent on training hard," Manager Williams said.  "I can honestly say we ran one hell of a camp.  No one can question this team's heart."

Indeed it seems that the relationships on this team have grown strong, anchored in no small part by Manager Williams, who is working hard to build team chemistry.  Williams ran a rather demanding camp, forcing players to run laps at the end of each practice.  It was the kind of 'tough love' often associated with Williams managing style.  But make no mistake, he also made it clear that he also wants every player to have fun and enjoy the ride.  "I want us to play like we love the game - which we do."

Williams, for his part, enjoyed Spring Training in the temperate Florida conditions.  Off the field he played some golf at Florida courses and spent some nights at bars sipping rum and cokes and thinking about the season ahead.  There was also some time spent at beach.  Mostly though, Williams was all about business, laser-focused on making this season as successful as possible.  Williams loves competition, and the seriousness he demands of his team endears him to some while pushing others away.  Williams needs to strike the right balance with his players.

The team will now travel back to Brooklyn via a long train ride.  We will bring you more coverage tomorrow!

It's 1934 in Brooklyn

 Oh Brooklyn, brave Brooklyn.

It's 1934 and we're in the heart of the Great Depression.  Across America, millions are out of work; millions more toil for reduced wages.  Here in Brooklyn it's the dockworkers, the longshoremen, the factory workers, garment workers, the cops on the beat, that make up the working class.  Life is difficult; the daily grind tends to wear a person down.  But they're lucky to have a job and they know it.  Despite the challenges, they have a special solace - Brooklyn Dodgers baseball at Ebbets Field.

"How ya think tha Dodjuhs will do this year?," Frank Bertuzzi asks his customers at his butcher shop.  "They finished sixth last year, can they do betta?"

One aspect of the team that fans are curious about is the new Manager, Mathew Williams.  He's been around the game a long time and is a fine baseball mind.  Can he light a fire under these boys, these Bums, and win a pennant?  He's signed for the long-term, so we will get the chance to see.

The American flag flies high and majestic at Ebbets Field during these weeks leading up to the season.  The field is an emerald green, freshly cut.  But things are quiet, no one is around, and Mathew Williams stares silently from the dugout in his street clothes, preparing himself for the season.  He knows the entire borough is trusting him to bring a pennant home.  He is happy the fans are so interested; this is going to be one hell of a place to manage.

Williams takes a cab over the bridge, over to the Lower East Side to have a drink.  The cab driver is an easy-going Italian.  The buildings whiz by in a gray haze, the temperature outside a cool fifty degrees.  Finally, the cab driver pulls over next to some dive bar.  Williams pays his fare and enters the bar.

 Some popular swing music is playing from a radio as Williams settles down at the bar.  Bartender asks, "What cha havin'?" 

"Uh, a rum and coke please," William's says.

Coca-Cola has already become a very popular drink in the 1930's.  It costs 5 cents a bottle.

Williams sits there drinking his cocktail, thinking about the strange trajectory of fortune that led him here.  But he clears his mind of such thoughts and begins to focus on the task at hand.  He needs to figure out his lineup.  He has a lot of similar bats that he needs to place.  Back at his apartment he will tinker with it.  He wants to be prepared.  Opening Day is less than two weeks away.  But for now he just sips his drinks and listens to the big band music.  

Yes, it's the 1930's in America.  Over the next few months, we will travel by train as far west as St. Louis.  We will see this great land.  We will drink, we will have fun!  We will dance with disreputable women.  We will travel this country making money by playing ball!  This is a front row seat to the Big League Life.

Here's to the Brooklyn Dodgers in Season 1 of the Strat-o-Matic RePlay! Cheers! 🍻.

Hello world

 Hello, ladies and gentlemen...