TERRE HAUTE —
Part II
During 1947 pre-season interviews, Terre Haute Phillies manager Ray Brubaker expressed confidence that he would field a competitive team “if our pitching is consistent.”
So Brubaker must have been disenchanted to watch his squad commit 10 errors in a 4-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association April 13 at Memorial Stadium before 2,774 fans.
The Phillies outhit the Brewers, 8 to 6, and their pitching was good. Starter Ed Sundra hurled the first three innings and, though tagged for four hits and three runs, only one was earned. On the negative side, he gave up five base on balls.
Whitey Gluchoski twirled the next three innings and held the Brewers scoreless, relinquishing one hit while walking two. But he was in frequent trouble due to faulty fielding. Righthander Lou Grasmick pitched the seventh and eighth innings, allowing two unearned runs on only one hit. He walked one and struck out two.
Ken Graney retired the side quickly in the final inning but was sent to Salina a few days later for more seasoning.
The Phillies’ outfield was in good hands. Wally Jakowczyk made an impressive local debut by stroking two solid singles. Center fielder Dick Welker also got two hits while left fielder Bill Higdon added another.
Terre Haute fans had the opportunity to watch one of the great infielders in baseball history. Alvin Dark, selected 1948 National League Rookie of the Year after hitting .322 to lead the Boston Braves to a pennant, who was the Brewers’ shortstop. Recipient of the inaugural Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1955, Dark also had a successful managerial career, winning pennants in both leagues and the 1974 World Series for the Oakland A’s. Currently 90 years old, he is the oldest living manager of a world champion.
Manager Brubaker’s chief focus was on the left side of his infield. The arrival of Don Hasenmayer, scheduled to fill one of those spots, was postponed by his decision to get married. Third baseman Joe Safety and shortstop Johnny Berdella, both promising youngsters, each committed three errors.
Hasenmayer’s fielding skills were compared to those of 1946 star infielder Putsy Caballero.
On April 14, Brubaker was elated to learn that Willie “Puddinhead” Jones, one of the nation’s top rookie shortstop prospects, was being added to the Terre Haute roster. Philadelphia gave Jones a $16,000 signing bonus. Puddinhead hit .503 in 60 games for Hartsville of the semi-pro Palmetto League before signing the pro contract.
“Jones could be elected governor of North Carolina if he ran for office,” Bob Carpenter, president of the Philadelphia Phillies, asserted. “A lot of the people down there have never heard of Harry Truman but they have all heard of Puddinhead Jones!”
Born in Dillon, S.C. but raised in Laurel, N.C., Jones made a notable debut April 19 at Union City, Tenn., home of the Greyhounds of the Class D Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee (or “Kitty”) League. The Phillies won, 10 to 3. Grasmick, Sundra and starter Al Porto, a 19-year old southpaw, pitched well.
Rain played havoc with the Phillies’ pre-season schedule as Brubaker tried to prepare his squad for the season opener at home April 24 against Waterloo. Bad weather resulted in the postponement of road exhibition games against Evansville and the Muncie Reds of the Class D Ohio State League.
The acquisition of first baseman Gene Olive from Memphis of the Southern Association was good news. Olive hit .331 for Henderson of the Class C East Texas League in 1946. Pitcher Tom Ernest and catchers Charley Hood, Ray Dybzinski and Vince Oltman also were added to the roster. Catcher Mel Brookey was sent to Salina. Three-I League president Tom Fairweather was in Terre Haute on April 22 and 23 to meet with the eight league umpires. Fairweather planned to throw out the season’s first pitch at Memorial Stadium when the Phillies met Waterloo, managed by former Chicago White Sox outfielder Johnny Mostil, who hit .301 in his 10-year major league career.
Despite his name, Fairweather could not halt the precipitation that was inundating the area. The first two games of a scheduled three-game series were rained out. The Phillies lost the season opener to the White Hawks, 8 to 7, on Saturday night, though Jones hit a three-run homer while Jakowczyk and Hood contributed triples.
Vern Freiburger, who played for Wilkes-Barre of the Class A Eastern League in 1946, joined the Phillies to compete for the first base job with Olive, who had not yet joined the team.
New General Electric light towers — identical to those used at Yankee Stadium — were installed at Memorial Stadium before opening night, further elevating the local amphitheater’s reputation as one of the finest minor league parks in the nation.
Brubaker’s brother, Claude, and his wife, residents of Grand Island, Neb., came to Terre Haute on Saturday to spend a few days with Ray and his wife, Irma.
The Davenport Cubs, defending Three-I League champions, arrived Sunday, April 27, for “Babe Ruth Day.” Every fan attending was invited to sign a page of a “Get Well” tribute booklet, illustrated by Terre Haute commercial artist Howard Haig, to be sent to America's most popular athlete, who was fighting throat cancer.
The Phillies embarrassed Davenport, 13 to 2, before 2,819 paying customers and about 300 Knot Hole Gang members, who signed the scroll to Ruth using gold ink. Davenport was managed for the second year by Dick Kerr, winning pitcher of two games for the Chicago Black Sox in the 1919 World Series.
On Monday, April 28, the Terre Haute Optimists Club sponsored a free baseball fundamentals clinic at the stadium conducted by Hall of Fame immortal Rogers Hornsby. Every school age child was invited. Nearly 1,200 were excused from school to attend.
The Phillies scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth that night to clinch a 6 to 5 victory. The final game of the three-game series with Davenport was rained out.
Sporting a 2-1 won-loss record at the end of their initial homestand, Brubaker’s Phillies embarked on their first road trip. The first stop was Waterloo.
By the time the team returned home 10 days later, the baseball world with which Terre Haute fans was familiar had been substantially altered.
Continued to next week
History
Historical Perspective, June 24, 2012: Terre Haute Phillies — 1947 season: A year of triumph and tragedy
- History
-
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
-
‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
-
Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
-
Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
-
Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
-
Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
-
Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
-
Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
-
Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
-
River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
-
Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
-
Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
-
Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
-
Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
-
The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Jersey Shore Open for Business
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Today in History May 24
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
