1941 Brooklyn Dodgers season
Encyclopedia
The Brooklyn Dodgers
, led by manager Leo Durocher
, won their first pennant in 21 years, edging the St. Louis Cardinals
by 2.5 games. They went on to lose to the New York Yankees
in the World Series
.
In The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
, this team was referenced as one of "The Greatest Teams That Never Was," due to the quality of its starting lineup. Dolph Camilli
was the slugging star with 34 home runs and 120 RBI. He was voted the National League
's Most Valuable Player
. Pete Reiser
, a 22-year old rookie, led the league in batting average, slugging percentage, and runs scored. Other regulars included Hall of Fame
rs Billy Herman
, Joe Medwick
, Pee Wee Reese
, and Dixie Walker
. Not surprisingly, the Dodgers scored the most runs of any NL team (800).
The pitching staff featured a pair of 22-game winners, Kirby Higbe
and Whitlow Wyatt
, having their best pro seasons.
matched the New York Yankees
against the Dodgers, with the Yankees winning in five games to capture their fifth title in six years, and their ninth overall.
The name "Subway Series
" arose for a World Series played between two New York City
teams. The series was punctuated by the Dodgers' Mickey Owen
's dropped third strike
of a sharply breaking curveball
(a suspected spitball
) pitched by Hugh Casey
to Tommy Henrich
in the 9th inning of Game 4. The play led to a Yankees rally and brought them one win away from another championship.
The Yankees were back after a one-year hiatus, having won thirteen (13) of their last fourteen (14) Series games and twenty-eight (28) of their last thirty-one (31) games in the World Series.
This was the first Subway Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees, who had already faced the crosstown New York Giants
five times, and the Series was now 1-0 in favor of the Bronx Bombers. These two teams would meet a total of seven (7) times from 1941-1956 - the Dodgers' only victory coming in 1955
.
in Brooklyn, New York
in Brooklyn, New York
in Brooklyn, New York
Kirby Higbe
Joe Medwick
Pete Reiser
Whit Wyatt
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, led by manager Leo Durocher
Leo Durocher
Leo Ernest Durocher , nicknamed Leo the Lip, was an American infielder and manager in Major League Baseball. Upon his retirement, he ranked fifth all-time among managers with 2,009 career victories, second only to John McGraw in National League history. Durocher still ranks tenth in career wins by...
, won their first pennant in 21 years, edging the St. Louis Cardinals
1941 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals season was the team's 60th season in St. Louis, Missouri and the 50th season in the National League. The Cardinals went 97-56 during the season and finished 2nd in the National League.- Offseason :...
by 2.5 games. They went on to lose to the New York Yankees
1941 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees season was the 39th season for the team in New York, and its 41st season overall. The team finished with a record of 101-54, winning their 12th pennant, finishing 17 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Joe McCarthy. The Yankees played their home games at...
in the World Series
1941 World Series
The 1941 World Series matched the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers, with the Yankees winning in five games to capture their fifth title in six years, and their ninth overall....
.
In The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract
The Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is a reference-type book written by Bill James featuring an overview of baseball decade by decade, along with rankings of the top 100 players at each position. The original edition was published in 1985 by Villard Books, followed by The New Bill James...
, this team was referenced as one of "The Greatest Teams That Never Was," due to the quality of its starting lineup. Dolph Camilli
Dolph Camilli
Adolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
was the slugging star with 34 home runs and 120 RBI. He was voted the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
's Most Valuable Player
Most Valuable Player
In sports, a Most Valuable Player award is an honor typically bestowed upon the best performing player or players on a specific team, in an entire league, or for a particular contest or series of contests...
. Pete Reiser
Pete Reiser
Harold Patrick "Pete" Reiser , nicknamed "Pistol Pete," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and early 1950s. He played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.-Early career:A native of St...
, a 22-year old rookie, led the league in batting average, slugging percentage, and runs scored. Other regulars included Hall of Fame
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
rs Billy Herman
Billy Herman
William Jennings Bryan "Billy" Herman was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his stellar defense and consistent batting...
, Joe Medwick
Joe Medwick
Joseph Michael Medwick , nicknamed "Ducky", was an American Major League Baseball player. A left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals during the "Gashouse Gang" era of the 1930s, he also played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , New York Giants , and Boston Braves...
, Pee Wee Reese
Pee Wee Reese
Harold Peter Henry "Pee Wee" Reese was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from to . A ten-time All Star, Reese contributed to seven National League championships for the Dodgers and, was inducted...
, and Dixie Walker
Dixie Walker
Fred E. "Dixie" Walker was a right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Chicago White Sox , Detroit Tigers , Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates...
. Not surprisingly, the Dodgers scored the most runs of any NL team (800).
The pitching staff featured a pair of 22-game winners, Kirby Higbe
Kirby Higbe
Walter Kirby Higbe was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball from to . He was born and died in Columbia, South Carolina.-Career:...
and Whitlow Wyatt
Whit Wyatt
John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies...
, having their best pro seasons.
Offseason
- November 11, 1940: Vito TamulisVito TamulisVitautis Casimirus Tamulis was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1934-1941. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he died at age 62 in Nashville, Tennessee.-External links:...
, Bill Crouch, Mickey LivingstonMickey LivingstonThompson Orville "Mickey" Livingston was a professional baseball player who played catcher for six Major League teams from 1938 to 1951.-Sources:*...
and cash were traded by the Dodgers to the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for Kirby HigbeKirby HigbeWalter Kirby Higbe was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball from to . He was born and died in Columbia, South Carolina.-Career:...
. - November 19, 1940: Tot PressnellTot PressnellForest Charles Pressnell , was a former professional baseball player who played pitcher in the Major Leagues from 1938-1942. He pitched for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs-External links:...
was purchased from the Dodgers by the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. - December, 1940: Boze BergerBoze BergerLouis William "Boze" Berger was an infielder who played for the Cleveland Indians , Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox...
was traded by the Dodgers to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for Jack GrahamJack Graham (baseball)John Bernard Graham was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he played in 1946 and 1949 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and St. Louis Browns. He died at age 82 in Los Alamitos, California.His father, Peaches Graham, also played in the...
. - December 4, 1940: Glen StewartGlen StewartGlen Weldon Stewart was a Major League Baseball infielder. He played all or part of three seasons in the majors, between and , for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Phillies.-Sources:...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the New York GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. - December 4, 1940: Gus MancusoGus MancusoAugust Rodney Mancuso , nicknamed "Blackie", was a professional baseball player, coach, scout and radio sports commentator. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals , New York Giants , Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies...
, minor leaguer John Pintar and cash were traded by the Dodgers to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
for Mickey OwenMickey OwenArnold Malcolm "Mickey" Owen was a catcher for St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Between 1937 and 1954, Owen played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Brooklyn Dodgers , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox...
. - December 9, 1940: Pep YoungPep YoungLemuel Floyd Young born in Jamestown, North Carolina was a Second Baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Cincinnati Reds and St...
was traded by the Dodgers to the Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
for Lew RiggsLew RiggsLewis Sidney Riggs born in Mebane, North Carolina was a Third Baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals , Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers ....
. - January 27, 1941: Pep RambertPep RambertElmer Donald "Pep" Rambert was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-External links:...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. - February 4, 1941: Lefty MillsLefty MillsHoward Robinson "Lefty" Mills was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors, between and , for the St. Louis Browns.-External links:...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. - Prior to 1941 season: Wally WestlakeWally WestlakeWaldon Thomas Westlake was a utility player who had a ten-year career from 1947 to 1956. Born in Gridley, California, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies of the National League, and the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles of the...
was acquired from the Dodgers by the Merced Bears.
Notable transactions
- April 3, 1941: Roxie LawsonRoxie LawsonAlfred Voyle "Roxie" Lawson was a Major League Baseball player.After attending Iowa Wesleyan College, Roxie Lawson played nine Major League seasons as a right-handed pitcher with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , and St. Louis Browns...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. - April 15, 1941: Newt KimballNewt KimballNewell W. Kimball was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.Born in Logan, Utah, Kimball was signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1934, winning twenty games for their Class C Ponca City, Oklahoma affiliate as a nineteen-year-old...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. - April 15, 1941: Lefty MillsLefty MillsHoward Robinson "Lefty" Mills was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played all or part of five seasons in the majors, between and , for the St. Louis Browns.-External links:...
was returned by the Dodgers to the St. Louis BrownsBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
. - April 22, 1941: Mace BrownMace BrownMace Stanley Brown was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1935 through 1946, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. Brown posted a 76-57 record with a 3.46 ERA and 44 saves in 387 appearances .Brown was also a javelin thrower who attended the...
was purchased by the Dodgers from the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. - May 6, 1941: Lee GrissomLee GrissomLee Theo Grissom was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1934-1941 for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. His brother Marv was also a professional baseball player...
was traded by the Dodgers to the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for Vito TamulisVito TamulisVitautis Casimirus Tamulis was an American left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers from 1934-1941. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he died at age 62 in Nashville, Tennessee.-External links:...
. - May 6, 1941: Johnny HudsonJohnny HudsonJohn Wilson Hudson was a infielder in Major League Baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and New York Giants from 1936-1945.He was later a scout for the Giants from 1949-1970....
, Charlie GilbertCharlie GilbertCharles Mader Gilbert was an American center fielder in Major League Baseball from 1940-1947.Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was the son of outfielder Larry Gilbert. He died at age 64 in New Orleans.-External links:...
and cash were traded by the Dodgers to the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for Billy HermanBilly HermanWilliam Jennings Bryan "Billy" Herman was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his stellar defense and consistent batting...
. - August 14, 1941: Joe BeckerJoe Becker (baseball)Joseph Edward Becker was a catcher in Major League Baseball who played in 40 games for the Cleveland Indians in 1936-1937. He was born in St...
, George StallerGeorge StallerGeorge Walborn Staller was an American outfielder, scout and coach in Major League Baseball. He served as first base coach on Earl Weaver's Baltimore Orioles staff from 1968-75, working on the Orioles' three consecutive American League championship teams and Baltimore's 1970 World Series...
, and minor leaguers John S. Bell and Ray Roche were traded by the Dodgers to the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
for Dixie HowellDixie Howell (catcher)Homer Elliott Howell was a catcher in Major League Baseball. He played from 1947-1956 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers.-External links:...
. - August 26, 1941: Mace BrownMace BrownMace Stanley Brown was a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1935 through 1946, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. Brown posted a 76-57 record with a 3.46 ERA and 44 saves in 387 appearances .Brown was also a javelin thrower who attended the...
and cash were traded by the Dodgers to the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for Augie GalanAugie GalanAugust John Galan was a left fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1934 through 1949, he played for the Chicago Cubs , Brooklyn Dodgers , Cincinnati Reds , New York Giants and Philadelphia Athletics . Galan threw right-handed and began his career as a switch hitter...
.
Roster
| 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Pos | Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 128 | 386 | 32 | 89 | .231 | 1 | 44 | 1 | |
| 1B | 149 | 529 | 92 | 151 | .285 | 34 | 120 | 3 | |
| 2B | 133 | 536 | 77 | 156 | .291 | 3 | 41 | 1 | |
| 3B | 132 | 441 | 75 | 122 | .277 | 1 | 78 | 7 | |
| SS | 152 | 595 | 76 | 136 | .229 | 2 | 46 | 10 | |
| OF | 148 | 531 | 88 | 165 | 311 | 9 | 71 | 4 | |
| OF | 137 | 536 | 117 | 184 | .343 | 14 | 76 | 4 | |
| OF | 133 | 538 | 100 | 171 | .318 | 18 | 88 | 2 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = runs; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | 265 | 39 | 79 | .298 | 4 | 48 | 2 | |
| 77 | 197 | 27 | 60 | .305 | 5 | 36 | 1 | |
| 57 | 139 | 10 | 28 | .201 | 1 | 11 | 0 | |
| 25 | 56 | 0 | 11 | .196 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 18 | 42 | 2 | 12 | .286 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| 11 | 35 | 5 | 6 | .171 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts; CG = Complete games| Player | G | GS | CG | IP | W | L | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 39 | 19 | 298 | 22 | 9 | 3.14 | 132 | 121 | |
| 38 | 35 | 23 | 288.1 | 22 | 10 | 2.34 | 82 | 176 | |
| 13 | 12 | 3 | 82.2 | 6 | 1 | 2.07 | 26 | 19 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 6.23 | 8 | 5 |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts; CG = Complete games| Player | G | GS | CG | IP | W | L | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 18 | 4 | 162 | 14 | 11 | 3.89 | 57 | 61 | |
| 28 | 16 | 10 | 154.1 | 13 | 7 | 2.97 | 27 | 50 | |
| 30 | 20 | 5 | 136 | 8 | 8 | 4.24 | 41 | 58 | |
| 11 | 4 | 2 | 57.1 | 3 | 0 | 2.51 | 12 | 21 | |
| 15 | 5 | 1 | 52 | 3 | 1 | 3.63 | 29 | 17 | |
| 4 | 1 | 0 | 11.1 | 0 | 0 | 2.38 | 8 | 5 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned Run Average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 42.2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3.16 | 26 | 22 | |
| 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1 | 3 | |
1941 World Series
The 1941 World SeriesWorld Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
matched the New York Yankees
1941 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees season was the 39th season for the team in New York, and its 41st season overall. The team finished with a record of 101-54, winning their 12th pennant, finishing 17 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Joe McCarthy. The Yankees played their home games at...
against the Dodgers, with the Yankees winning in five games to capture their fifth title in six years, and their ninth overall.
The name "Subway Series
Subway Series
The Subway Series is a series of Major League Baseball games played between teams based in New York City. The term's historic usage has been in reference to World Series games played between New York teams...
" arose for a World Series played between two New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
teams. The series was punctuated by the Dodgers' Mickey Owen
Mickey Owen
Arnold Malcolm "Mickey" Owen was a catcher for St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Between 1937 and 1954, Owen played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Brooklyn Dodgers , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox...
's dropped third strike
Dropped third strike
In baseball, an uncaught third strike occurs when the catcher fails to cleanly catch a pitch for the third strike. A pitch is considered uncaught if the ball touches the ground before being caught, or if the ball is dropped after being grasped...
of a sharply breaking curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
(a suspected spitball
Spitball
A spitball is an illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of saliva, petroleum jelly, or some other foreign substance....
) pitched by Hugh Casey
Hugh Casey
Hugh Thomas "Fireman" Casey was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Chicago Cubs , the Brooklyn Dodgers , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the New York Yankees ....
to Tommy Henrich
Tommy Henrich
Thomas David "Tommy" Henrich , nicknamed "The Clutch" and "Old Reliable", was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire baseball career for the New York Yankees . He led the American League in triples twice and in runs scored once, also hitting 20 or more home runs four times...
in the 9th inning of Game 4. The play led to a Yankees rally and brought them one win away from another championship.
The Yankees were back after a one-year hiatus, having won thirteen (13) of their last fourteen (14) Series games and twenty-eight (28) of their last thirty-one (31) games in the World Series.
This was the first Subway Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees, who had already faced the crosstown New York Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
five times, and the Series was now 1-0 in favor of the Bronx Bombers. These two teams would meet a total of seven (7) times from 1941-1956 - the Dodgers' only victory coming in 1955
1955 World Series
The 1955 World Series matched the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees, with the Dodgers winning the Series in seven games to capture their first championship in franchise history. It would be the only Series the Dodgers won in Brooklyn . The last time the Brooklyn franchise won a World...
.
Game 1
October 1, 1941 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn (N) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| New York (A) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | x | 3 | 6 | 1 |
| W: Red Ruffing Red Ruffing Charles Herbert "Red" Ruffing was a Major League Baseball pitcher most remembered for his time with the highly successful New York Yankees teams of the 1930s and 1940s... (1-0) L: Curt Davis Curt Davis Curtis Benton Davis was a Major League Baseball pitcher. On October 2, 1933 he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Pacific Coast League San Francisco Seals in the 1933 rule V draft. He played for the Phillies , Chicago Cubs , St. Louis Cardinals , and Brooklyn Dodgers... (0-1) |
||||||||||||
| HR: NYY – Joe Gordon (1) | ||||||||||||
Game 2
October 2, 1941 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn (N) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 2 |
| New York (A) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 1 |
| W: Whit Wyatt Whit Wyatt John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies... (1-0) L: Spud Chandler Spud Chandler Spurgeon Ferdinand "Spud" Chandler was an American right-handed starting pitcher in major league baseball, who played his entire career for the New York Yankees from 1937 through 1947... (0-1) |
||||||||||||
Game 3
October 4, 1941 at Ebbets FieldEbbets Field
Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football...
in Brooklyn, New York
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (A) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Brooklyn (N) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| W: Marius Russo Marius Russo Marius Ugo Russo was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees . Russo batted right-handed and threw left-handed.-Profile:... (1-0) L: Hugh Casey Hugh Casey Hugh Thomas "Fireman" Casey was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Chicago Cubs , the Brooklyn Dodgers , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the New York Yankees .... (0-1) |
||||||||||||
Game 4
October 5, 1941 at Ebbets FieldEbbets Field
Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football...
in Brooklyn, New York
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (A) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 0 |
| Brooklyn (N) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 1 |
| W: Johnny Murphy Johnny Murphy John Joseph Murphy was an All-Star American right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who later became a front office executive in the game.-Formative relief pitcher:... (1-0) L: Hugh Casey Hugh Casey Hugh Thomas "Fireman" Casey was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the Chicago Cubs , the Brooklyn Dodgers , the Pittsburgh Pirates , and the New York Yankees .... (0-2) |
||||||||||||
| HR: : BRO – Pete Reiser Pete Reiser Harold Patrick "Pete" Reiser , nicknamed "Pistol Pete," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and early 1950s. He played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.-Early career:A native of St... (1) |
||||||||||||
Game 5
October 6, 1941 at Ebbets FieldEbbets Field
Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football...
in Brooklyn, New York
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (A) | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Brooklyn (N) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| W: Tiny Bonham Tiny Bonham Ernest Edward Bonham was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. From 1940 to 1949, he played for the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates . Bonham batted and threw right-handed... (1-0) L: Whit Wyatt Whit Wyatt John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies... (1-1) |
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| HR: : NYY – Tommy Henrich Tommy Henrich Thomas David "Tommy" Henrich , nicknamed "The Clutch" and "Old Reliable", was a Major League Baseball right fielder. He played his entire baseball career for the New York Yankees . He led the American League in triples twice and in runs scored once, also hitting 20 or more home runs four times... (1) |
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Awards and honors
- 1941 Major League Baseball All-Star Game1941 Major League Baseball All-Star GameThe 1941 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the ninth playing of the mid-summer classic between the all-stars of the American League and National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball...
- Whit WyattWhit WyattJohn Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies...
starter - Mickey OwenMickey OwenArnold Malcolm "Mickey" Owen was a catcher for St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball. Between 1937 and 1954, Owen played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Brooklyn Dodgers , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox...
starter - Pete ReiserPete ReiserHarold Patrick "Pete" Reiser , nicknamed "Pistol Pete," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and early 1950s. He played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.-Early career:A native of St...
starter - Dolph CamilliDolph CamilliAdolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
reserve - Billy HermanBilly HermanWilliam Jennings Bryan "Billy" Herman was an American second baseman in Major League Baseball during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his stellar defense and consistent batting...
reserve - Cookie LavagettoCookie LavagettoHarry Arthur "Cookie" Lavagetto was a third baseman, manager and coach in American Major League Baseball. He is most widely known as the pinch hitter whose double ruined Bill Bevens' no-hitter in Game 4 of the 1947 World Series and gave his Brooklyn Dodgers a breathtaking victory over the New...
reserve - Joe MedwickJoe MedwickJoseph Michael Medwick , nicknamed "Ducky", was an American Major League Baseball player. A left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals during the "Gashouse Gang" era of the 1930s, he also played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , New York Giants , and Boston Braves...
reserve
- Whit Wyatt
- National League Most Valuable Player
- Dolph CamilliDolph CamilliAdolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
- Dolph Camilli
- TSN Major League All-Star Team
- Whit WyattWhit WyattJohn Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies...
- Pete ReiserPete ReiserHarold Patrick "Pete" Reiser , nicknamed "Pistol Pete," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and early 1950s. He played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.-Early career:A native of St...
- Dolph CamilliDolph CamilliAdolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
- Whit Wyatt
- TSN NL Most Valuable PayerThe Sporting News Most Valuable Player AwardThe Sporting News established The Sporting News Most Valuable Player Award in 1929. The award was given annually to the player judged by TSN baseball experts as being the most valuable in each league. The awards were discontinued in 1946....
- Dolph CamilliDolph CamilliAdolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
- Dolph Camilli
League top ten finishers
Dolph CamilliDolph Camilli
Adolph Louis Camilli was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball who spent most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Brooklyn Dodgers. He was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in after leading the league in home runs and runs batted in as the Dodgers won the...
- AL leader in home runs (34)
- AL leader in RBI (120)
- #2 in AL in slugging percentage (.556)
- #2 in AL in bases on balls (104)
- #3 in AL in on-base percentage (.407)
Kirby Higbe
Kirby Higbe
Walter Kirby Higbe was an American right-handed starting pitcher in Major League Baseball from to . He was born and died in Columbia, South Carolina.-Career:...
- AL leader in wins (22)
- #4 in AL in strikeouts (121)
Joe Medwick
Joe Medwick
Joseph Michael Medwick , nicknamed "Ducky", was an American Major League Baseball player. A left fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals during the "Gashouse Gang" era of the 1930s, he also played for the Brooklyn Dodgers , New York Giants , and Boston Braves...
- #3 in AL in batting average (.318)
- #3 in AL in runs scored (100)
Pete Reiser
Pete Reiser
Harold Patrick "Pete" Reiser , nicknamed "Pistol Pete," was an outfielder in Major League Baseball during the 1940s and early 1950s. He played primarily for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later for the Boston Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cleveland Indians.-Early career:A native of St...
- AL leader in batting average (.343)
- AL leader in slugging percentage (.558)
- AL leader in runs scored (117)
- AL leader in triples (17)
- #4 in AL in on-base percentage (.406)
Whit Wyatt
Whit Wyatt
John Whitlow Wyatt was a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Detroit Tigers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Brooklyn Dodgers , and Philadelphia Phillies...
- MLB leader in shutouts (7)
- AL leader in wins (22)
- #2 in AL in strikeouts (176)
- #2 in AL in ERA (2.34)
- #2 in AL in complete games (23)
