Discontinued: The Boys of Summer

[KG Erwin]

The history of the Dodgers is filled with a mix of accepted myths and unbelievable truths.

How I came to manage the team is a mix of these. The story goes that I managed a team of major leaguers that entered the Marines, played against teams from the Army, Navy and Army Air Force, and won an Armed Forces' World Series in Hawaii in 1945. Anyway, that's what the newspapers said. It was a good morale builder for the folks back home.

The real story is that I got wounded in a mortar barrage (I served in an HQ company) on Peleliu, and somehow got shipped to Hawaii. A couple of former major leaguers were serving with Nimitz's HQ there. I'd managed a minor-league team back in the states, so somehow or other we put together a few pickup games with the Army & Navy REMFs. A reporter picked up the story, and thus a legend was born.

After the war ended, I got discharged and got a job managing a team in the Dodgers' organization. We did well in 1945 and 1946, and in early 1947 I got a call from Branch Rickey. Leo Durocher had gotten suspended for the season, so Rickey needed a fill-in. Somehow he'd heard about my Marine background and my recent successes in the minors, so he offered me a temporary job as manager of the Dodgers. Naturally, I accepted.

Note: with the release of 1.70 (final), I'm embarking on a new start.

[KG Erwin]

So, I meet Rickey in his office and the first question he asks is, "Did you serve with any colored men?"

That took me aback, as I'd served with black soldiers in the Pacific, and held no prejudices toward them.

"Yes. I have no problem with them. Do you?"

His next words were, "I've called up a black player to be on the Dodgers' roster. How do you feel about that?"

I didn't blink. "What position does he play?"

Rickey: "You mean you never heard of Jackie Robinson? Let me tell you about him."

An hour later I signed a one-year contract.

[KG Erwin]

The Dodgers are a mix of potential-filled youngsters, proven veterans, and a few guys on the downside of their careers.

There is also a faction that disapproved of Robinson's presence. As a matter of fact, I came to find out that certain players had signed a petition, stating their objections to playing on the same team with a black man.

That being said, I'm placing a few players on the market -- some interesting deals have been proffered, but I'll have to get approval from Mr. Rickey first. His advice was to wait until a few weeks have passed, and then we'll consider possible player moves.

One thing I can see right now --several members of my pitching staff are coveted by other teams.

[KG Erwin]

Monday, April 14, 1947. The first game of the season will be in Washington, with the Yankees facing the Senators. President Truman will throw out the first pitch.

Allie Reynolds defeats Walt Masterson as the Yanks shutout the Senators 4-0.

[KG Erwin]

Tuesday, April 15, 1947. Opening day at Ebbets Field, with the Braves in town for the first of a three game series. Joe Hatten will face Johnny Sain.

The Dodgers opening day lineups. As of now, I'll be platooning Jorgensen and Lavagetto at 3B:

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[DonBraswell]

KG, I don't think I've seen your version braves field before. Billy Goodman imported as a rightfielder? I thought he was a thirdbaseman. Doesn't make any difference I guess. I shufel people around to suite myself any way. Hermanski and Shula were great performing players for my St Louis Browns. The Dodgers in my league didn't value either of them very highly. I got both of them for a song and a dance. They both played for my Browns/Orioles until the 1961 season when they retired. Shula showed some power, hitting 11 to 22 homers each year. Good luck!
Don

[KG Erwin]

Thanks, Don. That Braves Field pic is from an alternate classic park set hosted on Padres Fan's site.

[DonBraswell]

Yes I remember now. Goodman was one of those guys who could and would play any where just so he could get playing time and keep his pay checks coming in.
Don

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