1/of. 5, ').[p. 19 'Tuesday, Octo6er 24, 1995 Section of 'Ifie Sa[em ').[_ews

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Indians most memorable year, time to remember, was 1948

By Ron Firth

FROM TRIS SPEAKER, JIM Bagby and Stan Coveleski,

to Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller and Larry Doby, to Albert Belle, Carlos Baerga and Ken­ny Lofton.

The Cleveland Indians' storied and somewhat sparse past has returned to the fore­front with the 1995 Indians reaching the World Series.

A lot of people can't remember the last time the Indians had played in a World Series and for good reason. The last time it hap­pened was 41 years ago.

The year was 1954. The Indians were consid­

ered chokers after finishing second to the mighty New York Yankees three straight years. They added more team speed, bench support and pitching depth in the off sea­son and held onto first place most of the season except for four days in early J~rn_e.

Leading sluggers l:iob Avila and Al Rosen were out with broken fingers, but the Tribe came back to win 10 of 13 games during one stretch without them.

Up by 2Yi games on Aug. 19, the Indians went on a pivotal 19-game road trip. They opened by sweeping

three games from Baltimore, while the Yankees lost three in Boston.

Cleveland, managed by easygoing Al Lopez, won 13 of 19 games to take a 4)12 -game lead. The Indians were greeted by 10,000 fans at the Cleveland Airport.

On Sept. 12, the Indians swept a double-header from the Yankees before 84,587 fans at Municipal Stadium -the largest crowd to attend a baseball game at the time -to virtually wrap up the American League pennant.

The Indians finished the regular season at an amazing 111-43. The 111 wins remains an American League record today.

Cleveland's pitching staff was one of the greatest of all-time, leading the league with a 2.78 ERA.

Bob Lemon finished 23-7 and Early Wynn was 23-11. Both had ERAs of 2.72. Mike Garcia was 19-8 with a 2.64 ERA and ·Art Houtteman was 15-7 with a 3.35 ERA. Bob Feller, now 35 years old and in the twilight of his career, came back to post a 13-3 record with a 3.09 ERA.

Avila won the AL batting title with a .341 average, while Larry Doby led the league with 32. home runs

. Bob Feller and Mike Garcia autographs

Members of the 1954 Cleveland Indians pitching staff that won an American league single­season record 111 games included (front, from left) Mike Garcia, Hal Newhouser, manager Al Lopez, Don Mossi, Bob Feller; (back, from left) Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, Hooper, Art Houtteman, Jose Santiago and Ray Narleski. ·

and added 126 runs batted in. Al Rosen hit 24 home runs and 102 RBis, his fifth straight year over 100.

This team was so strong a pair of talented young pros­pects, Herb Score and Rocky Colavito, couldn't ·break the lineup and spent the season posting impressive numbers at the farm dub in Indianapolis.

See Indians, page 6

1954 Topps Larry Doby card 1954 World Series program

<JUN QUE By Anne McCollam Copley News Service

Q. I have a Heywood Wake­field vanity. I understand that it is a collector's item and worth money. It is a double­pedestal dresser, has a round beveled mirror and cross strap pulls. The sear of the match­ing vanity bench revolves. Can you tell me anything about it and what it is worth.

A. Your vanity and bench are part of the popular "Rio Group" made by Heywood Wakefield, Gardner, Mass. This line was introduced in Chicago and New York in January 1942, at the outset of World War II. The pieces wre available in wheat and champagne finishes. "Heywood-Wakefield Modern Furniture, Identification and Value Guide by Steven Rou­land and Roger Rouland lisgts your vanity with mirror at $240 to $480 and the vanity pouffe at $40 to $80 in good condition.

Q.I have a Venetian glass clown that is at least 30 years old. It is multicolored with flecks of gold and stands eight . inches high. Could you tell me if it is worth anything?

A. Venetian glass has been made near Venice in Murano, Italy, since the 1200s. The early glass was thin and fragile. Pieces made in the 1900s are usually thicker and heavier. Many of the 1950s designs are currently being reissued. Your glass clown would probably be worth $90 to $100.

Q. I have a metal "Coca­Cola" carrier suitable for car­rying six, six-ounce bottles. It was given to me in 1949 and it wasn't new then. On the side is the "Coca-Cola" trademark. My wife wants me to dean out the garage and throw the old thing away. Before I do, I

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"' ''."' '"''"' "''""''~, {/YestergearsJ ;:~:~ A historical journal ':zf: ~{ Published every Tuesday ;~ ~,,. by tht; Salem News ?? ~~.:.. ~t ~~: Founded June 8, 1991 ;;;._ r:, tw

·~;~ 161 N. Lincoln Ave. ~ ,;-,;; Salem, Ohio 44460 '"

Phone (216) 332-4601 ~ .,,

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,~{ p11blisher/general manager?!:; 'A'" , .. , -~j; Cathie DeFauo ~ 'k "" fJp ·,_ managing editor .~;,

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The Kensington baseball team was well known in the 1930s, playing games against teams from Minerva, Alliance, North Georgetown, Canton, Lisbon, Salineville, East Liverpool and Carrollton. Squad members in this' picture taken in 1935 are (front row, from left) Lee Davidson, Edward Wood, manager Harry 'Hi' Myers, Lorin Reeder, Lawrence Mehnert, scorekeeper Charles Hoopes; (second row, left) William Wood, Emerson Locke, Coug Locke, William Leatherberry, John Wood, Tom Myers, bat boy Robert Myers; (third row, left) James Ramsey, Raymond Mehnert, Ed Locke, Ed Dawley, Russell Milburn and Russell Wood. Manager Myers had previously been with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

would like- to know what you N.J., first produced its bird Address your questions to have to say about it? series in 1940. Many of the Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 490,

A.Your wife may want to designs were inspired by Notre Dame, IN 46556. For a reconsider her suggestion. Audubon prints. The birds personal response, include pic­Also, what your wife should were painted and decorated by ture(s), a detailed description, have told you is to send a clear hand. a stamped self-addresses enve­picture with your question. In the late 1940s, the demand lope and $5 per item (one item "Coca-Cola" carriers from was so great and space so lim- at a time.) pre-1949 can vary in value ited that people were hired to from $40 to $150. Without a work at home. picture of the carrier I can't Molasses was added to the narrow the price down any glazes to assure that the paint more than that. wouldn't run when the birds

Q. I was given a Stangl pot- were transported back to the tery bird years ago. It is a factory. Firing burned off the chickadee and stands five molasses. By 1978 production inches high. On the bottom of these delightful birds was are the words "Stangl Pottery discontinued. The number is Birds - 3811." the model number.

Is my little chickadee worth Your little chickadee would anything today? probably be worth $100 to

A. Stangl Pottery, Trenton, $125.

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The Cleveland Indians won their fust World Series in 1920 by defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-2 in a best-of-nine series. Team members included (front, from left) George Uhle, Ray Caldwell, Jim Bagby, manager Tris Speaker, owner James Dunn, coach Jack McCallister, Stan Coveleski, Bob Clark, Walter Mails; (second row, from left) Steve O'Neill, Chet Thomas, Joe Evans, George Bums, Larry Gardner, Harry Lunte, Doc Johnston, Bill Wambsganss, Joe Sewell; (back, from left) Les Nunamaker, Charlie Jamieson, Ted Odenwald, George Cykowski, trainer Percy Smallwood, Jim Hamilton, Joe Wood, Jack Graney, Elmer Smith and Buy Morton.

Miss '54 World Series loves the 1995 Indians By The Associated Press

T HE CLEVELAND INDI­ans have won the back­

ing of Miss World Series 1954, now a retired grand­mother living in Crystal Lake, Ill.

"The Indians are going to win for sure," Lois Ayers Johnson told The Plain Dealer in an interview published Sunday.

Lois Ayers was a 24-year­old department store model for Higbee' s, now Dillard's, when she won the Miss World Series 1954 title in a pageant the now-defunct Cleveland Press sponsored. She also was a college home­coming queen, Miss Cuyaho­ga County Fair and two-time runner-up for Miss Cleveland.

Her crown entitled her to various hand-waving appear­ances at drugstores and car dealerships, two seats to Game 3 at Cleveland Stadium and the honor of kissing Cleveland manager Al Lopez.

After the Indians lost Games 1 and 2 at the Polo Grounds in New York, they took a train back to Cleve­land for Game 3. The Indians eventually lost to the Giants in four straight games.

"It was a real thrill," John­son said of that afternoon 41 years ago.

She wore a Bobbie Brooks Capri skirt, blouse and swea­ter, which she remembers being a "muted tangerine" color.

I just about tripped and fell on the stairs," she said. "I was trying to be so graceful and dignified, and about three rows of people saw me tumble."

Tonight the Cleveland Indians will continue play in their first W odd Series games in 41 years, an exciting time for fans. Like many who love baseball, Mike Traina of Salem is a dedicated fan. He spurs his favorite team on (at right) from his front porch overflowing with Indians mementoes.

"The skirt was so tapered, 1954 banner The winning crown pennant

A sweet season turned sour in the World Series. Cleve­land was swept 4-0 by the New York Giants, which was led by little-known Dusty Rhodes.

Rhodes' pinch-hit home run in the 10th inning of Game One gave the Giants a 5-2 win. He also had a home run and a single in Game Two and a two-run pinch-hit single in Game Three.

It would be the Indians' last chance. They would fin­ish second to the Yankees again in 1955 and 1956.

The most memorable year in Indians history came in 1948 when Cleveland won its last World Series. May 22nd marked the first television broadcast of a Cleveland home games and fans knew they were in for something special.

The Indians and Boston Red Sox tied for the AL pen­nant with 96-58 records and had a one-game playoff at Fenway Park.

Tribe rookie knuckleballer Gene Bearden, pitching on one day of rest, fired a five­hitter to beat the Red Sox, 8-3.

Tum to next page ~

The Cleveland Indians captured the American League pennant in 1954 with a league-record 111 wins before losing four straight to the New York Giants in the World Series. Team members include (front, from left) Al Smith, Dave Hoskins, Bill Glynn, Bob Avila, Dave Pope, Sam Dente, batboy Harold Klug; (second row, from left) Ray Nadeski, Hal Naragon, coach Tony Cuccinello, manager Al Lopez, coach Ralph Kress, Bill Lobe, coach Mel Harder; (third row) traveling secretary Spud Goldstein, Don Mossi, Bob Feller, Dave Philley, Hank Majeski, Al Rosen, Vic Wertz, Dale Mitchell, Jim Hegan, trainer Wally Bock; (back, from left) Larry Doby, Eady Wynn, Mike Garcia, Mickey Grasso, Hal Newhouser, Wally Westlake, Bob Hooper, Art Houtteman, George Strickland, Bob Lemon and Rudy Regalado.

Cleveland Indians manager-outfielder Tris Speaker is shown during the 1920 World Series. The black arm was worn in memory of teammate Ray Chapman, who was killed after being hit by a pitch during the season. Indians 1954 pitchers

Lou Boudreau, Cleveland's 31-year-old shortstop-manager, went four-for-four with two home runs and scored three times. Third baseman Ken Keltner also had three hits with a home run.

Boudreau was named the AL MVP, finishing second to Ted Williams with a .355 bat­

. ting average, driving in 106 ! runs and scoring 116. ' Bearden finished with a · 20-7 record. He won nine of 10 games he started in Sep­tember and did not allow more than three runs in any

• of those games. Bob Lemon was 20-14 and Bob Feller 19-15.

Team owner Bill Veeck was one of the greatest promoters sports has ever seen. The Indians set a season home attendance record of 2.6 mil­lion, a mark that stood until the 1995 Tribe broke it at. new Jacobs Field.

Veeck signed legendary pitcher Satchel Paige - a rookie at more than 40 years old - on July 7 and he was the Indians' biggest draw. On Aug. 20, an all-time night game record crowd of 78,382 jammed Municipal Stadium to see Paige pitch a 1-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Cleveland moved on to the World Series to meet the Bos­ton Braves, led by pitching aces Johnny Sain and Warren Spahn.

Lemon won two games as the Tribe won the series four games to two. The Indians drew more than 238,491 fans in their three home games -including 86,288 in Game Five.

Cleveland's 1948 World Series title ended a 28-year drought for the Indians.

The 1920 Indians, leading the league with a .303 batting average, won Cleveland's first AL pennant The Indians were 98-56 to finish two games ahead of Chicago and three ahead of New York

The Indians drew 912,839 fans into little League Park, which was located at the cor­ner of E. 66th Street and Lex­ington A venue. It was a team season record that stood until Veeck took over the club in 1946. ,

Jim Bagby had a 31-12 record in 34.0 innings pitched during the regular season. The ace of the staff was Stan Coveleski, who was 24-14 · and is one of only 12 pitch­ers to win three World Series games. The third 20-game winner for the Indians was Raymond Caldwell at 20-10.

Manager Tris Speaker play­ed in the outfield and hit

1948 World Series ticket stub

This 1948 pennant is a rarity, and seldom found by collectors

.388 with 137 runs and 107 RBis. Third baseman Larry Gardner also hit .310 with 118 RBis. .

A total of 10 Indians hit better than .300.

The season was marred by the tragic death of shortstop Ray Chapman. He was beaned by Carl Mays on Aug. 16 at the New York Polo Grounds and died the next day. It was the only time a baseball player has been killed by an incident on the field.

Cleveland met the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series and won the last four games to take the best-of-nine series,

five games to two. The fifth game was one of

the greatest in World Series history. Tribe second baseman Bill W ambsganss made the only unassisted triple play in series history, outfielder Elmer Smith hit first series grand slam and winning pitcher Jim Bagby added a three-run homer.

The seven-game series drew 178,557 fans and gate receipts totaled $564,800. The winner's share for the 1920 World Champions was $4,168 per player, far less than the esti­mated $130,000 the winners will receive this year.

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1948 World Series program

The Cleveland Indians won their second World Series championship in 1948 by downing the Boston Braves 4-2 in a best-of-seven series. Team members include (front) batboy Bill Sheridan; (first row, from left) Eddie Robinson, Ken Keltner, Al Rosen, coach Mel Harder, manager Lou Boudreau, president Bill Veeck, coach Muddy Ruel, coach Bill McKenchnie, Joe Gordon, Johnny Berardino; (second row, from left) Sam Zoldak, Ed Kleiman, Steve Gromek, Russ Christopher, Gene Bearden, Bob Leman, Satchel Paige, Bob Feller, Bob Muncrief, trainer Lefty Weisman; (back, from left) Walt Judnich, Allie Clark, Hal Peck, Larry Doby, Hank Edwards, Dale Mitchell, Bob Kennedy, Jim Hegan, Ray Boone, Joe Tipton and Thurman Tucker.

1948 Cleveland Indians scorebook

Outfielders for the 1954 Cleveland Indians included (from left) Dave Pope, Dave Philley, Wal­ly Westlake, Larry Doby and Al Smith.

Chief Wahoo cartoonish symbol appeared for the first time on this Indians pennant which dates back to the mid to late 1940s. Michael Traina collection