Bums Look to Bring Hope to Loyal Fans
March 19, 1939
CHICAGO — So much for “peace in our time.”
As all the world knows by now, the soldiers of the Third Reich in Germany under the orders of Adolph Hitler, marched into Czechoslovakia and took over that country without firing a shot. Hitler had summoned Czech President Emil Hacha to Berlin for a meeting to inform him of the German attack. According to reports, Hacha suffered an apparent heart attack and later capitulated to Hitler’s demands. Germany annexed and now occupies all of Czechoslovakia.
The takeover blatantly violated the recent Munich Agreement (September 30, 1938) where Germany agreed to cease taking more land in exchange for annexing the Sudetenland on the German-Czech border. Believing Hitler completely, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declared that this would bring “peace for our time.”
I don’t think Hitler cares one iota about peace. The same can be said for Benito Mussolini, the so-called Duce of Fascism in Italy. It will be interesting to watch how Mussolini mixes with new Pope Pius XII (elected March 2). Pius has chosen as his motto: Opus Justitiae Pax: The work of justice [shall be] peace.
In the USA, the baseball world wonders will there be peace in Brooklyn? Ok, that’s not fair, but the natives of Flatbush are restless. The Dodgers have not won a pennant since 1920. The closest they have come was a 2nd place in 1924 and a 3rd place in 1932. Last season they finished 7th with a 69–80–2 slate.
The patrons who walk through the turnstiles at Ebbets Field are among the most loyal in all the major leagues. Many players choose to live in the same neighborhood, which increases the bond with the fans. Often, the ballplayers aren’t just sports heroes, but also friends. While the fans do refer to the Dodgers as “Bums,” the Flatbush faithful are quick to point out, “But they’re our Bums.”
A desire to please fans was part of the reason management chose Leo Durocher to be a player-manager in 1939. While Durocher joined the Brooklyn club just last season, Dodgers’ fans had grown to appreciate his scrappy, hustling style of play as a visiting SS from Cincinnati and St. Louis. Durocher was an integral part of Cardinals “Gas House Gang” that won the 1934 World Series. All are hoping the fire in his belly will spread to all the players.
“I’ve been with these fellas for a year now,” said Durocher. “They respect me. They know my desire is to win. They know I expect 100 percent effort. It’s what I expect of myself. I’ll require nothing more or less of them.”
Despite hitting only .218 last year, Durocher made the NL all-star team and finished 18th in MVP voting. His slick defense at SS makes him a favorite with Dodgers pitchers. Also important to pitchers and Durocher as a shortstop will be his keystone partner at 2B. It looks like split duty again between Pete Coscarat and Johnny Hudson. However, veteran Yankees star Tony Lazzeri has been brought in as insurance and for some pinch hitting.
The corner infielders will be the same with big, strong Dolph Camilli at 1B and Harry Arthur “Cookie” Lavagetto at 3B. Both are fan favorites. Ernest Gordon “Babe” Phelps will again start most games wearing the mask. The Dodgers purchased long-time, AL catcher Luke Sewell to be the backup.
The Bums will look different in the outfield as a result of off-season trades. The biggest was an exchange of 1B/OF Buddy Hassett and OF Jimmy Outlaw to the Boston Bees in exchange for P Ira Hutchinson and OF Gene Moore. Ernie Koy will probably be the only returner on the green grass. Moore is expected to take over LF. Center field and other OF positions will see a battle amongst Jimmy Outlaw (trade with St. Louis for P Lew Krause), Tuck Stainbach, Fred Sington and Fred “Dixie” Walker, who had a cup of coffee in the bigs with Brooklyn in 1937.
The Brooklyn starting rotation will again feature Luke Hamlin (12–15, 3.68 ERA), “Fat” Freddie Fitzsimmons (11–8, 3.02), and the most musical name in baseball, Van Lingle Mungo (4–11, 3.92). Also battling for starting roles and prominent relief roles will be Bill Posedel (8–9, 5.66), Tot Pressnell (11–14, 3.56), Vito Tamulis (12–6, 3.83), and Hutchinson (from Boston). Whit Wyatt (missed 1938 with injury) and rookie Hugh Casey will also be in the mix.
Asked about his ability to judge pitching, Durocher quipped. “I know I have trouble hitting it sometimes. Seriously though, I think I can get a pretty good idea from short whether a guy is getting tired or not. I’ll also rely an awful lot on Babe behind the plate. In addition, Charlie Dressen will be my eyes from the bench. Charlie doesn’t miss much of anything.”
When asked about living in New York, as opposed to Cincinnati or St. Louis, a big grin spreads across his face. “This town was made for me,” Durocher says as he leaned forward to answer more. “I’ve met more fun and interesting people in one year here than I have in my entire life. Some people say it’s dangerous and addicting. Pish! Those people don’t understand me. I like adventure. I need the fast life.”
The fans coming to Ebbet’s Field in 1939 will expect much of that zest for living to spill over to their beloved ballclub.
