1952 â On a local TV program, Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson charges that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to bring up a black player. George Weiss of the Yanks denies the allegations.
1952 â International League President Frank Shaughnessy reveals plans to form two new major leagues by merging the top teams in the American Association and the top teams from the IL. Shaughnessy thinks that in five to six years, major league baseball will elevate these two leagues, along with the Pacific Coast League, which nearly has major league status now.
History of the World Series â 1952 New Yorkâs Vic Raschi and Brooklynâs Billy Loes were the starting pitchers in Game 6, and for 5 1/2 innings neither team could score. But Duke Snider ripped a Raschi pitch over the right field screen to lead off the Dodgersâ sixth, and the ever-raucous Brooklyn faithful whoopedâŠ
1952 â The St. Louis Cardinals seek payment from the New York Giants for two televised games in an effort to determine the TV and radio rights of visiting teams for revenue.
Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Harry Byrd, who won 15 games and posted and a 3.31 ERA, is selected American League Rookie of the Year by BBWAA voters. Byrd will be the last Athletics player to win the Award until Jose Canseco in 1986.
1952 â Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Joe Black, who posted a 15-4 record with 85 strikeouts and a 2.15 ERA, is voted National League Rookie of the Year, receiving 19 of 24 first place votes. Hoyt Wilhelm, Dick Groat and Eddie Mathews also garner first-place votes.
Commissioner Ford Frick states his belief that the Pacific Coast League will eventually reach major league status. The PCL is the only minor league in history to be given the âOpenâ classification, considered a step above the AAA level, that limited the rights of big league clubs to draft players from its teams, and is perceived as a precursor to the circuit becoming a third major league.
Chicago Cubs slugger Hank Sauer is named National League Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers Association of America. The Cubs finished in fifth place despite Sauerâs 37 home runs and 121 RBI.
1952 â American League President Will Harridge says there will be greater fines for managers who use abusive language while arguing with umpires.
1952 â The Baseball Writers Association of America name Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Bobby Shantz the American League Most Valuable Player. Shantz posted a 24-7 record with 152 strikeouts and a 2.48 ERA during the regular season and also claimed the honor of being The Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year.
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