Chicago Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta gives team owner Phil Wrigley an honest assessment of the Cubs’ chances, and is fired for his defeatist attitude, becoming the first manager ever to be given the gate during spring training. Stan Hack replaces him. Cavarretta is right: the Cubs will drop to seventh place this year.

 Chicago Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta gives team owner Phil Wrigley an honest assessment of the Cubs’ chances, and is fired for his defeatist attitude, becoming the first manager ever to be given the gate during spring training. Stan Hack replaces him. Cavarretta is right: the Cubs will drop to seventh place this year.

ByTom

1954 – Chicago Cubs manager Phil Cavarretta gives team owner Phil Wrigley an honest assessment of the Cubs’ chances, and is fired for his defeatist attitude, becoming the first manager ever to be given the gate during spring training. Stan Hack replaces him. Cavarretta is right: the Cubs will drop to seventh place this year.

Ernie Banks to start his first full season with the Cubs

Ernie Banks to start his first full season with the Cubs

ByThis Day in Baseball

March 24, 1954 Sporting News Ernie Banks about to start his first full season with the Chicago Cubs. He began playing Professionally with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro League in 1950. He would serve in the Military for two years and came back to the Monarchs after service. He would be the first…

Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella injures his left hand in an exhibition game against the Yankees
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Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella injures his left hand in an exhibition game against the Yankees

ByThis Day in Baseball

1954 – Brooklyn Dodgers catcher Roy Campanella injures his left hand in an exhibition game against the Yankees. Though he will hit two home runs on Opening Day, Campanella will have surgery in early May for the bone chips, returning on May 30th. The injury started earlier when he was hit on the hand in the 1953 World Series.

1954 – The Chicago Cubs send shortstop Roy Smalley to the Milwaukee Braves for pitcher Dave Cole, opening up the shortstop job for Ernie Banks.

ByTom

1954 – The Chicago Cubs send shortstop Roy Smalley to the Milwaukee Braves for pitcher Dave Cole, opening up the shortstop job for Ernie Banks.

Hank Aaron makes his first spring training start for the Milwaukee Braves

Hank Aaron makes his first spring training start for the Milwaukee Braves

ByThis Day in Baseball

On March 14, 1954, future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron makes his first spring training start for the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron, taking advantage of an injury suffered by starting outfielder Bobby Thomson, he raps out three hits, including a home run.in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox. Aaron will eventually start for the Braves…

 Milwaukee Braves outfielder Bobby Thomson breaks his ankle while sliding into a base during a spring training game. The 1951 National League playoff hero is replaced by a promising prospect named Hank Aaron. Thomson will be out until July 14th.
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 Milwaukee Braves outfielder Bobby Thomson breaks his ankle while sliding into a base during a spring training game. The 1951 National League playoff hero is replaced by a promising prospect named Hank Aaron. Thomson will be out until July 14th.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1954 – Milwaukee Braves outfielder Bobby Thomson breaks his ankle while sliding into a base during a spring training game. The 1951 National League playoff hero is replaced by a promising prospect named Hank Aaron. Thomson will be out until July 14th.

In the first game of a doubleheader, Giants right fielder Don Mueller hits for the cycle in team’s 13-7 victory over the Pirates at the Polo Grounds. ‘Mandrake the Magician,’ who homers in his final at-bat to complete the deed, will be the only major league player to accomplish the feat this season.

ByTom

In the first game of a doubleheader, Giants right fielder Don Mueller hits for the cycle in team’s 13-7 victory over the Pirates at the Polo Grounds. ‘Mandrake the Magician,’ who homers in his final at-bat to complete the deed, will be the only major league player to accomplish the feat this season.

Ted Williams

Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams fractures his collarbone on the first day of spring training

ByTom

1954 – Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams fractures his collarbone on the first day of spring training. The injury occurs as Williams dives for a ball hit by teammate Hoot Evers. As a result, the injury will force Williams to miss Opening Day and will keep him out of Boston lineup until May 15th.