The Boston Braves’ Strategic Move for Tommy Holmes in 1942

The Boston Braves’ Strategic Move for Tommy Holmes in 1942

ByThis Day in Baseball

1942 – The Boston Braves obtain outfielder Tommy Holmes from the New York Yankees for Buddy Hassett and Gene Moore in one of the best trades in Braves history. Hassett will hit .284, then join the Navy and never make it back to the major leagues. The much-traveled Moore will never play for the Yankees. Holmes couldn’t break into New York’s All-Star line-up, but he will be a .302 career hitter and will lead the Braves to the National League pennant in 1948.

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt sends his famed “Green Light” letter to Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 15, 1942, “I honestly feel it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.” – FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, U.S. President sends his famed “Green Light” letter to Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, encouraging major league baseball to continue playing during World War II. Despite the loss of many star players to military…

Bob Feller Service on January 6

Cleveland Indians Pitching star Bob Feller becomes the first major leaguer to formally enlist in the military for World War II.

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 6, 1942, Cleveland Indians pitching star Bob Feller becomes the first major leaguer to formally enlist in the military for World War II. Feller, who won a league-leading 25 games in 1941, reports to Norfolk, Virginia for duty in the U.S. Navy. Feller will miss the entire 1942, ‘43, and ‘44 seasons before…

Rogers Hornsby becomes the 14th player selected to the Hall of Fame
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Rogers Hornsby becomes the 14th player selected to the Hall of Fame

ByThis Day in Baseball

1942 – Rogers Hornsby becomes the 14th player selected to the Hall of Fame, getting 78 percent of the vote, while both Frank Chance (58%) and Rube Waddell (54%) miss out. Hornsby’s offensive numbers rival those of any player before or since. He and Ted Williams are the only players to win the Triple Crown twice, and Hornsby’s .424 mark in 1924 is the highest National League batting average in the 20th century.

The Boston Braves mascot, Chief Nokahoma

The Boston Braves mascot, Chief Nokahoma, adopted today, is considered by many as an aberration of a Natchez Native American and misrepresented in Plains Indians headdress

ByThis Day in Baseball

1941 – The Boston Braves mascot, Chief Nokahoma, adopted today, is considered by many as an aberration of a Natchez Native American and misrepresented in Plains Indians headdress.

The Giants acquire Johnny Mize from the Cardinals for three players.

The Giants acquire Johnny Mize from the Cardinals for three players.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1941 – The Giants acquire Johnny Mize from the Cardinals for three players – Bill Lohrman, Ken O’Dea and Johnny McCarthy – and $50,000. Because of injuries, Mize’s home run production fell from 43 to 16 in 1941, but he will bounce back to lead the National League in 1947 and 1948.