Dolph camilli with Joe DiMaggio

Brooklyn Dodgers trade onetime National League MVP Dolf Camilli – Camilli retires after trade

On July 31, 1943, the Brooklyn Dodger Dolph Camilli, the league’s MVP in 1941, is traded with Johnny Allen to the New York Giants for Bill Sayles, Bill Lohrman and Joe Orengo. Camilli declines to report to his new team and retires to a California ranch for the season. Next year, he will manage in the…

Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson

Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson

On March 20, 1943, the Washington Senators acquire veteran outfielder Bob Johnson from the Philadelphia A’s for outfielder-third baseman Bobby Estalella and infielder Jimmy Pofahl. A member of the A’s since 1933, Johnson has led the Athletics in RBI in each of the last seven seasons – no team has ever traded a slugger with that…

The Dodgers trade first baseman Babe Dahlgren to the Phillies for outfielder Lloyd Waner and infielder Al Glossop

The Dodgers trade first baseman Babe Dahlgren to the Phillies for outfielder Lloyd Waner and infielder Al Glossop

The Dodgers trade first baseman Babe Dahlgren to the Phillies for outfielder Lloyd Waner and infielder Al Glossop. Philadelphia’s new 31 year-old infielder will enjoy an all-star season during his only year in the City of Brotherly Love, hitting a solid .287 for the seventh-place team.

1939 Spring Training Game Lefty Gomez

Yankees sell future Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez to the Boston Braves

On January 25, 1943, the Yankees sell future Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez to the rival Boston Braves. Gomez will never pitch in a game for the Braves, who decided to release the veteran southpaw. Gomez will eventually sign with the Washington Senators. Gomez will make 1 start for the Senators, and never pitch again…

The Boston Braves’ Strategic Move for Tommy Holmes in 1942

The Boston Braves’ Strategic Move for Tommy Holmes in 1942

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.

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

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

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.

Tommy Holmes

The Yankees trade prospect Tommy Holmes to the Braves for two players to be named later

The Yankees trade prospect Tommy Holmes to the Braves for two players to be named later who will be Gene Moore and Buddy Hassett. Boston’s new 24 year-old outfielder, who hit over .300 during his 11-year career, will establish the National League record consecutive game hitting streak with 37, a mark that will be surpassed by Pete Rose in 1978.