1942 – Variety, the weekly entertainment magazine, wades in against “droopy drawers”. “Joe DiMaggio and Carl Hubbell are the silliest looking pair we’ve seen. Way back in the days when the speed boys were stealing 40 to 90 bases a year, you’ll remember they used to roll their pants just below the knee. Now they’ve got ’em almost to their shoes. The theory here is that the constriction inherent in the new style can slow a player a full stride getting to first.”

ByTom

1942 – Variety, the weekly entertainment magazine, wades in against “droopy drawers”. “Joe DiMaggio and Carl Hubbell are the silliest looking pair we’ve seen. Way back in the days when the speed boys were stealing 40 to 90 bases a year, you’ll remember they used to roll their pants just below the knee. Now they’ve got ’em almost to their shoes. The theory here is that the constriction inherent in the new style can slow a player a full stride getting to first.”

prison team is stopped when it is discovered that two prisoners have escaped

prison team is stopped when it is discovered that two prisoners have escaped

ByTom

1942 – At California’s Folsom prison, the annual game between major leaguers and the prison team is stopped when it is discovered that two prisoners have escaped. With the pros leading 24 – 5 at the end of seven innings, the game ends and guards go after the two lifers, who are found three hours later. The major leaguers include Ernie Lombardi, Tiny Bonham, Gus Suhr, Joe Marty, and Johnny Babich.

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…