1952 – American League President Will Harridge says there will be greater fines for managers who use abusive language while arguing with umpires.
1952 – 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.
1952 – Omar Moreno is born in Puerto Armuelles, Panama. A free agent signee in 1983, the speedy centerfielder bats just .242 before a midseason trade to the Yankees. During his 12 big league seasons though, he is one of baseball’s most feared base stealers.
The Pacific Coast League announces its teams will play a reduced 176-game schedule next season. The PCL clubs, however, will continue to play 180 contests next season as they have for the past two years.
The Reds obtain outfielder Gus Bell from the Pirates in exchange for Cal Abrams, Gail Henley, and Joe Rossi. The newest Cincinnati flychaser, considered one of general manager Gabe Paul’s best acquisitions for the team, will become a fan favorite and will hit .288 during his nine-year tenure in the Queen City.
On October 7, 1952, In the decisive Game 7, the Yankees beat the Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 4-2, to win their fourth consecutive World Championship. Gil Hodges finishes the Fall Classic hitless in twenty-one at-bats, which had prompted some Brooklyn fans to gather at local churches asking for divine help for their beloved first baseman….
1952 – In Game 5 of the World Series, Brooklyn wins 6 – 5 in 11 innings over the Yankees when Billy Cox scores the winning run behind an RBI double hit by Duke Snider. Carl Erskine pitches a complete game to give Brooklyn a 3-2 Series lead heading back to Ebbets Field.
Carl Erskine strikes out 14 Yankees in Game 3 to establish a new World Series mark. The Dodger hurler’s performance bests the record of A’s Howard Ehmke, who struck out 13 Cubs in Game 1 of 1929 Fall Classic.
On October 1, 1952, At Ebbets Field Joe Black becomes the first African-American pitcher to win a World Series game. The Brooklyn Dodgers’ right-hander scatters six hits and hurls a complete game in earning a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees Jackie Robinson’s lead off home run in the second off of Allie Reynolds…
1952 – Stan Musial makes his major league pitching debut. Harvey Haddix moves to right field, Hal Rice shifts to center, and Musial pitches to Frank Baumholtz. After Baumholtz grounds out to third, everyone returns to their positions.