Rapid Robert Returns

Red Sox at Indians, May 5, 1949

Rapid Robert Returns

Bob Feller was out for a few weeks at the beginning of 1949 due to muscle soreness. But he’s back now.

And, man, did he pitch well for us.

Crunch Time

Feller had given up 2 runs on only 2 hits as this game went into the bottom of the 8th. Cleveland, however, had only put 2 runs across itself, and needed something to happen.

Mickey Vernon led things off for the Tribe:

That set things up for Dale Mitchell:

Stan Spence had a good arm, which is why I kept Vernon at third.

All of this set things up for Bob Kennedy, who had homered earlier:

That made it 3-2 going into the top of the 9th. Feller got 2 Red Sox batters out quickly, but then had to worry about Billy Hitchcock:

Feller was quickly tiring, but I decided to stick with him. And who came up next? None other than Spence:

That did it.

The Red Sox really miss Dom DiMaggio.

Big Trade

Before we go, I should note the big trade that took place right after this game. The old newspapers will do the talking for me:

All 3 clippings from Akron Beacon Journal, May 6, 1949, page 43. Note that this trade was announced immediately after the Red Sox - Indians game. Spence did not start in the Red Sox loss in real life, but did enter as a pinch hitter in the top of the 9th.