Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

After many disappointing seasons during the 1930s, the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates looked like they were finally poised to claim their first National League pennant since 1927. A hot streak during June and July propelled manager Pie Traynor's squad into first place. Yet after commanding the top spot for more than two months, Pittsburgh could not hold off the charging Chicago Cubs and experienced one of the most monumental collapses in baseball history. This detailed historical account examines the entire 1938 season, while also looking at the players and events that were a major part of this star-crossed season.

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Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

After many disappointing seasons during the 1930s, the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates looked like they were finally poised to claim their first National League pennant since 1927. A hot streak during June and July propelled manager Pie Traynor's squad into first place. Yet after commanding the top spot for more than two months, Pittsburgh could not hold off the charging Chicago Cubs and experienced one of the most monumental collapses in baseball history. This detailed historical account examines the entire 1938 season, while also looking at the players and events that were a major part of this star-crossed season.

29.95 In Stock
Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

by Ronald T. Waldo
Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

Pennant Hopes Dashed by the Homer in the Gloamin': The Story of How the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Blew the National League Pennant

by Ronald T. Waldo

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$29.95 
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Overview

After many disappointing seasons during the 1930s, the 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates looked like they were finally poised to claim their first National League pennant since 1927. A hot streak during June and July propelled manager Pie Traynor's squad into first place. Yet after commanding the top spot for more than two months, Pittsburgh could not hold off the charging Chicago Cubs and experienced one of the most monumental collapses in baseball history. This detailed historical account examines the entire 1938 season, while also looking at the players and events that were a major part of this star-crossed season.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780786472024
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date: 07/03/2013
Pages: 272
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Ronald T. Waldo, a member of the Society for American Baseball Research, lives in Pittsburgh. His articles have appeared in Pittsburgh Pride Magazine and Sports Collectors Digest, and he is the author of several books on baseball history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

1 Murderers' Row and the Waner Brothers 5

2 Bill Benswanger and Arky Vaughan Arrive on the Scene 25

3 New Blood Offers Hope to Pirates Fans for 1938 Season 40

4 Bad Luck During Spring Training in San Bernardino 53

5 Bucs Bust Out of the Gate Due to Arky Vaughan's Heroics 69

6 Paul Waner's Slump and Talk of Rebuilding for Next Year 88

7 Pirates Regroup as Benswanger and Traynor Nix Deal with New York Giants 107

8 Johnny Rizzo Shines as Pirates Climb into First Place 126

9 Pittsburgh Feels the Pressure and Starts to Wilt in the Summer Heat 146

10 Traynor's Boys Attempt to Hang on While Chicago Surges 166

11 Pittsburgh's Final Collapse and the Homer in the Gloamin' 186

12 Disastrous Season and a Second-Division Finish in 1939 207

13 The End of an Era 222

Appendix A 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates Roster 232

Appendix B 1938 Statistics 234

Chapter Notes 236

Bibliography 257

Index 259

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