The 1955 Philadelphia Phillies season was a season in American baseball. It was the first season for Phillies' manager Mayo Smith. Prior to the season, the Phillies were seen to have strong pitching with ace Robin Roberts but did not have power hitters to match pennant favorites Brooklyn, New York, or Milwaukee,[1] behind whom the Phillies finished in fourth place with a record of 77–77.
1955 Philadelphia Phillies | ||
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League | National League | |
Ballpark | Connie Mack Stadium | |
City | Philadelphia | |
Owners | R. R. M. Carpenter Jr. | |
General managers | Roy Hamey | |
Managers | Mayo Smith | |
Television | WPTZ WFIL | |
Radio | WIP (By Saam, Gene Kelly, Claude Haring) | |
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Offseason
editPrior to the 1955 season, the Phillies purchased the 50-foot-tall (15 m) Ballantine Beer electronic scoreboard from Yankee Stadium for $175,000 from the Yankees. It was placed in right-center field at Connie Mack Stadium. This scoreboard was used through the final year at the ballpark.[2]
Spring training
editIn March 1955, the Phillies began spring training play at Clearwater's Jack Russell Stadium. The stadium was dedicated on March 10, 1955.[3] Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick, National League president Warren Giles, American League president Will Harridge, Clearwater mayor Herbert M. Brown, and other city dignitaries were in attendance.[4] The Phillies played their first game at the stadium on the day of the dedication. Robin Roberts started for the Phillies against the Detroit Tigers. The Phillies won 4–2 on a two-run double by Willie Jones before 4,209 attendees.
Notable transactions
edit- February 11, 1955: Peanuts Lowrey was signed as a free agent by the Phillies.[5]
- February 19, 1955: Jimmie Coker was signed as an amateur free agent by the Phillies.[6]
- Prior to 1955 season: Ed Bouchee was purchased by the Phillies from the Spokane Indians.[7]
Regular season
editSeason standings
editTeam | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
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Brooklyn Dodgers | 98 | 55 | .641 | — | 56–21 | 42–34 |
Milwaukee Braves | 85 | 69 | .552 | 13½ | 46–31 | 39–38 |
New York Giants | 80 | 74 | .519 | 18½ | 44–35 | 36–39 |
Philadelphia Phillies | 77 | 77 | .500 | 21½ | 46–31 | 31–46 |
Cincinnati Redlegs | 75 | 79 | .487 | 23½ | 46–31 | 29–48 |
Chicago Cubs | 72 | 81 | .471 | 26 | 43–33 | 29–48 |
St. Louis Cardinals | 68 | 86 | .442 | 30½ | 41–36 | 27–50 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 60 | 94 | .390 | 38½ | 36–39 | 24–55 |
Record vs. opponents
editSources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] | |||||||||||||
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Team | BR | CHC | CIN | MIL | NYG | PHI | PIT | STL | |||||
Brooklyn | — | 14–7–1 | 12–10 | 15–7 | 13–9 | 16–6 | 14–8 | 14–8 | |||||
Chicago | 7–14–1 | — | 11–11 | 7–15 | 12–10 | 10–12 | 11–11 | 14–8 | |||||
Cincinnati | 10–12 | 11–11 | — | 9–13 | 9–13 | 11–11 | 14–8 | 11–11 | |||||
Milwaukee | 7–15 | 15–7 | 13–9 | — | 14–8 | 14–8 | 11–11 | 11–11 | |||||
New York | 9–13 | 10–12 | 13–9 | 8–14 | — | 10–12 | 17–5 | 13–9 | |||||
Philadelphia | 6–16 | 12–10 | 11–11 | 8–14 | 12–10 | — | 15–7 | 13–9 | |||||
Pittsburgh | 8–14 | 11–11 | 8–14 | 11–11 | 5–17 | 7–15 | — | 10–12 | |||||
St. Louis | 8–14 | 8–14 | 11–11 | 11–11 | 9–13 | 9–13 | 12–10 | — |
Notable transactions
edit- April 30, 1955: Smoky Burgess, Stan Palys and Steve Ridzik were traded by the Phillies to the Cincinnati Redlegs for Andy Seminick, Glen Gorbous, and Jim Greengrass.[8]
Game log
editLegend | |
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Phillies win | |
Phillies loss | |
Postponement | |
Bold | Phillies team member |
1955 Game Log[9] Overall Record: 77–77 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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April (9–7)
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May (10–19)
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June (13–14)
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July (21–14)
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August (17–10)
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September (7–13)
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Roster
edit1955 Philadelphia Phillies | |||||||||
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Roster | |||||||||
Pitchers
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Catchers
Infielders
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Outfielders
Other batters
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Manager
Coaches
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Player stats
editBatting
editStarters by position
editNote: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Pos | Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C | Andy Seminick | 93 | 289 | 71 | .246 | 11 | 34 |
1B | Marv Blaylock | 113 | 259 | 54 | .208 | 3 | 24 |
2B | Bobby Morgan | 136 | 483 | 112 | .232 | 10 | 49 |
3B | Willie Jones | 146 | 516 | 133 | .258 | 16 | 81 |
SS | Roy Smalley Jr. | 92 | 260 | 51 | .196 | 7 | 39 |
LF | Del Ennis | 146 | 564 | 167 | .296 | 29 | 120 |
CF | Richie Ashburn | 140 | 533 | 180 | .338 | 3 | 42 |
RF | Jim Greengrass | 94 | 323 | 88 | .272 | 12 | 37 |
Other batters
editNote: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in
Player | G | AB | H | Avg. | HR | RBI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Granny Hamner | 104 | 405 | 104 | .257 | 5 | 43 |
Stan Lopata | 99 | 303 | 82 | .271 | 22 | 58 |
Glen Gorbous | 91 | 224 | 53 | .237 | 4 | 23 |
Earl Torgeson | 47 | 150 | 40 | .267 | 1 | 17 |
Eddie Waitkus | 33 | 107 | 30 | .280 | 2 | 14 |
Peanuts Lowrey | 54 | 106 | 20 | .189 | 0 | 8 |
Stan Palys | 15 | 52 | 15 | .288 | 1 | 8 |
Mel Clark | 10 | 32 | 5 | .156 | 0 | 1 |
Smoky Burgess | 7 | 21 | 4 | .190 | 1 | 1 |
Ted Kazanski | 9 | 12 | 1 | .083 | 1 | 1 |
Gus Niarhos | 7 | 9 | 1 | .111 | 0 | 0 |
Floyd Baker | 5 | 8 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Jim Command | 5 | 5 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Mickey Micelotta | 4 | 4 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Bob Bowman | 3 | 3 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Danny Schell | 2 | 2 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Jim Westlake | 1 | 1 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 |
Fred Van Dusen | 1 | 0 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 0 |
John Easton | 1 | 0 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 0 |
Pitching
editStarting pitchers
editNote: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Robin Roberts | 40 | 305.0 | 23 | 14 | 3.28 | 160 |
Murry Dickson | 36 | 216.0 | 12 | 11 | 3.50 | 92 |
Herm Wehmeier | 31 | 193.2 | 10 | 12 | 4.41 | 85 |
Curt Simmons | 25 | 130.0 | 8 | 8 | 4.92 | 58 |
Saul Rogovin | 12 | 73.0 | 5 | 3 | 3.08 | 27 |
Other pitchers
editNote: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ron Negray | 19 | 71.2 | 4 | 3 | 3.52 | 30 |
Bob Kuzava | 17 | 32.1 | 1 | 0 | 7.24 | 13 |
Dave Cole | 7 | 18.1 | 0 | 3 | 6.38 | 6 |
Steve Ridzik | 3 | 11.0 | 0 | 1 | 2.45 | 6 |
Jim Owens | 3 | 8.2 | 0 | 2 | 8.31 | 6 |
Relief pitchers
editNote: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts
Player | G | W | L | SV | ERA | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jack Meyer | 50 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 3.43 | 97 |
Bob Miller | 40 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 2.41 | 28 |
Thornton Kipper | 24 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4.99 | 15 |
Ron Mrozinski | 22 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6.55 | 18 |
Lynn Lovenguth | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4.50 | 14 |
Jack Spring | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6.75 | 2 |
Bob Greenwood | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15.43 | 0 |
Awards and honors
edit- Del Ennis, starter, outfield
- Robin Roberts, starter, pitcher
- Stan Lopata, reserve[49]
Farm system
editReferences
edit- ^ John Drebinger (April 10, 1955). "BASEBALL SEASON OPENS TOMORROW". New York Times. p. S1.
- ^ Joe Sixpack (October 28, 2009). "Joe Sixpack: Phillies have Yanks to thank for Ballantine sign". Philadelphia Daily News.
- ^ "Phillies". Miami Daily News. March 10, 1955. p. 12A.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Lewis, Allen (March 1986). "Philadelphia Clearwater '47 '86". 1986 Phillies Spring Training 40th Year in Clearwater. Clearwater, Florida: Philadelphia Phillies: 4, 5.
- ^ Peanuts Lowrey at Baseball Reference
- ^ Jimmie Coker at Baseball Reference
- ^ Ed Bouchee at Baseball Reference
- ^ Smoky Burgess at Baseball Reference
- ^ "1955 Philadelphia Phillies Schedule, Box Scores and Splits". Baseball-Reference.com.
- ^ "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. April 13, 1955. p. 22. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
- ^ "Three Openers Are Postponed: Truman 'On Mound' At Kansas City". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, PA. United Press (UP). April 12, 1955. p. 32. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. August 16, 1955. p. 12. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
- ^ Hernon, Jack (April 16, 1955). "Dodgers Open Series With Pirates Today: Purkey to Face Meyer in Opening Game of Series". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. p. 12. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. April 27, 1955. p. 30. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ "The Nutshell". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. May 13, 1955. p. 2, part 2. Retrieved July 17, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Baseball Record". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. May 14, 1955. p. 8. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. May 14, 1955. p. 26. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ "The Majors". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, PA. May 14, 1955. p. 6. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. May 18, 1955. p. 35. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
- ^ "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. June 9, 1955. p. 26. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
- ^ a b "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. June 13, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
- ^ "Rain Spoils Homer Record; Indians Trim Yankees Twice: Cubs in Split With Dodgers: Philadelphia Shower Precludes a Mark; Giants Divide". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). June 13, 1955. p. 12, part 2. Retrieved July 15, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. June 27, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ "7-In. Rain Floods N.Y.; 7 Killed". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). August 13, 1955. p. 1, part 1. Retrieved July 11, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. August 13, 1955. p. 23. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ^ "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. August 15, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ^ "Hurricane's Blows Lose Punch; Total of Deaths Is Placed at 35: Connie Fades After Entering Pennsylvania: Moves North on Heels of a Record Breaking Rainfall in New York and Near-By Areas". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). August 13, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Baseball Standings". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. September 25, 1955. p. 4, part 3. Retrieved July 20, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "National League". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. April 25, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ Hernon, Jack (April 25, 1955). "Hold Your Hats, Buckle Straps -- Bucs Win!: Miss Tying Record In 6-1 Victory: Curfew Suspends Nightcap in 8th; Phils Leading 2-0". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. pp. 20, 21. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ "Apr 24, 1955, Pirates at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. April 24, 1955. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ "Philadelphia Phillies 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 0 (2)". retrosheet.org. April 24, 1955. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
[G]ame suspended for curfew, completed 6/28 with new umpires[.]
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. May 2, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
- ^ "Jackson's Single Gives Cubs 8–7 Victory". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). May 2, 1955. p. 5, part 2. Retrieved July 15, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "May 1, 1955, Cubs at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 1, 1955. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
- ^ "Chicago Cubs 4, Philadelphia Phillies 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. May 1, 1955. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
Game suspended until next night[.]
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. May 30, 1955. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
- ^ Hernon, Jack (May 30, 1955). "Pirates Lose, 5-2, Then Lead at Curfew, 8-3: Thomas Homers In Both Games: Clemente 5-for-5 in 6 2/3 Innings; Roberts Wins Opener for Phils". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
- ^ "May 29, 1955, Phillies at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 29, 1955. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates 11, Philadelphia Phillies 5 (2)". retrosheet.org. May 29, 1955. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
Game suspended at this point due to 7:00 PM curfew; resumed 7/8 with new umpires[.]
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. June 6, 1955. p. 18. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
- ^ Walfoort, Cleon (June 6, 1955). "Curfew Leaves Braves Time to Sweep a Double Header: Beat Phillies in First, 5-4: Trail, 4-0, in Second, Two Innings to Go; Eddie Hits Two". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. pp. 9, 10, part 2. Retrieved July 19, 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Jun 5, 1955, Braves at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. June 5, 1955. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
Game was suspended in the bottom of the 8th with the score 2-4 and was completed June 6, 1955.
- ^ "Philadelphia Phillies 4, Milwaukee Braves 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. June 5, 1955. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
Game suspended in the middle of the 8th inning and the score PHI 4 MIL 2." and "Game suspended for curfew and completed next night[.]
- ^ "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. July 18, 1955. p. 18. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
- ^ "Phils Outlast Cubs, 12-11; Second Game Suspended: Banks Hits Homers In Both Games To Run Total to 26". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. Associated Press (AP). July 18, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
- ^ "Jul 17, 1955, Cubs at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. July 17, 1955. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
- ^ "Philadelphia Phillies 4, Milwaukee Braves 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. July 17, 1955.
[G]ame suspended due to curfew and resumed the next day[.]
- ^ "1955 All-Star Game".
- ^ Johnson, Lloyd, and Wolff, Miles, ed., The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball, 2nd and 3rd editions. Durham, North Carolina: Baseball America, 1997 and 2007
External links
edit- 1955 Philadelphia Phillies season at Baseball Reference