|
Personnel History
1928: Babe Ruth awarded MVP
|
|
1928
1928 started slowly for the defending champs, and with perienniel hegemon Washington joined by budding powerhouse Beaver Falls, GM Andrew Bywaters new something needed to be done. The future was sold when Willie Kamm, Bump Hadley, Mule Haas, Lu Blue, a #1 pick and most importantly Kiki Cuyler were dispatched to New York for mighty Lou Gehrig and some loose change. Gehrig proved to be dynamite, following up on his MVP season by hitting over .400, and teaming with Babe Ruth to form the most potent 1-2 punch the game has ever - and possibly will ever - see. Combined with the outstanding pitching of Sam Gray, Boston was able to blow by the disappointing Beavers and, after a season-long chase, caught Washington on the final day of the season. Boston was able to vanquish the Nationals in a one-game playoff and gain homefield advantage for the playoffs. Unfortunately, the strain of the pennat race began to show on the perpetually out of shape Ruth, whose bat fell asleep in the postseason. Gehrig was able to carry the team to a 3-2 lead in the WS, but two disappointing blow-outs in Boston at the hands of the Nationals brought the RedSox dream of a repeat to an end. The Red Sox will look to rebuild in 1929. Stalwarts of the past Ira Flagstead, Jackie Tavener, and George Harper are all showing their age, and the pitching staff could be in for a major overhaul. However, Ruth and Gehrig are still around, and the Sox should still be in the hunt for a playoff spot for years to come.
|
