HARLEM KNIGHTS 1932 PREVIEW


DRAFT
The defending champions took maximum advantage of their low-round picks by taking a couple of pitchers that are 
long-range projects. Taken with the last pick of the first round was a strapping right-hander named Johnny Murphy, 
who has all the tools to be a fine pitcher. Likewise, Ray Starr was chosen by Harlem brass in the second round 
although there are not immediate future plans on the parent club. A sleeper could be the Knights third pick, 
first baseman Harry Davis, who could see some time should injuries befall Harlem. 
Grade: B+


CATCHING
Bill Dickey has firmly entrenched himself as the best catcher in his division, if not the entire DBS. Dickey 
(.313 10 83) has proven to be a durable, intelligent receiver and has garnered quite a reputation for handling 
an outstanding pitching staff. At 25, he only has his best years ahead of him. Should he falter, he is backed 
up by veterans Rollie Helmsley (.136) and Charlie Berry (.250). Berry was acquired in the blockbuster Babe Ruth 
trade with North Dallas in the offseason. 
Grade: A


INFIELD
Not necessarily a weakness, but the Harlem infield has been a source of disappointment. Shortstop Joe Cronin 
(.265 14 75) and second baseman Buddy Myer (.257 11 52) have not put up the numbers that have been expected of 
them. However, last season that was more than made up by the seasons of first baseman Don Hurst (.304 16 72) 
and Joe Stripp, who had a career year (.285 8 66 22SB). It would be helpful if the middle of the infield, 
specifically Cronin, upped his game a notch for the Knights to repeat. 
Grade: B


OUTFIELD
With the trade of Babe Ruth, Chuck Klein is now recognized as the undisputed offensive leader of the Knights. 
His booming bat produced 30 home runs in 1931 while batting .296. His spot in the heart of the Harlem order 
is secure. Joining Klein will be World Series MVP Lefty O'Doul, who earned a starting position based on his 
performance in limited duty last season (.339) as well as his record-setting World Series outing. Replacing 
Ruth, however, will be a tall order, as Harlem will have to replace a bat that produced 25 home runs and 
batted .290. Additionally, Ruth is a clutch post-season performer. His spot will most likely be taken over 
by veterans Mule Haas (.243) and Carl Reynolds (.258). Do not be surprised to see youngster Roy Johnson or 
rookie Doc Cramer vie for playing time in the Knight outfield. 
Grade: B


STARTING PITCHING
As always, pitching has been and remains the Knights strength. In 1931, they dominated the league-leader 
board, as all four of their starting pitchers finished in the top five in victories and innings pitched. 
Each member of the Harlem rotation turned in at least 230 innings last season. They were led by the venerable 
Lefty Grove (15-9 3.28), but great seasons were also turned in by Freddie Fitzsimmons (18-10 3.42), 
Bill Walker (16-7 2.74) and Rookie of the Year Larry French (16-7 2.84). Do not be surprised if General 
Crowder (8-7 3.21) or Red Lucas (3-4 2.65) gets a chance to start on a regular basis to keep things fresh in Harlem. 
Grade: A


BULLPEN
With so many starters going so deep into games, the Harlem bullpen could complain of inactivity. However, 
when called upon, they were fantastic. The Knight bullpen is lead by Fireman of the Year Watty Clark, who 
set a DBS record in 1931 with 19 saves. He also won 11 games and fashioned a 2.37 ERA. The rest of the 
bullpen is a training ground for some quality “starters in waiting” such as Clint Brown, Silas Johnson 
and Van Mungo. The relief corps is also bolstered by Tom Zachary (7-6 8 SV) and Whitlow Wyatt (6 saves in 
1930 with North Dallas). 
Grade: A-


OUTLOOK
The Knights are the deepest team in the DBS. They showed tremendous character in becoming the DBS' 
first wire-to-wire champion and resolve in turning back a resilient Montgomery club in the World Series. 
While there should be a drop in production from their offense, the depth of their pitching will more than 
adequately cover any hitting deficiencies. Hitting may win ballgames, but in the DBS, pitching wins titles. 
Look for the Knights to become the first team to repeat as World Champs. 
PROGNOSIS: First Place