HARLEM KNIGHTS 1933 PREVIEW
32 RECAP
The Knights entered 1932 as the defending champions and featured the league MVP in outfielder Chuck Klein and
Pitcher of the Year Red Lucas. However, they were hounded by a pesky Fremont ballclub that overtook them in
September, edging the Knights by the narrowest of margins on the season's final day. Insiders insist that the
late season fade taught the Knights a valuable lesson that they don't intend on duplicating.
DRAFT
On Draft Day, the Knights found themselves in an envious position - with no immediate holes to fill.
Therefore, the Harlem Knights continued to build for their already bright future by adding three
exceptional long-term talents in infielder Lonny Frey, first baseman Dolph Camilli and catcher Frankie
Hayes. Pitcher Bill Dietrich also adds to a very deep pitching staff. It is acquisitions such as these
that lead most observers to conclude that the Knights will be a dominant factor in the DBS for the remainder
of the decade.
Grade: A-
CATCHING
Bill Dickey is the mainstay behind the plate for the Knights. Although he tailed off at the plate last season,
he heads up one of the finest pitching staffs in the DBS. Dickey's youth makes him a key to Harlem's long-term
fortunes. Charlie Berry serves as an able, although little used backup, and Rollie Hemsley is an exceptional
hitter. Hayes will most likely not be with the big club for a few more seasons.
Grade: A
INFIELD
The middle of the infield is held down by young veterans Joe Cronin and Buddy Myer, the respective starting
shortstop and second baseman. Barring injury, they will be the rock of the Harlem infield. Two significant
changes occur at each of the corner positions. Hank Greenberg, after three years of seasoning in the minor
leagues, finally takes over first sacker duties from longtime veteran Don Hurst. Another rookie, colorful
Pepper Martin has spent the last two seasons in the bushes and is ready to assume the third baseman role
from veteran Joe Stipp. Stripp was an All Star last season and reports are that he requested a trade from
management. Harlem brass reports that Stripp has since accepted his role on the pine and may turn out to
be one of the best pinch-hitters in the league. The performances of Greenberg and Martin will go a long
way in determining Harlem's post-season plans in 1933.
Grade: B
OUTFIELD
Two-time MVP Chuck Klein is a fixture in Harlem and quite possibly the most dominant offensive performer
in the history of the DBS. Klein has produced outstanding numbers in his career and 1933 may prove to be
his most awesome season yet. Roy Johnson has won an outfield slot away from veteran Lefty O'Doul, who has
been rumored to be on the trading block. Carl Reynolds and Doc Cramer should split time in right field as a
platoon combination.
Grade: A-
STARTING PITCHING
This season, the Knights reportedly will open with a four-man rotation a departure from years past. The
biggest surprise is that Pitcher of the Year Red Lucas will not be one of those starters. Manager Roger
Peckinpaugh feels that Lucas will be of most help in the bullpen, bridging the gap to closer Tom Zachary.
As always, Lefty Grove will anchor the rotation. He will be joined by a former Rookie of the Year in Larry
French as well as Freddie Fitzsimmons and Van Mungo. Lucas may draw most of the spot starts, but Clint
Brown and General Crowder may also draw a few starting assignments for the Knights.
Grade: A-
BULLPEN
This is an area of concern for the Knights as the bullpen let them down during September last season. The
addition of Lucas will provide some stability either as a middle-inning reliever or setup man. Veteran Tom
Zachary will return as the closer, one of the finest in league history. Brown and Crowder will also be
mainstays in the bullpen and both are eager to improve on their 1932 performances. However, as shown last
season, if you plan to beat the Knights, the middle innings are where to strike.
Grade: B
OUTLOOK
With veterans at full maturation, youngsters eager to prove themselves and the hunger to avenge last season's
near miss, this year's squad may be the most dangerous Knights team ever. Expect big things from them both
collectively and individually. They are the team to beat in the NorthEast division in 1933.
PROGNOSIS: First Place
Back to Notes page