1944 St. Louis Browns

The team played so poorly throughout its existence (they became the Baltimore Orioles in 1954) that they inspired the phrase 'First in shoes, first in booze and last in the American League.' But the 1944 Browns survived a tight pennant race with Detroit to meet the hometown Cardinals in their only postseason appearance.

Both teams shared Sportsman's Park and the '44 Series became the third time a series was played in the same ballpark. The Cards prevailed in six closely fought games to win the Series.

Vern Stephens' 109 RBIs led the AL and his 20 round-trippers ranked him second in the league.

Pitching staff led the league in strikeouts (581) and ranked second in ERA (3.81).

The Browns ranked second in the AL with 72 total homers. The Cardinals were the only team in 1944 to hit 100 home runs.

Manager Luke Sewell enjoyed his only first-place finish during his nine years as a big league manager.

1944 St. Louis Browns Starting Lineup

C-Red Hayworth      (.222 AVG, 1 HR, 25 RBI)

1B-George McQuinn      (.250 AVG, 11 HR, 72 RBI)

2B-Don Gutteridge      (.245 AVG, 3 HR, 36 RBI)

3B-Mark Christman      (.271 AVG, 6 HR, 83 RBI)

SS-Vern Stephens      (.293 AVG, 20 HR, 109 RBI)

LF-Milt Byrnes      (.295 AVG, 4 HR, 45 RBI)

CF-Mike Kreevich      (.301 AVG, 5 HR, 44 RBI)

RF-Gene Moore      (.238 AVG, 6 HR, 58 RBI)

PH-Al Zarilla      (.299 AVG, 6 HR, 45 RBI)

P-Jack Kramer      (17-13 W-L, 2.49 ERA, 124 K)

P-Nels Potter      (19-7 W-L, 2.83 ERA, 91 K)

P-Bob Muncrief      (13-8 W-L, 3.08 ERA, 88 K)

P-George Caster      (6-6 W-L, 2.44 ERA, 12 SV)

89-65, 1st in American League    Managed by Luke Sewell Ballpark: Sportsman's Park

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