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Wednesday, January 03, 2007 |
Frank Demaree, The Angelic Cub
Al Yellon over at Bleed Cubbie Blue has launched upon his own Top 100 Cubs list, and so indeed he came across the interesting case of Frank Demaree (Baseball-Reference page). Demaree played mostly for the Cubs and Giants, but between his 1933 and 1935 seasons, he played for the old PCL Los Angeles Angels:
Demaree joined the Angels, already a strong team with such players as former Cub outfielders Jigger Statz and Marv Gudat, first baseman Jim Oglesby and second baseman (and former roommate of Babe Ruth) Jimmie Reese. Reese coached in baseball for decades after his playing career, up until his death in 1994. His number is one of only five retired by the current Los Angeles Angels, the ones in Anaheim. Gene Lillard was a power-hitting third baseman the Cubs later converted to a pitcher. Fay Thomas led the pitching staff, along with Lou Garland and Emile Meola.A fascinating story that touches on the prehistory of the Angels, and well worth reading. Thanks to Helen for the heads up.Demaree was the best of all of them that season. In 186 games, Demaree won the PCL triple crown, hitting .383 with 45 home runs and 173 RBI. He also led the league in runs scored, hits, doubles and slugging percentage. He stole 41 bases. He was named the league MVP, an even more impressive achievement considering that the San Francisco Seals had a young center fielder named Joe DiMaggio that season.
Comments:
Actually, the PCL Angels franchise was sold in the late 1950s to an East Coast Investor who liquidated the team. Walter O'Malley was his name. He kept the Angels' LA logo for the caps, though.
# posted by 
: 1/03/2007 09:55:00 PM
: 1/03/2007 09:55:00 PMNewer› ‹Older
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