The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell - Page 52

Big Six · 08-02-2006, 11:23 AM

Boston Globe, September 5, 1936

HITTERS MAKE HISTORY AS SOX THRASH YANKS
Gehrig Homers Three Times, Incuding 400th of His Career
Hafey Hits For Cycle

NEW YORK--Yesterday at Yankee Stadium, Lou Gehrig and Chick Hafey flexed their ample muscles and powered their Boston Red Sox to an 18-3 victory over the New York club. Each of the thirty-three year old sluggers made history in the process; Gehrig reaching a career milestone only three men in major league history have achieved, Hafey enjoying a rare day of varied offensive accomplishments.

Gehrig blasted three home runs, all struck off hapless Yankees starter Vernon "Lefty" Gomez. Lou's third blast, an eighth-inning grand slam, was the 400th of his illustrious career. The Columbia strong boy leads all active players in career home runs; only the recently retired Babe Ruth and Oscar Charleston have cleared the fence more times.

The man who hits two slots behind him in the Red Sox batting order, Chick Hafey, worked some hitting magic of his own, collecting five hits: a single, two doubles, a triple, and a home run. In baseball parlance, that is known as "hitting for the cycle," and it is one of the game's rarer accomplishments.

Each of the Sox sluggers drove in seven runs, and Gehrig scored five times himself. The first five batters in Boston's order--Martin Dihigo, Bill Werber, Gehrig, Josh Gibson, and Hafey--together amassed fifteen base hits, scored sixteen times, and drove in fifteen runs.

Their awesome work at bat made an easy winner of Waite Hoyt, who evened his 1936 record at seventeen wins and seventeen defeats...

Big Six · 08-02-2006, 04:03 PM

None of the story's main characters played key roles in the final weeks of the 1936 season, which I'll wrap up with a statistical update.

Code:

AMERICAN       W   L  PCT   GB
Philadelphia  92  62 .597   -- 
Detroit       87  67 .565  5.0 
New York      86  68 .558  6.0 
Chicago       82  72 .532 10.0 
Boston        80  74 .519 12.0
Cleveland     70  84 .455 22.0 
St. Louis     67  87 .435 25.0 
Washington    52 102 .338 40.0 

NATIONAL       W   L  PCT   GB
St. Louis     96  58 .623   -- 
New York      93  61 .604  3.0 
Pittsburgh    83  71 .539 13.0 
Brooklyn      77  77 .500 19.0 
Philadelphia  74  80 .481 22.0 
Chicago       71  83 .461 25.0 
Cincinnati    63  91 .409 33.0 
Boston        59  95 .383 37.0

The Cardinals completed their outstanding 1936 season by winning the World Series in seven games over the Athletics. The unhappiest fans in baseball were undoubtedly those who support the Cincinnati Reds, who won 21 fewer ballgames in 1936 than they had the year before and dropped from third to seventh place. Meanwhile, White Sox fans rejoiced as their 18-game improvement vaulted them into the first division.

Code:

BATTING AVERAGE
1  M. Almada (BOS)        .344 
2  C. Hafey (BOS)         .343 
3  J. DiMaggio (NYA)      .342 
4  L. Lary (DET)          .335 
5  Z. Bonura (CHA)        .333 
6  L. Gehrig (BOS)        .328 
7  G. Walker (DET)        .327 
8  G. Wright (CHA)        .327 
9  F. Spurgeon (SLA)      .325 
10  B. Johnson (PHA)      .325

The presence of three Red Sox among the league's top ten hitters is small consolation for a lackluster third place season. Almada, Hafey, and rookie sensation DiMaggio battled for the crown throughout the season's final weeks.

Code:

ON BASE PERCENTAGE
1  L. Gehrig (BOS)        .444 
2  J. Foxx (PHA)          .434 
3  W. Wells (DET)         .420 
4  B. Johnson (PHA)       .418 
5  J. DiMaggio (NYA)      .415

DiMaggio demonstrated great on-base skills as a rookie, and lived up to every bit of his preseason hype. He's poised to become the American League's next young superstar.

Code:

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE
1  J. Foxx (PHA)          .681 
2  L. Gehrig (BOS)        .643 
3  M. Suttles (SLA)       .577 
4  B. Johnson (PHA)       .573 
5  J. DiMaggio (NYA)      .572

While the mid-season acquisition of Jimmie Foxx certainly helped the A's pennant chances, Indian Bob Johnson swung a potent war club all season long.

Code:

ON BASE PLUS SLUGGING
1  J. Foxx (PHA)         1.116 
2  L. Gehrig (BOS)       1.087 
3  B. Johnson (PHA)       .990 
4  J. DiMaggio (NYA)      .987 
5  W. Wells (DET)         .986

Foxx won his third consecutive AL Outstanding Batter Award, while the man who had won three in a row immediately preceding him put up another typical Lou Gehrig season.

Code:

HOME RUNS
1  J. Foxx (PHA)            49 
2  W. Wells (DET)           39 
3  L. Gehrig (BOS)          33 
4  G. Selkirk (PHA)         28 
4  E. Averill (CLE)         28

"Devil" Wells added home run power to his repertoire, giving him one more weapon with which to torment opposing pitchers.

Code:

RUNS BATTED IN
1  J. Foxx (PHA)           155 
2  L. Gehrig (BOS)         126 
3  C. Hafey (BOS)          123 
4  E. Averill (CLE)        119 
5  J. Gibson (BOS)         115

Offense was not the Red Sox' problem in 1936. If the team's pitchers had prevented runs as well as the hitters produced them, the Sox would have been a pennant contender once again.

Code:

STOLEN BASES
1  C. Bell (DET)            69 
2  M. Dihigo (BOS)          37 
3  F. Frisch (BOS)          32 
4  W. Wells (DET)           31 
5  B. Werber (BOS)          19

Most American League teams have let the stolen base go the way of the Model T Ford, a relic of an earlier day. That's why a hoary veteran like Frank Frisch can rank third in the league. Cool Papa is slapping and running his way straight to Cooperstown.

Code:

EARNED RUN AVERAGE
1  H. Smith (CHA)         2.84 
2  K. Greenfield (PHA)    3.06 
3  R. Dobens (PHA)        3.09 
4  M. Gudat (DET)         3.33 
5  H. Pyle (CHA)          3.44 
6  C. Roe (DET)           3.45 
7  D. Coffman (WS1)       3.50 
8  W. Foster (SLA)        3.68 
9  M. Brown (NYA)         3.75 
10  J. Broaca (SLA)       3.97

Have you ever seen an ERA leaderboard with fewer household names? That's Clay ROE, not Schoolboy ROWE, for example. Smith and Foster are likely the only players you know much about, unless you possess an encyclopedic knowledge of 1930s baseball.

Code:

WINS
1  H. Smith (CHA)           30 
2  R. Dobens (PHA)          27 
3  H. Pyle (CHA)            23 
3  D. Galehouse (CLE)       23 
5  T. Freitas (PHA)         22 
5  K. Greenfield (PHA)      22 
7  W. Foster (SLA)          20

Smith won his second straight AL Outstanding Pitcher title. It's not Denny Galehouse's fault that most people know of him for losing a playoff game in 1948. I admit I'm rooting for him to be a star in this universe.

Code:

STRIKEOUTS
1  H. Smith (CHA)          267 
2  W. Foster (SLA)         260 
3  H. Pyle (CHA)           258 
4  C. Roe (DET)            244 
5  R. Brown (BOS)          228

Two of the three Negro Leaguers listed here imported nicely from ArodGarlon's database, and I created Ray Brown myself after I enjoyed a great conversation with Brown's grand-nephew. Hilton Smith is arguably the best American League pitcher of the decade, and he's now the only active hurler among the 25 lifetime ERA leaders.

Code:

WHIP
1  H. Smith (CHA)         1.05 
2  K. Greenfield (PHA)    1.17 
3  H. Pyle (CHA)          1.18 
4  N. Brady (BOS)         1.19 
5  M. Gudat (DET)         1.20

Neal Brady still doesn't walk many guys, but it's now easier for opposing hitters to get good hacks against him. This might be the last time we see Neal on a season leaderboard. It's been a great ride.

Code:

BATTING AVERAGE
1  M. Ott (BSN)           .361 
2  G. Goslin (BRO)        .355 
3  S. Hogan (PHI)         .342 
4  S. West (SLN)          .341 
5  C. Gelbert (SLN)       .340 
6  B. Delancey (SLN)      .338 
7  T. Cuccinello (PIT)    .334 
8  B. Jordan (BSN)        .331 
9  J. Mize (SLN)          .327 
10  A. Vaughan (PIT)      .322

Take a look at that list, and tell me who won the NL pennant and the World Series. Sammy West bats eighth for the Cardinals.

Code:

ON BASE PERCENTAGE
1  M. Ott (BSN)           .445 
2  D. Camilli (PHI)       .419 
3  J. Mize (SLN)          .415 
4  A. Vaughan (PIT)       .413 
5  A. Galan (CHN)         .412

Mel Ott can't make the lowly Braves respectable by himself, no matter how hard he tries. Mize, like DiMaggio, should build upon his outstanding freshman season and eventually add a MOB or two to his trophy case, along with his 1936 ROY.

Code:

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE
1  M. Ott (BSN)           .657 
2  B. Leonard (NY1)       .565 
3  D. Camilli (PHI)       .559 
4  W. Brown (SLN)         .559 
5  J. Mize (SLN)          .554

Branch Rickey was willing to trade Chick Hafey to Pat O'Farrell's Red Sox because he had a feeling that Willard Brown was going to develop into a masher. As usual, Rickey was right.

Code:

ON BASE PLUS SLUGGING
1  M. Ott (BSN)          1.102 
2  D. Camilli (PHI)       .978 
3  B. Leonard (NY1)       .977 
4  J. Mize (SLN)          .970 
5  W. Brown (SLN)         .943

Ott, at age 27, should just be reaching his peak. Unless they begin to contend soon, the Braves might think about seeing how big a raft full of young players Ott might bring in a trade.

Code:

HOME RUNS
1  M. Ott (BSN)             35 
2  W. Brown (SLN)           33 
3  D. Camilli (PHI)         31 
3  D. Hurst (CHN)           31 
5  B. Leonard (NY1)         30

Dolf Camilli followed up his 1935 Rookie of the Year season by slamming another 31 homers. Unlike Ott's Braves, Camilli's Dodgers have pulled themselves up to .500 and a spot in the first division.

Code:

RUNS BATTED IN
1  B. Delancey (SLN)       120 
2  J. Mize (SLN)           112 
3  D. Hurst (CHN)          108 
4  D. Camilli (PHI)        102 
5  B. Leonard (NY1)        100

The reports that Bill Delancey came to bat only five times with the bases empty during the 1936 season are not true, but it sure seemed that way.

Code:

STOLEN BASES
1  A. Graham (CHN)          53 
2  B. James (BSN)           42 
3  C. Gelbert (SLN)         26 
4  S. Clarke (NY1)          25 
5  P. Martin (NY1)          23

Archie Graham needs 19 steals to give him 500 in his career, and last summer he stroked his 2000th career hit. With a lifetime .316 average, he's building the kind of career that will make him a candidate for the Hall of Fame. He's 34, and will need to remain productive for a few more years to increase his chances for induction.

Code:

EARNED RUN AVERAGE
1  S. Paige (CHN)         2.89 
2  C. Hubbell (NY1)       3.05 
3  R. Lucas (PIT)         3.17 
4  J. Weaver (PHI)        3.21 
5  V. Starffin (NY1)      3.27 
6  C. Moore (SLN)         3.45 
7  P. Derringer (CIN)     3.54 
8  B. Breckinridge (SLN)  3.64 
9  P. Dean (SLN)          3.76 
10  R. Henshaw (CHN)      3.97

These ERA leaders look a little more familiar, don't they? In 1936, Paul Dean pitched every bit as well as his more colorful older brother.

Code:

WINS
1  C. Hubbell (NY1)         26 
2  V. Starffin (NY1)        23 
3  J. Weaver (PHI)          22 
4  R. Lucas (PIT)           21 
5  S. Paige (CHN)           20

King Carl and the Russian Rocket gave the Giants a powerful one-two pitching punch. Meanwhile, Red Lucas reels off one 20-win season after another for the Buccaneers.

Code:

STRIKEOUTS
1  S. Paige (CHN)          372 
2  C. Hubbell (NY1)        267 
3  R. Lucas (PIT)          266 
4  D. Dean (SLN)           260 
5  J. Weaver (PHI)         257

Satchel broke the National League record for strikeouts, previously held by Bill Otey of the old Pirates. Satch lost the MOP to Hubbell, but I doubt if many managers would trade him for Carl, even-up.

Code:

WHIP
1  S. Paige (CHN)         1.04 
2  V. Starffin (NY1)      1.12 
3  R. Lucas (PIT)         1.16 
4  C. Hubbell (NY1)       1.18 
5  D. Dean (SLN)          1.20

Precocious Starffin looks like he has the right stuff, and could very well be among the best pitchers in the game through the 1940s. The Yankees and Reds have to be kicking themselves for letting him slip through their fingers.

batted balls · 08-02-2006, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the recent kind words about my dynasty, Big Six. I very much enjoy following your dynasties as well. They are entertaining and well written. It's great to have sims like this to play and the means to communicate with those who share this great hobby.

Big Six · 08-03-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batted balls

Thanks for the recent kind words about my dynasty, Big Six. I very much enjoy following your dynasties as well. They are entertaining and well written. It's great to have sims like this to play and the means to communicate with those who share this great hobby.

Thanks very much, BB. I couldn't agree more with your last statement.

canadiancreed · 08-03-2006, 04:37 PM

Defiantely a good read. I need to just sit down and start from the beginning on this one

Also did you happen to get a PM I sent you a few weeks ago?

Big Six · 08-05-2006, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

Defiantely a good read. I need to just sit down and start from the beginning on this one

Also did you happen to get a PM I sent you a few weeks ago?

Thanks, Creed. There's a shorter version of the story if you'd like to check that out; there's a link to it in my signature.

I PMed you back about that yesterday. I was trying to find out the answer for you, actually.

Big Six · 08-08-2006, 12:03 PM

South Bend Tribune, November 15, 1936

O'FARRELL SHINES AS IRISH DEFEAT ARMY, 20-6
Senior Quarterback Throws For One Score, Sets Up Another With Long Run

NEW YORK--Notre Dame's senior quarterback, Mike O'Farrell, is no stranger to Yankee Stadium, one of the most storied sporting venues in America. As a boy, he watched his father, baseball Hall of Famer Pat O'Farrell, play there on many occasions when his Boston Red Sox visited the Yankees.

Yesterday, the O'Farrell roles were reversed, as father Pat watched son Mike lead the Fighting Irish to a thrilling 19-7 victory over the Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy here yesterday. Mike tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to right end Joe Zwers for Notre Dame's first score, and it was his 43-yard run from scrimmage that set up the team's second tally--a seven-yard blast by left half Bob Wilke.

O'Farrell's long gallop was a sight to behold, as he eluded several Army defenders before lowering his shoulder to administer a hard lick to the Cadet who finally brought him down.

The victory gave Coach Elmer Layden's squad a 5-2 record, and partially soothed the pain remaining from last week's narrow loss to Navy. The squad will play its final home game of the season next Saturday against Northwestern, a contest that will be the final opportunity for O'Farrell and his senior teammates to take the field at Notre Dame Stadium.

"It will be a very emotional experience, running out on that field for the last time," O'Farrell mused. "I know every one of us seniors wants to make our last home game one to remember."

Big Six · 08-08-2006, 01:01 PM

202 St. Edward's Hall
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana

The O'Farrell Family
12 Lowell Road
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts

January 28, 1937

Dear Mom, Dad, and siblings,

I apologize in advance for not writing separate letters to every one of you. I trust that you'll forward my letter to Mary Kate, and hopefully she will send it on to Beth.

It is almost impossible to believe I'm already beginning my final semester at Notre Dame. I realize that at one point it probably seemed to you quite unlikely that I would ever be on schedule to graduate. When I nearly lost the opportunity to participate in sports, I realized how important it is to keep up my studies. Mom's accident also forced me to grow up and to start acting more like a man. I have had a wonderful opportunity to receive a top-flight education, which will prepare me for any career I might choose.

When I returned to school, I found three more letters from professional football teams in my mailbox. The Detroit Lions' general manager has now written to me three times, and it appears that they are very eager to sign me to a contract. I wrote back, and politely told them that I would like to think about my options a little longer before I make any sort of binding commitment. Right now I am still a student at the University of Notre Dame, and I would like very much to focus my attentions on all that entails for now.

I enjoyed myself very much this past weekend. Johnny Kelly, who played end for our freshman team this fall, lives down the hall from me. I get along with Johnny very well, and we often have dinner together in our dining hall. He had a visitor this weekend, a friend who is an athlete at the University of Iowa whose name is Nile Kinnick. Johnny has relatives in Omaha, where Nile went to high school, and they've been friends for several years now.

Johnny's girlfriend Barbara arranged a date for Nile with one of her friends, and they went out to dinner with Nancy and me. We all had a great time, and I told Nile that I would do my best to make it up to Iowa to watch him play next football season. He plays baseball, and unlike me, he also plays freshman basketball for the Hawkeyes. I'm not sure how he manages to find the time for three sports; it's been a challenge--albeit an exciting one--for me to manage playing two.

I should probably stop writing now, because I have a lot of work left to do to prepare for tomorrow's classes. I hope my letter finds everyone well, and that it finally finds its way to all of you.

Love, your son and brother,
Mike

Big Six · 08-22-2006, 04:45 PM

Boston Herald, April 20, 1937

SOX DEAL FOR PITCHING HELP
Slugger Hafey To Giants For Ace Lefty Hubbell

BOSTON--The Boston Red Sox rarely shy away from the opportunity to acquire star players, and they are not averse to trading away other stars to acquire them. This is, after all, the franchise that traded away Babe Ruth.

Yesterday, general manager Pat O'Farrell announced that the Sox completed another such trade, obtaining star pitcher Carl Hubbell from the New York Giants. Hubbell did not come cheaply; to acquire him, O'Farrell had to part with slugging outfielder Chick Hafey. The Giants also tossed in Lynn King, a minor league outfielder, and promising young second sacker Al Cuccinello.

Hubbell, a lefthander, is a 33-year-old veteran whose early years in professional baseball were marred by injuries. The injury bug finally released its hold upon him two seasons ago. Hubbell spent part of the 1935 campaign in the minor leagues, where he perfected his trademark pitch, a screwball that should conjure up memories of the famous fadeaway with which Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson dazzled hitters a generation ago.

Carl won 14 games and notched a 3.07 ERA in the last months of 1935, and enjoyed a truly magnificent season last year. He won 26 games, struck out 267 batters, and won the National League Outstanding Pitcher Award.

"We're thrilled to add a pitcher like Carl Hubbell to our team," said O'Farrell of the newest Red Sock. "He's overcome injuries that would have forced many players out of baseball to become one of the game's greatest pitchers."

O'Farrell and manager Bill Carrigan will expect Hubbell to anchor a pitching staff that began to show its age last season. Waite Hoyt and Neal Brady can no longer be counted on for twenty wins apiece; Brady, in fact, is now working exclusively from the bullpen. The only Red Sox starter who has demonstrated the ability to win consistently at the major league level is Ray Brown, and Brown has thus far struggled in his new role as staff ace. Hubbell will step into the #1 spot in the rotation, giving Carrigan a man whom he can count on to match up with the American League's elite moundsmen.

The Red Sox are taking a daring chance, however, by trading away Hafey, who hit .343 with 26 home runs and 123 RBI last season. The offense is already forced to compensate for the loss of Martin Dihigo, whose knee injury will sideline him for the entire 1937 season.

"Sure, we hate to see Hafey leave the Red Sox," O'Farrell said in defense of the move. "We have several talented outfielders who have waited patiently for a chance to show what they can do in the major leagues, however, and now they'll have that opportunity." Carrigan plans to give Doc Cramer, a swiftie who will be best suited for the top of the order, the first shot at a regular position.

The Red Sox, who have split their first sixteen games of the season, hope the addition of Hubbell will provide the team with the boost it needs to return to the top of the standings.

rem · 08-22-2006, 05:12 PM

Always nice to see an update, and the trade should work out well.

Big Six · 08-23-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remangiii

Always nice to see an update, and the trade should work out well.

Thanks, remangii! Good to see you around here again.

Hafey had several very good years in Boston, and the fans hated to see him leave. When the Giants proposed the trade, I jumped on it, though, because the Sox needed pitching help badly.

Hafey is 34, and Hubbell is 33, so they're both veterans; both should have a few good years ahead, however.

Big Six · 08-24-2006, 03:59 PM

South Bend Tribune, May 12, 1937

O'FARRELL VICTORIOUS IN FINAL GAME FOR IRISH
Senior Strikes Out 10, Defeats Boilermakers 3-2

SOUTH BEND--Last May, Notre Dame baseball coach Jake Kline offered a congratulatory handshake to Mike O'Farrell, who had just pitched the Fighting Irish to a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers. Kline figured that would be the last time he'd have the opportunity to perform this particular ritual.

"I knew Mike was being pursued by several professional teams, and that he was seriously considering their offers," Kline recalled. "Even when Mike returned to campus this fall, I figured he wanted to play football one more year, and that he'd be leaving to sign a pro contract in the winter."

Kline's assumptions were wrong, and he and the Fighting Irish are very glad about that. O'Farrell returned for his senior season on the diamond, and the lean righthander, who earned second team All-America recognition as a junior, pitched nine strong innings to lead the Irish to victory over Purdue yesterday afternoon. The score was 3-2.

The Irish therefore closed the 1937 campaign with a victory, and O'Farrell's effort allows him to conclude his athletic career in South Bend on a high note. The talented two-sport star should have an opportunity to play baseball or football for a living, and might even attempt both.

O'Farrell, who advanced his record to 10-3, encountered trouble largely not of his own making in the eighth inning. With the score 3-1, the Boilermakers loaded the bases on two errors and a walk. O'Farrell remained cool, however, and retired Purdue with only one run scoring.

In two weeks, O'Farrell, who majors in history, will receive his degree. He grinned when asked what his next move would be.

"I'll certainly consider an offer to play professional baseball or football, if I receive one," he said. It would probably have been safe for O'Farrell to say "when" instead of "if," as scouts from at least nine of the sixteen major league teams have watched O'Farrell pitch here in South Bend.

And if the offer comes from the Boston Red Sox, the team for which his father, Pat O'Farrell, starred for many years and with whom he is currently employed as general manager?

Mike O'Farrell's grin grew even larger. "I'd consider it even more seriously, I think."

Big Six · 08-24-2006, 11:11 PM

Boston Globe, May 27, 1937

O'FARRELL SUPPOSEDLY OFFERED CONTRACT WITH SOX
Notre Dame Hurler, Pat O'Farrell's Son, Pursued By Several Clubs

BOSTON--Sources within the Boston Red Sox organization indicate that the club has offered a contract to Mike O'Farrell, a righthanded pitcher who recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame. O'Farrell, 22, is a Massachusetts native who starred in three sports at Deerfield Academy before accepting a scholarship from Notre Dame to play football and baseball. He was named a second team All-American in both his junior and senior years.

At least a half dozen major league teams are hotly pursuing O'Farrell. Two days ago, he was said to be very close to inking a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but as of this morning the athletic 6'1" hurler was still a free agent.

There is also a possibility that O'Farrell, who distinguished himself as a quarterback and safety at Notre Dame, will sign a contract with a National Football League team. "I enjoy football, too," O'Farrell said several days ago. "If you had asked me last week which I'd rather play professionally, I would have told you football. Today, it's a tossup."

Mike O'Farrell is, of course, the son of Red Sox general manager Pat O'Farrell. Pat O'Farrell refused to comment on any possible negotiations with his son, except to say that the Red Sox would handle talks with him just as they would any player with whom they were considering a contractual agreement.

"My son is seriously considering a career as a professional baseball player, and consequently, any discussions the Red Sox have with him will be conducted in a very professional manner," O'Farrell told reporters yesterday...

sflcat · 08-25-2006, 10:21 PM

The NFL held its first collegiate draft in 1936. It will be interesting to see which team drafts Mike in the 1937 draft.

Big Six · 08-29-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sflcat

The NFL held its first collegiate draft in 1936. It will be interesting to see which team drafts Mike in the 1937 draft.

If I knew of a football game that included a historical career mode like OOTP's, I would really enjoy giving Mike a chance at an NFL career.

lewis31lewis52 · 08-29-2006, 08:58 PM

So I take it Mike is definately going to the MLB, then?

Big Six · 08-30-2006, 05:07 PM

Boston Globe, June 3, 1937

RED SOX SIGN MIKE O'FARRELL
Righthander Will Report To Little Rock Club

BOSTON--The Boston Red Sox today announced the signing of righthanded pitcher Mike O'Farrell of the University of Notre Dame. O'Farrell, age 22, will report to the Little Rock club in the Southern Association. Neither the Red Sox nor O'Farrell have disclosed the full terms of the contract.

The Red Sox won a spirited bidding war for O'Farrell's services between at least four major league teams. O'Farrell, who also won three letters in football at Notre Dame, has expressed interest in a professional football career.

General manager Pat O'Farrell told reporters today that among the terms of Mike O'Farrell's contract is a clause that will allow him to play pro football. Mike's negotiations with two teams reportedly fell through when those teams attempted to force him to abandon his gridiron dreams.

Very few amateur baseball players in recent years have attracted the attention that has been recently focused on O'Farrell, and there are two reasons why that is the case.

First of all, O'Farrell is talented. He was considered good enough to sign a professional contract straight out of prep school, but instead accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame. There, he won three letters in baseball and three more in football, and was selected to the All-America second team in both 1936 and 1937.

His abilities alone would have made Mike a fellow to keep an eye on, but the fact that he is Pat O'Farrell's son guaranteed he would face scrutiny that few young players ever experience.

When asked if he believed he will face additional pressure because he signed with the team for which his father starred for two decades, Mike O'Farrell replied in a mature, thoughtful manner.

"My dad is a Hall of Famer, and no matter who I play for, I'll always be Pat O'Farrell's son. I've literally grown up with the Boston Red Sox organization, and I'm comfortable here. For that reason, I believe they will do a better job of helping me deal with the pressure than another club might."

The fact that Mike is a pitcher eliminates most of the more direct comparisons between his ability and that of his father, a slugging infielder. "If I win one game in the major leagues, that will give me one more than my Dad," Mike said with a smile. "And I know there's no way I'll get 3600 hits, either."

Big Six · 08-30-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewis31lewis52

So I take it Mike is definately going to the MLB, then?

You'd be right.

lewis31lewis52 · 08-30-2006, 05:11 PM

Are you still going to have him be in the NFL, though?

I think it would be very interesting hearing about him in the NFL.

Big Six · 09-07-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewis31lewis52

Are you still going to have him be in the NFL, though?

I think it would be very interesting hearing about him in the NFL.

Let's just say he's considering it...very seriously...

08-02-2006, 11:23 AM	#1021 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Heart of the order Boston Globe, September 5, 1936 HITTERS MAKE HISTORY AS SOX THRASH YANKS Gehrig Homers Three Times, Incuding 400th of His Career Hafey Hits For Cycle NEW YORK--Yesterday at Yankee Stadium, Lou Gehrig and Chick Hafey flexed their ample muscles and powered their Boston Red Sox to an 18-3 victory over the New York club. Each of the thirty-three year old sluggers made history in the process; Gehrig reaching a career milestone only three men in major league history have achieved, Hafey enjoying a rare day of varied offensive accomplishments. Gehrig blasted three home runs, all struck off hapless Yankees starter Vernon "Lefty" Gomez. Lou's third blast, an eighth-inning grand slam, was the 400th of his illustrious career. The Columbia strong boy leads all active players in career home runs; only the recently retired Babe Ruth and Oscar Charleston have cleared the fence more times. The man who hits two slots behind him in the Red Sox batting order, Chick Hafey, worked some hitting magic of his own, collecting five hits: a single, two doubles, a triple, and a home run. In baseball parlance, that is known as "hitting for the cycle," and it is one of the game's rarer accomplishments. Each of the Sox sluggers drove in seven runs, and Gehrig scored five times himself. The first five batters in Boston's order--Martin Dihigo, Bill Werber, Gehrig, Josh Gibson, and Hafey--together amassed fifteen base hits, scored sixteen times, and drove in fifteen runs. Their awesome work at bat made an easy winner of Waite Hoyt, who evened his 1936 record at seventeen wins and seventeen defeats... __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story

08-02-2006, 04:03 PM	#1022 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	1936 in the books None of the story's main characters played key roles in the final weeks of the 1936 season, which I'll wrap up with a statistical update. Code: AMERICAN W L PCT GB Philadelphia 92 62 .597 -- Detroit 87 67 .565 5.0 New York 86 68 .558 6.0 Chicago 82 72 .532 10.0 Boston 80 74 .519 12.0 Cleveland 70 84 .455 22.0 St. Louis 67 87 .435 25.0 Washington 52 102 .338 40.0 NATIONAL W L PCT GB St. Louis 96 58 .623 -- New York 93 61 .604 3.0 Pittsburgh 83 71 .539 13.0 Brooklyn 77 77 .500 19.0 Philadelphia 74 80 .481 22.0 Chicago 71 83 .461 25.0 Cincinnati 63 91 .409 33.0 Boston 59 95 .383 37.0 The Cardinals completed their outstanding 1936 season by winning the World Series in seven games over the Athletics. The unhappiest fans in baseball were undoubtedly those who support the Cincinnati Reds, who won 21 fewer ballgames in 1936 than they had the year before and dropped from third to seventh place. Meanwhile, White Sox fans rejoiced as their 18-game improvement vaulted them into the first division. Code: BATTING AVERAGE 1 M. Almada (BOS) .344 2 C. Hafey (BOS) .343 3 J. DiMaggio (NYA) .342 4 L. Lary (DET) .335 5 Z. Bonura (CHA) .333 6 L. Gehrig (BOS) .328 7 G. Walker (DET) .327 8 G. Wright (CHA) .327 9 F. Spurgeon (SLA) .325 10 B. Johnson (PHA) .325 The presence of three Red Sox among the league's top ten hitters is small consolation for a lackluster third place season. Almada, Hafey, and rookie sensation DiMaggio battled for the crown throughout the season's final weeks. Code: ON BASE PERCENTAGE 1 L. Gehrig (BOS) .444 2 J. Foxx (PHA) .434 3 W. Wells (DET) .420 4 B. Johnson (PHA) .418 5 J. DiMaggio (NYA) .415 DiMaggio demonstrated great on-base skills as a rookie, and lived up to every bit of his preseason hype. He's poised to become the American League's next young superstar. Code: SLUGGING PERCENTAGE 1 J. Foxx (PHA) .681 2 L. Gehrig (BOS) .643 3 M. Suttles (SLA) .577 4 B. Johnson (PHA) .573 5 J. DiMaggio (NYA) .572 While the mid-season acquisition of Jimmie Foxx certainly helped the A's pennant chances, Indian Bob Johnson swung a potent war club all season long. Code: ON BASE PLUS SLUGGING 1 J. Foxx (PHA) 1.116 2 L. Gehrig (BOS) 1.087 3 B. Johnson (PHA) .990 4 J. DiMaggio (NYA) .987 5 W. Wells (DET) .986 Foxx won his third consecutive AL Outstanding Batter Award, while the man who had won three in a row immediately preceding him put up another typical Lou Gehrig season. Code: HOME RUNS 1 J. Foxx (PHA) 49 2 W. Wells (DET) 39 3 L. Gehrig (BOS) 33 4 G. Selkirk (PHA) 28 4 E. Averill (CLE) 28 "Devil" Wells added home run power to his repertoire, giving him one more weapon with which to torment opposing pitchers. Code: RUNS BATTED IN 1 J. Foxx (PHA) 155 2 L. Gehrig (BOS) 126 3 C. Hafey (BOS) 123 4 E. Averill (CLE) 119 5 J. Gibson (BOS) 115 Offense was not the Red Sox' problem in 1936. If the team's pitchers had prevented runs as well as the hitters produced them, the Sox would have been a pennant contender once again. Code: STOLEN BASES 1 C. Bell (DET) 69 2 M. Dihigo (BOS) 37 3 F. Frisch (BOS) 32 4 W. Wells (DET) 31 5 B. Werber (BOS) 19 Most American League teams have let the stolen base go the way of the Model T Ford, a relic of an earlier day. That's why a hoary veteran like Frank Frisch can rank third in the league. Cool Papa is slapping and running his way straight to Cooperstown. Code: EARNED RUN AVERAGE 1 H. Smith (CHA) 2.84 2 K. Greenfield (PHA) 3.06 3 R. Dobens (PHA) 3.09 4 M. Gudat (DET) 3.33 5 H. Pyle (CHA) 3.44 6 C. Roe (DET) 3.45 7 D. Coffman (WS1) 3.50 8 W. Foster (SLA) 3.68 9 M. Brown (NYA) 3.75 10 J. Broaca (SLA) 3.97 Have you ever seen an ERA leaderboard with fewer household names? That's Clay ROE, not Schoolboy ROWE, for example. Smith and Foster are likely the only players you know much about, unless you possess an encyclopedic knowledge of 1930s baseball. Code: WINS 1 H. Smith (CHA) 30 2 R. Dobens (PHA) 27 3 H. Pyle (CHA) 23 3 D. Galehouse (CLE) 23 5 T. Freitas (PHA) 22 5 K. Greenfield (PHA) 22 7 W. Foster (SLA) 20 Smith won his second straight AL Outstanding Pitcher title. It's not Denny Galehouse's fault that most people know of him for losing a playoff game in 1948. I admit I'm rooting for him to be a star in this universe. Code: STRIKEOUTS 1 H. Smith (CHA) 267 2 W. Foster (SLA) 260 3 H. Pyle (CHA) 258 4 C. Roe (DET) 244 5 R. Brown (BOS) 228 Two of the three Negro Leaguers listed here imported nicely from ArodGarlon's database, and I created Ray Brown myself after I enjoyed a great conversation with Brown's grand-nephew. Hilton Smith is arguably the best American League pitcher of the decade, and he's now the only active hurler among the 25 lifetime ERA leaders. Code: WHIP 1 H. Smith (CHA) 1.05 2 K. Greenfield (PHA) 1.17 3 H. Pyle (CHA) 1.18 4 N. Brady (BOS) 1.19 5 M. Gudat (DET) 1.20 Neal Brady still doesn't walk many guys, but it's now easier for opposing hitters to get good hacks against him. This might be the last time we see Neal on a season leaderboard. It's been a great ride. Code: BATTING AVERAGE 1 M. Ott (BSN) .361 2 G. Goslin (BRO) .355 3 S. Hogan (PHI) .342 4 S. West (SLN) .341 5 C. Gelbert (SLN) .340 6 B. Delancey (SLN) .338 7 T. Cuccinello (PIT) .334 8 B. Jordan (BSN) .331 9 J. Mize (SLN) .327 10 A. Vaughan (PIT) .322 Take a look at that list, and tell me who won the NL pennant and the World Series. Sammy West bats eighth for the Cardinals. Code: ON BASE PERCENTAGE 1 M. Ott (BSN) .445 2 D. Camilli (PHI) .419 3 J. Mize (SLN) .415 4 A. Vaughan (PIT) .413 5 A. Galan (CHN) .412 Mel Ott can't make the lowly Braves respectable by himself, no matter how hard he tries. Mize, like DiMaggio, should build upon his outstanding freshman season and eventually add a MOB or two to his trophy case, along with his 1936 ROY. Code: SLUGGING PERCENTAGE 1 M. Ott (BSN) .657 2 B. Leonard (NY1) .565 3 D. Camilli (PHI) .559 4 W. Brown (SLN) .559 5 J. Mize (SLN) .554 Branch Rickey was willing to trade Chick Hafey to Pat O'Farrell's Red Sox because he had a feeling that Willard Brown was going to develop into a masher. As usual, Rickey was right. Code: ON BASE PLUS SLUGGING 1 M. Ott (BSN) 1.102 2 D. Camilli (PHI) .978 3 B. Leonard (NY1) .977 4 J. Mize (SLN) .970 5 W. Brown (SLN) .943 Ott, at age 27, should just be reaching his peak. Unless they begin to contend soon, the Braves might think about seeing how big a raft full of young players Ott might bring in a trade. Code: HOME RUNS 1 M. Ott (BSN) 35 2 W. Brown (SLN) 33 3 D. Camilli (PHI) 31 3 D. Hurst (CHN) 31 5 B. Leonard (NY1) 30 Dolf Camilli followed up his 1935 Rookie of the Year season by slamming another 31 homers. Unlike Ott's Braves, Camilli's Dodgers have pulled themselves up to .500 and a spot in the first division. Code: RUNS BATTED IN 1 B. Delancey (SLN) 120 2 J. Mize (SLN) 112 3 D. Hurst (CHN) 108 4 D. Camilli (PHI) 102 5 B. Leonard (NY1) 100 The reports that Bill Delancey came to bat only five times with the bases empty during the 1936 season are not true, but it sure seemed that way. Code: STOLEN BASES 1 A. Graham (CHN) 53 2 B. James (BSN) 42 3 C. Gelbert (SLN) 26 4 S. Clarke (NY1) 25 5 P. Martin (NY1) 23 Archie Graham needs 19 steals to give him 500 in his career, and last summer he stroked his 2000th career hit. With a lifetime .316 average, he's building the kind of career that will make him a candidate for the Hall of Fame. He's 34, and will need to remain productive for a few more years to increase his chances for induction. Code: EARNED RUN AVERAGE 1 S. Paige (CHN) 2.89 2 C. Hubbell (NY1) 3.05 3 R. Lucas (PIT) 3.17 4 J. Weaver (PHI) 3.21 5 V. Starffin (NY1) 3.27 6 C. Moore (SLN) 3.45 7 P. Derringer (CIN) 3.54 8 B. Breckinridge (SLN) 3.64 9 P. Dean (SLN) 3.76 10 R. Henshaw (CHN) 3.97 These ERA leaders look a little more familiar, don't they? In 1936, Paul Dean pitched every bit as well as his more colorful older brother. Code: WINS 1 C. Hubbell (NY1) 26 2 V. Starffin (NY1) 23 3 J. Weaver (PHI) 22 4 R. Lucas (PIT) 21 5 S. Paige (CHN) 20 King Carl and the Russian Rocket gave the Giants a powerful one-two pitching punch. Meanwhile, Red Lucas reels off one 20-win season after another for the Buccaneers. Code: STRIKEOUTS 1 S. Paige (CHN) 372 2 C. Hubbell (NY1) 267 3 R. Lucas (PIT) 266 4 D. Dean (SLN) 260 5 J. Weaver (PHI) 257 Satchel broke the National League record for strikeouts, previously held by Bill Otey of the old Pirates. Satch lost the MOP to Hubbell, but I doubt if many managers would trade him for Carl, even-up. Code: WHIP 1 S. Paige (CHN) 1.04 2 V. Starffin (NY1) 1.12 3 R. Lucas (PIT) 1.16 4 C. Hubbell (NY1) 1.18 5 D. Dean (SLN) 1.20 Precocious Starffin looks like he has the right stuff, and could very well be among the best pitchers in the game through the 1940s. The Yankees and Reds have to be kicking themselves for letting him slip through their fingers. __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story Last edited by Big Six; 08-02-2006 at 04:08 PM.

08-02-2006, 09:05 PM	#1023 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Thanks Thanks for the recent kind words about my dynasty, Big Six. I very much enjoy following your dynasties as well. They are entertaining and well written. It's great to have sims like this to play and the means to communicate with those who share this great hobby. __________________ White Sox fan since 1972

08-03-2006, 04:37 PM	#1025 (permalink)
canadiancreed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 11,022 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 462 Thanked 115x in 84 posts	Defiantely a good read. I need to just sit down and start from the beginning on this one Also did you happen to get a PM I sent you a few weeks ago? __________________ Once upon a time I stated if I ever got a warning it was time to go. It looks like that day has finally come.

08-08-2006, 12:03 PM	#1027 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	A perfect autumn day South Bend Tribune, November 15, 1936 O'FARRELL SHINES AS IRISH DEFEAT ARMY, 20-6 Senior Quarterback Throws For One Score, Sets Up Another With Long Run NEW YORK--Notre Dame's senior quarterback, Mike O'Farrell, is no stranger to Yankee Stadium, one of the most storied sporting venues in America. As a boy, he watched his father, baseball Hall of Famer Pat O'Farrell, play there on many occasions when his Boston Red Sox visited the Yankees. Yesterday, the O'Farrell roles were reversed, as father Pat watched son Mike lead the Fighting Irish to a thrilling 19-7 victory over the Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy here yesterday. Mike tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to right end Joe Zwers for Notre Dame's first score, and it was his 43-yard run from scrimmage that set up the team's second tally--a seven-yard blast by left half Bob Wilke. O'Farrell's long gallop was a sight to behold, as he eluded several Army defenders before lowering his shoulder to administer a hard lick to the Cadet who finally brought him down. The victory gave Coach Elmer Layden's squad a 5-2 record, and partially soothed the pain remaining from last week's narrow loss to Navy. The squad will play its final home game of the season next Saturday against Northwestern, a contest that will be the final opportunity for O'Farrell and his senior teammates to take the field at Notre Dame Stadium. "It will be a very emotional experience, running out on that field for the last time," O'Farrell mused. "I know every one of us seniors wants to make our last home game one to remember." __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story

08-08-2006, 01:01 PM	#1028 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	A new acquaintance 202 St. Edward's Hall University of Notre Dame South Bend, Indiana The O'Farrell Family 12 Lowell Road Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts January 28, 1937 Dear Mom, Dad, and siblings, I apologize in advance for not writing separate letters to every one of you. I trust that you'll forward my letter to Mary Kate, and hopefully she will send it on to Beth. It is almost impossible to believe I'm already beginning my final semester at Notre Dame. I realize that at one point it probably seemed to you quite unlikely that I would ever be on schedule to graduate. When I nearly lost the opportunity to participate in sports, I realized how important it is to keep up my studies. Mom's accident also forced me to grow up and to start acting more like a man. I have had a wonderful opportunity to receive a top-flight education, which will prepare me for any career I might choose. When I returned to school, I found three more letters from professional football teams in my mailbox. The Detroit Lions' general manager has now written to me three times, and it appears that they are very eager to sign me to a contract. I wrote back, and politely told them that I would like to think about my options a little longer before I make any sort of binding commitment. Right now I am still a student at the University of Notre Dame, and I would like very much to focus my attentions on all that entails for now. I enjoyed myself very much this past weekend. Johnny Kelly, who played end for our freshman team this fall, lives down the hall from me. I get along with Johnny very well, and we often have dinner together in our dining hall. He had a visitor this weekend, a friend who is an athlete at the University of Iowa whose name is Nile Kinnick. Johnny has relatives in Omaha, where Nile went to high school, and they've been friends for several years now. Johnny's girlfriend Barbara arranged a date for Nile with one of her friends, and they went out to dinner with Nancy and me. We all had a great time, and I told Nile that I would do my best to make it up to Iowa to watch him play next football season. He plays baseball, and unlike me, he also plays freshman basketball for the Hawkeyes. I'm not sure how he manages to find the time for three sports; it's been a challenge--albeit an exciting one--for me to manage playing two. I should probably stop writing now, because I have a lot of work left to do to prepare for tomorrow's classes. I hope my letter finds everyone well, and that it finally finds its way to all of you. Love, your son and brother, Mike __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story

08-22-2006, 04:45 PM	#1029 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Hello, Hubbell Boston Herald, April 20, 1937 SOX DEAL FOR PITCHING HELP Slugger Hafey To Giants For Ace Lefty Hubbell BOSTON--The Boston Red Sox rarely shy away from the opportunity to acquire star players, and they are not averse to trading away other stars to acquire them. This is, after all, the franchise that traded away Babe Ruth. Yesterday, general manager Pat O'Farrell announced that the Sox completed another such trade, obtaining star pitcher Carl Hubbell from the New York Giants. Hubbell did not come cheaply; to acquire him, O'Farrell had to part with slugging outfielder Chick Hafey. The Giants also tossed in Lynn King, a minor league outfielder, and promising young second sacker Al Cuccinello. Hubbell, a lefthander, is a 33-year-old veteran whose early years in professional baseball were marred by injuries. The injury bug finally released its hold upon him two seasons ago. Hubbell spent part of the 1935 campaign in the minor leagues, where he perfected his trademark pitch, a screwball that should conjure up memories of the famous fadeaway with which Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson dazzled hitters a generation ago. Carl won 14 games and notched a 3.07 ERA in the last months of 1935, and enjoyed a truly magnificent season last year. He won 26 games, struck out 267 batters, and won the National League Outstanding Pitcher Award. "We're thrilled to add a pitcher like Carl Hubbell to our team," said O'Farrell of the newest Red Sock. "He's overcome injuries that would have forced many players out of baseball to become one of the game's greatest pitchers." O'Farrell and manager Bill Carrigan will expect Hubbell to anchor a pitching staff that began to show its age last season. Waite Hoyt and Neal Brady can no longer be counted on for twenty wins apiece; Brady, in fact, is now working exclusively from the bullpen. The only Red Sox starter who has demonstrated the ability to win consistently at the major league level is Ray Brown, and Brown has thus far struggled in his new role as staff ace. Hubbell will step into the #1 spot in the rotation, giving Carrigan a man whom he can count on to match up with the American League's elite moundsmen. The Red Sox are taking a daring chance, however, by trading away Hafey, who hit .343 with 26 home runs and 123 RBI last season. The offense is already forced to compensate for the loss of Martin Dihigo, whose knee injury will sideline him for the entire 1937 season. "Sure, we hate to see Hafey leave the Red Sox," O'Farrell said in defense of the move. "We have several talented outfielders who have waited patiently for a chance to show what they can do in the major leagues, however, and now they'll have that opportunity." Carrigan plans to give Doc Cramer, a swiftie who will be best suited for the top of the order, the first shot at a regular position. The Red Sox, who have split their first sixteen games of the season, hope the addition of Hubbell will provide the team with the boost it needs to return to the top of the standings. __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story

08-22-2006, 05:12 PM	#1030 (permalink)
rem Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: College Park, Md. Posts: 4,985 Thanks: 7 Thanked 7x in 5 posts	Always nice to see an update, and the trade should work out well. __________________ Born To Play: Commissioner, Baltimore Orioles GM MLB 93: Baltimore Orioles OTBA: Washington Filibusters 2005 Winner of LL's Pick the Loser Contest! - 15-0

08-24-2006, 03:59 PM	#1032 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Going out a winner South Bend Tribune, May 12, 1937 O'FARRELL VICTORIOUS IN FINAL GAME FOR IRISH Senior Strikes Out 10, Defeats Boilermakers 3-2 SOUTH BEND--Last May, Notre Dame baseball coach Jake Kline offered a congratulatory handshake to Mike O'Farrell, who had just pitched the Fighting Irish to a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers. Kline figured that would be the last time he'd have the opportunity to perform this particular ritual. "I knew Mike was being pursued by several professional teams, and that he was seriously considering their offers," Kline recalled. "Even when Mike returned to campus this fall, I figured he wanted to play football one more year, and that he'd be leaving to sign a pro contract in the winter." Kline's assumptions were wrong, and he and the Fighting Irish are very glad about that. O'Farrell returned for his senior season on the diamond, and the lean righthander, who earned second team All-America recognition as a junior, pitched nine strong innings to lead the Irish to victory over Purdue yesterday afternoon. The score was 3-2. The Irish therefore closed the 1937 campaign with a victory, and O'Farrell's effort allows him to conclude his athletic career in South Bend on a high note. The talented two-sport star should have an opportunity to play baseball or football for a living, and might even attempt both. O'Farrell, who advanced his record to 10-3, encountered trouble largely not of his own making in the eighth inning. With the score 3-1, the Boilermakers loaded the bases on two errors and a walk. O'Farrell remained cool, however, and retired Purdue with only one run scoring. In two weeks, O'Farrell, who majors in history, will receive his degree. He grinned when asked what his next move would be. "I'll certainly consider an offer to play professional baseball or football, if I receive one," he said. It would probably have been safe for O'Farrell to say "when" instead of "if," as scouts from at least nine of the sixteen major league teams have watched O'Farrell pitch here in South Bend. And if the offer comes from the Boston Red Sox, the team for which his father, Pat O'Farrell, starred for many years and with whom he is currently employed as general manager? Mike O'Farrell's grin grew even larger. "I'd consider it even more seriously, I think." __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story Last edited by Big Six; 08-24-2006 at 04:00 PM.

08-24-2006, 11:11 PM	#1033 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Rumors Boston Globe, May 27, 1937 O'FARRELL SUPPOSEDLY OFFERED CONTRACT WITH SOX Notre Dame Hurler, Pat O'Farrell's Son, Pursued By Several Clubs BOSTON--Sources within the Boston Red Sox organization indicate that the club has offered a contract to Mike O'Farrell, a righthanded pitcher who recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame. O'Farrell, 22, is a Massachusetts native who starred in three sports at Deerfield Academy before accepting a scholarship from Notre Dame to play football and baseball. He was named a second team All-American in both his junior and senior years. At least a half dozen major league teams are hotly pursuing O'Farrell. Two days ago, he was said to be very close to inking a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but as of this morning the athletic 6'1" hurler was still a free agent. There is also a possibility that O'Farrell, who distinguished himself as a quarterback and safety at Notre Dame, will sign a contract with a National Football League team. "I enjoy football, too," O'Farrell said several days ago. "If you had asked me last week which I'd rather play professionally, I would have told you football. Today, it's a tossup." Mike O'Farrell is, of course, the son of Red Sox general manager Pat O'Farrell. Pat O'Farrell refused to comment on any possible negotiations with his son, except to say that the Red Sox would handle talks with him just as they would any player with whom they were considering a contractual agreement. "My son is seriously considering a career as a professional baseball player, and consequently, any discussions the Red Sox have with him will be conducted in a very professional manner," O'Farrell told reporters yesterday... __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story

08-25-2006, 10:21 PM	#1034 (permalink)
sflcat Minors (Double A) Join Date: May 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 119 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	The NFL held its first collegiate draft in 1936. It will be interesting to see which team drafts Mike in the 1937 draft. __________________ GM, Miami Sharks, IHOF Founder & President, SFL GM, Oklahoma Outlaws, GEFL Read my "Sports and History Dynasty"

08-29-2006, 08:58 PM	#1036 (permalink)
lewis31lewis52 All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Michigan University Posts: 580 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	So I take it Mike is definately going to the MLB, then?

08-30-2006, 05:07 PM	#1037 (permalink)
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 2,410 Thanks: 117 Thanked 91x in 73 posts	Like father, like son Boston Globe, June 3, 1937 RED SOX SIGN MIKE O'FARRELL Righthander Will Report To Little Rock Club BOSTON--The Boston Red Sox today announced the signing of righthanded pitcher Mike O'Farrell of the University of Notre Dame. O'Farrell, age 22, will report to the Little Rock club in the Southern Association. Neither the Red Sox nor O'Farrell have disclosed the full terms of the contract. The Red Sox won a spirited bidding war for O'Farrell's services between at least four major league teams. O'Farrell, who also won three letters in football at Notre Dame, has expressed interest in a professional football career. General manager Pat O'Farrell told reporters today that among the terms of Mike O'Farrell's contract is a clause that will allow him to play pro football. Mike's negotiations with two teams reportedly fell through when those teams attempted to force him to abandon his gridiron dreams. Very few amateur baseball players in recent years have attracted the attention that has been recently focused on O'Farrell, and there are two reasons why that is the case. First of all, O'Farrell is talented. He was considered good enough to sign a professional contract straight out of prep school, but instead accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame. There, he won three letters in baseball and three more in football, and was selected to the All-America second team in both 1936 and 1937. His abilities alone would have made Mike a fellow to keep an eye on, but the fact that he is Pat O'Farrell's son guaranteed he would face scrutiny that few young players ever experience. When asked if he believed he will face additional pressure because he signed with the team for which his father starred for two decades, Mike O'Farrell replied in a mature, thoughtful manner. "My dad is a Hall of Famer, and no matter who I play for, I'll always be Pat O'Farrell's son. I've literally grown up with the Boston Red Sox organization, and I'm comfortable here. For that reason, I believe they will do a better job of helping me deal with the pressure than another club might." The fact that Mike is a pitcher eliminates most of the more direct comparisons between his ability and that of his father, a slugging infielder. "If I win one game in the major leagues, that will give me one more than my Dad," Mike said with a smile. "And I know there's no way I'll get 3600 hits, either." __________________ My OOTP dynasties: The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell: where it all began The Baseball Life of Tom Haley: a story of a modern player The New England Baseball League: a fictional league story Last edited by Big Six; 08-30-2006 at 05:08 PM.

08-30-2006, 05:11 PM	#1039 (permalink)
lewis31lewis52 All Star Reserve Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Michigan University Posts: 580 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Are you still going to have him be in the NFL, though? I think it would be very interesting hearing about him in the NFL.

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