The Base Ball Life of Patrick O'Farrell

[Tyke]

DTF955, are you suggesting that, after a successful career as player and GM, Pat runs for public office.....? Now that would make an interesting storyline!

[DTF955]

Or at least a descendant :-) Remember Connie Mack's great grandson in Congress?

Without WWII, though, we do need someone to serve, and Ike won't be there :-) But, my suggestions were more along the lines of how to organize the far future. And, there will be plenty of people who don't die in WWII and so on.

But, who knows, Pat himself might be interested. And, with no national stage for Ike, it's true that somebody might have to step in and make sure the last bit of integration occurs... :-)

[Big Six]

It wouldn't be the least bit farfetched for an O'Farrell to pursue a political career. Pat's grandfather, the Colonel, served with distinction in the U.S. House of Representatives following the Civil War, after all.

Pat would probably be nearly impossible to beat in a race for any political office in Massachusetts. He celebrated his fiftieth birthday late in the 1937 season, about two weeks after his son Mike made his major league debut with the Red Sox. Therefore, he's still young enough to establish himself in politics and, possibly, enjoy a long and fulfilling career in that field.

Pat has never shown any interest in a career outside baseball, but who knows what the future might bring?

Even I haven't figured that out yet, not completely...

[Big Six]

Football Magazine, December 15, 1937

TWO-SPORT STAR O’FARRELL ROARS FOR LIONS
Quarterback Is Also Bosox Pitching Prospect

DETROIT—When the Detroit Lions chose Notre Dame back Mike O’Farrell in last spring’s draft, they knew they were taking a chance.

O’Farrell is also a talented baseball pitcher, and he was almost a sure bet to sign a major league baseball contract. That meant the Lions would be negotiating with the baseball club who owned O’Farrell’s rights, hoping to secure the athlete’s services when the diamond season concluded.

As it turned out, the Lions needed to obtain the blessing of O’Farrell’s father in the bargain.

Mike is, of course, the son of baseball Hall of Famer Pat O’Farrell, now the general manager of the Boston Red Sox club for whom he starred for two decades. It was rumored that young O’Farrell, who signed with the Red Sox in June and pitched well in their farm system before making his major league debut in September, would not be willing to risk injury by playing professional football. The rumors turned out to be incorrect.

“I love to play football,” Mike O’Farrell said. “I’ve always enjoyed it, and decided that I would attempt to play both sports as long as my abilities will let me.” His father, understandably concerned with preserving the value of the Red Sox’ investment in him, was less eager to see Mike continue playing football. In the end, however, the elder O’Farrell removed his objections and, three games into the Lions’ season, Mike suited up and took the gridiron.

The results were better than even the most optimistic Lions fan could have predicted.

Detroit player/coach Dutch Clark was quick to notice the touch O’Farrell displayed as a passer. “O’Farrell has a great arm, like you’d expect a pitcher to have,” Clark explained. “He can deliver the ball to our pass receivers accurately, too. Having him in our lineup allows us to make passing plays a more important part of our offense."

Despite the fact that O’Farrell played in only nine of the Lions’ eleven games, he completed more passes and threw for more yardage than any other NFL quarterback. Connecting on 63 percent of his throws, he led all league passers by a fairly wide margin, and his nine touchdown passes were also best in the league. O’Farrell and Sammy Baugh of Washington established themselves as the best pair of rookie quarterbacks to enter the NFL in the history of the league.

Not only was O’Farrell a productive passer, he demonstrated nifty moves when he carried the ball, too. His 210 yards rushing was second on the Lions to Ernie Caddel’s 292, and provided a much-needed boost to the team’s ground game. Clark and Ace Gutowsky both averaged approximately two yards a carry, far short of expectations, so O’Farrell’s contributions were absolutely vital.

Because O’Farrell was an All-State tailback at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts, his ability to tote the mail was somewhat predictable. His skills as on the defensive side of the ball were, however, a pleasant surprise.

“We had no idea Mike could play safety as well as he can,” said Clark, a pretty fair defensive halfback himself. Effective against both the pass and the run, O’Farrell started all nine games on defense, notching twenty tackles and intercepting four passes.

In his first NFL game, O’Farrell completed 10 of his 19 passes, good for 164 yards and two touchdowns, against the formidable Green Bay Packers. He threw for at least 100 yards in all but one of his games, and truly hit his stride in the season’s final three games. He produced 179, 178, and 172 yards via the air in these three contests.

O’Farrell’s future is certainly bright as a football star. Has he thought about forsaking the diamond for the gridiron?

“That isn’t going to happen,” he said with a chuckle. “If I did that, I’d have to answer to my Dad.”

[Big Six]

Here are the standings for the 1937 NFL season:

East              W  L  T   Pct   Pts   Ave   Opp   Ave  Diff    Home    Division Conference
New York           6  5  0  .545    81   7.4    85   7.7  -0.4   4  3  0   5  3  0   6  5  0
Brooklyn           6  5  0  .545   116  10.5   127  11.5  -1.0   4  1  0   5  3  0   6  5  0
Pittsburgh         5  5  1  .550    74   7.4    49   4.9   2.5   4  2  1   4  3  1   5  5  1
Washington         4  5  2  .556    87   9.7    62   6.9   2.8   2  3  1   4  3  1   4  5  2
Philadelphia       2  9  0  .182    65   5.9   157  14.3  -8.4   1  4  0   1  7  0   2  9  0

 West              W  L  T   Pct   Pts   Ave   Opp   Ave  Diff    Home    Division Conference
Green Bay          9  1  1  .950   144  14.4    60   6.0   8.4   5  0  1   7  0  1   9  1  1
Chicago B          7  4  0  .636   135  12.3   114  10.4   1.9   3  2  0   4  4  0   7  4  0
Detroit            6  4  1  .650   157  15.7   103  10.3   5.4   3  2  1   3  4  1   6  4  1
Cleveland          5  6  0  .455   117  10.6   159  14.5  -3.8   3  2  0   3  5  0   5  6  0
Chicago C          1  7  3  .313    59   7.4   119  14.9  -7.5   1  2  0   1  5  2   1  7  3

In the NFL championship game, played in below-freezing temperatures and a light snow, the Giants upset the mighty Packers. Tillie Manton booted a game-winning 15-yard field goal with 1:43 remaining to break the scoreless tie.

My simulated NFL season (played using Action PC Football) featured less scoring than the "real" 1937 season. Soon, I'll post the NFL statistical leaders and the statistics for Mike O'Farrell and his Detroit Lions teammates.

[Big Six]

This might be way, way more stats than any of you would want to see, but Action PC Football makes it very easy to generate stat reports that are easy to post.

If you know your NFL history, you might recognize a few of the names on these leaderboards. I know I'm now much, much more familiar with the pro football stars of the late thirties than I ever was.

League Leaders:1937 RUSHING

                     Att  Yds  Ave Lg TD                       Att  Yds  Ave Lg TD   
   1 Battles    WAS  212  762  3.6 51  3     6 Mortell    PHI  139  454  3.3 32  1
   2 Karcis     PIT  164  688  4.2 54  2     7 Nagurski   CHB   88  441  5.0 25  2
   3 Hinkle     GB   129  517  4.0 54  2     8 Irwin      WAS  105  436  4.2 38  1
   4 Nolting    CHB  117  492  4.2 45  5     9 Grosvenor  CHC  165  434  2.6 18  0
   5 Soar       NY   114  455  4.0 38  0    10 Maniaci    BRO  118  431  3.7 17  1

     Rushing Attempts         Rushing Average          Rushing Long
   1 Battles    WAS  212    1 Nagurski   CHB  5.0    1 Caddel     DET  64
   2 Grosvenor  CHC  165    2 Nolting    CHB  4.2    2 Hinkle     GB   54
   3 Karcis     PIT  164    3 Karcis     PIT  4.2    3 Karcis     PIT  54
   4 Leemans    NY   148    4 Irwin      WAS  4.2    4 Battles    WAS  51
   5 Mortell    PHI  139    5 Miller     GB   4.1    5 Keen       PHI  48

     Rushing Touchdowns       Rushing Gains Of 10+     Rushing First Downs
   1 Nolting    CHB   5     1 Battles    WAS  12     1 Battles    WAS   30
   2 Battles    WAS   3     2 Karcis     PIT  12     2 Karcis     PIT   29
   3 Coffee     CHC   3     3 Davidson   PIT  12     3 Hinkle     GB    22
   4 Miller     GB    3     4 Nagurski   CHB  11     4 Irwin      WAS   22
   5 Goddard    CLE   3     5 Mortell    PHI  10     5 Nolting    CHB   21

     Rushing First Down%      Rushing Touchdown%       Yards/Game
   1 Nagurski   CHB  22.7   1 Nolting    CHB   4.3   1 Battles    WAS  69.3
   2 Miller     GB   22.5   2 Miller     GB    3.4   2 Karcis     PIT  68.8
   3 Irwin      WAS  21.0   3 Nagurski   CHB   2.3   3 Hinkle     GB   47.0
   4 Nolting    CHB  17.9   4 Smukler    PHI   2.1   4 Nolting    CHB  44.7
   5 Karcis     PIT  17.7   5 Richards   NY    2.1   5 Soar       NY   41.4



  League Leaders:1937 RECEIVING

                      No  Yds  Ave Lg TD                        No  Yds  Ave Lg TD
   1 Klewicki   DET   36  632 17.6 76  6     6 Hewitt     PHI   16  180 11.3 42  0
   2 Hutson     GB    31  292  9.4 46  1     7 Austin     BRO   15  326 21.7 47  3
   3 Tinsley    CHC   26  577 22.2 72  4     8 Carter     PHI   15  340 22.7 64  1
   4 Barrett    BRO   22  398 18.1 79  4     9 Drake      CLE   15  329 21.9 58  3
   5 Malone     WAS   21  242 11.5 32  0    10 Morse      DET   14  157 11.2 34  1

     Receiving Yards          Receiving Average        Receiving Long
   1 Klewicki   DET   632   1 Tinsley    CHC 22.2    1 Barrett    BRO   79
   2 Tinsley    CHC   577   2 Barrett    BRO 18.1    2 Klewicki   DET   76
   3 Barrett    BRO   398   3 Klewicki   DET 17.6    3 Tinsley    CHC   72
   4 Carter     PHI   340   4 Hutson     GB   9.4    4 Irwin      WAS   72
   5 Drake      CLE   329   5 Karr       CHB 33.2    5 Karr       CHB   67

     Receiving Touchdowns     Receiving Gains Of 25+   Receiving First Downs
   1 Klewicki   DET    6    1 Tinsley    CHC    8    1 Klewicki   DET   32
   2 Barrett    BRO    4    2 Drake      CLE    6    2 Tinsley    CHC   26
   3 Tinsley    CHC    4    3 Klewicki   DET    5    3 Hutson     GB    17
   4 Irwin      WAS    3    4 Karr       CHB    5    4 Carter     PHI   15
   5 Karr       CHB    3    5 Barrett    BRO    5    5 Austin     BRO   15

     Receiving Drops          Receiving Pass Attempts  Receiving First Down%
   1 Hewitt     PHI   10    1 Malone     WAS   84    1 Tinsley    CHC 100.0
   2 Tinsley    CHC    7    2 Tinsley    CHC   80    2 Klewicki   DET  88.9
   3 Barrett    BRO    6    3 Hutson     GB    75    3 Barrett    BRO  68.2
   4 Malone     WAS    6    4 Hewitt     PHI   64    4 Hutson     GB   54.8
   5 McDonald   CHB    6    5 McDonald   CHB   53    5 McDonald   CHB 100.0

     Receiving Touchdown%     RAC Yards                RAC Yards/Catch
   1 Barrett    BRO  18.2   1 Tinsley    CHC  279    1 Tinsley    CHC 10.7
   2 Klewicki   DET  16.7   2 Klewicki   DET  252    2 Klewicki   DET  7.0
   3 Tinsley    CHC  15.4   3 Karr       CHB  166    3 Barrett    BRO  6.5
   4 Hutson     GB    3.2   4 Barrett    BRO  142    4 Hutson     GB   1.2
   5 Betridge   CLE 100.0   5 Drake      CLE  142    5 Uzdavinis  CLE 22.0

     Yards/Game
   1 Klewicki   DET  57.5
   2 Tinsley    CHC  52.5
   3 Barrett    BRO  36.2
   4 Austin     BRO  32.6
   5 Carter     PHI  30.9



  League Leaders:1937 PASSING

                      Att Cmp    C% Yards  In    I%  Lg  TD   TD%  Rate
   1 O'Farrell  DET   134  85  63.4  1258  11   8.2  76   9   6.7  82.2
   2 Herber     GB    150  71  47.3   640   8   5.3  46   4   2.7  46.0
   3 Masterson  CHB   158  53  33.5  1131  22  13.9  67   8   5.1  37.2
   4 Hinkle     GB      1   1 100.0    34   0   0.0  34   1 100.0 158.3
   5 Huffman    DET     1   1 100.0    19   0   0.0  19   0   0.0 118.8
   6 Johnson    BRO     1   1 100.0     5   0   0.0   5   0   0.0  87.5
   7 Snyder     CLE   109  60  55.0  1029   8   7.3  58   8   7.3  81.2
   8 Kusko      PHI     9   2  22.2    18   0   0.0  16   1  11.1  76.6
   9 Danowski   NY     81  43  53.1   632   2   2.5  51   1   1.2  72.7
  10 Parker     BRO    90  44  48.9   895   9  10.0  79   4   4.4  59.5

     Pass Attempts            Pass Completions         Passing Yards
  1 Masterson  CHB  158    1 O'Farrell  DET   85    1 O'Farrell  DET 1258
  2 Herber     GB   150    2 Herber     GB    71    2 Masterson  CHB 1131
  3 O'Farrell  DET  134    3 Snyder     CLE   60    3 Snyder     CLE 1029
  4 Snyder     CLE  109    4 Masterson  CHB   53    4 Parker     BRO  895
  5 Smukler    PHI  108    5 Parker     BRO   44    5 Coffee     CHC  695

     Interceptions            Touchdowns               Yards/Attempt
  1 Masterson  CHB   22    1 O'Farrell  DET    9    1 O'Farrell  DET  9.4
  2 Smukler    PHI   20    2 Masterson  CHB    8    2 Masterson  CHB  7.2
  3 Gildea     PIT   14    3 Snyder     CLE    8    3 Herber     GB   4.3
  4 Battles    WAS   12    4 Parker     BRO    4    4 Hinkle     GB  34.0
  5 O'Farrell  DET   11    5 Herber     GB     4    5 Huffman    DET 19.0

     Yards/Completion         Completion%              Interception%
  1 Masterson  CHB 21.3    1 O'Farrell  DET  63.4   1 Herber     GB    5.3
  2 O'Farrell  DET 14.8    2 Herber     GB   47.3   2 O'Farrell  DET   8.2
  3 Herber     GB   9.0    3 Masterson  CHB  33.5   3 Masterson  CHB  13.9
  4 Fiske      PIT 50.0    4 Hinkle     GB  100.0   4 Hinkle     GB    0.0
  5 Hinkle     GB  34.0    5 Huffman    DET 100.0   5 Huffman    DET   0.0

     Touchdown%               Times Sacked             Sack%
  1 O'Farrell   DET   6.7   1 Maniaci    BRO    6    1 Masterson  CHB   1.9
  2 Masterson  CHB   5.1   2 Herber     GB     5    2 Herber     GB    3.2
  3 Herber     GB    2.7   3 O'Farrell  DET    5    3 O'Farrell  DET   3.6
  4 Hinkle     GB  100.0   4 Snyder     CLE    4   21 Coffee     CHC   1.1
  5 Brumbaugh  BRO  11.8   5 Parker     BRO    3   22 Baugh      WAS   1.2

     Yards/Game               Pass Gains 25+           Bad Passes
  1 O'Farrell  DET 139.8   1 Masterson  CHB   16    1 Masterson  CHB   17
  2 Masterson  CHB 102.8   2 Snyder     CLE   12    2 Baugh      WAS   17
  3 Snyder     CLE  93.5   3 Parker     BRO   10    3 Herber     GB    14
  4 Parker     BRO  81.4   4 Coffee     CHC    8    4 Smukler    PHI   13
  5 Coffee     CHC  63.2   5 Danowski   NY     8    5 O'Farrell  DET   13



  League Leaders:1937 INTERCEPTIONS

                     No  Yards  Ave   Lg TD                       No  Yards  Ave   Lg TD
   1 Howell     WAS   7    32   4.6   17  0     6 Parker     BRO   5    28   5.6   23  0
   2 Hanson     PHI   6    15   2.5   10  0     7 Huffman    DET   5    43   8.6   16  0
   3 Banet      GB    6    36   6.0   22  0     8 Shepherd   DET   5     0   0.0    0  0
   4 Fiske      PIT   5   103  20.6   29  1     9 Masterson  CHB   4    15   3.8   10  0
   5 Nolting    CHB   5    24   4.8   11  0    10 Cuff       NY    4    82  20.5   54  1

     Interception Yards       Int Return Average       Int Return Long
  1 Fiske      PIT  103    1 Golemgeske BRO  37.5   1 Brumbaugh  BRO   60
  2 Cuff       NY    82    2 Haden      NY   25.0   2 Cuff       NY    54
  3 Golemgeske BRO   75    3 Arnold     PHI  23.0   3 Golemgeske BRO   41
  4 Baugh      WAS   68    4 Fiske      PIT  20.6   4 Baugh      WAS   36
  5 Brumbaugh  BRO   60    5 Cuff       NY   20.5   5 Fiske      PIT   29

     Int Return Touchdowns    Deflections
  1 Cuff       NY     1    1 Nori       BRO    8
  2 Golemgeske BRO    1    2 Drake      CLE    8
  3 Fiske      PIT    1    3 Parker     BRO    7
  4 Haden      NY     1    4 Leemans    NY     7
                           5 Clark      DET    7



  League Leaders:1937 SACKS

                                                                                 
   1 McChesney  WAS   4       5 Hutson     GB    3       9 Deskin     CHC   2
   2 Thompson   CHB   4       6 Christense DET   3      10 Miller     CHC   2
   3 Sortet     PIT   3       7 Emerick    CLE   3      11 Gantenbein GB    2
   4 Carter     PHI   3       8 Niccolai   PIT   2      12 Brett      PIT   1

     Sack Yards               Hurries
   1 Christense DET   30    1 Gantenbein GB    10
   2 Hutson     GB    26    2 Haden      NY     9
   3 Thompson   CHB   26    3 Millner    WAS    8
   4 McChesney  WAS   23    4 Tinsley    CHC    8
   5 Carter     PHI   19    5 Sortet     PIT    7



  League Leaders:1937 TACKLES

                                                                                 
   1 Hewitt     PHI   80       5 Basrak     PIT   74       9 Golemgeske BRO   71
   2 Edwards    WAS   77       6 Tinsley    CHC   74      10 Hein       NY    70
   3 Nagurski   CHB   77       7 Gutowsky   DET   72      11 Hinkle     GB    69
   4 Goldenberg GB    77       8 Smukler    PHI   72      12 Dell Isola NY    67

     Stuffs                   Stuff Yards              Tackles/Game
   1 Nagurski   CHB   25    1 Nagurski   CHB   50    1 Hewitt     PHI  7.3
   2 Gutowsky   DET   19    2 Gutowsky   DET   37    2 Nagurski   CHB  7.0
   3 Edwards    WAS   15    3 Pangle     CHC   33    3 Edwards    WAS  7.0
   4 Cherundolo CLE   15    4 Cherundolo CLE   31    4 Goldenberg GB   7.0
   5 Russell    PHI   14    5 Russell    PHI   30    5 Basrak     PIT  6.7

     Forced Fumbles           Safeties
   1 Nagurski   CHB    7 
   2 Goldenberg GB     7 
   3 Miller,O   CLE    6 
   4 Smith,Er   GB     6 
   5 Basrak     PIT    5 



  League Leaders:1937 KICKRETURNS

                      No  Yds  Ave  Lg TD                        No  Yds  Ave  Lg TD
   1 Clark      DET   19  453 23.8  54  0     6 Snyder     CLE   26  503 19.3  30  0
   2 Keen       PHI   22  512 23.3  40  0     7 Grosvenor  CHC   17  327 19.2  30  0
   3 Howell     WAS   12  264 22.0  32  0     8 Masterson  CHB   19  358 18.8  34  0
   4 Parker     BRO   20  428 21.4  35  0     9 Battles    WAS    1   28 28.0  28  0
   5 Kobrosky   NY    16  318 19.9  31  0    10 Huffman    DET    2   55 27.5  28  0


     Kick Returns             Kick Return Yards        Kick Return Long
  1 Snyder     CLE   26    1 Keen       PHI   512   1 Clark      DET    54
  2 Keen       PHI   22    2 Snyder     CLE   503   2 Miller     GB     51
  3 Parker     BRO   20    3 Clark      DET   453   3 Keen       PHI    40
  4 Clark      DET   19    4 Parker     BRO   428   4 Hanson     PHI    36
  5 Masterson  CHB   19    5 Masterson  CHB   358   5 Parker     BRO    35

     Kick Return Touchdowns








  League Leaders:1937 PUNTRETURNS

                     No Fc  Yds  Ave Lg TD                       No Fc  Yds  Ave Lg TD
   1 Banet      GB   28 10  384 13.7 60  1     6 Snyder     CLE  15 17  112  7.5 12  0
   2 Kobrosky   NY   24 26  271 11.3 21  0     7 Grosvenor  CHC  12 21   87  7.3 18  0
   3 Fiske      PIT  29  0  271  9.3 17  0     8 Clark      DET  13 23   92  7.1 10  0
   4 Parker     BRO  16 17  146  9.1 15  0     9 Masterson  CHB  20 27  134  6.7 11  0
   5 Keen       PHI  11 14   99  9.0 19  0    10 Howell     WAS  18 24   77  4.3 13  0

     Punt Returns             Fair Catches             Punt Return Yards
  1 Fiske      PIT   29    1 Masterson  CHB   27    1 Banet      GB   384
  2 Banet      GB    28    2 Kobrosky   NY    26    2 Kobrosky   NY   271
  3 Kobrosky   NY    24    3 Howell     WAS   24    3 Fiske      PIT  271
  4 Masterson  CHB   20    4 Clark      DET   23    4 Parker     BRO  146
  5 Howell     WAS   18    5 Grosvenor  CHC   21    5 Masterson  CHB  134

     Punt Return Long         Punt Return Touchdowns
  1 Banet      GB    60    1 Banet      GB     1
  2 Kobrosky   NY    21  
  3 Keen       PHI   19  
  4 Grosvenor  CHC   18  
  5 Fiske      PIT   17  



  League Leaders:1937 KICKING

                    FGA FGM   FG% 40 50 Lg Pts
  1 Engebretse GB    18  11  61.1  0  0 30  48
  2 Manton     NY    18  13  72.2  0  0 32  45
  3 Manders    CHB   13  11  84.6  0  0 32  45
  4 Maniaci    BRO   17  11  64.7  0  0 34  44
  5 Niccolai   PIT   19  13  68.4  0  0 30  44
  6 Monahan    DET   11   8  72.7  0  0 32  43
  7 Keeble     CLE   13   7  53.8  0  0 29  33
  8 Smukler    PHI   13   8  61.5  0  0 34  29
  9 Bond       WAS   15   6  40.0  0  0 32  27
 10 Baker      CHC    8   1  12.5  0  0 13  11

     Field Goal Attempts      Field Goals Made         Field Goal%
  1 Niccolai   PIT   19    1 Niccolai   PIT   13    1 Manders    CHB  84.6
  2 Manton     NY    18    2 Manton     NY    13    2 Monahan    DET  72.7
  3 Engebretse GB    18    3 Engebretse GB    11    3 Manton     NY   72.2
  4 Maniaci    BRO   17    4 Maniaci    BRO   11    4 Niccolai   PIT  68.4
  5 Bond       WAS   15    5 Manders    CHB   11    5 Maniaci    BRO  64.7

     Field Goals 40+          Field Goals 50+          Long Field Goals
                                                    1 Maniaci    BRO   34
                                                    2 Smukler    PHI   34
                                                    3 Manton     NY    32
                                                    4 Manders    CHB   32
                                                    5 Monahan    DET   32

     Extra Point Attempts     Extra Points Made        Extra Point%
  1 Monahan    DET   19    1 Monahan    DET   19    1 Monahan    DET 100.0
  2 Engebretse GB    16    2 Engebretse GB    15    2 Engebretse GB   93.8
  3 Manders    CHB   15    3 Manders    CHB   12    3 Maniaci    BRO  91.7
  4 Keeble     CLE   14    4 Keeble     CLE   12    4 Keeble     CLE  85.7
  5 Maniaci    BRO   12    5 Maniaci    BRO   11    5 Manders    CHB  80.0



  League Leaders:1937 PUNTING

                    No Yards Tb 20 Lg Bk  Ave
  1 Smith,S    PIT  42  1923  9 18 61  0 45.8
  2 Keeble     CLE  51  2083  2 12 64  1 40.8
  3 Leemans    NY   62  2500  3 13 59  0 40.3
  4 Kercheval  BRO  52  2033  1  9 54  0 39.1
  5 Herber     GB   54  2111  4 17 75  0 39.1
  6 Tipton     CHC  67  2506  1 13 67  0 37.4
  7 Smith,R    WAS  54  1982  0  9 46  0 36.7
  8 Christense DET  49  1537  0  3 48  0 31.4
  9 Molesworth CHB  51  1535  0  8 54  0 30.1
 10 Roton      PHI  61  1773  1  2 53  1 29.1

     Punts                    Punt Yards               Punts Inside 20
   1 Tipton     CHC   67    1 Tipton     CHC 2506    1 Smith,S    PIT   18
   2 Leemans    NY    62    2 Leemans    NY  2500    2 Herber     GB    17
   3 Roton      PHI   61    3 Herber     GB  2111    3 Tipton     CHC   13
   4 Smith,R    WAS   54    4 Keeble     CLE 2083    4 Leemans    NY    13
   5 Herber     GB    54    5 Kercheval  BRO 2033    5 Keeble     CLE   12

     Touchbacks               Long Punts               Punts Blocked
   1 Smith,S    PIT    9    1 Herber     GB    75    1 Keeble     CLE    1
   2 Herber     GB     4    2 Tipton     CHC   67    2 Roton      PHI    1
   3 Leemans    NY     3    3 Gildea     PIT   64 
   4 Keeble     CLE    2    4 Keeble     CLE   64 
   5 Clark      DET    2    5 Smith,S    PIT   61 

     Net Average
   1 Smith,S    PIT 40.5
   2 Clark      DET 38.3
   3 Baugh      WAS 38.0
   4 Gildea     PIT 37.9
   5 Keeble     CLE 36.6



  League Leaders:1937 FUMBLES

                                                                                 
   1 Parker     BRO  11       5 Coffee     CHC   8       9 Kercheval  BRO   7
   2 Battles    WAS  11       6 Snyder     CLE   8      10 Karcis     PIT   6
   3 Maniaci    BRO   9       7 Leemans    NY    7      11 Alfonse    CLE   6
   4 Grosvenor  CHC   8       8 Baugh      WAS   7      12 Masterson  CHB   5

     Fumble Recoveries        Recovery Touchdowns
  1 Emerick    CLE    8   1 Snyder     CLE    1
  2 Olsson     WAS    5   2 Christense DET    1
  3 Lee        BRO    5   3 Herber     GB     1
  4 Golemgeske BRO    5   4 O'Farrell  DET    1
  5 Snyder     CLE    5   5 Edwards    WAS    1



  League Leaders:1937 SCORING

                      Tot    FG    XP TwoPt  Rush   Rec   Int K-Ret P-Ret  F-TD  Sfty
   1 Engebretse GB     54    11    15     0     0     0     0     0     0     1     0
   2 Maniaci    BRO    50    11    11     0     1     0     0     0     0     0     0
   3 Manders    CHB    45    11    12     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0
   4 Manton     NY     45    13     6     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0
   5 Niccolai   PIT    44    13     5     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0
   6 Monahan    DET    43     8    19     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0
   7 Nolting    CHB    42     0     0     0     5     2     0     0     0     0     0
   8 Smukler    PHI    41     8     5     0     2     0     0     0     0     0     0
   9 Klewicki   DET    36     0     0     0     0     6     0     0     0     0     0
  10 Keeble     CLE    33     7    12     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0

     Field Goals              Extra Points             Two Point Conv
   1 Manton     NY    13    1 Monahan    DET   19    1 Monahan    DET    0
   2 Niccolai   PIT   13    2 Engebretse GB    15    2 Engebretse GB     0
   3 Manders    CHB   11    3 Manders    CHB   12    3 Manders    CHB    0
   4 Engebretse GB    11    4 Keeble     CLE   12    4 Keeble     CLE    0
   5 Maniaci    BRO   11    5 Maniaci    BRO   11    5 Maniaci    BRO    0

When I created Mike O'Farrell, I made him a fairly average NFL passer for his era. I probably didn't coach him the way a 1930s pro football coach would have, however.

I had Mike throw fairly often, but not unrealistically so. Arnie Herber of the Packers and Bernie Masterson threw a lot in the simulation, too. I suppose Mike's completion percentage was high because I tended to call lots of short pass plays for him. I have a feeling most NFL coaches ran the ball on third-and-four, or third-and-five and, like a more modern coach, I tended to have Mike pass in these kinds of situations.

In 1937, Ed Klewicki was a third-year pro out of Michigan State. The "real" Ed Klewicki caught eight passes in 1937, the most he'd ever grab in a single season. The one instance in which I "suspended reality" in my NFL simulation was my decision to remove the penalty for "overusing" a receiver. The simulation can be set to penalize passers, rushers, and receivers who exceed their real-life attempts, so guys who carry the ball once for nine yards can't turn into unstoppable forces of nature.

If I hadn't removed the usage penalties, after Klewicki had caught a dozen passes or so, he would have transformed into a worthless oaf who dropped every ball thrown to him.

[Big Six]

Here are the stats for Mike O'Farrell's Detroit Lions.

1937 Detroit 

Rushing    Att  Yds  Ave 10  FD Lg TD  Receiving   Rec Dp  Yds  Ave 25 FD Lg TD
Caddel      66  292  4.4  6  10 64  1  Klewicki     36  1  632 17.6  5 32 76  6
O'Farrell   74  210  2.8  4   8 47  2  Morse        14  4  157 11.2  1  8 34  1
Gutowsky    98  183  1.9  5  10 34  1  Caddel       13  3  159 12.2  0 10 22  1
Clark       86  177  2.1  6  10 17  0  Ebding       10  0  158 15.8  1  7 47  1
Cardwell    24   89  3.7  1   2 46  1  Clark         6  1   60 10.0  0  2 19  0
Shepherd    34   75  2.2  1   2 34  1  Huffman       5  0   68 13.6  0  3 22  0
Hanneman     2   54 27.0  2   2 29  1  Gutowsky      2  0   31 15.5  0  2 19  0
Huffman     16   53  3.3  1   3 11  1  Cardwell      1  0   24 24.0  0  1 24  0
Klewicki     5    3  0.6  0   0  5  0  Hanneman      1  0   15 15.0  0  1 15  0
Morse        1    0  0.0  0   0  0  0               88  9 1304 14.8  7 66 76  9
Kizzire      3   -3 -1.0  0   0  3  0
Christense   1   -4 -4.0  0   1  0  0
           410 1129  2.8 26  48 64  8


Passing     Att Cmp    C%  Yds  Ave  Lg  Bd 25  In    I%   Sk  TD   TD%  Rate
Huffman       1   1 100.0   19 19.0  19   0  0   0   0.0    0   0   0.0 118.8
O'Farrell   134  85  63.4 1258 14.8  76  13  7  11   8.2    5   9   6.7  82.2
Clark         2   1  50.0    5  5.0   5   0  0   0   0.0    0   0   0.0  56.3
Gutowsky      7   1  14.3   22 22.0  22   1  0   0   0.0    0   0   0.0  40.2
Shepherd      6   0   0.0    0  0.0   0   1  0   3  50.0    2   0   0.0   0.0
            150  88  58.7 1304 14.8  76  15  7  14   9.3    8   9   6.0  68.3

Kicking      XPA XPM   XP%  FGA FGM   FG%    40+   50+   Lg   Pts
Monahan       19  19 100.0   11   8  72.7    0.0   0.0   32    43

Punting        No Yards  Lg TB BK 20   Ret  Yds    Net   Gross
Clark          14   605  57  2  0  3     2   29   38.3    43.2
Christense     49  1537  48  0  0  3    40  345   24.3    31.4

Kick Returns  No Yards  Ave   Lg TD      Punt Returns No FC Yards  Ave  Lg TD
Huffman        2    55  27.5  28  0      Clark        13 23    92  7.1  10  0
Clark         19   453  23.8  54  0                   13 25    92  7.1  10  0
Cardwell       5    99  19.8  27  0
Kizzire        1    13  13.0  13  0
Reckmack       1     9   9.0   9  0
              27   629  23.3  54  0

Fumbles                                                                        
Gutowsky  4   O'Farrel   4   Kizzire    2   Christen   1
Clark     4   Shepherd   3   Cardwell   1

Sacks        Hurries      Stuffs       Deflections  Forced Fmb   Fumble Rec
Christen  3  Christen  4  Gutowsky 19  Clark     7  Gutowsky  4  Christen  4
Morse     1  Hanneman  3  Johnson,  9  Huffman   6  Johnson,  4  O'Farrel  2
             Klewicki  3  Christen  7  O'Farrel  6  Morse     2  Klewicki  2
             Gutowsky  1  Klewicki  7  Fena      5  Klewicki  2  Fena      2
             Johnson,  1  Morse     6  Shepherd  3  Christen  2  Gutowsky  2
                          Shepherd  2  Ebding    2  Huffman   2  Cardwell  1
                          Fena      2  Caddel    1  Shepherd  1  Emerson   1
                          Ebding    1  Gutowsky  1  Payne     1  Huffman   1
                                       Cardwell  1  Ebding    1  Clark     1
                                       Emerson   1  Feldhaus  1  Shepherd  1
                                       Morse     1               Cooper    1
                                       Klewicki  1               Caddel    1
                                       Kizzire   1               Johnson,  1

Tackles                                                                        
Gutowsky  72  Clark      38  Huffman    19  Ritchart    7  Cardwell    4  Wagner      1
Klewicki  57  Morse      37  Ebding     13  Stacy       6  Hupke       4  
Christen  51  Fena       27  Reynolds    9  Reckmack    6  Kizzire     3
Johnson,  45  Shepherd   22  Christen    7  Feldhaus    5  Cooper      3
Emerson   42  O'Farrel   20  Payne       7  Caddel      4  Stokes      1

Ints      No Yds  Ave  Lg TD
Huffman    5  43  8.6  16  0
Shepherd   5   0  0.0   0  0
Clark      4  14  3.5   6  0
O'Farrell  4  41 10.3  23  0
Fena       4  26  6.5  12  0
Cardwell   3   0  0.0   0  0
          25 124  5.0  23  0

I was frustrated all season long by the lackluster play of Ace Gutowsky and Dutch Clark. The "real" Gutowsky averaged nearly three yards per carry, and was apparently very effective inside the tackles. In my games, Gutowsky was only effective against the worst teams; against decent competition, he averaged a yard per carry.

Clark was an even bigger disappointment. He should have been the Lions' most productive runner, based on his real-life average of 4.9 yards per carry. Instead, he killed drive after drive by allowing defenders to nail him for losses.

Had Ace and Dutch been more productive, I wouldn't have had Mike O'Farrell throw quite as many passes. But, then again, the simulation wouldn't have been quite as much fun for me.

[Big Six]

The Sporting News, January 12, 1938

TEENAGED JAPANESE STAR ARRIVES IN UNITED STATES
Kawakami Said To Be Fine Hitter

SAN FRANCISCO--Inspired by the successes of two young players who have succeeded in American baseball after being trained in Japanese ball, another talented young player has come to the United States and declared his intention to sign a contract with a professional club.

Tetsuharu Kawakami, who will turn eighteen in two months, is a lefty-hitting first baseman with a sweet swing. Standing five feet, eight inches tall, the compact Kawakami is said to be a line-drive hitter with the potential to develop some power. He possesses good speed and makes contact regularly, according to his Japanese coaches.

Major league clubs are expected to eagerly bid for Kawakami's services, as the first two players imported from Japan have both been very successful in American leagues. New York Giants pitcher Victor Starffin has won 41 games in his first two big league seasons, and Boston Red Sox third baseman Fumio Fujimura played well in a month-long tryout with the Sox after batting .300 with fifteen home runs for Minneapolis.

Kawakami was considered a more promising player than Fujimura, so most baseball experts believe he will be at least as successful as his countryman.

[Big Six]

In my eagerness to move on to another season, I almost forgot the post my "stat notes" on the 1937 season.

Here are the standings, first of all:

AMERICAN        W  L  PCT   GB
Detroit        94 60 .610   -- 
Boston         93 61 .604  1.0 
New York       77 77 .500 17.0 
Philadelphia   77 77 .500 17.0 
Chicago        75 79 .487 19.0 
St. Louis      72 82 .468 22.0 
Cleveland      69 85 .448 25.0 
Washington     59 95 .383 35.0 

NATIONAL        W  L  PCT   GB
Philadelphia   90 64 .584   -- 
New York       88 66 .571  2.0 
St. Louis      82 72 .532  8.0 
Pittsburgh     78 76 .506 12.0 
Cincinnati     73 81 .474 17.0 
Boston         70 84 .455 20.0 
Chicago        69 85 .448 21.0 
Brooklyn       66 88 .429 24.0

Both leagues featured close pennant races that weren't decided until the final days of the season. The Phillies, led by catcher Shanty Hogan (.322-9-80), outfielder Chuck Klein (.315-20-96) and third baseman Stan Hack (.305, .397 OBP), fought off the Giants to win the first pennant in the team's history. Jim Weaver and former Red Sox Buster Ross each won 20 games for the Phils.

Their World Series opponent was the Detroit Tigers, who added rookie catcher Rudy York (.247-17-73) to a potent lineup that already featured first sacker Hank Greenberg (.320-33-150) shortstop Willie Wells (.318-24-89) and centerfielder Cool Papa Bell (.306, 71 stolen bases). The Bengals had three 20-game winning hurlers: Schoolboy Rowe (23 victories), Marv Gudat (22), and Charlie Devens (20). Uel Eubanks (13 saves) provided excellent support from the bullpen.

The Phillies completed their magical season by upsetting the Tigers in the World Series, 4 games to 3. Hugh Mulcahy won two games for the Phils, including a thrilling 4-3 battle in the Series' deciding game. Mulcahy, you might remember, was a high school athletic rival of Mike O'Farrell back in Massachusetts.

The Red Sox might have barely lost the pennant, but their star first baseman, Lou Gehrig, won his fifth American League Most Outstanding Batter award. The Iron Horse led the league with a lusty .358 average and also captured the home run crown with 36. Only Hank Greenberg's outstanding RBI production kept Gehrig from the Triple Crown; Lou drove in 142 runs to Hank's 150.

The National League's top batsman was, like Gehrig, a slugging first baseman who has won his league's top hitting honor five times. He was, of course, the Giants' Buck Leonard, who hit .315 with 26 homers and 94 RBI.

Leonard was closely challenged for the MOB prize by several other hitters. Archie Graham of the Cubs won the batting title at .336, and stole 54 bases to finish first in that category, too. Home run leader Mel Ott of the Braves crushed 32 homers and drove in 101 runs, and Ripper Collins of Pittsburgh drove in 118 runs to lead in that category while also batting .323.

The junior circuit awarded its pitching prize to Bill Foster of St. Louis, who went 23-8 with a 2.18 ERA and 280 strikeouts. He edged lefty Carl Hubbell of the Red Sox, who led all AL hurlers with 26 wins, and Hilton Smith of the White Sox, who won 21 games and led the majors with 324 strikeouts.

Cincinnati's Ralph Birkofer won 26 games to lead the National League, two more than the Cardinals' Dizzy Dean. Birkhofer was named the Most Outstanding Pitcher for his efforts, although a good argument could be made in favor of Satchel Paige. The Cubs ace led the league in strikeouts with 262, and won the ERA title as well at 2.75.

Both 1937 Rookies of the Year called Boston their home. Red Sox pitcher Bucky Walters went 20-10 with a 4.09 ERA, while Braves first baseman Elbie Fletcher produced a .297-5-80 batting line.

[jdw]

Originally Posted by Big Six

It wouldn't be the least bit farfetched for an O'Farrell to pursue a political career. Pat's grandfather, the Colonel, served with distinction in the U.S. House of Representatives following the Civil War, after all.

Pat would probably be nearly impossible to beat in a race for any political office in Massachusetts. He celebrated his fiftieth birthday late in the 1937 season, about two weeks after his son Mike made his major league debut with the Red Sox. Therefore, he's still young enough to establish himself in politics and, possibly, enjoy a long and fulfilling career in that field.

Pat has never shown any interest in a career outside baseball, but who knows what the future might bring?

Even I haven't figured that out yet, not completely...

Following in the Colonel's footsteps would be very cool.

I think it would have to be the House. The Senate is rather difficult historically:

David I. Walsh (1919-47)

Irish-Catholic former Governor. More likely one to bring Patrick into the Democratic party rather than have Patrick run against him.

Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. (1937-44, 1947-53)

Left the Senate to serve during WWII. He was a Repub, but didn't lose until a certain someone came along in 1953. Very tough to beat. Came back in taking Walsh's slot when Walsh retired.

Leverett Saltonstall (1945–1967)

Another long termer, taking Walsh's first slot.

John F. Kennedy (1953-60)

Knocked out Lodge.

You really can't have him take Lodge's spot given his historical significance and needing to be there for JFK to defeat. You can't have him take Walsh's spot - there's no way he'd run against him.

Running for the House would be easy enough. From Wiki, here are the MA Representatives:

List of United States Representatives from Massachusetts

I would look for a sort of less significant one going out in 1939 (1938 election) or 1941 (1940 election), and make sure you're not blocking someone like Tip O'Neil.

He's probably getting close to the age where he can do it with a fair number of his children grown up. The other nice things is that he could serve long enough to vote for this:

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Before retiring at the end of that Congress (leaving office in January 1965). That's close to 30 years, which would make him decently old. But many Reps and Senators go well into their 70s. And that might be one of the things Pat had been working on all through the 50s and 60s.

In fact, the filibuster in the Senate by Southern members of his own Party might be one of the things that makes Pat do what the Col. did - walk away from politics. He stayed on to work to get it passed, speach publically in favor of it as an American Icon both in sports and politics, and then walked away once it passed.


John

[DTF955]

Yes, because Joseph P. Kennedy - who isn't killed since there's no WW II - could always move to New York or something, like Robert did later in OTL.

[Big Six]

Boston Herald, March 8, 1938

SARASOTA, FLORIDA—The Boston Red Sox opened their spring training camp this week, minus two of the most familiar names in their history. The team did, however, welcome the return of one even more storied name to its player roster.

Quietly, as befit a man who throughout his career let his talents speak for themselves, pitcher Neal Brady announced his retirement from baseball in January. Brady, a Kentucky gentleman who spent the vast majority of his career in a Red Sox uniform, retired with 305 career wins and a strikeout total exceeded by only four men in major league history.

Brady’s announcement came as somewhat of a surprise, as he had pitched effectively in relief for the Red Sox in 1937. He posted a 1.72 earned run average, allowing fewer than one hit per inning and displaying his trademark control. The lure of quiet retirement appealed to Brady, who will almost certainly be enshrined in Cooperstown not long after he becomes eligible for that honor.

Neal Brady will, however, always be best known in Boston as the player who, as an after-thought, was added to the deal that brought Lou Gehrig to the Red Sox in exchange for Babe Ruth. Brady’s emergence meant that the Sox received two of the finest players in baseball history in exchange for one such player.

The Red Sox also broke camp without infielder Frank Frisch. Like Brady, Frisch came to the Sox in a trade with a New York club; in Frank’s case, the Giants. A career .312 batter, Frisch accumulated 2755 base hits, drove in and scored over 1500 runs apiece, and stole over 600 bases.

Like Brady, Frisch played quite well for the 1937 Sox, bouncing back to hit .279 after a disappointing .246 mark in 1936. His retirement at age 39 opens up a spot for Bobby Doerr, a talented Californian half Frank’s age who has his eye on the Red Sox second base job.

There will be no Brady or Frisch on the Red Sox playing roster, but there might once again be an O’Farrell. This time it’s Mike, who has thrown well in his first professional camp. Signed out of the University of Notre Dame last June, O’Farrell won ten games for the Little Rock and Minneapolis clubs, but struggled somewhat at the higher level. It is likely that O’Farrell will begin the season with the Millers in order to sharpen his skills, but it is also likely that the young righthander will before long be plying his trade in the city where his father won his fame.

[Big Six]

287 10th Avenue, S.E.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Miss Mary Catherine O’Farrell
12 Lowell Road
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts

June 5, 1938

Dear Mary Kate,

Your letter arrived yesterday, and I was very glad to read that things are going so well for you. Congratulations on another successful year at Mount Holyoke! I know Mom and Dad must be very proud of you, and I am too. I’m also glad to be able to write with lots of good news myself.

I pitched yesterday against Toledo, and won my fifth game of the season. I only allowed two runs in nine innings, and for the second straight game I only walked one batter. My manager, Donie Bush, is very pleased with my improvement between this year and last. I’m not walking nearly as many hitters, and I’m striking out a few more. I’m also allowing a lot fewer hits than I did last year with the Millers. Finally, pitching in the American Association feels as comfortable to me as pitching at Notre Dame or in the Southern Association.

Nobody has said anything about me moving up to the major leagues yet, but that’s just fine by me. Of course, I’d like to play for the Red Sox; all of us here would. I suppose I’m just confident that my chance will come, and I want to make sure that when it does, I’ll be ready.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that because Dad is who he is, I’ll be given an opportunity. On the other hand, it also means that if I don’t pitch well, some of the fans will probably lose patience with me pretty quickly. That’s one reason why I want to come to Boston only when I’m ready to play well. I don’t want to let anyone down, embarrass Dad, or face the razzing I’ll get if I get knocked around.

For the most part, I really like the guys I’m playing with this year. I’d say the most interesting character of the bunch is a player I’m sure you’ve heard about, Ted Williams. To say that Ted is confident would be an understatement. He can be one of the cockiest guys I’ve ever met. Don’t get me wrong; he’s a very, very good ballplayer, and without a doubt he’s the best hitter in the whole league right now. The thing is, Ted is fully aware of this fact.

The other afternoon, Ted was in the clubhouse after a game in which he’d had four hits, two of them home runs. He started boasting, and when he saw me, he said, “See that guy over there? His dad was the best hitter the Red Sox ever had. One day, I’ll be better than he was.”

The guys and I just laughed. I doubt any of them had to be told I’m Pat O’Farrell’s son, or that Dad could hit a little bit. I took advantage of the chance to kid around with Ted a little, too. “That’s because we’ll be teammates, and you won’t ever have to hit against me.”

For a second, Ted frowned, and I was afraid he was going to come after me. Then he grinned, and we all had another good laugh. I suppose it’s easy to be in a good mood when you’re hitting over .400!

I need to close this letter now, because we need to catch the train to Louisville. One more thing, though: I got a phone call from Nile Kinnick the other night, and he asked specifically about you. I thought I’d pass that information along to you, Sis.

Take good care of yourself, and tell everybody hello for me. I miss all of you very much, which might be the biggest reason why I hope I'll be in Boston soon.

Love, your brother,
Mike

Note: In 57 games with the Millers, Ted Williams is hitting .407, with 19 home runs and 52 RBI. The Kid leads all AAA hitters in each of these categories, and only Cleveland’s Luke Easter (16 home runs) is anywhere close in any of them.

I took some time deciding what I would do about Williams, who didn’t actually make his major league debut until 1939. I decided that if the Red Sox were in a hot pennant race—which might be likely, as you’ll see in my next post—I’d seriously consider bringing him up. After all, the “real” 1938 Red Sox might have done the same thing if they’d been battling for the pennant.

[Tib]

Big Six,

Just wanted to say that although my presence on the boards is less than it was, I always made sure to keep up with your excellent effort and will until you put down the pen.

Tib

[NCBeachBum]

Originally Posted by Tib

Big Six,

Just wanted to say that although my presence on the boards is less than it was, I always made sure to keep up with your excellent effort and will until you put down the pen.

Tib

"

[Big Six]

Thanks for your comments, Tib and NCBB. I was wondering if people were still interested in reading about Pat and his family or if they'd simply tired of the story because it had been around so long. It's good to see that at least some people are still enjoying the tale. I am, and while I confess that the biggest reason I keep going is the enjoyment I receive from playing the games and writing the story, it's always flattering to realize there's an audience out there.

[Simon_Nesbit]

Originally Posted by Big Six

Thanks for your comments, Tib and NCBB. I was wondering if people were still interested in reading about Pat and his family or if they'd simply tired of the story because it had been around so long. It's good to see that at least some people are still enjoying the tale. I am, and while I confess that the biggest reason I keep going is the enjoyment I receive from playing the games and writing the story, it's always flattering to realize there's an audience out there.

At the moment, there are only 3 reasons I come to this site, and your story is one of them. I just wish it could happen faster....i'm too impatient i guess.

Btw, A friend of mine, who has never seen a game of baseball started reading it one day at work. He ended up sitting down for about an hour just reading the story from the beginning. This is a guy that doesn't read ANYTHING (except the newest playboy/ralph/inside sport) so it was a fair effort.

Keep up the good (exceptional) work

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Simon_Nesbit

At the moment, there are only 3 reasons I come to this site, and your story is one of them. I just wish it could happen faster....i'm too impatient i guess.

Btw, A friend of mine, who has never seen a game of baseball started reading it one day at work. He ended up sitting down for about an hour just reading the story from the beginning. This is a guy that doesn't read ANYTHING (except the newest playboy/ralph/inside sport) so it was a fair effort.

Keep up the good (exceptional) work

Thanks very much, Simon. I'm glad you're still enjoying it, and that your friend spent an enjoyable hour or so with the story, too. As long as he didn't get in hot water with the boss, it's all good. If he happens to be the boss, it's even better!

I should be posting more frequently now that the holidays are over, and I'm settling into my winter routine.

[Big Six]

227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Mr. Patrick O'Farrell
12 Lowell Road
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts

July 20, 1938

Dear Son,

I wanted to take a few moments to write to you and congratulate you on the birth of your first grandchild. I received the phone call from your son-in-law John a few hours ago. Rather than attempt to phone you--I felt sure your line would be busy--I decided to put my thoughts on paper, instead. I suppose I have always been more comfortable communicating via letter, anyway.

I understand mother and daughter are both doing fine, and I was glad to hear that your Sarah was able to take the train down to Philadelphia in time to greet the baby on her arrival. I know she was flattered that the little darling was named Sarah; I understand the name has some history in the Parker family, too.

I suppose you realize my eightieth birthday is coming soon, don't you? I find myself tiring a bit more easily now, but otherwise I feel fit as a fiddle. The daily walks I take in the village help a great deal; your grandfather swore by them, and look how long he lived! I would love to stick around long enough to see Mike marry and have a son, so I can greet the young man who will bear the O'Farrell name into the next generation. It's a fine old name, and I must say you have borne it very well indeed.

That new radio you and Sarah gave me for Christmas pulls in the Springfield station clear as a bell, so even with my old ears I can listen to the Red Sox games. Bill Carrigan certainly has the boys in fine form again this season, and as we said back when you played, the pennant race is a real corker! Are you planning to bring that Williams fellow up from the Minneapolis club? Your son Bill tells me he's 'tearing the cover off the ball.' I know you need a good outfielder; Phil Todt is simply not hitting as he usually has. You could play Williams in his spot, or you could move Martin Dihigo back to the infield in Bill Werber's position.

Thirty years ago, I would never have imagined myself writing to you like this, suggesting changes to a baseball lineup! I do believe you fellows have made a "fan" out of me.

From your oldest, biggest fan,
Dad

[jdw]

Nice letter, Big Six.


John