1955 FABL Recap: Dominance Defined
Pre-Season Trades: Dynamos Strike Gold
The baseball world barely settled into 1955 before a shocking trade sent shockwaves through the league. Los Angeles Stars GM Frank York inexplicably traded 26-year-old ace Paul Anderson to the Detroit Dynamos for a package of unproven prospects. Anderson, coming off a 15-13 season with a 3.30 ERA (126 ERA+), was dealt despite owning a stellar career record of 67-36 with a 2.91 ERA (133 ERA+) and leading the league with 196 strikeouts in 1954. Detroit solidified their already fearsome rotation, adding Anderson behind Allen Award winners Jack Miller and Jim Norris.
Other offseason deals included:
- Kansas City Kings acquiring RF Bryan Jeffress and prospect Paul Castelli from the Pittsburgh Miners for utility man Al Clement and teenage pitcher Bill Scott.
- New York Gothams adding veteran SP/RP Ollie White from the Denver Pioneers.
- Montreal Saints picking up veteran Bob Haverhill from the Washington Eagles.
Detroit’s Early Dominance
The Dynamos stormed out of the gate, winning 14 of their first 17 games and solidifying their place atop the Federal Association standings. By June, Detroit led by 12.5 games, cementing themselves as the league’s premier team. The Kings, meanwhile, started slowly in the Continental Association but found their stride in May, setting up another dominant season for the reigning champions.
Regular Season Highlights
- Detroit Dynamos (100-54): First Federal Association team since 1938 to reach 100 wins. The league’s most dominant team led in runs scored (872) and fewest runs allowed (601). Ace Jim Norris (23-7, 2.97) captured his second consecutive Allen Award, supported by standout seasons from Miller, Anderson, and the versatile Jack Halbur.
- Kansas City Kings (94-60): Powered by co-MVPs Ken Newman (.308, 26 HR, 85 RBI) and Charlie Rogers (.331, 16 HR, 99 RBI), the Kings repeated as Continental Association pennant winners. Allen Award winner Tony Britten (20-11, 2.64 ERA) anchored a strong pitching staff.
1955 World Championship Series: Detroit vs. Kansas City
The Dynamos and Kings squared off for the second consecutive year. Detroit emerged victorious in a thrilling seven-game series, claiming their third title in four years.
Series Summary:
- Game 1: Kings ace Fred Washington dominated after early struggles, leading Kansas City to a 9-2 win.
- Game 2: Detroit’s Jack Miller evened the series with a complete-game 6-2 victory.
- Game 7: The series ended in dramatic fashion with Detroit winning 7-6 in 10 innings. Tommy Griffin drove in the winning run, securing back-to-back titles for the Dynamos.
League Leaders and Awards
Federal Association:
- Whitney Award: Earl Howe (NY Gothams) – 55 HR, 153 RBI, .312 AVG.
- Allen Award: Jim Norris (Detroit) – 23-7, 2.97 ERA.
- Kellogg Award (Rookie): Willie Watson (Washington).
Continental Association:
- Whitney Award: (Co-winners) Ken Newman and Charlie Rogers (KC Kings).
- Allen Award: Tony Britten (KC Kings) – 20-11, 2.64 ERA.
- Kellogg Award (Rookie): Tom Reed (Toronto).
Other Highlights
- All-Star Game: The Continental Association routed the Federal Association 8-1, with homers from Dutch Miller, Larry McClure, and Bob Burge.
- Biggest Surprises:
- Bill Guthrie (San Francisco): 43 HR as an unheralded first baseman.
- Skinny Green (Montreal): Led the CA in strikeouts (207) with a breakout 18-9, 3.13 ERA season.
- Notable Breakouts:
- Rex Masters (Boston): Claimed the Federal batting title with a .345 average.
- Paul Wise (Pittsburgh): Key acquisition from Washington, adding offensive depth to the Miners lineup.
Offseason Outlook
The Dynamos remain the team to beat in 1956, with a core of elite pitching and a deep lineup. Teams like the Kings and Miners are poised to challenge, but it will take significant moves to unseat Detroit’s dynasty.
For more info on the 1955 season, check out the yearly recap from This Week in Figment Sports, here!