Over the weekend a Sox star from another era (1950's) moved on to the Big Dugout in the sky. The 1950 American League Rookie of the Year, Walt Dropo burst on the league and quickly became a fixture at first base for the Hose. Tall and lanky in stature, he physically appeared a bit like a right handed batting mirror of Teddy Ballgame. After a brief end of season call-up in 1949, he started the season at first in 1950 for the Sox and was just unstoppable! In earning the AL Rookie of the Year, he compiled an enviable record for anyone for the year: he led the league in RBI's with 144, was 1st in total bases with 326, and hit 34 homers, finishing second in the league. His B.A. for the season was a robust .322, 8th in the league. He also was second in the league in total extra base hits at 70. After that start, everyone was excited by the prospects for a great career, but in '51 he tailed off badly, hitting just .239 with 57 ribbies and 11 homers. But the following year, splitting it between Boston and Detroit,he had a decent rebound to 97 ribbies, a .276 average and 29 homers, and 3d in total bases at 282. After '52, with the exception of an occasional good stat in one or another area (96 ribbies in '53), he gradually faded, finishing up a 13 year career with a .270 lifetime BA and 152 HR's.
i can tell you, I always enjoyed him riding a pitch out over the Monster. RIP Walt!
A father and daughter discuss a team that's tormented them since 1978.
About Me
- Jenn and Peter
- Peter - the Dad - was raised in/near Boston, and ended up in the SF area 33 years ago. Besides this blog, he also does two others that have nothing at all to do with the Red Sox, and has written a few books, none of which have or are likely to win a Pulitzer any time soon. But, having been weaned on the Red Sox, he can always hope. Jenn - the Daughter - was born & raised in California, but is now living in the LA area. When she's not blogging, she's working on various television shows and writing scripts.
Born Into It
Jenn at the Los Angeles Coliseum
What is Duffy's Cliff?
From 1912-1933 there was a 10 foot-high hill that formed an incline in front of the left field wall of Fenway Park. So, a left fielder had to play the whole area running uphill.
The Sox' first star left fielder was a man by the name of Duffy Lewis. He mastered the skill so well, they named that area of the park Duffy's Cliff.
In 1934, Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey finally flattened the ground in left field making the whole outfield relatively level.
The Sox' first star left fielder was a man by the name of Duffy Lewis. He mastered the skill so well, they named that area of the park Duffy's Cliff.
In 1934, Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey finally flattened the ground in left field making the whole outfield relatively level.
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