The American Association Playoffs, 1958-1962

The American Association Almanac - Spring 2022

Volume 18, Number 1

Just over one month ago an update was posted here on the progress of a project that began five years ago as a way to provide comprehensive documentation of the American Association playoffs. Beginning in 1933, the league's playoffs ran each season, with the exception of 1935, through the 1962 season when the league folded. 

During the course of the project, data was collected from the box scores of different newspapers found online, predominantly The Sporting News (via paperofrecord.com), the Indianapolis Star, the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Kansas City Star and the Minneapolis Tribune. After the data were assembled for each season (typically five per edition of the American Association Almanac), it was sorted by player in order to find their statistical profile. Once this was established, the leaders of each principal offensive category could be established. 

Other databases were developed as well in order to make the task of organizing the narrative more convenient. The data was then used to help support the narrative provided in the print pages of the Almanac and published in the Spring 2022 edition, Volume 18, Number 1, two weeks ago. 

This project is now concluded. It will be followed up with a full statistical compendium for the playoffs will get underway in the coming weeks and will be published in the Fall 2022 Almanac.

For the present issue, contests between the following teams were involved in the playoffs during the league's final five seasons.

In the 1958 Semifinal Round, the Denver Bears defeated the Charleston Senators, 4 games to 3, and the Minneapolis Millers defeated the Wichita Braves, 4 games to 2. In the Final Round Minneapolis defeated Denver, 4 games to none.

In 1959, the Fort Worth Cats defeated the Louisville Colones, 4-0, while the Minneapolis Millers defeated the Omaha Cardinals, 4-2, in the Semifinals. In the Finals, Minneapolis defeated Fort Worth, 4-3.

In 1960, the Denver Bears defeated the Houston Buffs, 4-3, and the Louisville Colonels defeated the St. Paul Saints, 4-2, in the Semifinals. In the Finals, Louisville defeated Denver, 4-2.

In 1961, the Houston Buffs defeated the Indianapolis Indians, 4-1, while the Louisville Colonels defeated the Denver Bears, 4-3, in the Semifinals. In the Finals, Louisville defeated Houston, 4-2.

In 1962, the Louisville Colonels defeated the Indianapolis Indians, 3-0, and Denver defeated the Omaha Dodgers, 3-1, in the Semifinals. In the Finals, Louisville defeated Denver, 4-2.

Cover

Table of Contents

Sample Pages 1

Sample Pages 2

Sample Pages 3

Summary

An introduction states purpose of the present edition, then leads into the early history of the American Association playoffs. 

Each section (one section per season) begins with an introductory paragraph describing each contesting team and its season's success. The managers and their history are covered.

Game accounts follow, each averaging 350 words. Each game account is clearly delineated, described beginning with the the Game Number (as ordered), the date, and the starting pitcher for each team. The season won-lost record for each starting pitcher is provided as well as their handedness. Player names are highlighted in boldface. (please see examples above)

After each season's game accounts a section summarizing the scoring patterns for each series is included.

A centerfold is presented as a four-color database illustrating each shutout in playoff history, highlighting specific games.

On the final page, as per custom, are the Almanac's identification plate as well as mention of specific items related to subscribing, web-presence, contact information. Featured here is a section called "Gone With the Great Majority" which describes the American Association career of three players who have recently passed away. In this issue, Ralph Terry, Ike Delock and Eddie Basinski are highlighted.

In the final pages of the Almanac are printed the photos of each season's playoff batting leader. These include Stu Locklin of Minneapolis in 1958, Bill "Gabe" Gabler of Fort Worth in 1959, Jake Wood of the Denver Bears in 1960, Pidge Browne of the Houston Buffs in 1961, and Gates Brown of the Denver Bears in 1962.

On the back page is a table listing each American Association champion from 1933 to 1962 including the number of games each played in the final round. The back cover features graphics depicting the league's final champion, the Louisville Colonels, including a box score for the final contest ever played in this incarnation of the league as published in the Louisville Courier-Journal.

The issue weighs in at a hefty 35,000+ words, and covers 64 pages of text. The binding is stapled. Its content is printed in Times New Roman on 24-lb. Hammermill stock with a 32-lb. Futura stock cover and centerfold.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $26.00 per year for two issues or for $44.00 for two years. Single copies are available for $15 (postpaid). The institutional subscription rate is $64 per year.

Contact Rex Hamann at rex457@gmail.com for further information on how to subscribe or to order back issues. Those interested in subscribing are invited to do so via Paypal.

The Fall 2022 issue is tentatively scheduled to appear by Sept. 1, 2022.

A website concerning the work of the American Association Almanac is under construction at the following website:

https://sites.google.com/view/aaalmanac/home