Not MILB Opening Day, Ted Williams & Jackie Robinson in Town - Apr 9th

Today should have been MiLB Opening Day, with the Biscuits starting the season on the road at Biloxi.

Of course, we have known for weeks that wouldn't happen, due to the current circumstances. Some have floated theories about starting the season late at the major league level, but little has been said about restarting minor league baseball.

Thats probably best for now.

Its my personal opinion that MLB and its teams have yet to do what they should be doing.

Ask themselves "What can we do to help our people?"
Ask themselves "What can we do to help others?"
 Then do those things.

There is absolutely no room for any other discussion.

Going day by day in the history files, there is so much baseball from the past.


APRIL 9 & 10 1945
 JACKIE ROBINSON'S MONARCHS

The Kansas City Monarchs face Birmingham Black Barons in Montgomery at Cramton Bowl, the Monarchs have Jackie Robinson at 2b getting top billing, even as a rookie. For the Black Barons, Hall of Famer Double Duty Radcliff is the catcher.

The first contest of the two-game set drew a large crowd to Cramton Bowl on a Monday. The fielding of both teams was spectacular, the hitters had their moments too. The Monarchs took game one, 5-4. The Monarchs won the final game, 10-8 in a contest that featured several dust ups and accusations of ball scuffing.

1945 Kansas City Monarchs

APRIL 9 1951
The Phillies face Pirates at Montgomery in an exhibition game.
The Pirates, powered by 16 base hits, win 8-7 over Philadelphia. Future Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn has two hits, including a triple, in three at bats.

Over 3800 fans braved a light drizzle to watch the contest at the new Municipal Stadium. The rain may explain the lack of photos in the newspaper.

APRIL 9 1956
TED WILLIAMS' RED SOX

The Boston Red Sox vs Phillies in an exhibition game at Montgomery is one of the most exciting major league contests to take place in the city. The final score: Phils 2 Sox 1 in front of a capacity crowd of 4,524 fans at Paterson Field.



A future HOF'er, Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams plays, goes 0-4 with three long flyouts to right field.  
This is the only appearance I have found of Teddy Ballgame playing in Montgomery. Thankfully, someone brought a camera!

NO PEPPER  Ted Williams at Paterson Field

A two run homer by Richie Ashburn makes the difference in the game, one of his three hits in the game. Ashburn is the reigning batting champ of the National League and also will find his way to Cooperstown.

Ashburn at Paterson Field

Pitcher Robin Roberts, future Hall of Famer for the Phillies goes all nine innings - using only 96 pitches. For whatever reason, we get a photo of him at the plate.

Pitcher Robin Roberts at the plate

 
After the game Sox players Ted Williams and Pinky Higgins met with Rebels prexie Langston for a photo.