1955 Philadelphia Phillies season

The 1955 Philadelphia Phillies season was a season in American baseball. It was the first season for Phillies' manager Mayo Smith. Prior to the season, the Phillies were seen to have strong pitching with ace Robin Roberts but did not have power hitters to match pennant favorites Brooklyn, New York, or Milwaukee,[1] behind whom the Phillies finished in fourth place with a record of 77 and 77.

1955 Philadelphia Phillies
Major League affiliations
Location
Other information
Owner(s)R. R. M. Carpenter, Jr.
General manager(s)Roy Hamey
Manager(s)Mayo Smith
Local televisionWPTZ
WFIL
Local radioWIP
(By Saam, Claude Haring, Gene Kelly)
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Offseason

Prior to the 1955 season, the Phillies purchased the 50-foot-tall (15 m) Ballantine Beer electronic scoreboard from Yankee Stadium for $175,000 from the Yankees. It was placed in right-center field at Connie Mack Stadium. This scoreboard was used through the final year at the ballpark.[2]

Spring training

In March 1955, the Phillies began spring training play at Clearwater's Jack Russell Stadium. The stadium was dedicated on March 10, 1955.[3] Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick, National League president Warren Giles, American League president Will Harridge, Clearwater mayor Herbert M. Brown, and other city dignitaries were in attendance.[4] The Phillies played their first game at the stadium on the day of the dedication. Robin Roberts started for the Phillies against the Detroit Tigers. The Phillies won 4–2 on a two-run double by Willie Jones before 4,209 attendees.

Notable transactions

Regular season

Season standings
National League W L Pct. GB Home Road
Brooklyn Dodgers 9855 0.641 — 56–21 42–34
Milwaukee Braves 8569 0.552 13½ 46–31 39–38
New York Giants 8074 0.519 18½ 44–35 36–39
Philadelphia Phillies 7777 0.500 21½ 46–31 31–46
Cincinnati Redlegs 7579 0.487 23½ 46–31 29–48
Chicago Cubs 7281 0.471 26 43–33 29–48
St. Louis Cardinals 6886 0.442 30½ 41–36 27–50
Pittsburgh Pirates 6094 0.390 38½ 36–39 24–55

Record vs. opponents
1955 National League Records

Sources:
Team BR CHC CIN MIL NYG PHI PIT STL
Brooklyn —14–7–112–1015–713–916–614–814–8
Chicago7–14–1—11–117–1512–1010–1211–1114–8
Cincinnati10–1211–11—9–139–1311–1114–811–11
Milwaukee7–1515–713–9—14–814–811–1111–11
New York9–1310–1213–98–14—10–1217–513–9
Philadelphia6–1612–1011–118–1412–10—15–713–9
Pittsburgh8–1411–118–1411–115–177–15—10–12
St. Louis8–148–1411–1111–119–139–1312–10—

Notable transactions

Game log
Legend
 Phillies win
 Phillies loss
 Postponement
BoldPhillies team member
1955 Game Log[9]
Overall Record: 77–77
^[a] The second game on April 24 was suspended (Sunday curfew[29][30]) in the bottom of the eighth inning with the score 2–0 and was completed June 28, 1955.[31][32]
^[b] The second game on May 1 was suspended (Sunday curfew[33][34]) in the bottom of the ninth inning with the score 2–4 and was completed May 2, 1955.[35][36]
^[c] The second game on May 29 was suspended (Sunday curfew[37][38]) in the bottom of the seventh inning with the score 3–8 and was completed July 8, 1955.[39][40]
^[d] The second game on June 5 was suspended (Sunday curfew[41]) in the bottom of the seventh inning with the score 4–0[42] and was completed June 6, 1955.[43][44]
^[e] The second game on July 17 was suspended (Sunday curfew[45][46]) in the bottom of the sixth inning with the score 4–5 and was completed July 18, 1955.[47][48]

Roster
1955 Philadelphia Phillies
Roster
Pitchers Catchers

Infielders

 Outfielders

Other batters

 Manager

Coaches

Player stats

Starters by position

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
CAndy Seminick9328971.2461134
3BWillie Jones146516133.2581681
SSRoy Smalley9226051.196739
OFJim Greengrass9432388.2721237

Other batters

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI
Glen Gorbous9122453.237423
Peanuts Lowrey5410620.18908
Stan Palys155215.28818
Smoky Burgess7214.19011

Starting pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
Robin Roberts4030523143.28160
Murry Dickson3621612113.5092

Other pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G IP W L ERA SO
Bob Kuzava1732.1107.2413
Dave Cole718.1036.386
Steve Ridzik311012.456

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Player G W L SV ERA SO
Jack Meyer50611163.4397
Bob Miller408412.4128
Thornton Kipper240104.9915
Ron Mrozinski220216.5518
Lynn Lovenguth140104.5014
Bob Greenwood100015.430

Awards and honors

All-Star Game

Farm system
See also: Minor League Baseball
Level Team League Manager
AAA Syracuse Chiefs International League Skeeter Newsome
A Schenectady Blue Jays Eastern League Don Osborn
B Reidsville Phillies Carolina League Charlie Gassaway
C Salt Lake City Bees Pioneer League Don Sturgeon and Red Jessen
C Trois-Rivières Phillies Provincial League Al Barillari
D Pulaski Phillies Appalachian League Eddie Murphy
D Mattoon Phillies Mississippi–Ohio Valley League Burl Storie
D Bradford Phillies PONY League Lew Krausse, Sr., and Patrick Colgan

[50]

References
  1. John Drebinger (April 10, 1955). "BASEBALL SEASON OPENS TOMORROW". New York Times. p. S1.
  2. Joe Sixpack (October 28, 2009). "Joe Sixpack: Phillies have Yanks to thank for Ballantine sign". Philadelphia Daily News.
  3. "Phillies". Miami Daily News. March 10, 1955. p. 12A.
  4. Lewis, Allen (March 1986). "Philadelphia Clearwater '47 '86". 1986 Phillies Spring Training 40th Year in Clearwater. Clearwater, Florida: Philadelphia Phillies: 4, 5.
  5. Peanuts Lowrey at Baseball Reference
  6. Jimmie Coker at Baseball Reference
  7. Ed Bouchee at Baseball Reference
  8. Smoky Burgess at Baseball Reference
  9. "1955 Philadelphia Phillies Schedule, Box Scores and Splits". Baseball-Reference.com.
  10. "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. April 13, 1955. p. 22. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  11. "Three Openers Are Postponed: Truman 'On Mound' At Kansas City". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, PA. United Press (UP). April 12, 1955. p. 32. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  12. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. August 16, 1955. p. 12. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  13. Hernon, Jack (April 16, 1955). "Dodgers Open Series With Pirates Today: Purkey to Face Meyer in Opening Game of Series". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. p. 12. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  14. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. April 27, 1955. p. 30. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  15. "The Nutshell". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. May 13, 1955. p. 2, part 2. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  16. "Baseball Record". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. May 14, 1955. p. 8. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  17. "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. May 14, 1955. p. 26. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  18. "The Majors". The Pittsburgh Press. Pittsburgh, PA. May 14, 1955. p. 6. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  19. "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. May 18, 1955. p. 35. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
  20. "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. June 9, 1955. p. 26. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  21. "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. June 13, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  22. "Rain Spoils Homer Record; Indians Trim Yankees Twice: Cubs in Split With Dodgers: Philadelphia Shower Precludes a Mark; Giants Divide". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). June 13, 1955. p. 12, part 2. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  23. "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. June 27, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
  24. "7-In. Rain Floods N.Y.; 7 Killed". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). August 13, 1955. p. 1, part 1. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  25. "Baseball". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. August 13, 1955. p. 23. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  26. "Baseball". Montreal, QC: The Gazette. August 15, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  27. "Hurricane's Blows Lose Punch; Total of Deaths Is Placed at 35: Connie Fades After Entering Pennsylvania: Moves North on Heels of a Record Breaking Rainfall in New York and Near-By Areas". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). August 13, 1955. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
  28. "Baseball Standings". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. September 25, 1955. p. 4, part 3. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  29. "National League". The Windsor Daily Star. Windsor, ON. April 25, 1955. p. 24. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  30. Hernon, Jack (April 25, 1955). "Hold Your Hats, Buckle Straps -- Bucs Win!: Miss Tying Record In 6-1 Victory: Curfew Suspends Nightcap in 8th; Phils Leading 2-0". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. pp. 20, 21. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  31. "Apr 24, 1955, Pirates at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. April 24, 1955. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  32. "Philadelphia Phillies 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 0 (2)". retrosheet.org. April 24, 1955. Retrieved July 12, 2016. [G]ame suspended for curfew, completed 6/28 with new umpires[.]
  33. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. May 2, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  34. "Jackson's Single Gives Cubs 8–7 Victory". Milwaukee Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Associated Press (AP). May 2, 1955. p. 5, part 2. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  35. "May 1, 1955, Cubs at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 1, 1955. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
  36. "Chicago Cubs 4, Philadelphia Phillies 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. May 1, 1955. Retrieved July 15, 2016. Game suspended until next night[.]
  37. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. May 30, 1955. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  38. Hernon, Jack (May 30, 1955). "Pirates Lose, 5-2, Then Lead at Curfew, 8-3: Thomas Homers In Both Games: Clemente 5-for-5 in 6 2/3 Innings; Roberts Wins Opener for Phils". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. p. 39. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  39. "May 29, 1955, Phillies at Pirates Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. May 29, 1955. Retrieved July 9, 2016.
  40. "Pittsburgh Pirates 11, Philadelphia Phillies 5 (2)". retrosheet.org. May 29, 1955. Retrieved July 9, 2016. Game suspended at this point due to 7:00 PM curfew; resumed 7/8 with new umpires[.]
  41. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. June 6, 1955. p. 18. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  42. Walfoort, Cleon (June 6, 1955). "Curfew Leaves Braves Time to Sweep a Double Header: Beat Phillies in First, 5-4: Trail, 4-0, in Second, Two Innings to Go; Eddie Hits Two". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, WI. pp. 9, 10, part 2. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  43. "Jun 5, 1955, Braves at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. June 5, 1955. Retrieved July 19, 2016. Game was suspended in the bottom of the 8th with the score 2-4 and was completed June 6, 1955.
  44. "Philadelphia Phillies 4, Milwaukee Braves 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. June 5, 1955. Retrieved July 19, 2016. Game suspended in the middle of the 8th inning and the score PHI 4 MIL 2." and "Game suspended for curfew and completed next night[.]
  45. "The Major Leagues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. July 18, 1955. p. 18. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  46. "Phils Outlast Cubs, 12-11; Second Game Suspended: Banks Hits Homers In Both Games To Run Total to 26". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. Associated Press (AP). July 18, 1955. p. 20. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  47. "Jul 17, 1955, Cubs at Phillies Play by Play and Box Score". baseball-reference.com. sports-reference.com. July 17, 1955. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  48. "Philadelphia Phillies 4, Milwaukee Braves 2 (2)". retrosheet.org. July 17, 1955. [G]ame suspended due to curfew and resumed the next day[.]
  49. http://baseball-almanac.com/asgbox/yr1955as.shtml
  50. Johnson, Lloyd, and Wolff, Miles, ed., The Encyclopedia of Minor League Baseball, 2nd and 3rd editions. Durham, North Carolina: Baseball America, 1997 and 2007
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