1943 – Musial named National League MVP

“Players Wanted” Ad in Paper

World War II, the Cardinals begin reducing the size of their farm system as players are in scarce supply. Also, the Cardinals put advertisement in the newspapers seeking players for them.

Musial Wins Batting Title

The Cardinals clinch the pennant for the second consecutive season and end with a 105-49 record. Stan Musial hits .357 and wins the batting title.

The Yankees were bent out of shape from the thrashing the Cardinals gave them last year so this World Series they get revenge by winning in five games. In each of the four losses they score two or fewer runs.

Musial named National League MVP.

He also led the league in batting average, doubles and triples.

Walker Cooper hit .318 for the season and knocked in 81 runs while Whitey Kurowski bopped 13 home runs. Mort Cooper as 11-5 on the year with a 2.90 ERA.

The team scored 629 runs and allowed 475 and the final attendance was 517,135 fans came to the games which was 3rd most in the league.

 

Transactions

1943

Signed Johnny Bucha as an amateur free agent.

Signed Dick Cole as an amateur free agent.

Signed Nippy Jones as an amateur free agent.

Released Cal Howe.

Eddie Yuhas received from the New York Yankees in an unknown transaction.

March, 1943

Signed Jim Mallory as a free agent.

June 1, 1943

Traded Buster Adams, Dain Clay and Coaker Triplett to the Philadelphia Phillies. Received Danny Litwhiler and Earl Naylor.

September 30, 1943

Traded Preacher Roe to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Received Johnny Podgajny, Johnny Wyrostek and cash.

November 1, 1943

Ira Hutchinson drafted by the Boston Braves in the 1943 rule 5 draft.

November 6, 1943

Drafted Glenn Gardner from Nashville (Southern Association) in the 1943 minor league draft.