September 19, 1948
On Saturday evening Cleveland Indians Lou Boudreau was named Outstanding Player of the Year in the American League by the Sporting News.
Boudreau and the St. Louis Cardinals’ Stan Musial received the honor for their respective leagues. The weekly baseball magazine picked Bob Lemon of the Indians and Johnny Sain of the Boston Braves as the top pitchers of the two leagues.
Cleveland’s shortstop received the honor from the Sporting News for his season long achievements in batting average, runs batted in, skill at shortstop and, “his conquering of physical disabilities, achieved while carrying the burdens of managing a pennant-contending team.” Other contenders for the American League award were Joe Dimaggio, Ted Williams and Vern Stephens. All four players have their teams in pennant contention with less than 15 games remaining.
Musial was only rivaled by Boston Braves rookie shortstop Alvin Dark for the National League award. Musial has led most offensive categories in the National League all season. In addition to his offensive prowess, Musial was cited for his team spirit, hustle, “and in that attribute called being a gentleman.”
Lemon will chase his 21st victory of the season this afternoon in a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics. If he’s successful, he’ll tie Sain for the majors lead in wins. Other pitchers mentioned by the Sporting News included Vic Raschi of the New York Yankess, Hal Newhouser of the Detroit Tigers, Harry Brecheen of the Cardinals, Larry Jansen of the New York Giants, Bob Chesnes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Johnnie Schmitz of the Chicago Cubs.
