Philadelphia Athletics Trade For 6 Players – 1951

ATHLETICS SHOW OFF THEIR SIX NEW PLAYERS
Phila, PA – Obtained in trades with the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox in the last two weeks, these husky ballplayers are shown in the uniform of the Philadelphia Athletics for the first time as they turned out for the game against the New York Yankees on Saturday. From left they are: Allie Clark, from the Indians; Gus Zernial from the White Sox; catcher Ray Murray from the Indians; outfielder Dave Philley from the White Sox, and infielder Lou Klein and pitcher Sam Zoldak from the Indians. May 14, 1951 Photo: International News Photos-  Sonnee Gottlieb

With the major league trade deadline now August 1, teams have to decide if they are in contention or not. With expanded playoffs it makes it a lot harder for a general manager to stay the course or improve the team while possibly mortgaging the future by trading away potential assets.

The Philadelphia Athletics in 1951 did improve in the standings with these trades, but not by much. The previous season the Athletics finished last with a 52-102 record. In 1951 they won 70 and lost 84 finishing in sixth place 28 games behind the New York Yankees.

The big acquisition here is Gus Zernial who played seven years for the Athletics and hit a total of 191 homers for the team. Zernial had a very good season in 1951 leading the league in home runs (33) and RBIs (129).

Back in 1951 trade deadlines were a bit different and slightly more confusing. The trade deadline was June 15.

It wasn’t until a rule was passed for the 1953 season that required players after the trade deadline of June 15th to clear waivers in their respective leagues in an inter-league trade.

This became an opportunity for any team within their respective league to claim the player for the waiver price. Trades still could be made up until August 31 after clearing waivers for a player to join his new club and still be eligible for the World Series.