Casey Stengel Concerned Over Star Pitcher Vic Raschi’s Sore Arm – 1950

Raschi’s Arm Dims Yankees Hope
Chicago: Vic Raschi (r), New York Yankees’ 20 game winner and Yank manager Casey Stengel look melancholy today at the game with the White Sox. The arm trouble which took Raschi out of last night’s game, which the Yanks lost 4-3, may result in a knockout blow to the New Yorkers’ pennant hopes. photo Acme 9/20/1950

The news slug comments on Raschi’s arm trouble, yet in that 4-3 loss which Raschi did not figure in, he allowed only six hits and two runs over six innings.

On September 19, the Yankees held a half game lead over both the Red Sox and the Tigers for first place. Until playoffs came about in 1969, only each league’s winner would advance to the World Series.

But, Raschi would pitch again on September 24, winning his 21st game of the year against the Red Sox. On September 28 Raschi went eight and a third innings against the Philadelphia Athletics with the Yankees winning in ten innings. The Yankees 98-56 final record beat out the Detroit Tigers by three games to win the pennant.  Though Raschi had allowed five and six runs respectively in those previous two games, he was ready for World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Raschi would take the mound for game one. The Yankees scored one run on a Jerry Coleman sacrifice fly in the fourth inning and that was enough for Raschi, who pitched a complete game shutout allowing just two hits and a walk.

The Yankees swept the Phillies in the Series.

As far as Raschi’s career, World War II would delay his entry to the majors. Raschi was already 27-years-old in his debut season of 1946. From 1949-1951 Raschi won 21 games each season.  He finished his career at age 36 in 1955 with a 132-66 record.  His .667 winning percentage is tied for the 18th best all time.