St. Louis Browns catcher, Hank Helf, was born on August 26, 1913, in Austin, Texas. A lifelong Texan, Helf would play at the University of Texas, before entering professional baseball in 1934. He would develop throughout the Browns organization, and play 71 of his 78 Major League games as a member of the St. Louis team. He would also be i
St. Louis Browns catcher, Hank Helf, was born on August 26, 1913, in Austin, Texas. A lifelong Texan, Helf would play at the University of Texas, before entering professional baseball in 1934. He would develop throughout the Browns organization, and play 71 of his 78 Major League games as a member of the St. Louis team. He would also be involved in one of the craziest baseball stunts one would ever attempt.
Hank Helf's baseball career began as a prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization in 1934. He would spend six years (1934-40) in their minor league programs before making his MLB debut in 1938. He would then go on to play with the Nashville Volunteers (1941-42) and the Milwaukee Brewers (1943). The Browns would acquire Helf on November 1, 1943 in the Rule 5 Draft from Milwaukee.
Before he could suit up for the Browns, Hank Helf would enter the US Navy and spend two years fighting in World War II. After return from War, Helf would join the Browns in 1946. The Browns were carrying six catchers that season and Helf would see action in just 71 games. He would make his Browns debut on April 17 as a ninth inning replacement for Frank Mancuso. He would have a three RBI game on June 17 against the Red Sox, and record three hits against the Athletics on August 8. His .192 batting average would not keep him with the Major League team for the following seasons. Helf would finish his career playing for the Toledo Mud Hens (1947), San Antonio Missions (1948), Springfield Browns (1948), and the Dallas Steers (1949).
After retiring from baseball, Helf would return to Austin where he served on the Austin Police Department, and as a customer service agent for the Austin National Bank.
BONUS TRIVIA - August 20, 1938 - As a member of the Cleveland Indians, Hank Helf and fellow catcher, Frankie Pytlak, caught baseballs dropped from Cleveland's Terminal Tower. The 708-foot (216 m) drop broke the 555-foot, 30-year-old record set by Washington Senator catcher Gabby Street at the Washington Monument. The baseballs were estimated to have been traveling at 138 miles per hour when caught. It would be a rare incident that this type of stunt would be attempted by today's players.
HEADLINES
"BROWNS CRUSH WASHINTON PITCHING AS THEY TAKE DOUBLE HEADER OVER NATIONALS"
FEATURED GAME
1934 - St. Louis crushes Washington pitching as they sweep a double header GAME 1 - RHP George Blaeholder's complete game shutout of the National's lineup, set the stage for the Browns 3-0 victory. Blaeholder would limit Washington to just two
HEADLINES
"BROWNS CRUSH WASHINTON PITCHING AS THEY TAKE DOUBLE HEADER OVER NATIONALS"
FEATURED GAME
1934 - St. Louis crushes Washington pitching as they sweep a double header GAME 1 - RHP George Blaeholder's complete game shutout of the National's lineup, set the stage for the Browns 3-0 victory. Blaeholder would limit Washington to just two hits and a walk, while striking out four batters. The Browns' two runs in the top of the 1st inning would be all they would need for the win. LF Deb Garms would double, driving in CF Sam West, and RF Bruce Campbell would follow with a single that brought in 1B Jack Burns. Garms would single in the fifth inning, scoring 3B Harlond Clift. SS Alan Strange and catcher Frank Grube would both collect two hits, as the Browns totaled 11 hits off National pitching. GAME 2 - Both offenses would explode for a total of 32 hits in the Browns 9-5 victory. The St. Louis lineup would have six players with multiple hits, 18 hits total, with only one extra base hit. Harlond Clift would go 4-for-5 with double, RBI, and two runs scored. Sam West, Frank Grube, and Bruce Campbell would each collect three hits, score a run, and drive in three total runs. 2B Oscar Melillo would add two hits and score two runs. Deb Garms and Alan Strange would continue ther hot bats from the first game, by each driving in two runs. The Browns offense was backed by a complete game victory from RHP Jack Knott, who won his ninth game of the season.
BROWNS RECORD ON THIS DAY
Overall Record on August 26
21 Wins, 33 Losses (.388)
1902-09: 0-6
1910-19: 6-6
1920-29: 5-5
1930-39: 5-6
1940-49: 5-6
1950-53: 0-4
DOUBLE HEADERS
Sweeps: 3
Splits: 3
Swept: 4
TRANSACTIONS
1949 - Browns sign free agent RHP Russ Bauers. Bauers would appear in just two innings in one game after signing with the Browns. The Browns were his last team he would play for in an eight year MLB career
DEBUTS
There were no debuts on this day
BROWNS BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 26
1909 - RF Gene Moore (1944-45)
1913 - Catcher Hank Helf (1946)
The St. Louis Browns were not the best hitting team in the American League in 1934. They did not have the big hitters that the teams in Detroit and New York had, but they did have young dynamic ball players that were getting ready to hit their stride. The most established player of the roster, CF Sam West was one of the best contact hitte
The St. Louis Browns were not the best hitting team in the American League in 1934. They did not have the big hitters that the teams in Detroit and New York had, but they did have young dynamic ball players that were getting ready to hit their stride. The most established player of the roster, CF Sam West was one of the best contact hitters in the game. It was West's second year playing with Browns, and his second season as the Browns representative in the MLB All-Star game. He would lead the Browns for the second season in a row with a .326 batting average. He also lead the team in on base percentage (.403), slugging (.469), and OPS+ (118). The Browns also had accomlished hitters like catcher Rollie Hemsley, 1B Jack Burns, and RF Bruce Campbell. The Browns would also welcome their thrid baseman of the future, Harlond Clift, who would have a quiet Hall of Fame worthy career. The Browns did not rceive any credit from the rest of the league. No one on the lineup would strike fear into the opposing pitchers. The Browns only received ten intentional walks during the entire 1934 season.
Batting Leaders
with A.L. rankings in (#)
Team Statistics:
Player Statistics