Players Return from the US Military to the Eastern League 1948 Reports

First time shown on the Internet by manager at www.baseballhistorian.com

Players were required to be pals on and off the field, including long bus rides from one city to another. Fielding was just as important as hitting, and pitchers were expected to work the inside of the plate and learn how to throw breaking balls.

 Baseball Players all proudly served in the US Military during World War 2

Reports on Robert Montag, Jack Albright, Jesse Cumby, Pete Fox, Alex Garbowski

Robert Montag, Outfielder Lefthanded. One of the top batters in pro baseball history, Robert Montag was severely wounded in World War 2, 1942 thru 1945, and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and listened as doctors told him he would never walk again. Undaunted, he worked hard and was an determined man and came thru his ordeal with a slight limp. He was 25 years old in 1948 while playing for the Hartford Chiefs Class A of the Eastern League and batted .261 with 9 extra base hits in 119 at bats spanning 36 games. During the 1950s Robert Montag played with the Atlanta Crackers of Georgia and in 1954 set a Crackers home run record with 39 long blasts. His home run total during his years with the Crackers were the most ever for that team. One season he was batting over .500 by July 4 and finished the season batting nearly .440. Robert Montag is in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. 

Jack Albright, Second Baseman and Shortstop 1948 Utica Blue Sox in affiliation with the Phillies. Jack Albright, 27 year old infielder, was well regarded for his defense play and the year before, 1947, hit .232 had a .943 fielding percentage in 41 games as a shortstop in the majors for the Philadelphia Phillies. He started in pro baseball in 1943 with Louisville Double A, a Boston farm club, and batted .281 in 53 games, then served in US Military in 1944 and 1945. He returned to Louisville in 1946 and the strong armed shortstop handled 559 chances, fielding .934 while batting .226 in 110 games. A slap hitter he was also patience in the batting box, walking more times than striking out. In 1948 he signed a contract with the Phillies and after one season in the majors, played mainly in the minors thru 1951.

Jesse Cumby, Outfielder and Shortstop 1948 Wilkes Barre Indians in affiliation with Cleveland. A fine athlete, he was fast on the base paths, a good bats man and a good fielder. He started in the pros in 1941 at age 20 Alabama State League with a Brooklyn Dodgers farm club. From 1943 thru 1945 he proudly served in the US Military and return to baseball in 1947 with Newport News of the Piedmont League. Old Records indicate in 1948 for the Wilkes Barre Indians he batted .279, lined 13 doubles, was second on the club with 7 triples, had 2 homers in 121 games, 438 at bats. Jesse Cumby career stats include a .277 batting average in 6 pro seasons.

Pete Fox, Pitcher Throws LH, B RH. Lewis Edward Fox. Started in pro baseball at age 24 in 1946 after Military duty was fulfilled. Born in Mendon Ohio on Sept 5, 1921. Compiled a fine 17-9 record with a very solid 2.55 ERA, working 212 innings in 1946 with Richmond. In 1947 he ran up a 12-5 win loss record for Jackson Class B. In 1948 Pete Fox was a leading starting pitcher for the Hartford Chiefs Class A an affiliate of the old Boston Braves, who moved first to Milwaukee and later to Atlanta. Standing 5 ft 6 inches and weighing 150 lbs, he was a noted hard thrower with a curve and changeup and a very strong competitor. In 1948 he fashioned a 15-9 record with another ERA under 3.00, a 2.89 ERA. In 1949 he advanced to Triple A and posted a 6-7 record in 137 innings while starting 22 games. Pete Fox pitched eight years in pro baseball, had a 75-62 record, a 3.53 ERA in 230 games, 1118 innings.  

Alex Garbowski, Shortstop and Infielder, RH born in Yonkers, NY USA. Started a professional baseball career at age 24 in 1946 after fulfilling his US Military duties. Our records indicate Garbo was a very good athlete, and could beat most teammates in a foot race. A solid fielder at shortstop with a strong throwing arm and a slashing hitter with loads of power. In 1946 Alexander Garbowski played in an independent starting league with Nyack Class D and powered 34 doubles, 14 triples and 12 homers while batting a robust .390. In 1947 he played with Vandergrift of MATL Class C and hit .396 in 11 games, blasting 22 Ds, 15 Ts, 11 Hr. For theUtica Blue Sox A of the Eastern League in 1948, he batted .301, second highest on the team, led the team with 24 doubles, his 9 triples were third high and hit 5 homers in 138 games as Utica starting shortstop. Utica, was a Phillies farm team. Alex Garbowski played and said later he enjoyed the 9 years in the minors, from 1946 thru 1954, posting career numbers of .290 batting average, 151 Ds, 57 Ts, 45 Hrs. From 1951 thru 53 he played in Detroit Tigers system and in 1952 played in the majors with Detroit in 2 games. 

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