*** Stan Musial, St Louis Cardinals Outfielder - The Redbird star not only copped a goodly share of 1949 batting honors, but fielded better than any other gardener in the circuit. In 156 games he made just 3 slips handling 339 chances, FA .991.

*** Ralph Kiner, Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder - The young man who established new batting records during his three years in the majors (including leading the league in homers every season - 1947-1949 - held his dazzling pace again. He led both leagues in homers with 54. And he led the NL in RBI (127); in walks (117); in slugging percentage (.658). In return his current contract pays him 65 grand - $65,000 per/year.

*** Pete Suder, Philadelphia Athletics Second Baseman - A veteran of nine full seasons, all with Connie Mack's Athletics, he's one of the most popular players on the squad. He's always in the regular lineup, because he's a solid all-around second baseman, who sparkles on defense. In '49 Suder hit .267, had 75 RBIs, with 24 doubles, 6 triples and 10 homers in 118 games.

*** Alex Kellner, Philadelphia Athletics Pitcher, Left-handed - he captured the attention of baseball fans in his rookie season - 1949 -by posting a sterling 20-12 record, 3.75 ERA in 245 innings, and was a big reason the Athletics finished the year with a winning record - 81-73, fifth place in the then eight team AL. Note: Kellner completed 20 of his 27 starts and was being touted for big things in the future.

*** Ken Heintzelman, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher, Left-handed - One of the fiercest of the Phitin' Phillies in '49 was Kenny Heintzelman. He was powerful help in making the once weak-and-meek, a bunch of red-hot competitors with his inspired pitching. He won 17, lost 10; led Phil hurlers in innings pitched (250), ERA (3.02) and was feared around the circuit. The Phillies finished '49 with a 81-73 record under freshman manager Eddie Sawyer, and rose to capture the NL pennant in 1950.

*** Bobby Thomson, New York Giants Outfielder, Right-handed - The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was the Giants' leading home run slugger and fastest runner. He smashed 27 homers, batted a team leading .307, and led the squad in with 35 Doubles, led with 9 Triples, in Runs (99) and in RBI with 109. Thomson's a brilliant fielder, too - and at 26-years of age faces a great future.

*** Ed Stewart, Washington Senators Outfielder, Left-handed - An idol of Washington fans who like his high hustle. Last season was his second with the club, and he was No. 2 in batting. He's sure of his job under Senators' manager Stanley 'Bucky' Harris. The 5-ft, 11-inch, 160-lb Bud Stewart hit a solid .284 in 118 games in '49 with 23 Ds, 4 Ts, 8 Hr, scored 58 runs.

*** Cliff Fannin, St Louis Browns Pitcher - Throws Right, Bats Left - Sore arm handicapped in '49 after starting season in the dog-house - under Browns manager Zack Taylor. Means real business this year (upcoming 1950 Season). He's a hurler many other teams would like to have. Fannin slipped from a 10-14 record, 4.17 ERA in '48 to a 8-14 mark with a 6.17 ERA in '49 for a dismal Browns team that finished the season at 53 Wins, 101 Loses. The team was last in the AL in team fielding with .971 pct, and made 166 errors in 154 games. And, finished last in the league in team ERA with 5.21.

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