Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[Toona the Cat]

Local Steel Magnate to Launch Baseball Team
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
January 13th, 1955

Local steelman Ted Blitzowski has announced that this year, 1955, he'll be fielding a baseball team in the newly founded Federal League.

"I'm proud to announce today, the launch of the Pittsburgh Crawfords, " said Blitzowski at an afternoon press conference. "The Crawfords is a name rich in history to the city of Pittsburgh, and I'd like to bring back that name, and hopefully keep its proud tradition alive."

Blitzowski has yet to announce where a proposed stadium is to be built, but said that it'll fit in with the city gridwork.

Blitzowski, 45, has nearly a billion dollars in assets, from owning Blitz Steel Works, a chain of Blitz Auto Dealers, and made millions making artillery shells for the U.S. Army during the Korean war.

[knucklehead7]

That's a great name Blizt. I'll see if I can work up a logo for you today.

[Toona the Cat]

I was actually just going to go with the Negro League logo

http://www.blitzburghbucco.com/craws.gif

[knucklehead7]

Yeah, that's fine. I made one anyways.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...7/046e5b9c.bmp

The ones at the NLM aren't official logos that the teams used, they're more modern creations to sell merchendise which is cool. I had already made this before you posted, so no biggie.

Another one based on the Keystones:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...7/cdcacb6b.bmp

[Toona the Cat]

Well, n/m. I really like the keystone-themed logo...I'll go with that, if you don't mind.

[knucklehead7]

Of course I don't mind. But, I honestly don't mind if you use the one you got either. No pressure from me, I did those before I knew you had anything in mind. You should use the one you want. I think you picked a cool name for sure.

[Toona the Cat]

I like the Keystone logo better.

That, and it has more of Pittsburgh's black and gold to it.

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords to Build Stadium
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
January 22nd, 1955

Today, Pittsburgh Crawfords owner Ted Blitzowski announced that a new baseball stadium is to be built on the corner of Washington Place, and Center Avenue.

The stadium, to be called Hank Dunn Field, is named after a local war hero who earned the Medal of Honor in 1944.

Blitzowski announced that the stadium will have a capacity of 35,000, and will built by steel made in the city, earning praise from local chapters of the United Steelworkers of America.

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords Welcome Kiner, Newhouser
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
January 28th, 1955

Today, the Pittsburgh Crawfords announced that their first two selections in the Federal League stocking draft were left fielder Ralph Kiner, and starting pitcher Hal Newhouser. Kiner was selected as the Most Valuable player for 1954, and Newhouser won the AL Cy Young Award.

Kiner, 32, as most locals will tell you, has been a local icon as a slugger for the Pittsburgh Pirates. When news broke that Kiner would be staying in Pittsburgh, fans erupted with cheers of joy. Many heaped praise upon Crawfords owner Ted Blitzowski for keeping a local hero around.

Newhouser, 33, is expected to lead a veteran Crawfords staff. He is the current career ERA leader, and is expected to continue to dominate.

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords Keep it in the Family
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
May 30, 1955

Pittsburgh Crawfords owner Ted Blitzowski announced the hiring of his son, Janusz, as president and general manager.

Janusz, 32, had been working as a plant manager in one of his father's steel mills, Blitz Steelworks. From 1951-1953 however, he was an assistant to former Pirates GM Branch Rickey, whose hiring by the New Orleans Pelicans had come under scrutiny, and had allegations of impropriety by New Orleans owner Langston Hughes.

[Toona the Cat]

Meet the Crawfords
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
April 1, 1955

Expected 1955 Opening Day lineup:

1B Pete Runnels | Bats: L | Age: 27
144 G, .321/.404/.397, 27 2B, 8 3B, 2 HR, 67 RBI, 85 BB, 44 K

C Hal Naragon | Bats: L | Age: 26
140 G, .312/.358/.376, 12 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 73 RBI, 38 BB, 29 K

LF Ralph Kiner | Bats: R | Age: 32
150 G, .331/.435/.652, 29 2B, 3 3B, 45 HR, 125 RBI, 100 BB, 72K

RF Gus Bell | Bats: L | Age: 26
146 G, .314/.385/.505, 22 2B, 10 3B, 20 HR, 87 RBI, 63 BB, 42 K

CF Harvey Kuenn | Bats: R | Age: 24
116 G, .343/.389/.463, 22 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 71 RBI, 34 BB, 17 K

SS Cass Michaels | Bats: R | Age: 29
147 G, .317/.402/.419, 20 2B, 6 3B, 8 HR, 70 RBI, 23 SB, 77 BB, 40 K

3B Bobby Hofman | Bats: R | Age: 29
144 G, .292/.355/.415, 22 2B, 3 3B, 13 HR, 88 RBI, 58 BB, 56 K

2B Nellie Fox | Bats: L | Age: 27
147 G, .307/.357/.438, 35 2B, 9 3B, 9 HR, 70 RBI, 37 BB, 39 K

P Hal Newhouser | Throws: L | Age: 33
42 GS, 26-9, 354 IP, 2.34 ERA, 1.14 WHIP,

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords Tab Murtaugh
by STAN PUZLUSKY, Post-Gazette Sports Writer
April 1, 1955
Late Edition

Pittsburgh Crawfords General Manager Jan Blitzowski announced the signing of second baseman Danny Murtaugh to be the team's player-manager.

"Everywhere Danny has played, he's been known for having one of the most brilliant minds in the game, and has very good leadership skills. I look forward to seeing him work with our youngsters," said Blitzowski.

"I was getting ready to head down to Myrtle Beach and get some fishing in when [Crawfords owner] Ted Blitzowski called me asking if I wanted a job. It took me all of about a blink of an eye to say yes," said an excited Murtaugh.

Murtaugh, 37, broke into the majors in 1941, but lost two years of his prime while serving in Europe from 1944-1945 as a munitions officer aboard a B-29 Superfortress in the Army Air Corps. Pieces of German anti-air artillery hit him in the leg while on a mission over Dresden, and hampered his ability to return to baseball. Murtaugh has spent the past eight years primarily as a player-manager in the minor leagues with Philadelphia, Washington, Detroit, and Cleveland. He is a native of Chester, Pennsylvania.

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords Start Year On Right Foot

Monday, April 19, 1955

by Stan Puzlusky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Crawfords started the year off on a bit of a winning streak, winning two of three at home against Newark and Brooklyn, and at Philadelphia.

Pitching appeared to be the key, as the Crawfords lead in all major categories, except for opponents batting average, where they rank second.

Notes from the week:

• 3B-2B Bobby Hofman has started the year on a power surge. Last season, he hit 13 homeruns in 559 at-bats, but already has three in 31 at-bats
  
• Crawfords pitchers limited opponents to three or less runs seven times in their first nine games, with six complete games.
  
• Minor leauger RHP Connie Johnson will miss a week with a sore shoulder

[Toona the Cat]

Crawfords Retain First Place, Lose Newhouser For Three Weeks

Monday, April 26, 1955

by Stan Puzlusky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Crawfords wrapped up the week winning two in a row against the St. Louis Terriers, including a 4-0 victory yesterday. The only problem was that it was Vern Law throwing the gem instead of staff ace Hal Newhouser.

Newhouser, who is 2-2 with a 2.38 ERA in four starts, strained a bicep muscle on the 21st in San Francisco.

The Crawfords still fared well on the week, winning three of four in San Francisco, and two of three in St. Louis.

News and Notes:
Top pitching prospect Laurin Pepper will miss two months with bone chips in his shoulder...Shortstop Tod Davis reportedly told a reporter that he's currently unhappy with his pay, leading to a stern rebuke by manager Danny Murtaugh...The Crawfords traded relief pitcher Stu Miller to the Monarchs for catcher Andy Seminick and cash.

[Toona the Cat]

Road Trip Unfriendly to Craws

Monday, May 10, 1955

by Stan Puzlusky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

NEWARK - The Crawfords finished up a trip out to the mid-Atlantic on a positive note, beating Newark 5-3, but the rest of the swing turned out to be a disaster.

The Craws lost five of six to Brooklyn and Newark, with two losses by one run. Starting pitchers Vern Law and Ken Mehlman took the brunt of it, with the Craws losing each of their four starts.

"We just needed a few balls to drop in here and there, and maybe get to a few others, but all in all, we'll be alright," said shortstop-manager Danny Murtaugh.

The Crawfords, despite their weak showing this week, are still in first place with a 17-12 record, one game ahead of the Brooklyn Monarchs.

NEWS AND NOTES

RF Gus Bell had a terrible week, going 4-24 with one homerun, and three RBI...P Mel Parnell won his fifth Player of the Month award for April, with a 4-1 record, and a 2.57 ERA...LF Ralph Kiner leads the league with 10 HR...Staff ace Hal Newhouser is expected to return to the rotation after this week...3B Al Rosen was called up to the majors after the game against Newark...

[Toona the Cat]

CRAWS RETAIN DIVISION LEAD, WELCOME BACK STAR PITCHER

Monday, May 17, 1955

by Stan Puzlusky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Crawfords week started out with a bang...several of them actually, as the St. Louis Terriers came to town and beat our boys senseless, winning 24-0. Shortstop Cass Michaels did make a relief appearance, giving up two runs, and walking three in an inning pitched.

However, the Crawfords went on to win the next two against St. Louis, and one against Chicago, but dropped the last two against the Untouchables, scoring only a run in the last two games. Fortunately, second place Brooklyn only won one game all week, and dropped to three games out.

This week Crawfords welcome back staff ace Hal Newhouser to the rotation, and is expected to start Tuesday against Newark.

[Toona the Cat]

CRAWS KEEP MARCHING ON

Monday, June 17, 1955

by Stan Puzlusky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Crawfords keep on their winning ways, holding a 35-25 record, good for the top record in the Eastern League. Ralph Kiner is leading the way on offense with a .297 average, 18 HR, and 47 RBI. Danny Murtaugh has his boys on the winning path, and with the struggles of Brooklyn, Newark, and now ownerless Philadelphia, the Craws look to have smooth sailing winning the first Eastern League pennant.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

Pitcher Mel Parnell and outfielder Ralph Kiner swept the May awards, winning pitcher and batter of the month respectively...Famed actress Peggy Lee was seen coming out of owner Ted Blitzowski's luxury box after Tuesday's win against Brooklyn looking rather disheveled, with Mr. Blitzowski coming out a few minutes later, looking rather sweaty and unkempt.

[Toona the Cat]

Blitzowski Set to Rejoin Navy

Monday, June 21st, 1955

by Mario DeCat, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In an odd twist of news, Crawfords owner and steel magnate Ted Blitzowksi has decided to rejoin the United States Naval Reserve, where he served as a quartermaster from 1926 to 1930.

"I feel like I need something to change my life. With my son Janusz running the team in good shape, I feel its time I took a step back, and did something different with my life," said Blitzowski.

Typically, the age limit for joining the military is 35, but Blitzowksi aced a battery of tests at Bethesda Naval Hospital, and was determined by the Chief of Naval Personnel to be fit for duty. Blitzowski will serve six months on active duty, then serve out a five year term in the active Naval reserve.

Blitzowksi, reinstated at the rank of lieutenant commander, will be assigned to the Navy's first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, as the ship's laundry and galley department officer. Blitzowski stated that he'll try to provide a diary to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[Toona the Cat]

The Diary of LCDR Ted Blitzowski

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is proud to bring you the diary of local steel magnate Ted Blitzowski, who also owns the Crawfords, who has rejoined the US Navy.

Day 1
Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois

Today, I reported in and was issued my uniforms. I've put on a size or two since the old days after the Great War, but it's still sharp. I've dispatched a telegram to my dear Teresa, notifying that I got here safe and sound. The men here like to ask me what it was like to serve under the great Admiral Chester Nimitz on the USS Rigel. The new recruits coming in all try to look like James Dean. It's refreshing to see how they look up to me.

In a couple days, I'll get to try out my sea legs again when we go out on the lake on a training exercise. It's been 25 years since I've served on a ship, but I can still remember the smell of cold steel and diesel fuel in the night on the Atlantic Ocean. I have fond memories of the port calls in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and England.

Tomorrow, Master Chief Torpedoman (SS) Leroy Ingles, Chief of the Nautilus will be by to give me a briefing on the ship. For now, I just need to familiarize myself with these new submarines, and get to know my men.

LCDR Thaddeus J. Blitzowski, USN
22 June, 1955

[Toona the Cat]

Craws Poised to Win First Pennant

Monday, September 20, 1955

The Crawfords are poised to win the first pennant of the Eastern League of the Federal League.

The Craws, who have the best record in the FL with an 83-65 record, have a magic number of three, with three games at home against the Philadelphia Blue Stars, and three games in Newark, the team trying to catch them. Newark currently has a record of 79-69, and are four games behind Pittsburgh.

"I'm real proud of these boys. They work hard everyday and this team has a great attitude," said player-manager Danny Murtaugh.

The Crawfords have records of 15-12, and 14-13 against Philadelphia and New York respectively.

Probable Pitching matchups for the Week:

Tuesday vs. Philadelphia: Mel Parnell (23-10 2.73 ERA) vs. Tom Brewer (11-5 4.80)
Wednesday vs. Philadelphia: Don Newcombe (16-13 3.43) vs. Gordon Jones (15-17 4.78)
Thursday vs. Philadelphia: Ken Lehman (13-14 4.47) vs. Hoyt Wilhelm (8-16 5.08)
Friday @ Newark: Hal Newhouser (18-14 2.99) vs. Robin Roberts (27-8 2.85)
Saturday @ Newark: Parnell vs. Curt Simmons (17-9 3.59)
Sunday @ Newark: Newcombe vs. Joe Nuxhall (5-4 5.52)

[Toona the Cat]

Blitzowski Injured At Sea, Set to Earn Navy Cross

Monday, March 10, 1956

DIEGO GARCIA - Pittsburgh Crawfords owner/Navy Lieutenant Commander Ted Blitzowski is a hero. Sadly, it cost him his Navy career.

Blitzowski, a quartermaster on the USS Nautilus, the Navy's first nuclear powered submarine, saved the lives of three of his shipmates by carrying their unconscious bodies out of a fire in the ship's galley. Sadly, in the melee, Blitzowski was overcome by fumes and passed out due to smoke inhalation, and suffered second and third degree burns on his legs. Blitzowski was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Commander, and then medically retired from the Navy.

Blitzowski, who served on the USS New York in the late 1920s, is said to be recovering well and will be transferred to a hospital in Pittsburgh. He is said to be anxious to be returning to his post as owner and chairman of the board of directors of the Pittsburgh Crawfords of the Federal League.