In the years 1934-43, the St. Louis Browns' average season record was 62-90; in two
of those seasons, they lost over 100 games. The rare good player on such a team is
bound to go unrecognized. Harlond Clift was the most consistent power-hitting third
baseman of his era, but was selected to the All-Star squad only once. When he hit
29 HR in 1937, it was a ML record for third basemen. He topped it the following year
with 34 HR (third overall in the AL that season), and led the league's third basemen
in HR four straight years, 1936-39. In his nine full seasons with the Browns he averaged
19 homers, 31 doubles, and 104 walks, hitting .300 twice and slugging .500 three
times.
He was also one of the best fielders in the league; his 50 double plays
and 405 assists in 1937 were records until Graig Nettles broke them in 1971, and
Clift's 637 total chances in'L(((1937 is still the second-best mark of this century.
When he retired, his 309 double plays had broken Pie Traynor's career mark for third
basemen.
Traded to the Senators in 1943, Clift missed the Browns' one-shot championship
the next year, and illness and injury ended his career in 1945.
(SH)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 16, 1937: Browns 3B Harlond Clift equals the American League record with nine assists in a 5–4 loss to the Tigers. A fumble and late throw in the 1st inning would have given him a 10th assist. By the end of the season, Clift will set a new record for total chances and the still-standing mark of 405 assists. Tigers Gee Walker has a single to run his hit streak to 21 games.
»August 18, 1943:
In a trade that will benefit Wasington, the Senators send Ellis Clary, Ox Miller and cash to the Browns for Johnny Niggeling and Harlond Clift. Niggeling will split 48 decisions as a Senator, while Miller will win just three in St. Louis.
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