Books and articles about Stan Lopata

RELATED LINKS Around the Web » Stan Lopata from baseball-reference.com Jump directly to Library content from any website!

A decorated WWII veteran and the first NL catcher to wear glasses, Lopata didn't see much action behind Andy Seminick and Smokey Burgess until he assumed a deep crouch at the plate at the urging of Rogers Hornsby. He then hit .290 with 14 home runs in 1954 and belted 22, 32, and 18 HR the next three seasons before a dwindling batting average put him back on the bench. (JK)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 12, 1950: The Giants Eddie Stanky is banished by umpire Lon Warneke for refusing to stop waving his arms in an attempt to distract Phillies batter Andy Seminick. In the fourth, Stanky moves over behind 2B and goes into a windup the same time as the pitcher. Giants manager Leo Durocher had agreed to await a league ruling on the tactic, but after Seminick knocks Hank Thompson unconscious in a collision at 3B, Durocher turns Stanky loose. In the fourth, Seminick reaches base on an error, then on a force at 2B he puts a linebacker block on Bill Rigney, Stanky’s replacement, and both dugouts empty for a brawl. The Phils go on to win 5–4 in 11 innings, on Stan Lopata's triple and a sac fly by Waitkus. The Giants protest Stanky’s ouster to no avail. » March 31, 1959: In a trade that helps neither team, Milwaukee swaps P Gene Conley, IF Joe Koppe and IF Harry Hanebrink to the Phillies for C Stan Lopata, SS Ted Kazanski and Johnny O'Brien. Conley will go 12–7 before going on the disabled list from August 20th to the close of the season.