Mueller's first major league hit was a home run off Carl Hubbell for the Braves in
1935. A second-string catcher until his return to the minors in 1940, he resurfaced
with Cincinnati in 1943 and responded to the WWII baseball manpower shortage by catching
233 consecutive games. He and Frankie Hayes of the A's each caught 155 games in 1943,
setting a ML record. The feat earned him the nickname Iron Man but didn't exempt
him from military service in 1945.
(JK)
FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»May 5, 1946:
The Giants and Reds split a pair with New York taking the opener, 3–2. In the 7–4 Reds win, Cincinnati fans boo the substitution of Ray Mueller for C Ray Lamanno, who had three hits in four trips to the plate. Sent in for the final inning to preserve a National League record consecutive-game catching streak of 233 contests, Mueller sits out the next day. Mueller missed only 81 innings during the streak, which began July 31, 1943, and included Army service through 1945.
»May 30, 1946:
At Wrigley, the Reds overcome a 6–1 deficit to down the Cubs, 7–6. Cincy scores six runs in the 9th, climaxed by a 2-run homer by Ray Mueller.
»July 17, 1948:
The Dodgers down the Reds, 8–4 and 10–4 for their 12th win in 14 games. Ralph Branca wins the opener as Jackie Robinson clouts a 3-run homer in the 8th. Paul Minner wins his first ML game in the nitecap with six innings of relief. During an argument with Frank Dascoli, Reds catcher Dewey Williams grabs the ump. Willliams will be fined $100 and suspended for five games. However, with catcher Ray Mueller on the disabled list with a broken ankle, the Reds appeal the suspension, stating they have only one catcher, Ray Lamanno. Ford Frick, National League prexy, will rule that Williams will serve the suspension in the Reds clubhouse, while dressed in full uniform. If anything happens to Lamanno, Williams can substitute, and a game will added to the suspension.
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