Books and articles about Johnny Schmitz

Bear Tracks (inspired by his shuffle to the mound) was an underrated lefty who spent most of his career with weak teams. After returning to the Cubs from the service in 1946, he led the NL in strikeouts and was named to the All-Star team. He led the league in losses (18) the next year but reversed his record to 18-13 (2.64) in 1948, despite the Cubs' last-place finish. Again he made the All-Star team. A noted Dodger-killer (he won 18 lifetime against Brooklyn), he was traded to the Dodgers in 1951 as part of the deal that also put Andy Pafko in a Brooklyn uniform. A variety of arm and shoulder ailments confined him to spot duty after that, with his high point an 11-8 season for the sixth-place 1954 Senators. (ARA)