Books and articles about Andy Seminick

Seminick was the Phillies' first-string catcher from 1946 through 1951 and again in 1955, after a stint with the Reds. On June 2, 1949, the Phillies tagged Cincinnati pitching for a ML record-tying five home runs in one inning (the eighth); Seminick became the ninth major leaguer to homer twice in an inning. In all, he hit three HR in that game.

On August 11-12, 1950, during a series with the Giants, second baseman Eddie Stanky waved his arms whenever Seminick was at the plate. After the first day, the umpires ordered Stanky to stop, but when Seminick slid hard into third baseman Hank Thompson, Stanky declared an end to the truce on Seminick's next at-bat, and umpire Lon Warneke ejected Stanky. When Seminick banged into replacement Bill Rigney at second base a few innings later, the biggest rhubarb of the year took place. Both Seminick and Rigney were fined $25 by league president Ford Frick, and at a hearing August 14 Frick ruled that arm-waving gestures such as those Stanky employed would thenceforth be illegal.

Seminick played hurt during much of his career. An ankle injury incurred on September 27, 1950, bothered him during the World Series against the Yankees; x-rays later disclosed a bone separation. He also suffered with arm problems for several years. When, on a night given in his honor, Seminick received a wristwatch, one sportswriter quipped, "Now all they have to do is give him an arm to put it on." Seminick was later a Phillies coach (1957-58, 67-69), minor league manager, and scout. (RTM)