Editor’s note: The 27 * 61 Yankees Replay games are being played with Strat-o-Matic cards and dice. The designated hitter will not be used for any games. Injuries will only be used during the game when they occur.
The 1948 Cleveland Indians were the first American League team to win a playoff game to qualify for the World Series.
The Indians defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-3 thanks to Gene Bearden and player-manager Lou Boudreau, who was AL Most Valuable Player. Bearden won his 20th game of the season as he went the distance and held the Red Sox to five hits. Boudreau had four hits and two home runs to pace the offense for the Indians.
Cleveland went on to beat the Boston Braves in six games to claim the second title in franchise history. The Indians won their first championship in 1920.
In addition to Boudreau, Larry Doby, Bob Feller, Joe Gordon, Bob Lemon and Satchel Paige are members of the Hall of Fame.
Primary Batting Order
Dale Mitchell lf (4 HR, 56 RBI, .326, 13 SB)
Allie Clark rf (9 HR, 38 RBI, .310)
Lou Boudreau ss (18 HR, 106 RBI, .355)
Joe Gordon 2b (32 HR, 124 RBI)
Ken Keltner 3b (31 HR, 119 RBI)
Larry Doby cf (14 HR, 66 RBI, .301)
Eddie Robinson 1b (16 HR, 83 RBI)
Jim Hegan c (14 HR, 61 RBI)
Primary Starting Pitchers
Bob Lemon (20-14, 2.82 ERA)
Bob Feller (19-15, 3.56 ERA)
Gene Bearden (20-7, 2.43 ERA)
Satchel Paige (6-1 2.48 ERA)
Sam Zoldak (9-6, 2.81 ERA)