Jackson: The Spahn and Sain refrain, reconsidered

From SABR member Frank Jackson at The Hardball Times on September 7, 2017:

It’s been almost seven decades since the famed rhyme “Spahn and Sain and Pray for Rain” was introduced into popular culture.  Since it was written in reference to the Boston Braves’ 1948 NL pennant drive, few people are still alive who could name the other members of the Braves’ starting rotation, much less pass judgment on their talent.

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The poem appeared in the wake of a four-day gap (Sept. 7-10) when no games were played, more than likely the result of inclement weather.  With no games to write about, sportswriters often wax creative.

One suspects the Braves’ other starters were less than enthusiastic about Hern’s little ditty.  Certainly, none came close to having the season that Johnny Sain had in 1948, and none had the career that Warren Spahn had.  But that doesn’t mean they were a bunch of humpty-dumpties.

First, let’s examine how good Spahn and Sain were in 1948 and beyond.

Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/tht/the-spahn-and-sain-refrain-reconsidered/



Originally published: September 15, 2017. Last Updated: September 15, 2017.