"In 1952, Tom was just about to be sent to the minors. However, he was given one more chance and was sent in against the Washington Senators in relief. He pitched nine innings of no-hit, no-run ball and saved his job in the majors. He's been a top relief pitcher for the Yankees ever since.
In 1951 with Beaumont of the Texas League, Tom set a record of 42 consecutive scoreless innings. It was this which earned him a trial with the Yankees."
-1954 Bowman, No. 17
RALPH BRANCA
"Ralph was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and made his debut in organized baseball with their Olean farm team in 1943. He started the 1944 season with the Dodgers and dropped two decisions. He finished the season with Montreal and spent the first half of the next year at St. Paul and then was brought up by the Dodgers.
1947 was Ralph's best year and he wound up with a record of 21-12. Last season he won 14 and lost 9."
-1949 Bowman No. 194
"Ralph hung up a 13-5 record in 1949, striking out 109 men in 187 innings pitched. He had his best record in 1947 (21-12).
He broke into organized baseball with Olean in the PONY League. He began 1944 with Brooklyn, but finished with Montreal. He began 1945 with St. Paul but moved up to Brooklyn where he's been ever since.
Ralph has been in theatricals."
-1950 Bowman No. 59
"Ralph had an off-season in 1950. He won only 7 games while losing 9, but there may be a different story this season.
The big right-hander's first complete season with the Dodgers was 1946. His best record (21-12) was in 1947. In 1949, Ralph won 13, lost 5. His minor league experience includes St. Paul and Montreal.
Ralph possesses a good baritone voice which he has been known to lift in song."
-1951 Bowman No. 56 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)
"Compiling a record of 13-12 in 1951, Big Ralph threw the pitch which Bobby Thomson hit for the Giants' pennant-winning home run. Experts agree that nothing was wrong with the pitch, but Bobby reached up and connected.
Ralph first came into the majors in 1944."
-1952 Bowman No. 96
"A big leaguer since the middle of the 1944 season, Big Ralph had his best year in 1947, winning 21 and posting a 2.67 earned run average. Despite arm trouble in '48 and '49 he had 14-9 and 13-5 marks. In 1950, the former New York University basketball and baseball star won 7 and lost 9.
In pro ball since 1943, Ralph rates the Pirates as his favorite opponents, having a 17-6 lifetime record against them. Named on the Major League All-Star team in 1947, he has 14 shutouts to his credit."
-1952 Topps No. 274
"Ralph was bothered by a sore arm for most of 1952 and appeared in only 16 games.
He has been in Brooklyn since 1944. His biggest season was in 1947 when he won 21 games and lost 12.
Ralph began in baseball in 1943 with the Dodgers' Olean farm team. He appeared in 21 games for the Dodgers in 1944, then finished the season with Montreal. He began 1945 with St. Paul, then joined the Dodgers."
-1953 Bowman No. 52
Ralph possesses a good baritone voice which he has been known to lift in song."
-1951 Bowman No. 56 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)
"Compiling a record of 13-12 in 1951, Big Ralph threw the pitch which Bobby Thomson hit for the Giants' pennant-winning home run. Experts agree that nothing was wrong with the pitch, but Bobby reached up and connected.
Ralph first came into the majors in 1944."
-1952 Bowman No. 96
"A big leaguer since the middle of the 1944 season, Big Ralph had his best year in 1947, winning 21 and posting a 2.67 earned run average. Despite arm trouble in '48 and '49 he had 14-9 and 13-5 marks. In 1950, the former New York University basketball and baseball star won 7 and lost 9.
In pro ball since 1943, Ralph rates the Pirates as his favorite opponents, having a 17-6 lifetime record against them. Named on the Major League All-Star team in 1947, he has 14 shutouts to his credit."
-1952 Topps No. 274
"Ralph was bothered by a sore arm for most of 1952 and appeared in only 16 games.
He has been in Brooklyn since 1944. His biggest season was in 1947 when he won 21 games and lost 12.
Ralph began in baseball in 1943 with the Dodgers' Olean farm team. He appeared in 21 games for the Dodgers in 1944, then finished the season with Montreal. He began 1945 with St. Paul, then joined the Dodgers."
-1953 Bowman No. 52
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