Runs, Hits, and an Era

Book excerpt: A favorite was Lou "The Mad Russian" Novikoff, who won the Triple Crown in 1940 (batting .343, with 171 RBIs and 41 homers) while playing for the league runner-up Los Angeles Angels - thanks in no small part to his wife, Esther, who could be heard from her box seat behind home plate verbally abusing Lou during each of his appearances at the plate. Another was Hollywood Stars player-manager Bobby Bragan, who was tossed from a game in 1953 against the rival San Diego club after slamming his chest protector to the ground to protest what he considered some bad calls by the umpire. Ordered to pick up his equipment, Bragan refused and instead proceeded to remove his shin guards, mask, glove, and cap. Banished to the dugout, he added his uniform top, shoes, socks, and a few towels to the pile. Bragan and the Stars survived the ensuing fine and suspension to win the pennant handily.