1947-1949

Billy Southworth encouraged Braves owner Lou Perini to acquire Johnny Beazley. Just as the 1947 regular season was getting under way, the Braves purchased the erstwhile ace for an undisclosed sum. A few weeks later, Johnny won his first start with the Braves — going the distance in a 12-5 victory over the Pirates that gave Boston a share of first place with the Dodgers. Southworth called Johnny a key to the team’s pennant hopes, but the enthusiasm was short-lived. He won and completed his next start, against Cincinnati a month later, but his arm woes never really subsided ...

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