1932 Detroit Wolves

1932 Detroit Wolves / Franchise: Detroit Wolves / BR Team Page

Record: 26-5-0, Finished 1st in Negro National League (1932 EWL)

League Champs

Managed by Dizzy Dismukes

Ballpark: Hamtramck Stadium

History, Comments, Contributions

The 1932 Detroit Wolves were dominant in their short life. Formed with the new East-West League out of the ashes of the St. Louis Stars, they were 26-5 and in first place before folding due to the Great Depression. Many of their players moved on to the Homestead Grays and some joined the Washington Pilots.

The pitching was outstanding with a team ERA+ of 153. Bert Hunter (6-2, 2.97, 143 ERA+) would lead the EWL in wins (adding four with Homestead) while Ted Trent was even better (4-1, 2.06, 206 ERA+). Hall-of-Famer Ray Brown (2-3, 3.64, 117 ERA+) and Lefty Williams (5-0, 2.03, 209 ERA+) also made five or more starts. William Bell was 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA (283 ERA+) and would go on to the Grays and lead the league in WHIP. Legendary Joe Williams was 1-0 with a 3.33 ERA (127 ERA+) at age 46.

LF Vic Harris (.373/.468/.597, 189 OPS+, 19 R in 17 G) would lead the league in runs (finishing with Homestead) and 1B Mule Suttles (.289/.384/.433, 122 OPS+) led in RBI and OPS+ after finishing with Washington. Other regulars were CF Cool Papa Bell (.319/.382/.403, 114 OPS+, 28 R in 29 G), C Tom Young (.324/.388/.400, 115 OPS+), SS Willie Wells (.283/.341/.434, 111 OPS+, fielding percentage of .950 to league norm of .923 at SS), 3B Dewey Creacy (.255/.348/.306, 79 OPS+), 2B John Henry Russell (.217/.289/.246, 47 OPS+) and 19-year-old RF Quincy Trouppe (.210/.259/.229, 33 OPS+), who would go on to much better things.

All stats listed are per the Seamheads database 3/26/2021; other sources vary