World War II had a major impact on the United States. While it was insisted that the game continue and not take a hiatus, many of the premier players of the era were off for military service. An opportunity was granted for many players to either finally make an impact or to add some extra years to their career that they'd otherwise not have the chance for.
The Yankees were coming off back-to-back pennants but had fallen to the St. Louis Cardinals the previous October, and now they were without their big gun, Joe DiMaggio. While every team were being deprived of their prime athletes, the absence of DiMaggio and Phil Rizzuto was a huge handicap that Manager Joe McCarthy would have to navigate around. The Yankees were more than just a one-man show, however, and had enough talent to keep the rest of the American League in check.
The pennant was decided with relative ease, as the Yankees rolled to a 98-56 record, 13.5 games better than the Washington Nationals. Winning their pennant just as easily were the defending champion Cardinals, setting up a rematch in the World Series. The Cardinals were without Enos Slaughter, but they still had Stan Musial.
The teams split the opening games in New York before heading west. In Game 3, the Cardinals had control until the 8th inning where Billy Johnson, a rookie getting a chance because of the missing stars and a year away from himself joining the war, tripled with the bases loaded to give the Yankees the lead for good, while Grandma Murphy slammed the door for the Save. Marius Russo went the distance in a 2-1 Game 4 victory, setting up MVP Spud Chandler to pitch a shutout in Game 5, with the only scoring he'd need came from a Bill Dickey homer as the Yankees avenged their previous series loss and claimed their 10th World Series title.
All star Spud Chandler claimed the MVP award with a league leading 20 Wins, 20 Complete Games, 5 Shutouts and baseball's best 1.64 ERA. Padding his stats were his team high 253 Innings Pitched and 134 Strikeouts. He added 2 more Wins in the World Series, including his series clinching Shutout of Game 5.
Bonham would join Chandler as the Yankee pitching all stars. His 15 Wins, 4 Shutouts and 2.27 ERA were all second only to the MVP ace.
Other Starters relied upon in 1943. Borowy and Russo would add in the other 2 wins in the World Series.
Murphy may be listed as a Reliever, but he was one of the earliest big time Closers. His Save in Game 3 gave him four different World Series in which he'd get a save, a quirky accomplishment in a time where Closers weren't a thing yet.
Remaining arms on staff, none of which demanding the spotlight.
Because of looming military service, this would be the last big season of the Hall of Fame Catcher. He made the all star team and finished 8th in MVP voting.
A year away from joining his fellow Hall of Famers in the war effort, the all star contributed to the title run with a homer in the Game 1 World Series victory.
With Rizzuto serving for WWII, the Yankees proved how deep their depth chart went when they turned to the previous full time Shortstop to help fill the void. His final WS showing was arguably among his best efforts.
Other regulars on the championship team. Johnson led the Yankees with 166 Hits. Keller slugged a team high 31 Home Runs and scored 97 Runs to go along with his all star nod. Lindell would also be an all star while also leading the league with 12 Triples.
Bench Yankees, some getting their shot because of the war. Stirnweiss would give a preview of future seasons where despite limited usage, would still lead the team with 11 Stolen Bases.
With Joe DiMaggio gone, someone had to fill the offensive void left behind. No pressure, especially to the guy who would wear the #5 in New York during those years. Etten would get that number and responsibility, and he did not back away from the challenge. He'd lead the Yankees with 35 Doubles and 107 RBI while finishing a respectable 7th in the MVP voting.
