(August 4) Sam (Red) Jones had a no-hitter Thursday, the first of the season in the league, as Rochester thumped Owatonna 12-3. The right-hander allowed the three runs in the sixth inning when he issued three consecutive walks. The runs came home on one of the Royals' five errors, two outfield flies and a balk. Jones racked up 12 strikeouts while giving up six free passes. Rochester's 13-hit attack was highlighted by Mel Carter's two-run homer, a pair of three-baggers by Bud Wolfe and Emil Nascak's four hits - two doubles and two singles.
Cassutt (L), Albertson and Gleason
Jones (W) and Cherney, Carroll
(August 28) Rochester Royals advanced to the league final Sunday night topping Faribault Lakers 7 to 6 in 13 innings. Royals won the best of three series, three games to one. Spike Powell, the Royals' second sacker, punched out a single to drive in the winning marker. Emil Nascak got a life on an error to start the rally. Ces Wieczorek drew a walk. Both runners advanced on a sacrifice and winning hurler Sam "Red" Jones sent a long fly to the outfield to re-tie the game at 6-6 setting the stage for Powell. Fairbault had taken the lead in the top of the 13th as Herb Chmiel was safe on an error and made second. Tom Barrett singled him home. Jones struck out 17 and allowed just eight hits as his defense committed seven errors.
Mechelke, Chmiel (L) (10) and Mealey
Jones (W) and Cherney
(September 7)
The saddest day in the life of Samuel (Red) Jones was Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1949. Prior to the start of the playoff game between the Royals and Austin the great Negro pitching ace received word that his aging mother was dying at the family home in Fairfax, W.Va.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1949 is also the date that the ebony chucker hurls the greatest game of his career -- a 10 to 0 no-hit, no-run game against one of the greatest collection of sluggers the Southern Minnesota baseball league has ever know, the Austin Packers. (The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, September 8, 1949)
Jones racked up 15 strikeouts, fanning the side in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Only one blow, a line drive through the box in the sixth frame by Dick Seitz, looked dangerous. Shortstop Emil Nascak made a great stop and turned it into a double play. The right-hander walked six. Rochester started fast with two runs in the first inning adding another pair in the fourth. Big John Creevey, the former Notre Dame mound ace, led a 15-hit Royals' attack driving in four runs with three hits. Centre fielder Sam Hill and catcher Ernie Cherney each produced three hits. Hill also added three scores.
Mossor (L), Miller (4), House (6) and Campeau
Jones (W) and Cherney