The Harrisburg Alumni Association

Jim Lemon in the late 1950s with the Washington Senators

Long-ago Harrisburg Senators power hitter Jim Lemon finds himself in the middle of an MVP debate in 1949.

Roaming the outfield on City Island that season, Lemon leads the Class B Interstate League with 27 homers and 101 RBI for the playoff-bound Senators.

Alas, still not good enough to win the league’s MVP award, which goes to Wilmington pitcher Jack Brittin.

Brittin does just fine that season with a league-leading 21 victories, but his 2.92 ERA does not even rank in the top 10.

Wilmington also qualifies for the playoffs but loses in the first round, while the Senators reach the finals.

Turns out Lemon, born 98 years ago today, has a far better career in the majors, playing 12 seasons there and being named to two American League All-Star teams.

Lemon hits 155 of his 164 career homers during a six-season span from 1956-61.

As for Brittin, he spends parts of two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1950 and ’51, totaling eight innings before going back to the minors for the rest of his career.

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