We continue through the World War II years on MLB Monday this week, as many of the games best players were serving in the military, doing one job or another. This left some interesting situations back home as we saw in handing out awards for the 1943 season. As the war progressed and more players departed for service, the circumstances got even weirder and weirder. That won’t stop us, however, from doing what we do best, so enjoy the read today (and beyond).

1943 World Series MVP: Spud Chandler, SP, New York (AL)

The New York Yankees beat the St. Louis Cardinals in 5 games to claim another World Series title, winning the final three games of the Fall Classic by a combined 10-3 score. With only one Yankees hitter posting a plus-.800 OPS for the matchup, we’re easily choosing New York starting pitcher Spud Chandler as our Series MVP: His bookend wins in Game 1 and Game 5 showed the dominance of the Yankees, as he posted a 2-0 record with a 0.50 ERA and a 1.111 WHIP.

1943 AL MOTY: Joe McCarthy, New York

With the Yankees winning the pennant by 13.5 games over the Washington Senators, we look first to New York Manager Joe McCarthy—and we find a plus-6 PPP effort. That was the second-best mark in the American League, second only to the plus-8 PPP number posted by Chicago Manager Jimmy Dykes. But the White Sox finished 19 games out of first place, so we’re going to give this to McCarthy (again) … for the eighth time overall. That’s just stunning, but it was the times.

1943 NL MOTY: Billy Southworth, St. Louis

The Cardinals outpaced the Cincinnati Reds by 18 games, and St. Louis Manager Billy Southworth (plus-4 PPP) brought home the best results for any manager skippering a winning team. For the record, the Boston Braves had two managers who combined for a plus-10 effort (including the infamous Casey Stengel), but the Braves struggled to a 68-85 record nonetheless. Either way, it’s Southworth for his second MOTY nod from us in three seasons.