In 1946, many of the Monarchs' players, including Willard Brown, Connie Johnson, Buck O'Neil, Ford Smith, and Ted Strong, returned from military service, and the team led the NAL in both the first and second halves, capturing the league pennant.Riley 2002, pp. 127, 430, 589, 725, 750; Clark and Lester 1994, p. 165. O'Neil led the league in batting average, Brown in home runs, Johnson in wins, and Paige in total run average.Holway 2001, p. 433.
In 1946, many of the Monarchs' players, including Willard Brown, Connie Johnson, Buck O'Neil, Ford Smith, and Ted Strong, returned from military service, and the team led the NAL in both the first and second halves, capturing the league pennantRiley 2002, pp. 127, 430, 589, 725, 750; Clark and Lester 1994, p. 165. O'Neil led the league in bat.ting average, Brown in home runs, Johnson in wins, and Paige in total run average.Holway 2001, p. 433.