What if the Rookie of the Year award had started in 1944?

The Rookie of the Year didn't exist until 1947 (first winner was Jackie Robinson), and was only league-wide until 1949. Interestingly, there were no actual rules on who was a rookie from 1946-1956 (all up to their discretion), but there have been rules that have evolved since then.

I'll use the current rules in evaluating them: less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings or 45 days service in their career previous to the season in question.

Maybe it had something to do with WWII or maybe it was a fluke, but the rookie hitting performances in the AL from 1944-1946 were incredibly weak. Fortunately, the rookie pitching, especially in 1945 was extraordinary.

1944
NL: Ted Wilks (Cardinals) 17-4, 2.64
AL: Sid Jakucki (Browns) 13-9, 3.55

1945
NL : Ken Burkhart (Cardinals) 18-8, 2.90
AL: Dave Ferriss (Red Sox) 21-10, 2.96

1946
NL: Del Ennis (Phillies) .313, 17 HR, 73 RBI

• This was a tough call because it was also Ralph Kiner's rookie year, and he had 23 HR, 81 RBI and a 247 BA.

AL: Bob Lemon (Indians): 4-5, 2.49

1947 - Actual ROY (League-Wide): Jackie Robinson (Brooklyn) .297, 29 steals, 12 HR
AL: Spec Shea (Yankees): 14-5, 3.07
Actual 1947 Runner Up Larry Jansen (NY Giants) 21-5, 3.16

1948 - Actual ROY (League-Wide): Alvin Dark (Braves): .322, 3 HR
AL: Gene Beardon (Indians): 20-7, 2.43 (Actual 1948 Runner Up)