Thanks UngratefulDead. Glad there's someone following along.
September 1, 1948
The Eastern Division is turned on its head! The Jacksonville Ospreys have nosedived, losing 15 of 16 in mid-August and falling from 1st to 5th. As you may suspect, starting pitching leads the charge down the mountain, with Paul Walker (0-4, 6.51 in August) and Gordon Ringer (1-3, 6.32) the main culprits. Even July's Pitcher of the Month Steve Bruce is not immune, going 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in his last four starts.
Taking advantage of Jacksonville's misfortune are the Clippers. Norfolk took 13 of 14 beginning July 29, including two sweeps of Jacksonville, to propel themselves into a tie for the lead in the East with Atlanta. The Flames, though, will have to make their stretch run without Bill Wetzel (13-4, 3.50), who is out 4 to 5 weeks with a herniated disc in his back.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is running away with the West, 7 1/2 games clear of the resurgent Houston Buffaloes and 8 1/2 ahead of the floundering Dallas Drifters. The Missions' mix of small ball (CF Jeff McGovern is hitting .313 with 51 SBs and 2B John Watkins adds another 45 swipes) and starting pitching (Earl Cole: 15-6, 3.80; Edwin Frey: 11-4, 3.60; Keith "Superfly" Ward: 11-7, 2.78) seems set to contend for the first CBA crown.
Western Division Batter of the Month:
SS Tony Fairman (HOU) - Hit .422 with 1 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R and 9 SB
Western Division Pitcher of the Month:
Dave Donnell (HOU) - Went 3-0 with an 0.59 ERA
Eastern Division Batter of the Month:
SS Ted DeRouen (NOR) - Hit .402 with 5 HR and 30 RBI
Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:
Bruce Solomon (NOR) - Went 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA. Claimed off waivers from Memphis (to make room for Agan) on August 2.
Western Division Standings
San Antonio... 74 - 57 .565 - (Magic: 24)
Houston....... 67 - 65 .508 7.5
Dallas........ 66 - 66 .500 8.5
Nashville..... 63 - 69 .477 11.5
Memphis....... 59 - 73 .447 15.5
New Orleans... 58 - 74 .439 16.5
Eastern Division Standings
Atlanta....... 72 - 60 .545 - (Magic: 31)
Norfolk....... 72 - 60 .545 - (Magic: 31)
Tampa......... 68 - 64 .515 4
Carolina...... 67 - 65 .508 5
Jacksonville.. 66 - 67 .496 6.5
Miami......... 60 - 72 .455 12