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May 1, 1950
Norfolk's title defense got off to a strong start in April as the Clippers sailed to a 3 1/2 game lead over second-place Jacksonville. The champs lead the league in scoring (140), thanks to Batter of the Month Rick Brown, CF Scott Heyer (.337, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R, 16 BB) and C Dave Fried (.309, 2 HR, 18 RBI).
Elsewhere in the East, Carolina's season got off to a rocky start. Opening the year at Norfolk (watching the Clippers raise their 1949 pennant) on April 4, the Flyers lost SP Tom Birt (6-10, 2.85 last year) for the season with a torn bicep. Carolina proceeded to lose 11 of their first 12, then reverse course and go 11-3 to end the month in fourth place.
Out West, the Nashville Hounds lead New Orleans by one game and Memphis by 2 1/2. Pitcher of the Month Everett Lane seems better than ever after surgery last May to remove bone chips from his shoulder, and Bill "Spike" Ebeling (4-2, 2.11, WHIP 1.00) is earning his $16.7 million so far.
Meanwhile, Dallas has a firm grip on the Western cellar, as the Drifters lost 12 straight beginning April 9. Swept at San Antonio, Memphis and New Orleans, Dallas has a road record of just 2-14.
Western Division Batter of the Month:
SS Raymond Timmerman (NSH) - Hit .341 with 5 HR and 30 RBI
Western Division Pitcher of the Month:
Everett Lane (NSH) - Went 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA
Eastern Division Batter of the Month:
RF Rick Brown (NOR) - Hit .349 with 4 HR and 17 RBI
Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:
Steve Bruce (JAX) - Went 3-1 with a 1.06 ERA
Western Division Standings
Nashville..... 14 - _8 .636 -
New Orleans... 14 - 10 .583 1
Memphis....... 13 - 12 .520 2.5
San Antonio... 11 - 11 .500 3
Houston....... 11 - 14 .440 4.5
Dallas......... 6 - 19 .240 9.5
Eastern Division Standings
Norfolk....... 17 - _7 .708 -
Jacksonville.. 13 - 10 .565 3.5
Tampa......... 14 - 13 .519 4.5
Carolina...... 12 - 14 .462 6
Miami.......... 9 - 12 .429 6.5
Atlanta....... 11 - 15 .423 7
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