[jmm8356]

October 4, 1950

Confederate Series Preview

The defending champion Norfolk Clippers, under Lloyd Jorgensen, are the first team in CBA history to win 100 games in a season. Norfolk hopes to continue their success on the road (53-28) as Memphis has homefield advantage for the series.

Norfolk led the league in scoring (821) and walks (729), and was second in both batting (.269) and homers (144). CF Scott Heyer (.325, 18 HR, 87 RBI, 109 R, 32 2Bs, 96 BB, 36 SB) is the biggest contributor, with C Dave Fried (.293, 14 HR, 76 RBI, 19 2Bs) and LF Raymond Smith (.284, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 16 2Bs) both pitching in. However, late season injuries leave the Blues without two of their stars, RF Rick Brown (broken ribs, .286, 20 HR, 102 RBI, 144 BB) and SS Adam Bradley (tight elbow, .293, 12 HR, 75 RBI, 114 BB).

The second-best pitching staff in the league with a 3.80 ERA, Norfolk's rotation is anchored by deadline acquisition Ken Chilton (10-7, 3.31, WHIP 1.18) and Joe Melton (17-11, 3.58, WHIP 1.23). The bullpen is solid top-to-bottom, with closer Dave Samuelson (6-5, 49 SV, 2.51, OAVG .194), Dave Lyons (2.97), John Hamill (13-1, 3.74), Jimmy Pouliot (3.12, WHIP 1.06, 77 Ks in 83 2/3 IP), and leftie Jim Gustin (3.28).


The Memphis Blues have been ably managed by Ray Blanton to a record that exceeded expectations by seven games. The Blues won just five of their twelve contests with the Clippers this year.

Memphis allowed the fourth-fewest runs (702) in the league this year, thanks to starters Frank Welsh (15-13, 3.95), Daryl Warren (11-9, 3.65), Douglas Agan (5-7, 3.47 in 25 GS) and closer Rick Vance (6-6, 30 SV, 2.61).

The Blues' offense can charitably be described as average, with the 7th-best batting average (.260) and 8th-best scoring total (691) in the league. 1B Chris Roseboro (.314, 21 HR, 78 RBI) swings the biggest bat, and RF Jason Music (.289, 14 HR, 81 RBI, 24 2Bs, 28 SB) leads eight players with double-digit stolen bases.