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October 8, 1952

Confederate Series Preview


The Norfolk Clippers are seeking their third CBA championship in four years under two-time Manager of the Year Lloyd Jorgensen. Norfolk has homefield advantage this go-round but had identical records (47-34) home and away this year.

The Clippers were second in the league in batting (.281), runs (858) and homers (157). Norfolk swept the starting infield of the All-Star Game with 3B Tom Swaim (.337, 22 HR, 90 RBI, 26 2Bs), SS Raymond Timmerman (.319, 28 HR, 81 RBI, 114 R, 25 2Bs, 90 BB), 2B Ted DeRouen (.329, 17 HR, 118 RBI, 90 R, 46 2Bs) and 1B Casey Pattison (.322, 15 HR, 99 RBI, 110 BB, 24 2Bs). RF Jason Music (.317, 13 HR, 92 RBI, 107 R, 34 2Bs, 26 SB) also swings a big bat.

Norfolk's staff had the second-lowest ERA (3.93) in the CBA. Two-time Hurler of the Year Joe Melton (19-3, 3.20, WHIP 1.17) has a six-decision winning streak, while Bruce Landry (12-6, 3.94) and Bruce Solomon (14-11, 4.02) are solid if not spectacular. Closer Floyd Luft (1-6, 25 SV, 3.47) has come back strong from mid-season back spasms.


The Dallas Drifters, with the league's top payroll ($85.8 million), are headed for their second postseason, skipped by 1949 Manager of the Year Steve Hamilton. Dallas won seven of twelve contests with Norfolk this year.

The Dallas offense was tops in batting (.287) and scoring (913) this season. RF Stephen Delisle (.380, 22 HR, 104 RBI, 112 R, 34 2Bs), SS Jerry Carroll (.315, 23 HR, 116 RBI, 31 2Bs) and 1B Jeff Hickox (.310, 27 HR, 99 RBI, 98 R, 28 2Bs, 18 SB) provide the power, while CF Jeff McGovern (.261, 109 R, 99 BB, 20 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 56 SB) and 2B John Allen (.259, 32 SB) provide the speed for the club that ranked third in thefts with 157.

The Drifters' pitching was only seventh-best (4.15 ERA) in the league last year. Lefties Joseph Phillips (14-9, 3.12, WHIP 1.28) and Quinton Reed (14-9, 3.72, WHIP 1.27) are effective, along with Lawrence Durst (10-4, 3.83) and closer Chase Kirkham (11-2, 24 SV, 3.65).