Time Warp Baseball: The Return

[ifspuds]

Time Warp Baseball was the brainchild of Matt Alford (Matt from TN), a recreation of major league baseball history starting in 1901 with real teams and real events but fictional players that started in August of 2003. Originally conceived as a dynasty thread, Matt opened up the league to allow readers to sign up their ancestors to play in the league. That twist, plus the rich and detailed history that Matt and readers of the thread built up, made the thread one of the most popular dynasty threads of all time, with nearly 5000 posts and nearly 95,000 views. Not only that, but after a 45-season run as solely a solo dynasty, Matt opened the league up as an online league, where it has continued on for another 25 seasons, spawning a myriad of award-winning dynasty threads along the way.

What makes Time Warp Baseball stand out among leagues is the passion and dedication Matt brought to play as commissioner of the league and the passion and dedication it engendered in its fans and GMs. When life took a turn as it inevitably does, and Matt could not run the league to the extent he had for nearly three years, it looked as though this long-running, top-quality league would come to a sad, quiet end. But the passion and dedication the GMs felt for the league wouldn't let it die, and Matt agreed to pass the reins on to new leadership so that Time Warp Baseball could continue on.

Now, with the 1972 season starting soon, a new thread detailing the continuation of the league is here, hopefully bridging the gap between the outstanding and unforgettable work that Matt put in over the league's first 70 seasons and the new era Time Warp finds itself in moving forward. We hope you'll enjoy it.

For the League Pages, visit http://www.southernbaseball.com/. Join in the discussions on the league forums, get on the waiting list to take over a team, be part of the fun!

To sign up an ancestor for the league, visit the signup thread.

[Vris]

bump

[ifspuds]

1971 Recap

American League Standings

AL East           W    L   PCT    GB
New York (A)     98   64  .605     -
Baltimore        96   66  .593   2.0
Detroit          93   69  .574   5.0
Cleveland        78   84  .481  20.0
Washington       73   89  .451  25.0
Boston           68   94  .420  30.0

AL West
Oakland         100   62  .617     -
California       94   68  .580   6.0
Minnesota        86   76  .531  14.0
Chicago (A)      74   88  .457  26.0
Kansas City      63   99  .389  37.0
Milwaukee        49  113  .302  51.0

National League Standings

NL East
Pittsburgh      107   55  .660     -
Chicago (N)      98   64  .605   9.0
Philadelphia     92   70  .568  15.0
New York (N)     91   71  .562  16.0
St. Louis        58  104  .358  49.0
Montreal         48  114  .296  59.0

NL West
Atlanta          94   68  .580     -
Houston          89   73  .549   5.0
San Francisco    88   74  .543   6.0
Cincinnati       84   78  .519  10.0
Los Angeles      68   94  .420  26.0
San Diego        55  107  .340  39.0

1971 Postseason

World Series Champs - Oakland Athletics (first championship since 1958!)
NL Champs - Pittsburgh Pirates
AL East Champs - New York Yankees - 1st Division Title
NL West Champs - Atlanta Braves - 1st Division Title

Batters of the Year:
AL - Mack Alford (MIN) - .286/.383/.658, 55 HR, 146 RBI - his 5th BotY!
NL - Leo Santiago (CHN) - .314/.385/.543, 36 HR, 104 RBI

Andrew Murphy Award:
AL - Bob Day (OAK) - 23-9, 1.94 ERA, 46 BB, 247 K, 297.2 IP - his 2nd Murph!
NL - George Adkison (PIT) - 25-5, 1.97 ERA, 87 BB, 250 K, 292.2 IP

Rookies of the Year:
AL - Roberto Villacorta (KCR) - 16-13, 2.60 ERA, 58 BB, 179 K, 270.0 IP
NL - Brad Yordy (PHI) - .212/.284/.396, 18 HR, 75 RBI

Batting Titles:
AL - .328 - Harry Hinze, Detroit Tigers
NL - .332 - Albert Esselink, Cincinnati Reds

ERA Titles:
AL - 1.73 - Eric Earlywine, Detroit Tigers
NL - 1.68 - Charlie Lendon, Cincinnati Reds - His 6th ERA Title... Lendon has finished at least 2nd on the ERA leaderboard every season since 1963!

Records/Milestones

Records:

AL - 38 Saves, Jack Aster, BAL (tied with Cal Granger)

NL - 39 Saves, Terry Solt, CHN
NL - 29 Rookie Saves, Brian Slater, STL

ATL - 29 saves, Lance Slaughter
BAL - 38 saves, Jack Aster
CAL - 24 saves, Terry Petrella
CHA - 32 saves, Willie France
CHN - 39 saves, Terry Solt
DET - 1.73 ERA, Eric Earlywine
HOU - 25 saves, Chuck Newhall
LAD - 84 games, Wayne Castle
MIN - 146 RBI, Mack Alford; 18 rookie HR, Freddy Tomas; 25 saves, Arnie LaFeaux
NYA - 29 saves, Gerry Burrow
NYM - .310 average, Arlie Michaels; 97 runs, Dick Justus; 93 walks, Louis Steadman; 18 steals, Dick Justus; 2.42 ERA, Mike Heath; 20 wins, Tom Glenn; 38 saves, Vern Corum
OAK - 314 strikeouts, Gary Blaise
PIT - 1.97 ERA, George Adkison; 29 saves, Lynn Willmon
WAS - 73 steals, Jose Camacho; 25 saves, Glen Raney

Milestones:

2000 Hits - Brett Evans (PHI)
2000 Hits - Nelson Mierhofer (LAD)
2000 Hits - Jim Alan (NYA)
2000 Hits - Henry Cruz (PIT)
2000 Hits - Ben Trome (PIT)

400 HR - Jim Alan (NYA)

600 SB - Marshall Rabideau (MIN)

[ifspuds]

The teams and their histories in a nutshell:

Franchise Histories

BLUE - Won World Series
GREEN - Won Pennant but No WS Played
RED - Won Division Title
BLACK - Won Pennant

Boston Red Sox - 6 Pennants, 3-3 in WS, Last Pennant (1966), Last WS Title (1945)
Most Wins 108 (1966), Most Losses 96 (1959)
Winning Seasons 24, Losing Seasons 43, .500 Seasons 4
Longest Winning Streak: 6 Seasons (1963-68)
Longest Losing Streak: 12 Seasons (1906-17)
1900-10: 2-8
1911-20: 2-7-1 - 1918
1921-30: 2-5-3
1931-40: 2-8
1941-50: 6-4 - 1943, 1944, 1945, 1949
1951-60: 4-6
1961-70: 6-4 - 1966
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 2-3

Cleveland Indians - 8 Pennants, 4-4 in WS, Last Pennant (1967), Last WS Title (1965)
Most Wins 111 (1965), Most Losses 108 (1954)
Winning Seasons 35, Losing Seasons 33, .500 Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 13 Seasons (1906-18)
Longest Losing Streak: 6 Seasons (1927-32)
1900-10: 6-4 - 1907, 1910
1911-20: 9-1 - 1914, 1915, 1916
1921-30: 2-8
1931-40: 3-5-2
1941-50: 2-7-1 - 1942
1951-60: 6-4
1961-70: 7-3 - 1965, 1967
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 1-4

Detroit Tigers - 9 Pennants, 6-3 in WS, Last Pennant (1964), Last WS Win (1963)
Most Wins 106 (1954, 1964), Most Losses 96 (1941)
Winning Seasons 37, Losing Seasons 34
Longest Winning Streak: 12 Seasons (1945-1956)
Longest Losing Streak: 13 Seasons (1932-1944)
1900-10: 5-5
1911-20: 3-7
1921-30: 6-4 - 1928
1931-40: 1-9
1941-50: 6-4 - 1948
1951-60: 7-3 - 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955
1961-70: 8-2 - 1962, 1963, 1964
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 8-2
Last 5 Seasons 3-2

New York Yankees - 1 Division Title, 16 Pennants, 0-1 in LCS, 9-7 in WS, Last Division Title (1971), Last Pennant (1959), Last WS Win (1956)
Most Wins 107 (1956), Most Losses 95 (1946)
Winning Seasons 42, Losing Seasons 27, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 12 Seasons (1930-1941)
Longest Losing Streak: 7 Seasons (1915-21, 1943-49)
1900-10: 7-3 - 1905, 1908, 1909
1911-20: 3-7 - 1911, 1912
1921-30: 5-4-1 - 1923, 1927
1931-40: 10-0 - 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1939, 1940
1941-50: 2-7-1
1951-60: 8-2 - 1956, 1959
1961-70: 6-4
1971-80: 1-0 - 1971
Last 10 Seasons 8-2
Last 5 Seasons 4-1

Baltimore Orioles - 2 Division Titles, 8 Pennants, 2-0 in LCS, 3-2 in WS, Last Division Title (1970), Last Pennant (1970), Last WS Title (1970)
Most Wins 93 (1946), Most Losses 98 (1930)
Winning Seasons 23, Losing Seasons 34, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 4 Seasons (1956-1959)
Longest Losing Streak: 7 Seasons (1910-16)
1900-10: 5-5 - 1901, 1902, 1904
1911-20: 2-7-1
1921-30: 4-6 - 1922
1931-40: 4-5-1
1941-50: 4-6 - 1946
1951-60: 5-5 - 1960
1961-70: 5-5 - 1969, 1970
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 5-5
Last 5 Seasons 5-0

Washington Senators (II) - 0 Pennants
Most Wins 73 (1971), Most Losses 114 (1961)
Winning Seasons 0, Losing Seasons 11
Longest Winning Streak: 0 Seasons
Longest Losing Streak: 11 Seasons (1961-1971)
1961-70: 0-10
1971: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 0-10
Last 5 Seasons 0-5

Chicago White Sox - 8 Pennants, 1-7 in WS, Last Pennant (1961), Last WS Title (1920)
Most Wins 102 (1920), Most Losses 112 (1968)
Winning Seasons 30, Losing Seasons 40, .500 Seasons 1
Longest Winning Streak: 9 Seasons (1913-21)
Longest Losing Streak: 9 Seasons (1904-12)
1900-10: 1-9 - 1903
1911-20: 8-2 - 1917, 1919, 1920
1921-30: 6-4 - 1930
1931-40: 5-5 - 1938
1941-50: 6-4 - 1950
1951-60: 2-8
1961-70: 2-7-1 - 1961
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 1-8-1
Last 5 Seasons 0-5

Oakland Athletics - 1 Division Title, 9 Pennants, 1-0 in LCS, 4-5 in WS, Last Division Title (1971), Last Pennant (1971), Last WS Title (1971)
Most Wins 100 (1971), Most Losses 97 (1917)
Winning Seasons 39, Losing Seasons 30, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 9 Seasons (1925-33)
Longest Losing Streak: 10 Seasons (1912-21)
1900-10: 8-2 - 1906
1911-20: 1-9
1921-30: 8-2 - 1925, 1926, 1929
1931-40: 4-5-1 - 1932
1941-50: 3-7
1951-60: 8-1-1 - 1951, 1957, 1958
1961-70: 6-4
1971-80: 1-0 - 1971
Last 10 Seasons 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 5-0

Minnesota Twins - 1 Division Title, 7 Pennants, 0-1 in LCS, 5-2 in WS, Last Division Title (1969), Last Pennant (1968), Last WS Title (1968)
Most Wins 108 (1968), Most Losses 108 (1953, 1959)
Winning Seasons 35, Losing Seasons 34, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 12 Seasons (1936-1947)
Longest Losing Streak: 15 Seasons (1948-1962)
1900-10: 3-6-1
1911-20: 4-6 - 1913
1921-30: 5-5 - 1921, 1924
1931-40: 7-2-1 - 1937
1941-50: 7-3 - 1941, 1947
1951-60: 0-10
1961-70: 8-2 - 1968, 1969
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 9-1
Last 5 Seasons 5-0
(1901-1960 as Washington Senators I)

California Angels - 1 Division Title, 0-1 in LCS, Last Division Title (1970)
Most Wins 102 (1970), Most Losses 124 (1961)
Winning Seasons 3, Losing Seasons 8
Longest Winning Streak: 3 Seasons (1969-Present)
Longest Losing Streak: 8 Seasons (1961-1968)
1961-70: 2-8 - 1970
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 3-7
Last 5 Seasons 3-2

Kansas City Royals
Most Wins 66 (1970), Most Losses 116 (1969)
Winning Seasons 0, Losing Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 0 Seasons
Longest Losing Streak: 3 Seasons (1969-Present)
1969-70: 0-2
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 0-3
Last 5 Seasons 0-3

Milwaukee Brewers
Most Wins 57 (1969), Most Losses 113 (1971)
Winning Seasons 0, Losing Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 0 Seasons
Longest Losing Streak: 3 Seasons (1969-Present)
1969-70: 0-2
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 0-3
Last 5 Seasons 0-3


Chicago Cubs - 7 Pennants, 3-4 in WS, Last Pennant (1955), Last WS Title (1938)
Most Wins 105 (1955), Most Losses 105 (1960)
Winning Seasons 43, Losing Seasons 28
Longest Winning Streak: 14 Seasons (1901-14)
Longest Losing Streak: 8 Seasons (1943-1950)
1900-10: 10-0 - 1905
1911-20: 7-3 - 1913, 1917
1921-30: 3-7
1931-40: 7-3 - 1936, 1937, 1938
1941-50: 1-9
1951-60: 8-2 - 1955
1961-70: 6-4
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 7-3
Last 5 Seasons 5-0

Philadelphia Phillies - 13 Pennants, 9-2 in WS, Last Pennant (1949), Last WS Title (1949)
Most Wins 104 (1949), Most Losses 105 (1963)
Winning Seasons 31, Losing Seasons 35, .500 Seasons 5
Longest Winning Streak: 12 Seasons (1924-1935)
Longest Losing Streak: 9 Seasons (1915-23)
1900-10: 7-2-1 - 1901, 1902, 1903
1911-20: 1-9
1921-30: 7-3 - 1925, 1927, 1929, 1930
1931-40: 5-4-1 - 1932, 1933
1941-50: 6-3-1 - 1945, 1946, 1948, 1949
1951-60: 0-8-2
1961-70: 4-6
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 4-6
Last 5 Seasons 3-2

Pittsburgh Pirates - 3 Division Titles, 9 Pennants, 2-1 in LCS, 3-5 in WS, Last Pennant (1971), Last WS Win (1967)
Most Wins 114 (1969), Most Losses 103 (1928)
Winning Seasons 28, Losing Seasons 42, .500 Seasons 1
Longest Winning Streak: 10 Seasons (1962-Present)
Longest Losing Streak: 7 Seasons (1913-19, 1931-1937)
1900-10: 4-6 - 1908, 1909
1911-20: 2-8 - 1911, 1912
1921-30: 2-7-1
1931-40: 2-8
1941-50: 3-7
1951-60: 5-5
1961-70: 9-1 - 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
1971-80: 1-0 - 1971
Last 10 Seasons 10-0
Last 5 Seasons 5-0

St. Louis Cardinals - 11 Pennants, 4-7 in WS, Last Pennant (1965), Last WS Win (1964)
Most Wins 112 (1964), Most Losses 111 (1970)
Winning Seasons 39, Losing Seasons 29, .500 Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 7 Seasons (1946-1954)
Longest Losing Streak: 10 Seasons (1930-39)
1900-10: 3-6-1 - 1906
1911-20: 6-2-2 - 1914, 1915, 1916
1921-30: 8-2 - 1923, 1924
1931-40: 1-9
1941-50: 8-2 - 1950
1951-60: 5-5 - 1953, 1954
1961-70: 8-2 - 1964, 1965
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 1-4

New York Mets
Most Wins 91 (1971), Most Losses 108 (1967)
Winning Seasons 1, Losing Seasons 9
Longest Winning Streak: 1 Season (1971)
Longest Losing Streak: 9 Seasons (1962-1970)
1962-70: 0-9
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons: 1-9
Last 5 Seasons: 1-4

Montreal Expos
Most Wins 50 (1970), Most Losses 117 (1969)
Winning Seasons 0, Losing Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 0 Seasons
Longest Losing Streak: 3 Seasons (1969-Present)
1969-70: 0-2
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons: 0-3
Last 5 Seasons: 0-5

Atlanta Braves - 1 Division Title, 4 Pennants, 0-1 in LCS, 2-1 in WS, Last Division Title (1971), Last Pennant (1931), Last WS Title (1931)
Most Wins 105 (1928), Most Losses 102 (1915)
Winning Seasons 28, Losing Seasons 41, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 9 Seasons (1930-1938)
Longest Losing Streak: 14 Seasons (1914-27)
1900-10: 6-4 - 1904, 1910
1911-20: 1-9
1921-30: 2-8 - 1928
1931-40: 8-1-1 - 1931
1941-50: 2-7-1
1951-60: 4-6
1961-70: 4-6
1971-80: 1-0 - 1971
Last 10 Seasons 4-6
Last 5 Seasons 4-1

Los Angeles Dodgers - 12 Pennants, 6-6 in WS, Last Pennant (1962), Last WS Title (1962)
Most Wins 108 (1960), Most Losses 97 (1951, 1952)
Winning Seasons 43, Losing Seasons 25, .500 Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 14 Seasons (1955-1968)
Longest Losing Streak: 8 Seasons (1947-1954)
1900-10: 3-7
1911-20: 7-2-1 - 1919
1921-30: 7-3 - 1926
1931-40: 7-2-1 - 1934, 1935, 1939, 1940
1941-50: 6-4 - 1943
1951-60: 6-4 - 1956, 1958, 1960
1961-70: 7-2-1 - 1961, 1962
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons 7-2-1
Last 5 Seasons 3-1-1

Cincinnati Reds - 1 Division Title, 5 Pennants, 1-0 in LCS, 4-1 in WS, Last Division Title (1969), Last Pennant (1969), Last WS Title (1969)
Most Wins 100 (1957, 1967, 1970), Most Losses 95 (1906)
Winning Seasons 41, Losing Seasons 28, .500 Seasons 2
Longest Winning Streak: 11 Seasons (1913-23)
Longest Losing Streak: 10 Seasons (1933-42)
1900-10: 5-5
1911-20: 9-1 - 1920
1921-30: 4-6
1931-40: 2-8
1941-50: 5-4-1 - 1947
1951-60: 7-2-1 - 1957, 1959
1961-70: 8-2 - 1969
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 9-1
Last 5 Seasons 5-0

San Francisco Giants - 10 Pennants, 2-8 in WS, Last Pennant (1963), Last WS Title (1921)
Most Wins 110 (1964), Most Losses 108 (1968)
Winning Seasons 34, Losing Seasons 33, .500 Seasons 4
Longest Winning Streak: 9 Seasons (1959-1967)
Longest Losing Streak: 7 Seasons (1908-14)
1900-10: 1-8-1 - 1907
1911-20: 5-5 - 1918
1921-30: 5-5 - 1921, 1922
1931-40: 5-3-2
1941-50: 6-3-1 - 1941, 1942, 1944
1951-60: 4-6 - 1951, 1952
1961-70: 7-3 - 1963
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 2-3

Houston Astros - 1 Division Title, 0-1 in LCS, Last Division Title (1970)
Most Wins 101 (1970), Most Losses 111 (1964)
Winning Seasons 4, Losing Seasons 6
Longest Winning Streak: 4 Seasons (1968-Present)
Longest Losing Streak: 6 Seasons (1962-1967)
1962-70: 3-6 - 1970
1971-80: 1-0
Last 10 Seasons: 6-4
Last 5 Seasons 4-1

San Diego Padres
Most Wins 59 (1970), Most Losses 111 (1969)
Winning Seasons 0, Losing Seasons 3
Longest Winning Streak: 0 Seasons
Longest Losing Streak: 3 Seasons (1969-Present)
1969-70: 0-2
1971-80: 0-1
Last 10 Seasons: 0-3
Last 5 Seasons: 0-3

Last Division Title:
1969 - CIN, MIN
1970 - BAL, HOU
1971 - NYA, ATL

Last Pennant:

1931 - BSN
1949 - PHI
1955 - CHN
1959 - NYA
1961 - CHA
1962 - LAD
1963 - SFG
1964 - DET
1965 - STL
1966 - BOS
1967 - CLE
1968 - MIN
1969 - CIN
1970 - BAL
1971 - OAK, PIT

Last World Series Championship:

1920 - CHA
1921 - SFG
1931 - ATL
1938 - CHN
1945 - BOS
1949 - PHI
1956 - NYA
1958 - OAK
1962 - LAD
1963 - DET
1964 - STL
1965 - CLE
1967 - PIT
1968 - MIN
1969 - CIN
1970 - BAL

[Renner]

Jeff - Great stuff. I see that TWB is having their draft, how have the Pirates done the last 5,6,7 years in the draft ?

[jdw]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

Last World Series Championship:

1920 - CHA
1921 - SFG
1931 - ATL
1938 - CHN
1945 - BOS
1949 - PHI
1956 - NYA
1958 - OAK
1962 - LAD
1963 - DET
1964 - STL
1965 - CLE
1967 - PIT
1968 - MIN
1969 - CIN
1970 - BAL

Perhaps it would be best to leave this section off from future Team Histories posts.

Also need to move OAK to the end.


John

[metsgeek]

I can't wait for free agency. The Red Sox are gonna suck for a few more years

[jdw]

Hey! You won a World Series _and_ a Pennant more recently than the Giants! You'll have no sympathy from me!



I do look forward to seeing the Red Sox near the end of their rebuilding window. Pete's one of the most entertaining GM's in the league to watch when he starts catching a whiff of a pennant chase. There's a mixture of those Mega Blockbuster Deals that get a Holy Sh*t! moment out of the rest of is with those small throwaway "Nothing To See Here" deals where you're trading insignificant guys simply to amuse yourself.

"I liked his nickname and always wanted to have him."

Or something along those lines.

The league is a lot more fun when the Sox are in the hunt.


John

[pat]

I'm positive my closer is John Aster, Jeff.

We're having the first sim of the 1972 season. TWB is back with a vengeance.

[ifspuds]

(Credit goes to Vris for writing these on the TWB boards, I'm just copy-and-pasting them here. Thanks Vris!)

May 1, 1972

AL EAST          W    L   PCT   GB
New York (A)    11    4   .733  --
Detroit          8    5   .615  2
Baltimore        8    6   .571  2.5
Cleveland        8    7   .533  3
Boston           6    7   .462  4
Milwaukee        2   12   .143  8

The offseason spending spree by the Orioles has got them in 3rd place, 2.5 back of the red-hot Yankees. The Orioles lead the majors in homeruns and are 4th in runs, but they are getting precious little help from the pitching staff (no one has an ERA less than 4).

Meanwhile, the Yanks are 2nd in runs scored and two of their young arms (Bill Kees and Jim Lindsey) have gotten off to quick starts. New acquisition Will Cordova (.339, 12 RBI) is adjusting well to his new surroundings.

The Tigers, with their dominating pitching staff, lags just in between the two marquee teams. They are 3rd in the majors in runs scored but their pitching is cold. Only the rookie, Buck Shankster (2-0, 3.52) is off to any sort of a decent start.

AL WEST          W    L   PCT   GB
California       8    5   .615  --
Oakland          7    5   .583   .5
Kansas City      7    8   .467  2
Chicago (A)      6    7   .462  2
Minnesota        5    7   .417  2.5
Texas            5    8   .385  3

It's unsurprising to see the Angels and A's atop the West. The Angels are being led by 2B Tom Catus (.296, 5 HR, 16 RBI) in the early going while Harry Hoffman (2-0, 0.68) took home POTM honors. Besides Paul Iacovetto, the rest of the pitching staff looks to be in shambles.

The A's are 1, 2, or 3rd in all the major pitching categories. No starter has an ERA over 3.97 and 4 have WHIPs under 1.00. They will have to be dominant until the offense gets back into gear, but things look good with rookie C Gayle Hull (.400, 10 RBI) off to a fantastic start.

The rest of the division seems to be in wait and see mode, but seeing Kansas City winning 7 of their first 15 is definitely a surprise, especially since Roberto Villacorta (3-0, 1.91) can't pitch every game.

NL EAST          W    L   PCT   GB
New York (N)     8    5   .615  --
Chicago (N)      8    6   .571   .5
Philadelphia     8    7   .533  1
Pittsburgh       7    7   .500  1.5
Montreal         6    8   .429  2.5
St. Louis        5    8   .385  3

The toughest division in baseball is off to a roaring start. The Mets lead the division, but not by much. Tom Glenn (2-0, 1.75) and Mike Heath (1-0, 2.42) anchor the rotation while SS Arlie Michaels (.364, 3 HR, 14 RBI) is trying to jumpstart the offense all by himself.

Troy Dameron's debut in the Windy City is off to an amazing start (.348, 4 HR, 9 RBI) and Joe McMichael is trying to bounce back from a horrendous 1971 campaign.

The Phils and Pirates loom right behind, but both are hampered by poor starts to their main offensive cogs: C James Bosler (.191, 2 HR, 8 RBI) and RF Asa Booker (.214, 2 HR, 10 RBI) will need to step it up for these teams to stay close.

NL WEST          W    L   PCT   GB
Atlanta         11    4   .733  --
Cincinnati       9    4   .692  1
San Francisco   10    6   .625  1.5
Houston          5    9   .357  5.5
Los Angeles      5   10   .333  6
San Diego        4   12   .250  7.5

After the top 3, this division falls off sharply. Atlanta won their first 8 and started 11-1 before being swept at the hands of the Pirates. They are lead by pitchers Joe Cardinan (3-0, 1.38) and NL POTM Alex Childress (3-0, 1.16).
The Reds are also lead by their pitching staff, but new 3B Nelson Mierhofer (.453, 3 HR, 12 RBI) and old C Chris Bland (.353, 4 HR, 14 RBI) are off to blazing hot starts.

The Giants have the most explosive offense in the division, and OF Dino Dinardo (.477, 3 HR, 11 RBI) is one fothe main reasons. Sal Fernandez (3-0, 1.39) is also doing very well.


Pitchers of the Month
AL - Jesse Malloy (CLE) 2-1, 0.00 ERA, 23.2 IP, 19 K
NL - Alex Childress (ATL) 3-0, 1.16 ERA, 23.1 IP, 10 K

Batters of the Month
AL - 1B Joe Corman (NYA) .410, 1 HR, 15 RBI
NL - OF Dino Dinardo (SFG) .477, 3 HR, 11 RBI

[ifspuds]

League Leaders, May 1, 1972

AL AVG
P Robbins (MIN)   .457
J Corman (NYA)    .410
G Hull (OAK)      .400
B Esselink (CLE)  .400

NL AVG
D Dinardo (SFG)   .477
N Mierhofer (CIN) .453
M Chatmon (ATL)   .391

AL Hits
R Turnbull (NYA)  26
J Corman (NYA)    25
P Robbins (MIN)   21

NL Hits
D Dinardo (SFG)   31
N Mierhofer (CIN) 24
T Dameron (CHN)   23

AL HR
T Catus (CAL)      5
5 with             4

NL HR
G Southworth (MON) 6
J McMichael (CHN)  5
M Cifuentes (PIT)  5

AL RBI
T Catus (CAL)     16
M Alford (MIN)    16
J Corman (NYA)    15
H Edwards (DET)   15

NL RBI
G Southworth (MON) 15
G Smith (SFG)      15
C Bland (CIN)      14
L Santiago (CHN)   14
A Michaels (NYN)   14

AL Runs
J Camacho (TEX)     15
R Turnbull (NYA)    14
D Formaggioni (BOS) 14


NL Runs
D Dinardo (SFG)   17
T Dameron (CHN)   16
5 with            14

AL SB
M Rabideau (MIN)   8
F Mercado (OAK)    7
J Camacho (TEX)    6
R Turnbull (NYA)   6

NL SB
H Laursen (LAD)    6
J Williamson (SDP) 6
C White (LAD)      5

AL Wins
R Villacorta (KCA) 3
Many with          2

NL Wins
M McCarter (CHN)   3
S Fernandez (SFG)  3
J Cardinan (ATL)   3
A Childress (ATL)  3

AL Saves
N Menke (BAL)      6
B Vlcek (DET)      4
T Heavner (KCA)    4

NL Saves
L Slaughter (ATL)  4
Willmon (PIT)      4
4 with             3

AL strikeouts
H Hoffman (CAL)   37
B Day (OAK)       22
D Rutland (NYA)   22
F Matamoros (CLE) 22

NL Strikeouts
S Fernandez (SFG) 32
E Holmes (SFG)    25
L Stropes (PHI)   23

AL ERA
J Malloy (CLE)  0.00
H Hoffman (CAL) 0.68
E Millan (CHA)  0.72

NL ERA
A Childress (ATL) 1.16
J Cardinan (ATL)  1.38
S Fernandez (SFG) 1.39

[ifspuds]

June 1, 1972

AL EAST 
 
Team          W  L  PCT   GB  
Detroit      25 14 .641    - 
Baltimore    23 17 .575   2.5 
New York (A) 23 19 .548   3.5 
Cleveland    19 20 .487   6.0 
Boston       17 22 .436   8.0 
Milwaukee    14 25 .359  11.0

The AL East is still a deadheat. The pitching staff is carrying the Tigers, while it's all offense for the O's and Yanks. Even though he's struggling this year, the loss of Kent LaFleur (due back around June 10th) is not going to help the Orioles. The Indians fell back a bit, but much notice must be made of Jesse Malloy (4-3, 1.14 ERA) as he is having a superb sophomore campaign (albeit, no run support).

AL WEST
 
Team          W  L  PCT  GB  
California   24 18 .571   - 
Minnesota    22 17 .564  .5 
Oakland      21 19 .525 2.0
Chicago (A)  19 20 .487 3.5 
Kansas City  18 22 .450 5.0 
Texas        15 27 .357 9.0

Texas continues to disappoint. Trading all those arms in the offseason might come back to hurt them as they are in the bottom 4th of the league in all pitching categories. Minnesota is the surprise here as they are getting superb pitching frm Walt Darby (6-1, 1.70). Mack Alford is off to a "slow" start (12 HR, 41 RBI, .971 OPS). The Angels continue to lead despite RF Dusty Lane hitting .218 and is day-to-day for the next 3 weeks with a pulled calf muscle.

NL EAST

Team          W  L  PCT  GB 
Chicago (N)  25 16 .610   - 
New York (N) 25 17 .595   .5 
Philadelphia 25 19 .568  1.5 
Pittsburgh   22 20 .524  3.5 
St. Louis    16 26 .381  9.5 
Montreal     13 29 .310 12.5

The Cubs and Mets traded blows this month with the Cubs out on top, if only barely. But their vaunted offensive attack (2nd in homeruns) took a brutal hit when Joe McMichael went down with a torn thigh muscle after pinch hitting in the 8th inning in a game May 29 against the Expos. He's not expected to be back until at least early August. There is no long term replacement at the moment, but 35 year old Harold Johnson and 37 year old Tom Jayne each played a game at 3rd to end the month. The Mets and Phillies are right there to overtake the Cubs now that their main offensive cog is down. Meanwhile, the Expos lost 15 straight at one point.

West 
 
Team           W  L  PCT  GB  
Atlanta       28 14 .667   - 
San Francisco 28 18 .609  2.0 
Cincinnati    24 17 .585  3.5 
Houston       25 18 .581  3.5 
Los Angeles   14 29 .326 14.5 
San Diego     11 33 .250 18.0

The Astros are the hottest team in the majors, winning 11 in a row to get back in contention. The Dodgers, not so much, as they have lost 10 in a row to fall flat on their faces. The Braves have the best record in the league, but are they really that good? Many pundits think the Braves are playing over their heads, with stars like SS Edgar Dillon (.188 AVG) and 2B Eddie Nickerson (.194 AVG) both hitting under .200, while stars like San Francisco OF Dino Dinardo (.384, 11 HR, 42 RBI) is murdering the ball and SP Sal Fernandez (7-1, 1.18) is proving to be the best young arm in the NL.


Batters of the Month

AL - 1B Joe Corman (NYA) - .447, 6 HR, 25 RBI
NL - OF Dino Dinardo (SFG) - .330, 8 HR, 31 RBI

Pitchers of the Month

AL - Wade Allen (DET) - 5-1, 1.10 ERA, 40 K
NL - Sal Fernandez (SFG) - 4-1, 1.05 ERA, 46 K

[ifspuds]

League Leaders, June 1, 1972

AL AVG
J Corman (NYA) .433
G Hull (OAK) .379
L Darling (BAL) .362

NL AVG
D Dinardo (SFG) .384
J Williams (ATL) .379
T Dameron (CHN) .354

AL Hits
J Corman (NYA) 71
L Darling (BAL) 55
R Turnbull (NYA) 54

NL Hits
D Dinardo (SFG) 68
T Dameron (CHN) 62
J Williams (ATL) 61

AL Homeruns
M Alford (MIN) 12
W Hanham (BAL) 9
L Darling (BAL) 9
K Heinz (OAK) 8

NL Homeruns
R Henry (ATL) 12
L Santiago (CHN) 12
P Nava (HOU) 11
D Dinardo (SFG) 11

AL RBI
M Alford (MIN) 41
J Corman (NYA) 40
G Hull (OAK) 37

NL RBI
D Dinardo (SFG) 42
L Santiago (CHN) 36
J Bosler (PHI) 36
R Henry (ATL) 32

AL Runs
R Turnbull (NYA) 35
M Maginnis (BAL) 30
M Rabideau (MIN) 28

NL Runs
T Dameron (CHN) 40
P Nava (HOU) 34
N Mierhofer (CIN) 33

AL SB
F Mercado (OAK) 26
M Rabideau (MIN) 25
D Roche (MIL) 16

NL SB
J Williamson (SDP) 14
C White (LAD) 11
H Laurseon (LAD) 9

AL Wins
H Hoffman (CAL) 7
4 with 6

NL Wins
S Fernandez (SFG) 7
J Cardinan (ATL) 7
C Lendon (ATL) 7
A Childress (ATL) 7

AL Saves
B Vlcek (DET) 13
N Menke (BAL) 11
A LaFeaux (MIN) 10

NL Saves
L Willmon (PIT) 11
T Solt (CHN) 11
L Slaughter (ATL) 10
A Landeros (LAD) 9
C Newhall (HOU) 9

AL Strikeouts
H Hoffman (CAL) 97
E Millan (CHA) 63
D Rutland (NYA) 62

NL Strikeouts
S Fernandez (SFG) 78
M Heath (NYG) 75
B Patterson (STL) 75
E Holmes (SFG) 61

AL ERA
J Malloy (CLE) 1.14
H HOffman (CAL) 1.27
W Darby (MIN) 1.70

NL ERA
S Fernandez (SFG) 1.18
J Rossi (PHI) 1.82
S Davidson (LAD) 1.97