Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights

Tampa (1st) - 1B Andy Thurman, 23 (8/10/8)
Hitting .355 with 16 HR in 214 AB at San Diego State, this right-handed hitter signs for $2.9 million.

Norfolk (2nd) - 3B Jim Platt, 19 (10/7/10)
A $1.1 million bonus signs this young rightie who hit .590 with 9 HR in 94 AB for Williamson HS (New York).

San Antonio (3rd) - 1B Steve Brown, 19 (7/10/9)
This left-handed slugger gets a $1.1 million bonus after hitting .559 with 11 HR in 66 AB for Lakewood HS (Florida).

Atlanta (4th) - C Jerry Lindner, 19 (6/8/9)
This young backstop could dominate pitchers after a .534 season with 11 HR in 96 AB at Ashland Blazer HS (Kentucky).


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

San Antonio (240)
Tampa (230)
Norfolk (174)
Jacksonville (174)
Nashville (128)
Dallas (98)
Memphis (89)
Atlanta (74)
New Orleans (66)
Carolina (60)
Miami (42)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Winston-Salem (CAR) - 29-19
AA Melbourne (TAM) - 35-14
A Montgomery (ATL) - 28-19

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1964

After another month of play, Nashville and New Orleans are tied atop the Western Division again. Hounds SP Paul Hill (12-0, 2.62, WHIP 1.02) remains undefeated, while Pelicans CF Randy Geiger (.328, 19 HR, 71 RBI, 54 R, 13 2Bs) is knocking the tar out of the ball, especially at Bridge Street Park (.371 with 14 HRs at home).

Not much change in the East, either, as Miami leads Atlanta by eleven and Jacksonville by twelve. Meteors SP Wayne Moorman (10-1, 2.79, WHIP 1.24) is halfway through another great season.

A cautionary tale on why you don't sign aging stars to eight-figure contracts from Carolina, as Joseph Palmer (1-5 in 9 GS, 4.60) is injured again, this time out for the year with a torn bicep suffered June 18.

Elsewhere, Tampa is on pace to break Norfolk's record for futility. The Clippers lost 105 games in 1961.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Douglas Dewberry (NWO) - Hit .352 with 5 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 4 HR and 18 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Corey Larson (NSH) - Went 3-0 with a 0.91 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (MIA) - Hit .347 with 7 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 3 HR, 24 RBI and 15 SB

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lonnie Kennedy (ATL) - Went 2-0 with a 0.51 ERA, went on DL June 12 with bone chips in his elbow, out until August


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 46 - 30 .605 -
New Orleans... 46 - 30 .605 -
Dallas........ 42 - 32 .568 3
Memphis....... 41 - 34 .547 4.5
Houston....... 33 - 43 .434 13
San Antonio... 28 - 48 .368 18

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 52 - 25 .675 -
Atlanta....... 40 - 35 .533 11
Jacksonville.. 40 - 37 .519 12
Carolina...... 38 - 38 .500 13.5
Norfolk....... 27 - 49 .355 24.5
Tampa......... 22 - 54 .289 29.5

[jmm8356]

July 14, 1964

CHARLOTTE - 2B Jonathan Ralls (2 for 4) hits an RBI-double in the 1st off Wayne Moorman (L, 3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K) to score the game's only run as the Western All-Stars edge the East, 1-0. Bryan Smiley strikes out one in three perfect innings for the win.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Jules Moon (NWO) (3) - 14-4, 2.97 ERA, WHIP 1.28

C Jim Bonds (MEM) (3) - .323, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 49 R, 52 BB

1B Mike Rector (NSH) (2) - .333, 5 HR, 55 RBI, 21 2Bs

2B Jonathan Ralls (MEM) (3) - .290, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 53 R, 72 BB

3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (7) - .339, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 48 R

SS Douglas Dewberry (NWO) - .349, 9 HR, 46 RBI, 61 R

LF Barney Sonnier (NWO) (4) - .299, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 65 R, 74 BB, 21 SB

CF Paul Fisher (NSH) (3) - .338, 19 HR, 61 RBI, 55 R

RF Curtis Kearney (NSH) (2) - .306, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 63 R, 24 SB

Reserves

SP Bryan Smiley (DAL) (8)
SP Paul Hill (NSH) (6)
SP Steve McCauley (MEM)
SP Fabian Frazier (DAL) (2)
SP Barney Maloy (HOU) (6)
SP Desmond Cramer (MEM) (2)
RP Mike Ward (NSH)
RP George Beck (NWO) (4)
RP Ron Peters (NSH) (2)
C Waylon Rickert (DAL) (2)
1B Roy Seal (NWO) (6)
CF Travis Severance (DAL) (7)
RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (15)
LF Malcolm Harris (DAL) (9)
SS Dave Powell (DAL) (2)
2B Jack Thomas (NSH) (5)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Wayne Moorman (MIA) (3) - 12-2, 2.66 ERA, WHIP 1.27

C Aaron Hess (MIA) (4) - .294, 18 HR, 63 RBI, 58 R

1B Bruce Lankford (ATL) - .298, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 3 E in 761 TC (.996)

2B Paul Falcone (MIA) (3) - .332, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 53 R, 23 SB

3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (9) - .295, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 61 R, 26 SB

SS Wade Hudson (MIA) (5) - .330, 7 HR, 60 RBI, 64 R, 50 BB, 29 2Bs, 13 3Bs, 39 SB

LF Paul Speck (JAX) (5) - .336, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 68 R, 75 BB, 25 SB

CF Bob Mangum (ATL) (10) - .263, 14 HR, 48 RBI, 70 R, 64 BB, 31 SB

RF Scott Henry (MIA) (2) - .266, 13 HR, 59 RBI, 21 SB

Reserves

SP Ron Woodard (MIA) (5)
SP Wade Bass (MIA)
SP Jim Wright (MIA)
SP Ted Knott (ATL) (6)
SP Ted Judge (ATL)
SP Brad Price (ATL) (3)
RP Ryan Broaddus (ATL) (3)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (MIA) (5)
RP Thomas Schott (ATL)
C Anderson Camper (TAM) (4)
1B Steven Wells (MIA) (6)
LF Mark Brown (CAR) (4)
CF Matt Alexander (JAX)
LF John Hoyle (TAM)
SS Bill Oliver (NOR)
3B Douglas Harris (MIA)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1964

New Orleans takes the lead in the West by three games over Nashville. Pelicans CF Randy Geiger (.340, 20 HR, 78 RBI) missed the All-Star Game after breaking his hand on July 9 diving for a ball. Geiger should return within two weeks.

It's still all Miami in the East, now thirteen games clear of the field. Mike Leigh (6-5, 3.50) has the worst ERA in the Meteors rotation. Elsewhere...

Atlanta signs up 3B Raymond Thigpen (.298, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 28 SB) for four more years at $8.5 million.

Tampa extends hard-luck SP Eric Tisdale (3-11, 4.42, WHIP 1.40, 3.6 RS/G) at $6.7 million for four years.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MEM) - Hit .337 with 8 HR and 28 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

John Kamp (DAL) - Went 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jeff Buchanan (TAM) - Hit .364 with 4 HR and 29 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jim Owens (TAM) - Went 5-0 with a 2.82 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 61 - 41 .598 -
Nashville..... 58 - 44 .569 3
Dallas........ 57 - 44 .564 3.5
Memphis....... 54 - 48 .529 7
Houston....... 41 - 61 .402 20
San Antonio... 41 - 61 .402 20

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 65 - 38 .631 -
Jacksonville.. 52 - 51 .505 13
Atlanta....... 51 - 51 .500 13.5
Carolina...... 51 - 52 .495 14
Norfolk....... 44 - 59 .427 21
Tampa......... 39 - 64 .379 26

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1964

New Orleans continues to lead a tightening Western Division with five weeks to go. Nashville is just one game back, with Memphis four out and Dallas 4 1/2 down. The Pelicans continue to deal with injuries as reliever Lou Colby (8 SV, 3.08 ERA in 64 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.23) is done for the season on August 3 after tearing a ligament in his elbow.

The Blues are also bitten by the injury bug when last year's Hurler of the Year Desmond Cramer (11-11, 3.53, WHIP 1.28) strains his elbow August 23; he should return for the final week of the season.

Miami's lead of the Eastern Division is down to 11 1/2 games over Carolina. Meteors SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.326, 12 HR, 76 RBI, 88 R, 37 2Bs, 17 3Bs, 54 SB) is a MVP contender.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Roy Seal (NWO) - Hit .391 with 5 HR and 25 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve McCauley (MEM) - Went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) - Hit .372 with 4 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Matt Halstead (CAR) - Went 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 76 - 55 .580 -
Nashville..... 75 - 56 .573 1
Memphis....... 72 - 59 .550 4
Dallas........ 71 - 59 .546 4.5
San Antonio... 54 - 77 .412 22
Houston....... 52 - 79 .397 24

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 82 - 50 .621 -
Carolina...... 70 - 61 .534 11.5
Jacksonville.. 65 - 66 .496 16.5
Atlanta....... 64 - 67 .489 17.5
Norfolk....... 56 - 75 .427 25.5
Tampa......... 49 - 82 .374 32.5

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1964

An unlikely contender in the Western Division as Dallas has won thirteen of their last fourteen to pull within one game of leading Nashville with two to play. The Drifters, however, lose CF Travis Severance (.312, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 107 R, 67 SB) for the remainder on September 30 due to an inflamed PCL. Nashville plays at lowly Houston, while Dallas visits Memphis for the season's final weekend.

New Orleans drops seven straight beginning September 14 and has lost their last four games to take themselves out of the playoff picture.

Miami will be playing for a record fourth consecutive CBA championship after clinching the East with a 8-4 win at Carolina September 19.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Roy Seal (NWO) - Hit .333 with 8 HR and 26 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

John Kamp (DAL) - Went 5-1 with a 1.91 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (MIA) - Hit .362 with 6 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Justin Nowlin (JAX) - Went 5-1 with a 1.49 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 91 - 69 .569 - (Magic: 2)
Dallas........ 90 - 70 .563 1
New Orleans... 88 - 72 .550 3
Memphis....... 87 - 73 .544 4
San Antonio... 71 - 89 .444 20
Houston....... 61 - 99 .381 30

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 98 - 62 .613 -
Carolina...... 86 - 74 .537 12
Jacksonville.. 84 - 76 .525 14
Atlanta....... 74 - 86 .463 24
Norfolk....... 67 - 93 .419 31
Tampa......... 63 - 97 .394 35

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1964

Houston 3, Nashville 1

HOUSTON - Just two hits, both homers, score three Buffaloes runs as Houston beats Nashville, 3 to 1, dropping the Hounds into a tie atop the West. RF Richard Stark (2 RBI) and C Jim Rains both tater off Don Lafferty (L, 7-9, CG, 8 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 8 K) while 3B Jack Thomas hits a solo shot off Dave Donnell (W, 11-8, 6 1/3 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) for Nashville's sole tally. Larry Goddard (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) gets his 10th save.

Dallas 6, Memphis 3

MEMPHIS - Three homeruns plate all six Drifters runs for a 6-3 victory over Memphis. RF Stephen Delisle (3 RBI) and C Waylon Rickert (2 for 4, 2 RBI) go deep off Christian Stewart (L, 14-6, 3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 1 BB), while 2B Royce Kain (3 for 5, 2B, 2 R) adds an insurance solo shot in the 8th. Blues 2B Jonathan Ralls doubles and taters off Kevin Badgett (W, 4-1, 7 2/3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K) in a losing effort. Patrick Holman strikes out one in a nine-pitch 9th for his 18th save.


October 5, 1964

Houston 5, Nashville 4 (10)

HOUSTON - RF Richard Stark (2 for 5, 2B) hits a walkoff bomb down the left field line in the 10th off John Hines (L, 1-4, 1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 K) to give Houston a 5-4 win to end their season. Nashville, meanwhile, has to return home for a one-game playoff at Capitol Field today. Hounds 1B Steven Hart tied the game with a solo shot in the 8th, but Larry Goddard threw just five pitches in a perfect 10th for his first win of the year. Barney Maloy strikes out ten Hounds in 5 2/3 innings and drives in three runs with a bases-loaded double in the 2nd.

Memphis 11, Dallas 8

MEMPHIS - Matt Miller's two-run pinch-hit homer in the 7th proves to be the difference as Memphis hangs on to beat Dallas, 11 to 8. The Drifters get a grand slam from CF Malcolm Harris (2 for 4, 2 R) in the 8th, but Ken Scruggs throws a one-pitch save, his 34th, with the tying run on deck. Steve McCauley (W, 19-8, 5 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K) picks up the win, while John Kamp (L, 11-11, 3 2/3 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K) gets the loss.


October 6, 1964

Nashville 6, Dallas 5

NASHVILLE - Steven Hart's walkoff pinch hit to center scores pinch runner Mike Stamp, sending Nashville to face Miami once again after topping Dallas, 6 to 5. Patrick Holman (L, 4-2, 1/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H) gets one out in the 9th but three straight singles by LF Paul Fisher, 2B Ray Herrick and Hart ends the Drifters' Cinderella run. C James Goudy goes 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, while Ron Peters (9-7, 1 IP, 1 BB) gets the win.


Final Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 92 - 71 .564 -
Dallas........ 91 - 72 .558 1
Memphis....... 88 - 74 .543 3.5
New Orleans... 88 - 74 .543 3.5
San Antonio... 73 - 89 .451 18.5
Houston....... 63 - 99 .389 28.5

Final Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 99 - 63 .611 -
Carolina...... 88 - 74 .543 11
Jacksonville.. 85 - 77 .525 14
Atlanta....... 75 - 87 .463 24
Norfolk....... 68 - 94 .420 31
Tampa......... 63 - 99 .389 36

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1964

Confederate Series Preview


The Miami Meteors, shut out of the playoffs in their first thirteen years, are looking to win a record fourth straight CBA championship with last year's Manager of the Year, Curtis Flowers. Miami gets homefield advantage this go-round with Nashville after a stellar 52-29 record at UTC Ballpark this season.

Meteors pitchers were once again the best in the CBA, both by ERA (3.46) and runs allowed (637). Wayne Moorman (21-7, 2.99, WHIP 1.29), Mike Leigh (10-8, 3.52, WHIP 1.28) and Ron Woodard (17-3, 3.08, WHIP 1.32) are just the tip of the iceberg, but Charlie Wilkinson (6-5, 33 SV, 3.25, WHIP 1.17) is on the DL [despite no evidence of an injury] , so the closing duties fall to Quinn Hancock (2-5, 1 SV, 2.99 in 78 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.40).

Miami ranked just sixth in batting (.270) and seventh in homers (128), but first in steals (284) and third in scoring (842). SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.333, 18 HR, 104 RBI, 109 R, 48 2Bs, 19 3Bs, 63 SB), C Aaron Hess (.295, 28 HR, 107 RBI, 91 R, 74 BB, 17 2Bs) and CF Bob Crane (.318, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 83 R, 19 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 34 SB) are the big hitters, while 2B Paul Falcone (.290, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 17 2Bs, 33 SB), 3B Douglas Harris (.281, 15 HR, 92 RBI, 103 R, 25 2Bs, 47 SB) and RF Scott Henry (.257, 22 HR, 97 RBI, 27 2Bs, 33 SB) create havoc on the basepaths.


The Nashville Hounds are headed to their fourth Confederate Series in three-time Manager of the Year Andrew Brasfield's tenth year in the Music City. The Hounds were 7-5 against the Meteors this year.

Nashville was tops in batting (.282) and taters (147) while second in scoring (844). CF Paul Fisher (.320, 30 HR, 106 RBI, 101 R, 24 2Bs) has been the Hounds' top hitter but has a concussion after being hit by a pitch a week ago. RF Curtis Kearney (.295, 24 HR, 95 RBI, 109 R, 38 2Bs, 45 SB), 3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (.278, 25 HR, 96 RBI, 89 R, 29 2Bs) and 1B Mike Rector (.309, 17 HR, 97 RBI, 29 2Bs) will have to pick up the slack.

The Hounds' staff ranked third in ERA (4.06) and second in runs allowed (724). 1956 Confederate Series MVP Paul Hill (18-6, 3.69, WHIP 1.15) has been here before, while Mike Ward (11-3, 2.66, WHIP 1.28) has only been in the rotation since August. George Russell (16-10, 4.13) hopes to improve his postseason record (0-1, 6.75, WHIP 2.04 last year), as does closer Ron Peters (9-7, 36 SV, 3.28 ERA, 8.84 for 18 1/3 IP in three previous Series).

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1964

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Thursday, October 8 - Nashville 10, Miami 1

MIAMI - Paul Hill allows just three hits and three walks while striking out seven as Nashville crushes Miami, 10 to 1. Hill also drives in two runs with a single and a bases-loaded walk off Wayne Moorman (L, 5 1/3 IP, 8 R, 10 H, 4 BB, 4 K). RF John Wethington goes 2 for 3 with a tater and three runs, while Meteors C Aaron Hess homers for his team's only score.


Game 2 - Friday, October 9 - Nashville 7, Miami 1

MIAMI - George Russell nearly matches his teammate's performance, allowing one run on six hits with three whiffs in 8 2/3 innings, to give Nashville a 7-1 victory and a two-games-to-none lead to take back to Tennessee. CF Curtis Kearney (2 R, 2 RBI) and 3B Jack Thomas (2 for 4, 2 R) go deep back-to-back off Gary Reeder (3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K), in after a quick hook for Ron Woodard (L, 5 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 5 BB, 3 K). Forty-one year old Joe Ellingson gets the final out.


Game 3 - Sunday, October 11 - Miami 9, Nashville 3

NASHVILLE - Some fireworks at Capitol Field today as Miami comes back to top Nashville, 9 to 3. LF Scott Henry's three-run shot off John Hines (L, 1/3 IP, 3 R, 2 H) in the 7th gave the Meteors the lead, but it's the top of the 9th that has people talking. CF Bob Crane (4 for 5, 3B, 2 R) hit a two-run homer off Don Drain (1 2/3 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 K) to seal the win, then Drain beans the next batter, SS Wade Hudson. "Merlin" gets halfway down the line before charging the mound; punches are thrown and both players are ejected. C Aaron Hess follows all that up with another two-run tater. [scoring the new relief pitcher from first base... yay bugs!] Mike Leigh (W, 7 1/3 IP, 3 R, 1 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K) strikes out seven for the win.


Game 4 - Monday, October 12 - Miami 11, Nashville 6

NASHVILLE - 2B Paul Falcone (2 for 4, 2 R) hits a two-run homer to cap a five-run Meteors 1st as Miami outslugs Nashville, 11-6. Paul Hill (L, 1-1, 1 2/3 IP, 7 R, 9 H, 1 K) does not look sharp at all, while Wayne Moorman (W, 8 1/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K) evens his record in the series at 1-1. C Aaron Hess goes 3 for 5 with a double and a tater, scoring twice and driving in three.


Game 5 - Tuesday, October 13 - Nashville 6, Miami 4

NASHVILLE - Gary Reeder (0 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 1 BB) gives up four runs with two out in the 7th as Nashville beats Miami, 6 to 4, taking a three-games-to-two lead into UTC Ballpark. 3B Jack Thomas (2 for 5) hits a two-run homer to left-center, while two singles, a wild pitch, and a double score the winning runs, all after Ron Woodard (L, 0-2, 6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 5 K) departs. George Russell (2-0, 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 9 K) earns the win, and Ron Peters (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H) gets the save after allowing a solo shot by 1B Steven Wells.


Game 6 - Thursday, October 15 - Miami 2, Nashville 0

MIAMI - The Meteors force their second Game 7 in three years as Mike Leigh (2-0) throws a four-hitter, striking out five and walking just one, to shut out Nashville, 2-0. Back-to-back solo shots in 2nd by 2B Paul Falcone and 1B Steven Wells (2 for 2) hang Mike Ward (0-1, 7 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) with a tough loss.


Game 7 - Friday, October 16 - Miami 3, Nashville 0

MIAMI - Wayne Moorman (W, 2-1, 8 2/3 IP, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K) and Quinn Hancock (SV, 1, 1/3 IP, 1 H) combine to shutout the Hounds as Miami wins their fourth straight CBA championship with a 3-0 victory. CF Bob Crane goes 4 for 4 with a double, while LF Scott Henry and C Aaron Hess (2 for 4) both hit solo shots off Paul Hill (L, 1-2, 7 IP, 3 R, 9 H, 7 K). Nashville's leadoff hitter, 1B Mike Rector, goes 3 for 3 with two doubles and a walk, on base for all four plate appearances. Hess wins his second straight Series MVP award, going 9 for 27 (.333) with two doubles and five homers, collecting six runs and eight RBIs.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1964

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MEM) - .299, 33 HR, 117 RBI, 101 R, 116 BB, 24 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Jules Moon (NWO) - 20-11, 3.38 ERA, WHIP 1.35, OAVG .238

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Edwin McLoughlin (SAN) - 6-11 in 31 GS, 4.21 ERA, WHIP 1.42

Western Division Manager of the Year

Steve Hamilton (DAL) (5) - Won 91 games, an eleven game improvement, finished 2nd in West


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (MIA) - .333, 18 HR, 104 RBI, 109 R, 82 BB, 48 2Bs, 19 3Bs, 63 SB

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Wayne Moorman (MIA) (2) - 21-7, 2.99 ERA, WHIP 1.29

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

SP Matt Halstead (CAR) - 15-9 in 33 GS, 2.55 ERA, WHIP 0.90, OAVG .207

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Lloyd Jorgensen (JAX) (6) - Won 85 games, a ten game improvement and twelve better than expected, finished 3rd in East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Steve McCauley (MEM) (5)
C Waylon Rickert (DAL)
1B Mike Rector (NSH) (2)
2B Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
3B Walt Armstrong (NWO) (2)
SS Jim Sheperd (NSH) (3)
LF Travis Severance (DAL)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (3)
RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (3)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Bob Richardson (NOR)
C Aaron Hess (MIA) (3)
1B Bradley Heinemann (JAX) (2)
2B Paul Falcone (MIA) (2)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (8)
SS Leon Gasaway (JAX)
LF Ken Marvel (ATL)
CF Bob Mangum (ATL) (5)
RF Mark Elkin (MIA)


League Leaders

Batting

.350 - Jeff Helwig (CAR)
.344 - Waylon Rickert (DAL)
.340 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
.338 - Bill Oliver (NOR)
.337 - Blair Gaines (MEM)

Homeruns

33 - Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
30 - Paul Fisher (NSH)
28 - Aaron Hess (MIA)
27 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
26 - Randy Geiger (NWO)
26 - Lane Brasfield (HOU)

RBI

119 - Roy Seal (NWO)
117 - Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
114 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
111 - Matt Alexander (JAX)
107 - Aaron Hess (MIA)

Doubles

49 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
48 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
38 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
33 - Ray Herrick (NSH)
32 - Bruce Lankford (ATL)

Triples

19 - Wade Hudson (MIA) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
12 - Matt Kirk (ATL)
12 - Gary Schneider (NWO)
11 - Bob Crane (MIA)
11 - Paul Goode (SAN)

Runs

117 - Paul Speck (JAX)
109 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
109 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
107 - Travis Severance (DAL)
106 - Richard Stark (HOU)

Stolen Bases

67 - Travis Severance (DAL)
63 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
55 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
49 - Richard Stark (HOU)
48 - Bob Mangum (ATL)

ERA

2.54 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)
2.55 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.99 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)
3.08 - Ron Woodard (MIA)
3.12 - Jim Wright (MIA)

Wins

21 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)
20 - Jules Moon (NWO)
19 - Steve McCauley (MEM)
18 - Paul Hill (NSH)
17 - Ron Woodard (MIA)

Saves

36 - Ron Peters (NSH)
34 - Ken Scruggs (MEM)
33 - George Beck (NWO)
33 - Charlie Wilkinson (MIA)
26 - Archie Kays (SAN)

Strikeouts

234 - Charlie Munford (SAN)
200 - Barney Maloy (HOU)
200 - John McMasters (CAR)
187 - Paul Hill (NSH)
182 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1959

Offseason Recap

Two-time MVP SS Jerry Carroll becomes the tenth player inducted into the Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame. A five-time Slick Fielder and six-time All-Star, Carroll hit .283 with 331 homers and 1220 RBIs in his fifteen years with Dallas, including a championship in 1953.
(15 seasons, .283, 331 HR, 1220 RBI, 2x MVP, 5x Slick, 6x All-Star, 1x champs)


No managerial changes this season.

Carolina, Norfolk and Tampa each receive $5 million from revenue sharing.

No big raises, but three big contracts from the arbitrator this year:

Jacksonville SP Bradley Riddell (10-7, 3.48) gets $7.8 million.

New Orleans LF Barney Sonnier (.303, 15 HR, 72 RBI, 98 R, 111 BB, 32 SB) gets $5.4 million.

Carolina SP John McMasters (10-7, 3.96) gets $5.2 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 1 - The exodus from Miami begins as CF Bob Crane (.318, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 19 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 34 SB) signs with Memphis at $7.4 million for four years.

February 2 - Another Meteor flies the coop! This time, it's two-time Confederate Series MVP C Aaron Hess (.295, 28 HR, 107 RBI), getting a four-year deal from Atlanta for $9.4 million.

February 5 - 2B Paul Falcone (.290, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 33 SB) is the next loss for Miami, signing for three years at $8.2 million with Nashville.

February 9 - Miami sends 1B Steven Wells (.255, 8 HR, 73 RBI) to Atlanta for 2B Terry Works (.258, 9 HR, 27 RBI) to complete the dismantling.

February 12 - Nashville re-signs SP Paul Hill (18-6, 3.69, WHIP 1.15) for five years at $17.8 million.

February 17 - Atlanta picks up another infielder, signing SS Jeff Helwig (.350, 9 HR, 68 RBI, 18 2Bs, 5 3Bs) at $7.8 million for three years.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Norfolk (from DAL) - C Jason Troutt, acquired via preseason waivers, .284 in 148 AB for San Antonio, Tampa and Norfolk [no, I'm not kidding... this guy has five waiver claims in the past year]

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1965

After dropping their opener in extra innings at Atlanta, Miami won their next ten straight to begin their fourth consecutive title defense with a three game lead over the Flames in the East. C Dennis Flaherty (.342, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 5 2Bs) has hit well as the everyday catcher after backing up two-time Confederate Series MVP Aaron Hess the past three seasons.

Elsewhere in the East, Tampa 3B Tom Perreault (.264, 20 HR, 77 RBI last year) hit for the cycle against Atlanta on April 17.

Out West, San Antonio and Dallas are tied for the top spot with Nashville just half a game back. Meanwhile, New Orleans lost their first seven games of the year, as well as nine of their last ten, to make a beeline for the bottom of the league.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Curtis Kearney (NSH) - Hit .363 with 9 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

George Russell (NSH) - Went 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Ken Marvel (ATL) - Hit .443 with 5 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Woodard (MIA) - Went 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 13 - _7 .650 -
Dallas........ 14 - _8 .636 -
Nashville..... 14 - _9 .609 .5
Memphis....... 11 - 12 .478 3.5
Houston........ 9 - 11 .450 4
New Orleans.... 5 - 18 .217 9.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 17 - _7 .708 -
Atlanta....... 13 - _9 .591 3
Carolina...... 12 - 13 .480 5.5
Jacksonville.. 10 - 14 .417 7
Norfolk........ 8 - 13 .381 7.5
Tampa.......... 7 - 12 .368 7.5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1965

Nashville jumps out to a 6 1/2 game lead of a struggling Western Division, but injuries are the story in May. Three former Hurler of the Year winners go down in a two day span:

Dallas SP Bryan Smiley (5-2, 2.83) goes on the DL May 12 due to bone chips in his elbow. He should return late this month.

San Antonio loses SP Charlie Munford (4-2, 2.82) for the season with a torn bicep, also on May 12. The next day, the Missions see Oscar Alloway (3-1, 3.02) pull his bicep to put him on the shelf until mid-June.

Elsewhere, Memphis 2B Jonathan Ralls (.404, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 10 2Bs) is beaned by Tampa's Chris Roebuck on May 15. A broken cheekbone means Ralls is out until at least the All-Star break.

In the East, Miami comes back to earth a bit, now leading Jacksonville by 3 1/2 games. The Meteors pick up 2B Elliott Suggs (.352 in 54 AB, 8 BB) from Carolina for two minor league pitchers on May 15.

The Flyers are also bitten by the injury bug on May 11 when SP John McMasters (3-4, 5.01; 10-7, 3.96 last year) goes down for the year with a torn back muscle.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .388 with 9 HR and 31 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jules Moon (NWO) - Went 6-1 with a 2.57 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

C Aaron Hess (ATL) - Hit .394 with 7 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tom "Spooky" Gustafson (JAX) - Went 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA, went on DL with a hyper-extended elbow on May 24, will return next week


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 31 - 18 .633 -
Houston....... 24 - 24 .500 6.5
Dallas........ 23 - 26 .469 8
Memphis....... 23 - 26 .469 8
San Antonio... 22 - 25 .468 8
New Orleans... 21 - 28 .429 10

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 32 - 17 .653 -
Jacksonville.. 29 - 21 .580 3.5
Carolina...... 25 - 26 .490 8
Atlanta....... 24 - 25 .490 8
Tampa......... 21 - 27 .438 10.5
Norfolk....... 19 - 31 .380 13.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Houston (1st) - 2B Lawrence Taylor, 24 (7/7/10)
Out of South Florida with a .349 average and 11 HR in 217 AB, "The Freak" signs for $2.3 million.

Tampa (2nd) - CF John Swanson, 19 (8/8/10)
It takes $2.4 million to land this speedster who hit .630 with 11 HR and 16 SB in 76 AB for Washington HS (Georgia).

Norfolk (3rd) - 3B Dennis Sanders, 17 (9/6/10)
After hitting .565 with 7 HR in 38 AB for Warner Robins HS (Georgia), this youngster signs for a $1.4 million bonus.

San Antonio (4th) - 2B Matt Clayton, 22 (6/7/10)
A .318 hitter with 15 HR in 215 AB for Southern Mississippi, this Golden Eagle gets a bonus of $2.3 million.

Atlanta (5th) - SP Don Downey, 23 (7/7/10)
With 185 Ks and a 1.98 ERA in 127 IP for Ohio State, this rightie gets a $1.3 million bonus.

Jacksonville (6th) - SS Jonathan Hodges, 21 (8/7/8)
A $1.4 million bonus for this Ball State Cardinal who hit .342 with 11 HR in 246 AB.

Memphis (9th) - CL Robin Houston, 22 (8/7/8)
Durability is a concern for this rightie who had 75 Ks and a 2.17 ERA in 54 IP for Tennessee State.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Tampa (279)
Norfolk (197)
San Antonio (187)
Jacksonville (156)
Carolina (123)
Houston (120)
Nashville (109)
Atlanta (79)
Memphis (74)
New Orleans (59)
Dallas (48)
Miami (24)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Orlando (JAX) - 31-19
AA Savannah (NSH) - 29-20
A Shreveport (DAL) - 29-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1965

Nashville continues to lead a tightening Western Division, 3 1/2 games clear of Houston and four ahead of San Antonio. Hounds CF Paul Fisher (.353, 21 HR, 71 RBI) is a MVP contender.

Meanwhile, Miami adds to their Eastern Division lead in June, now 7 1/2 games up on faltering Jacksonville. Charlie Wilkinson (20 SV, 0.68, WHIP 0.75), who missed last year's Confederate Series with a mysterious injury, is back on track with just one blown save thus far this year.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Paul Goode (SAN) - Hit .342 with 6 2Bs, 4 3Bs, 4 HR, 17 RBI and 27 R

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Sewell (HOU) - Went 5-0 with a 2.68 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Douglas Harris (MIA) - Hit .353 with 7 HR and 36 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Eric Tisdale (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 1.54 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 43 - 34 .558 -
Houston....... 39 - 37 .513 3.5
San Antonio... 38 - 37 .507 4
Dallas........ 36 - 41 .468 7
Memphis....... 36 - 41 .468 7
New Orleans... 34 - 43 .442 9

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 48 - 29 .623 -
Jacksonville.. 41 - 37 .526 7.5
Tampa......... 38 - 38 .500 9.5
Atlanta....... 38 - 39 .494 10
Carolina...... 37 - 41 .474 11.5
Norfolk....... 33 - 44 .429 15

[jmm8356]

July 13, 1965

NEW ORLEANS - Bradley Heinemann goes 2 for 3 with a two-run homer in the 8th as the Eastern All-Stars beat the West, 7-2. Wayne Moorman (3 IP, 2 H, 2 K) gets the win, while Jules Moon (3 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 H, 4 K) picks up the loss.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP George Russell (NSH) - 11-5, 3.30 ERA, WHIP 1.20, 99 Ks in 122 2/3 IP

C Jim Rains (HOU) (3) - .411, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 53 R

1B Roy Seal (NWO) (7) - .282, 15 HR, 81 RBI, 49 R

2B Eddie Chaney (SAN) - .324, 9 HR, 50 RBI, 5 E in 446 TC (.989)

3B Jack Thomas (NSH) (6) - .292, 22 HR, 82 RBI, 59 R

SS Dave Powell (DAL) (3) - .370, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R

LF Barney Sonnier (NWO) (5) - .307, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 57 R, 18 SB

CF Paul Fisher (NSH) (4) - .338, 22 HR, 75 RBI, 59 R

RF Curtis Kearney (NSH) (3) - .294, 23 HR, 63 RBI, 69 R, 21 SB

Reserves

SP Paul Hill (NSH) (7)
SP Ron Sewell (HOU) (4)
SP Jules Moon (NWO) (4)
SP Don Boyd (SAN)
SP Fabian Frazier (DAL) (3)
SP Kevin Badgett (DAL)
RP Lance Stephenson (NWO) (7)
RP Archie Kays (SAN) (2)
RP Ken Scruggs (MEM) (4)
C James Goudy (NSH) (2)
1B Randy Brewer (HOU) (4)
CF Paul Goode (SAN)
RF Monty McDonald (MEM)
RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (16)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (3)
SS Bill Oliver (NSH) (2)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Eric Tisdale (TAM) (2) - 9-3, 2.36 ERA, WHIP 0.95, 11 BB in 99 1/3 IP

C Aaron Hess (ATL) (5) - .362, 16 HR, 60 RBI, 56 R, 21 2Bs

1B Bradley Heinemann (JAX) - .245, 10 HR, 42 RBI, 77 BB

2B Carl Patterson (CAR) - .317, 3 HR, 51 RBI, 44 R

3B Douglas Harris (MIA) (2) - .336, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 17 2Bs

SS Wade Hudson (MIA) (6) - .344, 16 HR, 51 RBI, 73 R, 61 BB, 17 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 41 SB

LF Paul Speck (JAX) (6) - .322, 13 HR, 50 RBI, 65 R, 61 BB, 20 2Bs, 27 SB

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) (2) - .339, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 54 R, 19 2Bs, 23 SB

RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) (2) - .339, 10 HR, 64 RBI, 47 R

Reserves

SP Wayne Moorman (MIA) (4)
SP Ron Woodard (MIA) (6)
SP Tom Gustafson (JAX) (3)
SP Paul Bailey (NOR)
SP Mike Leigh (MIA) (7)
SP Ted Knott (ATL) (7)
RP Jack Reynolds (CAR)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (MIA) (6)
RP Kenny Dunston (JAX)
C Ken McBride (JAX) (2)
1B Steven Wells (ATL) (7)
LF John Hoyle (TAM) (2)
LF Ken Marvel (ATL)
CF Ken Ralston (CAR) (2)
SS Mike Grady (CAR)
3B Brian Dumas (CAR) (12)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1965

Miami lost six of seven coming out of the break, now leading Jacksonville by just three games. The Meteors will be without SP Wayne Moorman (8-6, 2.68, WHIP 1.29) until late August after he strains his elbow on July 25. Meanwhile, Miami extends CL Charlie Wilkinson (5-3, 24 SV, 0.84, WHIP 0,77) for three years at $7.1 million.

Nashville still leads a close Western Division by two games over Houston; Dallas and Memphis, tied for last, are just eight games out.

The Buffaloes try to find the missing piece of the puzzle July 11, sending SP Barney Maloy (10-7, 3.92, WHIP 1.29) and a minor leaguer to Norfolk for closer Dick Sawyer (6-7, 23 SV, 3.08, WHIP 1.20). (Norfolk later signs Maloy to a three-year, $4.0 million extension.) Elsewhere...

The Hounds tie down CF Paul Fisher (.333, 28 HR, 93 RBI) for four years at $7.2 million.

Dallas gives 38-year-old SP Bryan Smiley (6-5, 3.24, WHIP 1.10) a one-year extension for $7.5 million.

Memphis is not concerned about an inflamed Achilles, signing SS Mike Shepard (.301, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 68 R, 24 2Bs, 29 SB) for three years at $7.3 million while he's on the DL.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Roy Seal (NWO) - Hit .352 with 7 HR and 29 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Howard Kubik (NWO) - Went 3-0 with a 0.98 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) - Hit .356 with 9 2Bs, 3 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Brad Price (ATL) - Went 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 56 - 47 .544 -
Houston....... 54 - 49 .524 2
San Antonio... 50 - 52 .490 5.5
New Orleans... 50 - 53 .485 6
Dallas........ 48 - 55 .466 8
Memphis....... 48 - 55 .466 8

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 59 - 45 .567 -
Jacksonville.. 56 - 48 .538 3
Atlanta....... 54 - 50 .519 5
Tampa......... 52 - 51 .505 6.5
Carolina...... 47 - 57 .452 12
Norfolk....... 46 - 58 .442 13

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1965

Houston wins nine out of ten starting August 8 to take the lead of the Western Division by one game over Nashville. The Hounds and the Buffaloes have four head-to-head matchups remaining.

In the East, Miami wins ten straight beginning July 31. The Meteors lead Atlanta by eight games and faltering Jacksonville by 10 1/2.

Norfolk CF Dennis Stoker (.237, 9 HR, 46 RBI) hits for the cycle at Memphis on August 22.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .371 with 8 HR and 31 RBI, has already tied league record with 128 RBIs on the year

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Hill (NSH) - Went 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA, WHIP 0.86

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) - Hit .315 with 7 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

James LaFleur (MIA) - Went 5-0 with a 4.55 ERA, just 3 BBs in 29 2/3 IP


Western Division Standings

Houston....... 73 - 59 .553 -
Nashville..... 72 - 60 .545 1
San Antonio... 64 - 67 .489 8.5
Dallas........ 63 - 69 .477 10
New Orleans... 63 - 69 .477 10
Memphis....... 62 - 70 .470 11

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 78 - 54 .591 -
Atlanta....... 70 - 62 .530 8
Jacksonville.. 68 - 65 .511 10.5
Tampa......... 66 - 66 .500 12
Norfolk....... 57 - 75 .432 21
Carolina...... 56 - 76 .424 22