Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1965

Confederate Series Preview


The Miami Meteors are looking for an unprecedented fifth straight CBA championship under 1963 Manager of the Year Curtis Flowers. The Meteors won nine of their twelve meetings with the Missions this season.

Miami's pitchers top the league once again, with a 3.34 ERA and only 631 runs allowed. The rotation is so strong that Mike Leigh (16-10, 3.38, WHIP 1.04) may not start in the series in lieu of Wayne Moorman (11-8, 2.61, WHIP 1.32), Ron Woodard (11-9, 3.42) and Rick Parker (8-7 in 12 GS, 2.13, WHIP 1.26), who was in the pen until August. Closer Charlie Wilkinson (9-4, 38 SV, 0.82, WHIP 0.83, OAVG .196) walked just eleven batters in 88 innings.

The Meteors' offense, meanwhile, was hit hard by free agency, ranking last in batting (.259) and eighth in scoring (758). Worse, last year's MVP SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.328, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 99 R, 90 BB, 31 2Bs, 10 3Bs, 53 SB) is on the DL with a pulled muscle in his back. 3B Douglas Harris (.300, 18 HR, 118 RBI, 25 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 28 SB) and C Dennis Flaherty (.295, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 18 2Bs) are the only decent hitters left. Miami did lead the league in steals with 213, thanks to RF Scott Henry (.270, 23 HR, 88 RBI, 89 R, 17 2Bs, 41 SB) and LF Mark Elkin (.286, 22 2Bs, 25 SB).


The San Antonio Missions are in their first postseason since losing the inaugural Confederate Series to Atlanta in six games. With third-year skipper Ed Smith, San Antonio holds homefield advantage this time around after posting a 43-38 mark at Alamo Field.

The Missions' staff ranked second in the CBA for both ERA (3.90) and runs allowed (692). Oscar Alloway (9-8, 3.22, WHIP 1.23) struggled some after returning from a pulled bicep in June, while Wade Bass (11-11, 3.39, WHIP 1.29) and Don Tapper (5-7 in 20 GS, 3.45, WHIP 1.13) both spent time in the bullpen this year. Closer Archie Kays (4-8, 34 SV, 3.67, WHIP 1.37) has saved at least twenty games the past six years.

San Antonio's hitters are just as anemic as Miami's, ranking eleventh in batting (.263) and ninth in scoring (757). Only RF Roger Seidl (.313, 14 HR, 73 RBI, 88 R, 28 2Bs, 8 3Bs) and CF Paul Goode (.295, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 103 R, 31 2Bs, 10 3Bs, 43 SB) have numbers worth noting. LF Walt Finney (.256, 11 HR, 70 RBI, 84 BB, 24 2Bs, 25 SB) and 2B Eddie Chaney (.302, 12 HR, 95 RBI, 24 SB) provide some speed.

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1965

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Friday, October 8 - Miami 6, San Antonio 1

SAN ANTONIO - Wayne Moorman scatters five hits and six walks in eight innings, striking out five, to beat San Antonio, 6 to 1. CF Dave Vigue goes 3 for 4 with a double, a tater and three RBIs, while RF Mark Elkin scores twice on two doubles off Wade Bass (L, 5 1/3 IP, 6 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K). 3B Douglas Harris also hits a two-run shot off Bass in the 3rd.


Game 2 - Saturday, October 9 - San Antonio 13, Miami 6

SAN ANTONIO - SS Ed Rooker's three-run homer off Quinn Hancock (2/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H 1 K) caps a seven-run rally with two down in the 7th as San Antonio crushes Miami, 13 to 6. Dave Ecker (2/3 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB) gets two outs with a runner on first before allowing three singles and a walk to blow the game open. The heart of the Missions' order, LF Roger Seidl (4 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB), 2B Eddie Chaney (3 for 5, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI) and CF Paul Goode (4 for 5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI), went to town on Rick Parker (L, 4 IP, 6 R, 11 H, 4 BB, 3 K) early and often. Meteors 3B Douglas Harris went 3 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs off Don Tapper (W, 5 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 7 H, 4 K) in a losing effort.


Game 3 - Monday, October 11 - Miami 6, San Antonio 5

MIAMI - 2B Elliott Suggs goes 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs as Miami hangs on to edge San Antonio, 6 to 5. LF Roger Seidl hit a three-run shot in the 8th to put the Missions within one, but Charlie Wilkinson (SV, 1 IP, 1 BB) had little trouble putting the game away. Ron Woodard (6 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB) gets the win, while Oscar Alloway (3 2/3 IP, 5 R, 2 H, 6 BB, 2 K) earns the loss.


Game 4 - Tuesday, October 12 - Miami 5, San Antonio 2

MIAMI - 1B Bruce Lankford (2 for 4) doubles in the tying run and scores the winning run in the 6th off Wade Bass (L, 0-2, 6 1/3 IP, 5 R, 4 H, 6 BB, 3 K) as Miami tops San Antonio, 5-2, to take a three-games-to-one lead in the series. Missions SS Ed Rooker goes 2 for 3 with a two-run double off Wayne Moorman (W, 2-0, 7 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K) to account for both San Antonio runs in the 4th. Charlie Wilkinson whiffs one in the 9th for his second save of the postseason.


Game 5 - Wednesday, October 13 - San Antonio 9, Miami 2

MIAMI - 2B Eddie Chaney (3 for 5, 2 R, 2 RBI) doubles and scores while CF Paul Goode (3 for 5, 3 R, 3 RBI, SB) triples and scores in a three-run 4th off Rick Parker (L, 0-2, 6 1/3 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) to send the series back to Alamo Field with a 9-2 San Antonio victory. Don Tapper (W, 2-0, 6 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K) only allows Miami runs on solo shots by LF Scott Henry and SS Terry Works.


Game 6 - Friday, October 15 - Miami 4, San Antonio 0

SAN ANTONIO - ...And one for the thumb! Ron Woodard (W, 2-0, 7 2/3 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 8 K), Quinn Hancock (1/3 IP) and Jim Wright (1 IP) combine to two-hit San Antonio and give Miami their fifth straight CBA championship with a 4-0 win. Colin Canady's pinch hit to center off Oscar Alloway (L, 0-2, 6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K) scored two Meteors to break the scoreless tie in the 7th. Wayne Moorman is named the series MVP, winning both his starts with a 1.80 ERA and striking out thirteen in fifteen innings.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1965

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) (2) - .301, 38 HR, 145 RBI, 105 R, 31 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Jules Moon (NWO) (2) - 18-4, 2.88 ERA, WHIP 1.30

Western Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Western Division Manager of the Year

Dave Ryder (HOU) - Won 81 games, an eighteen game improvement, finished 4th in West


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Tom Perreault (TAM) - .318, 38 HR, 111 RBI, 92 R, 23 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Matt Halstead (CAR) - 14-8, 1 SV, 2.59 ERA, WHIP 0.99, 26 BBs in 191 1/3 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Harry Easterday (TAM) (3) - Won 83 games, a twenty game improvement, finished 3rd in the East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Steve McCauley (MEM) (6)
C James Goudy (NSH)
1B Larry Hafner (SAN)
2B Eddie Chaney (SAN)
3B Walt Armstrong (NWO) (3)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (3)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU)
CF Malcolm Harris (DAL) (2)
RF Gary Schneider (NWO) (2)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Jim Owens (TAM)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (4)
1B Bradley Heinemann (JAX) (3)
2B Carl Patterson (CAR)
3B Martin Lynch (NOR)
SS Jeff Helwig (ATL)
LF John Hoyle (TAM)
CF Bob Mangum (ATL) (6)
RF Matt Kirk (ATL) (2)


League Leaders

Batting

.384 - Jim Rains (HOU)
.347 - Ken Hungerford (NOR)
.344 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
.339 - Dave Powell (DAL)
.335 - James Goudy (NSH)

Homeruns

38 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
38 - Tom Perreault (TAM)
37 - Paul Fisher (NSH)
34 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
30 - Royce Kain (DAL)

RBI

145 - Jack Thomas (NSH) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
127 - Paul Fisher (NSH)
122 - Roy Seal (NWO)
118 - Douglas Harris (MIA)
111 - Tom Perreault (TAM)

Doubles

44 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
39 - Paul Speck (JAX)
36 - Aaron Hess (ATL)
35 - John Hoyle (TAM)
33 - Matt Kirk (ATL)
33 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)

Triples

10 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
10 - Richard Stark (HOU)
10 - Gary Schneider (NWO)
10 - Paul Goode (SAN)
Four tied with 9.

Runs

120 - Paul Speck (JAX)
119 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
113 - Martin Lynch (NOR)
106 - Barney Sonnier (NWO)
106 - Matt Alexander (JAX)
106 - Brian Dumas (CAR)

Stolen Bases

62 - Travis Severance (DAL)
54 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
53 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
51 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
47 - Paul Speck (JAX)

ERA

2.59 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.61 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)
2.88 - Jules Moon (NWO)
3.05 - Tom Gustafson (JAX)
3.06 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)

Wins

19 - Paul Hill (NSH)
18 - Jules Moon (NWO)
17 - George Russell (NSH)
16 - Eric Tisdale (TAM)
16 - Don Boyd (SAN)
16 - Mike Leigh (MIA)

Saves

38 - Charlie Wilkinson (MIA)
34 - Archie Kays (SAN)
33 - Ken Scruggs (MEM)
30 - Dick Sawyer (HOU)
28 - Kenny Dunston (JAX)

Strikeouts

238 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
212 - Barney Maloy (NOR)
196 - Paul Hill (NSH)
185 - George Russell (NSH)
184 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1966

Offseason Recap

1953 Hurler of the Year Joseph Palmer retires at age 40. An eight-time All-Star with one Slick Fielder award, Palmer struck out 2873 batters in a seventeen-year career (eight with San Antonio) while compiling a record of 185-141 and a career 3.65 ERA.
[Not a HoFer, I don't think. Just third on the career strikeouts list, and was definitely not cheated on the length of his career, yet still not close to the automatic standards.]

Norfolk fires Ron Hennig after 68 and 73 win seasons. The new Clippers' skipper is newcomer Paul Bell.

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

No big news from the arbitrator this year. Carolina SP John McMasters (3-4 in 8 GS, 5.01) gets another $5.2 million year after missing most of 1965 with a torn back muscle.


Free Agency Highlights

February 1 - Two-time Hurler of the Year Jules Moon (18-4, 2.88, WHIP 1.30) leaves New Orleans for Atlanta, getting two years for $8.0 million.

February 2 - Tampa loses last year's MVP 3B Tom Perreault (.318, 38 HR, 111 RBI) to Houston for four years at $6.1 million.

February 7 - LF Barney Sonnier (.327, 20 HR, 73 RBI, 106 R, 118 BB, 34 SB) will be a Memphis Blue for a while after signing an eight-year deal for $10.4 million.

February 8 - Jacksonville picks up 3B Martin Lynch (.313, 14 HR, 67 RBI, 113 R, 138 BB) for three years at $8.5 million.

February 14 - SP Tom Gustafson (10-8, 3.05, WHIP 1.26) gets three years for $19.3 million from Memphis.

February 15 - Dallas signs 1B Kevin Riles (.200 in 385 AB, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 91 BB) to a curious three-year deal for $7.3 million.

February 16 - RF Stephen Delisle (.344, 19 HR, 84 RBI, 20 2Bs) moves from Dallas to Carolina for the second time in his career, getting two years at $9.9 million from the Flyers at age 38.

March 1 - Houston sends SS Ed Rooker (.270, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 113 BB, 23 2Bs) with $2.4 million to Tampa for SP Jim Owens (9-7 in 25 GS, 3.70, WHIP 1.30).

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Memphis (from ATL) - CF Mike Stamp, released by Nashville last October, .258 with 19 2Bs and 8 3Bs at AA Savannah

San Antonio (from DAL) - SS John Wright, .435 in 23 AB in Dallas, .239 in 92 AB for AA Daytona

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1966

Miami wins their first nine games of this fifth straight title defense to take a 3 1/2 game lead of the East over Carolina. Meteors closer Charlie Wilkinson (1-0, 8 SV, 0.48) has yet to blow a save in nine opportunities.

Elsewhere in the East, Jacksonville will be without CF Matt Alexander (.307, 20 HR, 103 RBI, 28 2Bs, 37 SB last year) until late June after he fractures a hip diving for a ball on April 12.

A very tight Western Division thus far, with Memphis and Nashville tied for the top spot. Dallas and San Antonio are each just half a game back.

The Hounds are winning despite a decimated rotation. George Russell (17-9, 3.39, WHIP 1.28 last year) breaks his elbow April 12 and will miss another month, while April 30 sees Paul Hill (19-12, 3.25, WHIP 1.09 last year) rupture his bicep tendon to go down for at least two months.

Meanwhile, New Orleans loses thirteen of their first fourteen games while missing 1B Roy Seal (.278, 26 HR, 122 RBI, 32 2Bs last year) after he tears his calf in the opener April 5. Seal should return next week.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MEM) - Hit .368 with 8 HR and 22 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Charlie Munford (SAN) - Went 4-1 with a 2.17 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) - Hit .363 with 7 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Wayne Moorman (MIA) - Went 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 15 - _9 .625 -
Nashville..... 15 - _9 .625 -
Dallas........ 13 - _8 .619 .5
San Antonio... 14 - _9 .609 .5
Houston....... 11 - 13 .458 4
New Orleans.... 6 - 15 .286 7.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 16 - _6 .727 -
Carolina...... 14 - 11 .560 3.5
Tampa......... 11 - 12 .478 5.5
Jacksonville.. 10 - 15 .400 7.5
Norfolk........ 6 - 14 .300 9
Atlanta........ 8 - 18 .308 10

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1966

A new tie at the top of the West with Memphis and San Antonio 2 1/2 clear of third-place Dallas. The Missions pick up 1B Chris Wayman (.379, 2 HR, 10 RBI) from Jacksonville May 3 for SP Bob Richardson (5-4, 4.42) and $1.3 million.

Nashville's injury woes continue when SP Mike Ward (0-3, 6.75) pulls his bicep on May 10. He should return mid-month. The Hounds have five starters and two relievers on the DL at the moment.

Houston also suffers a blow on May 4, losing Jim Owens (1-3, 4.28, WHIP 1.37) until July with a torn bicep.

Miami continues a comfortable lead of the Eastern Division, now five games up on Carolina.

Elsewhere, Atlanta CF Bob Mangum goes deep off John Murphy in Alamo Field for his 2000th hit May 26. "Popcorn" has hit .271 in his career with 413 homers and 603 steals.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Randy Brewer (HOU) - Hit .313 with 5 HR and 27 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bryan Smiley (DAL) - Went 3-3 with a 1.09 ERA, WHIP 0.79, 2 SHO

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jeff Helwig (ATL) - Hit .444 with 7 2Bs, 3 HR, 17 RBI and 26 R

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bob Newman (JAX) - Went 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 29 - 21 .580 -
San Antonio... 29 - 21 .580 -
Dallas........ 26 - 23 .531 2.5
Houston....... 26 - 24 .520 3
Nashville..... 25 - 25 .500 4
New Orleans... 17 - 31 .354 11

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 33 - 18 .647 -
Carolina...... 28 - 23 .549 5
Jacksonville.. 25 - 25 .500 7.5
Tampa......... 22 - 28 .440 10.5
Atlanta....... 22 - 30 .423 11.5
Norfolk....... 18 - 31 .367 14

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Norfolk (1st) - CF Dan Townley, 22 (8/6/9)
Hitting .338 at Howard University, this left-handed slugger gets a $3.1 million bonus despite durability concerns.

Carolina (2nd) - CF David Powell, 24 (7/9/6)
Another $3 million bonus for a left-handed outfielder who hit .369 with 12 HR in 195 AB for Canisius College.

Memphis (3rd) - 1B Jesse Hawkins, 18 (9/9/8)
A $3.1 million bonus signs this young rightie who hit .621 with 10 HR in 51 AB for Walsingham Academy (Virginia).

Dallas (4th) - RF Douglas Andre, 21 (7/8/9)
With a .348 average and 18 HR in 238 AB for Auburn, it takes $2 million to land this leftie.

Houston (5th) - 2B Rudy Carr, 18 (6/8/8)
Hitting .528 with 10 HR in 56 AB at Northwest Catholic (Connecticut), this youngster has all the tools.

Atlanta (6th) - C Jack Lowe, 20 (6/8/7)
This switch-hitting backstop from Georgetown hit .305 with 13 HR in 244 AB last year.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Houston (194)
Norfolk (193)
Tampa (163)
Carolina (162)
San Antonio (139)
Atlanta (110)
Jacksonville (104)
Miami (94)
Memphis (83)
New Orleans (73)
Dallas (70)
Nashville (70)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Winston-Salem (CAR) - 30-21
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 35-15
A Biloxi (MIA) - 37-14

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1966

Someone finally takes the Western Division lead, and it's Memphis, three games ahead of Nashville and San Antonio. However, the Blues have lost their last five.

Miami still leads the East by four over Jacksonville and 4 1/2 clear of Carolina, but not all is well at UTC Ballpark. 3B Douglas Harris (.289, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 19 SB) is out until late July after tearing his calf June 13, whlle SP Rick Parker (7-1, 3.86) goes on the DL June 30 with a herniated disc. Parker may not return until September.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Paul Fisher (NSH) - Hit .301 with 11 HR and 20 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Sewell (HOU) - Went 4-1 with a 0.46 ERA, 3 BBs in 39 1/3 IP

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) - Hit .402 with 7 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Matt Halstead (CAR) - Went 2-1 with a 1.42 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 45 - 33 .577 -
Nashville..... 42 - 36 .538 3
San Antonio... 42 - 36 .538 3
Houston....... 40 - 38 .513 5
Dallas........ 37 - 40 .481 7.5
New Orleans... 29 - 47 .382 15

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 47 - 31 .603 -
Jacksonville.. 43 - 35 .551 4
Carolina...... 43 - 36 .544 4.5
Tampa......... 36 - 42 .462 11
Atlanta....... 36 - 43 .456 11.5
Norfolk....... 27 - 50 .351 19.5

[jmm8356]

July 12, 1966

CHARLOTTE - Bruce Lankford's pinch-hit three-run homer off Terry Bingham (1 IP, 5 R, 5 H) caps a five-run 8th as the Eastern All-Stars beat the West, 7 to 3. Stephen Delisle goes 2 for 4, scoring one run and driving in three, while Raymond Thigpen is 2 for 4 with a solo shot off Theron Jeffrey (L, 2 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB). John Kamp (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K) throws the 6th and 7th innings for the win.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Ron Sewell (HOU) (5) - 9-6, 2.45 ERA, WHIP 1.06, 17 BBs in 135 2/3 IP

C Jim Bonds (MEM) (4) - .286, 15 HR, 50 RBI, 64 R, 62 BB

1B Mike Rector (NSH) (3) - .301, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 51 R

2B Jonathan Ralls (MEM) (4) - .353, 23 HR, 73 RBI, 72 R, 60 BB

3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (8) - .341, 1 HR, 50 RBI, 15 2Bs

SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (4) - .345, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 72 R, 47 SB

LF Barney Sonnier (MEM) (6) - .270, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 65 R, 70 BB

CF Paul Fisher (NSH) (5) - .299, 22 HR, 52 RBI, 69 R

RF Curtis Kearney (NSH) (4) - .290, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 56 R, 50 BB, 22 SB

Reserves

SP Christian Stewart (MEM)
SP Bryan Smiley (DAL) (9)
SP Calvin Thayer (NSH)
SP Theron Jeffery (NWO) (2)
SP Tom Gustafson (MEM) (4)
SP Kevin Badgett (DAL) (2)
RP Oscar Matthews (MEM)
RP Terry Bingham (SAN)
RP Kenny Dunston (NSH) (2)
C James Goudy (NSH) (3)
1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) (9)
CF Paul Goode (SAN) (2)
RF Monty McDonald (MEM) (2)
RF Roger Seidl (SAN)
SS Leon Gasaway (HOU)
3B Tom Perreault (HOU) (2)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Bob Newman (JAX) - 10-6, 3.15 ERA, WHIP 1.43

C Aaron Hess (ATL) (6) - .285, 9 HR, 52 RBI, 51 R, 44 BB

1B Andy Thurman (TAM) - .303, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 55 R

2B Carl Patterson (CAR) (2) - .347, 1 HR, 34 RBI, 9 E in 384 TC (.977)

3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (10) - .326, 17 HR, 64 RBI, 61 R, 22 SB

SS Mike Grady (CAR) (2) - .332, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 54 R

LF Paul Speck (JAX) (7) - .310, 15 HR, 58 RBI, 64 R, 59 BB, 26 SB

CF Dave Vigue (MIA) - .329, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 51 R, 21 2Bs

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (17) - .310, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 1 E in 166 TC (.994)

Reserves

SP Wayne Moorman (MIA) (5)
SP John Kamp (TAM)
SP John McMasters (CAR) (2)
SP Bob Richardson (JAX)
SP Roger Coomes (CAR)
SP Frank Wilson (NOR) (3)
RP Jonathan Burrow (MIA)
RP Ken Scruggs (JAX) (5)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (MIA) (7)
C Ken McBride (JAX) (3)
1B Bruce Lankford (MIA) (2)
LF Ken Marvel (ATL) (2)
LF John Hoyle (TAM) (3)
RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) (3)
3B Brian Dumas (CAR) (13)
3B Martin Lynch (JAX) (4)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1966

Miami stretches their Eastern Division lead out to six games ahead of both Carolina and Jacksonville. Meteors SP Jim Wright (4-7 in 8 GS, 1 SV, 3.97) throws the first no-hitter in the CBA since 1958 at New Orleans on July 17. The next day, Miami picks up All-Star SP Theron Jeffrey (8-8, 3.30) from the Pelicans for SS Terry Works (.352 in 128 AB, 5 HR, 16 RBI) and a minor leaguer.

Out West, Memphis leads a trio of second-place clubs by six games. The Blues acquire 1B Andy Thurman (.302, 15 HR, 71 RBI, 66 R, 55 BB) July 15 from Tampa for SP Christian Stewart (11-2, 3.64, WHIP 1.30) and a minor leaguer.

Fifth-place Dallas loses SP Bryan Smiley (8-8, 2.74, WHIP 1.13) until September after he pulls his bicep on July 24. The Drifters also extend SS Dave Powell (.327, 6 HR, 53 RBI) for three years at $6.0 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MEM) - Hit .330 with 8 HR and 32 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Gary Knight (NWO) - Went 4-1 with a 2.27 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (MIA) - Hit .327 with 12 2Bs, 6 HR and 14 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bob Richardson (JAX) - Went 4-1 with a 2.01 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 60 - 44 .577 -
Houston....... 54 - 50 .519 6
Nashville..... 54 - 50 .519 6
San Antonio... 54 - 50 .519 6
Dallas........ 47 - 57 .452 13
New Orleans... 39 - 64 .379 20.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 63 - 42 .600 -
Carolina...... 57 - 48 .543 6
Jacksonville.. 57 - 48 .543 6
Atlanta....... 49 - 56 .467 14
Tampa......... 49 - 56 .467 14
Norfolk....... 43 - 61 .413 19.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1966

Not too much drama remaining in either division as Memphis and Miami both hold at least a ten game lead.

Two veterans reached a personal milestone last month:

Carolina LF Mark Brown collected hit #2000 off New Orleans' Mike Ward on August 16. Brown has hit .315 in his fifteen-year career.

New Orleans 1B Roy Seal hit a two-run shot off Atlanta's Otto Kemper August 31 for his 2000th hit. Seal has a career .292 average with 332 doubles and 224 homers.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Leon Gasaway (HOU) - Hit .360 with 5 HR and 17 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Desmond Cramer (MEM) - Went 5-0 with a 1.95 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Douglas Harris (MIA) - Hit .362 with 8 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jim Wright (MIA) - Went 5-0 with a 1.66 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 79 - 54 .594 - (Magic: 20)
Houston....... 69 - 64 .519 10
Nashville..... 69 - 64 .519 10
San Antonio... 65 - 68 .489 14
Dallas........ 61 - 72 .459 18
New Orleans... 53 - 79 .402 25.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 81 - 52 .609 - (Magic: 19)
Carolina...... 71 - 63 .530 10.5
Atlanta....... 70 - 63 .526 11
Jacksonville.. 68 - 65 .511 13
Tampa......... 60 - 73 .451 21
Norfolk....... 52 - 81 .391 29

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1966

Miami nearly makes things interesting by losing five out of six games against Jacksonville before clinching their sixth straight pennant on September 29 with an 11-6 win over Norfolk.

Elsewhere in the East, Atlanta 3B Raymond Thigpen collects his 2000th hit at State Fair Park off Carolina's Matt Halstead. Thigpen has hit .293 in his career with 235 homers and 535 steals.

Memphis, meanwhile, will be the Meteors' fifth different opponent in the Confederate Series after clinching the West with a 4-3 victory over Houston September 27. The Blues, however, will be without leadoff hitter Mike Shepard (.332, 6 HR, 65 RBI, 23 2Bs, 72 SB). The shortstop was beaned by San Antonio's Eric Blanchard on September 19, breaking his cheekbone.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Randy Geiger (NWO) - Hit .360 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Larry Rabon (HOU) - Went 4-0 with a 0.72 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) - Hit .371 with 7 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Eric Tisdale (TAM) - Went 5-1 with a 1.21 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 94 - 68 .580 -
Nashville..... 87 - 75 .537 7
Houston....... 79 - 83 .488 15
Dallas........ 76 - 86 .469 18
San Antonio... 74 - 88 .457 20
New Orleans... 69 - 93 .426 25

Final Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 95 - 67 .586 -
Jacksonville.. 92 - 70 .568 3
Carolina...... 86 - 76 .531 9
Atlanta....... 83 - 79 .512 12
Tampa......... 74 - 88 .457 21
Norfolk....... 63 - 99 .389 32

[jmm8356]

October 5, 1966

Confederate Series Preview


The Miami Meteors are hoping for a sixth consecutive CBA championship with 1963 Manager of the Year Curtis Flowers. Miami holds the homefield advantage this time out, after a 52-29 record at UTC Ballpark in the regular season.

The Meteors' pitchers again star the show, first in ERA (3.52) and runs allowed (650). Jim Wright (10-11, 1 SV, 3.45, WHIP 1.34), despite a July no-hitter, is odd man out this year, making way for Wayne Moorman (19-10, 2.93, WHIP 1.29), Mike Leigh (8-11, 3.51, WHIP 1.22) and Rick Parker (7-2 in 23 GS, 3.76). Charlie Wilkinson (9-6, 41 SV, 2.06, WHIP 1.14) posted a career high in saves this year.

Miami ranked fifth in both batting (.269) and scoring (782) this season. 3B Douglas Harris (.321 in 386 AB, 23 HR, 97 RBI, 9 3Bs, 35 SB) put up good numbers despite missing nearly two months with a torn calf. SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.291, 24 HR, 107 RBI, 110 R, 91 BB, 49 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 37 SB) and CF Dave Vigue (.312, 3 HR, 79 RBI, 38 2Bs, 16 3Bs, 21 SB) are the key contributors.


The Memphis Blues are in their fourth Confederate Series, breaking a ten-year drought with four-time Manager of the Year Ray Blanton. The Blues took eight of twelve from the Meteors this year.

Memphis scored 960 runs this season, shattering the previous record by almost fifty (1952 Dallas - 913). The Blues are solid top-to-bottom, even without SS Mike Shepard (.332, 6 HR, 65 RBI, 121 R, 23 2Bs, 72 SB), thanks to 2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (.316, 32 HR, 125 RBI, 124 R, 108 BB, 27 2Bs), C Jim "The Bull" Bonds (.300, 26 HR, 107 RBI, 111 R, 97 BB), LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (.300, 17 HR, 94 RBI, 122 R, 134 BB, 20 2Bs, 25 SB), CF Bob Crane (.331, 13 HR, 90 RBI, 101 R, 27 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 24 SB) and 1B Andy Thurman (.302, 22 HR, 118 RBI, 102 R, 87 BB, 18 2Bs).

The Blues' staff was fifth in both ERA (4.27) and runs allowed (763). Desmond Cramer (20-5, 2.91, WHIP 1.15) is in line for his second Hurler of the Year award, while Tom "Spooky" Gustafson (15-10, 4.04, WHIP 1.35) and Steve McCauley (11-12, 5.12, WHIP 1.31) are better than their inflated ERAs. Closer Buster Frances (6-5, 25 SV, 3.20) is with the sixth team of his twelve year career.

[jmm8356]

October 14, 1966

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 5 - Miami 7, Memphis 2

MIAMI - 1B Bruce Lankford hits a leadoff solo shot off Desmond Cramer (L, 6 1/3 IP, 7 R, 6 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K) to break a two-all tie in the 5th as Miami beats Memphis, 7-2. Blues LF Barney Sonnier (2 for 4) hits a two-run homer off Rick Parker (W, 6 1/3 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K) to open the scoring in the 4th, but seven different Meteors collect an RBI, including C Dennis Flaherty, who hit 3 for 4 with two triples, scoring twice.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 6 - Memphis 5, Miami 1

MIAMI - Tom Gustafson goes eight innings and gives up just three hits and two walks while striking out seven as Memphis tops Miami, 5 to 1. CF Bob Crane (2 for 5) hits a two-run double off Wayne Moorman (L, 8 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 4 BB, 2 K) to cap a three-run Blues 6th, breaking a one-one tie.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 8 - Miami 1, Memphis 0

MEMPHIS - Mike Leigh (W, 8 IP, 3 H, 8 K) and Charlie Wilkinson (SV, 1 IP, 1 K) combine to three-hit the Blues, winning an old fashioned pitcher's duel at The Fabulous Avalon, 1-0. C Dennis Flaherty is 3 for 4 with a pair of two-baggers, including an RBI-double in the 7th off Steve McCauley (L, 7 1/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 K) for the game's only run.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 9 - Miami 4, Memphis 2

MEMPHIS - CF Dave Vigue triples off Desmond Cramer (L, 0-2, 7 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) and scores the winning run in the 4th as Miami takes a three-games-to-one lead with a 4-2 win. Ron Parker (W, 2-0, 6 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 1 K) throws well, then five Meteors relievers finish the job with Charlie Wilkinson (SV, 2, 1 IP, 2 H) striking out the side in the 9th.


Game 5 - Monday, October 10 - Miami 6, Memphis 1

MEMPHIS - Wayne Moorman (2/3 IP, 1 K) leaves in the 1st with tightness in his shoulder, but Jonathan Burrow (W, 1/3 IP), Quinn Hancock (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Bill Hazen (3 2/3 IP, 2 BB, 1 K) and Charlie Wilkinson (2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K) combine for arguably the best postseason bullpen performance in CBA history to secure Miami's sixth straight title with a 6-1 victory. SS Wade Hudson (2 for 4) hits an RBI-triple and scores on 3B Douglas Harris's (2 for 5) homer off Tom Gustafson (L, 1-1, 7 1/3 IP, 5 R, 10 H, 3 BB, 8 K) in the 1st to give the Meteors the lead from the get-go. C Dennis Flaherty is named the series MVP for hitting 9 of 17 (.529) with three doubles, two triples and a homer, scoring five runs and driving in four.

[Jestor]

New dynasty! New dynasty!

Wow... 6 straight titles... That's just an amazing show of dominance and a great story to see. I think it really highlights the importance of having consistently dominating pitching year in and year out.

It's even more delicious that Miami's doing it, since they were one of the last two teams to make it to the Confederate Series...

Which leads to poor, poor Houston... They still haven't made it, even though they've come oh so close quite a few times. Talk about suffering Buffaloes fans!

[jmm8356]

October 15, 1966

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MEM) (2) - .316, 32 HR, 125 RBI, 124 R, 108 BB, 27 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Desmond Cramer (MEM) (2) - 20-5, 2.91 ERA, WHIP 1.15, 203 Ks in 235 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Scott Paulson (NSH) - 12-6 in 28 GS, 3.63 ERA, WHIP 1.36

Western Division Manager of the Year

Ray Blanton (MEM) (5) - Won 94 games, an eighteen game improvement, won Western pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (MIA) (2) - .291, 24 HR, 107 RBI, 110 R, 91 BB, 49 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 37 SB

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Wayne Moorman (MIA) (3) - 19-10, 2.93 ERA, WHIP 1.29

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

CF Dan "The Sheriff" Townley (NOR) - .295 in 359 AB, 41 SB

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Lloyd Jorgensen (JAX) (7) - Won 92 games and finished 2nd in East, 36-13 in one-rung ames


Western Division Slick Fielders

SP Don Boyd (SAN)
C James Goudy (NSH) (2)
1B Mike Rector (NSH) (3)
2B Leon Gasaway (HOU) (2)
3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (3)
SS Douglas Dewberry (NWO) (2)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (2)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (4)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (2)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

SP Bob Richardson (JAX) (2)
C Dennis Flaherty (MIA)
1B Bradley Heinemann (JAX) (4)
2B Carl Patterson (CAR) (2)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (9)
SS Jeff Buchanan (NOR) (2)
LF Ken Marvel (ATL) (2)
CF Jeff Regan (TAM) (2)
RF Matt Kirk (ATL) (3)


League Leaders

Batting

.337 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
.332 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
.331 - Bob Crane (MEM)
.326 - Martin Lynch (JAX)
.325 - Colton Ferrel (TAM)

Homeruns

35 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
32 - Paul Fisher (NSH)
32 - Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
28 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
Three tied with 26.

RBI

125 - Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
118 - Andy Thurman (MEM)
109 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)
107 - Jim Bonds (MEM)
107 - Wade Hudson (MIA)

Doubles

49 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
39 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
38 - Dave Vigue (MIA)
33 - Mike Grady (CAR)
Three tied with 28.

Triples

16 - Dave Vigue (MIA)
14 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
11 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
10 - Jeff Regan (TAM)
Four tied with 9.

Runs

124 - Jonathan Ralls (MEM)
122 - Barney Sonnier (MEM)
121 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
113 - Ken Ralston (CAR)
111 - Jim Bonds (MEM)

Stolen Bases

72 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
55 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
47 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
45 - Ken Ralston (CAR)
45 - Bob Mangum (ATL)

ERA

2.43 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.91 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)
2.93 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)
2.96 - John McMasters (CAR)
2.97 - Charlie Munford (SAN)

Wins

20 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)
19 - Wayne Moorman (MIA)
17 - John McMasters (CAR)
Five tied with 15.

Saves

41 - Charlie Wilkinson (MIA)
36 - Ken Scruggs (JAX)
33 - Jack Reynolds (CAR)
32 - Dick Sawyer (HOU)
25 - Larry Goddard (ATL)
25 - Buster Frances (MEM)

Strikeouts

237 - John McMasters (CAR)
203 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)
195 - Barney Maloy (NOR)
193 - Charlie Munford (SAN)
192 - Tom Gustafson (MEM)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1967

Offseason Recap

Some good candidates for "Second Look" Hall of Fame consideration next year:

Nine-time All-Star RF Gary Schneider retires at age 39. With 2 Slick Fielder awards, Schneider hit .305 with 323 doubles, 122 triples and 187 homers in a fifteen-year career, including six years in Tampa and a 1956 championship with Nashville.
[Yes. Meets the revised 2250 hits with a .300 average standard (down from 2500, the other standard was also reduced from 3000 to 2750).]

After a nineteen-year career with New Orleans, Atlanta and Dallas, two-time Slick Fielder CF Malcolm Harris calls it a career at age 42. A nine-time All-Star, Harris was a .287 career hitter with 273 taters, 1320 runs and 1475 walks. Malcolm won just a single championship ring as a Pelican in 1951.
[Yes. Though the average is low, 2424 hits along with the walks is enough to put him in the Hall.]

1951 Rookie of the Year and 1961 Hurler of the Year Ted Knott retires at age 40 after seventeen years with Atlanta. A seven-time All-Star, Knott ends his career with a record of 191-150 and an ERA of 3.39. Ted walked just 543 batters in 3349 1/3 career innings.
[No. Only broke 14 wins once. A lot of 12-7, 11-9 seasons which don't impress me much. Really needed 200 wins, but couldn't reach it despite entering the bigs at age 24.]

Two-time Hurler of the Year Ron Woodard decides five rings are enough, calling it quits at age 37. A six-time All-Star, Woodard was 155-92 with a 3.20 ERA in thirteen years with Dallas, Memphis and Miami. Ron allowed an average of just five home runs in his first eight full seasons.
[No. Really needed another year or two to establish some good career numbers.]


San Antonio fires Ed Smith just one year after their first Confederate Series appearance in seventeen seasons. The Missions pick up three-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday...

...who was let go by Tampa after posting a best of just 83 wins in three years. The Tomahawks' new skipper is rookie Charlie Taylor.

Houston cans Dave Ryder after three sub-.500 seasons (though one was third-place) and signs newcomer Don Chapman.

Nashville receives $5 million via revenue sharing.

Carolina SP John McMasters (17-9, 2.96, WHIP 1.22) gets the only notable arbitration award, up from $5.2 million to $6.3 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 4 - Two-time MVP 2B Jonathan Ralls (.316, 32 HR, 125 RBI, 124 R, 108 BB, 24 2Bs) joins the six-time champs in Miami, signing for six years at $11.7 million.

February 5 - Forty-year-old SP Bryan Smiley (9-10 in 25 GS, 3.38, WHIP 1.21) gets a surprising three-year deal from Jacksonville for $15.1 million, while two-time MVP 3B Jack Thomas (.297, 26 HR, 96 RBI, 97 R, 25 2Bs) goes to Tampa for four years at $10.5 million.

February 10 - 1B Steven Wells (.289 in 315 AB, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 51 R) spent half of last season batting .364 in AAA Greenville (ATL), but gets a four-year deal for $8.3 million from Houston.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Memphis (from JAX) - 2B Jonathan McKnight, .227 with 20 2Bs and 83 BB in AA Charleston

Miami (from SAN) - C Bill Batchelder, .198 in 111 AB for AAA Austin, .283 in 106 AB at AA Pensacola

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1967

Carolina has won six of their last seven to take a 3 1/2 game lead over Miami and Tampa in the Eastern Division. Flyers 3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (.298, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 18 R, 18 BB) is off to a good start at age 37, just 31 hits shy of 2500.

Out West, San Antonio leads Houston and Memphis by just half a game. Missions CF Paul Goode (.373, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 18 R, 15 BB, 5 SB) has a .520 on-base percentage thus far.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Curtis Kearney (NSH) - Went .389 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Larry Rabon (HOU) - Went 3-1 with a 1.51 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) - Hit .349 with 8 HR and 25 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

John McMasters (CAR) - Went 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 13 - _9 .591 -
Houston....... 14 - 11 .560 .5
Memphis....... 14 - 11 .560 .5
Nashville..... 10 - 12 .455 3
New Orleans.... 9 - 15 .375 5
Dallas......... 7 - 18 .280 7.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 18 - _8 .692 -
Miami......... 12 - _9 .571 3.5
Tampa......... 15 - 12 .556 3.5
Jacksonville.. 11 - 12 .478 5.5
Atlanta....... 12 - 14 .462 6
Norfolk....... 10 - 14 .417 7