Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1967

San Antonio wins seven straight starting June 12 to stretch their Western Division lead to 7 1/2 over Dallas.

Third-place Nashville loses an MVP candidate when RF Curtis Kearney (.346, 17 HR, 55 RBI, 66 R, 50 BB, 24 SB) is hit by Jacksonville's Daryl Jarrell June 29, breaking his hand. Kearney is out until mid-August.

In the East, Miami moves out to a 3 1/2 game lead over Carolina, but fifth-place Jacksonville is just 6 1/2 back. The Meteors acquire 1B Chris Wayman (.319, 4 HR, 51 RBI) from the West-leading Missions for SP James LaFleur (5-6, 4.74) and two minor leaguers.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Steve Wales (DAL) - Hit .397 with 7 2Bs, 4 HR, 24 RBI and 6 SB

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Desmond Cramer (MEM) - Went 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .370 with 6 HR and 22 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe Goodwin (JAX) - Went 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 49 - 29 .628 -
Dallas........ 42 - 37 .532 7.5
Nashville..... 40 - 37 .519 8.5
Memphis....... 39 - 40 .494 10.5
Houston....... 38 - 41 .481 11.5
New Orleans... 28 - 51 .354 21.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 44 - 34 .564 -
Carolina...... 41 - 38 .519 3.5
Tampa......... 41 - 39 .512 4
Norfolk....... 39 - 40 .494 5.5
Jacksonville.. 38 - 41 .481 6.5
Atlanta....... 34 - 46 .425 11

[jmm8356]

July 11, 1967

MEMPHIS - Scott Hass hits a two-run pinch-hit homer off Ken Scruggs (L, 0 IP, 3 R, 3 H) in a six-run 7th as the Western All-Stars come back to beat the East, 7 to 4. Patrick Deck (2 IP, 1 H, 2 K) gets the win, while Don Drain (1 1/3 IP, 2 K) earns the save. Dave Powell is 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Ron Sewell (HOU) (6) - 11-5, 3.72 ERA, WHIP 1.35

C Jim Bonds (MEM) (5) - .258, 14 HR, 62 RBI, 48 R, 57 BB

1B Andy Thurman (MEM) (2) - .334, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 73 R, 63 BB

2B Cordell Seymour (HOU) (2) - .360, 4 HR, 42 RBI, 51 R

3B Scott Hass (NSH) - .335, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 58 R, 55 BB, 15 SB

SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (5) - .321, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 72 R, 37 SB

LF Barney Sonnier (MEM) (7) - .340, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 61 R, 58 BB

CF Paul Goode (SAN) (3) - .344, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 59 R, 18 2Bs, 21 SB

RF Douglas Andre (DAL) - .333, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 56 R, 48 BB

Reserves

SP Kevin Badgett (DAL) (3)
SP George Russell (NSH) (2)
SP Scott Paulson (NSH)
SP Larry Rabon (HOU)
SP Bill Morgan (NSH)
SP Patrick Deck (MEM)
RP Ron Peters (SAN) (3)
RP Don Drain (NSH)
RP John Jahnke (HOU)
C Alexander Roundtree (SAN)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (2)
CF Paul Fisher (NSH) (6)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (3)
RF Roger Seidl (SAN) (2)
2B Eddie Chaney (SAN) (2)
SS Dave Powell (DAL) (4)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Brad Price (ATL) (4) - 11-7, 3.79 ERA, WHIP 1.36

C Aaron Hess (ATL) (7) - .295, 11 HR, 38 RBI, thrown out 22 of 69 base stealers (31.9%)

1B Ken Lennox (NOR) (2) - .279, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 15 2Bs

2B Geoffrey Bailey (NOR) - .340, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 7 E in 359 TC (.981)

3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (11) - .313, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 61 R, 52 BB, 20 SB

SS Jonathan Hodges (JAX) - .315, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 65 R, 16 2Bs, 5 3Bs

LF Mark Brown (CAR) (5) - .309, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 48 R, 17 SB

CF Ken Ralston (CAR) (3) - .309, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 57 R, 19 SB

RF Ken Hungerford (NOR) (4) - .338, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 12 2Bs

Reserves

SP Loren Thomas (TAM)
SP Bob Richardson (JAX) (2)
SP Mike Leigh (MIA) (8)
SP Terry Carroll (NOR)
SP Eric Tisdale (TAM) (3)
SP Bryan Smiley (JAX) (10)
RP Fred Eatmon (ATL)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (MIA) (8)
RP Ken Scruggs (JAX) (6)
C Henry Stout (CAR) (2)
1B Chris Wayman (MIA)
CF Matt Alexander (JAX) (3)
RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (18)
CF Don Townley (NOR)
3B Brian Dumas (CAR) (14)
SS Wade Hudson (MIA) (7)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1967

Miami continues to lead a tightening Eastern Division, just 1 1/2 ahead of Norfolk and 2 1/2 clear of Carolina. The Meteors give SP Mike Leigh (9-4, 2.44, WHIP 1.03) three more years at $9.3 million.

Pitcher of the Month Loren Thomas (12-5, 3.40, WHIP 1.27) makes Norfolk manager Paul Bell look pretty smart, pitching a no-hitter at Atlanta July 30, the same day he is acquired from Tampa for CF Randy Geiger (.226 in 248 AB) and two minor leaguers.

Elsewhere in the East, Atlanta signs up SS Jeff Helwig (.312, 6 HR, 65 RBI, 14 2Bs) for four years at $7.8 million.

Out West, it's San Antonio four games ahead of Dallas for the top spot. Missions LF Lloyd Mitchell (.284) is second in the CBA in swipes with 35.

Fifth-place Memphis puts 1B Andy Thurman (.346, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 79 R, 69 BB) on the DL with a pulled back muscle. Thurman will be out until late August.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Eddie Chaney (SAN) - Hit .453 with 6 HR and 17 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Boyd (SAN) - Went 2-1 with a 1.57 ERA, OAVG .197

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Ken Marvel (ATL) - Hit .409 with 2 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Loren Thomas (NOR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 60 - 45 .571 -
Dallas........ 56 - 49 .533 4
Nashville..... 52 - 52 .500 7.5
Houston....... 51 - 54 .486 9
Memphis....... 51 - 54 .486 9
New Orleans... 41 - 64 .390 19

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 58 - 47 .552 -
Norfolk....... 57 - 49 .538 1.5
Carolina...... 56 - 50 .528 2.5
Jacksonville.. 52 - 54 .491 6.5
Tampa......... 50 - 56 .472 8.5
Atlanta....... 48 - 58 .453 10.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1967

Carolina pulls just half a game behind Miami for the Eastern Division lead with a month to play. However, the Flyers lose SP Gene Arndt (6-5, 2.93, WHIP 1.28) until the last week of the season due to an inflamed rotator cuff on August 28.

Norfolk, five games out in third, will be without CF Dan Townley (.324 in 312 AB, 63 BB) for the remainder after his cheekbone is broken by Dallas' Fabian Frazier on August 26.

Out West, San Antonio holds a six game lead over Dallas and Memphis. The Missions still have six games with the Blues and four games with the Drifters in September.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

C Alexander Roundtree (SAN) - Hit .394 with 4 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Sewell (HOU) - Went 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

C Aaron Hess (ATL) - Hit .372 with 6 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Roger Commes (CAR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 76 - 57 .571 -
Dallas........ 70 - 63 .526 6
Memphis....... 70 - 63 .526 6
Houston....... 64 - 69 .481 12
Nashville..... 60 - 73 .451 16
New Orleans... 53 - 80 .398 23

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 73 - 60 .549 -
Carolina...... 73 - 61 .545 .5
Norfolk....... 68 - 65 .511 5
Tampa......... 65 - 68 .489 8
Atlanta....... 65 - 69 .485 8.5
Jacksonville.. 62 - 71 .466 11

[jmm8356]

October 2, 1967

San Antonio clinches the Western Division with a 7-3 win over Memphis on September 25, while Miami seals their seventh consecutive Eastern pennant with a 10-4 victory in fourteen innings against Jacksonville September 27.

Elsewhere, Tampa 3B George Hecker hits the first cycle in the CBA in two years against Jacksonville September 5, then Houston CF Mike Towery hits a cycle against Dallas on September 27.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Royce "Pudge" Kain (DAL) - Hit .411 with 14 HR and 39 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

James LaFleur (SAN) - Went 4-0 with a 3.67 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) - Hit .327 with 9 HR and 25 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Derrick Real (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 96 - 66 .593 -
Memphis....... 87 - 75 .537 9
Dallas........ 85 - 77 .525 11
Houston....... 80 - 82 .494 16
Nashville..... 78 - 84 .481 18
New Orleans... 60 -102 .370 36

Final Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 87 - 75 .537 -
Carolina...... 82 - 80 .506 5
Atlanta....... 81 - 81 .500 6
Jacksonville.. 80 - 82 .494 7
Norfolk....... 78 - 84 .481 9
Tampa......... 78 - 84 .481 9

[Jestor]

Argh! No, not Moorman! He's been an integral part of Miami's dynasty run and a phenomenal pitcher!

Here's to hoping Miami wins their 7th straight title for Wayne!

Oh and I'm officially petitioning the Hall of Fame Committee that the Moon Man be admitted in as a Second Chance candidate

[jmm8356]

Moorman's a pretty sure thing for the Hall with three Hurlers on his mantel, but it'll take two years yet.

October 4, 1967

Confederate Series Preview


The San Antonio Missions are looking for their first CBA championship in their third trip to the postseason. In their first season under three-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday, San Antonio was 47-34 at Alamo Field this season and have homefield advantage in the series.

The Missions ranked second in batting (.283) and steals (199) but just fourth in runs (817). Their lineup is deep, with CF Paul Goode (.326, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 100 R, 85 BB, 28 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 36 SB), RF Roger Seidl (.317, 15 HR, 87 RBI, 114 R, 27 2Bs, 14 3Bs), C Alexander Roundtree (.351, 10 HR, 86 RBI), 2B Eddie Chaney (.351, 13 HR, 83 RBI, 103 R, 21 2Bs, 20 SB) and SS Dave "Superman" Mikel (.276, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 94 R, 89 BB, 19 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 37 SB) all dangerous at the plate. LF Lloyd Mitchell (.270) was second in the league with 51 steals.

San Antonio was just sixth-best in ERA (4.28) but ranked fourth (741). Don Boyd (12-7, 3.97, WHIP 1.34) struck out 196 batters in only 204 innings. Veteran Charlie Munford (9-9 in 30 GS, 4.33) and Don Tapper (10-10 in 30 GS, 3.58, WHIP 1.29) round out the rotation. Terry Bingham (3-4, 16 SV, 2.52, WHIP 1.12) has only been closing since July.


The Miami Meteors are trying to win their seventh straight title under 1963 Manager of the Year Curtis Flowers. The Meteors won just five of their twelve games against the Missions this season.

Miami's pitchers ranked fourth in ERA (4.14) and fifth in runs allowed (745) this year. Mike Leigh (15-9, 2.89, WHIP 1.12) has lost his last four starts, while Jim Wright (7-9 in 27 GS, 4.05) has spent time in the bullpen despite a no-hitter each of the past two years. Charlie Wilkinson (6-5, 33 SV, 3.10, WHIP 1.23) had his seventh season with at least 29 saves.

The Meteors' offense were just eighth in batting (.271) and sixth in scoring (790). Miami's best bats, SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.301 in 491 AB, 23 HR, 87 RBI, 105 R, 88 BB, 33 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 40 SB) and 2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (.317 in 391 AB, 14 HR, 43 RBI, 75 R, 71 BB) suffered injuries this year, so 3B Douglas Harris (.297, 22 HR, 97 RBI, 113 R, 88 BB, 17 2Bs, 10 3Bs, 33 SB) and 1B Chris Wayman (.308, 10 HR, 92 RBI) took up the slack.

[jmm8356]

October 13, 1967

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 4 - San Antonio 4, Miami 3

SAN ANTONIO - Don Addington's pinch hit to left scores the game winner in the bottom of the 9th as San Antonio edges Miami, 4 to 3. Mike Leigh (L, 8 IP, 4 R, 10 H, 2 BB, 3 K) walks two, then Bill Hazen (0 IP, 1 BB) walks one to load the bases for Charlie Wilkinson (0 IP, 1 H) to face Addington, hitting for Bob Baker (W, 2 IP, 1 H, 3 K), with nobody out. CF Roger Seidl hits 2 for 4 with two RBIs for the Missions.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 5 - Miami 5, San Antonio 2

SAN ANTONIO - RF Dan Beasley (homer), C Dennis Flaherty and P Jim Wright (double) each collect two hits and an RBI in a 5-2 Miami win. Wright (6 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K) earns the win, while Don Boyd (L, 6 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K) gets the loss. Charlie Wilkinson (1 IP, 1 H) redeems himself for the save. San Antonio's runs are driven in by CF Roger Seidl (3 for 4, RBI, CS) and RF Paul Goode (2 for 4, RBI). Meteors SS Wade Hudson leaves after the 3rd with a strained elbow; he is listed as day-to-day.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 7 - San Antonio 4, Miami 3 (12)

MIAMI - 1B Larry Hafner's sacrifice fly to center scores CF Roger Seidl in the 12th as San Antonio wins another squeaker, 4 to 3. After Arnold Wyatt (L, 0 IP, 1 R, 1 BB) walked Seidl to leadoff the inning, Gordon Brown (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) gave up a single to RF Paul Goode (2 for 5, thrown out stealing second) to move Seidl (2 R) to third and bring Hafner to the plate after an intentional pass to C Alexander Roundtree. Terry Bingham (W, 4 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 4 K), who averages one inning per appearance in his career, struck out the side in his fourth full inning of work to secure the win. Miami's Brian Baily (1 HR in 190 career AB) homered off Bingham in the bottom of the 9th to extend the game.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 8 - Miami 12, San Antonio 7

MIAMI - RF Dan Beasley's three-run shot caps a six-run Meteors 2nd, while 1B Chris Wayman (2 for 4, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI) and LF Bill Hamblin (3 for 3, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI) homer in a four-run 3rd as Miami evens the series with a 12-7 victory. Don Tapper (L, 0-1, 2 IP, 8 R, 7 H, 1 BB) is knocked out early, but Mike Leigh (4 2/3 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 3 K) does not last long either, so Quinn Hancock (1-0, 1 2/3 IP, 1 K) gets the win. Missions C Alexander Roundtree goes 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs in a losing effort.


Game 5 - Monday, October 9 - San Antonio 4, Miami 3

MIAMI - CF Roger Seidl (3 for 3) doubles in the tying run off Bill Hazen (L, 0-1, 2 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K) and scores the winning run on C Alexander Roundtree's single in the 7th as San Antonio comes back to beat Miami by another 4-3 score, taking a three-games-to-two lead back to Alamo Field. Don Boyd (1-1, 6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 4 K) gets the win, while Ron Peters (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) earns his first save of the series despite a two-out error by SS Dave Mikel putting the tying run on second and winning run on first.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 11 - Miami 12, San Antonio 9

SAN ANTONIO - 2B Jonathan Ralls goes 4 for 5 with two homers, four runs and three RBIs as Miami outslugs San Antonio, 12 to 9, to force the third Game 7 in the Meteors' playoff streak. SS Wade Hudson adds a 3 for 4 night with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs, while Missions 2B Eddie Chaney hits 3 for 5 with a double, triple and tater, scoring three times and driving in two. Rick Parker (1-0, 5 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) picks up the win, while reliever Bob Baker (1-1, 1 2/3 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gets the loss. Gordon Brown (SV, 1, 1/3 IP) has to bail out Charlie Wilkinson (2/3 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 2 K) with the tying run at the plate in the 9th.


Game 7 - Thursday, October 12 - San Antonio 8, Miami 4

SAN ANTONIO - Apparently, only Superman could break Miami's stranglehold on the championship, but San Antonio had just the man for the job. SS Dave "Superman" Mikel hits a three-run homer down the left field line off Mike Leigh (L, 0-2, 5 1/3 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 5 BB, 5 K) in the 6th to give the Missions their first ever CBA championship with an 8-4 victory. 1B Larry Hafner goes 2 for 4, including a three-run triple in the 1st to give San Antonio the early lead, but Miami had tied the game in the top of the 6th before Mikel's (2 for 5) blast put it out of reach. Reliever John Murphy (1-0, 1 IP, 1 BB) gets the win, while Ron Peters strikes out three in two innings of work for his second postseason save. CF Roger Seidl is named the series MVP after hitting 13 of 26 (.500) with two doubles and a tater, scoring seven runs and driving in eight.

[jmm8356]

October 14, 1967

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

CF Mike Towery (HOU) - .291, 33 HR, 104 RBI, 125 R, 126 BB, 21 2Bs, 8 3Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Ron Sewell (HOU) - 19-10, 3.80 ERA, WHIP 1.28, only 54 BBs in 232 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

2B Ryan Maynard (MEM) - .295, 6 HR, 66 RBI, 63 R, 84 BB

Western Division Manager of the Year

Harry Easterday (SAN) (4) - Won 96 games, a twenty-two game improvement, and Western pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) - .298, 28 HR, 117 RBI, 91 R, 23 2Bs, 25 SB

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Mike Leigh (MIA) (3) - 15-9, 2.89 ERA, WHIP 1.12, 190 Ks in 224 1/3 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Paul Bell (NOR) - Won 78 games, a fifteen game improvement and seven better than expectations, finished 5th in East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P James LaFleur (SAN)
C James Goudy (NSH) (3)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (3)
2B Terry Works (NWO)
3B Lane Brasfield (SAN) (3)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (4)
LF Nick Duggins (DAL)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (5)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (3)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Rick Parker (MIA)
C Henry Stout (CAR) (2)
1B Matt Seamon (CAR)
2B Jerry Saylor (JAX)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (10)
SS Douglas Dewberry (TAM) (3)
LF Mark Brown (CAR) (3)
CF Jeff Regan (MIA) (3)
RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (4)


League Leaders

Batting

.351 - Eddie Chaney (SAN)
.351 - Alexander Roundtree (SAN)
.349 - Scott Hass (NSH)
.342 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
.339 - Ken Marvel (ATL)

Homeruns

33 - Mike Towery (HOU)
30 - Paul Fisher (NSH)
30 - Curtis Kearney (NSH)
28 - Matt Alexander (JAX)
28 - Royce Kain (DAL)
28 - Jack Thomas (TAM)

RBI

119 - Ken Lennox (NOR)
117 - Matt Alexander (JAX)
116 - Matt Seamon (CAR)
114 - Richard Stark (HOU)
111 - Jim Bonds (MEM)

Doubles

37 - Jack Thomas (TAM)
37 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
35 - Matt Seamon (CAR)
35 - Richard Stark (HOU)
Three tied with 33.

Triples

14 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
13 - Bob Crane (MEM)
11 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
11 - Roy Seal (NWO)
10 - Douglas Harris (MIA)
10 - Matt Kirk (ATL)

Runs

126 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
125 - Mike Towery (HOU)
117 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
114 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
113 - Douglas Harris (MIA)

Stolen Bases

68 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
51 - Lloyd Mitchell (SAN)
49 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
49 - Dan Townley (NOR)
45 - Rick Speed (NWO)

ERA

2.66 - Bob Richardson (JAX)
2.75 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.81 - Derrick Real (TAM)
2.89 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
3.36 - Eric Tisdale (TAM)

Wins

19 - Ron Sewell (HOU)
17 - Brad Price (ATL)
16 - Terry Carroll (NOR)
15 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
15 - Loren Thomas (NOR)

Saves

33 - Charlie Wilkinson (MIA)
31 - Jack Reynolds (CAR)
31 - John Jahnke (HOU)
28 - Vince Morgan (TAM)
28 - Don Drain (NSH)

Strikeouts

214 - John McMasters (CAR)
196 - Don Boyd (SAN)
190 - Tom Gustafson (NWO)
190 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
186 - Don Downey (ATL)
186 - Bill Morgan (NSH)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1968

Offseason Recap


Three new inductees into the Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame this year:

Three-time MVP CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum retires at age 40 and becomes the second "Instant" Hall of Famer in CBA history. A six-time Slick Fielder and ten-time All-Star, Mangum hit .266 with 436 homers, 1356 RBIs, 1600 runs and 636 steals in a seventeen-year career with Carolina, Atlanta and Dallas. Rookie of the Year in 1952, "Popcorn" won his only championship with the Flyers three years later.
(17 seasons, .266, 436 HR, 1356 RBI, 1600 R, 636 SB, 3x MVP, 1952 RoY, 6x Slick, 10x All-Star, 1x champ)

Nine-time All-Star CF Malcolm Harris is inducted after a nineteen-year career with New Orleans, Atlanta and Dallas. A two-time Slick Fielder, Harris was a career .287 hitter with 273 homers and 1475 walks. Malcolm earned his only ring in 1951 with the Pelicans.
(19 seasons, .287, 273 HR, 1475 BB, 2x Slick, 9x All-Star, 1x champ)

Another nine-time All-Star, RF Gary Schneider played for Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, Tampa and Houston in his fifteen seasons. A two-time Slick Fielder, Schneider hit .305 with 187 taters, 323 doubles and 122 triples and won a ring with the Hounds in 1956.
(15 seasons, .305, 187 HR, 323 2Bs, 122 3Bs, 2x Slick, 9x All-Star, 1x champ)


A number of good "Second Look" candidate retire as well:

Three-time Hurler of the Year Wayne Moorman officially retires at age 36 after his career-ending injury last June. A five-time All-Star with six championship rings (including a Confederate Series MVP in 1965), Moorman compiled a record of 146-73 with a 3.02 ERA while never allowing more than eight homeruns in a season.
[Yes. Three HoY awards would take ridiculous numbers to negate.]

With three Slick Fielder awards and three All-Star selections, CF Rick Speed calls it quits at age 41. With one ring (1954 with Memphis) in a nineteen-year career, Speed hit .282 with 123 triples, 1529 runs and 925 steals, making Rick the all-time leader in thefts.
[Yes. The steals more than make up for the low average (2706 hits).]

Two-time Hurler of the Year Oscar Alloway retires at age 38. A seven-time All-Star in sixteen seasons with Houston, Atlanta and San Antonio, Alloway struck out 3056 batters while compiling a 198-157 record and a 3.08 ERA.
[Yes. Just two wins short of automatic.]

At age 44, 1B Kevin Pierce calls it a career after nineteen seasons, eighteen with Memphis. A nine-teen All-Star and Confederate Series MVP in 1954, Pierce won two Slick Fielder awards while hitting .291 with 235 homers, 718 doubles and 1501 RBIs.
[Yes. All-time leader in doubles by over 200.]


Norfolk fires last year's Manager of the Year, Paul Bell, after 63 and 78 wins the past two years. The Clippers pick up three-time Manager of the Year Mark Erwin...

... who was canned by New Orleans after a pair of last place finishes. The Pelicans will go with rookie Tim Valente.

No revenue sharing this year.

Carolina SP Matt Halstead (12-8, 2.75), 1964 Rookie of the Year and 1965 Hurler of the Year, gets $6.2 million in his first year of arbitration.


Free Agency Highlights

February 2 - Two-time MVP SS Wade Hudson (.301, 23 HR, 87 RBI, 105 R, 88 BB, 33 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 40 SB) leaves Miami for Dallas, getting $11.5 million for five years.

February 5 - A new twenty-million-dollar man in the CBA as Memphis signs SP Bob Richardson (13-7, 2.66, WHIP 1.21) for four years at $20.1 million.

February 11 - San Antonio re-signs SP Don Tapper (10-10, 3.58, WHIP 1.29) for three years at $8.2 million.

February 12 - Carolina picks up C Mark Johnson (.293, 9 HR, 85 RBI) at $8.9 million for four years.

February 14 - RF Curtis Kearney (.358, 30 HR, 83 RBI, 109 R, 38 SB) sets a new record for position players, signing with Norfolk for seven years at $20.4 million, while Jacksonville signs LF Bill Hamblin (.271, 11 HR, 56 RBI), formerly from Miami, to a five-year deal for $7.4 million. (Hamblin is later traded back to Miami with two minor leaguers and $2.2 million for SP Theron Jeffery (10-9, 4.83) on March 1.)

February 15 - Dallas gets SP John McMasters (12-11, 3.98, WHIP 1.32) for four years at $13.8 million, while 3B George Hecker (.312, 17 HR, 83 RBI) goes to Memphis for four years at $11.4 million.

March 1 - Norfolk sends RF Ken Hungerford (.305, 20 HR, 84 RBI) and a minor leaguer to Nashville for SP Corey Larson (3.28 in 79 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.29).

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Miami (from HOU) - SS Bill Lavine, .225 in 40 AB for Houston

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1968

Perhaps it was the short spring training before the April 1st opening day, but the CBA was plagued with severe injuries in April.

Memphis won eleven out of twelve beginning April 7 to leap out to a 3 1/2 game lead over Houston in the Western Division. The Buffaloes' trainers were busy this month, losing SP Ron Sewell (19-10, 3.80, WHIP 1.28 last year) for the year with a torn back muscle April 6. Houston then acquires SP Don Shelton (5-7 in 18 GS, 4.98 last year) from Dallas for RF Pete Deering (.364 in 121 AB last year) and a minor leaguer on April 20. Six days later, Shelton breaks his elbow, putting him on the shelf until mid-June.

The Drifters needed Deering after RF Douglas Andre (.320, 20 HR, 97 RBI last year) went down for the season with a torn rib cage April 17.

In the East, Miami leads a close division by one game over Jacksonville. Norfolk holds the cellar but is just five games out of first.

The Ospreys were hit hardest by the injury bug. In their opener April 2, closer Ken Scruggs shreds a ligament in his elbow, ending his career. Scruggs is assured Hall of Fame induction next winter after saving 435 games with a 2.99 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in his eighteen year career. Jacksonville also puts SP Bryan Smiley (14-12, 3.66) on the DL April 17 due to bone chips in his shoulder.

Some good news out of fifth-place Tampa when CF Randy Geiger gets his 2000th hit off San Antonio's Don Tapper. Geiger has hit .296 with 250 homers in his sixteen years in the league.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (MEM) - Hit .406 with 6 HR and 30 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Boyd (SAN) - Went 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .375 with 6 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jim Wright (MIA) - Went 4-1 with a 1.67 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 18 - _7 .720 -
Houston....... 14 - 10 .583 3.5
New Orleans... 12 - 14 .462 6.5
San Antonio... 11 - 13 .458 6.5
Dallas........ 11 - 15 .423 7.5
Nashville...... 9 - 17 .346 9.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 16 - 11 .593 -
Jacksonville.. 14 - 11 .560 1
Atlanta....... 13 - 12 .520 2
Carolina...... 14 - 14 .500 2.5
Tampa......... 10 - 13 .435 4
Norfolk....... 11 - 16 .407 5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1968

Memphis wins eight straight against the East beginning May 19 to stretch their Western Division lead to 8 1/2 games over Houston. Blues SS Mike Shepard collects hit #2000 off Atlanta's Mike McVicker May 7. Shepard, a career .311 hitter, has stolen 717 bases in his sixteen-year career.

In the East, it's still Miami over Atlanta, now by 1 1/2 games. Norfolk, still just 7 1/2 games back in last place, lose 2B Geoffrey Bailey (.318 last year, .198 this year) for the season when he tears his tricep on a throw May 10.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (DAL) - Hit .387 with 9 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 2 HR, 19 RBI and 27 R

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Kevin Badgett (DAL) - Went 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .377 with 6 HR and 23 RBI, 2nd straight BotM, hit 3 homers at Miami on May 30

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Roger McCaffrey (TAM) - Went 1-0 in 4 GS with a 0.00 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 35 - 18 .660 -
Houston....... 26 - 26 .500 8.5
Dallas........ 25 - 28 .472 10
New Orleans... 24 - 29 .453 11
San Antonio... 23 - 28 .451 11
Nashville..... 18 - 35 .340 17

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 31 - 22 .585 -
Atlanta....... 30 - 24 .556 1.5
Jacksonville.. 29 - 24 .547 2
Tampa......... 27 - 25 .519 3.5
Carolina...... 26 - 29 .473 6
Norfolk....... 24 - 30 .444 7.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


New Orleans (1st) - SS Alec Dew, 20 (5/10/9)
It takes $2.2 million to sign this right-handed slugger who hit .327 with 16 HR in 222 AB for Long Beach State.

Norfolk (2nd) - SP Ryan Todd, 20 (6/9/8)
With a 2.54 ERA and 148 Ks in 134 2/3 IP for Delaware, this right-hander shows real composure on the mound.

Nashville (3rd) - 2B Neil Linton, 20 (4/8/7)
A quality glove out of VMI, Linton hit .288 with 11 HR in 183 AB this year.

Jacksonville (6th) - CL Freddy Cogswell, 22 (7/8/7)
This rightie saved 16 games with 63 Ks in 53 1/3 IP for Louisiana-Monroe.

San Antonio (12th) - MR Dan Fee, 21 (5/10/9)
This rightie whiffed 55 in 51 1/3 IP with a 2.10 ERA for Texas Tech.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Carolina (232)
San Antonio (161)
New Orleans (146)
Tampa (140)
Atlanta (131)
Jacksonville (119)
Norfolk (110)
Nashville (108)
Houston (104)
Memphis (83)
Miami (65)
Dallas (56)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Little Rock (DAL) - 36-17
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 39-13
A Shreveport (DAL) - 33-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1968

Memphis is lapping a weak Western Division, winning ten of eleven starting June 4 to take a fourteen game lead over Dallas and San Antonio into the second half of the season. Blues LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (.342, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 67 R, 66 BB, 18 2Bs) is an early MVP candidate.

Houston drops from second to fourth with a 12-16 month and lose CF Mike Towery to a torn calf on June 16. Towery should return mid-July.

New Orleans sends this year's first pick overall, SS Alec Dew (.301 in 73 AB, 9 SB), to Nashville for SP Scott Paulson (4-8, 5.28, WHIP 1.46) and a minor leaguer on June 28.

The East is all tied up between Atlanta and Miami with Tampa 4 1/2 games out in third. The Meteors' closer, Charlie Wilkinson (15 SV, 2.04, WHIP 1.18) strains his elbow on June 15; he'll return after the All-Star break.

The Tomahawks are not immune to injury, either, losing SP Derrick Real (5-2, 3.73, WHIP 1.19) to a strained bicep June 30. Real is out until August.

Carolina 3B Brian Dumas (.305, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 55 BB) is out for an estimated seven weeks after he ruptures his bicep tendon on a throw June 30.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B George Hecker (MEM) - Hit .373 with 7 2Bs, 4 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Desmond Cramer (MEM) - Went 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) - Hit .354 with 7 2Bs, 5 HR, 15 RBI and 9 SB

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Leigh (MIA) - Went 4-1 with a 1.60 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 54 - 27 .667 -
Dallas........ 40 - 41 .494 14
San Antonio... 39 - 40 .494 14
Houston....... 38 - 42 .475 15.5
Nashville..... 33 - 48 .407 21
New Orleans... 31 - 50 .383 23

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 46 - 35 .568 -
Miami......... 46 - 35 .568 -
Tampa......... 41 - 39 .512 4.5
Carolina...... 41 - 41 .500 5.5
Jacksonville.. 40 - 41 .494 6
Norfolk....... 36 - 46 .439 10.5

[jmm8356]

July 9, 1968

SAN ANTONIO - Andy Thurman goes 3 for 4 with two homers and four RBIs as the Western All-Stars outslug the East, 10 to 8. Barney Sonnier and George Hecker for the West, and Curtis Kearney, Bill Basile and Martin Lynch for the East all get three hits as well. John McMasters strikes out three with just two hits in three shutout innings for the win, while Tim Lesley whiffs two in the 9th for the save. Mike Leigh (3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 K) is hung with the loss.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Don Boyd (SAN) (2) - 10-5, 2.62, WHIP 1.14

C Jim Bonds (MEM) (6) - .289, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 63 R, 67 BB

1B Mike Rector (NSH) (4) - .319, 13 HR, 47 RBI, 50 R

2B Royce Kain (DAL) (2) - .314, 18 HR, 52 RBI, 65 R, 53 BB

3B George Hecker (MEM) (2) - .336, 11 HR, 59 RBI, 26-game hitting streak snapped July 1

SS Wade Hudson (DAL) (8) - .339, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 74 R, 26 2Bs, 18 3Bs, 19 SB

LF Barney Sonnier (MEM) (8) - .329, 13 HR, 69 RBI, 69 R, 68 BB

CF Bob Crane (MEM) (2) - .329, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 65 R, 16 SB

RF Roger Seidl (SAN) (3) - .333, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 52 R, 18 2Bs

Reserves

SP Desmond Cramer (MEM) (3)
SP Elmer Sexton (DAL) (2)
SP John McMasters (DAL) (3)
SP Christian Stewart (MEM) (2)
SP Don Tapper (SAN)
SP Charlie Munford (SAN) (5)
RP Dave Regan (NWO)
RP Bruce Rafferty (NWO)
RP Tim Lesley (MEM)
C Waylon Rickert (DAL) (3)
1B Andy Thurman (MEM) (3)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU)
RF Richard Stark (HOU)
CF Paul Goode (SAN) (4)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (6)
SS Dave Mikel (SAN)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Mike Leigh (MIA) (9) - 10-5, 2.43 ERA, WHIP 1.00, 130 Ks in 137 IP

C Mark Johnson (CAR) - .323, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 44 R

1B Bill Basile (TAM) - .342, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 61 R

2B Jonathan Ralls (MIA) (5) - .252, 20 HR, 55 RBI, 51 BB

3B Jack Thomas (TAM) (7) - .317, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 59 R, 20 2Bs

SS Dan Howard (MIA) - .322, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 50 R, 16 2Bs, 5 3Bs

LF Ken Marvel (ATL) (3) - .323, 3 HR, 50 RBI, 1 E in 183 TC (.995)

CF Dennis Stoker (ATL) - .327, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 54 R, 21 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 19 SB

RF David Powell (TAM) - .322, 12 HR, 65 RBI, 51 R

Reserves

SP Otto Kemper (ATL)
SP Loren Thomas (NOR) (2)
SP Theron Jeffery (JAX) (3)
SP Danny Warfield (ATL)
SP Jim Wright (MIA) (2)
SP Don Downey (ATL)
RP Tim Duncan (CAR)
RP Dick Sawyer (NOR)
RP Jack Reynolds (CAR) (2)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (8)
1B Chris Wayman (MIA) (2)
CF Dan Townley (NOR) (2)
CF Ken Ralston (CAR) (4)
RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) (5)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (12)
3B Martin Lynch (JAX) (5)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1968

Miami holds a two game lead over Atlanta in the Eastern Division. The Flames extend C Aaron Hess (.284, 12 HR, 43 RBI) for three years at $9.4 million. Elsewhere in the East...

Tampa gives SP Eric Tisdale (5-4, 3.76, WHIP 1.20) three more years for $8.0 million.

Carolina ties up SP Matt Halstead (8-6, 2.80, WHIP 0.96) for seven more years at $8.6 million.

Memphis continues a comfortable romp of the West, now 12 1/2 games ahead of San Antonio. The Blues signs up CF Bob Crane (.347, 11 HR, 61 RBI) for four more years at $7.5 million. Elsewhere...

Dallas gives a six-year extension to SP Kevin Badgett (10-2, 2.72, WHIP 1.15) for $8.8 million.

San Antonio secures CF Paul Goode (.319, 4 HR, 56 RBI, 31 SB) for seven years at $7.0 million.

Houston extends LF Bill Burkhart (.293, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 28 SB) at $6.1 million for three years.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

C Jim "The Bull" Bonds (MEM) - Hit .345 with 5 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron McKissick (NSH) - Went 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

C Mark Johnson (CAR) - Hit .423 with 3 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Gene Arndt (CAR) - Went 4-2 with a 1.31 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 70 - 37 .654 -
San Antonio... 57 - 49 .538 12.5
Dallas........ 52 - 55 .486 18
Houston....... 48 - 59 .449 22
Nashville..... 48 - 59 .449 22
New Orleans... 42 - 65 .393 28

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 61 - 47 .565 -
Atlanta....... 59 - 49 .546 2
Tampa......... 54 - 53 .505 6.5
Carolina...... 52 - 56 .481 9
Norfolk....... 51 - 57 .472 10
Jacksonville.. 50 - 58 .463 11

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1968

Memphis' magic number is fifteen with San Antonio thirteen games back. SS Mike Shepard (.296, 70 BB, 62 SB) leads the West in steals at age 38.

In the East, Miami has a fight on their hands for their eighth straight pennant. Atlanta is leading, half a game ahead of the Meteors, with Carolina two games out and Tampa just three games behind.

The Tomahawks see good news and bad news in August. On August 5, 3B Jack Thomas doubles off Miami's Jim Wright for his 2000th hit. Thomas has hit .300 in his career with 310 homers and 399 doubles. August 18 sees reliever Al Embree (3.47 in 80 1/3 IP) go down for the year with a torn bicep.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Paul Fisher (NSH) - Hit .378 with 7 HR and 27 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Kevin Badgett (DAL) - Went 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Dave Powell (CAR) - Hit .347 with 5 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Wade Wilson (ATL) - Went 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 86 - 49 .637 -
San Antonio... 73 - 62 .541 13
Dallas........ 69 - 66 .511 17
Houston....... 64 - 71 .474 22
Nashville..... 63 - 72 .467 23
New Orleans... 48 - 67 .356 38

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 72 - 63 .533 -
Miami......... 72 - 64 .529 .5
Carolina...... 70 - 65 .519 2
Tampa......... 69 - 66 .511 3
Norfolk....... 63 - 73 .463 9.5
Jacksonville.. 62 - 73 .459 10

[jmm8356]

September 28, 1968

Miami shutout Carolina 3-0 at UTC Ballpark yesterday to pull into a tie atop the Eastern Division. The Meteors host the Flyers for two more to decide the pennant.

Elsewhere in the East, Jacksonville LF Paul Speck collected hit #2000 off Carolina's Tim Duncan on September 16. A career .284 hitter, Duncan has 257 homers, 454 steals and 1220 walks.

Memphis clinched the West September 17 with a 10-6 win over Nashville. Meanwhile, Dallas SP Charlie Smedley pitched a no-hitter at New Orleans September 6.


Western Division Standings

Memphis...... 101 - 59 .631 -
San Antonio... 88 - 72 .550 13
Dallas........ 84 - 76 .525 17
Houston....... 74 - 86 .463 27
Nashville..... 73 - 87 .456 28
New Orleans... 58 -102 .362 43

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 86 - 74 .537 - (Magic: 3)
Miami......... 86 - 74 .537 - (Magic: 3)
Tampa......... 83 - 77 .519 3
Atlanta....... 82 - 78 .512 4
Jacksonville.. 74 - 86 .463 12
Norfolk....... 71 - 89 .444 15