Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

October 11, 1968

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 2 - Carolina 7, Memphis 6 (11)

CHARLOTTE - CF Ken Ralston singles in the tying run in the bottom of the 9th, then singles in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th as Carolina wins a classic, 7 to 6. Memphis scores five in the 8th to take the lead, but Tim Lesley (2 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 2 K) gives up three hits in the 9th to send the game to extra frames. Oscar Matthews (L, 1/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H) gave up three singles also, the last being Ralston's (4 for 6, 3 RBI, SB) walkoff hit that scored 3B Brian Dumas (3 for 5, HR, 4 R) from third. Jack Reynolds (2 IP, 2 H, 2 K) gets the win, while LF Barney Sonnier hits 3 for 5 with a double and two RBIs in a losing effort.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 3 - Carolina 11, Memphis 6

CHARLOTTE - LF Glenn Pitzer homers twice off Desmond Cramer (L, 5 1/3 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K), driving in three, and 1B Matt Seamon hits a grand slam in the 7th as Carolina pounds Memphis, 11 to 6. RF John Trull adds a 3 for 4 night with two doubles, a tater, two runs and two RBIs. Bill Morgan (W, 8 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) earns the win, while Blues RF Bill Annis goes 2 for 2 with a homer and four RBIs after pinch-hitting in the 8th.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 5 - Carolina 8, Memphis 0

MEMPHIS - The Flyers will be looking for the sweep tomorrow after Tim Duncan (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K), Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) and Evan Becnel (1 IP) combine to four-hit the Blues in a 8-0 Carolina win. Carl Patterson hits 3 for 3 with a double, a run and an RBI, while John Trull (1 for 3) scores twice and drives in two for Carolina. Christian Stewart (4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K) picks up the loss.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 6 - Carolina 14, Memphis 7

MEMPHIS - C Mark Johnson goes 3 for 5 with a double and six RBIs to give Carolina its second Confederate Series sweep with a 14-7 victory. 1B Matt Seamon adds a 3 for 4 night with a double, driving in three, while Blues SS Mike Shepard hits 4 for 5 with a double, two runs and two RBIs for the losing cause. Matt Halstead (4 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 2 K) cannot go the distance on three days rest, so Gene Arndt (1-0, 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the win while Bob Richardson (0-1, 3 IP, 9 R, 7 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 1 K) gets the loss. Johnson wins the series' MVP award after hitting 8 of 18 (.444) with two doubles, a triple, four runs and eight RBIs.

[jmm8356]

October 12, 1968

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (MEM) - .342, 29 HR, 110 RBI, 133 R, 131 BB, 25 2Bs, 24 SB

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Kevin Badgett (DAL) - 20-3, 2.35 ERA, WHIP 1.09

Western Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Western Division Manager of the Year

Ray Blanton (MEM) (6) - Won 102 games, a fifteen game improvement, and Western pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) (3) - .302, 29 HR, 115 RBI, 99 R, 33 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Mike Leigh (MIA) (4) - 17-11, 3.02 ERA, WHIP 1.08, 217 Ks in 241 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Curtis Flowers (MIA) (2) - Won 86 games, exceeding expectations by six, finished 2nd in East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Mike Ward (NWO)
C Jason Troutt (HOU)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (4)
2B Elliott Suggs (NSH) (2)
3B Tom Perreault (HOU)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (5)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (3)
CF Henry Pate (DAL)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (4)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Roger Coomes (CAR)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (5)
1B Matt Seamon (CAR) (2)
2B Paul Ward (ATL)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (11)
SS Jeff Buchanan (NOR) (3)
LF Paul Speck (JAX)
CF Dan Townley (NOR)
RF Jack Thomlinson (JAX)


League Leaders

Batting

.351 - Bob Crane (MEM)
.344 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
.342 - Barney Sonnier (MEM)
.339 - Alexander Roundtree (SAN)
.339 - Mark Johnson (CAR)

Homeruns

33 - Royce Kain (DAL)
32 - Curtis Kearney (NOR)
29 - David Powell (TAM)
29 - Jonathan Ralls (MIA)
29 - Barney Sonnier (MEM)
29 - Jack Thomas (TAM)

RBI

130 - Jim Bonds (MEM)
129 - Andy Thurman (MEM)
125 - Richard Stark (HOU)
115 - Jack Thomas (TAM)
114 - George Hecker (MEM)

Doubles

51 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
34 - Dennis Stoker (ATL)
33 - Jack Thomas (TAM)
31 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
30 - Bill Basile (TAM)
30 - Lloyd Mitchell (SAN)

Triples

24 - Wade Hudson (DAL) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
15 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
15 - Matt Kirk (ATL)
12 - Dennis Stoker (ATL)
10 - Jack Tomlinson (JAX)
10 - Dave Mikel (SAN)

Runs

135 - Mike Shepard (MEM) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
133 - Barney Sonnier (MEM)
128 - Bob Crane (MEM)
122 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
122 - Royce Kain (DAL)

Stolen Bases

83 - Dan Townley (NOR) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
73 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
49 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
45 - Paul Goode (SAN)
41 - Paul Speck (JAX)

ERA

2.35 - Kevin Badgett (DAL)
2.71 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.81 - Don Tapper (SAN)
2.97 - George Russell (NSH)
3.02 - John McMasters (DAL)

Wins

20 - Kevin Badgett (DAL)
17 - Don Tapper (SAN)
17 - John McMasters (DAL)
17 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
15 - Tim Duncan (CAR)
15 - Matt Halstead (CAR)

Saves

38 - Dick Sawyer (NOR)
35 - Tim Lesley (MEM)
33 - Jack Reynolds (CAR)
31 - Archie Kays (DAL)
28 - Charlie Wilkison (MIA)

Strikeouts

255 - Bill Morgan (CAR)
240 - Don Downey (ATL)
217 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
208 - John McMasters (DAL)
193 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1969

Offseason Recap


The Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame's Class of 1969 is six strong:

Six-time All-Star closer Ken Scruggs officially retires at age 39, becoming the first reliever in the Hall of Fame as an "Instant" induction. In eighteen seasons with Miami, Atlanta, Memphis and Jacksonville, Scruggs saved a record 435 games with an ERA of 2.99, WHIP of 1.17 and won-loss record of 92-71.
(18 seasons, 92-71, 435 SV, 2.99, WHIP 1.17, 6x All-Star)

Eight-time All-Star 3B Charlie McCay calls it quits at age 45 to become another "Instant" Hall of Famer. A three-time Slick Fielder with two championship rings, McCay hit .315 and scored 1236 runs in a nineteen-year career, including 15 1/2 seasons in Memphis.
(19 seasons, .315, 57 HR, 285 2B, 1236 R, 3x Slick, 8x All-Star, 2x champ)

Two-time Hurler of the Year Oscar Alloway goes in the Hall after sixteen seasons with Houston, Atlanta and San Antonio. A seven-time All-Star, Alloway struck out 3056 hitters while compiling a record of 198-157 with a 3.08 ERA.
(16 seasons, 198-157, 3.08, 3056 Ks, 2x HoY, 7x All-Star)

Three-time Slick Fielder CF Rick Speed enters the Hall as the all-time steals leader with 925 swipes. A three-time All-Star, Speed hit .282 with 383 doubles and 123 triples in his nineteen seasons with Memphis, Jacksonville, Carolina, Tampa and New Orleans.
(19 seasons, .282, 64 HR, 383 2B, 123 3B, 925 SB, 3x Slick, 3x All-Star)

Three-time Hurler of the Year and 1965 Confederate Series MVP Wayne Moorman gave up just 44 homers in 2047 2/3 career innings. A five-time All-Star with six championships, Moorman was 146-73 with a 3.02 ERA in eleven seasons with Miami.
(11 seasons, 146-73, 3.02, 3x HoY, 1x CS MVP, 5x All-Star, 6x champ)

1954 Confederate Series MVP 1B Kevin Pierce goes to the Hall as the all-time doubles leader with 718 two-baggers. A two-time Slick Fielder and nine-time All-Star, Pierce hit .291 with 235 taters and 1501 RBIs in his nineteen years, all but one with Memphis.
(19 seasons, .291, 235 HR, 1501 RBI, 718 2B, 1x CS MVP, 2x Slick, 9x All-Star, 1x champ)


A trio of starters will get "Second Look" consideration next year:

Four-time Hurler of the Year Mike Leigh calls it a career at age 37. A nine-time All-Star with four championships, Leigh has the second best WHIP (1.09) all-time along with a 161-97 record and a 2.96 ERA in his fourteen seasons, eleven with Miami.
[Yes. Four Hurlers? Enough said.]

1956 Confederate Series MVP Paul Hill retires at age 39 after seventeen seasons, thirteen with Nashville. A seven-time All-Star, Hill walked just 628 batters in 3211 2/3 career innings, along with a 187-156 record and 3.46 ERA.
[I'm leaning towards 'No'. Just one Hurler of the Year season short, IMO.]

Five-time All-Star Al Hoke hangs up his glove at age 39 with two championship rings and a Slick Fielder award. Hoke was 166-106 with a 3.63 ERA in sixteen seasons with New Orleans, Jacksonville, Houston, Dallas and Memphis.
[No. About three good years short.]


Five-time Manager of the Year Steve Hamilton retires after twenty-one years at the helm in Dallas, including four pennants and a championship in 1953. The Drifters' new skipper is rookie Douglas MacFarlane.

New Orleans lets Tim Valente go after 103 losses last year and signs newcomer Paul Thomas.

No revenue sharing this year.

No arbitration awards over $5 million this time around.


Free Agency Highlights

February 7 - C Jim Bonds (.315, 28 HR, 130 RBI, 114 R, 115 BB) leaves Memphis for a four-year deal at $13.6 million from Houston.

February 12 - Nashville gives RF Dale Francis (.243, 8 HR, 58 RBI, 25 2Bs) $6.8 million for three years.

February 15 - Miami gets LF Nick Duggins (.292, 10 HR, 77 RBI, 103 R, 103 BB, 26 SB) for four years at $13.9 million, while SS Ed Rooker (.283 in 180 AB) joins the seventh team of his career, signing for three years with Norfolk at $8.5 million.

February 16 - Defending champion Carolina loses CF Ken Ralston (.307, 116 R, 20 2Bs, 38 SB) to Nashville for three years at $15.7 million.

February 20 - Jacksonville re-signs 3B Martin Lynch (.298, 10 HR, 71 RBI, 129 BB) to a four-year deal for $8.9 million.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Miami (from MEM) - SS Martin Sansone, .288 in 295 AB at single-A Jackson, .240 in 208 AB for AA Augusta

Carolina (from NWO) - SS John Sander, .297, 17 HR, 68 RBI, 32 2Bs for AA Macon

[Jestor]

Can I suggest a Managers' section for the Hall of Fame? I think Flowers and Jorgenson would definitely qualify, or at least deserve strong consideration for that wing

[jmm8356]

Originally Posted by Jestor

Can I suggest a Managers' section for the Hall of Fame? I think Flowers and Jorgenson would definitely qualify, or at least deserve strong consideration for that wing

Just as soon as Jeff adds that feature to Catobase, absolutely.

Otherwise, it would just exist in my mind... well, more so than it does now...

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1969

San Antonio wins their first eight games of the year to take a one game lead over Dallas in the Western Division. The Missions annihilate the Buffaloes at Entergy Park in Houston, 27 to 0, on April 19.

In the East, Tampa and Carolina are tied for the top spot with Atlanta 2 1/2 games back in third. The Flames will be without SS Jeff Helwig (.309, 79 BB last year) until mid-June after he tears his quad April 25.

Elsewhere in the East, Miami loses CF Mark Elkin (.332, 103 R, 29 2Bs, 9 3Bs, 29 SB last year) for the season when he tears his ACL on April 26.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (DAL) - Hit .370 with 8 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

John McMasters (DAL) - Went 4-0 with a 1.11 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .383 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Matt Halstead (CAR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.07 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 14 - _7 .667 -
Dallas........ 13 - _8 .619 1
New Orleans... 10 - 11 .476 4
Houston........ 9 - 10 .474 4
Memphis........ 9 - 11 .450 4.5
Nashville...... 6 - 13 .316 7

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 12 - _6 .667 -
Tampa......... 14 - _8 .636 -
Atlanta....... 10 - _9 .526 2.5
Miami......... 11 - 12 .478 3.5
Jacksonville... 8 - 13 .381 5.5
Norfolk........ 7 - 15 .318 7

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1969

Defending champion Carolina takes a three game lead over Tampa in the Eastern Division. All the Flyers starters have ERAs under four.

Out West, San Antonio still leads Dallas, now by two games. Missions closer Bob Baker (2-2, 14 SV, 1.75, WHIP 1.01) did not allow a run until May 17.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

C Jim "The Bull" Bonds (HOU) - Hit .412 with 5 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

James LaFleur (HOU) - Went 5-0 with a 1.76 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MIA) - Hit .347 with 7 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bill Morgan (CAR) - Went 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA, missed two weeks with pulled ligament in his elbow


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 30 - 17 .638 -
Dallas........ 28 - 19 .596 2
Houston....... 23 - 23 .500 6.5
Memphis....... 23 - 24 .489 7
New Orleans... 22 - 25 .468 8
Nashville..... 16 - 30 .348 13.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 28 - 18 .609 -
Tampa......... 26 - 22 .542 3
Atlanta....... 24 - 24 .500 5
Miami......... 22 - 27 .449 7.5
Norfolk....... 21 - 27 .438 8
Jacksonville.. 20 - 27 .426 8.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


New Orleans (1st) - C Bob Tasker, 19 (7/8/10)
Hitting .586 with 6 HR in 50 AB at Apponequet HS (Massachusetts), this young backstop signs for nearly $3 million. Durability is a concern for this prospect.

Norfolk (2nd) - 2B Dave Kessel, 18 (7/8/10)
A history of injuries doesn't stop this right-handed slugger from getting a $3.1 million signing bonus after hitting .552 with 9 HR in 99 AB for Wichita South HS (Kansas).

Nashville (3rd) - LF Elliot Carr, 22 (7/9/9)
It takes just $1.4 million to sign this Ball State Cardinal who hit .326 with 10 HR in 162 AB this year.

Houston (4th) - SP Larry Davies, 21 (9/7/5)
With 160 Ks in 115 IP with a 2.03 ERA for Clemson, this rightie signs for $1.2 million despite injury problems in the past.

Dallas (9th) - SP Ed Urquhart, 23 (5/10/8)
Out of Appalachian State, this right-hander had a 3.21 ERA and 101 Ks in 112 IP this season.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Nashville (171)
New Orleans (158)
Norfolk (152)
San Antonio (151)
Jacksonville (147)
Tampa (138)
Atlanta (122)
Memphis (104)
Houston (101)
Carolina (96)
Miami (78)
Dallas (37)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Baton Rouge (HOU) - 30-16
AA Pensacola (SAN) - 30-17
A Lake Charles (HOU) - 29-17

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1969

Tampa has won seventeen of their last nineteen to leap out to a seven game lead over Atlanta in the Eastern Division. Carolina falls to third after losing five of their last six. The Flyers are without SP Keith Becker (4-3, 4.06, WHIP 1.21) until late July after he tore his tricep on June 14.

Out West, San Antonio drops six straight, including three at Dallas, starting June 11, to fall a game behind the Drifters for the top spot. Elsewhere...

Houston 1B Steven Wells gets his 2000th hit off Nashville's Elmer Sexton on June 7. Wells has hit .302 in his career with 127 homers and 261 doubles.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Rudy "Godzilla" Carr (HOU) - Hit .448 with 7 2Bs, 3 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Kevin Badgett (DAL) - Went 4-1 with a 1.26 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Douglas Dewberry (TAM) - Hit .354 with 8 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tim Duncan (CAR) - Went 3-2 with a 1.43 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 44 - 31 .587 -
San Antonio... 43 - 32 .573 1
Houston....... 38 - 35 .521 5
New Orleans... 38 - 37 .507 6
Memphis....... 34 - 41 .453 10
Nashville..... 29 - 45 .392 14.5

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 46 - 29 .613 -
Atlanta....... 39 - 36 .520 7
Carolina...... 38 - 36 .514 7.5
Miami......... 37 - 39 .487 9.5
Norfolk....... 34 - 42 .447 12.5
Jacksonville.. 29 - 46 .387 17

[jmm8356]

July 15, 1969

DALLAS - Jim Bonds (2 for 4) hits a two-run shot off Harrison Lee in the 6th to put the Western All-Stars over the East, 3-2. Howard Kubik (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) gets the win, while Douglas Andre goes 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP John McMasters (DAL) (4) - 11-1, 2.62 ERA, WHIP 1.11

C Jim Bonds (HOU) (7) - .331, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 53 R, 55 BB

1B Roy Seal (NWO) (8) - .356, 12 HR, 64 RBI, 16 2Bs

2B Royce Kain (DAL) (3) - .282, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 62 R, 61 BB

3B Scott Hass (NSH) (2) - .313, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 52 R, 66 BB

SS Mike Shepard (MEM) (7) - .328, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 34 SB

LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (2) - .268, 18 HR, 59 RBI, 66 R, 22 SB

CF Paul Goode (SAN) (5) - .317, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 48 R, 19 SB

RF Douglas Andre (DAL) (2) - .346, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 50 R, 55 BB

Reserves

SP James LaFleur (HOU)
SP Howard Kubik (NWO)
SP Don Boyd (SAN) (3)
SP Don Tapper (SAN) (2)
SP Patrick Deck (NWO) (2)
SP George Russell (NSH) (3)
RP Dave Regan (NWO) (2)
RP Bruce Rafferty (NWO) (2)
RP Jack Reynolds (DAL) (3)
C Alexander Roundtree (SAN) (2)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (3)
RF Dale Francis (NSH)
RF Roger Seidl (SAN) (4)
CF Dave Vigue (NWO) (2)
SS Wade Hudson (DAL) (9)
2B Ryan Maynard (MEM)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Eric Tisdale (TAM) (4) - 10-5, 3.71 ERA, WHIP 1.22

C Mark Johnson (CAR) (2) - .310, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 3 E in 461 TC (.993)

1B Bill Basile (TAM) (2) - .357, 1 HR, 40 RBI, 19 2Bs, 5 3Bs

2B Jonathan Ralls (MIA) (6) - .286, 18 HR, 58 RBI, 47 R, 54 BB

3B Jack Thomas (TAM) (8) - .311, 14 HR, 64 RBI, 54 R

SS Douglas Dewberry (TAM) (2) - .319, 18 HR, 52 RBI, 64 R

LF Ken Marvel (ATL) (4) - .406, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 50 R

CF John Page (TAM) - .302, 1 HR, 25 RBI, 55 R, 48 BB, 27 SB

RF Dan Beasley (MIA) - .304, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 1 E in 180 TC (.994)

Reserves

SP Derrick Real (TAM)
SP Harrison Lee (MIA)
SP Matt Halstead (CAR)
SP Otto Kemper (ATL) (2)
SP Tim Duncan (JAX) (2)
SP Don Downey (ATL) (2)
RP George Swanner (TAM)
RP Dick Sawyer (NOR) (2)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (MIA) (9)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (9)
1B Clark Fetters (ATL)
LF Paul Speck (JAX) (8)
RF David Powell (TAM) (2)
RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) (6)
SS Dave Powell (CAR) (5)
2B Carl Patterson (CAR) (3)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1969

Dallas still holds a two game lead over San Antonio in the West. Drifters SP Kevin Badgett (10-5, 2.86, WHIP 1.24) missed the All-Star Game after tearing his tricep July 3, but he should be back by this weekend.

The second-place Missions acquire closer Tim Lesley (3-4, 17 SV, 2.59, WHIP 1.23) on July 15 from Memphis for SP Don Shelton (8-6, 2.94, WHIP 1.23). The Blues later send Shelton to Norfolk for SP Ryan Todd (5-5, 3.06) on July 30.

In the East, Tampa continues to lead, eight games ahead of Atlanta and 8 1/2 games clear of Carolina. Tomahawks SP Derrick Real (9-5, 3.07, WHIP 1.28) is hit by a line drive July 28, breaking his finger; he'll be out until September. On July 30, Tampa sends SP/RP Carl Martin (5-4 in 5 GS, 1 SV, 3.44, WHIP 1.17) to Nashville for 2B Elliott Suggs (.323, 4 HR, 43 RBI) and $1.1 million.

The defending champions in Carolina have an eventful month. First, the Flyers acquire CF Matt Alexander (.327, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 60 R) from Jacksonville for SP Tim Duncan (6-6, 3.34) on July 15. Six days later, Alexander is hit by Memphis' Paul Bailey, breaking his finger to put him out until late August. July 23 sees C Mark Johnson (.304, 6 HR, 34 RBI) go on the DL with a pulled calf; he'll also be out until late August. Finally, the Flyers extend SP Roger Coomes (4-10, 3.24, WHIP 1.01) for four years at $6.2 million and SS Dave Powell (.333, 13 HR, 55 RBI) for three years at $7.0 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Roger Seidl (SAN) - Hit .361 with 7 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 2 HR and 14 RBI, had 20-game hitting streak snapped on July 26

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Richard Bays (NWO) - Went 3-0 with a 1.63 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Dave Powell (CAR) - Hit .391 with 6 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Martin Wright (CAR) - Went 5-1 with a 2.51 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 62 - 39 .614 -
San Antonio... 60 - 41 .594 2
Houston....... 57 - 43 .570 4.5
New Orleans... 52 - 49 .515 10
Memphis....... 46 - 55 .455 16
Nashville..... 42 - 59 .416 20

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 60 - 42 .588 -
Atlanta....... 52 - 50 .510 8
Carolina...... 51 - 50 .505 8.5
Miami......... 45 - 57 .441 15
Norfolk....... 41 - 61 .402 19
Jacksonville.. 40 - 62 .392 20

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1969

Tampa wins eight straight starting August 4 to stretch their Western Division lead out to fourteen games over Carolina. Tomahawks LF John Page smacks six hits at Nashville in a twelve-inning affair August 31.

Elsewhere in the East, Atlanta 1B Clark Fetters hits the first cycle in nearly two years against Dallas, also on August 31.

Things are very tight in the West, with Dallas just one game ahead of San Antonio and Houston lurking 2 1/2 behind. The Drifters have six games remaining with the Missions, including a three game set at Mercury Field in Dallas to end the season.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (DAL) - Hit .371 with 12 2Bs, 4 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

George Russell (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Bill Basile (TAM) - Hit .379 with 9 2Bs, 3 HR and 17 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tim Duncan (JAX) - Went 5-0 with a 1.38 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 76 - 54 .585 -
San Antonio... 75 - 55 .577 1
Houston....... 73 - 56 .566 2.5
New Orleans... 64 - 66 .492 12
Memphis....... 59 - 71 .454 17
Nashville..... 58 - 72 .446 18

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 77 - 53 .592 -
Carolina...... 63 - 67 .485 14
Miami......... 61 - 69 .469 16
Atlanta....... 60 - 70 .462 17
Jacksonville.. 59 - 71 .454 18
Norfolk....... 55 - 76 .420 22.5

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1969

Dallas shut out San Antonio, 4 to 0, yesterday to pull back into a tie atop the Western Division. The Drifters host the Missions for two more to settle things.

In the East, Tampa clinched the pennant with a 2-1 win in ten innings at Atlanta September 21. Elsewhere...

Norfolk C Scott Harrison gets six hits in a 27-7 pounding of Jacksonville on September 14.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

C Jim "The Bull" Bonds (HOU) - Hit .356 with 8 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Elmer Sexton (NSH) - Went 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA, just 4 BBs in 39 1/3 IP

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Gordon Baldwin (NOR) - Hit .388 with 8 2Bs, 3 HR and 25 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Wade Wilson (ATL) - Went 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 94 - 66 .588 - (Magic: 3)
San Antonio... 94 - 66 .588 - (Magic: 3)
Houston....... 86 - 74 .537 8
Memphis....... 80 - 80 .500 14
Nashville..... 72 - 88 .450 22
New Orleans... 71 - 89 .444 23

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 92 - 68 .575 -
Atlanta....... 77 - 83 .481 15
Carolina...... 77 - 83 .481 15
Miami......... 74 - 86 .463 18
Jacksonville.. 73 - 87 .456 19
Norfolk....... 70 - 90 .438 22

[jmm8356]

October 5, 1969

San Antonio 9, Dallas 6

DALLAS - LF Roger Seidl's two-run triple off Kevin Jackman (1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) caps a seven-run 9th as San Antonio comes back to beat Dallas, 9 to 6. Jack Reynolds (5-6, 2/3 IP, 6 R, 4 H, 1 BB) gets the loss after giving up four singles, a walk and a hit-by-pitch to give the Missions the lead. SS Dave Mikel goes 3 for 3 with a double and a triple but leaves the game with a pulled Achilles; he goes on the DL after the game, lost for the rest of the year. Raymond Melton (5-5) whiffs one in the 8th and gets the win, while Drifters 1B Kevin Riles gets a double, a homer, two runs and two RBIs for the losing cause.


October 6, 1969

San Antonio 10, Dallas 8

DALLAS - CF Paul Goode hits 4 for 5 with a double, a tater and eight RBIs to give San Antonio their third pennant in five years with a 10-8 victory. Kevin Badgett (15-8, 4 1/3 IP, 6 R, 11 H, 3 K) gets the loss as every Missions position player gets at least one hit. Don Tapper (16-5, 5 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the win, while Tim Lesley (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gets his 30th save.


Final Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 96 - 66 .593 -
Dallas........ 94 - 68 .580 2
Houston....... 86 - 76 .531 10
Memphis....... 81 - 81 .500 15
Nashville..... 74 - 88 .457 22
New Orleans... 72 - 90 .444 24

Final Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 93 - 69 .574 -
Carolina...... 78 - 84 .481 15
Atlanta....... 77 - 85 .475 16
Jacksonville.. 75 - 87 .463 18
Miami......... 75 - 87 .463 18
Norfolk....... 71 - 91 .438 22

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1969

Confederate Series Preview


The San Antonio Missions are gunning for their second CBA title in three years under four-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday. San Antonio has homefield advantage after posting a 46-35 mark at Alamo Field this year.

Missions' pitchers were tops in the league in both ERA (3.58) and runs allowed (647). Don Tapper (16-5, 2.27, WHIP 0.97, 28 BBs in 230 IP) is in the running for Hurler of the Year, while Bob Findlay (12-5 in 17 GS, 1 SV, 3.08) was in the bullpen until July. Don Boyd (15-9, 3.35, WHIP 1.09, OAVG .200) rounds out the rotation, and closer Tim Lesley (4-5, 30 SV, 2.62, WHIP 1.24) has just one loss since being acquired at the All-Star break.

San Antonio ranked second in batting (.269) and scoring (804) this season. RF Roger Seidl (.370, 14 HR, 80 RBI, 103 R, 26 2Bs, 15 3Bs) flirted with .400 in late August, while C Alexander Roundtree (.333, 14 HR, 104 RBI, 21 2Bs) and CF Paul Goode (.298, 13 HR, 83 RBI, 96 R, 21 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 34 SB) are also key contributors. However, the Missions will miss SS Dave "Superman" Mikel (.240, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 106 BB, 20 2Bs, 34 SB) on the basepaths.


The Tampa Tomahawks are in just their second Confederate Series, looking for their first ever championship after losing in seven games to Dallas in 1953. Led by third-year manager Charlie Taylor, the Tomahawks won seven of their twelve games with the Missions this season.

Tampa ranked fourth in ERA (4.02) and third-best in runs allowed (712). Eric Tisdale (16-7, 3.39, WHIP 1.14) is in his first postseason at age 37; Derrick Real (12-6 in 28 GS, 2.85, WHIP 1.28, OAVG .206) and Glen Frick (6-8 in 27 GS, 4.07) both missed time with injuries this year. Closer Vince Morgan (3-4, 26 SV, 4.68) has a 1.71 WHIP the past two months.

The Tomahawks' .270 batting average paced the CBA, but the team ranked just fourth in scoring (786). 1B Bill Basile (.358, 9 HR, 82 RBI, 35 2Bs, 8 3Bs), 3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (.314, 19 HR, 103 RBI, 89 R, 31 2Bs) and SS Douglas Dewberry (.297, 21 HR, 85 RBI, 105 R, 24 2Bs) form the heart of Tampa's order. LF John Page (.295, 3 HR, 52 RBI, 85 R, 16 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 48 SB) and CF David Powell (.274, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 88 R, 99 BB, 25 SB) provide the speed, though Powell is struggling with a sore back.

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1969

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 8 - San Antonio 4, Tampa 1

SAN ANTONIO - Bruce Storer's pinch-hit two-run tater in the 7th makes the difference as San Antonio beats Tampa, 4 to 1. RF Paul LaFontaine (2 for 5) also homers off Eric Tisdale (L, 7 IP, 3 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 5 K) in the 7th. Don Boyd (7 IP, 1 R< 6 H, 5 BB, 3 K) gets the win, while Tim Lesley (1 IP, 2 BB, 1 K) walks the tying run to the plate before finishing off the save.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 9 - Tampa 9, San Antonio 4

SAN ANTONIO - RF John Hoyle's solo shot off Terry Bingham (L, 1 IP, 4 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K) starts a five-run Tomahawks 6th as Tampa beats San Antonio, 9 to 4. 3B Jack Thomas (3 for 5, 2B, 3 RBI) and 1B Bill Basile both hit two-run singles off Dan Fee (2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB) in Tampa's big inning. Derrick Real (4 2/3 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 5 BB, 3 K) gets the early hook, so Kevin Bonar gets the win for finishing the 5th.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 11 - San Antonio 7, Tampa 4 (11)

TAMPA - Al Embree (L, 1 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB) walks in two runs with the bases loaded in the 11th to give San Antonio the 7-4 win. Tim Lesley (2 IP, 3 K) gets the win, and Raymond Melton (1 IP, 1 K) gets the save.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 12 - San Antonio 4, Tampa 3

TAMPA - 2B Eddie Chaney (2 for 3, 2 RBI) doubles in the winning run off Eric Tisdale (L, 0-2, 7 1/3 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 2 K) as San Antonio hangs on to win, 4-3, taking a three-games-to-one lead in the series. Don Boyd (2-0, 7 1/3 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K) earns the win, but Dan Fee (1/3 IP) and Bob Baker (SV, 2/3 IP) have to rescue Tim Lesley (0 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 3 BB) after he walks in a run in the 9th.


Game 5 - Monday, October 13 - San Antonio 2, Tampa 1

TAMPA - CF David Powell's throw to third ends up in the dugout, scoring RF Paul LaFontaine with the game winner in the top of the 9th and giving San Antonio their second championship in three years with a 2-1 victory. LaFontaine singled and stole second off Vince Morgan (L, 2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 3 BB) to start the inning. Don Tapper (7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) and Derrick Real (6 1/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 K) both threw well, but Raymond Melton strikes out the side in the 8th for the win; Bob Baker (SV, 2, 1 IP) gets Powell to pop out to end the series. Don Boyd wins the series' MVP award, winning both his starts with a 1.26 ERA and striking out ten.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1969

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

1B Roy Seal (NWO) (2) - .347, 19 HR, 99 RBI, 88 R, 29 2Bs, 13 SB

Western Division Hurler of the Year

John McMasters (DAL) - 21-6, 2.84 ERA, WHIP 1.16, 204 Ks in 250 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

2B Rudy "Godzilla" Carr (HOU) - .308 in 416 AB, 11 HR, 82 RBI, 68 BB, 21 2Bs

Western Division Manager of the Year

Douglas MacFarlane (DAL) - Won 94 games, an eight game improvement, finished 2nd in West


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) (4) - .314, 19 HR, 103 RBI, 89 R, 31 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Don Shelton (NOR) - 16-8, 1 SV, 2.94 ERA, WHIP 1.20

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

C Mike Weber (CAR) - .237 in 371 AB, 16 HR, 68 RBI, 15 2Bs, 6 3Bs

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Charlie Taylor (TAM) - Won 93 games, a nine game improvement, and Eastern pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Mike Ward (NWO) (2)
C Jason Troutt (MEM) (2)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (5)
2B Ryan Maynard (MEM)
3B Scott Hass (NSH)
SS Wade Hudson (DAL) (3)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (4)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (6)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (5)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Harrison Lee (NOR)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (6)
1B Clark Fetters (ATL)
2B Jonathan Ralls (MIA) (2)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (12)
SS Dan Howard (MIA)
LF John Page (TAM)
CF David Powell (TAM)
RF Dan Beasley (MIA)


League Leaders

Batting

.371 - Ken Marvel (ATL)
.370 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
.358 - Bill Basile (TAM)
.347 - Roy Seal (NWO)
.342 - Mike Shepard (MEM)

Homeruns

33 - Jonathan Ralls (MIA)
31 - Kevin Riles (DAL)
29 - Mike Towery (HOU)
28 - Scott Hass (NSH)
28 - Curtis Kearney (NOR)

RBI

110 - Douglas Andre (DAL)
109 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
105 - Jonathan Ralls (MIA)
104 - Alexander Roundtree (SAN)
104 - Jim Bonds (HOU)

Doubles

42 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
38 - Gordon Baldwin (NOR)
35 - Bill Basile (TAM)
34 - Dave Vigue (NWO)
31 - Dale Francis (NSH)
31 - Jack Thomas (TAM)

Triples

15 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
12 - Henry Pate (DAL)
10 - Bob Crane (MEM)
9 - Dave Vigue (NWO)
9 - John Hoyle (TAM)

Runs

117 - Royce Kain (DAL)
115 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
112 - Kevin Riles (DAL)
110 - Steven Wells (HOU)
106 - Jim Bonds (HOU)

Stolen Bases

65 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
59 - Dan Townley (NOR)
48 - John Page (TAM)
45 - Douglas Harris (MIA)
44 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)

ERA

2.27 - Don Tapper (SAN)
2.84 - John McMasters (DAL)
2.94 - Don Shelton (NOR)
2.99 - Kevin Badgett (DAL)
3.17 - Matt Halstead (CAR)

Wins

21 - John McMasters (DAL)
17 - James LaFleur (HOU)
16 - Don Tapper (SAN)
16 - George Russell (NSH)
16 - Eric Tisdale (TAM)
16 - Don Shelton (NOR)

Saves

34 - Charlie Wilkinson (MIA)
32 - Jack Reynolds (DAL)
30 - Tim Lesley (SAN)
26 - Vince Morgan (TAM)
26 - Dick Sawyer (NOR)

Strikeouts

257 - Don Downey (ATL)
221 - Desmond Cramer (MEM)
204 - John McMasters (DAL)
184 - Jay Williams (SAN)
184 - Scott Paulson (NWO)

[jmm8356]

January 1, 1970

Since we're entering a new decade, I thought this would be a good opportunity to take a look at the league's history as a whole.


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 1895 - 1669 .532 Pennants: 5 / Titles: 1
Dallas........ 1874 - 1692 .526 Pennants: 4 / Titles: 1
San Antonio... 1797 - 1767 .504 Pennants: 4 / Titles: 2
New Orleans... 1755 - 1812 .492 Pennants: 5 / Titles: 4
Nashville..... 1754 - 1814 .492 Pennants: 4 / Titles: 1
Houston....... 1637 - 1928 .459 Pennants: 0 / Titles: 0

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 1879 - 1685 .527 Pennants: 7 / Titles: 6
Carolina...... 1804 - 1762 .506 Pennants: 2 / Titles: 2
Atlanta....... 1794 - 1770 .503 Pennants: 3 / Titles: 1
Jacksonville.. 1789 - 1776 .502 Pennants: 2 / Titles: 1
Norfolk....... 1738 - 1827 .488 Pennants: 6 / Titles: 3
Tampa......... 1676 - 1688 .470 Pennants: 2 / TItles: 0


Single-Season Records

Batting Average: .385 - Charlie McCay, 1957 (MEM)
Homeruns: 44 - Brian Dumas, 1959 (CAR)
RBIs: 145 - Jack Thomas, 1965 (NSH)
Doubles: 60 - Kevin Pierce, 1954 (MEM)
Triples: 24 - Wade Hudson, 1968 (DAL)
Runs: 135 - Mike Shepard, 1968 (MEM)
Stolen Bases: 83 - Mike Shepard, 1962 (MEM) and Dan Townley, 1968 (NOR)
ERA: 1.80 - Wayne Moorman, 1963 (MIA)
Wins: 23 - Wayne Moorman, 1963 (MIA)
Saves: 50 - four players
Strikeouts: 275 - Charlie Munford, 1963 (SAN)


All-Time Leaders

Batting Average: .334 - Stephen Delisle
Homeruns: 436 - Brian Dumas and Bob Mangum
RBIs: 1839 - Stephen Delisle
Doubles: 718 - Kevin Pierce
Triples: 143 - Wade Hudson
Runs: 1794 - Stephen Delisle
Stolen Bases: 925 - Rick Speed
ERA: 2.63 - Charlie Wilkinson
Wins: 231 - Bryan Smiley
Saves: 435 - Ken Scruggs
Strikeouts: 3604 - Barney Maloy


Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame

Batters

Nick Bacon (TAM)
.303, 2242 H, 206 HR, 1068 RBI

Jerry Carroll (DAL)
.283, 2030 H, 331 HR, 1220 RBI

Brian Gray (MIA)
.298, 2089 H, 264 HR, 1088 RBI, 1257 BB

Malcolm Harris (NWO)
.287, 2424 H, 273 HR, 1182 RBI, 1475 BB

Scott Heyer (NOR)
.301, 2258 H, 283 HR, 1181 RBI, 1358 BB, 360 SB

Bob Mangum (ATL)
.266, 2122 H, 436 HR, 1356 RBI, 1600 R, 1320 BB, 109 3Bs, 636 SB

Charlie McCay (MEM)
.315, 2776 H, 57 HR, 1001 RBI

Travis O'Connell (ATL)
.308, 2369 H, 215 HR, 1214 RBI, 1176 BB

Kevin Pierce (MEM)
.291, 2596 H, 235 HR, 1501 RBI, 718 2Bs

Tim Ryan (JAX)
.248, 1823 H, 335 HR, 1140 RBI, 600 SB

Gary Schneider (TAM)
.305, 2296 H, 187 HR, 1048 RBI, 122 3Bs

Rick Speed (MEM)
.282, 2706 H, 64 HR, 821 RBI, 1529 R, 1304 BB, 123 3Bs, 925 SB

Pitchers

Oscar Alloway (HOU)
198 - 157, 3.08 ERA, 3056 Ks

Steve Bruce (JAX)
175 - 131, 3.23 ERA, 2505 Ks

Steven Mackay (MEM)
164 - 123, 3.48 ERA, 2224 Ks

Joe Melton (NOR)
204 - 144, 3.39 ERA, 2058 Ks

Wayne Moorman (MIA)
146 - 73, 3.01 ERA, 1127 Ks

Ken Scruggs (MIA)
92 - 71, 435 SV, 2.98 ERA, 1166 Ks

Don Skelly (SAN)
121 - 74, 3.00 ERA, 965 Ks


Most Wins - Manager

1895 - Ray Blanton (MEM)
1826 - Lloyd Jorgensen (NOR, TAM, JAX)
1783 - Andrew Brasfield (NWO, NSH)
1780 - Steve Hamilton (DAL)
1587 - Donnie Chancellor (CAR)