Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1971

There are new leaders in both divisions entering the final month of play!

In the East, Carolina wins fourteen out of sixteen beginning August 9 to take a 2 1/2 game lead over Jacksonville. Flyers C Mike Weber (.311, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 92 R, 78 BB, 27 2Bs, 6 3Bs) is an MVP contender, while SP Matt Halstead (11-3, 2.31, WHIP 1.07) has the lowest ERA in the league.

Out West, Dallas goes 21-8 in August to turn a 3 1/2 game deficit into a 3 1/2 game lead over San Antonio. Drifters CF Henry Pate (.359, 17 HR, 82 RBI, 82 R, 22 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 18 SB) and SP Kevin Badgett (16-4, 2.47, WHIP 1.10) could sweep the Western Division awards. Elsewhere...

New Orleans had a bright spot in an otherwise dismal year when 3B Martin "The Crow" Lynch got hit #2000 off Badgett on August 4. Lynch has hit .295 in his career, scoring 1110 runs and drawing 1508 walks, second on the all-time walks list.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

C Carl Janke (MEM) - Hit .388 with 6 2Bs, 2 HR and 21 RBI; released by Atlanta and signed to a minor league contract by Memphis in June

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Kevin Badgett (DAL) - Went 4-0 with a 1.41 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF David Powell (TAM) - Hit .343 with 8 HR and 28 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jerry Salmons (JAX) - Went 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 80 - 52 .606 -
San Antonio... 76 - 55 .580 3.5
Houston....... 68 - 64 .515 12
Memphis....... 56 - 76 .424 24
Nashville..... 53 - 79 .402 27
New Orleans... 51 - 81 .386 29

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 82 - 50 .621 -
Jacksonville.. 80 - 53 .602 2.5
Tampa......... 72 - 60 .545 10
Norfolk....... 68 - 64 .515 14
Miami......... 58 - 74 .439 24
Atlanta....... 48 - 84 .364 34

[jmm8356]

October 2, 1971

There's still some life in the Eastern Division race entering the final weekend. Carolina holds a two game lead over Jacksonville with two to play. The Ospreys need to win a pair at Tampa and have the Flyers lose a pair at Miami to force a one-game playoff.

Out West, Dallas clinched their first pennant in ten years with a 7-3 win over Memphis yesterday. Elsewhere...

Atlanta and Nashville played a barnburner on September 3, with the Flames winning 12-11 in eighteen innings! Atlanta used 32 players, including eleven pitchers, while Nashville played 33 guys but just nine pitchers.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Royce "Pudge" Kain (DAL) - Hit .400 with 12 HR and 29 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Ward (NWO) - Went 4-0 with a 2.50 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MIA) - Hit .338 with 8 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

George Lair (MIA) - Went 4-0 with a 1.45 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 96 - 64 .600 -
San Antonio... 92 - 68 .575 4
Houston....... 84 - 76 .525 12
Memphis....... 68 - 92 .425 28
New Orleans... 64 - 96 .400 32
Nashville..... 62 - 98 .388 34

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 97 - 63 .606 - (Magic: 1)
Jacksonville.. 95 - 65 .594 2
Tampa......... 87 - 73 .544 10
Norfolk....... 79 - 81 .494 18
Miami......... 74 - 86 .463 23
Atlanta....... 62 - 98 .388 35

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1971

Carolina 4, Miami 2

MIAMI - 2B Russ Roderick's (2 for 4, 2B) two-run single off Sean Geller (2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) in the 8th ends up making the difference, clinching the Flyers' second pennant in four years. Carolina SP Matt Halstead (5 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K) leaves the game tied at one, so Justin Randolph (10-5, 1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) earns his tenth win in relief this season for a scoreless 6th. Meteors starter George Lair (9-14, 7 1/3 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 5 BB) gets the loss, while Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 H) needs just nine pitches to pick up his thirteenth save.

Elsewhere, Jacksonville scores six in the top of the 9th, coming back to beat Tampa, 14 to 11, despite the bad news on the out-of-town scoreboard.

Carolina dropped their final game while Jacksonville won, both by a 4-0 score, so the Ospreys end up just one game short of a playoff.


Final Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 97 - 65 .599 -
San Antonio... 94 - 68 .580 3
Houston....... 84 - 78 .519 13
Memphis....... 69 - 93 .426 28
Nashville..... 64 - 98 .395 33
New Orleans... 64 - 98 .395 33

Final Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 98 - 64 .605 -
Jacksonville.. 97 - 65 .599 1
Tampa......... 87 - 75 .537 11
Norfolk....... 79 - 83 .488 19
Miami......... 75 - 87 .463 23
Atlanta....... 64 - 98 .395 34

[jmm8356]

October 6, 1971

Confederate Series Preview


The Carolina Flyers are looking for their second championship in four years, as well as their third Confederate Series sweep in as many trips. In their first year under skipper Jeremy McGrath (the first time a rookie manager has led his team to the postseason), the Flyers won nine of their twelve meetings with the Drifters this season.

Carolina's pitchers paced the CBA in ERA (3.46), opponent's average (.255), walks allowed (445) and runs allowed (626). Bill Morgan (15-7, 3.82, WHIP 1.26, 208 Ks in 195 1/3 IP), Matt Halstead (14-4, 2.32, WHIP 1.09) and Keith Becker (14-8, 3.49, WHIP 1.09, 164 Ks in 204 IP) top the best rotation in the league, while Bud Fox (9-8 in 22 GS, 3.60, WHIP 1.32) has thrown well since a June callup yet struggled recently (0-4, 7.00 ERA in last four starts). Terry Bingham (7-1, 13 SV, 3.24, WHIP 1.15) has been effective since taking over the closing duties from Kevin Hodgkins (3-9, 31 SV, 4.07, WHIP 1.36) in mid-August, while John Jahnke (2.10 in 90 IP, WHIP 1.22) has been a key free agent pickup this year.

The Flyers' offense ranks second in batting (.282) but just sixth in homers (112) and fifth in scoring (811). C Mike Weber (.315, 24 HR, 86 RBI, 108 R, 92 BB, 32 2Bs, 7 3Bs) and mid-season acquisition RF Dale Francis (.282, 16 HR, 81 RBI, 94 R, 81 BB, 18 2Bs, 9 3Bs) have been the key producers, while LF Steven Robinson (.311, 11 HR, 96 RBI, 84 R, 20 2Bs, 29 SB) is the only threat to run on a team that ranked dead last in swipes (95) this season.


After finishing two games out the past two years, the Dallas Drifters and 1969 Manager of the Year Douglas MacFarlane finally reach the top spot, making their fifth Confederate Series appearance but the first in ten years. Dallas, 52-29 at Mercury Field this year, will have homefield advantage in the series.

The Drifters feature the top offense in the CBA, first in batting (.292) and scoring (899), fourth in homers (148) and steals (176). Their lineup is incredibly deep: CF Henry Pate (.357, 28 HR, 119 RBI, 110 R, 25 2Bs, 23 SB), C Mark Johnson (.368, 13 HR, 81 RBI, 76 R, 64 BB, 12 2Bs, 5 3Bs), 2B Royce "Pudge" Kain (.313, 33 HR, 131 RBI, 111 R, 92 BB, 14 2Bs), RF Douglas "Bingo" Andre (.367, 15 HR, 81 RBI, 104 R, 18 2Bs), SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.308, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 89 R, 20 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 35 SB), LF Glenn Pitzer (.325, 12 HR, 99 RBI, 21 2Bs) and 1B Kevin "Lucky" Riles (.239, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 23 2Bs).

Dallas' pitchers ranked sixth in ERA (4.13) and runs allowed (740). Kevin Badgett (20-4, 2.62, WHIP 1.17) seems a lock for Hurler of the Year; John Philips (14-8, 3.49, WHIP 1.34) and Paul Palen (13-9, 4.41, WHIP 1.46) round out the rotation. Ron Stewart (9-2, 9 SV, 3.06, WHIP 1.19) has been very effective since replacing Jack Reynolds (3-5, 24 SV, 3.26, WHIP 1.30) as the closer in late August.

[jmm8356]

October 15, 1971

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 6 - Carolina 4, Dallas 1

DALLAS - Bill Morgan (W, 5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 BB) whiffs seven in five innings of work, then the Flyers bullpen shuts out the Drifters for the final four, capped by a perfect 9th by Terry Bingham (SV, 1 IP). Kevin Badgett (7 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 4 BB, 2 K) picks up the loss; Carolina RF Dale Francis drives in a pair with a single in the 1st.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 7 - Dallas 8, Carolina 7

DALLAS - A pinch-hit homer by Dan Hagler in the 8th off Terry Bingham (L, 1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) wins this back-and-forth game for Dallas. C Mark Johnson gets revenge on the team that traded him this June, hitting 3 for 4 with a triple, two runs and two RBIs. 2B Royce Kain goes 2 for 3 with three RBIs, while SS Wade Hudson hits 2 for 4, scoring three times. Mike Ellis (2/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 H) picks up the win after allowing Carolina to tie the game at seven; Ron Stewart (1 IP, 1 K) earns the save.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 9 - Dallas 2, Carolina 1

CHARLOTTE - LF Glenn Pitzer's (2 for 4) single in the top of the 9th off George Thorn (0 IP, 1 H) scores pinch-runner Brian Hight from second with the winning run for the Drifters. Hight subbed for 2B Royce Kain, who led off the inning with a double off Justin Randolph (L, 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K). Both starters, John Philips (6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K) and Keith Becker (8 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 7 K), were outstanding, but the win falls to Mike Ellis (2-0, 2/3 IP, 1 H) once again. Ron Stewart (1 IP, 1 H) earns his second save of the series.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 10 - Carolina 1, Dallas 0

CHARLOTTE - Drifters SS Wade Hudson commits an error, leading to the game's only run as the Flyers even the series at two games apiece. After 2B Jeff Harvey (3 for 3) singles and is sacrificed to second, Hudson bobbles a ground ball, putting runners on the corners with one out. 1B Chris Wayman then hits a fly ball that scores Harvey for the only run of the game, hanging Kevin Badgett (L, 0-2, 7 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 3 K) with a tough loss. Bud Fox (W, 1-0, 6 IP, 5 H, 7 K), John Jahnke (1 IP, 1 K), Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Terry Bingham (SV, 2, 1 IP) combine to shutout Dallas on six hits and no walks.


Game 5 - Monday, October 11 - Dallas 8, Carolina 6

CHARLOTTE - LF Glenn Pitzer again drives in the game-winning run off George Thorn (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H), this time a solo shot to left-center in the 8th, as the Drifters send the series back to Dallas leading three-games-to-two. CF Henry Pate drives in three Dallas runs with a double and a homer off Bill Morgan (L, 1-1, 4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K), while C Mark Johnson continues to hit his ex-teammates hard, going 2 for 4 with a double and scoring twice. Ed Urquhart (1-0, 7 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) earns the win; Ron Stewart (1/3 IP, 1 H) picks up his third save. RF Dale Francis hits 3 of 5 with a double, a run and two RBIs in the losing effort.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 13 - Dallas 5, Carolina 2

DALLAS - C Mark Johnson puts the final nail in the Flyers' coffin with a solo shot in the 7th off Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H) that breaks the two-all tie, giving Dallas their first championship since 1953, as once again the bullpens decide a game that the starters, Dallas' John Philips (6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K) and Carolina's Matt Halstead (6 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K), kept tight. 2B Royce Kain (2 for 3, 2 R) adds a solo homer of his own in the 8th off Justin Randolph (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H), while 1B Kevin Riles goes 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs. Forty-two-year-old Jack Reynolds (1/3 IP, 1 K) picks up the win; Ron Stewart (1 IP) gets the save, his fourth of the series. Johnson wins his second Confederate Series MVP, hitting 11 for 22 (.500) with a double, a triple and a homer, scoring five times and driving in four. Johnson is just the second player to win two Series MVPs and the first to win them for different teams.

[jmm8356]

October 16, 1971

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

CF Henry Pate (DAL) - .357, 28 HR, 119 RBI, 110 R, 25 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 23 SB

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Kevin Badgett (DAL) (2) - 20-4, 2.62 ERA, WHIP 1.17

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Johnston Sloan (SAN) - 13-8 in 31 GS, 3.76 ERA, WHIP 1.46

Western Division Manager of the Year

Douglas MacFarlane (DAL) (2) - Won 97 games and Western Division pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

CF David Powell (TAM) - .310, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 117 R, 99 BB, 20 2Bs, 6 3Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Matt Halstead (CAR) (2) - 14-4, 2.32 ERA, WHIP 1.09, 20 BB in 197 2/3 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

1B Ernie Jordan (MIA) - .290 in 513 AB, 3 HR, 76 RBI, 19 2Bs

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Jeremy McGrath (CAR) - Won 98 games, an eighteen game improvement, and Eastern pennant

[My MoY points actually ended up tied with Jacksonville, who improved 16 games and were closer to their expected record (-1 versus -4 for me), so I figured the tiebreaker would be who placed ahead of the other... Seems reasonable, right? ]


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Clifton Wilson (NSH)
C Henry Waters (SAN)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (7)
2B Dave Harris (MEM)
3B Raymond Thigpen (DAL) (14)
SS Douglas Dewberry (HOU) (4)
LF Paul LaFontaine (SAN)
CF Paul Goode (SAN)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (7)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Harrison Lee (NOR) (2)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (8)
1B Ken Lennox (NOR) (2)
2B Russ Roderick (CAR)
3B Douglas Harris (MIA)
SS Mike Shepard (MIA) (6)
LF Curtis Kearney (NOR)
CF Bill Annis (ATL) (2)
RF Dave Trail (JAX)


League Leaders

Batting

.368 - Paul LaFontaine (SAN)
.367 - Douglas Andre (DAL)
.357 - Henry Pate (DAL)
.350 - Dave Watkins (NWO)
.338 - Dave Trail (JAX)

Homeruns

33 - Royce Kain (DAL)
30 - David Powell (TAM)
28 - Henry Pate (DAL)
28 - Rudy Carr (HOU)
24 - Mike Weber (CAR)

RBI

131 - Royce Kain (DAL)
119 - Henry Pate (DAL)
109 - Rudy Carr (HOU)
106 - Ken Lennox (NOR)
101 - Jack Thomas (TAM)

Doubles

33 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
32 - Mike Weber (CAR)
32 - Cordell Seymour (TAM)
31 - Dave Mikel (SAN)
30 - Richard Stark (HOU)
30 - Nick Duggins (MIA)

Triples

13 - Richard Stark (HOU)
13 - Dave Vigue (NWO)
11 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
10 - Ryan Hart (MEM)
Three tied with 9.

Runs

124 - Paul Goode (SAN)
122 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
118 - Mike Towery (HOU)
117 - David Powell (TAM)
113 - Raymond Thigpen (DAL)

Stolen Bases

78 - Dan Townley (NOR)
68 - Neil Linton (NSH)
55 - Mike Shepard (MIA)
53 - Raymond Thigpen (DAL)
50 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)

ERA

2.24 - Don Tapper (TAM)
2.32 - Matt Halstead (CAR)
2.62 - Kevin Badgett (DAL)
2.91 - Derrick Real (TAM)
2.96 - Jerry Salmons (JAX)

Wins

20 - Kevin Badgett (DAL)
16 - Jerry Salmons (JAX)
16 - George Russell (JAX)
Four tied with 15.

Saves

40 - Mark Endres (JAX)
37 - Dick Sawyer (NOR)
34 - Tim Lesley (SAN)
31 - Kevin Hodgkins (CAR)
26 - John Mead (HOU)
26 - Vince Morgan (TAM)

Strikeouts

233 - Jay Williams (SAN)
231 - Don Downey (ATL)
208 - Bill Morgan (CAR)
204 - Jeremiah Davis (MEM)
204 - Derrick Real (TAM)

[jmm8356]

[Ed. Note - First season under v6.10]

March 1, 1972

Offseason Recap


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

Twelve-time All-Star and fourteen-time Slick Fielder 3B Raymond Thigpen retires at age 40 to become an "Instant" Hall of Famer. 1955 Rookie of the Year and 1963 Most Valuable Player, Thigpen hit .295 with 2915 hits, 301 homers, 1459 RBIs, 1741 runs and 769 stolen bases. Though Raymond spent most of his nineteen-year career with Atlanta, he finally won his only championship ring last year in Dallas.
(19 seasons, .295, 301 HR, 1459 RBI, 1741 R, 769 SB, 2915 H, RoY, MVP, 12x All-Star, 14x Slick, 1x champ)

Eight-time All-Star LF Paul Speck hit .284 in an eighteen-year career, the last nine with Jacksonville. Winning a Slick Fielder award in 1968, Speck collected 274 homers, 1123 RBIs, 1283 walks, 1371 runs and 493 swipes.
(18 seasons, .284, 274 HR, 1123 RBI, 1371 R, 1283 BB, 493 SB, 8x All-Star, 1x Slick)

Six-time All-Star SP Barney Maloy is the 11th pitcher to go into the Hall. Despite winning just one championship (in 1951 with New Orleans) during nineteen seasons with New Orleans, Atlanta, Houston and Norfolk, Maloy compiled a 201-178 record with a 3.89 career ERA. Barney struck out a record 3604 batters while allowing just 2621 hits in 3397 1/3 innings.
(19 seasons, 201-178, 3.89, 3604 Ks, 6x All-Star, 1x champ)

Two-time MVP 1B Roy Seal drove in 1524 runs in his eighteen-year career, third-most in CBA history. Seal won three championships (and a Confederate Series MVP in 1959) with New Orleans while hitting .290 with 288 homers, 1379 runs and 2696 hits, including 408 doubles. He is also a nine-time All-Star and three-time Slick Fielder.
(18 seasons, .290, 288 HR, 1524 RBI, 1369 R, 408 2B, 2696 H, 2x MVP, 1x CS MVP, 9x All-Star, 3x Slick, 3x champ)


As for "Second Look" candidates:

Three-time All-Star and seven-time Slick Fielder 1B Kevin Riles calls it quits at age 38 after winning his first championship with Dallas last year. In seventeen seasons, Riles hit just .237 but added 302 homers, 1117 RBIs and 1456 walks.
[No. Basically the same credentials as Tim Ryan (career strikeout king who was also early homerun king), who is the one HoFer I regret inducting. Riles whiffed 1326 times as well.]


Miami fires Curtis Flowers, architect of their run of six straight championships, after three seasons well below the .500 mark. The Meteors pick up three-time Manager of the Year Randy Gerry...

...since he was canned by Atlanta after a 64-win season. Gerry won two pennants in his sixteen years with the Flames, who hire rookie skipper Jim Shaffer.

New Orleans, already planning to fire Paul Thomas after three sub-par seasons, wins the jackpot and signs Curtis Flowers. A two-time Manager of the Year, Flowers is just four years removed from his last pennant and five years removed from the last of his six consecutive championships.


Memphis receives $5 million of revenue sharing.

Atlanta SP Don Downey (10-9, 3.79, WHIP 1.53) gets another $5.1 million year from the arbitrator, but the big raise goes to Norfolk CF Dan Townley (.323, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 106 BB, 78 SB), getting just under $5 million after earning $3.1 million last season.


Free Agency Highlights

February 1 - Nashville quickly lands 1B Ken Lennox (.301, 22 HR, 106 RBI) from Norfolk for four years at $5.2 million.

February 5 - Carolina signs LF Paul LaFontaine (.368, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 94 R, 27 2Bs, 22 SB) to five years for $8.0 million, while San Antonio picks up RF Jeff Simmons (.350 in 346 AB, 6 HR, 52 RBI) for five years at $6.6 million.

February 7 - The Missions continue their spending spree, giving C Mark Johnson (.368 in 419 AB, 13 HR, 81 RBI) $9.9 million for the next four years.

February 8 - San Antonio's checkbook opens once again, signing SP Tim Duncan (12-3, 3.10, WHIP 1.25) to a four-year deal at $9.7 million.

February 11 - 2B Russ Roderick (.313, 7 HR, 77 RBI, 83 R, 24 2Bs) will get $8.0 million for the next four years from Atlanta.

February 16 - Defending champion Dallas gives SP Bob Richardson (7-9, 4.15, WHIP 1.49) a four-year deal for $11.4 million per.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Carolina loses two players out of three picks:

New Orleans (from CAR) - LF Paul Mahoney, .354 in 277 AB for AA Hickory, .278 in 144 AB at AAA Winston-Salem

Miami (from CAR) - SS John Gillett, .279 in 438 AB, 15 HR, 63 RBI for AA Hickory

Norfolk (from DAL) - LF Ken Miller, .282 in 259 AB at AA Daytona

[Vris]

Originally Posted by jmm8356

[i]
February 8 - San Antonio's checkbook opens once again, signing SP Tim Duncan (12-3, 3.10, WHIP 1.25) to a four-year deal at $9.7 million.

There is definitely something to say here. Either I'm not drunk enough yet or I don't have the witty sense of humor I thought I had. Either way, nice pick up San Antonio! He might help you!

[jmm8356]

Nice catch, Vris! I didn't even think of that... though I'm kinda rushing through to get to playing games again. This particular Tim Duncan is 5-foot-11 and 36 years old. He was an All-Star reliever for Carolina in 1968 and an All-Star starter for Jacksonville the following year after a mid-July trade. Career marks of 55-37 and a 3.64 ERA are not too shabby for a guy signed as an undrafted free agent in 1955.

Whoa... almost posted a Dynasty entry in the Association thread. That would've been a pain to fix.

[jmm8356]

[Ed. Note: Patch 6.11 was installed prior to the April 28 games.]

May 1, 1972

Carolina wins eight straight games starting April 19, jumping out to a 3 1/2 game lead over Jacksonville and Tampa in the East. Batter of the Month Steven Robinson is on a 23-game hitting streak.

Out West, San Antonio is one game ahead of Nashville with third-place Houston just 2 1/2 behind. Elsewhere...

On April 9, Memphis loses SP Jeremiah Davis (15-9, 3.38, 204 Ks last year) for the season when he ruptures a disc in his second start of the year.

Last year's MVP, Dallas CF Henry Pate (.357, 28 HR, 119 RBI last year), also goes on the shelf, straining his MCL on April 19. He should return to the lineup in mid-May.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Steven Wells (HOU) - Hit .354 with 6 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Clifton Wilson (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 2.65 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Steven Robinson (CAR) - Hit .435 with 2 HR and 22 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Otto Kemper (NOR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.49 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 14 - _8 .636 -
Nashville..... 13 - _9 .591 1
Houston....... 13 - 12 .520 2.5
Dallas........ 12 - 13 .480 3.5
New Orleans... 10 - 14 .417 5
Memphis....... 10 - 15 .400 5.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 19 - _7 .731 -
Jacksonville.. 14 - _9 .609 3.5
Tampa......... 16 - 11 .593 3.5
Norfolk....... 11 - 13 .458 7
Miami.......... 6 - 15 .286 10.5
Atlanta........ 7 - 19 .269 12

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1972

Dallas wins nine out of ten beginning May 12 to take the Western Division lead by one game over surging Houston with slumping San Antonio 2 1/2 games back. Drifters fans have extra reason to celebrate May 24 when SS Wade Hudson collects his 2000th hit off Jacksonville's Frank Wilson. In his career, Hudson has hit .297 with 214 homers, 1160 RBIs, 498 doubles and 610 stolen bases. Elsewhere in the division...

On May 5, San Antonio's troubles begin when Missions SP Tim Duncan (0-2, 3.51) goes down with a pulled tricep that will put him out of action until at least July.

New Orleans trades tomorrow for today in a couple of deals this month. On May 20, the Pelicans acquire RF Dan Beasley (.335, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 10 2Bs) from San Antonio for a minor leaguer. The next day, New Orleans picks up SS Dave Brown (.248, 10 HR, 30 RBI, OBP .395) from Tampa for another prospect.

Even last-place Memphis makes some news in May! Blues CF Bob Crane gets hit #2000 at Jacksonville off Jerry Brown May 16. A career .309 hitter, Crane has collected 258 doubles and 312 stolen bases in his career.

In the East, Carolina has won nine of their last eleven to stretch their lead out to five games over Tampa. The Flyers are not standing pat, however, sending two-time Hurler of the Year Matt Halstead (4-0, 1.78, WHIP 0.81) and 3B Valentine Stephens (.252, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 10 2Bs) to Memphis for RP Oscar Matthews (6 SV, 2.73 in 33 IP, WHIP 1.24), 3B Mike Schaaf (.269 in 67 AB) and the injured SP Jeremiah Davis (out for the year; 15-9, 3.34 last season) on May 24.

Meanwhile, the Tomahawks have really held their own despite a rash of injuries to their rotation. May 7 sees Brett Thomas (1-2, 3.95) laid up with bone chips in his elbow; he'll be back mid-month. A week later, Don Tapper (3-3, 3.04, WHIP 1.10) hits the DL with an inflamed rotator cuff, but he'll be back in about a week. Finally, Derrick Real (1-3, 3.94) ruptures a ligament in his elbow May 26, putting him on the shelf until July at the earliest. After all that, Tampa was still 16-10 in May!


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Glenn Pitzer (DAL) - Hit .352 with 4 HR and 22 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

John Philips (DAL) - Went 5-0 with a 2.01 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF David Powell (TAM) - Hit .360 with 6 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Tapper (TAM) - Went 3-0 with a 0.87 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 30 - 21 .588 -
Houston....... 29 - 22 .569 1
San Antonio... 27 - 23 .540 2.5
Nashville..... 23 - 26 .469 6
New Orleans... 23 - 28 .451 7
Memphis....... 17 - 34 .333 13

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 36 - 15 .706 -
Tampa......... 32 - 21 .604 5
Jacksonville.. 26 - 26 .500 10.5
Norfolk....... 25 - 26 .490 11
Atlanta....... 22 - 30 .423 14.5
Miami......... 16 - 34 .320 19.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


New Orleans (1st) - SP Gerald Bonham, 20 (10/7/8)
A 100 mph fastball got this rightie 182 Ks in 105 1/3 IP for Louisiana Tech and a $2.2 million signing bonus.

Atlanta (2nd) - SP John Arnold, 21 (6/9/8)
A $1.3 million bonus signs this righthander who went 13-3 with a 1.95 ERA and 131 Ks in 111 IP for SE Louisiana.

Nashville (3rd) - RF Sam Sherrell, 18 (6/10/7)
This left-handed slugger hit .538 with 12 homers in 61 at-bats with Lakeland HS (New York).

Memphis (4th) - C Dan walsh, 23 (5/8/6)
After hitting .333 with 13 HR in 272 AB as a Miami Hurricane, this young backstop signs for almost $1.2 million.

Norfolk (6th) - SP Tyler Easterday, 19 (8/8/6)
With 106 Ks in 55 2/3 IP for DeSmet HS (Missouri), this righthander signs for nearly $1.2 million.

Dallas (10th) - MR Charlie Burke, 19 (10/7/6)
Noted for his durability, this rightie struck out 107 batters in 53 innings with a 0.51 ERA for Sweet Home HS (New York).


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

San Antonio (233)
Jacksonville (167)
Norfolk (149)
Tampa (144)
Miami (142)
Atlanta (139)
Memphis (124)
New Orleans (92)
Carolina (86)
Nashville (80)
Dallas (58)
Houston (41)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Birmingham (MEM) - 35-16
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 33-18
A Florence (JAX) - 32-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1972

Carolina is cruising towards a successful defense of last year's Eastern Division pennant after winning nine straight starting June 8 to take a 11 1/2 game lead over Tampa. The Flyers feature the top pitching staff in the CBA with a 3.14 ERA, despite having just one hurler, Keith Becker (8-3, 2.96, WHIP 1.09), who has enough innings to qualify for the ERA title.

Out West, Dallas wins nine out of ten beginning June 4 to stretch out a 2 1/2 game lead over San Antonio with Houston freefalling to seven games back after a six-game losing streak starting June 9. Not all is rosy for the Drifters, however, as they lose ten-time All-Star SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.291, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 57 R, 16 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 21 SB) to a strained bicep on June 24. Hudson should return in late July. Elsewhere...

Memphis LF Barney Sonnier collects his 2000th hit on June 24 off San Antonio's Tim Eldred. A career .313 hitter, Sonnier has also compiled 1243 runs and 1011 RBIs.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Richard Stark (DAL) - Hit .373 with 6 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jim Solomon (SAN) - Went 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA; just earned his first career win back on May 20

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .330 with 6 HR and 27 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Tapper (TAM) - Went 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA; second straight PotM award


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 48 - 31 .608 -
San Antonio... 45 - 33 .577 2.5
Houston....... 41 - 38 .519 7
Memphis....... 33 - 46 .418 15
New Orleans... 33 - 46 .418 15
Nashville..... 30 - 47 .390 17

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 56 - 23 .709 -
Tampa......... 45 - 35 .563 11.5
Jacksonville.. 41 - 38 .519 15
Norfolk....... 37 - 42 .468 19
Atlanta....... 35 - 45 .438 21.5
Miami......... 29 - 49 .372 26.5

[jmm8356]

July 11, 1972

SAN ANTONIO - A pair of RBI-doubles by Alexander Roundtree (2 for 4, 2 R) and Matt Alexander (3 for 4, R) gives the Eastern All-Stars a 5-2 victory over the West at a soggy Alamo Field. A 69-minute rain delay in the 8th only postponed the inevitable and made Mark Endres (1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) wait to earn his save. Don Tapper (3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K) picks up the win, while Kevin Badgett (3 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 1 K) gets the loss. Dale Francis goes 2 for 3 and scores twice for the winning cause.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP John Philips (DAL) - 11-3, 4.10 ERA, WHIP 1.36

C Mark Johnson (SAN) (4) - .268, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 40 BB

1B Benjamin Gordon (NWO) - .304, 4 HR, 53 RBI

2B Matt Clayton (NWO) - .311, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 56 R, 29 SB

3B Scott Hass (SAN) (3) - .261, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 53 R, 84 BB

SS Douglas Dewberry (HOU) (4) - .328, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 50 BB, 17 2Bs

LF Dave Watkins (NWO) - .307, 12 HR, 57 RBI

CF Adrian Johnson (NSH) - .360, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 46 BB, 16 SB

RF Douglas Andre (DAL) (5) - .341, 15 HR, 57 RBI, 60 R

Reserves

SP Martin Wright (SAN) (2)
SP Ronnie Simpson (HOU)
SP Kevin Badgett (DAL) (5)
SP Clifton Wilson (NSH) (3)
SP Herbert Tanner (HOU)
SP Ed Urquhart (DAL)
RP Matt Halstead (MEM) (3)
RP Tim Lesley (SAN) (4)
RP John Mead (HOU)
C Dan Hagler (DAL)
1B Christian Jack (DAL)
RF Dan Beasley (NWO) (2)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (3)
CF Paul Goode (SAN) (7)
2B Ryan Maynard (SAN) (4)
2B Royce Kain (DAL) (5)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Jerry Salmons (JAX) - 11-3, 3.22, WHIP 1.23

C Alexander Roundtree (TAM) (5) - .315, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 51 R, 51 BB

1B Bill Basile (TAM) (4) - .328, 11 HR, 54 RBI, 63 R, 22 2Bs

2B Jonathan Ralls (MIA) (8) - .283, 12 HR, 32 RBI, 52 R, 54 BB

3B Jack Thomas (TAM) (10) - .314, 14 HR, 67 RBI, 14 2Bs

SS Dale Francis (CAR) (2) - .312, 10 HR, 56 RBI, 55 R, 14 2Bs

LF John Page (ATL) (3) - .338, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 54 R, 50 BB, 30 SB

CF Paul LaFontaine (CAR) (3) - .351, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 54 R

RF Terry Duplessis (TAM) - .328, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 54 R, 29 SB

Reserves

SP Keith Becker (CAR)
SP Don Tapper (TAM) (5)
SP Don Shelton (NOR)
SP Eric Tisdale (JAX) (5)
SP Larry Anthony (NOR)
SP Glen Frick (TAM)
RP Kevin Hodgkins (CAR)
RP Terry Bingham (CAR) (2)
RP Mark Endres (JAX) (3)
C Mike Weber (CAR) (2)
1B Chris Wayman (ATL) (3)
CF Matt Alexander (JAX) (5)
CF David Powell (TAM) (4)
RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) (9)
3B Jerry Saylor (JAX)
SS Alec Dew (NOR)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1972

San Antonio goes 18-9 in July to regain the Western Division lead, just one game ahead of Dallas. The Missions' resurgence has been led by their pitching, especially Pitcher of the Month Jay Williams (6-1 in 13 GS, 3.28, WHIP 1.27) and closer Tim Lesley (7-0, 25 SV, 4 BS, 0.86, WHIP 1.25).

The Drifters, meanwhile, do not stand pat, acquiring SP Ryan Todd (6-11, 3.53, WHIP 1.32) from Memphis for SP John Philips (11-5, 3.83, WHIP 1.35).

In the East, Carolina returns to the pack somewhat, now leading Tampa by only eight games. However, the Flyers are not content with their roster either. First, Carolina sends RP John Jahnke (4.31 in 56 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.38) plus $1 million to New Orleans for #1 overall pick, SP Gerald Bonham. Then the Flyers acquire RP Bob Lamb (3.73 in 70 IP, WHIP 1.07) from Nashville for RP George Thorn (4.29 in 50 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.43) and $700,000. Finally the defending division champs sign SP Bill Morgan (7-3 in 18 GS, 2.31, WHIP 1.17) to a five-year extension at $8.4 million a year.

Elsewhere, Tampa gives 1B Bill Basile (.328, 14 HR, 64 RBI, 25 2Bs) a contract extension, $6.2 million for the next three years.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Dave Watkins (NWO) - Hit .380 with 5 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jay Williams (SAN) - Went 3-0 with a 0.68 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF David Powell (TAM) - Hit .365 with 9 HR and 31 RBI, including 2 HR and 7 RBI in a 13-11 loss to Miami on July 30

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Tapper (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA; third straight PotM award; has won his last ten decisions


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 63 - 42 .600 -
Dallas........ 62 - 43 .590 1
Houston....... 53 - 52 .505 10
Memphis....... 43 - 62 .410 20
New Orleans... 43 - 62 .410 20
Nashville..... 41 - 63 .394 21.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 69 - 37 .651 -
Tampa......... 61 - 45 .575 8
Jacksonville.. 57 - 49 .538 12
Norfolk....... 49 - 57 .462 20
Atlanta....... 48 - 58 .453 21
Miami......... 43 - 62 .410 25.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1972

Not a lot of suspense remaining in either division as the final month of play begins.

San Antonio goes 22-6 in August to take a seven game lead over Dallas in the Western Division. Not all is well for the Missions, however, after bone chips are found in SP Tim Duncan's (3-2 in 15 GS, 3.15, WHIP 1.41) shoulder August 13, requiring career-ending surgery.

In the East, Carolina has won nine of their last eleven to lead Tampa by 12 1/2 games. The Tomahawks had a tough time making up ground without All-Star C Alexander Roundtree (.324, 12 HR, 60 RBI), who has been out since August 7 with a broken ulna but returns next week. Elsewhere...

Jacksonville SP Jerry Salmons (14-7, 3.14, WHIP 1.17) goes down with a strained rotator cuff on August 13. He will be out until at least mid-month.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Scott "Sabertooth" Hass (SAN) - Hit .344 with 10 HR and 25 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Palen (DAL) - Went 4-0 with a 2.10 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Bill Basile (TAM) - Hit .394 with 6 2Bs, 1 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Shelton (NOR) - Went 5-0 with a 2.25 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 85 - 48 .639 -
Dallas........ 78 - 55 .586 7
Houston....... 66 - 67 .496 19
New Orleans... 54 - 79 .406 31
Nashville..... 53 - 80 .398 32
Memphis....... 51 - 82 .383 34

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 87 - 47 .649 -
Tampa......... 74 - 59 .556 12.5
Jacksonville.. 71 - 62 .534 15.5
Norfolk....... 64 - 69 .481 22.5
Atlanta....... 61 - 73 .455 26
Miami......... 55 - 78 .414 31.5

[jmm8356]

October 2, 1972

Carolina takes their second straight Eastern Division pennant running away, sealing the deal with a 7-0 shutout at Atlanta on September 13. However, the Flyers will be without All-Star C Mike Weber (.294, 20 HR, 85 RBI) in the Confederate Series after he goes down for the remainder with a torn back September 17.

Out West, San Antonio clinches their fifth division crown in the last eight years by beating Memphis 2-1 on September 26. Dallas settles for second place after losing both CF Henry Pate (.313, 15 HR, 69 RBI) and SP Kevin Badgett (14-9, 2.85, WHIP 1.12) to injury in the final month.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Rudy "Godzilla" Carr (HOU) - Hit .358 with 6 HR and 20 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Ward (NWO) - Went 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) - Hit .392 with 6 HR adn 25 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bill Morgan (CAR) - Went 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio.. 101 - 61 .623 -
Dallas........ 94 - 68 .580 7
Houston....... 85 - 77 .525 16
Memphis....... 68 - 94 .420 33
New Orleans... 67 - 95 .414 34
Nashville..... 62 -100 .383 39

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina..... 108 - 54 .667 -
Jacksonville.. 83 - 79 .512 25
Norfolk....... 83 - 79 .512 25
Tampa......... 82 - 80 .506 26
Atlanta....... 72 - 90 .444 36
Miami......... 67 - 95 .414 41

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1972

Confederate Series Preview


The Carolina Flyers are headed to their second straight Confederate Series after setting a new league record with 108 wins this season. Led by last year's Manager of the Year Jeremy McGrath, the Flyers were even more deadly on the road (57-24) than at home (51-30), but Carolina will have homefield advantage in the series.

The Flyers' staff again topped the league in ERA (3.44), opponent's average (.246), walks (.485) and runs (611) while ranking just seventh in homers allowed (112). Both Keith Becker (14-10, 3.04, WHIP 1.04, 160 Ks in 230 2/3 IP) and Bill Morgan (15-4, 2.60, WHIP 1.16, 173 Ks in 173 IP) should get some Hurler of the Year consideration; Justin Randolph (19-6, 3.36, WHIP 1.26) and Bill Frazier (12-5, 4.34, WHIP 1.47) are solid as well. Terry Bingham (40 SV, 4 BS, 3.27 in 52 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.26) leads a stellar bullpen, along with Kevin Hodgkins (1.89 in 71 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.02), Bruce Rafferty (1.93 in 32 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.29) and Oscar Matthews (2.65 in 74 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.26).

Carolina's offense is second in both batting (.275) and scoring (850), while third in walks (675). However, they place just seventh in taters (106) and tenth in steals (119). With C Mike Weber (.294, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 92 R, 84 BB) out with a torn back, it falls to RF Dale Francis (.311, 17 HR, 91 RBI, 93 R, 27 2Bs), CF Paul LaFontaine (.360, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 95 R, 24 2Bs) and 3B Mike Schaaf (.299, 13 HR, 88 RBI, 23 2Bs) to pick up the slack. 2B Clark Davidson (.261, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 92 R, 80 BB, 40 SB) is the only real threat to steal a base.


The San Antonio Missions are trying to win their fourth league championship in the last six years under the guidance of four-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday, but the Missions won just four of their twelve meetings with the Flyers this season.

San Antonio led the league in scoring (851), walks (809), and steals (232) while just fifth in homers (119) and seventh in batting (.263). 2B Ryan Maynard (.315, 16 HR, 93 RBI, 100 R, 118 BB), 3B Scott "Sabertooth" Hass (.262, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 117 R, 162 BB, 26 SB), SS Dave "Superman" Mikel (.241, 24 HR, 95 RBI, 110 R, 30 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 37 SB) and C Mark Johnson (.300, 10 HR, 96 RBI) provide the pop, while CF Paul Goode (.276, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 92 BB, 43 SB) provides that extra bit of speed.

The Missions' pitchers ranked second in most categories: ERA (3.61), opponent's average (.254), homers (97) and runs allowed (664); but they were second-worst in walks allowed (739). Southpaws Richard Bays (9-8, 3.34, WHIP 1.39) and Johnston Sloan (10-12, 4.84, WHIP 1.61) join with righties Jay Williams (12-2, 3.14, WHIP 1.26) and Martin Wright (15-8, 4.27, WHIP 1.59) to make up the San Antonio rotation, while Tim Lesley (11-2, 36 SV, 8 BS, 1.51 in 107 IP, WHIP 1.28), Raymond Melton (3.04 in 112 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.13) and Dan Fee (2.95 in 94 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.33) lead the solid relief corps.