Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1952

Out West, San Antonio leads Houston by one with both Nashville and defending champion New Orleans two games back. Leftie Don Skelly (3-2, 2.36) and Pitcher of the Month Paul Jones produce a one-two pitching punch for the Missions.

In the East, Tampa won nine of their first ten, then lost five straight to end up in a tie for second with Carolina, a half-game behind the Miami Meteors. Last place Jacksonville, meanwhile, lost four-time All-Star 2B Richard Safford for the season with a torn calf on April 13.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Scott Heyer (MEM) - Hit .364 with 8 HR and 22 RBI, out for six weeks with a pulled Achilles on April 24

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Jones (SAN) - Went 2-0 with a 1.91 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Raymond Timmerman (NOR) - Hit .354 with 10 HR and 20 RBI in 21 games

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bobby White (NOR) - Went 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA, ruptured tricep tendon on April 20, expected back by June


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 13 - _8 .619 -
Houston....... 11 - _8 .579 1
Nashville..... 10 - _9 .526 2
New Orleans... 11 - 10 .524 2
Dallas......... 8 - 13 .381 5
Memphis........ 6 - 14 .300 6.5

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 14 - _9 .609 -
Carolina...... 11 - _7 .611 .5
Tampa......... 13 - _9 .591 .5
Norfolk....... 11 - 11 .500 2.5
Atlanta........ 8 - 11 .421 4
Jacksonville... 7 - 14 .333 6

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1952

Dallas goes 16-8 in May to move into a tie with San Antonio atop the tight Western Division. Nashville holds third, a half-game back, and Houston sits fourth, 1 1/2 games out. SS Jerry Carroll (.287, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 12 2Bs) and C Patrick Baskerville (.348, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 10 2Bs) drive the Drifters' offense.

Meanwhile, Carolina leads the East by half a game over Miami, with Norfolk and Tampa lurking, two and three games back, respectively. Free agent pickup (via Nashville) Edwin Frey (6-2, 2.80) has been key for the Flyers.

In other news, Atlanta 3B Travis O'Connell (.343, 3 HR, 19 RBI) goes down for six weeks on May 26, tearing his tricep the same day he's named Player of the Week (.458, 5 2Bs, 5 RBI).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Rick Brown (SAN) - Hit .379 with 2 HR and 24 RBI, including 5 hits May 9 against Tampa and six RBIs May 23 against Atlanta

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Phillips (DAL) - Went 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

C Greg Olson (JAX) - Hit .379 with 8 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jonathan "Crash" Ford (MIA) - Went 4-1 with a 2.47 ERA, went on DL with sore elbow on May 30, expected to return mid-June


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 26 - 21 .553 -
San Antonio... 26 - 21 .553 -
Nashville..... 25 - 21 .543 .5
Houston....... 24 - 22 .522 1.5
New Orleans... 21 - 26 .447 5
Memphis....... 19 - 28 .404 7

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 26 - 20 .565 -
Miami......... 27 - 22 .551 .5
Norfolk....... 25 - 23 .521 2
Tampa......... 24 - 24 .500 3
Jacksonville.. 20 - 27 .426 6.5
Atlanta....... 20 - 28 .417 7

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights

Tampa (1st) - LF Paul Speck, 21 (9/9/8)
It took $2.1 million to ink this leftie who hit .354 with 15 HR in 186 AB for Baylor. [Incidentially, Tampa had no cash entering the draft, and -$2.3 mil after the draft, so I guess you can go into the red for your draft picks.]

Nashville (2nd) - 3B Brian Dumas, 22 (7/10/10)
Hitting .368 with 20 HR in 248 AB for Xavier, this switch-hitter got a nearly $3 million signing bonus.

Houston (3rd) - SS Bill Rowell, 19 (7/7/5)
Out of Dougherty Comp HS (Georgia) with a .536 average and 9 HR in 102 AB, Bill is described as very talented and extremely durable.

Memphis (4th) - LF Bill Morgan, 21 (5/10/6)
With a .348 average and 10 HR in 170 AB at Norfolk State, this lefthanded slugger has all the tools.

Jacksonville (5th) - C Ken McBride, 20 (7/5/7)
This young backstop already has the skills to compete after hitting .310 for Stephen F Austin.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

New Orleans (178)
Memphis (173)
Dallas (167)
Atlanta (146)
Carolina (140)
Nashville (130)
San Antonio (110)
Miami (110)
Jacksonville (96)
Norfolk (81)
Houston (72)
Tampa (52)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Greenville (ATL) - 30-18
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 29-17
A Lake Charles (HOU) - 30-16

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1952

July is upon us, and once again Norfolk is in the lead of the Eastern Division, though tied with Carolina who has two games in hand on the Clippers. SS Raymond Timmerman (.331, 18 HR, 45 RBI, 62 R) has been lights out leading Norfolk's bats, tops in the league in batting (.281) and scoring (420). Clippers RF Jason Music hit for the 3rd cycle in CBA history at Tampa on June 25.

Elsewhere in the East, Atlanta completely implodes, going 7-20 on the month without their top weapon, 3B Travis O'Connell, who returns next week.

The Western Division finds Dallas holding the top spot with San Antonio two games back and Houston just three behind. Nashville, meanwhile, drops from 3rd to 5th in a month thanks to a pair of five-game losing streaks.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - Hit .423 with 6 HR and 23 RBI, including five hits and three RBI versus New Orleans June 11, exactly one year after a five-hit, three-RBI performance over San Antonio

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ken Chilton (NWO) - Went 4-1 with a 1.56 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Tom Swaim (NOR) - Hit .323 with 8 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Dave Haskell (TAM) - Went 5-0 with a 3.35 ERA, WHIP 1.12


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 43 - 32 .573 -
San Antonio... 41 - 34 .547 2
Houston....... 39 - 34 .534 3
Memphis....... 36 - 39 .480 7
Nashville..... 34 - 40 .459 8.5
New Orleans... 32 - 45 .427 11

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 42 - 32 .568 -
Norfolk....... 43 - 33 .566 -
Miami......... 40 - 36 .526 3
Tampa......... 38 - 37 .507 4.5
Jacksonville.. 34 - 41 .453 8.5
Atlanta....... 27 - 48 .360 15.5

[jmm8356]

July 15, 1952

DALLAS - Raymond Timmerman (2 for 3) doubles down the left field line in the 1st, scoring John Watkins and Tom Swaim (2 for 3, 2 R) as the Eastern All-Stars beat the West, 4-1. Timmerman, the game's MVP, also scored in the 3rd on Casey Pattison's groundout after being plunked by Don Skelly (L, 3 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K). Joe Deutsch doubles and scores the only Western run in the 6th as Bruce (W, 3 IP, 4 K), Birt (2 IP, 1 BB, 3 K), Landry, Meyer, Milam and Yardley (SV) combine to hold the West to just three hits.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Don Skelly (SAN) (2) - 10-5, 2.89 ERA, 38 BB in 134 IP

C Patrick Baskerville (DAL) (3) - .321, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 19 2Bs

1B Jeff Hickox (DAL) (4) - .320, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 15 2Bs

2B Dave Winters (HOU) - .340, 3 HR, 43 RBI, 33 R

3B Chris Wardell (DAL) (3) - .305, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 58 R

SS Greg Benz (HOU) (4) - .300, 13 HR, 40 RBI, 46 R, 48 BB

LF Charlie Sharpe (SAN) (4) - .316, 10 HR, 54 RBI, 14 2Bs

CF Scott Heyer (MEM) (4) - .377, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 34 R, 32 BB in just 122 ABs

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (4) - .395, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 65 R

Reserves

SP Quinton Reed (DAL) (2)
SP Kevin Dotson (HOU)
SP Ron Stephenson (MEM)
SP Joseph Phillips (DAL)
SP Joseph Palmer (SAN) (2)
SP Ken Chilton (NWO)
MR Ronald Grant (MEM)
CL Dave Samuelson (SAN) (3)
MR Rick Vance (MEM) (2)
C Joe Deutsch (NWO) (5)
1B Kevin Pierce (MEM)
RF Rick Brown (SAN) (3)
RF Matthew Tallman (HOU) (4)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN)
SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (3)
2B Lee Pinkney (NWO) (3)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Edwin Frey (CAR) (2) - 11-4, 2.81 ERA, 3 CG

C Greg Olson (JAX) (2) - .334, 20 HR, 73 RBI, 53 R, 17 2Bs

1B Casey Pattison (NOR) (2) - .303, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 43 R, 56 BB

2B Ted DeRouen (NOR) (4) - .347, 9 HR, 67 RBI, 51 R, 29 2Bs

3B Tom Swaim (NOR) - .330, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 16 2Bs

SS Raymond Timmerman (NOR) (4) - .326, 19 HR, 49 RBI, 69 R

LF John Theiss (CAR) (4) - .323, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 52 R, 19 2Bs

CF Nick Bacon (TAM) (3) - .310, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 49 R

RF Jason Music (NOR) (2) - .326, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 62 R, 24 2Bs

Reserves

SP Dave Haskell (TAM) (4)
SP Joe Melton (NOR) (4)
SP Roland Woods (CAR) (3)
SP Bruce Landry (NOR)
SP Steve Bruce (JAX) (4)
SP Tom Birt (CAR)
MR Chad Milam (TAM)
CL Leland Meyer (CAR)
MR Alex Yardley (TAM) (4)
C Mike McCreary (CAR) (2)
1B Brian Gray (MIA) (3)
LF Bill Danner (TAM) (3)
RF Joe Thomas (MIA) (2)
LF Raymond Smith (NOR) (2)
2B John Watkins (TAM) (2)
2B Calvin Brown (MIA)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1952

Carolina holds a slim half-game lead with a game in hand over Norfolk in the East. The Flyers are still watching the bottom line despite the pennant race, sending $4.6 million All-Star Edwin Frey (11-6, 3.10) to Jacksonville for $436,000 Kurtis Collins (7-5, 2.95) on July 27.

Elsewhere in the East, Miami acquires SS Dave Whitener (.344, 2 HR, 27 RBI) July 30 from New orleans for three minor leaguers, and Jacksonville signs SS Ken Bennett (.279, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 69 BB) to a four-year extension at $7.2 million.

Dallas continues to lead the Western Division, with second-place San Antonio four games back. RF Stephen Delisle (.396, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 78 R) had a 21-game hitting streak snapped July 17 as he makes a run at a .400 average for the Drifters, who sign SP Quinton Reed (10-7, 3.86) for three years at $6 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Jeff Hickox (DAL) - Hit .400 with 9 HR and 33 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Jones (SAN) - Went 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA, just 3 BBs in 32 IP

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Ted DeRouen (NOR) - Hit .447 with 5 HR and 32 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tom Paulin (ATL) - Went 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 60 - 41 .594 -
San Antonio... 56 - 45 .554 4
Memphis....... 53 - 48 .525 7
Houston....... 51 - 49 .510 8.5
New Orleans... 46 - 55 .455 14
Nashville..... 44 - 57 .436 16

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 57 - 44 .564 -
Norfolk....... 57 - 45 .559 .5
Miami......... 51 - 51 .500 6.5
Tampa......... 46 - 56 .451 11.5
Jacksonville.. 45 - 57 .441 12.5
Atlanta....... 42 - 60 .412 15.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1952

Norfolk once again leads the Eastern Division going into the final month of the season. The Clippers hold a 2 1/2 game lead over Carolina, thanks in part to 2B Ted DeRouen (.348, 14 HR, 101 RBI, 42 2Bs), who leads the East in batting and RBIs.

The Dallas Drifters maintain their four-game lead over the Missions in the West. San Antonio lost key starter Joseph Palmer (12-6, 3.72) with a pulled tricep on August 20; he is due back within three weeks.

The injury bug also bites third-place Memphis; Ron Stephenson (13-3, 3.62) is likely out for the season with a ruptured ligament in his elbow.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - Hit .340 with 6 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Douglas Agan (NWO) - Went 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Nick Bacon (TAM) - Hit .406 with 8 HR and 30 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Dave Haskell (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 0.96 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 77 - 53 .592 -
San Antonio... 73 - 57 .562 4
Memphis....... 68 - 62 .523 9
New Orleans... 64 - 66 .492 13
Houston....... 59 - 70 .457 17.5
Nashville..... 51 - 79 .392 26

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 74 - 57 .565 -
Carolina...... 71 - 59 .546 2.5
Miami......... 66 - 64 .508 7.5
Tampa......... 65 - 65 .500 8.5
Jacksonville.. 57 - 73 .438 16.5
Atlanta....... 55 - 75 .423 18.5

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1952

The honor of all Texas is at stake in the Western Division race as San Antonio and Dallas are all tied up with three games remaining. The Drifters host the Missions starting today to decide the pennant.

In the East, Carolina falters down the stretch, and Norfolk clinches their fourth straight trip to the Confederate Series on September 26 with a 10-4 win over the Flyers at Harbor Stadium.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) - Hit .356 with 6 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Skelly (SAN) - Went 2-1 with a 1.15 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

C Greg Olson (JAX) - Hit .372 with 8 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tim Crum (NOR) - Went 4-0 with a 2.85 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 91 - 68 .572 -
San Antonio... 91 - 68 .572 -
Memphis....... 82 - 77 .516 9
New Orleans... 78 - 81 .491 13
Houston....... 75 - 84 .472 16
Nashville..... 62 - 97 .390 29

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 92 - 67 .579 -
Miami......... 83 - 76 .522 9
Carolina...... 83 - 76 .522 9
Tampa......... 77 - 82 .484 15
Jacksonville.. 72 - 87 .453 20
Atlanta....... 68 - 91 .428 24

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1952

Dallas 8, San Antonio 3

DALLAS - CF Jeff McGovern drives in the winning runs with a two-run single as Dallas beats San Antonio, 8-3, to take a one game lead in the West. McGovern, 3 for 4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, added a solo shot in the 8th after scoring LF Alan Neel (3 for 3, 1 R, 1 RBI) and 2B John Allen with the hit off Don Skelly (L, 16-10, 6 IP, 5 R, 10 H, 3 BB, 3 K) in the 6th. Quinton Reed (W, 14-9, 6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 4 K) threw just 85 pitches, 61 for strikes.


October 5, 1952

Dallas 8, San Antonio 1

DALLAS - 3B Chris Wardell's (2 for 3, 4 RBI) two-run blast to deep center off Scott Newland (L, 9-6, 5 1/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K) keys a three-run 1st as Dallas cliches the Western crown with a 8-1 victory at Mercury Field. CF Jeff McGovern (2 for 4) singles to set the table for Wardell's 437-foot shot. Lawrence Durst (W, 10-4) scatters six hits and six walks in 7 1/3 innings of work; Don Gibbs and Joe Ellingson get the final five outs for the Drifters.


San Antonio wins Sunday's game, 4 to 3 in 10 innings, to finish one game back.


Final Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 93 - 69 .574 -
San Antonio... 92 - 70 .568 1
Memphis....... 83 - 79 .512 10
New Orleans... 80 - 82 .494 13
Houston....... 75 - 87 .463 18
Nashville..... 65 - 97 .401 28

Final Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 94 - 68 .580 -
Miami......... 85 - 77 .525 9
Carolina...... 84 - 78 .519 10
Tampa......... 78 - 84 .481 16
Jacksonville.. 72 - 90 .444 22
Atlanta....... 71 - 91 .438 23

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1952

Confederate Series Preview


The Norfolk Clippers are seeking their third CBA championship in four years under two-time Manager of the Year Lloyd Jorgensen. Norfolk has homefield advantage this go-round but had identical records (47-34) home and away this year.

The Clippers were second in the league in batting (.281), runs (858) and homers (157). Norfolk swept the starting infield of the All-Star Game with 3B Tom Swaim (.337, 22 HR, 90 RBI, 26 2Bs), SS Raymond Timmerman (.319, 28 HR, 81 RBI, 114 R, 25 2Bs, 90 BB), 2B Ted DeRouen (.329, 17 HR, 118 RBI, 90 R, 46 2Bs) and 1B Casey Pattison (.322, 15 HR, 99 RBI, 110 BB, 24 2Bs). RF Jason Music (.317, 13 HR, 92 RBI, 107 R, 34 2Bs, 26 SB) also swings a big bat.

Norfolk's staff had the second-lowest ERA (3.93) in the CBA. Two-time Hurler of the Year Joe Melton (19-3, 3.20, WHIP 1.17) has a six-decision winning streak, while Bruce Landry (12-6, 3.94) and Bruce Solomon (14-11, 4.02) are solid if not spectacular. Closer Floyd Luft (1-6, 25 SV, 3.47) has come back strong from mid-season back spasms.


The Dallas Drifters, with the league's top payroll ($85.8 million), are headed for their second postseason, skipped by 1949 Manager of the Year Steve Hamilton. Dallas won seven of twelve contests with Norfolk this year.

The Dallas offense was tops in batting (.287) and scoring (913) this season. RF Stephen Delisle (.380, 22 HR, 104 RBI, 112 R, 34 2Bs), SS Jerry Carroll (.315, 23 HR, 116 RBI, 31 2Bs) and 1B Jeff Hickox (.310, 27 HR, 99 RBI, 98 R, 28 2Bs, 18 SB) provide the power, while CF Jeff McGovern (.261, 109 R, 99 BB, 20 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 56 SB) and 2B John Allen (.259, 32 SB) provide the speed for the club that ranked third in thefts with 157.

The Drifters' pitching was only seventh-best (4.15 ERA) in the league last year. Lefties Joseph Phillips (14-9, 3.12, WHIP 1.28) and Quinton Reed (14-9, 3.72, WHIP 1.27) are effective, along with Lawrence Durst (10-4, 3.83) and closer Chase Kirkham (11-2, 24 SV, 3.65).

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1952

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 8 - Norfolk 6, Dallas 5

NORFOLK - 2B Ted DeRouen goes 3 for 4 and drives in two before pulling up lame in a nail-biting Norfolk win, 6 to 5. In the 6th, DeRouen doubled in CF John Smith off Quinton Reed (L, 5 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 6 K) but pulled his hamstring stopping at second; his return before Game 7 is doubtful. Greg Archer subbed for DeRouen and scored the winning run on 3B Tom Swaim's (2 for 5) single to right. Dallas C Patrick Baskerville was three for five with two runs, and RF Stephen Delisle doubled twice, once off Bruce Landry (W, 6 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) and once off Floyd Luft (SV, 1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB), who had the tying run on third [put on by intentional walk! ] before putting the game away.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 9 - Dallas 3, Norfolk 1

NORFOLK - LF Alan Neel goes 3 for 4 and drives in the winning run as Dallas defeats Norfolk, 3-1. 1B Jeff Hickox led off the 2nd with a triple, then Neel doubled to the gap in left-center off Joe Melton (L, 8 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 4 K). CF Jeff McGovern (2 for 5, 2 R) doubles and scores an insurance run in the 7th, and 2B Greg Archer drives in the sole Norfolk run with a double in the 1st but leaves with a tweaked hamstring; Archer is day-to-day. Joseph Phillips (W, 6 2/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K) pitches brillantly as do Gibbs, Ellingson and Kirkham (SV, 1 IP, 1 BB) in relief.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 11 - Norfolk 9, Dallas 4

DALLAS - 1B Casey Pattison homers twice and drives in five as Norfolk clobbers Dallas, 9-4. Both of Pattison's two-run blasts come off Lawrence Durst (L, 6 1/3 IP, 8 R, 10 H, 1 BB, 4 K), a shot down the right field line in the 1st and a bomb to left in the 5th. SS Raymond Timmerman goes 3 for 5 with a double and a tater, scoring four times for the Clippers as well. Bruce Solomon (W, 7 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 1 BB) strikes out six, and Jim Gustin (2 IP, 3 H) only gives up a run to C Patrick Baskerville's solo shot in the 8th.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 12 - Norfolk 13, Dallas 3

DALLAS - Three consecutive solo shots in the Norfolk 5th off Quinton Reed (L, 0-2, 6 1/3 IP, 6 R, 10 H, 1 BB, 2 K) are just the tip of the iceberg as the Clippers collect 17 hits in a rout over Dallas, 13 to 3. SS Raymond Timmerman (4 for 5, 3 R), 3B Tom Swaim (4 for 6, 3 R, 2 RBI) and RF Jason Music (3 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI) each homers with two down in the 5th, and C Arthur Hedge also drives in three. Bruce Landry (6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 1 K) wins his second game of the series, while Hamill, Cummings and Gustin allow just one Dallas hit through the final three frames.


Game 5 - Monday, October 13 - Norfolk 8, Dallas 2

DALLAS - Norfolk wins their third Confederate Series in four years! Joseph Phillips (L, 1-1, 3 IP, 5 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 2 K) allows six hits in a five-run Clippers 3rd to put the game away. After CF John Smith (2 for 4) and C Arthur Hedge (2 for 5, 2 R) single and SS Raymond Timmerman (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 RBI) walks to load the bases with one down, 3B Tom Swaim and RF Jason Music hit back-to-back two-run doubles while 2B Greg Archer (2 for 5) adds an RBI single with two outs. Timmerman is named the series MVP after hitting 11 of 22, scoring ten runs with three homers, including a two-run shot in the 6th. Joe Melton (W, 9 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K) strikes out Jeff Hickox with his 115th pitch to end the game.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1952

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - .380, 22 HR, 104 RBI, 112 R, 217 H, 34 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Don Skelly (SAN) (2) - 16-10, 3.02 ERA, WHIP 1.27

Western Division Rookie of the Year

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - .339, 3 HR, 38 RBI, 42 R, 57 BB in 348 AB

Western Division Manager of the Year

Steve Hamilton (DAL) (2) - Won 93 games, a 7 game improvement, and won Western pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

C Greg Olson (JAX) - .315, 32 HR, 117 RBI, 83 R, 22 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Joe Melton (NOR) (3) - 19-3, 3.20 ERA, WHIP 1.17

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (CAR) - .259, 24 HR, 79 RBI, 106 R, 18 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 51 SB

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Lloyd Jorgensen (NOR) (3) - Won 94 games and 4th consecutive Eastern crown


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Steven Mackay (MEM) (2)
C Ron Cowell (HOU) (3)
1B Jeff Hickox (DAL) (2)
2B John Allen (DAL) (2)
3B Johnson Salem (SAN) (2)
SS Greg Benz (HOU) (3)
LF Charlie Sharpe (SAN)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN)
RF Matthew Tallman (HOU)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Don Braddock (TAM)
C Mike McCreary (CAR) (2)
1B Lynn Jerome (ATL)
2B Dick Howes (CAR)
3B Bob Wall (CAR) (3)
SS Edwin Lerner (CAR)
LF Raymond Smith (NOR)
CF Pete Doyon (MIA) (2)
RF Jason Music (NOR) (2)


League Leaders

Batting

.380 - Stephen Delisle (DAL) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
.340 - Dave Winters (HOU)
.337 - Tom Swaim (NOR)
.329 - Ted DeRouen (NOR)
.329 - Dave Floyd (JAX)

Homeruns

32 - Ken Bennett (JAX)
32 - Greg Olson (JAX)
30 - Matthew Tallman (HOU)
28 - Raymond Timmerman (NOR)
27 - Jeff Hickox (DAL)

RBI

118 - Ted DeRouen (NOR)
117 - Greg Olson (JAX)
116 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
114 - Bill Danner (TAM)
104 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
104 - Ken Bennett (JAX)

Doubles

46 - Ted DeRouen (NOR)
37 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
34 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
34 - Jason Music (NOR)
33 - Dave Floyd (JAX)

Triples

13 - Bob Wall (CAR)
11 - Jeff McGovern (DAL)
10 - Larry Richards (MEM)
10 - Jeff Frost (NOR)
10 - Raymond LaVallee (ATL)

Runs

114 - Raymond Timmerman (NOR) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
112 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
110 - Chris Wardell (DAL)
109 - Jeff McGovern (DAL)
107 - Jason Music (NOR)

Stolen Bases

62 - John Watkins (TAM)
56 - Jeff McGovern (DAL)
51 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
48 - Tim Ryan (JAX)
41 - Rick Speed (MEM)

ERA

3.00 - Paul Jones (SAN)
3.02 - Don Skelly (SAN)
3.06 - Steve Bruce (JAX)
3.12 - Joseph Phillips (DAL)
3.20 - Joe Melton (NOR)

Wins

19 - Joe Melton (NOR)
16 - Steven Mackay (MEM)
16 - Don Skelly (SAN)
15 - Dave Haskell (TAM)
Seven tied with 14.

Saves

50 - Dave Samuelson (SAN) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
28 - Rodney Browne (ATL)
27 - Alex Yardley (TAM)
27 - Will Bergen (HOU)
25 - Rick Olander (NSH)
25 - Floyd Luft (NOR)

Strikeouts

218 - Dave Haskell (TAM)
212 - Steve Bruce (JAX)
205 - Barney Maloy (NWO)
200 - Bill Ebeling (NSH)
192 - Keith Ward (MIA)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1953

Offseason Recap

Nashville's three straight last-place finishes end the reign of Joe Greenawalt. The new Hounds skipper is Bryan Nickerson.

Nashville, Jacksonville and Tampa each get $5 million via revenue sharing.

A relatively quiet arbitration year, no player receives an award over $4 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 2 - Last year's MVP RF Stephen Delisle (.380, 22 HR, 104 RBI) leaves Dallas at age 25, signing for six years at $9.3 million with the Carolina Flyers.

February 4 - Dallas returns the favor, signing SP Kurtis Collins (12-8, 3.51) away from Carolina for four years at $6.8 million.

February 5 - Norfolk, the defending champs, sign speedster LF Tim Ryan (.237, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 48 SB) for $6.6 million and four years.

February 13 - The Drifters pick up speedy RF Raymond LaVallee (.293, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 10 3Bs, 31 SB) for four years at $7.2 million, easing the loss of Delisle somewhat.

February 14 - Carolina continues their raid on Dallas, signing SP Joseph Phillips (14-9, 3.12) for four years at $12.8 million.


March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Three picks, all in the West, this year:

Nashville (from NOR) - 2B Will Brown, .283, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 34 2Bs for AA Durham

New Orleans (from DAL) - LF Jeremiah Davis, 11 of 44 for Dallas, .231 with 12 HR and 43 RBI at AAA Little Rock

Dallas (from NWO) - MR Ron Peters, 5.33 in 25 1/3 IP in New Orleans, 4.76 in 75 2/3 IP for AAA Mobile

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1953

Dallas won their first six games of the season before returning to earth and falling to second place in the West, one game behind the Memphis Blues. Batter of the Month SS Jerry Carroll got a hit in his first sixteen games this year for the Drifters.

Tampa leads a tight Eastern Division by one game over Jacksonville; fifth place Atlanta is just two back. Norfolk, tied for third, lost last year's Confederate Series MVP SS Raymond Timmerman (.319, 28 HR, 81 RBI last year) on April 8. A fastball by Carolina's Ken Schleicher broke Timmerman's cheekbone; he is expected back in a couple more weeks.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) - Hit .375 with 6 HR and 15 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Palmer (SAN) - Went 3-0 with a 1.49 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Brian Gray (MIA) - Hit .341 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ted Knott (ATL) - Went 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 13 - _6 .684 -
Dallas........ 12 - _7 .632 1
San Antonio... 12 - 10 .545 2.5
Nashville...... 9 - 13 .409 5.5
New Orleans.... 8 - 14 .364 6.5
Houston........ 7 - 14 .333 7

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 12 - _8 .600 -
Jacksonville.. 13 - 11 .542 1
Miami......... 12 - 11 .522 1.5
Norfolk....... 12 - 11 .522 1.5
Atlanta........ 9 - _9 .500 2
Carolina....... 8 - 13 .381 4.5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1953

Dallas wins seven straight beginning May 12 to jump out to a four game lead over Memphis in the Western Division. Kurtis Collins (8-3, 2.62) has two more wins than any other pitcher in the CBA.

Bad news for the second-place Blues, meanwhile, as SP Vernon Elswick (4-3, 2.91) will be down for all of June after pulling his bicep on May 20.

Elsewhere, journeyman C Ron Cowell (.262, 2 HR, 18 RBI) drives in nine runs with a double and two homers in Houston's 18-8 pounding of Atlanta on May 10.

In the East, Carolina has won fourteen of their last sixteen, jumping from sixth to second, half a game behind Tampa. The Flyers are third in the league in taters (45), thanks to CF Bob Mangum (.273, 10 HR, 30 RBI), LF John Theiss (.293, 10 HR, 28 RBI), 1B Ron Harris (.298, 8 HR, 31 RBI) and RF Stephen Delisle (.313, 8 HR, 25 RBI).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Kevin "Pluto" Pierce (MEM) - Hit .398 with 3 HR and 29 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Daryl Warren (MEM) - Went 3-1 with a 1.08 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Jeremy Keener (MIA) - Hit .395 with 6 HR and 25 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Gary Nardi (JAX) - Went 4-1 with a 2.74 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 30 - 17 .638 -
Memphis....... 26 - 21 .553 4
San Antonio... 24 - 24 .500 6.5
Nashville..... 21 - 27 .438 9.5
New Orleans... 20 - 28 .417 10.5
Houston....... 19 - 29 .396 11.5

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 27 - 22 .551 -
Carolina...... 26 - 22 .542 .5
Jacksonville.. 26 - 24 .520 1.5
Miami......... 24 - 25 .490 3
Atlanta....... 23 - 24 .489 3
Norfolk....... 23 - 26 .469 4

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights

Nashville (1st) - 1B Bradley Heinemann, 22 (7/9/10)
With a .328 average and 18 HR in 242 AB for VCU, this switch-hitter gets $3.1 million for putting his name on the dotted line.

Jacksonville (3rd) - 2B Martin Lynch, 20 (7/8/8)
Hitting .345 with 11 HR in 215 AB for Jacksonville University, this prospect signed for $1.35 million.

Houston (4th) - SS Jeff Buchanan, 20 (7/9/10)
A $3 million signing bonus for this infielder, who hit .306 with 18 HR in 253 AB for Idaho.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Dallas (174)
New Orleans (166)
Carolina (145)
San Antonio (138)
Memphis (131)
Houston (130)
Nashville (127)
Jacksonville (125)
Atlanta (103)
Miami (89)
Tampa (70)
Norfolk (57)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Sarasota (TAM) - 31-18
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 31-17
A Tuscaloosa (TAM) - 40-9

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1953

Carolina has lost their last seven games, but still holds a half-game lead over Jacksonville in the East. The division remains very competitive, with fifth-place Atlanta just 3 1/2 back.

Dallas continues to top the West with a 4 1/2 game lead over Memphis. However, the Drifters will be without their ace starter in July after Kurtis Collins (11-5. 2.31) goes down June 28 with a strained back. Elsewhere...

New Orleans loses C Mark Jost (.307, 6 HR, 28 RBI) for the season on June 9 to a broken ankle.

Memphis LF Larry Richards hits for the 4th cycle in CBA history at Houston June 10.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) - Hit .391 with 7 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 4 HR and 14 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steven Mackay (MEM) - Went 2-0 with a 0.28 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Travis O'Connell (ATL) - Hit .409 with 5 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve Bruce (JAX) - Went 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 46 - 28 .622 -
Memphis....... 42 - 33 .560 4.5
San Antonio... 37 - 39 .487 10
Houston....... 33 - 43 .434 14
New Orleans... 33 - 43 .434 14
Nashville..... 32 - 44 .421 15

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 41 - 35 .539 -
Jacksonville.. 41 - 36 .532 .5
Tampa......... 40 - 36 .526 1
Miami......... 39 - 38 .506 2.5
Atlanta....... 37 - 38 .493 3.5
Norfolk....... 34 - 42 .447 7

[jmm8356]

July 14, 1953

NEW ORLEANS - Jerry Carroll's two-run shot to left caps a three-run 3rd off Steve Bruce (L, 3 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 1 BB) as the Western All-Stars defeat the East, 4 to 2. Carroll was named the game's MVP for his 391-foot blast that scored Sean Baugh after Scott Heyer's (2 for 3) sacrifice fly plated John Allen. Joseph Palmer (3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) picks up the win, while Dave Samuelson (1 IP, 1 R, 3 H) is credited with the save. Ken Bennett was 3 for 4 with a run and a RBI in a losing effort.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Joseph Palmer (SAN) (3) - 10-4, 2.18 ERA, 142 Ks in 132 IP

C Patrick Baskerville (DAL) (4) - .277, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 18 2Bs, 37 BB in 253 AB

1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) (2) - .314, 10 HR, 70 RBI, 51 R, 29 2Bs

2B John Allen (DAL) - .268, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 46 R, 18 2Bs, 17 SB

3B Brian Dumas (NSH) - .331, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 42 R, 15 2Bs, 48 BB

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (4) - .290, 18 HR, 51 RBI, 52 R

LF Buck Blasingame (NSH) (2) - .250, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 50 R, 5 3Bs, 42 BB

CF Scott Heyer (MEM) (5) - .335, 6 HR, 50 RBI, 54 R, 64 BB

RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) (3) - .328, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 51 R, 20 2Bs, 21 SB

Reserves

SP Daryl Warren (MEM) (2)
SP Steven Mackay (MEM) (3)
SP Barney Maloy (NWO)
SP Lawrence Gladden (SAN)
SP Ronald Absher (NWO) (3)
SP Gordon Ringer (DAL) (2)
MR Joe Monteith (HOU)
CL Dave Samuelson (SAN) (4)
MR Jeffrey May (NWO)
C Travis Henry (MEM)
1B Sean Baugh (SAN) (2)
RF Gary Schneider (NWO)
RF Rick Brown (SAN) (4)
RF Bill Hodges (NSH)
3B Chris Wardell (DAL) (4)
SS Greg Benz (HOU) (5)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Steve Bruce (JAX) (5) - 11-3, 1.93 ERA, 105 Ks in 116 1/3 IP

C Greg Olson (JAX) (3) - .313, 12 HR, 39 RBI, 46 R, 16 2Bs

1B Brian Gray (MIA) (4) - .303, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 47 R, 26 2Bs, 62 BB

2B John Watkins (TAM) (3) - .298, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 67 R

3B Travis O'Connell (ATL) (5) - .349, 8 HR, 37 RBI, 47 R, 14 2Bs

SS Ken Bennett (JAX) (5) - .330, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 58 R, 70 BB

LF Tim Ryan (NOR) (2) - .241, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 49 R, 45 BB, 28 SB

CF Bob Mangum (CAR) - .288, 20 HR, 65 RBI, 21 SB

RF Waldo Hertel (JAX) - .314, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 51 R, 1 E in 183 TC (.995)

Reserves

SP Gary Nardi (JAX) (2)
SP Joe Melton (NOR) (5)
SP Douglas Nally (JAX)
SP Ken Schleicher (CAR) (2)
SP Tom Paulin (ATL)
SP Wesley Pope (MIA) (2)
MR John Redmond (TAM)
CL Chad Milam (TAM) (2)
MR Will Bearden (JAX)
C Wilson Stokes (TAM)
1B Ron Harris (CAR)
RF Don Graham (TAM)
CF Nick Bacon (TAM) (4)
CF Ryan Jackson (ATL)
2B Calvin Brown (MIA) (2)
3B Emery Thurston (JAX)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1953

The Dallas Drifters stretch their lead of the Western Division to 7 1/2 games over Memphis. SS Jerry Carroll hit three homers in a 13-8 Drifters loss at Houston July 31.

Carolina continues to lead a very close Eastern Division race. Jacksonville and Tampa are both one game back, and Miami is two games behind in fourth spot. The Flyers, however, will not have RF Stephen Delisle (.326, 12 HR, 43 RBI) in the second half of the season. Last year's MVP tore a muscle in his back diving for a ball on July 9 to put him out for the year.

The Ospreys make a couple of deadline moves. First, Jacksonville gets 1B Nick Crouse (.324, 7 HR, 26 RBI in 139 AB) from Norfolk for SP Gary Dupre (6-7, 3.58). Then the Ospreys deal SP Douglas Nally (10-6, 4.05) to Houston for hot hand SP Joe Ressler (5-0, 0.87 in 20 2/3 IP)

Tampa adds some pop for the stretch run as well, acquiring 1B Andy Roberts (.346, 5 HR, 16 RBI in 107 AB) from Houston for SS Bryant Williams (.261, 4 HR, 22 RBI) and a minor leaguer. The Tomahawks also tie down their roster for the future, signing 2B John Watkins (4 years at $8.6 million, .291, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 41 SB), RF Don Graham (3 years at $6.3 million, .340, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 22 2Bs, 40 SB) and MR Alex Yardley (4 years at $5.8 million, 3.95 this year, 161 career saves) to big contract extensions.

Elsewhere, despite injury problems and an off year, Miami extends Jonathan Ford (5-9, 4.66) for four years at $8.5 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) - Hit .375 with 4 HR and 23 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lawrence Gladden (SAN) - Went 4-0 with a 0.95 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (CAR) - Hit .341 with 7 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Brian Pointer (TAM) - Went 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 61 - 40 .604 -
Memphis....... 54 - 48 .529 7.5
San Antonio... 49 - 53 .480 12.5
New Orleans... 46 - 56 .451 15.5
Houston....... 45 - 57 .441 16.5
Nashville..... 40 - 62 .392 21.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 56 - 47 .544 -
Jacksonville.. 55 - 48 .534 1
Tampa......... 55 - 48 .534 1
Miami......... 54 - 49 .524 2
Atlanta....... 51 - 51 .500 4.5
Norfolk....... 48 - 55 .466 8