Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1955

Miami goes 20-9 in May to jump from fifth to first and a one game lead of the Eastern Division. However, the Meteors will be without ace Jonathan Ford (7-2, 2.39) for a while after he ruptures a bicep tendon on May 22. Ford required surgery but hopes to be back before the All-Star break.

Atlanta, tied for fourth, is bitten hard by the injury bug. May 29 sees Tom Paulin (5-1, 3.03) go down for a month with a strained bicep, then Kevin Dotson (3-2, 2.01) goes on the DL for an estimated five weeks with a herniated disc on May 31.

Out West, Memphis stretches their lead out to 5 1/2 games over Dallas. Blues RF Scott Heyer (.344, 9 HR, 31 SB) hit for the cycle against Miami May 22, but not all the news is good for the defending champs. (See below.)


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Kevin "Pluto" Pierce (MEM) - Hit .409 with 3 HR and 20 RBI, but last year's Confederate Series MVP is out for the season after tearing a hamstring May 31

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steven Mackay (MEM) - Went 5-0 with a 2.54 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Ryan Jackson (NOR) - Went .327 with 9 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve Bruce (JAX) - Went 4-0 with a 0.79 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 31 - 19 .620 -
Dallas........ 25 - 24 .510 5.5
Nashville..... 24 - 26 .480 7
San Antonio... 24 - 26 .480 7
Houston....... 23 - 27 .460 8
New Orleans... 19 - 29 .396 11

Eastern Division Standings

Miami......... 30 - 21 .588 -
Norfolk....... 28 - 21 .571 1
Carolina...... 28 - 23 .549 2
Atlanta....... 26 - 26 .500 4.5
Tampa......... 25 - 25 .500 4.5
Jacksonville.. 17 - 33 .340 12.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Nashville (1st) - C Aaron Hess, 21 (8/8/9)
A $2 million signing bonus for this young backstop from Northern Arizona (.335, 10 HR in 204 AB).

New Orleans (2nd) - 1B Kevin Riles, 22 (7/7/10)
Hitting .340 with 9 HR in 185 AB for Vanderbilt, this rightie signs for $2.9 million.

Houston (3rd) - SP John McMasters, 21 (8/7/8)
This Georgia Bulldog threw 177 Ks in just 137 2/3 IP with a 2.22 ERA.

Miami (4th) - 3B Steven Wells, 19 (8/8/7)
This youngster hit .572 with 7 HR in 60 AB for Tell City HS (Indiana).

Memphis (10th) - MR Stephen Smiley, 23 (10/6/4)
With 78 whiffs in 44 1/3 IP and a 1.62 ERA for Wisconsin-Green Bay, this righthander has the makeup to be dominant from the pen.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Nashville (213)
Houston (184)
Carolina (182)
Memphis (152)
Dallas (142)
Miami (120)
Jacksonville (109)
New Orleans (107)
Tampa (100)
San Antonio (90)
Atlanta (46)
Norfolk (10)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Birmingham (MEM) and Sarasota (TAM) - 31-19
AA Daytona (DAL) - 30-19
A Biloxi (MIA) and Columbus (CAR) - 31-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1955

Carolina has won five of their last six to take a two game lead over Norfolk for the Eastern Division. The Flyers are not content, though; Carolina sends SP Ken Schleicher (5-4, 2.81) with a minor leaguer to Jacksonville for SP Steve McCauley (5-5, 3.43, WHIP 1.02) on June 29. Elsewhere in the East...

Miami remains in third spot despite injuries to their starting staff; Edwin Frey (5-2, 1.74) is lost for the season June 2 with bone chips in his shoulder.

Jacksonville's Wayne Wallce (3-4, 4.59) throws the 4th no-hitter in CBA history against Norfolk on June 5.

Memphis has stretched their Western Division lead to eight games over Nashville. CF Scott Heyer (.339, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 61 R, 54 BB, 17 2Bs, 13 SB) has an incredible .466 on-base percentage with 14 intentional walks.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) - Hit .389 with 10 HR and 30 RBI, including 3 homers against Memphis June 16

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steven Mackay (MEM) - Went 5-0 with a 0.76 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Lane Brasfield (TAM) - Hit .358 with 9 2Bs, 4 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Vernon Hunt (JAX) - Went 3-1 with a 0.98 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 50 - 28 .641 -
Nashville..... 42 - 36 .538 8
San Antonio... 38 - 40 .487 12
Dallas........ 37 - 40 .481 12.5
Houston....... 33 - 45 .423 17
New Orleans... 31 - 45 .408 18

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 46 - 33 .582 -
Norfolk....... 43 - 34 .558 2
Miami......... 42 - 36 .538 3.5
Tampa......... 39 - 39 .500 6.5
Jacksonville.. 33 - 45 .423 12.5
Atlanta....... 33 - 46 .418 13

[jmm8356]

July 12, 1955

JACKSONVILLE - An unlikely hero at Humana Park today, as pitcher Clint Shope (W, 2 IP, 1 H, 2 K) hits a grounder to short slow enough to score Raymond Timmerman from third with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th to win the game for the Eastern All-Stars, 5 to 4. Brian Dumas boots Timmerman's grounder, then pinch hitter Brian Gray and Bill Danner (2 for 4) both single off Lance Stephenson (1/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 H) to load the bases for Shope's roller to Jerry Carroll. Bob Mangum is named the game's MVP, going two for four with a two-run double.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Steven Mackay (MEM) (5) - 13-1, 1.84 ERA, WHIP 1.00

C John Edmonson (NWO) - .310, 0 HR, 28 RBI, .370 in July

1B Chris Roseboro (DAL) (4) - .299, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 48 R, 17 2Bs

2B Lee Pinkney (HOU) (5) - .282, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 11 2Bs, 4 3Bs

3B Brian Dumas (NSH) (3) - .306, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 52 R, 68 BB

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (6) - .346, 22 HR, 66 RBI, 54 R, 21 2Bs

LF Malcolm Harris (NWO) (4) - .305, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 50 R, 59 BB, 14 SB

CF Scott Heyer (MEM) (7) - .317, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 61 R, 57 BB, 17 2Bs, 14 SB

RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) (5) - .266, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 50 R, 11 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 24 SB

Reserves

SP Tim Hathcock (DAL)
SP Al Hoke (NWO)
SP Frank Welsh (MEM)
SP Lawrence Durst (SAN)
SP Joseph Palmer (SAN) (5)
SP Bryan Smiley (DAL)
MR Sam White (NSH) (3)
CL Lance Stephenson (SAN) (2)
MR John Redmond (MEM) (2)
C Patrick Baskerville (DAL) (5)
1B Brad Mason (SAN)
LF Alan Neel (DAL)
LF Buck Blasingame (NSH) (4)
CF Travis Severance (DAL)
3B Norm Lewis (NWO)
3B Raymond Thigpen (SAN)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Don Skelly (CAR) (4) - 12-3, 2.50, WHIP 1.04

C Paul Bowen (JAX) (2) - .338, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 41 R, 12 2Bs

1B Ron Harris (CAR) (3) - .327, 9 HR, 52 RBI, 45 R, 13 2Bs

2B Clint Hoye (TAM) - .268, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 46 R

3B Travis O'Connell (CAR) (6) - .333, 10 HR, 58 RBI, 17 2Bs

SS Dave Whitener (MIA) - .311, 6 HR, 54 RBI, 46 R, 22 2Bs

LF Bill Danner (TAM) (4) - .288, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 41 R, 45 BB

CF Bob Mangum (CAR) (3) - .308, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 42 R, 18 2Bs, 6 3Bs

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (6) - .317, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 10 2Bs, 1 E in 169 TC (.994)

Reserves

SP Steve Bruce (JAX) (6)
SP Joe Melton (NOR) (7)
SP Garry Rich (TAM)
SP Roger Stauffer (NOR)
SP Vernon Hunt (JAX)
SP Ronald Absher (TAM) (5)
MR Ryan Cummings (NOR) (2)
CL Ken Scruggs (MIA)
MR Clint Shope (ATL)
C Mark Jost (MIA)
1B Brian Gray (MIA) (5)
CF Nick Bacon (TAM) (6)
CF Ryan Jackson (NOR) (2)
LF Tim Ryan (NOR) (4)
3B Lane Brasfield (TAM)
SS Raymond Timmerman (NOR) (6)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1955

Carolina extends their Eastern Division lead to six games over Miami and 6 1/2 ahead of Norfolk. The Flyers continue to deal, though, sending SP Steve McCauley (7-6, 3.31) and a minor leaguer to Houston for LF Vance DeVille (.324, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 38 BB).

Atlanta, meanwhile, keeps trying to find a winning combination. The Flames rent SP Ron Stephenson (7-10, 5.14) for twenty days to turn SS Johnny Dean (to Memphis July 9, .265, 7 HR, 30 RBI) into 3B Lane Brasfield (from Tampa July 28, .309, 14 HR, 60 RBI). Atlanta also sends SP Tom Paulin (5-3, 2.89 in 12 GS) to Nashville for three minor leaguers on July 30, and signs SP Ted Knott (6-7, 3.27) to a four-year extension at $7.2 million.

In the West, Memphis wins just two of their last eleven but continues to lead the division by two games over Nashville. Third-place Dallas acquires SP Garry Rich (9-10, 3.82) July 26 from Tampa for SP Tim Hathcock (12-4, 4.17) and a minor leaguer.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Lee Pinkney (HOU) - Hit .386 with 4 HR and 18 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bryan Smiley (DAL) - Went 3-1 with a 1.30 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Tim Ryan (NOR) - Hit .291 with 6 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve Bruce (JAX) - Went 4-1 with a 0.90 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 60 - 44 .577 -
Nashville..... 58 - 46 .558 2
Dallas........ 54 - 50 .519 6
San Antonio... 53 - 51 .510 7
New Orleans... 46 - 57 .447 13.5
Houston....... 45 - 59 .433 15

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 60 - 45 .571 -
Miami......... 54 - 51 .514 6
Norfolk....... 53 - 51 .510 6.5
Tampa......... 52 - 53 .495 8
Jacksonville.. 48 - 57 .457 12
Atlanta....... 43 - 62 .410 17

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1955

Memphis looks set to defend their title as a 12-game winning streak beginning July 31 vaults the Blues out to a ten game lead over Nashville in the West. Closer John Redmond (6-4, 31 SV, 2.51, WHIP 1.10) has blown just two saves on the year.

Carolina, meanwhile, continues to lead the East by 5 1/2 over Tampa; Miami and Norfolk sit 6 1/2 behind the Flyers' pace. Former MVPs 3B Travis O'Connell (.333, 18 HR, 87 RBI) and Bob Mangum (.283, 18 HR, 72 RBI) lead the bats in Charlotte.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Mike Walton (NSH) - Hit .347 with 5 HR and 30 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ryan Broaddus (MEM) - Went 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Bob Wall (MIA) - Hit .359 with 8 HR and 33 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Roger Stauffer (NOR) - Went 4-2 with a 2.16 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 83 - 50 .624 -
Nashville..... 73 - 60 .549 10
San Antonio... 69 - 64 .519 14
Dallas........ 64 - 69 .481 19
New Orleans... 61 - 71 .462 21.5
Houston....... 53 - 80 .398 30

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 75 - 59 .560 -
Tampa......... 69 - 64 .519 5.5
Miami......... 68 - 65 .511 6.5
Norfolk....... 68 - 65 .511 6.5
Jacksonville.. 63 - 70 .474 11.5
Atlanta....... 52 - 81 .391 22.5

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1955

Very little drama to be found in either division this September. Memphis sealed their second straight trip to the Confederate Series on September 22 with a 2-0 win over Dallas, while Carolina clinched their first Eastern Division pennant on September 26, beating Atlanta 2-1.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Alan Neel (DAL) - Hit .443 with 1 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Al Hoke (NWO) - Went 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Casey Pattison (NOR) - Hit .429 with 3 HR and 5 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe Melton (NOR) - Went 5-0 with a 1.15 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 98 - 64 .605 -
Nashville..... 87 - 75 .537 11
San Antonio... 80 - 82 .494 18
Dallas........ 79 - 83 .488 19
New Orleans... 78 - 84 .481 20
Houston....... 64 - 98 .395 34

Final Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 92 - 70 .568 -
Miami......... 84 - 78 .519 8
Norfolk....... 83 - 79 .512 9
Tampa......... 82 - 80 .506 10
Jacksonville.. 77 - 85 .475 15
Atlanta....... 68 - 94 .420 24

[jmm8356]

October 5, 1955

Confederate Series Preview


The Memphis Blues are looking to defend their first CBA championship under two-time Manager of the Year, Ray Blanton. Memphis will have homefield advantage this year after a 54-27 record at The Fabulous Avalon.

Unlike last season, the Blues feature the top pitching staff (3.52) in the league this year. Steven Mackay (21-7, 2.59 ERA, WHIP 1.09, 224 Ks in 267 2/3 IP) is a shoo-in for Hurler of the Year, while Vernon Elswick (11-12, 3.58) and Kevin Dotson (9-6, 3.53 in 25 GS) are both solid. Memphis, surprisingly, has had a new closer for the last two weeks as John Redmond (10-4, 33 SV, 2.43, WHIP 1.08) made way for $11.8 million reliever-turned-starter-turned-reliever Matt Snyder (12-2, 3.10, WHIP 1.29).

Memphis was again low on homeruns (93, 11th), but this season, a few less hits (.268, 3rd) and swipes (142, 5th) meant a few less runs (740, 5th). CF Scott Heyer (.298, 24 HR, 89 RBI, 105 R, 107 BB, 25 2Bs, 23 SB) and 2B Justin Charley (.336, 4 HR, 76 RBI, 69 R, 72 BB) are again big contributors, while RF Rick Speed (.269, 68 R, 14 2Bs, 9 3Bs, 52 SB) and LF Larry Richards (.249, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 19 2Bs, 20 SB) provide the speed.


The Carolina Flyers make their first Confederate Series in their history, led by two-time Manager of the Year Donnie Chancellor. The Flyers won eight of the twelve meetings between these two teams this year.

Carolina was tops in batting (.280) and scoring (775), and ranked second in homers (133). 3B Travis O'Connell (.326, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 88 BB, 29 2Bs), CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (.281, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 98 R, 71 BB, 28 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 23 SB) and RF Stephen Delisle (.338, 14 HR, 94 RBI, 27 2Bs) are each a former MVP. Deadline acquisition (via Houston) LF Vance DeVille (.330, 8 HR, 61 RBI, 60 R, 67 BB, 18 2Bs) hit .391 with 20 RBIs in September.

The Flyers' pitchers have the seventh-best ERA (3.84) but rank third in runs allowed (682). Don Skelly (16-10, 3.19, WHIP 1.13) and Joseph Phillips (12-11, 3.82) have anchored the staff, while Brandon Sutherland (11-3, 3.89) is 7-0 after returning from the bullpen in early August. Leland Meyer (8-3, 19 SV, 2.04 ERA, WHIP 1.17) took over the closer's role in July.

[jmm8356]

October 14, 1955

Confederate Series Recap


Game 1 - Wednesday, October 5 - Carolina 7, Memphis 4

MEMPHIS - 3B Travis O'Connell's three-run shot in the 1st and SS Malcolm Albes's solo shot in the 8th are just two of the Flyers' sixteen hits in a 7-4 win over Memphis. O'Connell (2 for 4) drove one to right-center off Vernon Elswick (6 2/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 4 BB, 3 K), while Ables (2 for 4) went 422 feet away in left-center off John Redmond (1 1/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H). Charlie Wilkinson (2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gets the win despite allowing the tying run in the 7th, and Leland Meyer (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) gets the save. CF Rick Speed is 3 for 4 with a run and an RBI in a losing effort.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 6 - Carolina 11, Memphis 9

MEMPHIS - Blues C Greg Olson drives in four, going 4 for 4 with a double and a homer, but it's not enough as Carolina wins a wild one, 11 to 9. LF Vance DeVille hits 3 for 5 with a run and three RBIs, but Stephen Delisle's solo shot in the 6th off Douglas Englehart (2 IP, 1 R, 2 H) scores the eventual game winner. Steven Mackay (L, 0-1, 1 2/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) does not last long, while Charlie Wilkinson (1 2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H) gets his second win in the series despite a 7.72 ERA. Leland Meyer (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) earns the save, his 2nd of the postseason.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 8 - Carolina 5, Memphis 4

CHARLOTTE - Brandon Sunderland (W, 1-0, 8 1/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 K) throws a one-hitter through eight but makes it interesting in the end as Carolina squeaks by Memphis, 5-4, to take a three-games-to-none lead in their first Confederate Series. Sunderland gives up three hits in the 9th, and Leland Meyer (2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) moves the tying run to second with a hit batsman before earning his 3rd save of the series. 1B Ron Harris (3 for 3) hits a two-run shot off Kevin Dotson (L, 6 1/3 IP, 5 R, 12 H, 1 BB, 4 K) which proves to be the game winner.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 9 - Carolina 4, Memphis 0

CHARLOTTE - The Blues manage just three hits as Carolina completes the sweep with a 4-0 at rainy State Fair Park. Don Skelly (W, 1-0, 6 2/3 IP, 1 H, 6 BB, 1 K), Charlie Wilkinson (1/3 IP) and George Beck (2 IP, 2 H, 3 K) are effective for the Flyers, while 2B Jack Kennedy and CF Bob Mangum each hit 2 for 4 with solo shots off Vernon Elswick (L, 0-1, 5 1/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K). Kennedy is named the series MVP for scoring six times while hitting 8 of 18 (.444, including a double and a homer) and driving in two; he had two hits and at least one run in each of the four games.

[jmm8356]

October 15, 1955

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (2) - .335, 34 HR, 110 RBI, 97 R, 98 BB, 37 2Bs, 7 3Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Steven Mackay (MEM) - 21-7, 2.59 ERA, OAVG .219, WHIP 1.09, 224 Ks in 267 2/3 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

3B Raymond Thigpen (SAN) - .267, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 93 R, 13 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 56 SB

Western Division Manager of the Year

Ray Blanton (MEM) (3) - Won 98 games for Western Division pennant, 32-18 in 1-run games


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Travis O'Connell (CAR) (2) - .326, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 85 R, 88 BB, 29 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Joe Melton (NOR) (4) - 19-10, 3.36, WHIP 1.18

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Donnie Chancellor (CAR) (3) - Won 92 games and Eastern Division pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Gordon Ringer (DAL) (3)
C Mike McCreary (HOU) (4)
1B Brad Mason (SAN)
2B Lee Pinkney (HOU) (3)
3B Raymond Thigpen (SAN)
SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (3)
LF Charlie Sharpe (SAN) (2)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN) (2)
RF Jim Gamble (HOU) (5)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P John Maloney (TAM)
C Dave Staggs (CAR)
1B Jeff Hickox (ATL) (4)
2B Richard Safford (JAX) (2)
3B Emery Thurston (JAX) (2)
SS Malcolm Ables (CAR) (2)
LF Bill Danner (TAM) (3)
CF Coy Greene (ATL)
RF Rick Brown (MIA)


League Leaders

Batting

.352 - Norm Lewis (NWO)
.338 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)
.337 - Alan Neel (DAL)
.336 - Justin Charley (MEM)
.335 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)

Homeruns

34 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
30 - Bob Wall (MIA)
27 - Tim Ryan (NOR)
27 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
25 - Ryan Jackson (NOR)
25 - Calvin Brown (NOR)

RBI

110 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
107 - Bob Wall (MIA)
100 - Travis O'Connell (CAR)
100 - Buck Blasingame (NSH)
99 - Tim Ryan (NOR)

Doubles

44 - Dave Whitener (MIA)
42 - Patrick Baskerville (DAL)
37 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
35 - Bob Harmon (NWO)
34 - Pete Doyon (HOU)

Triples

12 - Gary Schneider (NSH)
11 - Bob Wall (MIA)
10 - Raymond LaVallee (DAL)
9 - Rick Speed (MEM)
8 - Ron Brookshire (JAX)
8 - Bob Mangum (CAR)

Runs

105 - Scott Heyer (MEM)
98 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
97 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
95 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
93 - Malcolm Harris (NWO)
93 - Raymond Thigpen (SAN)

Stolen Bases

65 - Travis Severance (DAL)
56 - Raymond Thigpen (SAN)
54 - Ron Brookshire (JAX)
52 - Rick Speed (MEM)
46 - Tim Ryan (NOR)

ERA

2.57 - Roger Stauffer (NOR)
2.59 - Steven Mackay (MEM)
2.79 - Steve Bruce (JAX)
2.89 - Al Hoke (NWO)
3.04 - Dave Haskell (TAM)

Wins

21 - Steven Mackay (MEM) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
19 - Joe Melton (NOR)
18 - Al Hoke (NWO)
17 - Lawrence Durst (SAN)
Four tied with 16.

Saves

50 - Lance Stephenson (SAN) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
37 - Ken Scruggs (MIA)
34 - Clint Shope (ATL)
33 - John Redmond (MEM)
33 - Jack Parsons (NSH)

Strikeouts

260 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
233 - Joseph Palmer (SAN)
224 - Steven Mackay (MEM)
217 - Barney Maloy (NWO)
200 - Steve Bruce (JAX)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1956

Offseason Recap

SP Don Skelly retires after winning a championship with Carolina last year in his 8th season. Entering the league in its inaugural year at age 30 with San Antonio, Skelly (121-74, 3.00 ERA, 965 Ks) won three Hurler of the Year awards and was a four-time All-Star. He'll get "Second Look" consideration for the Hall of Fame next year. [Opinions are encouraged and welcome.]

Skipper of the first Confederate Series winner, Al Lindsey is canned by Atlanta after eight seasons, not cracking .500 for the past four. Newcomer Randy Gerry is the Flames' new manager.

New Orleans and defending champion Carolina both receive $5 million via revenue sharing.

Norfolk SP Roger Stauffer (14-8, 2.57) gets the largest arbitration award, $7.4 million. Other arbitrations include:

Carolina CF Bob Mangum (.281, 27 HR, 94 RBI) gets another year at $6.4 million.

San Antonio SP Joseph Palmer (14-16, 4.24) holds steady at $5.8 million.

Houston SP Oscar Alloway (11-15, 3.04) jumps from the league minimum $300K to $5.7 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 2 - LF Malcolm Harris (.298, 14 HR, 73 RBI, 111 BB) plans to be a Flame for quite a while, signing a $8.2 million deal with Atlanta for seven years.

February 3 - SP Lawrence Gladden (11-7, 3.48) returns to Carolina after four seasons with San Antonio, signing with the defending champs for six years at $10.1 million.

February 6 - Jacksonville adds SP Quinton Reed (16-8, 3.30) for three years at $6.1 million.

February 9 - Nashville picks up 1B Ron Harris (.298, 16 HR, 86 RBI) fresh off a championship with Carolina at $8.2 million for three years.

February 13 - Norfolk re-signs SP Gary Dupre (10-12, 3.45) for four years at $7.1 million.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

The Flames lose two players this year:

Norfolk (from ATL) - LF Ryan Baer, .248, 14 HR, 44 RBI in AA Columbia

Nashville (from ATL) - MR Danny Gwin, 5.32 in 22 IP for Atlanta, 2.96 in 45 2/3 IP at AAA Greenville

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1956

Nashville is off to a blazing start at 17-7, 3 1/2 games clear of Memphis in the West. Both 3B Brian Dumas (.365, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 18 R, 7 2Bs) and 1B Ron Harris (.402, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R, 11 2Bs) are swinging hot bats for the Hounds.

Dallas suffers a blow on opening day April 3, losing last year's MVP SS Jerry Carroll (.335, 34 HR, 110 RBI last year) for eight weeks with a strained elbow.

The Eastern Division sees Norfolk with a 1 1/2 game lead over Jacksonville. 2B Calvin Brown and 3B Tom Swaim each have 20 RBIs on the season for the Clippers.

Tampa, in a three-way tie for last with Atlanta and Miami, get some bullpen help from the West on April 9, acquiring five-time All-Star Dave Samuelson (3.17 in 102 1/3 IP last year) from San Antonio for SS Bill Floyd (.341 in 135 AB last year) and a minor leaguer.

Miami, meanwhile, will be without SP Jonathan Ford (16-8, 3.11 last year) for the month of May after he pulls his tricep April 18.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Scott Heyer (MEM) - Hit .500 with 4 HR and 27 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lawrence Miles (NWO) - Went 0-1 with a 0.81 ERA, WHIP 1.12 in 3 GS

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Nick Bacon (TAM) - Hit .415 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Roger Stauffer (NOR) - Went 5-0 with a 0.64 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 17 - _7 .708 -
Memphis....... 13 - 10 .565 3.5
San Antonio... 12 - 13 .480 5.5
New Orleans... 11 - 12 .478 5.5
Dallas........ 11 - 14 .440 6.5
Houston....... 10 - 15 .400 7.5

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 17 - 10 .630 -
Jacksonville.. 13 - _9 .591 1.5
Carolina...... 11 - 13 .458 4.5
Atlanta....... 11 - 15 .423 5.5
Tampa......... 11 - 15 .423 5.5
Miami......... 10 - 14 .417 5.5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1956

Very little change after May's play as both Nashville and Norfolk increase their division leads.

In second in the East is Jacksonville, who will be without SP Steve Bruce (3-3, 2.40) until just before the All-Star Break thanks to a pulled tricep on May 30.

Last place Atlanta's injuries continue, with LF Malcolm Harris (.294, 3 HR, 14 RBI) breaking his hand diving for a ball May 18; he should return near the end of the month.

Out West, Dallas SP Ron Woodard (3-4, 3.82) throws nine no-hit innings May 31 but gets a no decision in an eleven-inning victory over Houston, 1-0.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) - Hit .391 with 5 HR and 25 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tom "Spooky" Gustafson (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 0.86 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Richard Safford (JAX) - Hit .374 with 4 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

John Maloney (TAM) - Went 4-1 with a 1.76 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 35 - 17 .673 -
Memphis....... 29 - 21 .580 5
San Antonio... 30 - 22 .577 5
New Orleans... 24 - 27 .471 10.5
Dallas........ 24 - 28 .462 11
Houston....... 21 - 31 .404 14

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 31 - 23 .574 -
Jacksonville.. 26 - 25 .510 3.5
Carolina...... 26 - 27 .491 4.5
Miami......... 23 - 29 .442 7
Tampa......... 23 - 30 .434 7.5
Atlanta....... 20 - 32 .385 10

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Atlanta (2nd) - 3B Jerry Floyd, 18 (8/10/10)
A $2.4 million signing bonus for this switch-hitter with a .579 average and 10 homers in 67 at-bats at Sweeney HS (Texas).

Jacksonville (3rd) - 2B Jonathan Ralls, 18 (7/8/10)
Out of Suffield HS (Connecticut) with a .576 average and 8 HR in 102 AB, this young infielder signs for a $1.1 million bonus.

New Orleans (4th) - LF Paul Fisher, 18 (9/8/7)
This right-handed slugger gets a $2.9 million signing bonus after hitting a crazy .618 in 110 AB for Alvin HS (Texas).

San Antonio (6th) - 2B Paul Zimmer, 20 (6/8/10)
Hitting .323 with 13 HR in 254 AB for Hawaii, this rightie gets a $1 million signing bonus.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Houston (210)
Nashville (208)
Miami (206)
Atlanta (153)
Memphis (114)
San Antonio (109)
Jacksonville (105)
Tampa (90)
Dallas (88)
New Orleans (83)
Carolina (46)
Norfolk (43)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Mobile (NWO) and Orlando (JAX) - 31-20
AA Charleston (JAX) - 31-20
A Lake Charles (HOU) - 30-22

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1956

The Nashville Hounds continue a torrid pace to lead the Western Division by five games over Memphis. The Blues were without ace Steven Mackay (5-5, 2.67) for most of the month after he herniated a disc in his back June 9, but Mackay is due back in a week or so.

In the East, Norfolk maintains a 3 1/2 game margin over defending champion Carolina, with 2B Calvin Brown (.299, 16 HR, 52 RBI) leading the most productive offense in the league (433 runs).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - Hit .341 with 6 HR and 18 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Oscar Alloway (HOU) - Went 4-1 with a 1.44 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (CAR) - Hit .347 with 8 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe Melton (NOR) - Went 4-1 with a 2.57 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 52 - 28 .650 -
Memphis....... 46 - 32 .590 5
Dallas........ 41 - 39 .512 11
San Antonio... 41 - 39 .512 11
New Orleans... 38 - 41 .481 13.5
Houston....... 31 - 49 .388 21

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 46 - 35 .568 -
Carolina...... 42 - 38 .525 3.5
Jacksonville.. 40 - 39 .506 5
Atlanta....... 36 - 44 .450 9.5
Tampa......... 35 - 46 .432 11
Miami......... 31 - 49 .388 14.5

[jmm8356]

July 10, 1956

ATLANTA - Wilson Stokes' pinch hit scores Bob Mangum in a three-run 8th as the Eastern All-Stars top the West, 7-4. Charlie Stultz (L, 2/3 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K) walked both Mangum and pinch hitter Travis O'Connell to set the table for the game-winning hit. Jim Veatch is named All-Star Game MVP after going 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBI. Ryan Cummings (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the win, while Leland Meyer (1 IP, 1 K) earns the save.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Oscar Alloway (HOU) (2) - 11-3, 2.01 ERA, WHIP 1.04

C Mike McCreary (HOU) (3) - .286, 3 HR, 23 RBI, thrown out 29 of 84 base stealers (34.5%)

1B Ron Harris (NSH) (4) - .320, 12 HR, 61 RBI, 51 R, 20 2Bs

2B Lee Hunter (SAN) - .298, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 4 E in 352 TC (.989)

3B Brian Dumas (NSH) (4) - .348, 16 HR, 60 RBI, 68 R, 66 BB, 16 2Bs

SS Steven Taylor (NSH) - .326, 1 HR, 47 RBI, 46 R, 18 2Bs

LF Alan Neel (DAL) (2) - .325, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 11 2Bs

CF Scott Heyer (MEM) (8) - .317, 19 HR, 64 RBI, 69 R, 68 BB, 15 2Bs, 18 SB

RF Gary Schneider (NSH) (2) - .280, 12 HR, 42 RBI, 67 R, 17 SB

Reserves

SP Paul Hill (NSH)
SP Vernon Elswick (MEM) (3)
SP Garry Rich (DAL) (2)
SP Paul Jones (SAN) (3)
SP Al Hoke (NWO) (2)
SP Tom Paulin (NSH) (2)
MR Charlie Stultz (NSH)
CL Lance Stephenson (SAN) (3)
MR Matt Snyder (MEM)
C Greg Olson (MEM) (5)
1B Brad Mason (SAN) (2)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN) (2)
LF Jeremiah Davis (NWO)
RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) (6)
3B Raymond Thigpen (SAN) (2)
3B Norm Lewis (NWO) (2)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP John Maloney (TAM) - 11-3, 3.17 ERA, WHIP 1.16

C Wilson Stokes (TAM) (2) - .317, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 41 R, 7 SB

1B Brian Gray (MIA) (6) - .279, 15 HR, 52 RBI, 55 R, 54 BB, 19 2Bs

2B Calvin Brown (NOR) (3) - .292, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 53 R, 17 2Bs

3B Travis O'Connell (CAR) (7) - .287, 9 HR, 53 RBI, 55 R

SS Jim Veatch (TAM) - .274, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 47 R, 24 SB

LF Tim Ryan (NOR) (5) - .287, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 63 R, 15 2Bs, 27 SB

CF Nick Bacon (TAM) (7) - .329, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 51 R, 12 2Bs

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (7) - .350, 8 HR, 51 RBI, 48 R, 16 2Bs

Reserves

SP Charlie Munford (JAX)
SP Lawrence Gladden (CAR) (3)
SP Roger Stauffer (NOR) (2)
SP Chet Denney (ATL)
SP Joe Melton (NOR) (8)
SP Mike Wilkins (CAR) (2)
MR Benjamin Shipp (CAR)
CL Ryan Cummings (NOR) (3)
MR Leland Meyer (CAR) (2)
C Dave Staggs (CAR)
1B Nick Crouse (JAX) (2)
CF Bob Mangum (CAR) (4)
CF Frank Waits (ATL) (2)
RF Sean Bishop (ATL)
2B Richard Safford (JAX) (5)
3B Bob Wall (MIA) (2)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1956

Little change in the standings but big changes in the rosters last month.

San Antonio sends SP Ron Stephenson (11-8, 4.41) to Miami for SP Joe Ressler (5-9, 3.38) July 11.

Atlanta continues their bartering tradition under new manager Randy Gerry. July 19 sees the Flames send 1B Jeff Hickox (.228, 7 HR, 22 RBI) to Carolina for MR Benjamin Shipp (2.70 in 50 IP). Atlanta then makes three deals on July 30:

To Dallas: 3B Lane Brasfield (.303, 7 HR, 58 RBI)
From Dallas: SP Garry Rich (11-5, 3.76)

To Jacksonville: MR Bill Belew (4.04 in 55 2/3 IP)
From Jacksonville: 3B John Brown (.272, 4 HR, 27 RBI)

To New Orleans: SP Chet Denny (10-3, 2.52)
From New Orleans: SP Barney Maloy (7-7, 4.32, 118 K in 110 1/3 IP)

The biggest deadline deal comes on deadline day, however, as Norfolk sends four-time Hurler of the Year Joe Melton (8-8, 4.06) to New Orleans for SP Ken Chilton (9-6, 3.08) July 31.

Dallas SP Bryan Smiley (7-9, 3.06) signs the only notable extension for six years at $6.8 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - Hit .329 with 7 HR and 24 RBI, 2nd BotM in a row

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Brandon Sunderland (NSH) - Went 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) - Hit .433 with 8 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ronald Absher (TAM) - Went 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 68 - 38 .642 -
Memphis....... 60 - 45 .571 7.5
Dallas........ 56 - 50 .528 12
San Antonio... 54 - 52 .509 14
New Orleans... 52 - 54 .491 16
Houston....... 42 - 64 .396 26

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 59 - 48 .551 -
Carolina...... 54 - 53 .505 5
Jacksonville.. 53 - 53 .500 5.5
Atlanta....... 50 - 57 .467 9
Tampa......... 49 - 58 .458 10
Miami......... 41 - 66 .383 18

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1956

Holding a comfortable lead most of the season, Norfolk has some unwelcome company atop the Eastern Division. Defending champion Carolina won nine of ten starting August 11 to put within a game of the top spot. The Clippers have been slowed by the loss of SP Roger Stauffer (10-8, 2.94) to a strained tricep August 3. Stauffer's return by the end of the regular season is questionable.

Out West, Nashville looks set to make their first Confederate Series, holding a six game lead over Memphis. 3B Brian Dumas (.341, 28 HR, 90 RBI) is in the running for a Western Division Triple Crown, though Flyers CF Bob Mangum (.290, 35 HR, 78 RBI) paces the league in taters.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Buck Blasingame (NSH) - Hit .367 with 12 2Bs, 2 HR and 28 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Hill (NSH) - Went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (CAR) - Hit .290 with 11 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Berry (CAR) - Went 5-1 with a 4.00 ERA, WHIP 1.31


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 83 - 51 .619 -
Memphis....... 77 - 57 .575 6
New Orleans... 70 - 64 .522 13
Dallas........ 66 - 68 .493 17
San Antonio... 65 - 69 .485 18
Houston....... 58 - 76 .433 25

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 72 - 62 .537 -
Carolina...... 71 - 63 .530 1
Jacksonville.. 67 - 67 .500 5
Atlanta....... 62 - 73 .459 10.5
Tampa......... 59 - 76 .437 13.5
Miami......... 55 - 79 .410 17

[jmm8356]

October 1, 1956

Jacksonville wins six of their last seven games but fall one game short in the Eastern Division race, as Norfolk clinches their sixth pennant September 28 with a 2-0 shutout at Atlanta. Carolina falters down the stretch to finish third, five games back.

In the West, Nashville cruises to their first postseason with an eight game margin, clinching September 23 with a 12-1 shellacking of the Missions at Alamo Field. Second-place Memphis and third-place New Orleans both finish with records better than the Eastern Division champ.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - Hit .330 with 6 HR and 22 RBI, wins Western Division Triple Crown (.339, 34 HR, 112 RBI)

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Al Hoke (NWO) - Went 5-0 with a 1.75 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Malcolm Harris (ATL) - Hit .414 with 4 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Brad Price (TAM) - Went 2-0 with a 1.09 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 99 - 63 .611 -
Memphis....... 91 - 71 .562 8
New Orleans... 89 - 73 .549 10
Dallas........ 76 - 86 .469 23
San Antonio... 74 - 88 .457 25
Houston....... 72 - 90 .444 27

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 86 - 76 .531 -
Jacksonville.. 85 - 77 .525 1
Carolina...... 81 - 81 .500 5
Atlanta....... 76 - 86 .469 10
Miami......... 73 - 89 .451 13
Tampa......... 70 - 92 .432 16