Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

October 12, 1956

Confederate Series Recap


Game 1 - Wednesday, October 3 - Nashville 5, Norfolk 0

NORFOLK - Paul Hill allows just five hits and two walks in 8 2/3 shutout innings as Nashville blanks Norfolk, 5-0. Hill strikes out five on 119 pitches before giving way to Danny Gwin for the final out. 2B Jack Thomas is 2 for 4 with a two-run single in the 6th off Roger Stauffer (L, 6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K); 3B Brian Dumas scores twice including a solo shot in the 9th.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 4 - Nashville 9, Norfolk 5

NORFOLK - A six-run Nashville 7th includes a two-run single by winner Tom Gustafson (7 1/3 IP, 5 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K) as the Hounds come back to beat the Clippers, 9 to 5. Gustafson's shot to the gap in right-center off Dan Mallory (L, 2/3 IP, 5 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 K) scores pinch runner Mike Walton and pinch hitter Craig Albright after they pull a double steal in the previous at-bat. Hounds 1B Ron Harris is 3 for 3 with two RBIs, including a double off Ken Chilton (5 1/3 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 6 K). 1B Casey Pattison goes 3 for 4 with a triple and 2 RBIs in a losing effort.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 6 - Norfolk 4, Nashville 2

NASHVILLE - The Clippers bullpen comes up huge after Jeff Telford leaves in the 4th with tightness in his shoulder as Norfolk tops Nashville, 4-2. Allan (W, 2/3 IP), Mallory, Hong, Freeland and Cummings (SV, 1 IP, 1 K) allow just three hits and a walk in the final 5 2/3 innings. Norfolk gets three runs on four hits off Brandon Sunderland (L, 7 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 11 H) in the 1st and never lose the lead. Every Clippers position player gets a hit, LF Tim Ryan and SS Raymond Timmerman with two apiece.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 7 - Nashville 3, Norfolk 1

NASHVILLE - RF Buck Blasingame has two RBI-doubles off Roger Stauffer (L, 0-2, 7 1/3 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 4 K) to put Nashville over Norfolk, 3-1, as the Hounds take a three-games-to-one series lead. Paul Hill (W, 2-0, 6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K) has another great outing; Charlie Stultz (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) gets the save. 3B Brian Dumas scores twice on a 3 for 4 night.


Game 5 - Monday, October 8 - Norfolk 8, Nashville 2

NASHVILLE - A grand slam by Tom Swaim (2 for 5) and 6 2/3 shutout innings from Ken Chilton (W, 1-0, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 K) gets the Clippers an 8-2 victory to send the series back to Norfolk. Chilton singles with one out in the 3rd but is forced at second on LF Tim Ryan's (1 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI) fielders choice before RF Jason Music's (2 for 4, 2 R) single and SS Raymond Timmerman's (2 for 3, R, 2 RBI) walk loaded the bases for Swaim's 391-foot blast to right-center off Tom Gustafson (L, 1-1, 5 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 K). 3B Brian Dumas goes 2 for 4 with a two-run homer in the 8th for Nashville's only tallies.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 10 - Norfolk 3, Nashville 2 (10)

NORFOLK - Nashville scores one in the top of the 10th, but Norfolk plates two in the bottom of the frame to force the second Game 7 in Confederate Series history with a 3-2 win. Hounds 2B Victor Beauchamp doubles off Bob Hong (W, 1-0, 1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) to leadoff the 10th and scores on a fielders choice by 3B Brian Dumas hit deep into the hole at short. Charlie Stultz (L, 1 2/3 IP, 2 R, 4 H) gets two outs but gives up a double to CF Ryan Jackson (2 for 4, 2 R), and RBI-singles by 2B Tom Swaim and RF Jason Music send 36,969 at Harbor Stadium into delirium.


Game 7 - Thursday, October 11 - Nashville 7, Norfolk 5

NORFOLK - C James Goudy's two-run single to center proves to be the difference as Nashville beats Norfolk, 7-5, to win their first CBA championship. After 3B Brian Dumas (2 for 5, 2 R) singles and SS Steven Taylor (2 for 4) walks off Dave Allan (2 2/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 K), Clippers 3B Calvin Brown's high throw on pinch-hitter Craig Albright's grounder loaded the bases with two out in the 7th to bring Goudy (2 for 3) to the plate. Paul Hill (6 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 8 K) gets his third win of the series to earn the MVP award (2.18 ERA, 16 K in 20 2/3 IP). Charlie Stultz (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) is shaky but gets the save, his second. Hounds CF Bill Watson hits 4 for 5, including an RBI-double off Roger Stauffer (L, 0-3, 6 IP, 5 R, 11 H, 1 BB, 4 K) in a three-run 5th that tied the game at four.

[jmm8356]

October 13, 1956

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - .339, 34 HR, 112 RBI, 126 R, 118 BB, 22 2Bs, Western Division Triple Crown

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Oscar Alloway (HOU) (2) - 18-9, 2.11 ERA, OAVG .203, WHIP 1.00, 258 Ks in 277 2/3 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Western Division Manager of the Year

Andrew Brasfield (NSH) (2) - Won 99 games, a 12 game improvement, and Western Division pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (2) - .342, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 86 R, 30 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Charlie Munford (JAX) - 18-8, 2.28 ERA, OAVG .170, WHIP 0.93, 247 Ks in 240 2/3 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Harry Easterday (JAX) - Won 85 games, an 8 game improvement, finished second in East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Steve McCauley (HOU)
C Mike McCreary (HOU) (5)
1B Ron Harris (NSH)
2B Bill Lamb (NWO)
3B Brian Dumas (NSH)
SS Jim Shepard (HOU)
LF Gary Schneider (NSH)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN) (3)
RF Raymond LaVallee (DAL) (2)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P John Maloney (TAM) (2)
C Paul Bowen (JAX)
1B Brian Gray (MIA) (2)
2B Jack Kennedy (CAR)
3B Emery Thurston (JAX) (3)
SS Henry Jones (ATL)
LF Ron Brookshire (JAX) (2)
CF Ryan Jackson (NOR)
RF Jason Music (NOR) (3)


League Leaders

Batting

.342 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)
.341 - Richard Safford (JAX)
.339 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
.331 - Johnny Dean (MEM)
.329 - Norm Lewis (NWO)

Homeruns

38 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
34 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
29 - Scott Heyer (MEM)
29 - Chris Roseboro (DAL)
26 - Calvin Brown (NOR)

RBI

113 - Dave Staggs (CAR)
112 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
109 - Scott Heyer (MEM)
105 - Ron Harris (NSH)
102 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)

Doubles

54 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
38 - Paul Bowen (JAX)
35 - Dave Whitener (MIA)
35 - Sean Bishop (ATL)
35 - Brian Gray (ATL)

Triples

10 - Lou Clapp (DAL)
10 - Rick Speed (MEM)
10 - Raymond LaVallee (DAL)
9 - Larry Richards (MEM)
Five tied with 8.

Runs

126 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
118 - Bob Manum (CAR)
114 - Scott Heyer (MEM)
110 - Rick Speed (MEM)
109 - Gary Schneider (NSH)

Stolen Bases

62 - Rick Speed (MEM)
59 - Ron Brookshire (JAX)
58 - Travis Severance (DAL)
51 - Raymond Thigpen (SAN)
49 - Tim Ryan (NOR)

ERA

2.11 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
2.28 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
2.28 - Steve Bruce (JAX)
2.56 - Devon Dahlgren (HOU)
2.77 - Ken Chilton (NOR)

Wins

20 - Vernon Elswick (MEM)
19 - Lawrence Gladden (CAR)
19 - Paul Hill (NSH)
18 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
18 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)

Saves

41 - Ryan Cummings (NOR)
41 - Jeffrey May (NWO)
37 - Ken Scruggs (MIA)
35 - Joe Ellingson (DAL)
31 - Lance Stephenson (SAN)

Strikeouts

258 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
247 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
245 - Joseph Palmer (SAN)
197 - Paul Hill (NSH)
179 - Barney Maloy (ATL)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1957

Offseason Recap


Three-time Hurler of the Year Don Skelly is the first inductee into the Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame. A 6th round pick in 1948's initial draft at age 30, Skelly threw for six years with San Antonio, then went to Carolina for two seasons, winning a championship ring with the Flyers in 1955, his final year. One of just four pitchers with a 20-win season, his 121 wins and 3.00 career ERA both rank third all-time.
(8 seasons, 121-74, 3.00 ERA, WHIP 1.19, 3x HoY, 4x All-Star, 1x championship)

[I decided on a method for evaluating the initial players of the league: Assume they would have debuted at age 25, add their "season average" for each "missing" year, plus half a season to account for callups and late 20s peak performance, and see if they make the automatic standards.]


Ryan Willoughby, 1949 Manager of the Year, won just one pennant in nine years with Tampa, so the Tomahawks decide to try someone new, namely Raymond Fields.

Houston moves on to their fourth manager in their ten-year history, firing Dennis Pierce after a pair of last-place finishes. The Buffaloes go with experience this time, hiring Al Lindsey, who won the first Confederate Series ever during eight years in Atlanta.


New Orleans receives the only $5 million share of revenue sharing.


A lot of award winners get arbitration this year:

Norfolk SP Roger Stauffer (10-9, 2.93) gets another year at $7.4 million.

Carolina CF Bob Mangum (.284, 38 HR, 92 RBI) adds about half a million, getting $6.9 million.

Hurler of the Year Oscar Alloway (18-9, 2.11) will be getting another million or so from Houston, up to $6.9 million.

Most Valuable Player 3B Brian Dumas (.339, 34 HR, 112 RBI) gets almost $6 million after a career year with champion Nashville.

Nashville's Confederate Series MVP Paul Hill (19-6, 2.89) goes from the minimum $300K to $5.1 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 2 - SP Ken Chilton (14-9, 2.77) signs for six years with Tampa at $12.3 million.

February 3 - Memphis re-signs 1B Kevin Pierce (.307, 11 HR, 102 RBI, 54 2Bs) at $6.4 million for three years.

February 7 - SS Johnny Dean (.331, 15 HR, 78 RBI) gets a five-year deal from Jacksonville for $8.4 million.

February 12 - San Antonio picks up SS Dave Whitener (.297, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 35 2Bs) for four years at $6.2 million.

February 14 - Perhaps a bad omen for perennial contender Norfolk as LF Tim Ryan (.267, 24 HR, 84 RBI) signs with defending champion Nashville for three years at $7.8 million.

February 15 - Four-time Hurler of the Year Joe Melton (15-10, 3.98) returns to Norfolk after a brief sojourn in New Orleans, signing a $13.1 million deal for five years.

February 22 - C Mark Jost (.291, 9 HR, 77 RBI) finally signs with Memphis for four years at $8.4 million.

February 24 - The champs, Nashville, get another piece of the puzzle, signing SP Joseph Palmer (12-11, 3.68) to a $6.6 million deal for four years.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Tampa (from NSH) - C Thomas Bowes, .281 with 9 HR and 31 RBI at single-A Huntsville

Norfolk (from NWO) - LF Tommy Glisson, .320 in 241 AB for AA Macon, .277 in 292 AB at AAA Mobile

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1957

Jacksonville jumps out to a one game lead over Atlanta in the Eastern Division, winning thirteen of fourteen beginning April 10. Free agent acquisition SS Johnny Dean (.333, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 8 2Bs) is earning his keep thus far.

Elsewhere, Miami CF Scott Henry hits for the cycle, capped by a grand slam, in an Opening Day 8-1 win at Jacksonville April 2.

Out West, defending champion Nashville leads Memphis by a game and a half. The Blues, though, will be without SP Steven Mackay (12-12, 3.47 last year) for another couple weeks; he went down with a herniated disc on April 17.

Last-place Houston also gets bitten by the injury bug on April 5, losing SP Lonnie Kennedy (7-4, 3.38 in 21 GS last year) for a month with bone chips in his elbow.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Charlie McCay (MEM) - Hit .434 with 5 2Bs, 2 3Bs and 14 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Oscar Alloway (HOU) - Went 3-1 with a 1.60 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) - Hit .419 with 3 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe Melton (NOR) - Went 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 15 - 11 .577 -
Memphis....... 13 - 12 .520 1.5
San Antonio... 12 - 12 .500 2
New Orleans... 12 - 14 .462 3
Dallas........ 11 - 15 .423 4
Houston....... 10 - 14 .417 4

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 16 - _9 .640 -
Atlanta....... 15 - 10 .600 1
Miami......... 15 - 12 .556 2
Norfolk....... 14 - 13 .519 3
Carolina...... 13 - 15 .464 4.5
Tampa.......... 7 - 16 .304 8

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1957

Nashville makes a move to defend their title, winning eight straight and twelve of thirteen beginning April 28 to stretch their Western Division lead out to four games over Memphis. Batter of the Month Brian Dumas (.378, 19 HR, 44 RBI) is on pace for 58 home runs, which would shatter the current single-season record of 43 set by Houston's Matt Wille in the league's inaugural year.

Cellar dweller Dallas loses a key cog in their bullpen May 16. Edgar Godsey (1.15 ERA, WHIP 1.02 in 15 2/3 IP) will be out nearly two months with a strained elbow.

In the East, Norfolk has won eleven of their last thirteen to move within half a game of leader Jacksonville. The Ospreys, meanwhile, lost two starters on consecutive days. Steve Bruce (2-3, 2.62) leaves his start May 10 with bone chips in his shoulder; he is not expected back until mid-July. May 11 sees Charlie Munford (6-1, 1.69) pull his tricep, but he should return in a couple more weeks.

Elsewhere, Atlanta acquires 3B Bob wall (.301, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 2Bs) from Miami for three minor leaguers.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) - Hit .423 with 9 HR and 27 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Chet Denney (NWO) - Went 3-1 with a 1.78 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Travis O'Connell (CAR) - Hit .363 with 11 2Bs, 3 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Charlie Munford (JAX) - Went 2-0 with a 0.52 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 33 - 20 .623 -
Memphis....... 29 - 24 .547 4
San Antonio... 24 - 27 .471 8
New Orleans... 24 - 29 .453 9
Houston....... 23 - 29 .442 9.5
Dallas........ 23 - 30 .434 10

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 31 - 22 .585 -
Norfolk....... 31 - 23 .574 .5
Carolina...... 28 - 27 .509 4
Miami......... 26 - 27 .491 5
Atlanta....... 25 - 29 .463 6.5
Tampa......... 21 - 31 .404 9.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


An incredibly weak draft class, with only one 10 talent (in Gap) to be found and no signing bonuses over $320K.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Miami (213)
Houston (199)
Jacksonville (150)
Tampa (150)
San Antonio (138)
Nashville (127)
New Orleans (102)
Dallas (99)
Memphis (85)
Atlanta (80)
Carolina (57)
Norfolk (55)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Palm Beach (MIA) - 33-20
AA Lakeland (HOU) - 32-20
A Tuscaloosa (TAM) - 32-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1957

Jacksonville maintains their half-game lead over Norfolk in the tightening East. Bill Sutton (5-0, 3.32), filling one of the holes in the Ospreys' rotation, has been an unlikely hero, throwing the first no-hitter in nearly two years in a 2-0 win at Carolina June 1.

Atlanta owns the transaction wire once again, making two deals on June 4:

From Memphis: SP Ron Sewell (3-11, 4.43, WHIP 1.33)
To Memphis: CF Blair Gaines (.295, 10 2Bs in 122 AB) and two minor leaguers

From San Antonio: 3B Raymond Thigpen (.319, 10 HR, 55 RBI)
To San Antonio: SP Garry Rich (6-11, 4.63) and a minor leaguer
(San Antonio later sent Garry Rich to Memphis, acquiring SP Ryan Broaddus (8-6, 3.56) June 21.)

The Flames also suffer the month's worst injury when LF Malcolm Harris (.313, 13 HR, 36 RBI) dives for a ball and breaks his wrist June 30; he should be back for the final two weeks of the season. Other key injury news:

Miami MR Sam White (5-1, 3.50 in 43 2/3 IP) ruptures a tendon June 19; expected to return in early August.

Carolina SP Lawrence Gladden (10-2, 2.60) goes down June 22 with a strained rotator cuff and will be out most of July.

Meanwhile, the Western Division remains nearly the same, with Nashville leading Memphis by three games.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Dave Whitener (SAN) - Hit .396 with 2 HR and 18 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Buddy Poff (DAL) - Went 4-1 with a 1.15 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Scott Heyer (NOR) - Hit .429 with 7 HR and 26 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Geoffrey Morris (ATL) - Went 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 48 - 33 .593 -
Memphis....... 45 - 36 .556 3
San Antonio... 40 - 39 .506 7
New Orleans... 39 - 42 .481 9
Dallas........ 36 - 45 .444 12
Houston....... 31 - 49 .388 16.5

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 44 - 37 .543 -
Norfolk....... 44 - 38 .537 .5
Miami......... 42 - 39 .519 2
Atlanta....... 40 - 41 .494 4
Carolina...... 40 - 42 .488 4.5
Tampa......... 36 - 44 .450 7.5

[jmm8356]

July 9, 1957

CHARLOTTE - All-Star MVP Stephen Delisle hits 3 for 4, including a three-run shot off Oscar Alloway (L, 3 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K) in the 1st as the Eastern All-Stars beat the West, 4-2. Ken Chilton (W, 3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) earns the win, and Ken Scruggs (1 IP, 1 H) picks up the save.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Tom Paulin (NSH) (3) - 10-3, 3.32, WHIP 1.28

C Mark Jost (MEM) (2) - .313, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 23 2Bs

1B Roy Seal (NWO) - .312, 9 HR, 53 RBI, 48 R, 17 2Bs, 15 SB

2B Bill Lamb (NWO) - .324, 5 HR, 40 RBI, 45 R, 19 2Bs

3B Brian Dumas (NSH) (5) - .367, 23 HR, 53 RBI, 57 R, 69 BB

SS Dave Whitener (SAN) (2) - .320, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 43 R, 19 2Bs

LF Tim Ryan (NSH) (6) - .261, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 46 R, 26 SB

CF Victor Gregory (SAN) (3) - .305, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 43 R, 11 SB, 0 E in 276 TC (1.000)

RF Gary Schneider (NSH) (3) - .302, 5 HR, 41 RBI, 47 R, 6 3Bs

Reserves

SP Bryan Smiley (DAL) (2)
SP Oscar Alloway (HOU) (3)
SP Ryan Broaddus (SAN)
SP Al Hoke (NWO) (3)
SP Paul Hill (NSH) (2)
SP Jules Moon (SAN)
MR Dave Donnell (NWO) (2)
CL Lance Stephenson (SAN) (4)
MR Joe Ellingson (DAL)
C James Goudy (NSH)
1B Brad Mason (SAN) (3)
LF Christopher Austin (HOU)
CF Pete Doyon (NSH)
RF Rick Speed (MEM)
3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (2)
3B Norm Lewis (NWO) (3)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Joe Melton (NOR) (9) - 11-5, 2.69, WHIP 1.20

C Paul Bowen (JAX) (3) - .268, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 17 2Bs

1B Brian Gray (MIA) (7) - .363, 13 HR, 39 RBI, 51 R, 52 BB, 21 2Bs

2B Clint Hoye (TAM) (2) - .306, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 14 2Bs

3B Tom Swaim (NOR) (3) - .322, 12 HR, 55 RBI, 47 R

SS Johnny Dean (JAX) (2) - .309, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 50 R, 21 2Bs

LF Buck Blasingame (JAX) (5) - .293, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 55 R, 21 2Bs

CF Scott Heyer (NOR) (9) - .338, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 48 R, 15 SB

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (8) - .371, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 50 R, 15 2Bs

Reserves

SP Ted Knott (ATL) (2)
SP Jonathan Ford (MIA) (2)
SP Barney Maloy (ATL) (2)
SP Ken Chilton (TAM) (2)
SP Geoffrey Morris (ATL)
SP Gary Dupre (MIA)
MR Dave Doyle (MIA)
CL Ken Scruggs (MIA) (2)
MR George Beck (CAR)
C Jon Thomas (MIA)
1B Casey Pattison (NOR) (3)
RF Ryan Jackson (NOR) (3)
CF Nick Bacon (TAM) (8)
CF Randy Geiger (JAX)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (3)
3B Travis O'Connell (CAR) (8)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1957

Memphis has won seven of their last eight to pull within a game of Nashville for the Western Division lead. The Blues add SP Ron Woodard (6-3, 3.05) via Dallas for a minor leaguer. Memphis also signs 3B Charlie McCay (.393, 3 HR, 54 RBI, 21 2Bs, 7 3Bs) to a $6.2 million extension for three years.

The Hounds, meanwhile, sign two key pitchers to extensions: SP Tom Gustafson (7-6, 3.43) gets four years at $6.6 million, while closer Charlie Stultz (21 SV, 1 BS, 2.33) signs $7.1 million deal for three years.

In the East, Jacksonville again stretches its lead out to four games over second-place Carolina. Norfolk and Atlanta lurk five games out. The Flames, in the eyes of many, finally go one trade too far, sending 3B Bob Wall (.342, 5 HR, 22 RBI in 190 AB) to Houston for SP Devon Dahlgren (1-11, 4.71, OAVG .320).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

3B Norm Lewis (NWO) - Hit .495 with 3 HR and 19 RBI, 27-game hitting streak snapped July 23

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Oscar Alloway (HOU) - Went 3-0 with a 1.18 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Lane Brasfield (TAM) - Hit .355 with 7 HR and 23 RBI, traded at the deadline for third straight year, from Dallas for SP Brad Price (5-12, 4.24)

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ted Knott (ATL) - Went 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 62 - 45 .579 -
Memphis....... 61 - 45 .570 1
New Orleans... 55 - 52 .514 7
San Antonio... 49 - 57 .462 12.5
Dallas........ 46 - 61 .430 16
Houston....... 46 - 61 .430 16

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 60 - 48 .556 -
Carolina...... 56 - 52 .519 4
Atlanta....... 55 - 53 .509 5
Norfolk....... 55 - 53 .509 5
Miami......... 52 - 56 .481 8
Tampa......... 47 - 60 .439 12.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1957

Big changes atop the Eastern Division, as Carolina has won their last eight, their second such streak in August, to take a two game lead over Jacksonville. The Flyers are 29-12 in one-run games thanks to closer George Beck (26 SV, 2 BS, 2.55, WHIP 1.08).

The West sees defending champion Nashville again with a comfortable lead, five games over Memphis. 3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (.354, 31 HR, 81 RBI) could not keep up the torrid homerun pace of April and May; he's now on pace for just 37.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) - Hit .269 with 10 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jules Moon (SAN) - Went 3-2 with a 1.81 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Ryan Jackson (NOR) - Hit .317 with 9 HR and 32 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jonathan "Crash" Ford (MIA) - Went 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 77 - 58 .570 -
Memphis....... 72 - 63 .533 5
New Orleans... 67 - 68 .496 10
Dallas........ 64 - 71 .474 13
San Antonio... 61 - 74 .452 16
Houston....... 58 - 77 .430 19

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 77 - 58 .570 -
Jacksonville.. 75 - 60 .556 2
Norfolk....... 71 - 65 .522 6.5
Atlanta....... 68 - 67 .504 9
Miami......... 66 - 70 .485 11.5
Tampa......... 55 - 80 .407 22

[jmm8356]

September 28, 1957

Neither division is yet decided entering the final weekend of play.

Nashville stumbles down the stretch (11-14 in September) but remain two games clear of Memphis with two to play. A Hounds win at Dallas or a Blues loss against New Orleans will clinch Nashville's second consecutive pennant.

In the East, Jacksonville has regained the lead by a single game over Carolina. The Ospreys visit Atlanta, while the Flyers are in Miami for the final two contests.


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 88 - 72 .550 - (Magic: 1)
Memphis....... 86 - 74 .537 2
Dallas........ 79 - 81 .494 9
San Antonio... 78 - 82 .487 10
New Orleans... 76 - 84 .475 12
Houston....... 69 - 91 .431 19

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 89 - 71 .556 - (Magic; 2)
Carolina...... 88 - 72 .550 1
Atlanta....... 83 - 77 .519 6
Norfolk....... 81 - 79 .506 8
Miami......... 75 - 85 .469 14
Tampa......... 68 - 92 .425 21

[jmm8356]

September 29, 1957

Dallas 11, Nashville 0

DALLAS - Not the best way to win the pennant, but a Memphis loss gives the Western Division crown to Nashville despite a 11-0 thumping by Dallas. Bryan Smiley (W, 16-8, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K) and Larry Yates (2 IP, 1 H, 2 K) combine for the shutout; 3B Oscar Thompson goes 4 for 5 with two doubles and a homer. Brandon Sunderland (L, 8-9, 1 1/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 BB) has to take an awful outing into the postseason.

New Orleans 7, Memphis 5

MEMPHIS - Two Pelicans runs on four hits in the top of the 9th spoil the Blues playoff hopes as New Orleans beats Memphis, 7-5. Perry Friday (2-4, 2 IP, 1 R, 1 H) gets the loss, but most of the damage is done by Rick Olander (1 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 K), including an error that scored the final run. Jim Annis (W, 7-11, 8 IP, 5 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 6 K) and Jeffrey May (SV, 28, 1 IP, 1 H) do the job for New Orleans.

Jacksonville 4, Atlanta 3 (11)

ATLANTA - RF Raymond LaVallee's double scores pinch-hitter Bill Oliver from first in the 11th to maintain the Ospreys' one game lead of the East with a thrilling 4-3 victory. Loser Ed Hurst (3-7, 1 2/3 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 K) also allowed a run in the 10th, but Flames 2B Clark Mercer homered to extend the game. Gale Bailey throws six shutout innings for Jacksonville, but Dave Samuelson (12-8, 2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 K) earns the win and Patrick Holman gets his second save of the year.

Carolina 9, Miami 4

MIAMI - 3B Travis O'Connell hits 3 for 5 with a double and five RBIs as Carolina keeps pace with Jacksonville, beating Miami 9 to 4. Lawrence Gladden (17-4, 9 IP, 4 R, 12 H, 2 BB, 6 K) not only goes the distance but goes 2 for 4 with a homer, the second of his career. Gary Dupre (7-10, 6 2/3 IP, 7 R, 5 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, 2 K) loses his sixth straight decision.


September 30, 1957

Carolina 12, Miami 1

MIAMI - Folks from Carolina like to be sure, so the Flyers add ten insurance runs in the top of the 9th to crush Miami, 12-1, forcing a one-game playoff in Jacksonville. Shane Early has two pinch-hits in the inning, plating the last two runs with a triple, Carolina's only extra-base hit out of fifteen. Joseph Phillips (W, 10-13, 6 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) is effective despite an hour-long rain delay in the 4th; Jonathan Ford (17-12, 6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K) picks up the loss.

Atlanta 5, Jacksonville 4 (10)

ATLANTA - Harry Teague's pinch hit in the bottom of the 10th scores CF Malcolm Harris from second to put Jacksonville into a tie atop the East as Atlanta wins, 5 to 4. Harris was hit by Dave Samuelson (L, 12-9, 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB) to lead off the inning. Jerry Seeley earns his first career win after an inning of relief.


October 1, 1957

Jacksonville 11, Carolina 3

JACKSONVILLE - The Ospreys score five in the 2nd off Carroll Morrison (L, 7-7, 4 1/3 IP, 7 R, 7 H, 4 BB, 2 K) and never look back as Jacksonville wins their first Eastern Division pennant with an 11-3 victory. 2B Jonathan Ralls goes 3 for 4 with a double and a homer, scoring twice with a career-high 5 RBIs. Steve Bruce (W, 7-6, 7 IP, 3 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 6 K) contributes on offense as well as defense, hitting 2 for 3 and even stealing a base! CF Randy Geiger (2 for 4) and 3B Emery Thurston (2 for 2, 2B) both score three times.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Brad Mason (SAN) - Hit .419 with 4 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bryan Smiley (DAL) - Went 5-0 with a 1.10 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Randy Geiger (JAX) - Hit .396 with 6 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Sewell (ATL) - Went 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 89 - 73 .549 -
Memphis....... 87 - 75 .537 2
Dallas........ 80 - 82 .494 9
San Antonio... 79 - 83 .488 10
New Orleans... 77 - 85 .475 12
Houston....... 70 - 92 .432 19

Final Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 91 - 72 .558 -
Carolina...... 90 - 73 .552 1
Atlanta....... 84 - 78 .519 6.5
Norfolk....... 81 - 81 .500 9.5
Miami......... 75 - 87 .463 15.5
Tampa......... 70 - 92 .432 20.5

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1957

Confederate Series Preview


The Jacksonville Ospreys are headed to their first ever Confederate Series, thanks to last year's Manager of the Year, Harry Easterday. The Ospreys won just four of their twelve games with Nashville this season.

Jacksonville ranked fourth in batting (.268) and third in homers (132) but were tops in scoring (781). CF Randy Geiger (.302, 23 HR, 88 RBI, 102 R, 21 2Bs), SS Johnny Dean (.316, 16 HR, 90 RBI, 87 R, 38 2Bs) and LF Buck Blasingame (.284, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 97 R, 32 2Bs, 10 3Bs) swing the biggest bats. Twenty-year-old 2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (.342 in 292 AB, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 52 R, 18 2Bs) was just drafted third overall last year. RF Raymond LaVallee (.238, 14 HR, 67 RBI, 79 R, 24 2Bs, 14 3Bs, 47 SB) is the only threat to steal.

The Ospreys' pitchers ranked fourth in ERA (3.83) but 10th in runs allowed (732) due to 97 unearned runs (129 E, 2nd most). No Jacksonville starter was injury-free this year; only Charlie Munford (14-7, 2.76, WHIP 1.10) and Ken Schleicher (8-8, 3.81) threw more than 150 innings. Henry Combs (11-9, 4.11) and Steve Bruce (7-6, 3.42, WHIP 1.25) both missed at least eight weeks. Closer Dave Samuelson (12-9, 34 SV, 3.67, WHIP 1.28) is dependable, while new setup man Patrick Holman (2.39 in 37 2/3 IP) was nearly unhittable down the stretch, with a WHIP of 0.63 in September.


The Nashville Hounds are looking to defend their championship in their second trip to the Confederate Series under two-time Manager of the Year Andrew Brasfield. Nashville will have homefield advantage this year after a 50-31 record at Capitol Field.

The Hounds ranked second in homeruns (134) and runs scored (764). 3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (.343, 34 HR, 92 RBI, 102 R, 117 BB, 21 2Bs) is in the running for his second straight MVP award. 2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (.310, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 32 2Bs) and CF Pete Doyon (.268, 24 HR, 88 RBI, 90 R, 34 2Bs, 37 SB) are also big contributors. Leftfielders Tim Ryan (.244, 22 HR, 77 RBI, 90 R, 19 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 51 SB) and Bill Watson (.238 in 277 AB, 23 SB) led Nashville to the fourth-highest steal total (153) in the league.

Nashville ranked sixth in ERA (3.92) and runs allowed (717). Paul Hill (15-10, 2.89, WHIP 1.04), last year's Confederate Series MVP, leads a solid rotation along with Tom "Spooky" Gustafson (12-10, 3.70, WHIP 1.18) and Joseph Palmer (11-9, 4.02). Closer Charlie Stultz (7-6, 33 SV, 2.22, WHIP 1.29) blew just one save all year.

[jmm8356]

October 12, 1957

Confederate Series Recap


Game 1 - Thursday, October 3 - Nashville 15, Jacksonville 3

NASHVILLE - The Hounds score six runs in both the 2nd and 5th innings as Nashville crushes Jacksonville, 15 to 3. Back-to-back-to-back homeruns bust the game open in the 2nd, with 3B Brian Dumas's (3 for 5) three-run shot and Tim Ryan's (2 for 2) solo blast off Charlie Munford (L, 1 IP, 7 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 2 K) followed by another solo tater by Gary Schneider (2 for 5) off Will Bearden (1 IP, 2 R, 3 H). Six Nashville players score twice on the night, with Dumas, C James Goudy (2 for 4) and CF Pete Doyon (3 for 4) each driving in three. Paul Hill (W, 6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K) improves his career postseason record to 4-0.


Game 2 - Friday, October 4 - Jacksonville 7, Nashville 5

NASHVILLE - SS Johnny Dean hits a three-run homer in the 5th that makes the difference as Jacksonville beats Nashville, 7-5. Singles by CF Randy Geiger (2 for 5, HR, 2 RBI) and LF Buck Blasingame set the table for Dean's winning blast off Tom Gustafson (L, 4 1/3 IP, 7 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 5 K). Steve Bruce (6 2/3 IP, 4 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K) struggles to find the strike zone but picks up the win; Dave Samuelson strikes out two in the 9th to get the save.


Game 3 - Sunday, October 6 - Jacksonville 7, Nashville 1

JACKSONVILLE - CF Randy Geiger goes 5 for 5 with three doubles and a homer as the Ospreys win in convincing fashion, 7 to 1. Both Geiger (3 runs, 2 RBI) and 3B Emery Thurston (3 RBI) homer off Joseph Palmer (L, 6 1/3 IP, 6 R, 13 H, 2 BB, 7 K), while Henry Combs (W, 8 1/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 4 K) hurls a gem, taking a two-hit shutout into the 9th.


Game 4 - Monday, October 7 - Jacksonville 5, Nashville 4

JACKSONVILLE - 1B Andy Roberts's RBI-double caps a four-run Ospreys 6th as Jacksonville comes back to beat Nashville, 5 to 4, taking a three-games-to-one lead. SS Johnny Dean (2 for 4) homered, LF Buck Blasingame doubled, CF Randy Geiger homered, and 2B Jonathan Ralls singled before Paul Hill (L, 1-1, 6 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) got two outs to bring Roberts (2 for 3) to the plate. Charlie Munford (W, 1-1, 7 1/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) settles well after some early nerves; Dave Samuelson (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) has the tying run on third before getting his second save of the series.


Game 5 - Tuesday, October 8 - Jacksonville 5, Nashville 2

JACKSONVILLE - 3B Emery Thurston hits a grand slam down the left field line in the 7th to give Jacksonville its first CBA championship with a 5-2 victory. The game was scoreless through six, with Tom Gustafson (L, 0-2, 8 IP, 5 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K) throwing a no-hitter before blowing up in the 7th. Steve Bruce (W, 8 IP, 1 R, 6 H) strikes out eight, while Dave Samuelson gets the final out for his third save of the postseason. CF Randy Geiger is named the series MVP, hitting 9 for 20 (.450) with four doubles and three homers, scoring seven and driving in seven.

[jmm8356]

October 13, 1957

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) (2) - .343, 34 HR, 92 RBI, 102 R, 117 BB, 21 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Bryan Smiley (DAL) - 16-8, 2.36 ERA, WHIP 1.11

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Jim Annis (NWO) - 7-11 in 29 GS, 3.16 ERA, WHIP 1.32

Western Division Manager of the Year

Ray Blanton (MEM) (4) - Won 87 games, placed second in the West, 30-23 record in one-run games


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (3) - .369, 14 HR, 101 RBI, 86 R, 29 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Lawrence Gladden (CAR) - 17-4, 2.65 ERA, WHIP 1.22

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

RF Monty McDonald (ATL) - .294, 6 HR, 65 RBI, 72 R, 15 2Bs, 4 3Bs, 17 SB

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Donnie Chancellor (CAR) (4) - Won 90 games, a nine game improvement and six more than expected, placed second in the East


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Brandon Sunderland (NSH)
C Henry Stout (DAL)
1B Roy Seal (NWO)
2B Justin Charley (MEM)
3B Brian Dumas (NSH) (2)
SS Mike Shepard (MEM)
LF Tim Ryan (NSH) (2)
CF Victor Gregory (SAN) (4)
RF Jim Gamble (SAN) (6)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Devon Dahlgren (ATL)
C Dave Staggs (CAR) (2)
1B Brian Gray (MIA) (3)
2B Dick Howes (CAR) (2)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (2)
SS Raymond Timmerman (NOR)
LF Ron Brookshire (NOR) (3)
CF Bob Mangum (CAR) (2)
RF Stephen Delisle (CAR)


League Leaders

Batting

.385 - Charlie McCay (MEM) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
.369 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)
.357 - Brian Gray (MIA)
.350 - Norm Lewis (NWO)
.343 - Brian Dumas (NSH)

Homeruns

34 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
32 - Ryan Jackson (NOR)
29 - Jerry Carroll (DAL)
28 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
24 - Tom Swaim (NOR)
24 - Pete Doyon (NSH)

RBI

105 - Brad Mason (SAN)
102 - Ryan Jackson (NOR)
101 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
101 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)
100 - Buck Blasingame (JAX)

Doubles

54 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
40 - Dave Whitener (SAN)
38 - Johnny Dean (JAX)
37 - Paul Bowen (JAX)
34 - Pete Doyon (NSH)
34 - Travis O'Connell (CAR)

Triples

14 - Raymond LaVallee (JAX)
13 - Gary Schneider (NSH)
10 - Buck Blasingame (JAX)
10 - Ron Brookshire (NOR)
9 - Derek Miller (NWO)

Runs

115 - Bob Mangum (CAR)
111 - Rick Speed (MEM)
106 - Casey Pattison (NOR)
102 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
102 - Randy Geiger (JAX)

Stolen Bases

65 - Rick Speed (MEM)
62 - Travis Severance (DAL)
51 - Tim Ryan (NSH)
47 - Raymond LaVallee (JAX)
46 - Mike Shepard (MEM)

ERA

2.36 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)
2.63 - Ted Knott (ATL)
2.63 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
2.65 - Lawrence Gladden (CAR)
2.69 - Jonathan Ford (MIA)

Wins

18 - Joe Melton (NOR)
17 - Lawrence Gladden (CAR)
17 - Jonathan Ford (MIA)
17 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
16 - Frank Welsh (SAN)
16 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)

Saves

38 - Rick Olander (MEM)
36 - Joe Montieth (HOU)
34 - Joe Ellingson (DAL)
34 - Dave Samuelson (JAX)
33 - Charlie Stultz (NSH)
33 - Ryan Cummings (NOR)

Strikeouts

244 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
220 - Barney Maloy (ATL)
220 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
217 - Tom Gustafson (NSH)
198 - Joseph Palmer (NSH)

[Jestor]

Wow. That's some really fascinating stuff you've got going there. Norfolk seems to be the closest thing to the Yankees you have in this league.

One thing I noticed in particular through the years. Tampa Bay usually has a few star players, yet they've never even so much as come close to making the playoffs. Just thought I'd point that out as a possible managing possibility in case they continue to be, like the Chicago White Sox, major underachievers

[jmm8356]

Thanks Jestor. Norfolk's success is a bit of a puzzle, especially when you consider that their Team Market dropped to Small (from Below Average) prior to the 1953 season. (This is after four straight pennants, so I guess it has nothing to do with anything.) I suppose having the guy I would name my pitcher award after (though I'm not going to), Joe Melton (4x HoY, 9x All-Star, 175-93, 3.18 ERA, WHIP 1.19, 1641 K, 44 CG, 19 SHO), would help a bit.

Tampa is a bit less of a mystery. First, they're in the East, so they'd have to beat those damn Clippers. Secondly, they operated in the red from '49-'52, despite drawing an average of 3 million fans the first two years of that span. They also lost money last season, but only drawing 1.7 million to the park can do that. They did win one pennant, though, losing the 1953 Confederate Series to Dallas in seven games.

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1958

Offseason Recap


After just one season over .500 in their last five, Miami makes a change, firing Hunter Raines and hiring newcomer Curtis Flowers.

Norfolk and Tampa receive $5 million via revenue sharing.


A number of big arbitration awards this year:

Norfolk SP Roger Stauffer (10-9, 3.75) gets his third year at $7.4 million.

Nashville 3B Brian Dumas (.343, 34 HR, 92 RBI) is rewarded for his second straight MVP year, jumping from $6.0 million to $7.4 million.

Houston SP Oscar Alloway (17-8, 2.63) will get another million or so, at $6.9 million.

Jacksonville SP Charlie Munford (14-7, 2.76) is finally rewarded for his 1956 Hurler of the Year season, up to $6.6 million from the $300K minimum.

Nashville SP Paul Hill (15-10, 2.89) gets a million dollar raise to $6.1 million.


Free Agency Highlights


February 1 - 3B Norm Lewis (.350, 9 HR, 76 RBI, 23 SB) quickly signs with Carolina for four years at $7 million.

February 3 - CF Scott Heyer (.305, 20 HR, 84 RBI, 22 SB) returns to the West after a year with Norfolk, signing a five-year deal for $8.7 million with San Antonio.

February 6 - Defending champion Jacksonville adds some speed, as in RF Rick Speed (.295, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 111 R, 31 2Bs, 65 SB), for three years at $6.5 million.

February 7 - San Antonio re-signs 1B Brad Mason (.310, 23 HR, 105 RBI, 92 R, 28 2Bs) at $8.6 million for four years.

February 8 - Carolina loses two stars on one day! Atlanta picks up CF Bob Mangum (.246, 28 HR, 92 RBI, 115 R, 36 SB) for four years at $10.2 million, and the Ospreys add another piece to their championship puzzle with 3B Travis O'Connell (.333, 15 HR, 96 RBI, 34 2Bs), who gets five years at $9.3 million.

February 12 - The Flyers try to fill one of those holes by signing 2B Jeremy Barhorst (.240, 17 HR, 79 RBI, 95 BB) to a $6.6 million deal for five years.

February 15 - The first twenty million dollar man in CBA history, as SP Steve Bruce (7-6 in 23 GS, 3.42) leaves the champs for Nashville. The Hounds must not be concerned by Bruce's injury last season (missed 10 weeks with bone chips in his shoulder), as they commit to three years at $20.6 million!


March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

The East steals two from the West:

Norfolk (from SAN) - SS Tom