Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Tampa (2nd) - 2B Ryan Maynard, 17 (8/9/10)
Hitting .607 with 8 HR in 42 AB for Abbeville HS (Alabama), this young rightie signs for a cool $3 million.

Miami (3rd) - SS Wade Hudson, 22 (7/7/10)
Another big middle infielder, a $3.1 million signing bonus goes to this Weber State Wildcat after hitting .327 with 9 HR in 154 AB last season.

New Orleans (4th) - LF Barney Sonnier, 21 (7/7/10)
This leftie signs for $1.1 million after hitting .344 with 8 HR and 15 SB in 207 AB for Colorado State.

San Antonio (5th) - 2B Dave Brown, 18 (7/8/7)
Hitting .593 at Jennings HS (Missouri), this youngster signs for $2.3 million.

Dallas (6th) - SS Royce Kain, 22 (7/9/8)
A $1.2 million signing bonus goes to this Morgan State Bear who hit .302 with 15 HR in 173 AB.

Norfolk (7th) - 2B Geoffrey Bailey, 18 (6/8/10)
It takes $1.2 million to sign this .549 hitter with 6 HR in 80 AB for Bolton HS (Louisiana).



Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Houston (249)
Tampa (174)
San Antonio (165)
Miami (164)
Dallas (153)
New Orleans (121)
Nashville (87)
Jacksonville (79)
Atlanta (78)
Carolina (70)
Norfolk (63)
Memphis (52)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Greenville (ATL) - 30-18
AA Fort Myers (MIA) - 30-19
A Lafayette (NWO) - 30-17

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1958

Atlanta goes 19-8 in June to jump from fourth to first in the East, two games clear of defending champion Jacksonville. Flames SP Bill Sturgeon (10-1, 3.41, WHIP 1.22) is 3-0 on the month.

Another Western Division leader bites the dust! Dallas has lost their last eight and are now in fourth spot, 7 1/2 games behind surging Nashville. The Hounds win nine straight starting June 10 to take a 3 1/2 game lead over Houston and New Orleans into July.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .385 with 9 2Bs, 2 HR and 17 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tom "Spooky" Gustafson (NSH) - Went 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (ATL) - Hit .351 with 10 HR and 29 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Charlie Munford (JAX) - Went 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA


Western Division Standings

Nashville..... 42 - 32 .568 -
Houston....... 38 - 35 .521 3.5
New Orleans... 39 - 36 .520 3.5
Dallas........ 35 - 40 .467 7.5
San Antonio... 34 - 41 .453 8.5
Memphis....... 33 - 42 .440 9.5

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 44 - 31 .587 -
Jacksonville.. 42 - 33 .560 2
Norfolk....... 40 - 36 .526 4.5
Carolina...... 37 - 37 .500 6.5
Miami......... 35 - 41 .461 9.5
Tampa......... 30 - 45 .400 14

[jmm8356]

July 15, 1958

HOUSTON - Stephen Delisle (3 for 5) doubles and scores off Jeffrey May (1 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB) in a four-run 8th as the Eastern All-Stars top the West, 5 to 1. Derek Anderson gets the loss after walking Bob Mangum to bring Delisle to the plate. Johnny Dean is named the game's MVP after hitting 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Floyd Luft (1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K) picks up the win, and Ron Peters (1 1/3 IP) earns the save.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Steve Bruce (NSH) (7) - 12-2, 3.23 ERA, WHIP 1.14

C Henry Stout (DAL) - .353, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 11 2Bs, 5 3Bs

1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) (4) - .282, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 29 2Bs

2B Jack Thomas (NSH) - .375, 7 HR, 54 RBI, 25 2Bs

3B Brian Dumas (NSH) (6) - .312, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 55 R, 68 BB

SS Mike Shepard (MEM) - .338, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 62 R, 6 3Bs, 34 SB

LF Jeremiah Davis (NWO) (2) - .363, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 14 2Bs

CF Travis Severance (DAL) (2) - .357, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 52 R, 38 SB

RF Jason Music (NSH) (3) - .270, 3 HR, 37 RBI, 18 2Bs

Reserves

SP Bryan Smiley (DAL) (3)
SP Tom Gustafson (NSH)
SP Gary Knight (NWO)
SP Al Hoke (NWO) (4)
SP Jeff Telford (HOU)
SP Paul Hill (NSH) (3)
MR Derek Anderson (NSH)
CL Joe Monteith (HOU) (2)
MR Jeffrey May (NWO) (2)
C Mark Jost (MEM) (3)
1B Brad Mason (SAN) (4)
LF Tim Ryan (NSH) (7)
CF Scott Heyer (SAN) (10)
CF Kelly Nader (HOU)
SS John Bates (NWO)
3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (3)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Charlie Munford (JAX) (2) - 12-2, 2.25 ERA, WHIP 0.90, OAVG .178

C Paul Bowen (JAX) (4) - .308, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 15 2Bs

1B Brian Gray (MIA) (8) - .371, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 55 R, 50 BB, 22 2Bs

2B Jonathan Ralls (JAX) - .323, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 49 R, 48 BB

3B Tom Swaim (NOR) (4) - .349, 13 HR, 53 RBI, 4 SB

SS Johnny Dean (JAX) (3) - .334, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 42 R, 12 2Bs

LF Buck Blasingame (JAX) (6) - .251, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 12 2Bs, 5 3Bs

CF Bob Mangum (ATL) (5) - .344, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 60 R, 16 2Bs, 26 SB

RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (9) - .354, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 49 R, 12 2Bs

Reserves

SP Bill Sturgeon (ATL)
SP Lawrence Gladden (CAR) (4)
SP Barney Maloy (ATL) (3)
SP Gary Dupre (MIA) (2)
SP Carroll Morrison (JAX)
SP Mike Leigh (MIA)
MR Ron Peters (MIA)
CL Floyd Luft (ATL) (2)
MR Ryan Cummings (NOR) (4)
C Dave Hovis (TAM)
1B Randy Brewer (CAR)
RF Gary Schneider (TAM) (4)
RF Ryan Jackson (NOR) (4)
CF Randy Geiger (JAX) (2)
2B Pete Morris (ATL)
2B Jeremy Barhorst (CAR)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1958

A new month sees another new leader of the Western Division. New Orleans wins eight of ten going into the break to take a two game lead over Nashville. The Pelicans make the only notable deadline deal on July 29, getting C Henry Stout (.354, 6 HR, 44 RBI) from Dallas for SP Jim Annis (5-7, 3.72).

Elsewhere in the West, Dallas signs SS Jerry Carroll (.258, 15 HR, 54 RBI) to a three-year extension for $12.6 million, and San Antonio ties up SP Jules Moon (9-8, 3.55) for three years at $6 million.

The East, meanwhile, is becoming a two-horse race, with Jacksonville holding a one game lead over Atlanta. The Flames sign 3B Raymond Thigpen (.332, 10 HR, 54 RBI, 24 SB) for three more years at $6.3 million.

Norfolk's Joe Melton (8-4, 2.34) missed his chance for a tenth All-Star selection after going down for the year when bone chips were found in his shoulder July 5.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Jeremiah Davis (NWO) - Hit .362 with 5 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Gary Knight (NWO) - Went 3-1 with a 0.85 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (ATL) - Hit .358 with 7 HR and 17 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lawrence Gladden (CAR) - Went 5-0 with a 1.14 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 55 - 46 .545 -
Nashville..... 53 - 48 .525 2
San Antonio... 50 - 51 .495 5
Houston....... 48 - 52 .480 6.5
Dallas........ 46 - 55 .455 9
Memphis....... 41 - 60 .406 14

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 62 - 40 .608 -
Atlanta....... 61 - 41 .598 1
Norfolk....... 52 - 50 .510 10
Carolina...... 51 - 50 .505 10.5
Miami......... 50 - 52 .490 12
Tampa......... 39 - 63 .382 23

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1958

New Orleans stretches its lead out to six games over a weak Western Division. Second-place Nashville will be without SP Tom Gustafson (13-6, 2.68) for the next three weeks after bone chips are found in his shoulder August 17.

Elsewhere in the West, Memphis SP Ron Woodard (10-8, 2.84) throws a no-hitter at Norfolk, walking eight but striking out seven for a 1-0 victory.

The East remains tight at the top, with Jacksonville holding a one game lead over Atlanta in their quest to repeat as CBA champions. Ospreys RF Rick Speed (.295, 93 R, 53 SB) has a 15-game hitting streak.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Paul "Spike" Speck (DAL) - Hit .330 with 8 2Bs, 5 HR and 27 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lawrence Miles (NWO) - Went 5-0 with a 2.33 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) - Hit .337 with 4 HR and 22 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Wayne Moorman (MIA) - Went 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 71 - 59 .546 -
Nashville..... 65 - 65 .500 6
Dallas........ 64 - 66 .492 7
San Antonio... 63 - 67 .485 8
Houston....... 62 - 67 .481 8.5
Memphis....... 56 - 74 .431 15

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 75 - 55 .577 -
Atlanta....... 74 - 56 .569 1
Miami......... 68 - 62 .523 7
Norfolk....... 67 - 64 .511 8.5
Carolina...... 65 - 65 .500 10
Tampa......... 50 - 80 .385 25

[jmm8356]

October 6, 1958

Atlanta goes 23-9 down the stretch to clinch the Eastern Division crown with a 5-1 win at Jacksonville. The Ospreys lose eleven straight beginning August 26 and never recover.

Elsewhere in the East, Carolina RF Stephen Delisle gets his 2000th hit off Miami's Karl Pauly September 13. Delisle, 31, has hit .347 in his career with 171 homers.

Out West, New Orleans clinches the pennant with a 5-2 victory at San Antonio on September 30. The Pelicans, however, will go into the postseason without SP Lawrence Miles (13-6, 3.68); he is shut down for the remainder of the year September 14 with bone chips in his shoulder.

Nashville ends up eight games out; the Hounds were an incredible fifteen games below expectations (scored 805, allowed 672).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Charlie Shields (MEM) - Hit .411 with 3 HR and 30 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steven Mackay (MEM) - Went 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Randy Brewer (CAR) - Hit .323 with 5 HR and 16 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ted Knott (ATL) - Went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 88 - 74 .543 -
Nashville..... 80 - 82 .494 8
Dallas........ 79 - 83 .488 9
Houston....... 79 - 83 .488 9
San Antonio... 78 - 84 .481 10
Memphis....... 76 - 86 .469 12

Final Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 97 - 65 .599 -
Jacksonville.. 88 - 74 .543 9
Miami......... 83 - 79 .512 14
Norfolk....... 81 - 81 .500 16
Carolina...... 80 - 82 .494 17
Tampa......... 63 - 99 .389 34

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1958

Confederate Series Preview


The Atlanta Flames won 97 games in their third season under Randy Gerry. Atlanta was 50-31 at Lexus Park and has homefield advantage in this series.

The Flames ranked second in batting (.274) and homeruns (129) while third in scoring (774). Free agent pickup CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (.312, 33 HR, 112 RBI, 113 R, 101 BB, 22 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 45 SB) is a likely MVP, while switch-hitting 3B Raymond Thigpen (.331, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 25 2Bs, 9 3Bs, 36 SB) and 1B Dan Thrasher (.305, 19 HR, 61 RBI) also contribute. The Flames were second in stolen bases (190) as well, thanks to Mangum, Thigpen, SS Corey Whitesell (.234, 36 SB) and RF Bill Rice (.270, 23 SB).

Atlanta's pitching staff ranked sixth in ERA (4.03) and fifth in runs allowed (704). Ted Knott (14-5, 3.32), Barney Maloy (12-5, 3.05) and Ron Sewell (15-12, 3.88) are all outstanding starters. Floyd Luft's 50 saves (4.34 ERA) tied the league record.


The New Orleans Pelicans, led by fourth-year skipper Mark Erwin, are looking for their 2nd CBA championship. The Pelicans won just five of their twelve meetings with the Flames this season.

New Orleans' pitchers allowed the fewest runs (665) in the league this year despite a rash of injuries. Only Al Hoke (15-6, 2.88) and Gary Knight (14-11, 3.57) threw over 120 innings. Southpaw Dan Davis (9-6 in 18 GS, 3.38) was a mid-season callup, while Dave Donnell (4-7, 16 SV, 3 BS, 3.30) has only been closing since August.

The Pelicans' offense was just eighth-best (718) with few homers (104, 11th) or walks (466, 12th), and will miss RF Jeremiah Davis (.340, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 21 2Bs), who broke his foot during the last week of the regular season. C Henry Stout (.347, 8 HR, 72 RBI, 20 2Bs) and SS John Bates (.302, 12 HR, 68 RBI, 86 R, 21 2Bs, 9 3Bs) hope to make up the difference. 1B Roy Seal (.265, 12 HR, 80 RBI, 22 2Bs, 29 SB) and LF Mark Brown (.330 in 364 AB, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 28 SB) lead the thieves on the third-ranked team in swipes (159).

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1958

Confederate Series Recap


Game 1 - Wednesday, October 8 - New Orleans 4, Atlanta 0

ATLANTA - Al Hoke throws a three-hitter through eight, and CF Jeff Regan's two-run double off Ted Knott (L, 7 2/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 6 K) caps a four-run 8th to put New Orleans over Atlanta, 4-0. Hoke walks two and whiffs two on 109 pitches for the win.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 9 - Atlanta 9, New Orleans 3

ATLANTA - 2B Pete Morris (3 for 5, 2 R) hits a grand slam to deep center off Paul Eckles (1 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K) in a five-run Flames 6th as Atlanta evens the series with a 9-3 win. Gary Knight (L, 5 IP, 5 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K) allowed singles to 1B Dan Thrasher (2 for 4) and RF Bill Rice (3 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI), then Eckles gave up a single to C Aaron Chase (2 for 4) and walked pinch hitter Victor Gregory, scoring a run, before whiffing SS Corey Whitesell to bring Morris to the plate. Barney Maloy (W, 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K) was solid, while Baker, Spies and Merritt allow just one hit in the final three innings.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 11 - Atlanta 6, New Orleans 2

NEW ORLEANS - C Aaron Chase is 2 for 4 with a double and three RBIs as Atlanta collects 15 hits in a 6-2 thrashing of New Orleans at Bridge Street Park. Dan Davis (L, 5 IP, 6 R, 11 H, 2 BB, 4 K) sets a career high for hits allowed, while Ron Sewell (W, 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K) was dead on. Everybody in the Flames lineup gets a hit (except CF Bob Mangum, ejected after a strikeout in the 3rd), with SS Corey Whitesell (3 for 5), 1B Dan Thrasher (2 for 4) and replacement CF Victor Gregory (2 for 3) leading the way.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 12 - Atlanta 10, New Orleans 5

NEW ORLEANS - Eric Fleck walks in two runs as part of a eight-run Flames 7th to give Atlanta a three-games-to-one lead by crushing New Orleans, 10 to 5. Fleck (1/3 IP, 4 R, 1 H, 3 BB, 1 K) enters with the bases loaded after Paul Eckles (L, 0 IP, 4 R, 2 H, 2 BB), perhaps mercifully, ruptured a ligament in his elbow; CF Bob Mangum (1 for 4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI) and 3B Raymond Thigpen (2 for 4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI) draw the walks that score the winning runs. Flames 2B Pete Morris is 3 for 4, while Pelicans 1B Roy Seal hits 3 for 5 for the losing cause. Ted Knott (1-1, 6 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K) settles after some early trouble to get the win.


Game 5 - Monday, October 13 - New Orleans 10, Atlanta 3

NEW ORLEANS - 2B Bill Lamb goes 3 for 4 with a triple, a homer, two runs and five RBIs as the Pelicans smack sixteen hits in a 10-3 thumping of the Flames to send the series back to Atlanta. New Orleans scores five runs in the 1st off Barney Maloy (L, 1-1, 1 1/3 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 8 H, 1 BB) and never looks back, with 1B Roy Seal and LF Mark Brown also collecting three hits on the night. Gary Knight (W, 5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K) improves his postseason record to 1-1.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 15 - New Orleans 6, Atlanta 4

ATLANTA - An error by 3B Raymond Thigpen leads to an unearned run as New Orleans scores two in the top of the 9th to win, 6-4, and force a Game 7. After C Henry Stout doubled off Ron Sewell (L, 1-1, 8 1/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K), Thigpen booted 3B Emery Thurston's grounder to put runners on the corners with no one out. After pinch runner Matt Kirk is caught stealing and LF Mark Brown is put on intentionally, John Hamill (2/3 IP, 2 H) comes on but allows an RBI-single by 2B Bill Lamb (2 for 4, HR, 2 RBI) and a sacrifice fly by CF Jeff Regan. Though Dan Davis (7 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 8 H) struck out eleven, Tom Mosby (1-0, 1/3 IP, 2 BB) gets the win despite loading the bases in the 8th. Dave Donnell needs just nine pitches for his first save of the series. Pelicans RF Bob Crane is 3 for 4 with two runs, while Flames LF Malcolm Harris hits 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs.


Game 7 - Thursday, October 16 - New Orleans 3, Atlanta 2

ATLANTA - C Henry Stout singles to left, scoring pinch runner George Lewandowski with the winning run in the 8th to give New Orleans their 2nd CBA championship with a 3-2 thriller at Lexus Park. John Edmonson leads off the 8th with a pinch hit off Ted Knott (L, 1-2, 8 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 K) and is pulled for the faster Lewandowski, who breaks for second and ends up on third after a wild throw by C Aaron Chase. Knott (2 for 3) gets SS John Bates swinging to bring Stout to the plate. Al Hoke (W, 2-0, 7 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 4 K) is stellar again, and Dave Donnell (SV, 2, 1 IP, 1 K) closes out the series by striking out Flames 1B Dan Thrasher. Pelicans 2B Bill Lamb is named Confederate Series MVP after hitting 10 for 26 (.385) with two doubles, three triples, and two homers, scoring five runs and driving in nine.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1958

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (NSH) (3) - .297, 34 HR, 113 RBI, 98 R, 116 BB

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Bryan Smiley (DAL) (2) - 15-5, 2.47 ERA, WHIP 1.14

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Gary Knight (NWO) - 14-11, 3.57 ERA, WHIP 1.38

Western Division Manager of the Year

Mark Erwin (NWO) - Won 88 games, an eleven game improvement, and Western Division pennant


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (ATL) (2) - .312, 33 HR, 112 RBI, 113 R, 101 BB, 22 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 45 SB

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Lawrence Gladden (CAR) (2) - 21-6, 2.63 ERA, WHIP 1.22

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

SP Ted Judge (NOR) - 11-6 in 28 GS, 4.16 ERA, WHIP 1.37

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Randy Gerry (ATL) - Won 97 games, a thirteen game improvement, and Eastern Division pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Frank Welsh (SAN)
C Ray Michalski (NSH)
1B Will Hilliard (HOU) [Never played in the West! Acquired from Tampa via postseason waivers.]
2B Justin Charley (MEM) (2)
3B Oscar Thompson (DAL)
SS Steven Taylor (NSH)
LF Dan Titus (MEM)
CF Jeff Regan (NWO)
RF Ken Hungerford (HOU)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Steve McCauley (TAM) (2)
C Dave Staggs (CAR) (3)
1B Andy Roberts (JAX)
2B Dave Winters (TAM)
3B Lane Brasfield (TAM)
SS Jim Veatch (TAM)
LF Roy Perri (NOR)
CF Nick Bacon (NOR)
RF Stephen Delisle (CAR) (2)


League Leaders

Batting

.347 - Henry Stout (NWO)
.343 - Gary Schneider (TAM)
.342 - Brian Gray (MIA)
.340 - Jeremiah Davis (NWO)
.339 - Mike Shepard (MEM)

Homeruns

34 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
33 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
30 - Ryan Jackson (NOR)
27 - Tim Ryan (NSH)
25 - Stephen Delisle (CAR)

RBI

113 - Brian Dumas (NSH)
112 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
104 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
103 - Brad Mason (SAN)
102 - Tim Ryan (NSH)

Doubles

47 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
38 - Brian Gray (MIA)
35 - Gary Schneider (TAM)
34 - Bob Wall (HOU)
33 - Jack Thomas (NSH)

Triples

12 - Gary Schneider (TAM)
11 - Buck Blasingame (JAX)
10 - Tim Ryan (NSH)
9 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
9 - John Bates (NWO)
9 - Bob Wall (HOU)

Runs

113 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
111 - Rick Speed (JAX)
108 - Tim Ryan (NSH)
107 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
98 - Brian Gray (MIA)
98 - Brian Dumas (NSH)

Stolen Bases

64 - Rick Speed (JAX)
61 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
60 - Travis Severance (DAL)
47 - Scott Henry (MIA)
45 - Bob Mangum (ATL)

ERA

2.12 - Oscar Alloway (HOU)
2.47 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)
2.60 - Tom Gustafson (NSH)
2.61 - Paul Hill (NSH)
2.61 - Mike Leigh (MIA)

Wins

21 - Bill Sturgeon (ATL) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
21 - Lawrence Gladden (CAR) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
17 - Steve Bruce (NSH)
17 - Jules Moon (SAN)
17 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
17 - Mike Leigh (MIA)

Saves

50 - Floyd Luft (ATL) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
40 - Joe Monteith (HOU)
29 - Joe Ellingson (DAL)
29 - Ken Scruggs (MIA)
27 - George Beck (CAR)

Strikeouts

232 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
223 - Barney Maloy (ATL)
200 - Joseph Palmer (NSH)
195 - Steve Bruce (NSH)
193 - Tom Gustafson (NSH)

[Nashville's Paul Hill ranked 7th with 187 Ks; you can see why the Hounds should have won about 95 games.]

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1959

Offseason Recap


Tampa fires Raymond Fields after two last place finishes; the new skipper of the Tomahawks is rookie Boyd Miller.

Memphis and Tampa each receive a $5 million share of revenue sharing.

SS Raymond Timmerman retires at age 41. In an eleven year career (four in Nashville, six in Norfolk, and one in Carolina), Timmerman hit .298 with 196 homers. A six-time All-Star, he won the MVP in 1949 and the Confederate Series MVP in 1952 for Norfolk to get his sole championship ring. Timmerman is on next year's "Second Look" Hall of Fame ballot.

[Opinions are welcome, but I'm leaning towards a 'No', though taking away his .218 final season, he would have hit .305 with a back-projected 2621 hits. Only one Slick Fielder and six All-Stars in eleven seasons, and not in the top 5 of any career leaderboard. Also, he's not necessarily the best shortstop of his era (Jerry Carroll has 2 MVPs, 3 Slicks, 6 All-Stars and 286 homers, 2nd most).]

A few decent arbitration awards this year:

Nashville SP Paul Hill (14-13, 2.61) gets a bump from $6.1 million to $6.9 million.

Jacksonville SP Charlie Munford (17-4, 3.16) holds steady at $6.6 million.

Memphis SP Ron Woodard (13-10, 2.85) goes from the $300K minimum to $5.5 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 5 - RF Stephen Delisle (.327, 25 HR, 96 RBI) returns to Dallas after six seasons in Carolina, signing a $14.1 million deal for six years.

February 8 - SP Oscar Alloway (11-9, 2.12, WHIP 1.02) moves east to Atlanta for five years at $19.2 million.

February 9 - SP Roger Stauffer (10-15, 3.63) gets $9.3 million for three years from Jacksonville despite an off year.

February 14 - 1B Brian Gray (.342, 18 HR, 81 RBI) signs a one-year deal for $6.6 million with Dallas. Gray, age 38, needs 176 more hits to reach 2000.

February 17 - An interesting move by the defending champs today, New Orleans signs 3B Bob Wall (.264, 14 HR, 64 RBI, 34 2Bs) to $4.9 million for four years, then send him with $2.3 million to Carolina for CF Henry Reynolds (.300, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 24 2Bs, 21 SB).

February 20 - Carolina now has a pleasant logjam at the hot corner, snagging three-time MVP 3B Brian Dumas (.297, 34 HR, 113 RBI) for four years at $15.8 million.

February 25 - 3B Tom Swaim (.318, 19 HR, 81 RBI) signs a two-year deal with Miami for $9.5 million.


March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Two move from the East to the West:

San Antonio (from NOR) - LF Tommy Glisson, a 1957 Rule 5 pickup from New Orleans, .277 in AAA Richmond

Dallas (from ATL) - SS Corey Whitesell, .234 in 299 AB for the Flames, started all seven Confederate Series games

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1959

New Orleans, after being shutout in their opener, win thirteen of their next fifteen, to begin their title defense with a two game lead over San Antonio in the West. Pelicans closer Dave Donnell already has six saves with a 1.54 ERA.

Third-place Dallas loses last season's Hurler of the Year Bryan Smiley (15-5, 2.47 last year) in their first game due to a strained bicep; Smiley is expected back in late May.

In the East, Carolina leads Miami by two games after winning their first four, two in extra innings. Three-time MVP Brian Dumas is having just as much success with the Flyers as he had with the Hounds, winning Batter of the Month.

Third-place Atlanta gets dinged up a bit April 23 when Bill Sturgeon (21-3, 3.44 last year) goes down for an estimated four weeks with an inflamed bicep tendon.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Dave Whitener (SAN) - Hit .386 with 4 HR and 18 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Palmer (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 1.14 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (CAR) - Hit .347 with 8 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Eric Macy (NOR) - Went 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 16 - _6 .727 -
San Antonio... 14 - _8 .636 2
Dallas......... 9 - 10 .474 5.5
Nashville..... 10 - 12 .455 6
Memphis........ 7 - 12 .368 7.5
Houston........ 7 - 14 .333 8.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 14 - _7 .667 -
Miami......... 13 - 10 .565 2
Atlanta........ 9 - _9 .500 3.5
Tampa......... 10 - 10 .500 3.5
Norfolk........ 9 - 14 .391 6
Jacksonville... 9 - 15 .375 6.5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1959

Defending champion New Orleans continues to cruise in the West, winning fifteen of their last eighteen to take a five game lead over San Antonio. CF Henry Reynolds (.386, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 7 2Bs, 3 3Bs) has been a surprise for the Pelicans after being acquired from Carolina in the Bob Wall sign-and-trade.

The Eastern Division is topped by three clubs with 25 wins, as Atlanta leads Carolina by a half game with Miami just one game out. The Meteors, though, lose both their middle infielders within a week. Twenty-three year old SS Wade Hudson (.275, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 6 2Bs, 6 SB) breaks his foot May 3; he is out for the year. May 6 sees 2B Paul Falcone (.301, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 6 2Bs) take a fastball from New Orleans' Gary Knight on the fists. A broken finger will keep Falcone out of action for another two weeks.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Travis Severance (DAL) - Hit .325 with 7 HR and 20 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ron Woodard (MEM) - Went 3-1 with a 1.31 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Ryan Jackson (NOR) - Hit .337 with 9 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Leigh (MIA) - Went 5-1 with a 0.96 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 32 - 16 .667 -
San Antonio... 27 - 21 .563 5
Dallas........ 25 - 22 .532 6.5
Nashville..... 23 - 25 .479 9
Memphis....... 22 - 25 .468 9.5
Houston....... 22 - 26 .458 10

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 25 - 22 .532 -
Carolina...... 25 - 23 .521 .5
Miami......... 25 - 24 .510 1
Norfolk....... 23 - 26 .469 3
Jacksonville.. 23 - 27 .460 3.5
Tampa......... 17 - 32 .347 9

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Tampa (1st) - 2B Dave Mikel, 18 (7/7/9)
Hitting .498 with 9 HR in 57 AB for Adirondack Central HS (New York), this right-handed slugger signs for $1.1 million.

Memphis (2nd) - C Jim Bonds, 23 (7/8/9)
A $1.3 million signing bonus snags this young backstop who hit .330 with 13 HR in 242 AB for Grambling.

San Antonio (3rd) - SP Jeremiah Davis, 17 (7/8/6)
With a 1.24 ERA and 161 Ks in 94 IP at Stroud HS (Oklahoma), this young rightie throws in the mid-90s.

Dallas (4th) - CL Evan Becnel, 23 (10/5/7)
This Wyoming Cowboy struck out 92 in 55 2/3 IP with a 1.94 ERA and can already throw 99 mph.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Tampa (257)
Dallas (216)
San Antonio (169)
New Orleans (161)
Houston (124)
Jacksonville (94)
Miami (92)
Atlanta (87)
Norfolk (86)
Memphis (84)
Nashville (43)
Carolina (42)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Palm Beach (MIA) - 31-18
AA Durham (NOR) - 33-16
A Montgomery (ATL) - 27-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1959

Atlanta has won seven of their last eight to take a six game lead over a weak Eastern Division. Ron Sewell (6-1 in 12 GS, 2.53, WHIP 0.90) leads the top pitching staff in the league.

Out West, New Orleans holds a three game lead over San Antonio, but the Pelicans suffered a big blow June 17. C Henry Stout (.300, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 7 2Bs) tore his PCL rounding a base; he is out for the season.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .362 with 9 HR and 21 RBI, including a cycle against Memphis June 29

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Palmer (NSH) - Went 4-1 with a 1.78 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (CAR) - Hit .333 with 14 HR and 32 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Roger Stauffer (JAX) - Went 4-0 with a 0.76 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 46 - 30 .605 -
San Antonio... 43 - 33 .566 3
Dallas........ 37 - 37 .500 8
Houston....... 38 - 38 .500 8
Memphis....... 35 - 40 .467 10.5
Nashville..... 35 - 41 .461 11

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 43 - 32 .573 -
Jacksonville.. 38 - 39 .494 6
Carolina...... 37 - 39 .487 6.5
Norfolk....... 36 - 40 .474 7.5
Miami......... 35 - 42 .455 9
Tampa......... 32 - 44 .421 11.5

[Jestor]

Just out of curiosity, so far every team has made it to the Confederate Series at least once, right?

[jmm8356]

Actually, neither the Houston Buffaloes nor Miami Meteors have ever won a pennant. Houston has finished in the second division ever since a 2nd-place .500 inaugural season. Miami came closest in 1949, four games back in third place, and have a couple second places since then.


July 14, 1959

CHARLOTTE - Gary Schneider hits a two-run double down the line to left off Neil Williamson (1 IP, 2 H) in the 8th to put the Eastern All-Stars over the West, 5 to 4. Ronald Coleman (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) gets the loss after giving up a pinch hit to Steven Wells to leadoff the inning. Jim Veatch is named the game's MVP after a 3 for 5 night with a run and an RBI. Lou Colby (2 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K) and Ken Scruggs (1 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K) pick up the win and save, respectively, despite less-than-stellar performances.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Al Hoke (NWO) (5) - 12-2, 3.03 ERA, WHIP 1.14

C Mark Jost (MEM) (4) - .292, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 32 BB

1B Roy Seal (NWO) (2) - .339, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 40 R, 13 SB

2B Clint Hoye (SAN) (3) - .297, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 62 R, 14 2Bs

3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (4) - .348, 2 HR, 52 RBI, 19 2Bs

SS Dave Whitener (SAN) (3) - .360, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 51 R, 49 BB

LF Paul Speck (DAL) - .347, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 60 R, 17 2Bs, 30 SB

CF Henry Reynolds (NWO) - .348, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 48 R, 13 2Bs, 4 3Bs

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (10) - .344, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R

Reserves

SP Joseph Palmer (NSH) (6)
SP Ron Woodard (MEM)
SP Charlie Bradbury (SAN)
SP Ryan Broaddus (SAN) (2)
SP Gary Knight (NWO) (2)
SP Douglas Nally (HOU) (2)
MR Ronald Coleman (NWO)
CL Dave Donnell (NWO) (3)
MR Neil Williamson (MEM)
C David Standley (SAN) (3)
1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) (5)
LF Vance DeVille (SAN)
LF Mark Brown (NWO)
CF Travis Severance (DAL) (3)
2B Jack Thomas (NSH) (2)
3B Lane Brasfield (NWO) (2)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Mike Leigh (MIA) (2) - 13-3, 2.14 ERA, WHIP 0.94

C Anderson Camper (NOR) - .324, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 12 2Bs

1B Tom Perreault (TAM) - .374, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 2 E in 460 TC (.996)

2B Pete Morris (ATL) (2) - .365, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 65 R, 21 2Bs

3B Brian Dumas (CAR) (7) - .326, 30 HR, 76 RBI, 63 R, 57 BB

SS Jim Veatch (TAM) (2) - .304, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 41 R, 17 SB

LF Malcolm Harris (ATL) (5) - .314, 18 HR, 61 RBI, 55 R, 52 BB

CF Bob Mangum (ATL) (6) - .268, 19 HR, 68 RBI, 61 R, 64 BB, 25 SB

RF Ryan Jackson (NOR) (5) - .289, 17 HR, 42 RBI, 43 R, 13 2Bs

Reserves

SP Roger Stauffer (JAX) (3)
SP Oscar Alloway (ATL) (4)
SP Barney Maloy (ATL) (4)
SP Ron Sewell (ATL)
SP Charlie Munford (JAX) (3)
SP Carroll Morrison (JAX) (2)
MR Will Bearden (JAX) (2)
CL Lou Colby (NOR) (2)
MR Ken Scruggs (ATL) (3)
C Dave Staggs (CAR) (2)
1B Steven Wells (MIA)
LF Gary Schneider (TAM) (5)
CF Randy Geiger (JAX) (3)
CF Scott Henry (MIA)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (4)
3B Emery Thurston (NOR) (2)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1959

The Eastern Division race tightens once again, as Jacksonville has won their last seven, including a 12-inning 7-6 thriller over Atlanta yesterday, to pull within half a game of the Flames.

Atlanta is not standing pat, though; they get SP Alan Clary (2-8, 2.61) from Houston for SP Barney Maloy (10-4, 4.68) and $100,000. (Houston immediately signs Maloy to a three-year extension at $5.7 million.) The Flames also sign SP Ted Knott (7-8, 3.70) to a $7.2 million extension for four more years.

New Orleans still leads the West, now by three games over San Antonio. The Pelicans pick up 2B Neil Cook (.304, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 21 2Bs) from Norfolk for SP Dan Davis (9-7, 4.27).

Elsewhere, Nashville SP Paul Hill (6-8, 3.81) signs up for five more years at $6.9 million.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Kevin "Pluto" Pierce (MEM) - Hit .309 with 7 HR and 23 RBI, signs a three-year extension for $6.4 million

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve Bruce (NSH) - Went 5-0 with a 1.42 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Tom Perreault (TAM) - Hit .347 with 5 HR, 20 RBI and 20 runs

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Wilkins (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 0.59 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 60 - 42 .588 -
San Antonio... 57 - 45 .559 3
Dallas........ 53 - 48 .525 6.5
Memphis....... 49 - 53 .480 11
Nashville..... 49 - 53 .480 11
Houston....... 48 - 54 .471 12

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 57 - 45 .559 -
Jacksonville.. 57 - 46 .553 .5
Tampa......... 50 - 53 .485 7.5
Miami......... 47 - 56 .456 10.5
Carolina...... 46 - 57 .447 11.5
Norfolk....... 41 - 62 .398 16.5

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1959

New Orleans has lost nine of their last twelve to slide into a tie with San Antonio atop the Western Division. Perry Friday goes 0-4 with a 8.51 ERA in five August starts for the Pelicans.

In the East, the red-hot Flames have won fourteen of their last sixteen, leaping out to a nine game lead over faltering Jacksonville. Not all is well in Atlanta, however, as LF Malcolm Harris (.330, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 76 BB) is out until late September after pulling his groin August 16. Elsewhere in the East...

Tampa 3B Tom Perreault (.324, 15 HR, 66 RBI) hits for the cycle (plus an extra triple!) at Miami on August 4.

Rumors of retirement are in the air as Norfolk's Joe Melton (4-11, 4.49) is shut down for the year August 7 with a torn rotator cuff. This is the second straight season cut short by injury for the four-time Hurler of the Year.

On the plus side for the Clippers, CF Nick Bacon collects his 2000th hit with a single off Atlanta's Buster Frances on August 13. An eight-time All-Star, Bacon has hit .307 with 183 HR and 187 SB in his career.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .400 with 5 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Hill (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 0.94 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Casey Pattison (NOR) - Hit .306 with 9 HR and 23 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Oscar Alloway (ATL) - Went 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 72 - 59 .550 -
San Antonio... 72 - 59 .550 -
Dallas........ 64 - 66 .492 7.5
Memphis....... 64 - 67 .489 8
Nashville..... 62 - 69 .473 10
Houston....... 58 - 73 .443 14

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 79 - 52 .603 -
Jacksonville.. 70 - 61 .534 9
Miami......... 67 - 65 .508 12.5
Carolina...... 62 - 69 .473 17
Tampa......... 59 - 72 .450 20
Norfolk....... 57 - 74 .435 22

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1959

New Orleans has not yet secured a chance to defend last year's dramatic Confederate Series victory, but the Pelicans do hold a two game lead over the Missions with two to play. San Antonio is still alive after a 9-4 win over New Orleans at Alamo Field yesterday but needs two more to force a one-game playoff.

Waiting in the East is Atlanta, who clinched the pennant September 29 with a 7-6 win at Tampa in 13 innings. The Flames are entering the postseason with good momentum, having won their last six games.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - Hit .368 with 8 HR and 27 RBI, including a cycle September 15 against San Antonio

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jim Annis (DAL) - Went 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Randy Geiger (JAX) - Hit .344 with 7 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Wallace Kinzer (CAR) - Went 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA


Western Division Standings