Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

October 8, 1959

Confederate Series Preview

Both 1958 Manager of the Year winners go head to head in this rematch of last year's thrilling seven game series.


Atlanta, led by Randy Gerry, is heading for their third Confederate Series after winning 93 games. The Flames split the season series with the Pelicans, six games each.

Atlanta's pitchers were tops in the league in ERA (3.55), average against (.254) and runs allowed (651). Oscar Alloway (18-8, 2.98, WHIP 1.15) and Ted Knott (13-13, 3.15, WHIP 1.24) set the pace, while Alan Clary (6-12, 3.20, WHIP 1.31) hopes he used all his hard luck up in the regular season. Closer Ken Scruggs (10-6, 31 SV, 2.06 ERA, WHIP 1.07) has just one loss since June.

The Flames' offense was the fourth-most productive (767 runs) in the CBA last season. LF Malcolm Harris (.320, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 83 BB, 19 2Bs) might have been an MVP contender without missing six weeks with a pulled groin, and CF Bob "Popcorn" Mangum (.274, 38 HR, 114 RBI, 117 R, 110 BB, 22 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 47 SB) would win MVP if Brian Dumas had not joined the East this year. 2B Pete Morris (.355, 10 HR, 70 RBI, 91 R, 32 2Bs) and 3B Raymond Thigpen (.309, 14 HR, 110 RBI, 90 R, 29 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 44 SB) are big-time hitters as well.


New Orleans, skipped by Mark Erwin, are defending their second CBA championship. The Pelicans have homefield advantage but were just 40-41 at Bridge Street Park this year.

Smallball is the watchword in New Orleans. Just 8th in homers (109), the Pelicans were tops in batting (.284) and second in swipes (166) and scoring (794). 1B Roy Seal (.305, 19 HR, 94 RBI, 23 2Bs, 27 SB) leads the way along with CF Henry Reynolds (.332, 8 HR, 63 RBI, 25 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 19 SB). LF Mark Brown (.325, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 92 R, 43 SB) and 2B Neil Cook (.298, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 85 R, 28 2Bs, 34 SB) are the team's top thieves.

New Orleans ranked just 9th in ERA (4.25) and 8th in runs allowed (748). Al Hoke (16-8, 3.81, WHIP 1.24) and Gary Knight (16-11, 4.52) have been here before, but veteran Lawrence Miles (12-10, 4.27) missed the postseason last year due to bone chips in his shoulder. Knuckleballer Tom Mosby (4-5, 10 SV, 3.89) has only been the closer since September.

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1959

Confederate Series Recap


Game 1 - Thursday, October 8 - Atlanta 8, New Orleans 6

NEW ORLEANS - C Aaron Chase's two-run single in the 7th makes the difference as Atlanta tops New Orleans, 8-6. A single by LF Malcolm Harris (2 for 3, 2 RBI) and a triple by CF Bob Mangum (2 for 5, 2 R, 2 RBI) off Dave Donnell (L, 1 2/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K) broke the 5-5 tie, then 3B Raymond Thigpen was put on before Donnell got two ground outs to bring Chase up to bat. Bill Sturgeon (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) picks up the win, while Ken Scruggs (1 IP, 2 H) earns the save. LF Mark Brown is 3 for 5 with three runs, and 1B Ron Seal goes 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBIs for the losing cause.


Game 2 - Friday, October 9 - New Orleans 10, Atlanta 5

NEW ORLEANS - Six different Pelicans get two hits as New Orleans pounds Atlanta, 10-5. 3B Lane Brasfield (2B, R), CF Henry Reynolds and 2B John Bates (2B, R) each go 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, while SS Neil Cook is 2 for 2 with a double and a triple, scoring twice and driving in one. Ted Knott (L, 5 1/3 IP, 6 R, 11 H, 2 k) is hit hard; Gary Knight (W, 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 K) is hardly hit at all.


Game 3 - Sunday, October 11 - Atlanta 7, New Orleans 4

ATLANTA - Back-to-back homers by RF Monty McDonald and LF Malcolm Harris in the 7th put Atlanta over New Orleans, 7 to 4. Lawrence Miles (L, 6 1/3 IP, 7 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K) gives up singles to C Aaron Chase (2 for 4) and pinch hitter John Brown before McDonald's three-run blast to left and Harris's (2 for e, 2 R) solo shot to right turn the tide for the Flames. Pelicans RF Jeremiah Davis hits 3 for 4, including a two-run tater off Alan Clary (W, 7 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K) in the 2nd. Ken Scruggs (1 IP, 1 K) earns his second save of the series.


Game 4 - Monday, October 12 - Atlanta 4, New Orleans 3

ATLANTA - 3B Raymond Thigpen hits a two-run single with two down in the bottom of the 8th to complete the Atlanta comeback, 4 to 3. Tom Mosby (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) enters the game with bases loaded but promptly walks CF Bob Mangum, scoring one run and bringing Thigpen to the plate. Paul Eckles (L, 0-1, 1/3 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 2 BB) gets the loss after filling the basepaths with a single and two walks, wasting a strong effort from Al Hoke (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K). Oscar Alloway (1-0, 8 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB) strikes out ten for the win, and Ken Scruggs (SV, 3, 1 IP, 1 H) whiffs two in the 9th.


Game 5 - Tuesday, October 13 - New Orleans 14, Atlanta 3

ATLANTA - Twenty-one hits for the Pelicans as New Orleans wallops Atlanta, 14 to 3, to send the series back to Bridge Street Park. 1B Roy Seal (3 for 4, 2 3B, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI) leads the superlative performances, but 3B Lane Brasfield (3 for 5, 3 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI), RF Jeremiah Davis (4 for 5, 2 R, 2 RBI) and CF Henry Reynolds (4 for 5, HR, 2 RBI) all saw the ball well also. Ted Knott (L, 0-2, 2 2/3 IP, 9 R, 10 H, 1 K) is pounded, while Gary Knight (6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) picks up his second win of this postseason.


Game 6 - Thursday, October 15 - New Orleans 6, Atlanta 3

NEW ORLEANS - The second Game 7 in as many years between these two clubs is coming up after New Orleans beats Atlanta, 6-3. 3B Lane Brasfield's double off Alan Clary (L, 1-1, 6 IP, 5 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 K) with the bases loaded scores three in a four-run Pelicans 3rd; 1B Roy Seal follows with a single to score Brasfield with what proved to be the winning run. Lawrence Miles (1-1, 8 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K) earns the win, while Tom Mosby (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) picks up the save after bringing the tying run to the plate.


Game 7 - Friday, October 16 - New Orleans 8, Atlanta 6

NEW ORLEANS - Flames SS Benjamin Alexander's two out error loads the bases, and 2B John Bates makes him pay with a two-run single to give New Orleans their second CBA championship in a row with the 8-6 win.

Oscar Alloway (L, 1-1, 5 2/3 IP, 7 R, 6 ER, 9 H, 4 BB, 5 K) gets two outs in the 6th before walking 1B Roy Seal (1 for 3, 2 RBI). Floyd Luft (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB) then walks RF Jeremiah Davis (3 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI) but gets CF Henry Reynolds to hit the grounder booted by Alexander which should have ended the inning. Instead, Bates rips one back through the box to give New Orleans a lead that holds up through the final three frames. Al Hoke (4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 13 H, 3 K) chooses a bad day to set a career high for hits allowed, but Dave Donnell (1-1, 2 1/3 IP, 1 H, 4 K) picks up the slack for the win. Tom Mosby (SV, 2, 1 IP, 1 K) gets Flames 3B Raymond Thigpen swinging to finish Atlanta off.

Seal is named Series MVP after collecting a hit and a run in all seven games. Roy hit 12 of 29 (.414) with two doubles, two triples and two homers, scoring ten runs and driving in eleven.

[jmm8356]

October 18, 1959

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (4) - .348, 22 HR, 91 RBI, 94 R, 27 2Bs, 7 3Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Ron Woodard (MEM) - 15-6, 2.60 ERA, WHIP 1.23, allowed 3 HRs in 214 2/3 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

1B Mike Rector (NSH) - .329 in 413 AB, 5 HR, 66 RBI, 26 2Bs

Western Division Manager of the Year

Charlie Woodson (SAN) (2) - Won 89 games, ten more than expected and an eleven game improvement, finished 2nd in the West


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (CAR) (4) - .313, 44 HR, 112 RBI, 108 R, 108 BB, 19 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Mike Leigh (MIA) - 22-6, 2.10 ERA, WHIP 0.97, 203 Ks in 252 2/3 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

SP Eric Macy (CAR) - 9-7 in 26 GS, 4.33 ERA, WHIP 1.44

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Randy Gerry (ATL) (2) - Won 93 games and second consecutive Eastern pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Steve McCauley (MEM) (3)
C David Standley (SAN)
1B Roy Seal (NWO) (2)
2B Elliott Suggs (DAL)
3B Lane Brasfield (NWO) (2)
SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (4)
LF Vance DeVille (SAN)
CF Roger Seidl (SAN)
RF Charlie Shields (MEM)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Frank Wilson (JAX)
C Dave Staggs (CAR) (4)
1B Kevin Riles (JAX)
2B Dave Winters (TAM) (2)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (3)
SS Jim Veatch (TAM) (2)
LF Sean Bishop (MIA)
CF Victor Gregory (CAR) (5)
RF Christopher Austin (CAR)


League Leaders

Batting

.355 - Pete Morris (ATL)
.349 - Blair Gaines (MEM)
.348 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
.337 - Dave Hovis (TAM)
.333 - Dave Whitener (SAN)

Homeruns

44 - Brian Dumas (CAR) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
38 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
36 - Ryan Jackson (NOR)
25 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
23 - Ryan Perlman (MIA)

RBI

114 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
112 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
110 - Raymond Thigpen (ATL)
103 - Buck Blasingame (JAX)
102 - Scott Heyer (SAN)

Doubles

40 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
36 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
35 - Gary Schneider (TAM)
32 - Kelly Nader (HOU)
32 - Jeremiah Davis (NWO)
32 - Pete Morris (ATL)

Triples

11 - Tim Ryan (NSH)
9 - Lou Clapp (DAL)
9 - Roger Seidl (SAN)
9 - Troy Owen (TAM)
Four tied with 8.

Runs

117 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
108 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
101 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
98 - Paul Speck (DAL)
94 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)

Stolen Bases

57 - Travis Severance (DAL)
53 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
49 - Rick Speed (JAX)
47 - Bob Mangum (ATL)
45 - Bill Watson (NSH)

ERA

2.10 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
2.44 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)
2.60 - Ron Woodard (MEM)
2.79 - Jim Annis (DAL)
2.89 - Roger Stauffer (JAX)

Wins

22 - Mike Leigh (MIA) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
18 - Oscar Alloway (ATL)
16 - Roger Stauffer (JAX)
16 - Gary Knight (NWO)
16 - Al Hoke (NWO)

Saves

39 - Joe Ellingson (DAL)
37 - Neil Williamson (MEM)
37 - Lou Colby (NOR)
37 - Dave Doyle (MIA)
31 - Ken Scruggs (ATL)

Strikeouts

253 - Barney Maloy (HOU)
253 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
235 - Oscar Alloway (ATL)
225 - Tom Gustafson (NSH)
203 - Mike Leigh (MIA)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1960

Offseason Recap


Al Lindsey can't crack 80 wins in three years with Houston, so the Buffaloes hire newcomer Mark Reading.
[Lindsey did what had to be done, though... cut their payroll to $35 million and made a $26 million profit last year to refill their cash reserve... except now he's out of show business and this new guy will get all the credit!]

Memphis and Nashville receive $5 million apiece via revenue sharing.

Not too much noise from arbitration:

Hurler of the Year Ron Woodard (15-6, 2.60) will cost Memphis a couple more mil, from $5.5 to $7.6 million.

Jacksonville SP Charlie Munford (13-10, 3.66) gets his third year at $6.6 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 8 - The two big outfielders available both sign on the same day! RF Ryan Jackson (.285, 36 HR, 85 RBI) goes to Memphis for three years at $9.4 million, and LF Vance DeVille (.301, 16 HR, 77 RBI) ends up in Houston with a three-year deal for $8.1 million.

February 10 - Are the players colluding? Both stud starters sign today, with Ryan Broaddus (15-7, 3.15) the big winner, getting four years at $17.1 million from Dallas. Al Hoke (16-8, 3.81) leaves the two-time champs in New Orleans for a four-year deal from Jacksonville at $12.7 million.

February 17 - Houston uses some more of that full cashbox to get 38-year-old 1B Casey Pattison (.251, 20 HR, 72 RBI) for one year at $9.2 million.


March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Three picks this year:

Houston (from DAL) - C Jon Thomas, an All-Star in 1957, hit .221 in 271 AB for the Drifters

Miami (from MEM) - C Ron Arnold, .197 with 25 2Bs in AA Augusta

New Orleans (from HOU) - 2B Stephen Yoder, .277 with 28 2Bs at AA Lakeland

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1960

New Orleans wins their first five games in their quest to three-peat, taking a big 4 1/2 game lead over Nashville for the Western Division. RF Jeremiah Davis (.373, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 21 R) has started strong... nearly too strong for one Miami Meteor! (See below.)

Elsewhere in the West, Memphis SS Mike Shepard (.304, 6 HR, 64 RBI last year) hits the 10th cycle in CBA history at Nashville April 19.

Carolina leads a close Eastern Division by one game over Jacksonville and 1 1/2 games clear of Miami. Meteors SP Wayne Morrman's (12-14, 3.72 last year) first start of the season was a bit too interesting. The third hitter he faced, Pelicans RF Jeremiah Davis, smacks a comebacker off his head, breaking the pitcher's cheekbone. Morrman is expected to miss another three weeks.

Atlanta's roster is never set, it seems, as they acquire SS Dave Powell (.333 in 237 AB last year) from Dallas on April 12 for a minor leaguer.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Brad Mason (SAN) - Hit .411 with 5 HR and 20 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Gary Knight (NWO) - Went 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Malcolm Harris (ATL) - Hit .344 with 9 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Karl Pauly (MIA) - Went 2-1 with a 1.65 ERA, back from torn rotator cuff last August


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 15 - _6 .714 -
Nashville..... 12 - 12 .500 4.5
San Antonio... 11 - 12 .478 5
Houston....... 11 - 13 .458 5.5
Dallas......... 9 - 12 .429 6
Memphis....... 10 - 14 .417 6.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 15 - 10 .600 -
Jacksonville.. 14 - 11 .560 1
Miami......... 12 - 10 .545 1.5
Atlanta....... 13 - 13 .500 2.5
Norfolk........ 9 - 11 .450 3.5
Tampa.......... 8 - 15 .348 6

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1960

Jacksonville has won their last six to hold a 1 1/2 game lead over surging Miami, who have won their last ten! Ospreys 3B Travis O'Connell got hit #2000 at Nashville May 10 off Carson Lewis. A career .315 hitter, the two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star has 193 homers at age 37.

Atlanta, nine games back in fifth spot, gets some very bad news May 14, when CF Bob Mangum (.271, 6 HR, 18 RBI) dives for a ball and breaks his hip, putting him out for the year.

It's still all New Orleans in the West, now 5 1/2 games clear of second-place Dallas. Drifters 1B Brian Gray collects his 2000th hit, at age 39, off Lawrence Gladden at Carolina May 17. The two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star has hit .301 with 259 taters in his career.

Houston's condition may be terminal; it's called "bad luck". SP Barney Maloy (3-2, 3.12, OAVG .205) will return after the weekend from a pulled bicep suffered May 4.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Brad Mason (SAN) - Hit .409 with 4 HR and 18 RBI, 2nd straight BotM award

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Anderson (SAN) - Went 3-0 with a 1.91 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Derek Miller (TAM) - Hit .374 with 3 HR, 18 RBI and 14 SB

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Dewey Boose (MIA) - Went 3-1 with a 1.60 ERA, just earned first career win on April 20


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 32 - 16 .667 -
Dallas........ 27 - 22 .551 5.5
San Antonio... 26 - 24 .520 7
Memphis....... 25 - 25 .500 8
Nashville..... 24 - 26 .480 9
Houston....... 18 - 32 .360 15

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 30 - 20 .600 -
Miami......... 29 - 22 .569 1.5
Carolina...... 28 - 23 .549 2.5
Norfolk....... 21 - 28 .429 8.5
Atlanta....... 22 - 30 .423 9
Tampa......... 18 - 32 .360 12

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Houston (1st) - CF Mike Towery, 21 (8/9/10)
This Liberty University Flame gets $2.9 million after a .356 season with 11 HR in 189 AB.

Norfolk (2nd) - 3B Valentine Stephens, 18 (9/9/8)
With a .583 average and 10 HR in 64 AB at Lincoln HS (Washington), this right-handed slugger signs for a $2.2 million bonus.

Tampa (3rd) - 3B Dave Snow, 19 (7/10/6)
A $1.3 million bonus goes to this rightie who hit .599 with 9 HR in 63 AB for Clinton Co. HS (Kentucky).

Nashville (4th) - SP Brett Thomas, 18 (8/8/6)
Signing for $1.3 million, this young rightie strikes out 74 in 45 2/3 IP with a 0.79 ERA at Coolidge HS (DC).


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Tampa (316)
San Antonio (223)
Dallas (153)
Jacksonville (110)
Atlanta (98)
Norfolk (95)
Memphis (89)
New Orleans (88)
Houston (76)
Carolina (75)
Nashville (72)
Miami (60)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Greenville (ATL) - 33-19
AA Macon (NWO) - 29-19
A Shreveport (DAL) - 33-16

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1960

New Orleans continue to pull away from the pack in the West, now 8 1/2 ahead of second-place Dallas. Closer Lance Stephenson (4-3, 17 SV, 3.14) has blown just two saves this year.

Elsewhere in the West, San Antonio CF Scott Heyer (.313, 10 HR, 53 RBI) is the fifth member of the 2000 Hit Club after a single off Nashville's Paul Hill on June 17. A ten-time All-Star, Heyer is a career .306 hitter with 263 homers and 338 steals.

Little change in the East; Jacksonville still leads Miami by two games, while early leader Carolina has fallen to 6 1/2 games back in third. The Flyers are just 19-21 at home so far this season.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Blair Gaines (MEM) - Hit .411 with 3 HR and 17 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Palmer (NSH) - Went 5-0 with a 1.39 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Paul Falcone (MIA) - Hit .397 with 4 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ted Knott (ATL) - Went 5-0 with a 1.75 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 50 - 26 .658 -
Dallas........ 42 - 35 .545 8.5
Memphis....... 38 - 40 .487 13
San Antonio... 38 - 40 .487 13
Nashville..... 37 - 41 .474 14
Houston....... 31 - 47 .397 20

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 47 - 31 .603 -
Miami......... 45 - 33 .577 2
Carolina...... 41 - 38 .519 6.5
Atlanta....... 37 - 42 .468 10.5
Norfolk....... 33 - 44 .429 13.5
Tampa......... 28 - 50 .359 19

[jmm8356]

July 12, 1960

NASHVILLE - Ray Michalski's three-run shot to right is the second homer off Don Lafferty (2 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 K) in the 5th as the Western All-Stars beat the East, 7-3. Jack Thomas leads off the inning with a solo shot; Stephen Delisle also homers in the 2nd. Bryan Smiley strikes out three in three perfect innings for the win, while Mike Leigh (3 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K) is hung with the loss.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Bryan Smiley (DAL) (4) - 12-4, 2.79 ERA, WHIP 1.23

C Ray Michalski (NSH) - .308, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 21 2Bs

1B Brad Mason (SAN) (5) - .325, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 44 R

2B Jack Thomas (NSH) (3) - .308, 20 HR, 58 RBI, 59 R, 22 2Bs

3B Charlie McCay (MEM) (5) - .338, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 41 R

SS Dave Whitener (SAN) (4) - .335, 5 HR, 42 RBI, 47 R

LF Paul Speck (DAL) (2) - .292, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 45 R, 45 BB, 16 SB

CF Blair Gaines (MEM) - .363, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 43 R, 45 BB

RF Jeremiah Davis (NWO) (3) - .287, 13 HR, 53 RBI, 59 R

Reserves

SP Joseph Palmer (NSH) (7)
SP Perry Friday (NWO)
SP Ron Woodard (MEM) (2)
SP Gary Knight (NWO) (3)
SP Paul Hill (NSH) (4)
SP Elmer Sexton (NWO)
RP Tom Mosby (NWO)
RP Carl Lowe (NSH)
RP Lance Stephenson (NWO) (5)
C Jim Rains (HOU)
1B Kevin Pierce (MEM) (6)
CF Scott Heyer (SAN) (11)
CF Travis Severance (DAL) (4)
RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) (11)
2B Neil Cook (NWO)
SS Jim Sheperd (HOU)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Karl Pauly (MIA) - 9-4, 2.82 ERA, WHIP 1.12

C Ken McBride (JAX) - .287, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 42 R, 15 2Bs, 6 3Bs

1B Steven Wells (MIA) (2) - .329, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 18 2Bs

2B Paul Falcone (MIA) - .318, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 56 R, 48 BB, 18 2Bs, 10 SB

3B Brian Dumas (CAR) (8) - .307, 20 HR, 70 RBI, 62 R, 68 BB

SS Wade Hudson (MIA) - .306, 1 HR, 36 RBI, 55 R, 45 BB, 16 2Bs, 10 3Bs, 30 SB

LF Malcolm Harris (ATL) (6) - .294, 25 HR, 58 RBI, 53 R, 53 BB

CF Nick Bacon (NOR) (9) - .321, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 47 R

RF Derek Miller (TAM) - .328, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 62 R, 22 2Bs, 46 SB

Reserves

SP Wallace Kinzer (CAR)
SP Don Lafferty (TAM)
SP Frank Wilson (JAX)
SP Ted Knott (ATL) (3)
SP Mike Leigh (MIA) (3)
SP Alan Clary (ATL)
RP Charlie Wilkinson (CAR)
RP Lou Colby (NOR) (3)
RP Will Bearden (JAX) (3)
C Aaron Chase (ATL)
1B Randy Brewer (CAR) (2)
LF Buck Blasingame (JAX) (7)
LF Gary Schneider (TAM) (6)
CF Randy Geiger (JAX) (4)
2B Pete Morris (ATL) (3)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (5)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1960

New Orleans is on pace for 104 wins as they lead the Western Division by 10 1/2 games. Amazingly, the Pelicans have the lowest payroll in the CBA at $41.2 million! Elsewhere in the West...

Nashville ties up 2B Jack Thomas (.311, 24 HR, 70 RBI) for six more years at $7.0 million.

San Antonio signs SS Dave Whitener (.331, 6 HR, 46 RBI) to four years for $7.4 million.

The East is still led by Jacksonville, now four games clear of Miami. Third-place Carolina makes the biggest deadline deal, sending 2B Bill Lamb (.363, 5 HR, 28 RBI, 17 2Bs) with a minor leaguer and $2.2 million to Atlanta for SS Dave Powell (.329, 5 HR, 37 RBI) July 30.

Meanwhile, SP Jeff Telford (7-6, 4.34) takes a winding road from the West to the East. Beginning the month in Houston, he is traded to Memphis July 11, but is turned around just hours later to Norfolk. After a AAA start, the Clippers send Telford to Miami on July 18, but the Meteors send him back to Norfolk July 30 after going 1-1 in two starts.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .367 with 6 HR and 19 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Barney Maloy (HOU) - Went 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (CAR) - Hit .451 with 13 HR and 31 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don "Hawkeye" Lafferty (TAM) - Went 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 66 - 37 .641 -
Dallas........ 56 - 48 .538 10.5
Memphis....... 53 - 51 .510 13.5
San Antonio... 48 - 56 .462 18.5
Nashville..... 46 - 58 .442 20.5
Houston....... 40 - 64 .385 26.5

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 65 - 40 .619 -
Miami......... 61 - 44 .581 4
Carolina...... 54 - 51 .514 11
Norfolk....... 49 - 55 .471 15.5
Atlanta....... 48 - 57 .457 17
Tampa......... 40 - 65 .381 25

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1960

Not too much drama remaining in either division entering the final month of play.

New Orleans stretches its Western Division lead out to 12 1/2 games over Dallas. The Pelicans, however, will be without Elmer Sexton (12-7, 2.67) for the remainder after a ruptured bicep tendon on August 29.

In the East, Jacksonville holds a six game lead over Miami. The two teams do still have six games against each other yet to play.

The adventures of Jeff "Suitcase" Telford continue! On August 11, Telford takes a no-hitter into the 9th inning of a 1-1 tie but gives up a homer to Jacksonville's Leon Gasaway, losing the no-no and the game. Finally, Telford is shut down for the year due to bone chips in his elbow on August 31.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - Hit .394 with 6 HR and 29 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joseph Palmer (NSH) - Went 1-0 with a 0.54 ERA, 24 Ks in 16 2/3 IP

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Steven Wells (MIA) - Hit .324 with 5 HR and 22 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Alan Clary (ATL) - Went 3-1 with a 1.17 ERA


Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 84 - 48 .636 -
Dallas........ 72 - 61 .541 12.5
Memphis....... 66 - 67 .496 18.5
Nashville..... 65 - 68 .489 19.5
San Antonio... 65 - 68 .489 19.5
Houston....... 55 - 78 .414 29.5

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 80 - 53 .602 -
Miami......... 74 - 59 .556 6
Carolina...... 65 - 69 .485 15.5
Atlanta....... 62 - 71 .466 18
Norfolk....... 59 - 74 .444 21
Tampa......... 51 - 82 .383 29

[Jestor]

Be interesting to see if New Orleans scores the triple championship I love how the lowest payroll team is the current big dynasty! And poor Miami... they just can't seem to get the pennant no matter how hard they try.

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1960

Jacksonville sets a new CBA record with 101 wins on the way to their second Confederate Series appearance. The Ospreys clinch the Eastern pennant September 23 with a 2-1 win at Atlanta.

New Orleans also clinches on September 23, with a 11-5 victory over Dallas. The Pelicans, however, lose another key arm for the playoffs when reliever Tom Mosby (9-4, 2 SV, 2.24, WHIP 1.21) pulls his tricep on September 21.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jeff Helwig (MEM) - Hit .422 with 3 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Hill (NSH) - Went 4-1 with a 1.43 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (JAX) - Hit .373 with 6 HR and 26 RBI, including 6 RBIs against Tampa September 29

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe Melton (NOR) - Went 2-0 with a 1.16 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

New Orleans... 96 - 66 .593 -
Dallas........ 88 - 74 .543 8
Memphis....... 87 - 75 .537 9
Nashville..... 83 - 79 .512 13
San Antonio... 72 - 90 .444 24
Houston....... 67 - 95 .414 29

Final Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville. 101 - 61 .623 -
Miami......... 91 - 71 .562 10
Carolina...... 84 - 78 .519 17
Atlanta....... 73 - 89 .451 28
Norfolk....... 67 - 95 .414 34
Tampa......... 63 - 99 .389 38

[jmm8356]

October 5, 1960

Confederate Series Preview

The Jacksonville Ospreys are in their second Confederate Series after winning three years ago under 1956 Manager of the Year Harry Easterday. Jacksonville holds the homefield advantage in this series but were just 43-38 at Humana Park in the regular season.

The Ospreys' pitchers were tops in the league (3.36 ERA, 607 runs allowed). Easterday has an interesting decision to make, with four strong starters to choose from: Charlie Munford (17-8, 3.00, WHIP 1.11), Roger Stauffer (14-4, 2.65, WHIP 1.13), Frank Wilson (16-7, 3.49) and Al Hoke (11-5, 3.12, WHIP 1.21). Closer Will Bearden (8-8, 45 SV, 3.20) led the CBA in saves.

Jacksonville ranked just seventh in batting (.265) but second in homers (141) and fourth in scoring (762). Their lineup is strong, top to bottom, thanks to 2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (.285, 22 HR, 95 RBI, 113 BB), SS Johnny Dean (.299, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 28 2Bs, 6 3Bs), CF Randy Geiger (.279, 17 HR, 86 RBI, 95 R, 87 BB, 28 2Bs), LF Buck Blasingame (.277, 18 HR, 69 RBI, 22 2Bs, 11 3Bs) and 3B Travis O'Connell (.287, 13 HR, 70 RBI, 34 2Bs). RF Rick Speed (.303, 92 R, 26 2Bs, 60 SB) has at least 49 swipes the past eight years.


The New Orleans Pelicans hope to be the first club to win three consecutive CBA championships, as well as four titles total. Led by 1958 Manager of the Year Mark Erwin, the Pelicans split their twelve previous meetings with the Ospreys, 6-6.

New Orleans again hit few homeruns (97, 11th) but were tops in batting (.281) and second in scoring (.802). Both rookies, LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (.366 in 418 AB, 7 HR, 69 RBI, 73 R, 73 BB, 25 2Bs) put up good numbers while platooning with LF Paul Fish (.351 in 208 AB, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 39 R, 11 2Bs, 6 3Bs). RF Jeremiah Davis (.288, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 100 R) finished as strong as he started (.373 in April, .372 in September). 2B Neil Cook (.298, 7 HR, 61 RBI, 96 R, 20 2Bs, 25 SB) and 1B Roy Seal (.279, 15 HR, 96 RBI, 21 2Bs, 20 SB) are key contributors.

The Pelicans' staff ranked just sixth-best (3.94) this season. Southpaw Perry Friday (16-6, 3.42, WHIP 1.25) and Gary Knight (12-8, 3.86) anchor the rotation. Dave Donnell (9-12, 5.20) was an All-Star as a starter in 1950 for Houston and is back in the rotation after two more All-Star selections ('57, '59) as a reliever. Closer Lance Stephenson (8-6, 37 SV, 2.92) made his fifth All-Star Game this year.

[jmm8356]

October 14, 1960

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 5 - Jacksonville 4, New Orleans 3

JACKSONVILLE - C Ken McBride triples in a run and scores in the 8th as Jacksonville comes back to beat New Orleans, 4-3. After Gary Knight (7 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K) allows a pinch hit to Bradley Heinemann to leadoff the inning, Paul Eckles (L, 1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) gives up the three-bagger down the right field line. A walk by 3B Travis O'Connell and a whiff by RF Randy Geiger puts runners on the corners with one down before 2B Jonathan Ralls grounds one to third, which 3B Lane Brasfield throws to second without looking the runner back. Ralls beats the relay to first, scoring McBride with the winning run. [This pisses me off to no end. Play in!!! Throw home!!!] Charlie Munford (7 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 12 K) and Knight each give up three, dueling through seven. Ron McCoy strikes out the side in the 8th for his twelfth consecutive decision; Will Bearden (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) has the tying run on third before getting the save.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 6 - New Orleans 5, Jacksonville 2

JACKSONVILLE - RF Jeremiah Davis drives in the winning run on a 4 for 4 night as New Orleans tops Jacksonville, 5-2. Davis's (1 R, 2 RBI) single to the gap in right off Roger Stauffer (L, 6 1/3 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K) in the 6th brings in LF Barney Sonnier (1 for 3, 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI) with the game winner. Dave Donnell (7 1/3 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K) earns the win, and Lance Stephenson (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the save.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 8 - Jacksonville 7, New Orleans 6

NEW ORLEANS - LF Buck Blasingame hooks a grand slam around the foul pole in left to give Jacksonville another comeback win, 7 to 6. Paul Eckles (L, 0-2, 1/3 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K) walks two Ospreys to load the bases for Blasingame's 370-foot shot in the 8th. Barney Allen (2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) gets the win, while Will Bearden (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 4 H) again put the tying run on third before earning his second save. New Orleans loses despite 18 hits, with CF Henry Reynolds (2B, 2 R), LF Barney Sonnier (3B, 2 R), 3B Lane Brasfield (2B and 3B), and RF Jeremiah Davis (3 RBI) each collecting three knocks.

[Jacksonville was lucky to come back in the 8th after using four pinch runners in a row the previous inning, ripping the heart out of their lineup (slots 4 - 7).]


Game 4 - Sunday, October 9 - New Orleans 6, Jacksonville 5

NEW ORLEANS - Will Bearden tempts fate one time too many, losing this one for Jacksonville in the bottom of the 9th, 6 to 5. Bearden gets two outs before allowing a single by C John Edmonson. After pinch runner Stephen Yoder comes in, Bearden throws a wild pitch to move him to second, then gives up the pinch hit to Paul Fisher to score the game winner. 3B Lane Brasfield and 1B Roy Seal both hit two-run homers in the 7th to give the Pelicans the lead; Don Gibbs (1/3 IP, 1 BB) picks up the win.

[Travis O'Connell is pinch run for after walking to put runners on corners and two down in top of 9th of a tie game; pinch runner is thrown out stealing second!]

Game 5 - Monday, October 10 - New Orleans 4, Jacksonville 3

NEW ORLEANS - Pinch hitter Paul Fisher drives in the winning run for the second straight game as New Orleans edges Jacksonville, 4 to 3, to take a three-games-to-two lead into Humana Park. Fisher singles off Jeffrey Boss in the 7th after Roger Stauffer (L, 0-2, 6 2/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K) gives up a run with a walk and two singles. Dave Donnell (4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 5 BB, 3 K) can't go long on three days rest, so Todd Swing (2 2/3 IP, 3 K) gets the win and Lance Stephenson (1 2/3 IP) picks up the save, his second of the series.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 12 - New Orleans 5, Jacksonville 4

JACKSONVILLE - It's a three-peat! SS Ed Rooker singles to score LF Barney Sonnier in the 8th, giving New Orleans the edge and the series with a 5-4 victory. Sonnier (2 for 5) singles off Jeffrey Boss (L, 2/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 K), and after Boss gets 3B Lane Brasfield looking, Patrick Holman (2/3 IP, 2 H) gives up a single by RF Jeremiah Davis (2 for 4) to bring Rooker to the plate. 2B Neil Cook (3 for 5) hits a three-run homer to tie the game at four in the 7th. Perry Friday (5 1/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K) has a good start, while Ronald Coleman (1 IP, 1 H) gets the win. Lance Stephenson (SV, 3, 1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) gives up a double and a walk but gets two pop outs and a grounder to deflate the 33,451 fans at Humana Park. Pelicans SP Dave Donnell is named the series MVP for going 1-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 9 Ks in 11 2/3 IP. He's the only New Orleans starter with a win in the series.


[All the AI stupidity makes me ill... apparently these things have been going on for quite a while, like OOTP4?]

[jmm8356]

October 15, 1960

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

2B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (NSH) - .333, 35 HR, 116 RBI, 106 R, 40 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Bryan Smiley (DAL) (3) - 22-6, 2.71 ERA, WHIP 1.14

Western Division Rookie of the Year

LF Barney "The Hawk" Sonnier (NWO) - .366 in 418 AB, 7 HR, 69 RBI, 73 R, 25 2Bs, 15 SB

Western Division Manager of the Year

Mark Erwin (NWO) (2) - Won 96 games and third consecutive Western pennant, 31-20 in one-run games


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

3B Brian "The Sandman" Dumas (CAR) (5) - .320, 38 HR, 118 RBI, 110 R, 117 BB, 24 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Mike Leigh (MIA) (2) - 17-11, 2.86 ERA, WHIP 1.00, 229 Ks in 252 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Harry Easterday (JAX) (2) - Won record 101 games, a seventeen game improvement, and Eastern Division pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Bill Ryan (SAN)
C Ray Michalski (NSH) (2)
1B Roy Seal (NWO) (3)
2B Dave Whitener (SAN)
3B Newton Butler (SAN)
SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) (5)
LF Dan Titus (MEM) (2)
CF Roger Seidl (SAN) (2)
RF Blair Gaines (MEM)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Al Hoke (JAX)
C Aaron Hess (MIA)
1B Kevin Riles (JAX) (2)
2B Paul Falcone (MIA)
3B Raymond Thigpen (ATL) (4)
SS Wade Hudson (MIA)
LF Tim Ryan (CAR) (3)
CF Victor Gregory (CAR) (6)
RF Monty McDonald (ATL)


League Leaders

Batting

.345 - Charlie McCay (MEM)
.343 - Steven Wells (MIA)
.338 - Dave Whitener (SAN)
.337 - Blair Gaines (MEM)
.335 - Jim Sheperd (HOU)

Homeruns

38 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
35 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
32 - Malcolm Harris (ATL)
23 - Paul Speck (DAL)
22 - Jonathan Ralls (JAX)
22 - Tim Ryan (CAR)

RBI

118 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
116 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
101 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
100 - Johnny Dean (JAX)
100 - Jeremiah Davis (NWO)

Doubles

41 - Kevin Pierce (MEM)
40 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
36 - Mike Shepard (MEM)
36 - Ray Michalski (NSH)
Three tied with 34.

Triples

17 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
11 - Kelly Nader (HOU)
11 - Buck Blasingame (JAX)
10 - Henry Reynolds (NWO)
9 - Roger Seidl (SAN)

Runs

110 - Brian Dumas (CAR)
109 - Travis Severance (DAL)
106 - Jack Thomas (NSH)
105 - Scott Heyer (SAN)
104 - Mike Shepard (MEM)

Stolen Bases

82 - Derek Miller (TAM) - NEW LEAGUE RECORD
68 - Travis Severance (DAL)
61 - Tim Ryan (CAR)
60 - Rick Speed (JAX)
55 - Wade Hudson (MIA)
55 - Mike Shepard (MEM)

ERA

2.65 - Paul Hill (NSH)
2.65 - Roger Stauffer (JAX)
2.68 - Ron Woodard (MEM)
2.71 - Bryan Smiley (DAL)
2.78 - Don Lafferty (TAM)

Wins

22 - Bryan Smiley (DAL) - TIES LEAGUE RECORD
17 - Wallace Kinzer (CAR)
17 - Paul Hill (NSH)
17 - Ron Woodard (MEM)
17 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
17 - Mike Leigh (MIA)

Saves

45 - Will Bearden (JAX)
37 - Lance Stephenson (NWO)
33 - Neil Williamson (MEM)
33 - Ken Scruggs (ATL)
32 - Lou Colby (NOR)
32 - Carl Lowe (NSH)

Strikeouts

239 - Charlie Munford (JAX)
229 - Mike Leigh (MIA)
218 - Oscar Alloway (ATL)
216 - Joseph Palmer (NSH)
213 - Tom Gustafson (NSH)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1961

Offseason Recap

LF Tim Ryan retires at age 40. In thirteen seasons with Jacksonville, Norfolk, Nashville and Carolina, Ryan hit 335 homers and stole 600 bases. A .248 hitter over his career, Tim won three Slick Fielder awards and is a seven-time All-Star.
[I'm leaning towards a 'No', though if I figure out later that my HoF standard should be 400 HRs instead of 500, he'll probably get in with his 403 back-projected taters. First in career homers and second in career steals, but also first in career strikeouts with 1434. Basically, an average season of .248, 27 HR, 92 RBI doesn't get me too excited.]

SP Steven Mackay also retires at age 40 after thirteen seasons, mostly with Memphis. The 1955 Hurler of the Year, Mackay struck out 2224 batters while compiling a 164-123 record with a 3.48 ERA. A five-time All-Star, Steven also holds 2 Slick Fielders and a championship ring from 1954.
[Here I'm leaning towards a 'Yes' vote for the Hall. Second in career whiffs makes up for the lack of hardware, and 206 back-projected wins meets the 200/3.50 standard.]


Norfolk fires Lloyd Jorgensen after not cracking .500 the past four years. The Clippers' new skipper is rookie Lou Woodard.

Tampa lets Boyd Miller go after two more last-place finishes; that's five cellars in a row for the Tomahawks. However, a pleasant surprise to find a four-time Manager of the Year available as Tampa jumps all over Lloyd Jorgensen, who enters his 14th season with three championships and six pennants on his resume.

Nashville gets the only $5 million share of revenue sharing.


Three 17-game winners in arbitration this year:

Memphis SP Ron Woodard (17-5, 2.68) gets another year at $7.6 million.

Two-time Hurler of the Year Mike Leigh (17-11, 2.86) will cost Miami $7.0 million in his first arbitration year.

Jacksonville is lucky Charlie Munford (17-8, 3.00) is known for his team loyalty; Munford falls two service days short of free agency, so gets a fourth year at $6.6 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 1 - SS Jim Sheperd (.335, 8 HR, 59 RBI) jumps at the chance to leave the shipwreck that is Houston for the three-time champs, signing with New Orleans for two years at $8.9 million.

February 5 - RF Rick Speed (.303, 92 R, 26 2Bs, 60 SB) signs a three-year deal for $8.1 million with Carolina.

February 18 - Carolina scores again, signing SP Joseph Palmer (13-9, 3.08, WHIP 1.19, 216 Ks) to a record $23.0 million salary for three years.

February 21 - Miami picks up CF Henry Reynolds (.301, 81 R, 30 2Bs, 18 SB) for five years at $10.6 million.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Memphis (from NWO) - RF Van Wright, .295 in 295 AB, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 16 2Bs at AA Macon

New Orleans (from JAX) - SS Don Charles, .313 with 32 2Bs and 14 SB in AAA Greenville (ATL)

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1961

Carolina jumps out to a 1 1/2 game lead over Miami in the East. Five MVPs are not enough for Flyers 3B Brian Dumas (.296, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 28 BB), who's off to another hot start.

In the West, Memphis leads the three-time champion New Orleans Pelicans by a game and a half. The Blues have four starters with ERAs under three so far.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Paul "Spike" Speck (DAL) - Hit .344 with 6 HR and 17 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

George Butler (MEM) - Went 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Randy Geiger (JAX) - Hit .384 with 4 HR and 15 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Frank Wilson (JAX) - Went 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA


Western Division Standings

Memphis....... 16 - _9 .640 -
New Orleans... 14 - 10 .583 1.5
Dallas........ 12 - 13 .480 4
Houston....... 11 - 14 .440 5
Nashville...... 9 - 13 .409 5.5
San Antonio.... 6 - 16 .273 8.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 17 - _9 .654 -
Miami......... 13 - _8 .619 1.5