Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1970

San Antonio wins nine straight against the East starting May 22, but Houston holds station just two games back in the Western Division race. The Buffaloes lose C Jim Bonds (.318, 25 HR, 104 RBI last year) for the season when he breaks his wrist in a collision with Tampa's Terry Duplessis on May 11.

In the East, Norfolk has a three game lead over Tampa. The Tomahawks will be without CF David Powell (.316, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 20 BB) until July after he breaks his ribs on a dive May 19.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Douglas "Bingo" Andre (DAL) - Hit .417 with 2 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Charlie Smedley (DAL) - Went 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Lloyd Mitchell (CAR) - Hit .388 with 10 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 1 HR and 13 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Otto Kemper (NOR) - Went 5-1 with a 3.72 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 34 - 14 .708 -
Houston....... 32 - 16 .667 2
Dallas........ 24 - 23 .511 9.5
New Orleans... 23 - 25 .479 11
Nashville..... 22 - 26 .458 12
Memphis....... 21 - 26 .447 12.5

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 28 - 21 .571 -
Tampa......... 25 - 24 .510 3
Jacksonville.. 25 - 25 .500 3.5
Miami......... 22 - 27 .449 6
Atlanta....... 20 - 27 .426 7
Carolina...... 13 - 35 .271 14.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Norfolk (1st) - SS Duane Marin, 17 (6/10/10)
It takes $2.2 million to sign this right-handed slugger who hit .496 with 11 HR in 89 AB for Akron HS (Virginia).

New Orleans (2nd) - 2B Martin Fortin, 17 (6/8/7)
This young infielder hit .533 with 8 HR in 68 AB at Arkadelphia HS (Arkansas).


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

New Orleans (172)
San Antonio (164)
Dallas (144)
Jacksonville (138)
Tampa (136)
Atlanta (133)
Norfolk (125)
Houston (118)
Memphis (94)
Carolina (84)
Nashville (81)
Miami (66)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Orlando (JAX) - 30-20
AA Macon (NWO) - 30-18
A Lake Charles (HOU) - 33-15

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1970

Little change found in either division's standings in June.

Norfolk stretches their Eastern Division lead out to five games over Tampa. The Tomahawks put SP Brett Thomas (7-3, 2.75, WHIP 1.19) on the DL June 17 with bone chips in his elbow. He should return mid-month.

Elsewhere in the East, Carolina C Mark Johnson (.332, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 31 R) will miss over a month after tearing his calf on June 9.

Out West, it's still San Antonio by two games over Houston. Meanwhile, New Orleans RF Roger Seidl gets his 2000th hit off Memphis' Ryan Todd June 26. Seidl has hit .309 in his career, including 128 triples.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (DAL) - Hit .396 with 5 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jay Williams (SAN) - Went 5-0 with a 1.44 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MIA) - Hit .364 with 7 HR and 18 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Eric Tisdale (TAM) - Went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 51 - 25 .671 -
Houston....... 49 - 27 .645 2
Dallas........ 41 - 33 .554 9
New Orleans... 37 - 39 .487 14
Nashville..... 33 - 43 .434 18
Memphis....... 29 - 46 .387 21.5

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 44 - 32 .579 -
Tampa......... 39 - 37 .513 5
Jacksonville.. 39 - 38 .506 5.5
Miami......... 33 - 44 .429 11.5
Atlanta....... 31 - 44 .413 12.5
Carolina...... 29 - 47 .382 15

[jmm8356]

July 14, 1970

MEMPHIS - Jonathan Hodges (3 for 4, 3B, 2 R, 4 RBI) hits a three-run shot in the 6th off Larry Rabon to give the Eastern All-Stars the 6-3 win. Derrick Real strikes out four in three perfect innings for the win, while Dick Sawyer (2 IP, 1 BB, 2 K) earns the save. Don Tapper (3 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K) is hung with the loss, while Steven Wells goes 2 for 4 with a three-run homer for the losing side.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Don Tapper (SAN) (3) - 13-4, 3.06 ERA, WHIP 0.98, 15 BBs in 123 2/3 IP

C Alexander Roundtree (SAN) (3) - .354, 6 HR, 46 RBI, 42 R, 41 BB

1B Steven Wells (HOU) (8) - .321, 7 HR, 38 RBI, 46 R, 48 BB

2B Ryan Maynard (MEM) (2) - .315, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 50 R, 66 BB

3B George Hecker (MEM) (3) -.313, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 52 R

SS Wade Hudson (DAL) (10) - .305, 9 HR, 60 RBI, 60 R, 23 2Bs, 10 3Bs

LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (3) - .314, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 64 R, 27 SB

CF Paul Goode (SAN) (6) - .305, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 78 R, 22 SB

RF Richard Stark (HOU) (2) - .313, 15 HR, 53 RBI, 58 R, 20 2Bs

Reserves

SP Jay Williams (SAN)
SP Larry Rabon (HOU) (2)
SP Daryl Jarrell (HOU)
SP James LaFleur (HOU) (2)
SP Mike Ward (NWO) (2)
SP Clifton Wilson (NSH)
RP Bob Baker (SAN)
RP Tim Lesley (SAN) (2)
RP Jack Reynolds (DAL) (4)
C Carl Janke (DAL)
1B Andy Thurman (MEM) (4)
RF Douglas Andre (DAL) (3)
CF Ken Ralston (NSH) (5)
LF Paul LaFontaine (SAN)
3B Jim Platt (HOU)
SS Dave Mikel (SAN) (2)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Otto Kemper (NOR) (3) - 11-5, 3.65 ERA, WHIP 1.36, 20 BB in 125 2/3 IP

C Brian Pennington (MIA) - .333, 4 HR, 34 RBI

1B Ken Lennox (NOR) (3) - .306, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 3 E in 909 TC (.997)

2B Jonathan Ralls (MIA) (7) - .330, 20 HR, 53 RBI, 61 R, 70 BB

3B Douglas Harris (MIA) (3) - .328, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 56 R, 21 SB

SS Jonathan Hodges (JAX) (2) - .273, 6 HR, 46 RBI, 3 2Bs, 4 3Bs

LF Gordon Baldwin (NOR) - .326, 6 HR, 51 RBI, 15 2Bs

CF Matt Alexander (JAX) (4) - .261, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 52 R, 18 2Bs

RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) (7) - .268, 12 HR, 44 RBI, 61 R, 52 BB, 20 2Bs

Reserves

SP Harrison Lee (NOR) (2)
SP Derrick Real (TAM) (2)
SP Matt Halstead (CAR) (2)
SP Bill Morgan (CAR) (2)
SP Don Downey (ATL) (3)
SP Henry Seeley (NOR)
RP Dana Backman (NOR)
RP Dick Sawyer (NOR) (3)
RP Mark Endres (JAX)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (10)
1B Roy Seal (MIA) (9)
LF Ken Marvel (ATL) (5)
CF Dennis Stoker (ATL) (2)
LF John Page (TAM) (2)
3B Dave Snow (NOR)
2B Carl Patterson (NOR) (4)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1970

San Antonio is looking to defend their title with a four game lead over Houston in the West. The Missions pick up 2B Ryan Maynard (.327, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 61 R, 16 2Bs) at the deadline from Memphis for SP Don Boyd (8-5, 3.56, WHIP 1.24).

The Buffaloes tie down CF Mike Towery (.270, 12 HR, 33 RBI, 56 R, 65 BB) for six years at $8.5 million and 1B Steven Wells (.342, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 57 R, 53 BB) for three years at $8.3 million.

Elsewhere in the West, Dallas extends 2B Royce Kain (.265, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 66 R, 73 BB) at $7.2 million for three years.

In the East, Norfolk leads both Jacksonville and Tampa by seven games. The Clippers, however, lose CF Dan Townley (.339, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 62 R, 39 SB) for the year when he breaks his wrist on a dive July 5.

The Tomahawks' Eric Tisdale (10-2, 3.31, WHIP 1.15) misses the All-Star Game as well after he pulls his tricep on July 12. Tisdale should return late this month.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Paul LaFontaine (SAN) - Hit .463 with 2 HR and 13 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ryan Todd (MEM) - Went 3-3 with a 1.41 ERA, WHIP 1.01

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Ken Marvel (ATL) - Hit .387 with 5 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Henry Talbott (TAM) - Went 4-0 with a 1.79 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 65 - 37 .637 -
Houston....... 61 - 41 .598 4
Dallas........ 56 - 45 .554 8.5
New Orleans... 52 - 50 .510 13
Nashville..... 44 - 58 .431 21
Memphis....... 42 - 60 .412 23

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 59 - 44 .573 -
Jacksonville.. 52 - 51 .505 7
Tampa......... 52 - 51 .505 7
Atlanta....... 44 - 58 .431 14.5
Miami......... 44 - 59 .427 15
Carolina...... 43 - 60 .417 16

[jmm8356]

September 1, 1970

San Antonio continues to lead the Western Division, by six games over Houston and 6 1/2 ahead of Dallas. All three teams have a better record than the top team in the East. The Missions have four games remaining with both the Buffaloes and the Drifters.

In the East, Norfolk is still five games ahead of Jacksonville and Tampa. The Clippers have six games with each of their rivals in September, including a three-game series at home against the Ospreys to end the season.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Douglas "Bingo" Andre (DAL) - Hit .380 with 3 HR and 30 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Tom Eldred (SAN) - Went 4-1 with a 2.16 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Bill Basile (TAM) - Hit .318 with 4 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Keith Becker (CAR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.43 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 80 - 51 .611 -
Houston....... 74 - 57 .565 6
Dallas........ 73 - 57 .562 6.5
New Orleans... 66 - 65 .504 14
Nashville..... 59 - 72 .450 21
Memphis....... 51 - 80 .389 29

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 72 - 59 .550 -
Jacksonville.. 67 - 64 .511 5
Tampa......... 67 - 64 .511 5
Atlanta....... 62 - 69 .473 10
Carolina...... 59 - 72 .450 13
Miami......... 56 - 76 .424 16.5

[jmm8356]

October 3, 1970

Norfolk has lost their last eight games to keep Tampa's playoff hopes alive, two games back with two to play. The Clippers host the Ospreys, while the Tomahawks host the Flyers for the final weekend.

Out West, San Antonio will be defending their championship after clinching the pennant with a 2-1 win over New Orleans yesterday. However, the Missions will not have their ace pitcher in the playoffs, as Jay Williams (17-8, 2.85, WHIP 1.19) goes down with a pulled rotator cuff on September 24.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Steven Wells (HOU) - Hit .356 with 4 HR and 30 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Ed Urquhart (DAL) - Went 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) - Hit .326 with 6 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bill Morgan (CAR) - Went 2-1 with a 1.08 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 97 - 63 .606 -
Dallas........ 94 - 66 .588 3
Houston....... 93 - 67 .581 4
New Orleans... 75 - 85 .469 22
Nashville..... 73 - 87 .456 24
Memphis....... 60 -100 .375 37

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 84 - 76 .525 - (Magic: 1)
Tampa......... 82 - 78 .512 2
Carolina...... 80 - 80 .500 4
Jacksonville.. 80 - 80 .500 4
Atlanta....... 74 - 86 .463 10
Miami......... 68 - 92 .425 16

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1970

Jacksonville 12, Norfolk 0

NORFOLK - The Clippers drop their ninth straight in horrific fashion as Jacksonville crushes Norfolk, 12 to 0. Not only did Jerry Salmons (W, 8-8, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 K) keep the Clippers off the scoreboard, he hit his first career tater off Ben Moore (L, 1-2, 1 2/3 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 5 H, 6 BB, 1 K) in the 2nd. 3B Martin Lynch goes 5 for 5 with a double and three runs, while 1B Benjamin Gordon hits 3 of 5 with a double, two runs and four RBIs.

Tampa 4, Carolina 3

TAMPA - RF John Hoyle hits a two-run homer off Kevin Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H) in the 8th to keep Tampa's playoff possibilities alive with a 4-3 win. An infield hit by 1B Bill Basile (3 for 4, 2B, RBI) off Bud Fox (L, 4-6, 1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) set the table for Hoyle's blast to left. Henry Talbott (7 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K) throws a good game, but George Swanner (4-8, 1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB) gets the win. Vince Morgan (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H) gets the save, his 14th, after putting the tying run on first.


October 5, 1970

Norfolk 5, Jacksonville 3

NORFOLK - RF Paul Buie's two-run shot off George Russell (L, 12-9, 6 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 5 BB, 3 K) in the 6th makes the difference as Norfolk clinches the East with a 5-3 win. SS Alec Dew (2 for 4) also scores two with a homer in the 2nd. Don Shelton (17-11, 8 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 3 K) gets the win, and Dick Sawyer (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) earns the save, his 40th.

Tampa gave themselves every chance with a 11-4 win over Carolina but end up one game short.


Final Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 97 - 65 .599 -
Dallas........ 95 - 67 .586 2
Houston....... 94 - 68 .580 3
New Orleans... 77 - 85 .475 20
Nashville..... 74 - 88 .457 23
Memphis....... 61 -101 .377 36

Final Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 85 - 77 .525 -
Tampa......... 84 - 78 .519 1
Jacksonville.. 81 - 81 .500 4
Carolina...... 80 - 82 .494 5
Atlanta....... 76 - 86 .469 9
Miami......... 68 - 94 .420 17

[jmm8356]

October 7, 1970

Confederate Series Preview


The San Antonio Missions are gunning for their third CBA championship in four years under four-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday. The Missions took seven of twelve from the Clippers this season.

San Antonio's pitchers were tops in the league in both ERA (3.59) and runs allowed (646). With Jay Williams (17-8, 2.85, WHIP 1.19) on the shelf, Martin Wright (5-5 in 6 GS, 3 SV, 4.25) will get some starts alongside Don Tapper (19-8, 2.89, WHIP 1.05) and Tom Eldred (10-13, 4.17). Tim Lesley (3-1, 35 SV, 2.21, WHIP 1.37) has 105 career saves and is just 27 years old.

The Missions ranked just sixth in batting (.268) but fourth in homers (125), second in steals (187) and third in scoring (748). Their lineup is very deep, with C Alexander Roundtree (.347, 12 HR, 83 RBI), LF Paul LaFontaine (.354, 9 HR, 70 RBI, 19 2Bs, 5 3Bs), 2B Ryan Maynard (.286, 15 HR, 75 RBI, 118 BB, 17 2Bs), CF Paul Goode (.292, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 117 R, 25 2Bs, 43 SB), SS Dave "Superman" Mikel (.255, 25 HR, 83 RBI, 111 R, 31 2Bs, 46 SB) and RF Dan Beasley (.299, 15 HR, 98 RBI, 31 2Bs) all solid performers.


The Norfolk Clippers are in their seventh Confederate Series but the first since 1956. Led by three-time Manager of the Year Mark Erwin, Norfolk has homefield advantage in the series after a 44-37 season at Harbor Stadium.

The Clippers ranked seventh in batting (.266) and homers (102) while fifth in scoring (744). RF Curtis Kearney (.283, 25 HR, 87 RBI, 107 R, 93 BB, 28 2Bs, 35 SB), LF Gordon Baldwin (.303, 9 HR, 78 RBI, 28 2Bs, 5 3Bs) and 1B Ken Lennox (.306, 16 HR, 95 RBI, 23 2Bs) form the heart of Norfolk's order, while SS Alec "The Duke" Dew (.261, 16 2Bs, 9 3Bs, 30 SB) provides some speed at age 22.

Norfolk ranked seventh in ERA (4.01) and runs allowed (727) while worst in the CBA in opponent's average (.286) and homers allowed (119). The rotation is anchored by Don Shelton (17-11, 3.58), Otto Kemper (15-8, 3.52) and Harrison Lee (13-14, 3.65), while closer Dick Sawyer (3-7, 40 SV, 3.22) blew just two saves all year.

[jmm8356]

October 16, 1970

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 7 - San Antonio 6, Norfolk 0

NORFOLK - Don Tapper (W, 6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K), Jim Nicholes (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K), Raymond Melton (1/3 IP, 1 K) and Dan Fee (2/3 IP) shutout the Clippers to give the Missions a 6-0 victory, though Melton leaves after one batter with a strained elbow and is doubtful for the remainder of the series. RF Dan Beasley hits a two-run shot off Otto Kemper (L, 6 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 5 BB, 1 K) in the 1st, while C Alexander Roundtree and 1B Larry Hafner also homer in the 9th.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 8 - Norfolk 6, San Antonio 3

NORFOLK - LF Gordon Baldwin doubles in a run and scores off Martin Wright (L, 5 2/3 IP, 6 R, 10 H, 4 BB, 3 K) in the 5th to put Norfolk over San Antonio, 6 to 3. Every Clippers position player has at least one hit, including CF Curtis Kearney (3 for 5, 2B, R, RBI, SB) and 1B Ken Lennox (2 for 3, R, 2 RBI). Don Shelton (7 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 3 K) earns the win, while Dick Sawyer (1/3 IP) throws four pitches for the save.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 10 - Norfolk 13, San Antonio 1

SAN ANTONIO - The Clippers pound the Missions' bullpen for six runs in the 6th and the 8th for a 13-1 victory. Every one in Norfolk's lineup gets a hit, led by CF Curtis Kearney (2 for 4, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, SB), 1B Ken Lennox (HR, 3 RBI) and C Gerald Donald (2 for 3, R, 2 RBI). Tom Eldred (5 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 6 BB, 5 K) kept it close for San Antonio, but Bob Baker (L, 2/3 IP, 4 R, 3 H, 1 BB) opened the floodgates. Harrison Lee (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K) picks up the win.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 11 - San Antonio 8, Norfolk 0

SAN ANTONIO - Another shutout started by Don Tapper (W, 2-0, 8 IP, 7 H, 5 K) evens the series at two with a 8-0 San Antonio victory. SS Dave Mikel goes 2 for 4 with a double, a homer, two runs and three RBIs, while 1B Larry Hafner is 2 for 4 with a homer as well. Otto Kemper (4 2/3 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 H, 1 K) gets his second loss of the series.


Game 5 - Monday, October 12 - Norfolk 6, San Antonio 5

SAN ANTONIO - Bob Baker's (2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 3 BB, 1 K) walk of SS Alec Dew (2 for 5, R, RBI) with the bases loaded in the 7th scores LF Gordon Baldwin with what ends up as the winning run in a 6-5 Norfolk victory. Don Shelton (2-0, 8 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 4 K) earns the win and goes 2 for 4 at the plate, scoring twice and driving in a run. Martin Wright (6 IP, 5 R, 10 H, 3 BB, 2 K) gets his second loss, while Dick Sawyer (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) puts the tying run on second before getting his second save. CF Paul Goode (3 for 4, 3B, 3 R, SB) and 3B Ron Schutz (3 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI) both hit well in a losing effort.


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 14 - San Antonio 5, Norfolk 2

NORFOLK - RF Dan Beasley hits a two-run shot off Harrison Lee (L, 1-1, 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K) in the 5th as San Antonio forces a Game 7 with the 5-2 win. C Alexander Roundtree drives in three with a 2 for 4 night, while SS Dave Mikel goes 3 for 5 and scores twice. Tom Eldred (1-0, 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 4 B, 3 K) gets the win, and Tim Lesley (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the save.


Game 7 - Thursday, October 15 - San Antonio 8, Norfolk 7

NORFOLK - Don Tapper (W, 3-0, 6 2/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 7 K) stymies the Clippers again, though the bullpen nearly blows it, to give San Antonio their third championship in four years with an 8-7 win. Otto Kemper (4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 8 H, 1 K) loses his third game of the series as six Missions collect two hits, with SS Dave Mikel and 1B Larry Hafner each driving in two. Bob Baker (SV, 1, 1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gives up a two-run homer to 1B Ken Lennox and has the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on first before whiffing pinch-hitter Dennis Sanders to end it. Tapper gets the series' MVP award, winning all three of his starts with a 0.42 ERA, allowing just one run and one walk in his 21 1/3 IP.

[jmm8356]

October 17, 1970

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player

RF Douglas "Bingo" Andre (DAL) - .352, 15 HR, 116 RBI, 82 R, 23 2Bs

Western Division Hurler of the Year

Don Tapper (SAN) - 19-8, 2.89 ERA, WHIP 1.05, 26 BBs in 221 IP

Western Division Rookie of the Year

SP Tom Eldred (SAN) - 10-13 in 31 GS, 4.17 ERA, WHIP 1.66

Western Division Manager of the Year

Don Chapman (HOU) - Won 94 games, an eight game improvement, finished 3rd in West


Eastern Division Most Valuable Player

2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls (MIA) (3) - .311, 30 HR, 91 RBI, 114 R, 127 BB, 31 2Bs

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year

Derrick Real (TAM) - 15-6, 2.86 ERA, WHIP 1.11, 187 Ks in 195 IP

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year

Not awarded.

Eastern Division Manager of the Year

Mark Erwin (NOR) (4) - Won 85 games, a fourteen game improvement, and Eastern pennant


Western Division Slick Fielders

P Terry Carroll (NWO)
C Carl Janke (DAL)
1B Kevin Riles (DAL) (6)
2B Royce Kain (DAL)
3B Raymond Thigpen (DAL) (13)
SS Wade Hudson (DAL) (4)
LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (5)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (7)
RF Richard Stark (HOU) (6)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders

P Roger Coomes (CAR) (2)
C Aaron Hess (ATL) (7)
1B Ken Lennox (NOR)
2B Carl Patterson (NOR) (3)
3B Dave Snow (NOR)
SS Jeff Helwig (ATL) (2)
LF Nick Duggins (MIA) (2)
CF Bill Annis (MIA)
RF Walt Finney (CAR)


League Leaders

Batting

.354 - Paul LaFontaine (SAN)
.352 - Douglas Andre (DAL)
.347 - Alexander Roundtree (SAN)
.345 - Raymond Thigpen (DAL)
.341 - Chris Wayman (CAR)

Homeruns

30 - Jonathan Ralls (MIA)
26 - Scott Hass (NSH)
25 - Curtis Kearney (NOR)
25 - Dave Mikel (SAN)
23 - Royce Kain (DAL)
23 - Matt Alexander (JAX)

RBI

116 - Douglas Andre (DAL)
111 - Roy Seal (MIA)
107 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
103 - Steven Wells (HOU)
102 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)

Doubles

42 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
Seven tied with 31.

Triples

16 - Dave Vigue (NWO)
15 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
14 - Neil Linton (NSH)
10 - Russ Roderick (CAR)
10 - Ryan Hart (MEM)

Runs

117 - Paul Goode (SAN)
114 - Jonathan Ralls (MIA)
113 - Bill Burkhart (HOU)
113 - Wade Hudson (DAL)
112 - Mike Towery (HOU)

Stolen Bases

56 - John Page (TAM)
54 - Neil Linton (NSH)
49 - Mike Shepard (MIA)
46 - Dave Mikel (SAN)
43 - Paul Goode (SAN)
43 - Raymond Thigpen (DAL)

ERA

2.76 - Mike Ward (NWO)
2.85 - Jay Williams (SAN)
2.86 - Derrick Real (TAM)
2.89 - Don Tapper (SAN)
2.98 - Brett Thomas (TAM)

Wins

19 - Don Tapper (SAN)
18 - Daryl Jarrell (HOU)
17 - Jay Williams (SAN)
17 - Don Shelton (NOR)
15 - Derrick Real (TAM)
15 - Otto Kemper (NOR)

Saves

40 - Dick Sawyer (NOR)
37 - Jack Reynolds (DAL)
35 - Dave Regan (NWO)
35 - Tim Lesley (SAN)
30 - Don Drain (NSH)

Strikeouts

244 - Don Downey (ATL)
198 - Jay Williams (SAN)
192 - John McMasters (DAL)
190 - Bill Morgan (CAR)
187 - Derrick Real (TAM)

[jmm8356]

To the three people that are actually following this thread , I'm glad you're enjoying it, but the pace will be slowing considerably from this point. That's the bad news.

The good news is the reason why: I'm going to be jumping into a managerial role a decade earlier than the original plan (just can't wait any longer), so there will soon be another thread, linked from my signature, detailing the week-to-week (or occasionally day-to-day) travails of my CBA managing career.

Hope you'll tune in for the other thread when it starts, and thanks for reading!

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1971

Offseason Recap

1956 Hurler of the Year Charlie Munford becomes the 25th member of the Confederate Baseball Association Hall of Fame. A five-time All-Star, Munford whiffed 2965 batters while collecting a record of 190-116 with a 3.24 ERA and three championship rings in seventeen seasons with Jacksonville, Nashville and San Antonio.
(17 seasons, 190-116, 3.24, 2965 Ks, 1x HoY, 5x All-Star, 3x champ)

Three solid "Second Look" candidates for next year:

Eight-time All-Star LF Paul Speck retires at age 40 after eighteen seasons with Tampa, Dallas and Jacksonville. Speck hit .284 in his career with 274 homers, 1283 walks, 493 steals and a Slick Fielder award in 1968.
[Yes. The walks and swipes make up for the low hit total.]

Six-time All-Star SP Barney Maloy calls it quits at age 40 after striking out 3604 batters in his nineteen years with New Orleans, Atlanta, Houston and Norfolk. Maloy ended up with a 201-178 record and a 3.89 ERA to go with a championship ring from the Pelicans in 1951.
[A relucant 'Yes', basically because of the whiffs.]

Two-time MVP and 1959 Confederate Series MVP 1B Roy Seal hangs up his spikes at age 41. A nine-time All-Star with 3 Slick Fielders and 3 championships, Seal hit .290 with 288 homers, 1524 RBIs, 408 doubles and 350 steals in his nineteen-year career, fourteen with New Orleans.
[Yes. Third-best career RBI total.]

Three-time Manager of the Year Andrew Brasfield retires from Nashville after a twenty-three year run. Brasfield won championships with both teams he managed, 1951 with New Orleans and 1956 with Nashville. Andrew won five pennants in his career with a record of 1857-1873. The Hounds pick up rookie Blake Dotson.

Four-time Manager of the Year Donnie Chancellor calls it a career after twenty years with Carolina. Chancellor led the Flyers to a pair of CBA titles in 1955 and 1968. He ends his run with a 1667-1575 record. The Flyers' new skipper is Jeremy McGrath.

Memphis saw enough of Aaron Noles during last year's 101-loss season, and sign newcomer Dave Boger.

The Blues also get the only $5 million share via revenue sharing.

Atlanta SP Don Downey (10-13, 3.21) gets the only notable arbitration award, up from $4.3 million to $5.1 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 5 - Defending champion San Antonio picks up 3B Scott Hass (.268, 26 HR, 75 RBI, 102 R, 130 BB, 20 SB) from Nashville for six years at $12.1 million.

February 7 - C Alexander Roundtree (.347, 12 HR, 83 RBI, 82 BB) leaves the champion Missions to sign a three-year deal for $9.2 million for Tampa.

February 13 - They signed his favorite catcher, so Hurler of the Year Don Tapper (19-8, 2.89, WHIP 1.05) had to leave San Antonio for Tampa too, signing for four years at nearly $20 million.

February 23 - Nashville gives 1B Benjamin Gordon (.319, 8 HR, 82 RBI, 21 2Bs) $6.2 million for four years.

March 2 - Rule 5 Draft

Miami (from DAL) - MR Millard Bontrager, 3.34 ERA in 56 2/3 IP for AAA Little Rock

[Rahhja]

I've been following this thread everyday since finding it about 3 weeks ago. It's made me start up my own fictional league just like it.

Great job on good luck with whatever hapless team you take the helm of.

Rahhja

[jmm8356]

May 2, 1971

[Sorry! Missed the new month by one day.]

Carolina won their first six games but has only a half-game lead over Jacksonville in the Eastern Division. The Ospreys won thirteen straight starting April 14.

Out West, Houston is one game up on both San Antonio and Dallas, but last-place New Orleans is just 3 1/2 back. Elsewhere, Nashville 1B Mike Rector got his 2000th hit at Bridge Street Park off Pelicans' reliever Todd Adams. A four-time All-Star, Rector has hit .289 in his career with 318 doubles.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

CF Henry Pate (DAL) - Hit .447 with 4 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jeremiah Davis (MEM) - Went 3-0 with a 2.54 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Jack "The Prophet" Thomas (TAM) - Hit .384 with 7 2Bs, 2 HR and 21 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Harrison Lee (NOR) - Went 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA


Western Division Standings

Houston....... 12 - _9 .571 -
San Antonio... 11 - 10 .524 1
Dallas........ 12 - 11 .522 1
Memphis....... 11 - 13 .458 2.5
Nashville..... 11 - 13 .458 2.5
New Orleans... 10 - 14 .417 3.5

Eastern Division Standings

Carolina...... 17 - _9 .654 -
Jacksonville.. 16 - _9 .640 .5
Tampa......... 11 - _9 .550 3
Norfolk....... 10 - 12 .455 5
Miami......... 10 - 15 .400 6.5
Atlanta........ 8 - 15 .348 7.5

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1971

Both leaders at the beginning of May are now 2 1/2 games back...

In the East, Carolina went 12-14 last month to fall to third place behind Jacksonville, with Tampa just one game out of the top spot. The Flyers did celebrate a milestone on May 14, though, when SS Dave Powell got his 2000th hit off Dallas' John McMasters. A .319 hitter in his career, Powell had a 24-game hitting streak snapped just last April at age 37.

The Ospreys hold their lead despite being plagued by injuries. May 15 saw CF Matt Alexander (.240, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 6 2Bs) break his ribs diving for a ball; he will return late this month. Four days later, SS Jonathan Hodges (.304, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 22 R, 6 SB) goes down with a ruptured tricep tendon. Hodges may return by the end of June.

Out West, Houston played 13-14 ball in May, falling from first to fourth behind leading San Antonio; Dallas lurks one game back and Nashville is just two games out. The Buffaloes aren't standing pat, however, acquiring SP Scott Paulson (2-5, 3.28, WHIP 1.32) from New Orleans for LF Dave Watkins (.329 in 71 AB) and a minor leaguer.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Rudy "Godzilla" Carr - Hit .365 with 9 HR and 24 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Richard Bays (NWO) - Went 2-1 with a 0.84 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF Matt Kirk (CAR) - Hit .418 with 4 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 4 HR, 11 RBI and 17 R, including three homers at Dallas on May 26

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Frank Wilson (JAX) - Went 2-2 with a 1.62 ERA, OAVG .217


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 27 - 20 .574 -
Dallas........ 27 - 22 .551 1
Nashville..... 26 - 23 .531 2
Houston....... 25 - 23 .521 2.5
New Orleans... 20 - 29 .408 8
Memphis....... 19 - 30 .388 9

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 31 - 19 .620 -
Tampa......... 29 - 19 .604 1
Carolina...... 29 - 22 .569 2.5
Norfolk....... 22 - 28 .440 9
Miami......... 20 - 29 .408 10.5
Atlanta....... 19 - 30 .388 11.5

[jmm8356]

June Draft Highlights


Memphis (1st) - 2B Barney Poindexter, 20 (8/9/9)
Hitting .355 with 14 HR in 202 AB for LSU, "Scimitar" gets a $1.2 million signing bonus.

Miami (2nd) - 2B Jeff McVay, 20 (8/5/10)
This speedster hit .367 with 9 HR and 38 SB in 228 AB at Wright State last season and signs for $1.6 million.

Nashville (3rd) - CF Adrian Johnson, 24 (8/8/9)
Another Wright State Raider, a $3 million signing bonus goes to this left-handed slugger with a .368 average and 11 HR in 205 AB.

Atlanta (4th) - SP Phil Evans, 18 (7/10/7)
This young southpaw signs for just $1.1 million after a 0.79 ERA and 69 Ks in 45 2/3 IP for Marmion HS (Illinois).

Carolina (6th) - MR Johnny Westerman, 23 (9/7/5)
This leftie had 71 Ks with a 2.03 ERA in 48 2/3 IP for Washington State.


Post-Draft Minor League Rankings

Tampa (188)
San Antonio (152)
Norfolk (147)
Atlanta (140)
Miami (137)
Jacksonville (135)
Memphis (125)
New Orleans (121)
Carolina (91)
Nashville (88)
Dallas (77)
Houston (54)


Top Minor League Records

AAA Winston-Salem (CAR) - 36-15
AA Fort Myers (MIA) - 31-18
A Biloxi (MIA) - 29-20

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1971

A two-horse race is developing in the Western Division as San Antonio and Dallas are tied for the top spot. Both teams made deals to try and gain an edge in this Texas-sized battle:

On June 3, the Drifters acquired C Mark Johnson (.343 in 169 AB, 5 HR, 31 RBI) and MR Evan Becnel (4.71 in 36 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.82) from Carolina for MR Terry Bingham (3.80 in 47 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.16) and C Gary Armitage (.250, OBP .431 in AAA).

Meanwhile, today the Missions send 2B Matt Clayton (.302, 7 HR, 27 RBI) and $200,000 to New Orleans for SP Richard Bays (7-5, 2.27, WHIP 1.25).

The Pelicans suffer a big blow on June 4 when RF Roger Seidl (.300, 5 HR, 23 RBI) tears his rib cage while diving for a ball. The $16.7 million veteran is out until at least August.

In the East, after a six-game losing streak, Tampa has won ten of their last thirteen to take a one game lead over Jacksonville with Carolina still lurking in third, two games out. Elsewhere...

Miami 2B Jonathan "Mr. Miracle" Ralls gets his 2000th hit in style at Norfolk on June 29, hitting a two-run homer off Calvin Thayer. A three-time MVP, Ralls has hit .292 in his career with 338 taters and 1422 walks.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

LF Dave Watkins (NWO) - Hit .402 with 7 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Elmer Sexton (DAL) - Went 4-0 with a 1.76 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

CF David Powell (TAM) - Hit .313 with 8 HR and 20 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Derrick Real (TAM) - Went 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 42 - 33 .560 -
Dallas........ 43 - 34 .558 -
Houston....... 38 - 38 .500 4.5
Nashville..... 36 - 41 .468 7
New Orleans... 34 - 43 .442 9
Memphis....... 32 - 45 .416 11

Eastern Division Standings

Tampa......... 45 - 31 .592 -
Jacksonville.. 45 - 33 .577 1
Carolina...... 44 - 34 .564 2
Norfolk....... 40 - 37 .519 5.5
Miami......... 33 - 44 .429 12.5
Atlanta....... 29 - 48 .377 16.5

[jmm8356]

July 13, 1971

NEW ORLEANS - An error by Mike Weber at first extends a four-run 5th as the Western All-Stars beat the East, 5-2. Bill Burkhart (RBI), Douglas Andre (2 R) and George Hecker (R, RBI) each collect two hits on the night. Clifton Wilson (2 IP, 2 H) earns the win, while Harrison Lee (1 1/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB) gets the loss. Tim Lesley (1/3 IP, 1 BB) loads the bases in the ninth before picking up the save.


Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Clifton Wilson (NSH) (2) - 12-5, 3.92, WHIP 1.14, 19 BB in 133 1/3 IP

C Mark Johnson (DAL) (3) - .343, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 38 R

1B Larry Hafner (SAN) - .286, 10 HR, 58 RBI, 15 2Bs

2B Royce Kain (DAL) (4) - .301, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 64 R, 47 BB

3B George Hecker (MEM) (4) - .314, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 15 2Bs

SS Douglas Dewberry (HOU) (3) - .305, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 15 2Bs

LF Bill Burkhart (HOU) (4) - .344, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 68 R, 18 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 39 SB

CF Henry Pate (DAL) - .379, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 58 R, 13 2Bs, 5 3Bs, 13 SB

RF Douglas Andre (DAL) (4) - .389, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 57 R

Reserves

SP Kevin Badgett (DAL) (4)
SP Richard Bays (SAN)
SP Jay Williams (SAN) (2)
SP Martin Wright (SAN)
SP Paul Palen (DAL)
SP Daryl Jarrell (HOU) (2)
RP Raymond Melton (SAN)
RP Tim Lesley (SAN) (3)
RP Jack Reynolds (DAL) (5)
C Jim Bonds (HOU) (8)
1B Andy Thurman (MEM) (5)
LF Paul LaFontaine (SAN) (2)
CF Bob Crane (MEM) (3)
CF Mike Towery (HOU) (4)
2B Rudy Carr (HOU)
2B Ryan Maynard (SAN) (3)


Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Derrick Real (TAM) (3) - 11-2, 2.48, WHIP 1.09, 121 Ks in 116 1/3 IP

C Mike Weber (CAR) - .323, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 62 R, 58 BB, 21 2Bs

1B Ken Lennox (NOR) (4) - .323, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 8 2Bs

2B Lawrence Taylor (JAX) - .274, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 50 R, 65 BB

3B Jack Thomas (TAM) (9) - .299, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 13 2Bs

SS Dave Powell (CAR) (6) - .306, 4 HR, 44 RBI, 42 R

LF Nick Duggins (MIA) - .334, 5 HR, 59 RBI, 51 R, 58 BB, 16 2Bs, 12 SB

CF David Powell (TAM) (3) - .321, 19 HR, 52 RBI, 71 R, 57 BB, 12 2Bs, 5 3Bs

RF Dave Trail (JAX) - .366, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 43 R, 13 2Bs

Reserves

SP George Russell (JAX) (4)
SP Otto Kemper (NOR) (4)
SP Don Tapper (TAM) (4)
SP Bill Morgan (CAR) (3)
SP Brooks Guy (MIA)
SP Harrison Lee (NOR) (3)
RP George Thorn (CAR)
RP Mark Endres (JAX) (2)
RP Dick Sawyer (NOR) (4)
C Alexander Roundtree (TAM) (4)
1B Bill Basile (TAM) (3)
LF Steven Robinson (CAR)
CF Matt Kirk (CAR)
RF Curtis Kearney (NOR) (8)
3B Clement Eberhardt (ATL)
2B Russ Roderick (CAR)