Confederate Baseball Association (solo fictional)

[jmm8356]

Background

After defeating the Union once again at Gettysburg, Lee's army laid siege to Philadelphia for nearly a year, retreating only when Sherman's forces returned to the North. By this time, the people in the Union states had grown weary of the conflict. George McClellan was elected to replace President Lincoln, and in April 1865, a peace treaty was signed with the Confederate States of America.

However, the Emancipation Proclamation had made an impact in the Confederacy, and slavery was fraying at the edges. By 1890, slavery was abolished in the South, but all the freed slaves were expelled, mostly to the USA. After the turn of the century, relations between the CSA and the USA were normalized, and people (except blacks) and commerce flowed freely between the two nations.

Jackie Robinson's debut for Brooklyn in 1947 angered some Southerners very much. A few wealthy Southern gentlemen thought there ought to be a professional baseball league that "folks could enjoy without the disturbing presence of coloreds and foreigners." The following year, the Confederate Baseball Association was born, with clubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Memphis, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk, San Antonio, and Tampa. (In a grudging concession to the on-field product, the owners agreed to allow players not just from the CSA, but the USA as well.)

[Editor's Note: Please don't take this backstory as evidence of prejudice on my part. I only came up with this premise to explain (a) how a major league could develop in a small enough area to support only 12 teams and (b) why all the players would have American names (c/o Malleus Dei) and origins. If anything, I probably thought about this too much, and thus it would help if you, the reader, didn't think much about it. The short version is: the South won, but now we get along, and it's pretty much like Canada except warmer and more exclusive.]

[jmm8356]

League Setup

This is a 12-team league, broken into two 6-team divisions. The two division winners meet in the seven game Confederate Series for the league championship.

(Stadiums c/o Teflon Skies)

Western Division

Dallas Drifters (Good market) - Mercury Field
Houston Buffaloes (Good) - Entergy Park
Memphis Blues (Below Average) - The Fabulous Avalon
Nashville Hounds (Below Average) - Capitol Field
New Orleans Pelicans (Below Average) - Bridge Street Park
San Antonio Missions (Below Average) - Alamo Field (a/k/a Old Fort Field)

Eastern Division

Atlanta Flames (Above Average) - Lexus Park
Carolina Flyers (Below Average) - State Park Field
Jacksonville Ospreys (Below Average) - Humana Park
Miami Meteors (Above Average) - UTC Ballpark
Norfolk Clippers (Below Average) - Harbor Stadium
Tampa Tomahawks (Average) - Teflon Park



Basically, everything is enabled.

Ability Ratings: 1-10
Talent Ratings: 1-10
Other Ratings: 1-5

No Salary Cap
Cash Maximum: $25 million
Nat'l TV Contract: $15 million
Only use Nat'l minimum: YES
Minimum Salary: $300,000
Trades: Low Frequency, Hard Difficulty, Favor Prospects

I simmed out about 40 test seasons to get league-wide numbers comparable to the early 80s NL. It's hard to turn down the offense quite that much, though, unless you like your HR leaders to have less than 30.

League Totals
AB - 100000
H - 27150
2B - 6150
3B - 450
HR - 4200
BB - 7500
HBP - 1450
K - 21000
BABIP - .303

Era Settings
Bunting - Very Often
Hit & Run - Normal
Stealing Bases - Often
Pinch Hitting - Normal
Use Relievers - Often
Pitcher Endurance - Fair
Typical Rotation - 5 Men
Leadoff Lineup AI - Favor Speed

Creation Modifiers
Player Speed: -8%
Player Stealing: -4%

Player Evaluation AI:
Jan-Apr: 40/0/40/20
May: 40/8/35/17
Jun: 40/16/29/15
Jul: 40/24/24/12
Aug: 40/32/20/8
Sep-Oct: 40/40/20/0

Injuries: VERY HIGH
Position Player Fatigue: ENABLED

Draft: June, 7 rounds (reduced to 5 rounds on draft day)

Minors filled after initial draft



I'm also stealing Gordy Hulten's idea of creating managers to fill out the Catobase stats, but I don't want any subjectivity in hiring/firing/retiring (since it might include me!), so...

Manager is fired when:

Looking backwards over his tenure, if you can find a point where over the last X years, this manager is 20 or more games under .500 cumulatively.


Manager retires when:

After being fired, he has a negative point total over his career

Points: 1st place = 3, Champion = +3, 2nd place = 1, 5th place = -1, 6th place = -2

OR

Manager's career is 16 years + 1 year for each division won + 2 year for each championship won (MAXIMUM of 26 years)


Hiring Managers:

Vacancies filled in order of minor league ranking with highest point value manager available (no re-hiring within five years)


Manager of the Year:

(Games over .500) + (Diff. from Pyt. Rec.) + (1-Run Games over .500) + (Improvement from last year)

[I'm not sure I like this formula. It seems slanted in favor of the division winners, but then again, so is the real-life Manager of the Year.]


Finally, I plan to take over a team in 1981, but it might take a while to get there.

[jmm8356]

Initial Draft Highlights

A 60-round serpentine draft was used to seed the league [run in Straight Draft mode with the order inverted manually every round to avoid the overall pick bug], with the first round draft order set by least expensive to most expensive front office.

Round 1:

New Orleans (NWO) - SP Bill "Spike" Ebeling (10/7/9)
This 30-year-old righthander from Rochester, NY dominates hitters and could contend for Hurler of the Year every season.

Jacksonville (JAX) - SP Steve Bruce (9/7/8)
A 26-year-old rightie from Maryland, Steve also has outstanding stuff.

San Antonio (SAN) - SP Keith "Superfly" Ward (9/8/8)
The run on starters continues with this 28-year-old righthander whose fastball has been clocked at 99 mph.

Houston (HOU) - SP Steven Mackay (9/8/7)
Selecting this 28-year-old southpaw from Florida, the Buffaloes take the first southerner in the draft.

Miami (MIA) - 1B Brian Gray (9/9/10)
The slugging firstbaseman from South Dakota is the first position player selected.

Memphis (MEM) - SP Jonathan "Crash" Ford (5/10/8)
Hailing from Oregon, this 27-year-old finesse pitcher finds success with only a low 90 mph fastball.

Tampa (TAM) - LF Bill Danner (7/9/10)
The Tomahawks tie down the leftfield spot with this 29-year-old slugger from Oregon.

Norfolk (NOR) - RF Rick Brown (8/7/10)
Continuing a run on the Pacific Northwest, this 28-year-old from Washington State has a smooth, classic hitting stroke.

Atlanta (ATL) - 3B Travis O'Connell (9/6/10)
This 25-year-old Florida native is described as a "natural hitter", though lackluster speed and defense are concerns.

Dallas (DAL) - RF Stephen Delisle (9/6/6)
Only 21 years old, this West Virginian has the tools to be a top hitter for years to come.

Nashville (NSH) - 1B Duane Noland (8/9/8)
At age 34, this veteran slugger received the largest contract in the league at $12,580,000.

Carolina (CAR) - SS Adam Bradley (7/8/10)
This 33-year-old from New Mexico has explosive power, especially for a shortstop.

Round 2

Carolina (CAR) - SP Tom "Juice" Birt (7/6/8)
At age 29, this tall (6'4, 215) lefthander from Illinois has a big arm and big stuff.

Nashville (NSH) - SS Raymond Timmerman (8/7/8)
This 30-year-old shortstop from New Jersey shows outstanding balance at the plate.

Dallas (DAL) - SS Jerry Carroll (6/9/8)
The run on shortstops continues with this 25-year-old slugger from New Jersey.

Atlanta (ATL) - SS Darrell Shehan (6/9/8)
Another shortstop with a big bat, this 32-year-old hails from New York State.

Norfolk (NOR) - CF Scott Heyer (7/8/9)
This 25-year-old from Ohio is described as a "real gamer" with an uncanny ability to read pitcher's moves.

Tampa (TAM) - CF Nick Bacon (9/6/5)
Questions about his attitude kept this 27-year-old Californian out of the first round.

Memphis (MEM) - RF Jason Music (8/5/5)
Spectacular in the field, this 29-year old from Massachusetts also has an attitude problem which lowered his stock a bit.

Miami (MIA) - SP Joe MacLeod (8/7/7)
This 37-year-old righthander from Connecticut is described as a "fierce competitor".

Houston (HOU) - 1B Matt Wille (6/10/10)
At 6'3 and 225 pounds, this 33-year-old New Hampshire native has the tools to hit 50 homers a year.

San Antonio (SAN) - SS Ken Bennett (7/7/9)
This 31-year-old from Indiana is dangerous from both sides of the plate.

Jacksonville (JAX) - 3B Richard Safford (9/7/5)
Another Oregon native, this 30-year-old contact hitter will do everything asked of him.

New Orleans (NWO) - SS Greg Benz (6/7/7)
Finally a Texan! This 33-year-old combines incredible range at shortstop with a good bat.

[jmm8356]

April 5, 1948

The inaugural season of the Confederate Baseball Association got underway today at Charlotte's State Fair Park. Carolina Flyers southpaw Tom "Juice" Birt threw the first pitch to Jacksonville Ospreys centerfielder Edwin Peak. (Three pitches later, Peak grounded out to second.) Juice also allowed the first walk to Jacksonville's John Stover and threw the first strikeout to Richard Safford of the Ospreys.

Other CBA firsts:

First hit: Jim Gamble (CAR)
First double: Troy Hartsell (CAR)
First triple: Tom Swaim (TAM)
First homerun: Bob Wall (HOU)
First run: Clifton Sloan (CAR)
First RBI: Troy Hartsell (CAR)
First stolen base: Tony Fairman (HOU)
First win: Tom "Juice" Birt (CAR)
First save: John Klinger (CAR)

On opening day, Carolina topped Jacksonville, 4 to 1. Juice struck out seven in 6 2/3 shutout innings, while Troy Hartsell's 2-run double in the 3rd proved decisive. Elsewhere, Houston took their opener from Tampa, 5-2, with Bob Wall going deep in his first two at-bats of the year.

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1948

After nearly a month of play, the big story in the CBA is the Western Division leading Houston Buffaloes. Their 15-5 record puts them two games clear of 2nd-place Dallas and 3 1/2 up on Nashville in third. An eight-game winning streak in late April included sweeps of San Antonio, Memphis, and Atlanta. The Buffaloes are led by a one-two punch on the mound, Pitcher of the Month Lawrence Miles (4-0, 1.96) and left-hander Steven Mackay (4-0, 2.09). The Houston offense is anchored by 1B Matt Wille and 3B Bob Wall, each with 6 homers, and RF Matthew Tallman's .349 average.

In the East, the Jacksonville Ospreys' 15-9 mark leads Norfolk (12-9) and Atlanta (12-10). Big bats are key to the Ospreys' success, with LF Tim Ryan's 6 taters and 17 RBIs leading the way. RF Mark Clark adds 19 RBIs, leading the East.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - Hit .417 with 6 HR and 16 RBIs

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Lawrence Miles (HOU) - Went 4-0 with 1.95 ERA and a .189 OAVG

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

1B Brian Gray (MIA) - Hit .345 with 7 HR and 16 RBIs, including 5 hits against Nashville on April 26

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bill Welzel (ATL) - Went 2-1 with 0.83 ERA and 0.78 WHIP. Had to leave his 3rd start with Back Spasms and will be out for another 2-3 weeks.


Western Division Standings

Houston....... 15 - _5 .750 -
Dallas........ 14 - _8 .636 2
Nashville..... 13 - 10 .565 3.5
San Antonio... 11 - _9 .550 4
Memphis........ 9 - 14 .391 7.5
New Orleans.... 6 - 17 .261 10.5


Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 15 - _9 .625 -
Norfolk....... 12 - _9 .571 1.5
Atlanta....... 12 - 10 .545 2
Tampa.......... 9 - 10 .474 3.5
Carolina....... 9 - 16 .360 6.5
Miami.......... 8 - 16 .333 7

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1948

May saw the Atlanta Flyers make a big push (going 16-11 in May) and take the lead in the East by 2 1/2 games over Jacksonville and Norfolk. Bill Wetzel of the Flyers did not miss a beat coming off the DL, improving his record to 5-1 with a 1.51 ERA. Tim Steele adds a 6-3 record with a 2.64 ERA and 63 whiffs in 71 2/3 innings, and 3B Travis O'Connell's .389 leads the CBA in batting.

The Buffaloes continue to lead a tight Western Division. Houston leads Dallas by only 1 1/2 games, with San Antonio and Nashville lurking 2 1/2 back. Batter of the Month Matt Wille's 16 homers and 41 RBI are tops in the league.

Western Division Batter of the Month:

1B Matt Wille (HOU) - Hit .304 with 10 HRs and 28 RBIs

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Edwin Frey (SAN) - Went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA and one shutout

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

RF Jim Gamble (CAR) - Hit .343 with 5 HRs and 16 RBIs

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Walker (JAX) - Went 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 27 Ks in 27 IP



Western Division Standings

Houston....... 28 - 20 .583 -
Dallas........ 27 - 22 .551 1.5
San Antonio... 25 - 22 .532 2.5
Nashville..... 26 - 23 .531 2.5
Memphis....... 20 - 29 .408 8.5
New Orleans... 20 - 29 .408 8.5

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 28 - 21 .571 -
Jacksonville.. 26 - 24 .520 2.5
Norfolk....... 26 - 24 .520 2.5
Carolina...... 25 - 26 .490 4
Tampa......... 22 - 26 .458 5.5
Miami......... 21 - 28 .429 7

[jmm8356]

July 1, 1948

A "June swoon" hit Houston hard as they went 3-16 between May 29 and June 16, with imploding starters Ralph Taylor (1-4, 6.27 in June) and Ken Schleicher (1-3, 6.20) leading the slide to .500 and 3rd place in the West. Meanwhile, San Antonio had an eight-game winning streak in that same period, with sweeps over Atlanta and Miami, and the Missions find themselves tied with the ever-steady Dallas Drifters atop the Western Division. San Antonio tops the league in both walks and stolen bases, with 2B John Watkins (26 SBs), CF Jeff McGovern (25), and C Joe Deutsch (20) leading the assault on the basepaths.

Over in the East, a two-horse race is developing, with the Jacksonville Ospreys holding a half-game lead over the Flames, thanks to a three-game sweep in Atlanta to end the month. Pitching is keying the Jacksonville charge, with good starters led by Paul Walker (10-3, 2.73) and Pitcher of the Month Steve Bruce (6-8, 3.47, 111 Ks in 111 2/3 IP) and even better relievers anchored by closer Rodney Browne (3-4, 17 SV, 3.38).


Western Division Batter of the Month:

2B Alan Mallon (HOU) - Hit .369 with 4 HR and 21 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Don Skelly (SAN) - Went 2-0 in 3 starts with 19 scoreless innings

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Bill Danner (TAM) - Hit .326 with 9 HR and 24 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steve Bruce (JAX) - Went 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 33 Ks in 34 2/3 innings



Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 42 - 33 .560 -
Dallas........ 43 - 34 .558 -
Houston....... 38 - 38 .500 4.5
New Orleans... 38 - 39 .494 5
Memphis....... 35 - 42 .455 8
Nashville..... 34 - 43 .442 9

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 44 - 34 .564 -
Atlanta....... 43 - 34 .558 .5
Carolina...... 38 - 40 .487 6
Norfolk....... 37 - 40 .481 6.5
Tampa......... 36 - 40 .474 7
Miami......... 33 - 44 .429 10.5

[jmm8356]

July 13, 1948

ATLANTA - Jeff Frost's 409-foot blast off Douglas Agan in the 6th sealed the deal as the Western All-Stars defeated the East, 8 to 5. Frost, 2-4 with the two-run shot, was named the game's MVP. Homers by Bill Danner and Brian Gray kept things close, but a six-run 3rd inning, keyed by Matt Wille's two-run double off loser Joe Melton, proved decisive for the West. Steven Mackay earned the win, while Alex Yardley, Bobby White and Chase Kirkham combined for four scoreless innings of relief to finish off the Eastern squad.

Western Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Steven Mackay (HOU) - 10-5, 2.28, 114 Ks in 130 IP

C Joe Deutsch (SAN) - .263, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 23 SB, thrown out 38 of 90 stealers (42.2%)

1B Matt Wille (HOU) - .306, 28 HR, 66 RBI, .412 OBP

2B Alan Mallon (HOU) - .325, 7 HR, 49 RBI, 14 2Bs

3B Johnson Salem (NSH) - .265, 13 HR, 33 RBI, 17 2Bs

SS Jerry Carroll (DAL) - .271, 15 HR, 54 RBI, .368 OBP

LF Phil Murray (MEM) - .287, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 8 OF A and 1 E in 72 GS at LF and CF

CF Jeff Frost (NSH) - .270, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 18 SB

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - .389, 11 HR, 46 RBI, .452 OBP

Reserves

SP Jonathan Ford (MEM)
SP Edwin Frey (SAN)
SP Kyle Roemer (DAL)
SP Earl Cole (SAN)
SP Ronald Absher (NWO)
SP Roland Woods (NSH)
MR Bobby White (NWO)
CL Chase Kirkham (DAL)
MR Alex Yardley (SAN)
C Patrick Baskerville (NSH)
1B Duane Noland (NSH)
RF Matthew Tallman (HOU)
RF Raymond LaVallee (NSH)
CF Charlie Norwood (NWO)
SS Greg Benz (NWO)
SS Ken Bennett (SAN)

Eastern Division All-Stars

Starters

SP Paul Walker (JAX) - 12-3, 2.43 ERA, 2 SHO, .217 OAVG

C Dave Hoffman (CAR) - .293, 13 HR, 48 RBI, 16 2Bs

1B Brian Gray (MIA) - .359, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 31 2Bs, .464 OBP

2B John Foster (MIA) - .281, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 8 E out of 423 TC (.981)

3B Travis O'Connell (ATL) - .369, 10 HR, 51 RBI, .446 OBP

SS Darrell Shehan (ATL) - .285, 18 HR, 57 RBI, 4 E out of 302 TC (.987)

LF Bill Danner (TAM) - .310, 25 HR, 69 RBI, .644 SLG

CF Nick Bacon (TAM) - .346, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 0 E in 212 TC (1.000)

RF Mark Clark (JAX) - .315, 1 HR, 53 RBI, 13 2Bs

Reserves

SP Bill Wetzel (ATL)
SP Joe Melton (NOR)
SP Tim Steele (ATL)
SP Douglas Agan (TAM)
SP Bob Byers (ATL)
SP Wesley Pope (NOR)
MR Sam Forsythe (JAX)
CL John Klinger (CAR)
MR Stephen Vance (ATL)
C Jonathan Adams (TAM)
1B Ted Johnson (JAX)
LF Tim Ryan (JAX)
RF Jim Gamble (CAR)
CF Dan Lykins (MIA)
3B Richard Safford (JAX)
SS Ted DeRouen (NOR)

[jmm8356]

August 1, 1948

Though the West won the first All-Star Game ever, the East made up for the defeat by beating up the Western Division during July's interleague play. Five of the six Eastern Division clubs improved their record during July, and only the lowly Miami Meteors are below .500 going into August. Jacksonville stretched its lead over Atlanta to two games, but fifth place Tampa is only 5 1/2 out in a tightening division.

Out West, San Antonio escaped the carnage to take a 2 1/2 game lead over Dallas. Houston continued its slide, losing 8 of 9 before the break, but New Orleans went into freefall, dropping four straight before the break, five straight after the break, and six straight at month's end to take the division cellar. Nashville, meanwhile, went from 6th to 3rd; the Blues were 15-11 in July, best record in the West for the month. (Bad news for Nashville on July 30, however. See below.)

The only deadline deal is a bit of a puzzler. Tampa sends All-Star starter Douglas Agan (7/4/8) (8-1, 2.21, .182 OAVG) to the Blues for closer Herman Partee (8/6/7) (5.62, 18 SV, 7 BS). Are the Tomahawks trying to get the one piece they need for a pennant run, or were they trying to make a little budget room? Tampa did sign the biggest extension of the season, inking SP Dave Haskell (9/5/5) (6-9, 4.60, 131 K in 137 IP) to 3 years at $6.6 million. Atlanta extended veteran SP Tim Steele (7/8/6) (11-7, 2.47, 118 K in 146 IP) for another year at the same $5.7 million he made this year.

Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Raymond LaVallee (NSH) - Hit .398 with 3 HR and 18 RBI. Pulled his groin running the bases on July 30. Out for an estimated seven weeks.

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jonathan "Crash" Ford (MEM) - Went 4-1 with a 0.92 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Bill Danner (TAM) - Hit .429 with 11 HR and 35 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Paul Walker (JAX) - Went 3-1 with a 1.18 ERA


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 56 - 46 .549 -
Dallas........ 54 - 49 .524 2.5
Nashville..... 49 - 54 .476 7.5
Houston....... 48 - 55 .466 8.5
Memphis....... 46 - 57 .447 10.5
New Orleans... 45 - 58 .437 11.5

Eastern Division Standings

Jacksonville.. 59 - 45 .567 -
Atlanta....... 57 - 47 .548 2
Carolina...... 54 - 50 .519 5
Norfolk....... 54 - 50 .519 5
Tampa......... 53 - 50 .515 5.5
Miami......... 45 - 59 .433 14

[UngratefulDead]

This is looking good

[jmm8356]

Thanks UngratefulDead. Glad there's someone following along.

September 1, 1948

The Eastern Division is turned on its head! The Jacksonville Ospreys have nosedived, losing 15 of 16 in mid-August and falling from 1st to 5th. As you may suspect, starting pitching leads the charge down the mountain, with Paul Walker (0-4, 6.51 in August) and Gordon Ringer (1-3, 6.32) the main culprits. Even July's Pitcher of the Month Steve Bruce is not immune, going 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in his last four starts.

Taking advantage of Jacksonville's misfortune are the Clippers. Norfolk took 13 of 14 beginning July 29, including two sweeps of Jacksonville, to propel themselves into a tie for the lead in the East with Atlanta. The Flames, though, will have to make their stretch run without Bill Wetzel (13-4, 3.50), who is out 4 to 5 weeks with a herniated disc in his back.

Meanwhile, San Antonio is running away with the West, 7 1/2 games clear of the resurgent Houston Buffaloes and 8 1/2 ahead of the floundering Dallas Drifters. The Missions' mix of small ball (CF Jeff McGovern is hitting .313 with 51 SBs and 2B John Watkins adds another 45 swipes) and starting pitching (Earl Cole: 15-6, 3.80; Edwin Frey: 11-4, 3.60; Keith "Superfly" Ward: 11-7, 2.78) seems set to contend for the first CBA crown.

Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Tony Fairman (HOU) - Hit .422 with 1 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R and 9 SB

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Dave Donnell (HOU) - Went 3-0 with an 0.59 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

SS Ted DeRouen (NOR) - Hit .402 with 5 HR and 30 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Bruce Solomon (NOR) - Went 3-0 with a 2.73 ERA. Claimed off waivers from Memphis (to make room for Agan) on August 2.


Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 74 - 57 .565 - (Magic: 24)
Houston....... 67 - 65 .508 7.5
Dallas........ 66 - 66 .500 8.5
Nashville..... 63 - 69 .477 11.5
Memphis....... 59 - 73 .447 15.5
New Orleans... 58 - 74 .439 16.5

Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 72 - 60 .545 - (Magic: 31)
Norfolk....... 72 - 60 .545 - (Magic: 31)
Tampa......... 68 - 64 .515 4
Carolina...... 67 - 65 .508 5
Jacksonville.. 66 - 67 .496 6.5
Miami......... 60 - 72 .455 12

[jmm8356]

October 4, 1948

Atlanta burns again as the Flames clinch the Eastern pennant on September 30 with a Norfolk loss against Tampa. Despite injuries to key starters Bill Wetzel and Jordan Evans (torn tricep on September 4, 4-1 in 9 GS with 3.08 ERA), Atlanta won seven straight beginning September 21, including three over Norfolk, to put them over the top. 3B Travis O'Connell led the Atlanta offense, while Stephen Vance (6-0, 2.05 in September/October) was practically the only effective healthy pitcher for the Flames down the stretch. The winning streak disappointed Clippers' fans who were hoping for the final three-game set with Atlanta, at Norfolk's Harbor Stadium, to be decisive.

The Western Division seemed a foregone conclusion as San Antonio tied up the top spot on September 25 with a 9-1 win over Houston at Alamo Field. The Missions ended up twelve games ahead of the Buffaloes, who finish second despite a record of 81-81. Dallas, contenders in the first half of the season, stumble badly the final two months to finish fourth.

Western Division Batter of the Month:

SS Ken Bennett (SAN) - Hit .400 with 3 HR and 16 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Steven Mackay (HOU) - Went 3-0 with a 1.34 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Travis O'Connell (ATL) - Hit .441 with 5 HR and 19 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Joe MacLeod (MIA) - Went 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA


Final Western Division Standings

San Antonio... 93 - 69 .574 -
Houston....... 81 - 81 .500 12
Nashville..... 80 - 82 .494 13
Dallas........ 77 - 85 .475 16
Memphis....... 76 - 86 .469 17
New Orleans... 74 - 88 .457 19

Final Eastern Division Standings

Atlanta....... 88 - 74 .543 -
Norfolk....... 85 - 77 .525 3
Carolina...... 82 - 80 .506 6
Jacksonville.. 81 - 81 .500 7
Tampa......... 80 - 82 .494 8
Miami......... 75 - 87 .463 13

[jmm8356]

October 6, 1948

Confederate Series Preview

The San Antonio Missions, led by skipper Charlie Woodson, must be considered the favorite with their 93-69 record and their easy trip to the Western Division crown. Actually under .500 at Alamo Park, San Antonio's 53-28 road record should help negate Atlanta's home field advantage in the series.

The Missions led the CBA in runs scored (750), batting average (.265), walks (627) and stolen bases (268) while next to last in homeruns (96). CF Jeff McGovern (.303, 9 HR, 64 RBI, 111 BB, 63 SB) and SS Ken Bennett (.299, 17 HR, 83 RBI, 26 2Bs, 94 R, 110 BB) lead the way, with 2B John Watkins (.288, 8 HR, 75 RBI, 32 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 57 SB) and RF Bob Sanders (.282, 9 HR, 68 RBI, 100 R) contributing big as well. All-Star C Joe Deutsch (.254, 15 HR, 61 RBI, 36 SB) adds power and surprising speed from behind the plate.

San Antonio's pitching staff had the third-best ERA (3.65) in a tough ballpark, allowing 120 homeruns. Keith "Superfly" Ward (12-9, 2.76, 225 K) is a Hurler of the Year contender; Earl Cole (18-8, 3.82), Edwin Frey (13-7, 3.46) and southpaw Don Skelly (10-8, 3.31) are also effective. Floyd Luft (4.18, 32 SV, 52 Ks) anchors a decent pen.



The Atlanta Flames (88-74), managed by Al Lindsey, rode their star arms to the Eastern Division pennant. Only 4-8 versus San Antonio in the regular season, the Flames hope their staff is healthy enough to top the Missions this time around.

Notwithstanding Lexus Park's reputation as the most pitcher-friendly park in the circuit, Atlanta's league-leading 3.51 ERA is impressive, especially considering two of their top five starters visited the DL this season. Tim Steele (13-10, 2.92, 170 K), Bob Byers (10-13, 3.71, 171 K), and portsider Bill Wetzel (13-5, 3.56) are all solid, while Stephen Vance (7-1, 2.39, 24 SV) was good out of the pen early in the season and outstanding in the rotation during the stretch run. George Lewis (3.27, 15 SV) took over the closer duties from Vance in June, but was shaky in September.

The Flames' offense is best described as average, ranking 7th in runs scored (688), 9th in batting (.252), and 5th in homeruns (123). 3B Travis O'Connell (.360, 20 HR, 92 RBI) should get some MVP consideration. Darrell Shehan (.265, 29 HR, 103 RBI) adds a lot of pop from shortstop, while LF Rudolph Stagner (.267, 10 HR, 66 RBI, 39 SB) is the only threat to run. RF Waldo Hertel (.303, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 26 2Bs, 403 AB), acquired at mid-season from Carolina, hit well when given consistent ABs, and 2B Lee Pinkney (.295, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 29 2Bs) can also drive them in.

[jmm8356]

October 14, 1948

Confederate Series Recap

Game 1 - Wednesday, October 6 - Atlanta 7, San Antonio 6

ATLANTA - Flames' 1B Jim Johnston goes from goat to hero in the span of a half-inning as Atlanta edges San Antonio, 7-6.

In the top of the 9th, with the score knotted at five and the bases loaded with one out, Johnston took 3B John Twomey's ground ball to second instead of home. Twomey beat out the return throw, 1B Tim Smith scored and the Missions took the lead.

In the bottom half, however, Johnston's opportunity for redemption came after singles by PH Sean Baugh and LF Rudolph Stagner and a wild pitch by closer Floyd Luft (0-1) put runners on second and third with nobody out. Jim laced one through the hole to left, and Stagner easily beat LF Jeff McGovern's throw to score the game winner.

Starters Don Skelly (7 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K) and Stephen Vance (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) both shined, though neither got the decision thanks to woeful work by both bullpens. SS Ken Bennett and 2B John Watkins homered back-to-back in a four-run Mission 8th, but RF Waldo Hertel's three-run shot in the home half of the inning tied the game at five. Watkins' 434-foot blast over the tall centerfield wall in the 8th was his second solo-shot of the night.

Not all is well for Atlanta, though. All-Star 3B Travis O'Connell left the game in the 1st with pain in his elbow after a throw. Though the MRI showed no tears, an inflamed ligament will put O'Connell on the shelf until at least Game 7, if not the entire series.


Game 2 - Thursday, October 7 - Atlanta 3, San Antonio 2

ATLANTA - More bottom-of-the-ninth drama at Lexus Park today as Atlanta takes a two games to none lead with a 3-2 victory.

Missions closer Floyd Luft failed to protect another one-run lead, allowing a single to LF Rudolph Stagner and a double by 1B Sean Baugh to tie the game at two. After Jim Johnston moved the runner to third on a ground out to second, San Antonio 2B John Watkins muffed an easy Larry Murphy grounder, and Baugh jumped on home plate before being enveloped in a pile of ecstatic Flames.

With zero innings pitched yesterday and 1/3 IP today, Luft (0-2) improved his postseason ERA from infinity to 108.11. Both teams' starters were again superb, though neither Keith "Superfly" Ward (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K) nor Tim Steele (7 2/3 IP, 2 R, 8 R, 0 BB, 5 K) picked up the win. Steele left in the 8th with a blister on his throwing hand, but it is not expected to keep him from his next start. RF Bob Standers doubled and homered, scoring both San Antonio runs, while Atlanta 3B Kevin Middleton, in for the injured O'Connell, hit an RBI double in the 5th.


Game 3 - Saturday, October 9 - San Antonio 6, Atlanta 2

SAN ANTONIO - A pinch-hit 3-run double from Lynn Jerome in the 8th secured a much-needed San Antonio 6-2 victory.

Though Atlanta tied the game in the top half of the 8th with RBI singles from 2B Lee Pinkney and SS Darrell Shehan, CF John Quinn drew a bases-loaded walk off Flames reliever Don Braddock (0-1) to regain the lead for San Antonio before Jerome's smash to the left field gap put the game away.

Both Bob Byers (6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K) and Edwin Frey (7 1/3 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 K) were solid on the mound, and 2B John Watkins recovered from his miscue in Game 2, going 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI for the Missions.


Game 4 - Sunday, October 10 - Atlanta 7, San Antonio 3

SAN ANTONIO - Taters from RF Waldo Hertel and 2B Lee Pinkney powered Atlanta to a 7-3 win and a commanding three games to one lead in the inaugural Confederate Series.

Hertel's 432-foot blast to left-center in the 2nd gave the Flames a 2-1 lead, and Lee Pinkney's three-run shot to right in the 3rd proved decisive. Atlanta hit Don Skelly (0-1, 3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) hard, while Stephen Vance (1-0, 6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 9 H, 7 K) extended his decision streak to eight wins since May 24. Lyman Tinker added two scoreless innings of relief to close out the Missions.


Game 5 - Monday, October 11 - San Antonio 6, Atlanta 0

SAN ANTONIO - Keith Ward (1-0) struck out six in eight shutout innings as San Antonio blanked the Flames, 6-0, to send the series back to Atlanta.

"Superfly" had command of all four of his pitches, allowing just two hits and two walks, with Ed Stroud hurling a scoreless 9th. CF John Quinn had 2 RBIs as part of a three-run, five-single 1st for the Missions, and three Atlanta errors helped hand the loss to Tim Steele (0-1, 5 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K).


Game 6 - Wednesday, October 13 - Atlanta 6, San Antonio 2

ATLANTA - Waldo Hertel's three-run homer in the 1st was all the offense Bob Byers (1-0) and the Flames needed to win the inaugural Confederate Series championship.

Hertel's 440-foot blast to right-center was his third of the postseason, earning him the Confederate Series MVP despite batting just .227 (5 for 22) for the series. Byers was stellar for 7 2/3 innings (1 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 K), and errors by San Antonio 3B John Twomey and P Edwin Frey (0-1, 3 2/3 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 2 K) led to two Atlanta insurance runs in the 4th. 3B Kevin Middleton, 5 for 19 with five walks in relief of injured Travis O'Connell, caught the final out on a popup by 1B Tim Smith before being mobbed by teammates and fans alike.

[jmm8356]

October 15, 1948

Year In Review


Western Division Most Valuable Player:

1B Matt Wille (HOU) - Hit .275 with 43 HR, 109 RBI, 108 R and 107 BB

Western Division Hurler of the Year:

SP Jonathan "Crash" Ford (MEM) - Went 16-7 with a 2.05 ERA, 150 Ks and 31 BBs in 263 2/3 IP, 0.94 WHIP

Western Division Rookie of the Year:

RF Stephen Delisle (DAL) - Hit .359 with 16 HR, 74 RBI, 89 R, 197 H and 28 2Bs

Western Division Manager of the Year:

Charlie Woodson (SAN) - 93 wins, most in CBA, and won division by 12 games

Eastern Division Most Valuable Player:

LF Bill Danner (TAM) - Hit .302 with 41 HR, 128 RBI, 104 R, 119 BB, 23 2Bs and 17 SB

Eastern Division Hurler of the Year:

SP Joe Melton (NOR) - Went 21-11 with a 2.85 ERA, 180 Ks in 268 1/3 IP, .232 OAVG

Eastern Division Rookie of the Year:

SP Richard Doney (TAM) - Went 11-16 with a 3.74 ERA, 107 Ks in 233 1/3 IP

Eastern Division Manager of the Year:

Lloyd Jorgensen (NOR) - Second place with 85 wins, 7 more than expected


Western Division Slick Fielders:

P Roland Woods (NSH)
C Ron Cowell (HOU)
1B Chris Roseboro (MEM)
2B John Watkins (SAN)
3B Greg Archer (NWO)
SS Greg Benz (NWO)
LF Frank Waits (HOU)
CF Dave Floyd (DAL)
RF Bob Sanders (SAN)

Eastern Division Slick Fielders:

P Kevin Dotson (MIA)
C Dave Fried (NOR)
1B Nick Crouse (TAM)
2B Lee Pinkney (ATL)
3B Clifton Sloan (CAR)
SS Patrick Ruby (TAM)
LF Tim Ryan (JAX)
CF Dan Lykins (MIA)
RF Jim Gamble (CAR)


League Leaders

Batting

.360 - Travis O'Connell (ATL)
.359 - Stephen Delisle (DAL)
.348 - Brian Gray (MIA)
.344 - Richard Safford (JAX)
.333 - Nick Bacon (TAM)

Homeruns

43 - Matt Wille (HOU)
41 - Bill Danner (TAM)
34 - Tim Ryan (JAX)
30 - Duane Noland (NSH)
29 - Darrell Shehan (ATL)

RBI

128 - Bill Danner (TAM)
112 - Tim Ryan (JAX)
109 - Matt Wille (HOU)
103 - Darrell Shehan (ATL)
99 - Brian Gray (MIA)

Doubles

53 - Brian Gray (MIA)
40 - Jason Music (MEM)
35 - Patrick Baskerville (NSH)
35 - Ted DeRouen (NOR)
33 - Duane Noland (NSH)
33 - Jason Dorn (NOR)

Triples

12 - Jason Music (MEM)
11 - John Watkins (SAN)
11 - Matthew Tallman (HOU)
9 - Raymond LaVallee (NSH)
8 - Bob Sanders (SAN)
8 - Ken Bennett (SAN)
8 - Dan Lykins (MIA)

Runs

108 - Matt Wille (HOU)
104 - Bill Danner (TAM)
103 - Brian Gray (MIA)
100 - Bob Sanders (SAN)
94 - Ken Bennett (SAN)

Stolen Bases

63 - Jeff McGovern (SAN)
57 - John Watkins (SAN)
49 - Benjamin Schorr (JAX)
48 - Tony Fairman (HOU)
45 - Raymond LaVallee (NSH)

ERA

2.05 - Jonathan Ford (MEM)
2.16 - Douglas Agan (MEM)
2.46 - Steven Mackay (HOU)
2.64 - Paul Jones (MIA)
2.76 - Keith Ward (SAN)

Wins

21 - Joe Melton (NOR)
18 - Earl Cole (SAN)
18 - Steven Mackay (HOU)
16 - Paul Walker (JAX)
16 - Jonathan Ford (MEM)

Saves

44 - John Klinger (CAR)
42 - Jimmy Pouliot (NOR)
34 - Alex Yardley (NWO)
32 - Floyd Luft (SAN)
32 - Rodney Browne (JAX)

Strikeouts

248 - Bill Ebeling (NWO)
226 - Steven Mackay (HOU)
225 - Keith Ward (SAN)
215 - Dave Haskell (TAM)
208 - Everett Lane (NSH)

[jmm8356]

March 1, 1949


Offseason Recap

No managerial changes... yet.

Jacksonville received $5 million in revenue sharing.

The only big winner in arbitration was Atlanta's All-Star 3B Travis O'Connell (.360, 20 HR, 92 RBI), who was awarded just over $8 million.


Free Agency Highlights

February 3 - The Missions did not invite CL Floyd Luft (4.18, 32 SV) and his 108.11 playoff ERA back to San Antonio, so Luft signed a 3-year deal with Houston for $3.1 million per.

February 4 - All-Star CF Jeff Frost (.266, 19 HR, 81 RBI) joins the defending champions, signing with Atlanta for three years at $5.3 million.

February 6 - After testing the market, SP Bob Byers (10-13, 3.71, 171 K) resigns with the champion Flames, getting $7.6 million for four years. RF Mark Clark (.295, 4 HR, 80 RBI) inks a four-year deal with San Antonio for $6.1 million.

February 8 - SP Brandon Sutherland (9-10, 3.42, 115 K) moves west with a three-year deal for $6.0 million with New Orleans.

February 10 - New Orleans continues the spending spree, adding C Joe Deutsch (.254, 15 HR, 61 RBI, 36 SB) for four years at $5.5 million.

February 14 - Lawrence Miles (12-8, 3.75, 129 K) becomes the highest-paid pitcher in the CBA, getting $11.6 million for three years from Tampa.


No players selected in Rule 5 Draft.

[jmm8356]

May 1, 1949

The Norfolk Clippers jumped out to a 1 1/2 game lead over Carolina and Jacksonville in the East, led by starters Joe Melton (3-0, 2.48) and Dan Light (3-1, 2.53) with CF Scott Heyer (.431, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R, 13 SB) leading the league in batting and stolen bases. The defending champion Atlanta Flames, meanwhile, occupy the Eastern cellar, despite the exploits of free-agent pickup CF Jeff Frost (.261, 7 HR, 25 RBI). A league-worst 5.14 staff ERA is to blame, with five blown saves by George Lewis (0-3, 1 SV, 10.50) and Bob Kindle (1-2, 1 SV, 10.05) for the month.

In the West, Dallas holds a half-game over Nashville. Drifters 1B Jeff Daniels (.392, 2 HR, 20 RBI) had a 20-game hitting streak (started last season), and clutch closer Chase Kirkham (3-1, 3 SV, 1.54) keyed the Drifters 6-2 record in one-run games.


Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Matthew Tallman (HOU) - Hit .407 with 7 HR, 22 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Everett Lane (NSH) - Went 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA, 25 H, 10 BB and 38 K in 42 2/3 IP

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

LF Bill Danner (TAM) - Last year's MVP hit .400 with 5 HR and 17 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Jason Swanger (MIA) - Went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA, 16 H, 3 BB and 11 K in 23 IP


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 13 - _8 .619 -
Nashville..... 14 - 10 .583 .5
Houston....... 11 - 13 .458 3.5
San Antonio... 10 - 13 .435 4
Memphis....... 10 - 14 .417 4.5
New Orleans.... 8 - 13 .381 5

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 13 - _7 .650 -
Carolina...... 14 - 11 .560 1.5
Jacksonville.. 14 - 11 .560 1.5
Miami......... 11 - 11 .500 3
Tampa......... 11 - 12 .478 3.5
Atlanta....... 10 - 16 .385 6

[jmm8356]

June 1, 1949

A twelve-game winning streak shoots Dallas out to a 6 1/2 game lead of the Western Division. Including sweeps of Tampa, Norfolk, Jacksonville and Carolina, the Drifters did it all without closer Chase Kirkham (3-1, 5 SV, 1.72) who went down with back spasms on May 9 but should be back in a couple weeks. Dallas leads the league in batting (.276), with RF Stephen Delisle (.343, 35 R) and 3B Chris Wardell (.337) leading the hit parade.

Tied for second spot with San Antonio, the Nashville Hounds took a blow on May 1. April's Pitcher of the Month Everett Lane (4-0, 1.48, .187 OAVG in 6 GS) left his start in severe pain; the X-ray showed bone chips in his shoulder that required season-ending surgery.

Norfolk continues to top the East, with a 2 1/2 game lead over Jacksonville. RF Rick Brown (.276, 9 HR, 29 RBI) is hitting .407 with runners in scoring position, and closer Jimmy Pouliot (14 SV, 1.33) has yet to blow a save on the year.

Atlanta continues their assault on first-to-worst. An All-Star last year, Bill Wetzel (0-4, 6.52 in 8 GS) struggled this year before straining his tricep on May 17, his third trip to the DL in two years.

Western Division Batter of the Month:

RF Charlie Sharpe (NWO) - Hit .314 with 5 HR and 26 RBI

Western Division Pitcher of the Month:

Mike Wilkins (NSH) - Went 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA

Eastern Division Batter of the Month:

3B Richard Safford (JAX) - Hit .370 with 6 HR and 17 RBI

Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month:

Dave Haskell (TAM) - Went 3-2 with a 1.51 ERA, 42 Ks in 41 2/3 IP


Western Division Standings

Dallas........ 33 - 16 .673 -
Nashville..... 27 - 23 .540 6.5
San Antonio... 27 - 23 .540 6.5
Memphis....... 22 - 28 .440 11.5
New Orleans... 20 - 28 .417 12.5
Houston....... 20 - 30 .400 13.5

Eastern Division Standings

Norfolk....... 31 - 18 .633 -
Jacksonville.. 29 - 21 .580 2.5
Tampa......... 25 - 25 .500 6.5
Miami......... 24 - 27 .471 8
Carolina...... 23 - 28 .451 9
Atlanta....... 19 - 33 .365 13.5