Confederate Baseball Dynasty (fictional)

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 23 - August 21, 1972

While the Flyers drop four of six, the Tomahawks have won six of their last seven to close within ten games of the Eastern Division lead. After Carolina hosts Nashville for three, the club takes a day off before beginning a Western road trip with three at San Antonio.


Last Week's Results

Aug 14 - OFF

Aug 15 - vs SAN - L 0-4

Even an injury to Missions starter Richard Bays (3 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 K) cannot prevent a San Antonio shutout, while Keith Becker (6 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 5 K) has one bad inning to lose Bobblehead Doll Day at State Fair Park. Mike Schaaf (2 for 4) and Darrel Robinson (2 for 3, 2B) collect four of the Flyers' six hits on the night.

L - Becker (11-8)

Aug 16 - vs SAN - W 6-5

Everett Putman goes 3 for 4 with a double and two RBIs, while Mike Schaaf hits a three-run triple and scores in a four-run Flyers 1st that propels the team to victory. Justin Randolph (5 2/3 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 K) picks up his league-leading fifteenth win, though Terry Bingham (2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB) tries his best to give it away, allowing a walk, a hit batsman and a single to put the tying run on second before Bruce Rafferty (1/3 IP, 1 K) gets a whiff to end the game.

W - Randolph (15-4)
SV - Rafferty (2)

Aug 17 - vs SAN - L 0-1

Former Flyers C Mark Johnson grounds into a double play that scores the only run in this contentious affair. In the 4th, Ken Green (7 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K) loads the bases with a single and two walks, then Johnson hits into a 6-4-3 twin killing that eventually gives the Missions another shutout victory. Both managers end up tossed from this game: San Antonio's Harry Easterday in the 3rd and Carolina's Jeremy McGrath (along with pinch-hitter Rick Roberts) in the 7th. The Flyers manage just seven singles off Jay Williams (W, 9-1, 7 IP, 5 H, 5 BB, 4 K) and friends.

L - Green (9-6)

Aug 18 - vs NWO - L 3-9

Bill Morgan (3 2/3 IP, 7 R, 9 H, 3 K) gives up a grand slam to Pelicans RF Dan Beasley in the 3rd, and it all goes downhill from there. Clark Davidson scores twice, while Robinson goes 2 for 4 with an RBI.

L - Morgan (8-4)

Aug 19 - vs NWO - L 3-5

Oscar Matthews (1 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 K) enters a three-all tie in the 7th but allows a single, a triple and a single for two Pelicans runs and the Flyers' third straight defeat. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 3 K) kept the club in the game, but Carolina leaves eleven runners on base. Davidson goes 4 for 5, scoring twice, while Alan Bruns triples on a 2 for 4 night.

L - Matthews (5-2)

Aug 20 - vs NWO - W 3-2

John Hoyle (2 for 3) hits a two-run homer in the 7th that keeps the Flyers from being swept in their own ballpark. Becker (6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 4 K) throws well, but Rafferty (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) picks up the win.

W - Rafferty (1-0)
SV - Bingham (32)
HR - Hoyle (3)

Last week: 2 - 4
This month: 10 - 8
Overall: 79 - 45, 1st, +10 on Tampa


Who's Hot

John Hoyle
Last 14 games: 9-19 (.474), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 2-1, 1.80 ERA, 20 IP

Who's Not

Tom VanWinkle
Last 5 games: 1-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI

John Trull
Last 5 games: 2-13 (.154), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 3-18 (.167), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Schaaf
Last 5 games: 4-19 (.211), 0 HR, 4 RBI


A Closer Look - AA Hickory

Hickory tops all of Double-A with a 76-48 mark. 3B Mike King (age 23, .323 in 164 AB, 6 HR, 32 RBI, 27 BB, 11 2Bs) has been a star with the bat while learning both shortstop and first base, and the backstop duo of Ed Setzer (age 24, .292 in 281 AB, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 44 R, 33 BB, 24 2Bs) and Ron Ayers (age 32, .267 in 131 AB, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 31 R, 36 BB) continues to impress, along with LF Clement Bodine (age 32, .283, 13 HR, 59 RBI, 64 R, 89 BB, 20 2Bs). As for pitchers, Bryant Hamilton (age 32, 17-3, 2.70, WHIP 0.97) is making a strong case to start next year in at least Triple-A; Chase Nelson (age 25, 13-4, 2.62, WHIP 1.35) and Jim Brackin (age 26, 9-7, 4.03, WHIP 1.34) have been solid as well.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Wow... scoring fifteen runs in six games is none too fun... Against San Antonio, it was a matter of not getting any hits, but versus New Orleans, it was a case of not getting the extra hit that actually drives in a run...

Some surprising heroes in our wins last week, though... Bruce Rafferty got a win and a save, even though he's probably #4 on the relief totem pole... After putting up a 7.02 ERA and 1.97 WHIP in 59 innings last year, he was wasting away in Houston's minor leagues until we claimed in on waivers about four weeks ago... So far, he's got a 2.16 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 16 2/3 innings, plus a win and two saves...

The other unlikely hero was John Hoyle, who hit a tater that won us our last game... He hit .232 in 362 AB last season but did collect twenty doubles, eight homers and seventeen swipes... Since we got him in the Jack Lowe trade, he's hit 10 of 23 with two doubles and a homer while going 3 for 4 on the basepaths...

Last home series in August coming up... so c'mon down and cheer us out of this funk!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 24 - August 28, 1972

A six-game winning streak adds a couple games to the Flyers' Eastern Division lead, now twelve games ahead of Tampa with five weeks to play. The club continues their final Western swing of the year this week with three at New Orleans and four at Nashville.


Last Week's Results

Aug 21 - vs NSH - W 7-4

Tom VanWinkle hits 3 for 3, scoring two and driving in one, while Frank Thomas goes 2 for 3 with a double, a run and two RBIs as the Flyers come back to beat the Hounds. Four Carolina errors lead to three unearned runs for Justin Randolph (5 IP, 4 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K), but Bob Lamb (1 IP, 1 K) gets the win after the club scores four runs off ex-Flyer George Thorn (2/3 IP, 4 R, 1 ER, 4 H) in the 6th.

W - Lamb (5-3)
SV - Matthews (7)
HR - Davidson (3)

Aug 22 - vs NSH - W 6-5

Ken Green (8 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 8 K) hurls a gem aside from two solo shots, while John Trull (2 for 3, 2B, R) drives in three to help the Flyers win their third straight game. Mike Schaaf (2 R) adds a two-run homer in the 6th. After Carolina pinch-hitter Rick Roberts and skipper Jeremy McGrath are ejected in the 6th, the bench coaches nearly give the game away, letting Lamb (1/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H) bring the tying run to the plate before Terry Bingham (2/3 IP, 1 H) earns his league-leading thirty-third save.

W - Green (10-6)
SV - Bingham (33)
HR - Schaaf (9)

Aug 23 - vs NSH - W 5-0

Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 H, 4 BB, 3 K) combines with Lamb (2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 K), Hodgkins (1 1/3 IP) and Matthews (1 IP, 1 K) to three-hit the Hounds for Carolina's fourth straight victory. Subbing at third for Mike Schaaf after both he and manager Jeremy McGrath are ejected in the 3rd, Dave Snow hits a two-run single and scores in the 5th, while Paul LaFontaine goes 3 for 3 with a run and an RBI.

W - Morgan (9-4)
HR - Bruns (4)

Aug 24 - OFF

Aug 25 - at SAN - W 8-4

Schaaf hits a three-run homer in the 1st, and the Flyers never look back, winning their fifth straight. Darrel Robinson (2 for 4, 2 R) and VanWinkle (2 RBI) also hit taters for Carolina, while LaFontaine goes 3 for 4 with a run and an RBI. While Keith Becker (6 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K) pitches well, not all the news is good as the Flyers lose Frank Thomas for the remainder after he is hit by a pitch in the 7th, breaking his wrist.

W - Becker (12-8)
HR - Schaaf (10), Robinson (3), VanWinkle (1)

Before the next game, LF Frank Thomas (.286 in 185 AB) is put on the disabled list, and RF John Swanson [4/6/8] (.269 in 361 AAA AB, 18 HR, 80 RBI, 67 R, 66 BB, 29 2Bs, 6 3Bs) is purchased from Winston-Salem.

Aug 26 - at SAN - W 9-7

Robinson goes 4 for 5 with a double, driving in four, and LaFontaine (2 for 5, R, 3 RBI) adds a pair of two-baggers as the Flyers win a sixth straight game. Alan Bruns scores three times, while John Swanson (2 for 4, 2 R, RBI) triples in his Flyers debut. Randolph (5 IP, 7 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K) is pounded but ties the league lead with his sixteenth win.

W - Randolph (16-4)
SV - Bingham (34)

Aug 27 - at SAN - L 7-9

It takes a seven-run Missions 6th off Green (5 1/3 IP, 9 R, 12 H, 4 BB, 3 K) to snap the Flyers' winning streak at six. Weber (2 for 6, 2 RBI) goes deep twice, and Swanson (2 for 5) also adds a two-run blast in the 4th. Ex-Flyers C Mark Johnson is named Player of the Game after a 4 for 4 night with a run, a stolen base and two RBIs.

L - Green (10-7)
HR - Weber 2 (15,16), Swanson (1)

Last week: 5 - 1
This month: 15 - 9
Overall: 84 - 46, 1st, +12 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 5 games: 9-17 (.529), 0 HR, 6 RBI

Darrel Robinson
Last 10 games: 12-24 (.500), 1 HR, 7 RBI

John Swanson
Last 11 games: 5-14 (.357), 1 HR, 5 RBI

Who's Not

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 1-11 (.091), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 7 games: 4-25 (.160), 2 HR, 2 RBI

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 1-2, 5.31 ERA, 20 1/3 IP


A Closer Look - Single-A Columbus

At 71-59, Columbus is three games shy of the lead amongst Eastern Division A-ball affiliates with eight games remaining in the minor league season. While RF Don Fuson (age 27, .269 in 263 AB, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 43 R, 57 BB) was looking good until he broke his hand early this month, C James Rodgers (age 25, .294 in 204 AB, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 49 BB, 15 2Bs) has continues to impress, along with a pair of recent arrivals from AA Hickory: LF Dan Kile (age 29, .253 in 95 AB, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 19 BB) and RF Mike Slack (age 34, .345 in 29 AB). Herbert Baxley (age 21, 8-6, 2.98, WHIP 1.31) was starting to put things together when a pulled tricep ended his season two weeks ago, and reliever John Thompson (age 22, 1.73 in 26 IP, WHIP 0.88) has improved tremendously since some early struggles in Double-A (6.68 in 33 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.69).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

All in all, a pretty good week, though that last game leaves a bad taste in your mouth... Everything's going fine, then Ken Green gives up a solo shot to begin the 6th... No problem, it's still 4 to 3... and then the wheels come off the bus: single, strikeout, single, double steal, single, walk, single, single, walk... and another single when Matthews comes in... and all of a sudden, we're down 9-4...

While I hated to see Frank Thomas get hurt, John Swanson has been a pleasant surprise so far... At the moment, he's starting in right and batting eighth... at least until we find out whether he's lucky or good!

It looks like San Antonio will likely be our opponent in the Confederate Series, so it was good to win a series in their park after they took one at our place last week... I'm a little concerned because they'll probably have two southpaws in their playoff rotation, and we don't matchup well against lefties... though we do have a 14-6 record v/s LHP so far this season...

Anyway, we'll be home again next week... so wish us luck and see you then!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 25 - September 4, 1972

The Flyers' magic number is just thirteen as Carolina stands 13 1/2 games clear of second-place Tampa. The club returns to Charlotte for the next-to-last homestand of the year: two against Atlanta (including Bobblehead Doll Day today), two against Miami (with Batting Glove Day on Thursday) and three with Jacksonville (including Mini Bat Day on Saturday).


Last Week's Results

Aug 28 - at NWO - W 11-2

Mike Schaaf (3 for 4, 2B, R) drives in five, while Alan Bruns (3 for 6, R) brings home a pair as the Flyers rout the Pelicans with eight runs in the first two innings. Bill Morgan (5 1/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 1 K) picks up the win, but Paul LaFontaine (2 R) leaves the game after a tough catch in the 2nd. He is listed as day-to-day with a bruised hand.

W - Morgan (10-4)

Aug 29 - at NWO - W 8-4

John Trull hits 3 of 5 with two doubles and an RBI, and Dave Snow goes 2 for 4 with two runs as the Flyers top the Pelicans. Every Carolina starter gets a hit, including Bill Frazier (6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 3 K), who hits a two-run single and scores during a seven-run Flyers 4th.

W - Frazier (8-4)

Aug 30 - at NWO - L 0-2

Both teams manage just five hits, but Keith Becker (7 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K) gives up a pair of solo shots to prevent the sweep. New Orleans pitchers Mike Ward (W, 5-10, 6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K), John Jahnke (1 1/3 IP, 2 H), Todd Adams (1/3 IP) and Frank Moon (2/3 IP) combine for the shutout.

L - Becker (12-9)

Aug 31 - at NSH - W 6-2

Darrel Robinson (2 for 3, 2B, HR, R) and John Swanson (2 for 5, 2 2B, R) each drive in two to put the Flyers over the Hounds. Justin Randolph (5 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 4 K) wins #17 for the outright league lead; Kevin Hodgkins (1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) comes in with two on and one out in the 8th for the save.

W - Randolph (17-4)
SV - Hodgkins (6)
HR - Robinson (4)

Before the next game, RP Johnny Westerman [7/6/5] (2.27 in 47 2/3 AAA IP, WHIP 1.01), C Gary Armitage [4/1/9] (.267 in 150 AAA AB, 57 BB) and 2B Thomas Wilkins [5/3/4] (.375 in 8 AB; .292 in AAA, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 23 2Bs, 20 SB) are purchased from AAA Winston-Salem.

Sept 1 - at NSH - L 2-5 (11)

Facing Terry Bingham (1 2/3 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) with two down in the bottom of the 11th, Hounds 1B Tom Chick hits a walkoff three-run homer to right, ending a hard fought Batting Glove Day at Capitol Field. Ken Green (6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K) takes a tough no-decision after one of Clark Davidson's (2 for 4) two errors at second leads to the first run of the game. Swanson ties the game up with a two-run single in the 7th, the only Carolina scoring on the night.

L - Bingham (2-2)

Sept 2 - at NSH - W 8-2

Everett Putman (1 for 5, 2 R) hits a two-run double and scores in the 1st, an inning that sees the Flyers score five unearned runs to cruise past the Hounds. Bruns (2 for 3, R) and Francis (1 for 3, HR) also drive in a pair on a night where Carolina scores eight runs on just eight hits, thanks to nine walks issued by Nashville. Morgan (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K) wins his third straight start with a strong performance.

W - Morgan (11-4)
HR - Francis (17)

After the game, C Ron Ayres [4/6/5] (.270 in 137 AA AB, 10 HR, 35 RBI) and 3B Troy Shaughnessy [3/3/2] (.258 in AA, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 23 2Bs, 22 SB) are both purchased from AA Hickory.

Sept 3 - at NSH - W 7-3

Mike Weber hits a three-run tater to left-center in a four-run Flyers 2nd, sending the team to their eleventh win in twelve games against the Hounds this season. Frazier (7 IP, 2 R, 9 H, 2 BB, 5 K) makes his seventh consecutive "quality start" for the win.

W - Frazier (9-4)
HR - Weber (17)

Last week: 5 - 2
This month: 2 - 1 (18 - 10 in August)
Overall: 89 - 48, 1st, +13 1/2 on Tampa


Who's Hot

John Trull
Last 6 games: 9-22 (.409), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 5-14 (.357), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Darrel Robinson
Last 5 games: 4-12 (.333), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 3-0, 1.47 ERA, 18 1/3 IP
Named Eastern Division Player of the Week! (2-0, 2.19 ERA)

Who's Not

Mike Schaaf
Last 5 games: 2-20 (.100), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Tom VanWinkle
Last 6 games: 2-18 (.111), 0 HR, 2 RBI


A Closer Look - Carolina

It's deja vu all over again when it comes to the race for Eastern Division MVP, as C Mike Weber (.302 in 371 AB, 17 HR, 78 RBI, 82 R, 80 BB, 13 2Bs, 7 3Bs) is once again battling with last year's winner, Tampa CF David Powell (.306, 26 HR, 89 RBI, 99 R, 94 BB, 12 2Bs), for the honor.

Weber, RF Dale Francis (.306, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 79 R, 21 2Bs) and CF Paul LaFontaine (.352, 7 HR, 67 RBI, 79 R, 21 2Bs) form the core of the offense, though 3B Mike Schaaf (.289 in 381 AB, 10 HR, 74 RBI, 20 2Bs) is catching up in the RBI department, despite spending two months as a pinch-hitter before being acquired from Memphis.

2B Clark Davidson (.253 in 399 AB, 3 HR, 34 RBI, 71 R, 70 BB, 30 SB) has hit his way back into the leadoff spot with a strong showing in August (.321, OBP .480), making OF Rick Roberts (.237 in 355 AB, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 65 R, 57 BB) fight for the third outfielder slot with John Trull (.284 in 134 AB, 11 2Bs), John Hoyle (.302 in 63 AB, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2Bs) and John Swanson (.297 in 37 AB, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 3 2Bs, 1 3B). Davidson's resurgence also leaves 3B/2B Dave Snow (.266 in 361 AB, 8 HR, 58 RBI) as odd man out; 1B Everett Putman (.322 in 276 AB, 0 HR, 35 RBI, 14 2Bs) and SS Alan Bruns (.269 in 376 AB, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 43 R, 62 BB) have the remaining starting infield positions locked up.

Keith Becker (12-9, 3.27, WHIP 1.08), Bill Morgan (11-4 in 25 GS, 2.81, WHIP 1.22) and Justin Randolph (17-4 in 19 GS, 3.06, WHIP 1.25) will be Carolina's first three starters in the Confederate Series, but the Game 4 starter is still up in the air: Ken Green (10-7 in 22 GS, 4.46, WHIP 1.39) has been more consistent all season, but Bill Frazier (9-4 in 22 GS, 4.56 ERA, WHIP 1.53) has not lost in six starts since July 25.

The bullpen of Terry Bingham (34 SV, 4 BS, 3.45 in 47 IP, WHIP 1.28), Kevin Hodgkins (1.77 in 61 IP, WHIP 1.02), Bruce Rafferty (1.88 in 24 IP, WHIP 1.17), Bob Lamb (4.02 in 87 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.17), Oscar Matthews (2.69 in 67 IP, WHIP 1.24) and Dave Elliot (3.06 in 47 IP, WHIP 1.28) is the envy of the league, but it remains to be seen whether all six relievers will make the playoff roster in lieu of a fifth starter.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

The locker room will be getting crowded when we get back to Charlotte... We've already called up five, and you can probably expect five more after the minor league season ends today...

We'll also be running just every promotion we can think of this month, for two reasons: one, next week begins our "tour of the division", or as I like to call it, our "victory lap", where we visit every other city in the division in two weeks... so we don't have too many home dates left... and two, we're going to be very close to the $25 million cash maximum at year's end, so we'd rather give that money back to our fans, instead of sending it off to the commissioner's office for who knows what...

I don't have a lot to say about our play last week... no complaints! First time for everything! So c'mon down to the ballpark and cheer us on to the pennant!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 26 - September 11, 1972

The Flyers' magic number stands at just three with three weeks of play remaining. The club has a day off before both their series this week: two games at Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday, and three at Jacksonville beginning Friday.


Last Week's Results

Sept 4 - vs ATL - W 8-2

Keith Becker (8 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K) hurls a gem to win Bobblehead Doll Day in front of 40,537 Carolina faithful. Dale Francis (2 for 3, 2B, R, CS) drives in three, while Clark Davidson (2 for 4, RBI, E) scores three times for the Flyers.

W - Becker (13-9)

After the game, the Flyers recall SP Gerald Bonham [5/5/5] (10-4 in 16 AAA GS, 2.80, WHIP 1.24), SP Christopher Horan [2/9/6] (15-8 in 28 AAA GS, 3.54, WHIP 1.22), RP Chad Williams [4/6/4] (3.15 in 40 AAA IP, WHIP 1.15) and SS Henry McKie [3/7/5] (.238 in 479 AAA AB, 18 HR, 69 RBI, 86 BB) while purchasing 1B Steve Brown [5/7/7] (.188 in 101 AB; AAA: .295, 30 HR, 77 RBI, 22 2Bs) and OF Rudy Olson [5/4/2] (.307 in 374 AAA AB, 12 HR, 62 RBI, 24 2Bs, 11 SB), all from Winston-Salem.

Sept 5 - vs ATL - W 8-1

Alan Bruns (3 for 4) drives in three, while Justin Randolph (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K) wins his seventh straight decision with a stellar performance. Four Flyers collect three hits on the night: Bruns, Francis (3 for 3, 4 R, RBI, E), Paul LaFontaine (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R) and Mike Schaaf (3 for 4, RBI).

W - Randolph (18-4)
HR - Weber (18)

Sept 6 - vs MIA - L 1-5

While Ken Green (8 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K) gives up three Miami taters, Jim Wright (W, 7-4, 8 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 7 K) holds Carolina to just four hits, with LaFontaine's solo shot in the 4th providing the sole Flyers run.

L - Green (10-8)
HR - LaFontaine (8)

Sept 7 - vs MIA - W 7-1

John Hoyle (2 for 4, 3 RBI) goes deep twice for the Flyers, more than enough scoring to ensure a win for Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K) on Batting Glove Day at State Fair Park.

W - Morgan (12-4)
HR - Hoyle 2 (4,5)

Sept 8 - vs JAX - W 6-5

Schaaf and Darrel Robinson both hit two-run homers in a five-run Flyers 3rd, while Bill Frazier (7 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 2 BB) strikes out seven Ospreys, a career high. Terry Bingham (1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) whiffs the final batter for his first save this month.

W - Frazier (10-4)
SV - Bingham (35)
HR - Schaaf (11), Robinson (5)

Sept 9 - vs JAX - L 0-2

Becker (9 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 6 K) takes a perfect game into the 7th but gives up a two-run shot to Ospreys 2B Dan Howard with two down in the top of the 9th for a complete game loss on Mini Bat Day. Jacksonville starter George Russell (7 1/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K) leaves in the 8th with a strained back, so Jerry Brown (W, 4-6, 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Mark Endres (SV, 33, 1 IP) finish off the four-hit shutout. Thomas Wilkins goes 3 for 4 with a double from the Flyers leadoff spot.

L - Becker (13-10)

Sept 10 - vs JAX - W 9-5

LaFontaine (3 for 4, 2 R) hits one of three Flyers homers in this game, while Randolph (6 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K) extends a career high winning streak of eight consecutive decisions. Carolina jumps all over Jacksonville starter Bryant Hamilton (L, 0-1, 5 2/3 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 4 BB, 4 K), recently acquired via waivers after a 19-4 season for the Flyers' AA affiliate in Hickory. Schaaf (2 for 4, 2 RBI) and Davidson (2 for 4, 3 R) also hit taters on the night.

W - Randolph (19-4)
SV - Hodgkins (7)
HR - Davidson (4), LaFontaine (9), Schaaf (12)

Last week: 5 - 2
This month: 7 - 3
Overall: 94 - 50, 1st, +16 1/2 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 9-20 (.450), 0 HR, 5 RBI

Mike Schaaf
Last 5 games: 7-16 (.438), 2 HR, 6 RBI

John Hoyle
Last 6 games: 4-11 (.364), 2 HR, 5 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 4 games: 4-0, 1.48 ERA, 24 1/3 IP

Bill Frazier
Last 3 games: 3-0, 3.05 ERA, 20 2/3 IP

Who's Not

Mike Weber
Last 6 games: 3-23 (.130), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Tom VanWinkle
Last 8 games: 3-22 (.136), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Everett Putman
Last 6 games: 3-21 (.143), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 0-2, 6.52 ERA, 19 1/3 IP


A Closer Look - Carolina's Expanded Roster

SP Bill Morgan (12-4, 2.76, WHIP 1.21)
SP Keith Becker (13-10, 3.17, WHIP 1.04)
SP Justin Randolph (19-4, 1 SV, 3.11, WHIP 1.24)
SP Bill Frazier (10-4, 4.46, WHIP 1.51)
SP Ken Green (10-8, 4.46, WHIP 1.38)
SP Gerald Bonham (1 SV, 3.18 in 5 2/3 IP, WHIP 0.88)
SP Christopher Horan (1 IP)

RP Terry Bingham (2-2, 35 SV, 4 BS, 3.61 in 47 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.29)
RP Kevin Hodgkins (6-2, 7 SV, 1.71 in 63 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.01)
RP Oscar Matthews (5-2, 7 SV, 2.77 in 68 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.27)
RP Bob Lamb (5-3, 2 SV, 3.94 in 89 IP, WHIP 1.17)
RP Dave Elliot (1-2, 1 SV, 2.94 in 49 IP, WHIP 1.27)
RP Bruce Rafferty (1-0, 2 SV, 1.78 in 25 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.18)
RP Johnny Westerman (7.36 in 3 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.64)
RP Chad Williams (no big-league appearances)

C Mike Weber (.292 in 394 AB, 18 HR, 80 RBI)
C Tom VanWinkle (.200 in 60 AB, 1 HR, 8 RBI)
C Gary Armitage (.000 in 4 AB)
C Ron Ayres (.000 in 1 AB)

1B Everett Putman (.310 in 297 AB, 0 HR, 38 RBI)
1B Darrel Robinson (.274 in 186 AB, 5 HR, 22 RBI)
1B Steve Brown (.186 in 102 AB, 2 HR, 6 RBI)

2B Clark Davidson (.255 in 423 AB, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 31 SB)
2B Dave Snow (.265 in 362 AB, 8 HR, 58 RBI)
2B Thomas Wilkins (.438 in 16 AB)

3B Mike Schaaf (.295 in 400 AB, 12 HR, 81 RBI)
3B Troy Shaughnessy (0 AB)

SS Alan Bruns (.272 in 397 AB, 4 HR, 54 RBI)
SS Henry McKie (0 AB)

LF John Hoyle (.311 in 74 AB, 5 HR, 13 RBI)
LF John Trull (.289 in 142 AB, 1 HR, 15 RBI)
LF Rudy Olson (.500 in 2 AB)

CF Paul LaFontaine (.350 in 537 AB, 9 HR, 69 RBI)
CF John Swanson (.261 in 46 AB, 1 HR, 11 RBI)

RF Dale Francis (.312 in 458 AB, 17 HR, 85 RBI)
RF Rick Roberts (.236 in 360 AB, 4 HR, 38 RBI)


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Not too much to say, once again... everything's going pretty well, considering we should clinch the division next week...

I'm still debating who will be the Game 4 starter in the playoffs, as well as which five relievers to take to the series... All five starters will be on the roster, just in case, and I only need ten pitchers overall...

Wilkins will probably be the extra position player... a great guy to have on the bench... base stealer, good drag bunter and an excellent glove at second...

Well, we won't be home again for two weeks... so wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 27 - September 18, 1972

The Flyers clinched the pennant last week and are on a six-game winning streak, but not all the news is good (see Sunday's game). The club finishes its "victory lap" this week with two at Miami, two at Norfolk and three at Tampa.


Last Week's Results

Sept 11 - OFF

Sept 12 - at ATL - W 5-3

Clark Davidson goes 2 for 4 with a homer, a stolen base, two runs and two RBIs to lead the Flyers to victory at a wet Lexus Park. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 5 K) throws an outstanding game, and Mike Weber (2 R) hits a 452-foot bomb to straightaway center in the 8th, tying his career longest longball. Terry Bingham (1 IP, 3 K) enters the 9th with two in, one on, nobody out and the tying run at the plate but strikes out the side for his thirty-sixth save.

W - Morgan (13-4)
SV - Bingham (36)
HR - Davidson (5), Weber (19)

Sept 13 - at ATL - W 7-0

Bill Frazier (7 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) may have secured a playoff start with a stellar performance to win his fourth straight start and clinch Carolina's second consecutive Eastern Division pennant. Westerman (2/3 IP, 1 BB), Elliot (1/3 IP) and Williams (1 IP, 1 H) complete the shutout on another wet night in Atlanta. Paul LaFontaine hits 4 of 5, scoring once and driving in two, while Mike Weber (2 for 5, R) adds a two-run triple in the 8th.

W - Frazier (11-4)
HR - Brown (3)

Sept 14 - OFF

Sept 15 - at JAX - W 9-5

John Hoyle (2 for 5, 2 R) hits a double and a tater, driving in four, and Dale Francis (3 for 5, R, 2 RBI) adds a pair of doubles as the Flyers win their fourth straight. Christopher Horan (7 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K), in his first start this season, takes a shutout into the 6th before giving up back-to-back homers.

W - Horan (1-0)
HR - Hoyle (6)

Sept 16 - at JAX - W 11-6

Ron Ayres (2 for 5, 2 R) hits a grand slam for his second career homer, capping a six-run Carolina 7th as the Flyers "B-team" tops the Ospreys. Bruce Rafferty (1 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB) blows a one-run lead in the 6th, stealing win #20 from the grasp of Justin Randolph (5 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 4 K) despite the latter hitting 2 for 2 with a two-run double in the 2nd. John Trull goes 2 for 5 with a double, two runs and two RBIs.

W - Rafferty (2-0)
HR - Ayres (1)

Sept 17 - at JAX - W 8-6

Davidson goes 2 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs, but the night's big news happens in the 3rd inning when Weber (2 for 2, 2 RBI), after homering in the 1st, hits a double but comes up lame and leaves the game. The diagnosis comes back as a season-ending torn back muscle. Meanwhile, Gerald Bonham (6 IP, 6 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 5 K) earns the first win of his career despite allowing three taters, while both Mike Schaaf (3 for 5, 3 2Bs, 2 R) and John Swanson (3 for 4, 2 2Bs, 2 RBI) collect three hits in the game.

W - Bonham (1-0)
SV - Bingham (37)
HR - Davidson (6), Weber (20)

After the game, Mike Weber is placed on the 60-day disabled list.

Last week: 5 - 0
This month: 12 - 3
Overall: 99 - 50, 1st, +21 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 5 games: 12-23 (.522), 1 HR, 4 RBI

John Swanson
Last 6 games: 6-12 (.500), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Clark Davidson
Last 5 games: 9-20 (.450), 3 HR, 9 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 3-0, 1.42 ERA, 19 IP

Bill Frazier
Last 3 games: 3-0, 1.71 ERA, 21 IP

Who's Not

Tom VanWinkle
Last 8 games: 3-22 (.136), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 0-2, 6.52 ERA, 19 1/3 IP


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

We clinched the pennant, we're on a six game winning streak, and we've already broken last year's team record for wins... yet I'm depressed...

I'm trying to convince myself that losing the team's MVP for the rest of the year isn't so bad... After all, he only went 2 for 24 in last year's Confederate Series... It's not working, though...

Ron Ayres will be the new starting catcher... VanWinkle has not been hitting well since he was called up, and Ayres has the better arm...

I think five season-ending injuries are enough for one year, don't you? Let's hope so... see you next week!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 28 - September 25, 1972

The Flyers win five of seven despite giving the entire starting lineup three games off last week. While waiting to find out their Confederate Series adversary, the club finishes the season at home with three against Norfolk (beginning with Retro Game Day on Tuesday) and three against Tampa (including Baseball Cap Day on Friday and a promotion-to-be-named later on Sunday).


Last Week's Results

Sept 18 - at MIA - L 2-5

A two-run homer by Henry McKie in the 2nd is not enough to keep the Flyers' winning streak alive when the Carolina bullpen blows up. Elliot (2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 BB), Westerman (0 IP, 1 R, 1 BB), and Hodgkins (0 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 2 BB) cannot retire any of the first six Meteors to bat in the 8th, leading to four Miami runs and the first Carolina loss in over a week.

L - Westerman (0-1)
HR - McKie (1)

Sept 19 - at MIA - W 3-1

Paul LaFontaine (2B, R, RBI) and Mike Schaaf (SB, E) each hit 4 for 5 to put the Flyers over the Meteors for the team's 100th win of the year. Keith Becker (5 2/3 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 7 K) throws well, but Johnny Westerman (1 1/3 IP, 2 K) picks up his first career win (on the day after his first career loss) when Carolina breaks a one-one tie with a two-run 8th inning. Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB) loads the bases before an inning-ending double play earns him his league-leading thirty-eighth save.

W - Westerman (1-1)
SV - Bingham (38)

Sept 20 - at NOR - W 11-8 (11)

Schaaf hits an RBI-single and scores on McKie's (3 of 5, 2B, 3 R) two-run hit in the top of the 11th, finally securing a comeback victory for the Flyers. Carolina scores three in the 9th, tying the game at seven, and each team gets a run in the 10th to extend the contest for another frame. Ken Green (2 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 4 BB, 1 K) is pounded early, and Christopher Horan (4 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 K) allows back-to-back Clippers taters in the 4th, but the rest of the bullpen does stellar work. Kevin Hodgkins (1 2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) blows a win in the 10th, so Westerman (1/3 IP) gets his third decision in as many days. Oscar Matthews (1 IP, 1 H) gets the save; John Swanson (3 for 6, 3 R) collects a double and a triple on the night.

W - Westerman (2-1)
SV - Matthews (8)

Sept 21 - at NOR - L 1-5

The Flyers manage only one run on six hits, despite Clippers starter Otto Kemper leaving the game with a strained elbow after facing just one batter. Justin Randolph (6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K) now has just two more chances to become the first Carolina pitcher to win twenty games since Lawrence Gladden went 21-6 in 1958.

L - Randolph (19-5)

Sept 22 - at TAM - W 5-0

Bill Frazier (7 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K) combines with Lamb (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB), Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 K) and Elliot (1 IP, 2 K) to shutout the Tomahawks, winning his sixth straight decision. Thomas Wilkins goes 3 for 4 with two RBIs from the leadoff spot.

W - Frazier (12-4)

Sept 23 - at TAM - W 7-2

Both John Trull (2 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI) and Schaaf hit two-run homers, while Clark Davidson adds a solo shot to extend his career-best twelve-game hitting streak as the Flyers pound the Tomahawks. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 10 K) collects double-digit whiffs for the first time since he struck out eleven Meteors at Miami on June 25.

W - Morgan (14-4)
HR - Davidson (7), Trull (2), Schaaf (13)

Sept 24 - at TAM - W 5-2

Becker (6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 4 K) throws another outstanding game, and LaFontaine hits 2 for 4, scoring two and driving in one to secure a sweep of the Tomahawks. Darrel Robinson goes 2 of 5 with two RBIs; Davidson (1 for 3, 2 R) collects three swipes, giving him thirty-nine steals on the year.

W - Becker (14-10)
SV - Bingham (39)

Last week: 5 - 2
This month: 17 - 5
Overall: 104 - 52, 1st, +23 on Jacksonville and Tampa


Who's Hot

Mike Schaaf
Last 6 games: 12-23 (.522), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Paul LaFontaine
Last 9 games: 19-37 (.514), 1 HR, 7 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 8-20 (.400), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Bill Frazier
Last 3 games: 3-0, 0.86 ERA, 21 IP

Bill Morgan
Last 7 games: 6-0, 1.74 ERA, 41 1/3 IP

Who's Not

John Hoyle
Last 6 games: 1-16 (.063), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Everett Putman
Last 8 games: 2-21 (.095), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Ken Green
Last 4 games: 0-2, 7.59 ERA, 21 1/3 IP


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, the hole Weber left at catcher is a disaster... Ron Ayres hit 2 for 20 last week! It got so bad, we checked the free agent market and found a catcher who hit just as poorly as Ayres, but the scouts like his skills just a little bit more than Ayres... I decided it's a little late in the game to try out new people...

Other than that, all is well... even the B-team won two of their three games in the past week!

Still trying to decide on the third outfielder... Right now, we're going with John Swanson, who has been quite the surprise with a .976 OPS in 74 AB...

I'm thinking about bringing Johnny Westerman to the playoffs as our southpaw reliever... He's really shown his stuff after a shaky shart... only allowed five hits and four walks in 8 2/3 innings...

We're going to finish with a 57-24 road record, which is an insane .704 winning percentage... still, it'll be good to get home again, so c'mon down to the ballpark and get your Confederate Series tickets!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 29 - October 2, 1972

The Flyers post the best record in CBA history, ending the season with a three-game sweep of the Tomahawks. The Confederate Series begins this week when the club hosts San Antonio on Wednesday and Thursday before travelling to Alamo Field for Saturday and Sunday.


Last Week's Results

Sept 25 - OFF

Sept 26 - vs NOR - L 4-5

Justin Randolph (5 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K) has just one chance remaining to become a twenty-game winner after losing a tight Retro Game Day at State Fair Park today. Both Clark Davidson (3 for 5, 2B, R) and Paul LaFontaine (3 for 4) collect three hits on the night, but Davidson ends the game by being thrown out at second, trying to stretch a single into a double.

L - Randolph (19-6)

Elsewhere, San Antonio edges Memphis, 2-1, while Dallas drops a 5-4 game at Houston, clinching the Western Division title for the Missions.

Sept 27 - vs NOR - W 9-0

Ken Green (9 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K) performs brilliantly in his final start of the season, while four Norfolk errors lead to six unearned runs as the Flyers slaughter the Clippers. Everett Putman (2 for 4, 2B) drives in four; LaFontaine (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 RBI) ties the team record with hit #209, equalling the mark set by Stephen Delisle in 1957.

W - Green (11-8)

Sept 28 - vs NOR - L 6-7

Bill Frazier (4 1/3 IP, 7 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 5 K) is pounded by the Clippers, especially Norfolk CF Dan Townley (4 for 4, HR, 2 R) and his five RBIs. Thomas Wilkins hits 3 of 4 but leaves the game after his second double in the 7th; he is listed as day-to-day with a strained back. Dave Snow (2 for 3, R) and Tom VanWinkle (2 for 4, 2B, HR) both drive in two for the Flyers.

L - Frazier (12-5)
HR - VanWinkle (2)

Sept 29 - vs TAM - W 5-1

Bill Morgan (6 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K) wins his seventh straight decision in style, while both John Swanson (R) and LaFontaine (2B) go 2 for 4 with two RBIs to win Baseball Cap Day in front of 40.953 Carolina faithful.

W - Morgan (15-4)
SV - Bingham (40)

Sept 30 - vs TAM - W 2-1

Keith Becker (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 4 K) ends his regular season with another tough no-decision, but the Flyers score one in both the 8th and 9th for their 107th win, equalling the CBA record set by Miami in 1963. Dave Snow ties it up with a pinch-hit RBI-double, then Putman hits a walkoff single to center that scores Schaaf with the game winner. Christopher Horan (1 IP, 1 K) picks up his third career win for a perfect 9th.

W - Horan (2-0)

Oct 1 - vs TAM - W 4-3 (10)

A dramatic end to a incredible season, when Swanson hits a walkoff solo shot to left-center with one out in the bottom of the 10th, sweeping the Tomahawks and setting a new league record for wins in a season. Randolph (5 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 4 K) loses his bid for twenty wins when Gerald Bonham (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gives up a homer to the first batter he faces in the 6th, so Dave Elliot (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) picks up the win. Schaaf hits 3 of 4 with an RBI; Francis (2 for 4, R, RBI) collects a double and a triple on the night.

W - Elliot (2-2)
HR - Swanson (2), LaFontaine (10)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 1 - 0 (20 - 7 in September)
Overall: 108 - 54, 1st, +25 on Jacksonville and Norfolk


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 7 games: 12-24 (.500), 1 HR, 7 RBI

Everett Putman
Last 5 games: 5-13 (.385), 0 HR, 6 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 6 games: 5-0, 1.50 ERA, 36 IP
Named Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month!

Bill Frazier
Last 5 games: 4-1, 3.06 ERA, 32 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Ron Ayres
Last 6 games: 0-15 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI

John Trull
Last 5 games: 1-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Mike Schaaf
Last 5 games: 4-19 (.211), 0 HR, 1 RBI


A Closer Look - San Antonio Missions

At 101-61, San Antonio won the Western Division by seven games over Dallas. Under the guidance of four-time Manager of the Year Harry Easterday, the Missions are going for their fourth CBA championship in the past six seasons. The Missions won just four of their twelve meetings with the Flyers this season.

San Antonio led the league in scoring (851), walks (809), and steals (232) while just fifth in homers (119) and seventh in batting (.263). 2B Ryan Maynard (.315, 16 HR, 93 RBI, 100 R, 118 BB), 3B Scott "Sabertooth" Hass (.262, 24 HR, 90 RBI, 117 R, 162 BB, 26 SB), SS Dave "Superman" Mikel (.241, 24 HR, 95 RBI, 110 R, 30 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 37 SB) and C Mark Johnson (.300, 10 HR, 96 RBI) provide the pop, while CF Paul Goode (.276, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 92 BB, 43 SB) provides that extra bit of speed.

The Missions' pitchers ranked second in most categories: ERA (3.61), opponent's average (.254), homers (97) and runs allowed (664); but they were second-worst in walks allowed (739). Southpaws Richard Bays (9-8, 3.34, WHIP 1.39) and Johnston Sloan (10-12, 4.84, WHIP 1.61) join with righties Jay Williams (12-2, 3.14, WHIP 1.26) and Martin Wright (15-8, 4.27, WHIP 1.59) to make up the San Antonio rotation, while Tim Lesley (11-2, 36 SV, 8 BS, 1.51 in 107 IP, WHIP 1.28), Raymond Melton (3.04 in 112 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.13) and Dan Fee (2.95 in 94 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.33) lead the solid relief corps.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, we're gonna go with VanWinkle as our starting catcher to begin the playoffs... He had a couple of two-hit games last week...

We're also going to keep Wilkins on the playoff roster, even though he won't be 100% healthy until Game 4...

Still, I think we're ready to win the championship this year... so wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 30 - October 9, 1972

The Flyers lead the Confederate Series three games to one and can clinch their second championship in five years with another win: either today in San Antonio, or Wednesday or Thursday at State Fair Park.


Last Week's Results

Oct 2 - OFF

The Flyers are ten players over the playoff roster limit of twenty-five, so RP Dave Elliot, RP Bob Lamb, RP Chad Williams and SS Henry McKie are designated for assignment, while SP Gerald Bonham, SP Christopher Horan, C Gary Armitage, 1B Steve Brown, 3B Troy Shaughnessy and LF Rudy Olson are all sent back to AAA Winston-Salem.

Oct 3 - OFF

Oct 4 - vs SAN - L 3-4

An error at first by Darrel Robinson leads to a three-run Missions 7th as San Antonio comes back to win Game 1. Relieving Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K) with a 3-1 lead to begin the 7th, Oscar Matthews (0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 H) gives up a single before Robinson muffs a grounder to put two on with no outs. Johnny Westerman (1/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER) induces an out at third on the attempted sacrifice, then Kevin Hodgkins allows a walk to load the bases. After a pop out, Missions SS Dave Mikel hits a double down the left field line, scoring three to give San Antonio the win. Carolina skipper Jeremy McGrath is ejected in the bottom of the 7th for arguing balls and strikes, but the Flyers' lineup cannot solve Raymond Melton (2 IP, 1 BB, 3 K) and Tim Lesley (SV, 1, 1 IP, 1 H). John Trull hits 2 for 3 in the losing effort.

L - Hodgkins (0-1)

Oct 5 - vs SAN - W 6-2

Keith Becker (1/3 IP, 1 K) starts the game with a three-pitch strikeout, then leaves the field with back spasms that will end his season. Bill Frazier (7 2/3 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) is pressed into action and comes out blazing, even hitting a two-run single in the 6th. Alan Bruns also drives in two on a 2 for 4 night.

W - Frazier (1-0)

In other news, SS Henry McKie is claimed on waivers by Atlanta.

Oct 6 - OFF

Oct 7 - at SAN - W 8-5

Eight hits, including five doubles, lead to a six-run Flyers 1st that sets the club on their way to a 2-1 series lead. Paul LaFontaine (2 for 4) drives in two, while John Swanson (2 for 5, R) hits a pair of doubles on the night. Justin Randolph (5 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) is pounded hard but gets the win, thanks to the relief corps of Rafferty (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 K), Matthews (1 IP, 1 H, 2 K), Westerman (0 IP, 1 H), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 BB), who earns his third postseason save.

W - Randolph (1-0)
SV - Bingham (1)

Oct 8 - at SAN - W 3-2 (10)

Getting an unexpected start due to Becker's injury, Ken Green (9 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 4 K) makes the most of it, but it takes a pinch-hit two-run double by Dave Snow with two out in the top of the 10th to secure the victory. Bingham (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) puts two on with two out before picking up the save.

W - Green (1-0)
SV - Bingham (2)
HR - Trull (1)

Playoffs: 3 - 1


Who's Hot

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 6-13 (.462), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Tom VanWinkle
Last 5 games: 5-16 (.313), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 2-0, 1.50 ERA, 18 IP

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.70 ERA, 20 IP

Who's Not

Clark Davidson
Last 5 games: 3-20 (.150), 0 HR, 0 RBI

John Swanson
Last 5 games: 3-20 (.150), 1 HR, 1 RBI


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

I never would have guessed that I would get ejected from a playoff game... but two bad strike 3 calls in a row was more than I could take...

Apparently, the injury bug wasn't done with us yet... but so far, losing Becker hasn't hurt us too badly as both Frazier and Green have done very well...

VanWinkle has also been surprisingly effective with the bat... You could consider him a front-runner for Confederate Series MVP at this point...

Hopefully, we won't be seeing you at State Fair Park next week... but either way, wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 31 - October 16, 1972

Your Carolina Flyers are CBA Champions! The Flyers beat the Missions four games to one, winning their second championship in the last five seasons.


Last Week's Results

Oct 9 - at SAN - W 5-1

Bill Morgan (6 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K) holds the Missions scoreless through six, while Mike Schaaf's (2 for 3) three-run blast to right-center in the 1st provides all the scoring the Flyers need to win their third championship in franchise history. Johnny Westerman (0 IP, 1 R, 2 H) makes the game interesting in the 7th, but Bruce Rafferty (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Oscar Matthews (1 IP) and Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) secure the victory.

W - Morgan (1-0)
HR - Swanson (1), Schaaf (1)

Playoffs: 4 - 1


Who's Hot

Tom VanWinkle
Last 5 games: 6-15 (.400), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 2-0, 0.50 ERA, 18 IP
Named Confederate Series MVP! (1-0, 0.75 ERA, 12 IP, 12 Ks)

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.70 ERA, 20 IP

Who's Not

Clark Davidson
Last 6 games: 3-24 (.125), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Schaaf
Last 5 games: 4-18 (.222), 1 HR, 4 RBI


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

A lot of good performances made this championship possible, from stars like Dale Francis (5 for 12, 4 R) to unknowns like Tom VanWinkle (6 for 15, 2 2Bs)...

Other notables include Dave Snow (1 for 1, 2B, RBI), John Trull (4 for 7, HR) and Mike Schaaf (4 for 18, 2B, HR, 4 R, 4 RBI), plus good work from Bill Frazier (1-0, 2.35 ERA) and Ken Green (1-0, 2.00 ERA) when the rotation got all screwed up... The bullpen also performed well, allowing two earned runs in twelve innings of work...

I'd say more, but my eyes are burning from all the champagne flying around... Just one last thing to say: Victory parade on Friday!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 32 - October 23, 1972

Final Report Card Edition

Awards and Honors

Jeremy McGrath wins his second Manager of the Year award, the first time in CBA history that a skipper has won the award in his first two years in the league. Setting a new league record with 108 wins, Jeremy improved the team's record by ten games despite suffering four season-ending injuries during the year.

Bill Morgan wins the Confederate Series MVP award after clinching the championship with his win in Game 5. Bill struck out twelve San Antonio batters in his twelve innings of work, while allowing just nine hits, two walks, and one run for a 0.75 ERA.

Mike Weber wins his first Slick Fielder award at catcher. Mike led the league's backstops in both fielding percentage (.995) and caught stealing percentage (55 of 120, 45.8%) this season.


Starting Pitchers - Grade: B+

Bill Morgan (15-4, 2.60, WHIP 1.16) and Keith Becker (14-10, 3.04, WHIP 1.04) are amongst the best in the league, and Justin Randolph (19-6, 3.36, WHIP 1.26) was just as effective as a starter as he had been coming out of the pen. Bill Frazier (12-5, 4.34, WHIP 1.47) and Ken Green (11-8 in 23 GS, 4.47, WHIP 1.39) won their share of games despite some less-than-stellar numbers. Other starters included Matt Halstead (3-0 in 10 GS, 1.84) and Justin Nowlin (4-4 in 10 GS, 5.34) who are no longer with the team, along with Christopher Horan (2-0 in 1 GS, 4.20), Gerald Bonham (1-0 in 1 GS, 6.51) and Bud Fox (1-1 in 2 GS, 2.80).


Relief Pitchers - Grade: A

Terry Bingham (2-2, 40 SV, 3.27 in 52 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.26) led the CBA in saves, but the whole bullpen was made up of potential closers: Kevin Hodgkins (6-2, 7 SV, 1.89 in 71 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.02), Bruce Rafferty (2-0, 2 SV, 1.93 in 32 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.29), Oscar Matthews (2-1, 2 SV, 2.38 in 45 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.28) and even Dave Elliot (2-2, 1 SV, 2.68 in 57 IP, WHIP 1.23). Less effective were former Flyers John Jahnke (3.91 in 53 IP), George Thorn (4.35 in 49 2/3 IP) and Robin Houston (5.31 in 20 1/3 IP), plus current members Bob Lamb (4.16 in 26 IP), Dave Brown (3.86 in 21 IP) and Johnny Westerman (5.00 in 9 IP).


Catchers - Grade: A

For the second straight year, Mike Weber (.294, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 92 R, 84 BB, 15 2Bs, 8 3Bs) could have easily won the Eastern Division MVP. Jack Lowe (.282 in 110 AB, 5 HR, 23 RBI) was an effective backup before he was traded to Atlanta, but Tom VanWinkle (.217 in 83 AB, 2 HR, 10 RBI), Ron Ayres (.111 in 36 AB) and Gary Armitage (0 for 10) all struggled with the role.


First Basemen - Grade: C

Everett Putman (.299 in 331 AB, 0 HR, 44 RBI, 16 2Bs) had a decent rookie season, though you'd hope he'd show more power than the typical shortstop. Darrel Robinson (.272 in 206 AB, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 9 2Bs) was an important contributor off the bench, but Steve Brown (.198 in 121 AB, 3 HR, 10 RBI) struggled to hit big-league pitching for the second straight year.


Second Basemen - Grade: C

Clark Davidson (.261, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 92 R, 80 BB, 40 SB) really put it together late in his first full year in the bigs, and Thomas Wilkins (.415 in 41 AB) was a key September callup. Jeff Harvey (.244 in 41 AB) and Eddie Chaney (.214 in 14 AB) have departed and will not be missed.


Third Basemen - Grade: B-

Mike Schaaf (.296, 13 HR, 80 RBI, 19 2Bs) greatly improved the hot corner when he was acquired from Memphis for Valentine Stephens (.263 in 156 AB). Dave Snow (.310 in 142 AB) played more at third after being picked up from Norfolk to take over second from Davidson. Troy Shaughnessy (0 for 3) got a look-see in September.


Shortstops - Grade: C+

After hitting .316 in a half-season last year, Alan Bruns (.271, 4 HR, 57 RBI) hit less but walked more (70 BB, OBP .376). Henry McKie (.250 in 20 AB) had a good September.


Left Fielders - Grade: C+

Steven Robinson (.290 in 200 AB) started the most games in left before being sent to Norfolk; John Trull (.293 in 174 AB, 14 2Bs) and John Hoyle (.256 in 86 AB, 4 HR) were effective replacements, while Frank Thomas (.286 in 185 AB, 1 HR), Walt Finney (.222 in 18 AB) and Rudy Olson (1 for 6) were not.


Center Fielders - Grade: A

Paul LaFontaine (.360, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 95 R, 24 2Bs) was everything Carolina thought he would be when they committed to pay him $40 million over five years. John Swanson (.315 in 89 AB, 2 HR, 9 2Bs, 3 3Bs) looked good in his limited action.


Right Fielders - Grade: A-

Dale Francis (.311, 17 HR, 91 RBI, 93 R, 27 2Bs) hit well, no matter what position he was asked to field (46 GS at RF, 45 GS at SS, 36 GS at LF). Rick Roberts (.221 in 367 AB, 4 HR, 38 RBI, 63 BB) started out strong but faded late in the year. Mike Sutton (.200 in 60 AB) showed little before going to Norfolk.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

And I said _last_ year was a success! A league record for wins and a championship... what more could you ask for?

Despite a slight drop in attendance (2.70 million versus 2.78 million last year), we made over $3.6 million more in gate revenue this year, since last year's success allowed us to keep the ticket price at $13 almost all year.

Overall, we took in $88.6 mil and paid out $75.0 mil in payroll. Adding our $13.5 mil profit to $10.4 cash means we'll just sneak under the $25 million cash cap. It also means that our funds are virtually unlimited next year, since anything more than a couple mil of profit will be wasted... However, a lot of Flyers are headed to arbitration: Becker, Jeremiah Davis, Weber, Hodgkins, Fox, Randolph, Roberts, Elliot, Robinson, Swanson, Bruns and Rafferty...

Yet they'll all be back, while Powell, Hoyle, Matthews, Bingham and Trull will be free agents... The only possible hole is losing two relievers, but we have about eight big-league starters on the roster, so it just means Randolph and perhaps one other starter will end up in the bullpen.

So there's no reason we can't repeat, especially if we stay healthier next season... I can't wait for next year! See you then!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXVI, Issue 1 - January 22, 1973

Hot Stove Issue

RP Terry Bingham, RP Oscar Matthews, SS Dave Powell, OF John Hoyle and OF John Trull all head for free agency, leaving a lack of depth in both the bullpen and the outfield, as you'll see in our Winter Organization-Wide Scouting Report:


Starting Pitchers

Bill Morgan [9/6/6] (15-4, 2.60, WHIP 1.16) and Keith Becker [8/10/3] (14-10, 3.04, WHIP 1.04) may be the top one-two punch in the league. Justin Randolph [6/7/7] (19-6, 3.36, WHIP 1.26) and Ken Green [7/6/7] (11-8, 4.38, WHIP 1.37) will probably begin the year in the rotation, as neither Jeremiah Davis [9/4/7] (4.32 in 8 1/3 IP last year; 15-9, 3.38, WHIP 1.36 in 1971) nor Bud Fox [3/10/7] (2.79 in 9 2/3 IP last year; 9-8, 3.60, WHIP 1.32 in 1971) are certain to be ready for Opening Day. Also waiting in the wings are Bill Frazier [5/7/5] (12-5, 4.34, WHIP 1.47), Gerald Bonham [6/5/5] (10-4 in 16 AAA GS, 2.80, WHIP 1.24) and Wilbert Cagle [4/5/7] (4-0 in 6 AAA GS, 1.34, WHIP 1.02).

Relief Pitchers

With the departure of Bingham, Kevin Hodgkins [8/8/9] (1.89 in 71 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.02) will take over the closer's role. Also returning are Bruce Rafferty [6/8/4] (1.93 in 32 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.29), Dave Elliot [7/6/6] (2.68 in 57 IP, WHIP 1.23) and Cecil Nelson [6/5/5] (4.30 in 29 1/3 AAA IP, WHIP 1.43), along with southpaws Bob Lamb [5/10/3] (3.83 in 96 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.21) and Johnny Westerman [8/7/5] (2.27 in 47 2/3 AAA IP, WHIP 1.01).

Catchers

Mike Weber [6/8/7] (.294, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 92 R, 84 BB) should be recovered from his late-season back injury before April comes around, and Tom VanWinkle [5/4/3] (.217 in 83 AB, 2 HR, 10 RBI) will hopefully continue to develop as Weber's backup. Gary Armitage [4/1/9] (.267 in 150 AAA AB, 57 BB) and Ron Ayres [4/6/5] (.270 in 137 AA AB, 10 HR, 35 RBI) also remain in the organization.

First Basemen

Everett Putman [6/3/4] (.299 in 331 AB, 0 HR, 44 RBI) and Darrel Robinson [5/7/6] (.272 in 206 AB, 5 HR, 25 RBI) both return, with Putman as the starter. Steve Brown [5/7/7] (.208 in 125 AB, 3 HR, 10 RBI) goes back to AAA Winston-Salem, where he always put up fine numbers (.295 in 292 AAA AB, 30 HR, 77 RBI, 22 2Bs). Last year's first-rounder, John Radcliffe [3/2/4] (.224 in 361 A-ball AB, 3 HR, 37 RBI, 21 2Bs) will remain in Columbus.

Second Basemen

Clark Davidson's [5/4/9] (.261, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 92 R, 80 BB, 40 SB) late-season turnaround, combined with the team's need of a leadoff hitter, makes Dave Snow [8/6/5] (.275 in 385 AB, 8 HR, 62 RBI) expendable, since $3 million is a lot to pay your designated pinch-hitter. If needed, Thomas Wilkins [5/3/4] (.415 in 41 AB; .292 in 496 AAA AB, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 23 2Bs, 20 SB) would make a solid backup.

Third Basemen

At age 22, Mike Schaaf [9/6/4] (.299, 13 HR, 88 RBI, 23 2Bs) looks to improve on a solid season. Snow and Robinson will see some time at the hot corner, too.

Shortstops

Alan Bruns [6/2/7] (.271, 4 HR, 57 RBI, 70 BB) will again get the starting nod, forcing Francis to the outfield.

Left Fielders

Though Frank Thomas [6/4/4] (.286 in 185 AB, 1 HR, 19 RBI) will be ready for spring training after breaking his wrist late last year, this position is probably the Flyers' biggest hole going into the season. If no pickups are made, Clement Bodine [5/4/5] (.364 in 33 AAA AB; .281 in 430 AA AB, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 93 BB, 22 2Bs) may get a chance to compete for this job.

Center Fielders

Paul LaFontaine [9/6/3] (.360, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 95 R, 24 2Bs) returns after setting a new team record for hits (213). John Swanson [4/5/8] (.309 in 94 AB, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 10 2Bs) will likely be the backup.

Right Fielders

Dale Francis [6/6/6] (.311, 17 HR, 91 RBI, 93 R, 27 2Bs) has lost a step but can still cover the ground in right. Rick Roberts [4/4/8] (.228 in 378 AB, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 69 R, 64 BB) returns as well, but the fourth outfielder slot could also use improvement.


Financial Report

With $88.6 million in revenue (including $1.7 million from the playoffs) and $75.0 million in payroll, the Flyers made a $13.5 million profit last year, giving them just under $24 million in cash on hand.

This year, the club can already count on an extra $2 million from their new broadcasting contract, while the current payroll stands at just $70.7 million, led by SP Bill Morgan ($8.4 mil), CF Paul LaFontaine ($8.0 mil), RF Dale Francis ($8.0 mil), SP Keith Becker ($5.3 mil) and C Mike Weber ($5.1 mil).

Nine Flyers got at least a million dollars out of arbitration this season, one more than last year: SP Keith Becker ($5.3 mil), C Mike Weber ($5.1 mil), SP Jeremiah Davis ($4.9 mil), SP Justin Randolph ($4.8 mil), RP Kevin Hodgkins ($4.2 mil), SP Bud Fox ($3.0 mil), SS Alan Bruns ($1.9 mil), RP Bruce Rafferty ($1.8 mil) and RP Dave Elliot ($1.8 mil). Hodgkins, Rafferty and 1B Darrel Robinson may earn their free agency rights during this season, while 2B/3B Dave Snow is definitely headed to the open market after this year.

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXVI, Issue 2 - March 5, 1973

Spring Training Edition

Not a lot of offseason action for the Flyers... at least until the very end:

February 8 - RP Terry Bingham [9/7/3] (40 SV, 3.27 in 52 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.26) is brought back for another year at $3.4 million.

March 2 - Just prior to the Rule 5 Draft, Carolina announces the biggest trade of this offseason, sending SP Justin Randolph (19-6, 3.36, WHIP 1.26) and $10 million to division rival Tampa for CF David Powell [9/9/8] (.300, 29 HR, 100 RBI, 113 R, 111 BB). Powell was originally drafted by the Flyers, #2 overall in 1966, but was traded to the Tomahawks the following year for RP Kevin Hodgkins. He was the Eastern Division MVP in 1971, hitting .310 with 30 HR and 100 RBI.

The club is now off to spring training in Columbus... They open the season at State Fair Park against Memphis on Tuesday, April 3. See you then!