The Whirled League

Baseball The Way It Never Was

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TWIWBL 13.1: Series XI Notes – Bill James Division

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On August 6, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

With Kevin Hart set to miss 10 days, the Wolverines recalled Matt Anderson to help in the bullpen.

#Los Angeles Angels

Behind 4 RBIs from Don Buford and a great start from Brett Anderson, the Angels took down the Gothams. 6-1. Anderson gave up 1 run over 8 innings, improving his record to 3-4.

Bobby Grich delivered 3 doubles and 4 RBIs in support of another decent start from Doc Gooden in a 6-3 victory for the Angels in the final game of their series with the Gothams. Gooden won his second game, and Joe Nathan picked up his 6th save.

#Memphis Red Sox

Baltimore’s Jim Palmer gave up a 2-run homerun to Reggie Smith in the top of the 3rd, and Jon Lester made it hold up, allowing only 3 hits over 8 innings in improving his record to 4-3. Joe Beggs pitched the 9th for his 5th save.

After a 12-4 pasting by Baltimore, the Red Sox sent Eddie Ciccotte down to AAA and recalled Len Barker, injured since Sprint Training.

#New York Gothams

Buck O’Brien‘s first start in the WBL most likely earned him a trip back to AAA. O’Brien gave up 7 hits and 6 runs in under 3 innings in a 6-1 loss to the Angels. Two bits of good news for New York: Al Mays, who had struggled mightily, delivered 5 scoreless innings in relief of O’Brien, and Wes Westrum continued to impress, with 3 hits including a solo homerun.

Westrums’ performance made one choice easy for the Gothams: John Kerins was demoted to AAA, where he was already playing on a rehab assignment.

#Wandering House of David

The 11-3 pasting suffered at the hands of Homestead hurt, and losing Bob Rush for a few days stings a little. But seeing Pete Browning go down after being hit in the hand chills House of David fans to their bones. Browning, currently slashing 385/419/606, will miss around 3 weeks of action. Jerry Mumphrey has been recalled from AAA to help at CF.

TWIWBL 12.1: Series X Notes – Bill James Division

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On July 21, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Johnny Marcum‘s return to the rotation was a good sign for Detroit fans. Marcum combined with Mickey Lolich, Kevin Hart, and Mike Henneman, allowing 6 hits and 1 run in a 2-1 victory over Brooklyn. Marcum improved to 3-1, with Henneman picking up his 7th save.

All 7 of the Wolverines’ hits came from Tony Phillips (3) and Ty Cobb and Hank Greenberg (2 each).

Hank Aguirre will be on the DL for at least a 10 days, forcing the Wolverines into another change in their starting rotation. Buddy Napier was recalled from AAA to take Aguirre’s roster spot.

#Los Angeles Angels

Doc Gooden, Nolan Ryan, Jonny Venters, and Joe Nathan combined on a 5-hit shutout and Derrek Lee broke open a scoreless game with a 2-run double as the Angels triumphed over Chicago, 3-0. Gooden allowed only 2 hits in 4 innings before a rain delay forced him out of the game, a very positive sign for the struggling, young righthander.

Gerrit Cole joined the WBL’s group of 6 game winners with 7 innings of 4-hit, 1-run pitching against Chicago. Chuck Finley and Nathan finished the game off, with Cole’s record now 6-2 and Nathan picking up his 5th save. The difference in the game was Kal Daniels‘ 3rd homerun.

#Memphis Red Sox

During an 11-3 loss to the Gothams, Nomar Garciaparra was injured in a collision at home plate, and will miss at least a week. Wayne Causey was recalled from AA for infield depth.

#New York Gothams

4 hits from Willie Mays and 4 RBIs from Carl Furillo led the Gothams to an 11-3 win over Memphis, with a strong start from Juan Marichal moving the right-hander to 3-1 on the year.

Helped by back-to-back homeruns from Mays and Johnny Callison and 5 double plays, the Gothams rolled to a 9-2 victory in the second game of the series. Mickey Welch pitched 6 solid innings to improve to 4-1 and Al Mays earned his first save with 3 scoreless innings in relief.

Gaylord Perry‘s first start didn’t go so well. Then, Christy Mathewson was called into the game to replace an injured Carson Smith, who was put on the DL. All of that made the Gothams look for an SP to recall from AAA, and they settled on Buck O’Brien. Pete Donohue looks better right now, but after a recent start, Donohue would be unavailable for use for a few days, a luxury New York cannot afford.

#Wandering House of David

Closer Tom Niedenfuer, who’s been excellent all season, will miss about 3 months with shoulder inflammation. Bruce Sutter is likely to take over as closer with Phil Regan being recalled from AAA.

TWIWBL 11.1: Series IX Notes – Bill James Division

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On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hank Aguirre had pitched well all season, but had only a 1-3 record to show for it. Here, he combined with Mike Henneman on a 3-hit shutout of Houston, figuring the only way to win was to ensure the opposition didn’t score. Hank Greenberg was 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs in the 3-0 victory.

Si Johnson lasted less than 2 innings before leaving his start injured, but it was long enough to give up 5 runs and take the loss in a game the Wolverines dropped to Houston, 6-3. Johnson was put on the 10 day DL after the game, with Mickey Lolich called up to Detroit to take his place and Johnny Marcum taking Johnson’s place in the rotation.

Tom Brookens‘ stay in Detroit was short, but going hitless in 15 ABs will do that. The 33-year old veteran was out of options, so the Wolverines waived him, freeing up a spot on their 40-man roster as well. 1B Greg Brock was recalled, adding some power to their bench.

#Los Angeles Angels

Armando Benitez made 4 appearances for the Angels, none of them good. He’ll be given another 12 games to see if there’s anything worth salvaging–having made it clear he’s unwilling to go to the minors, the Angels will then be faced with the choice of releasing or trading Benitez.

#Memphis Red Sox

Where did that come from? Nothing Eddie Cicotte had done yet indicated ha had this in him: 7.1 innings of shutout, 6-hit ball against Chicago, easily the hottest offense in the league. Mookie Betts, Ted Williams, Vern Stephens, and Bill White all went deep as the Red Sox eased to a 10-0 win. Williams was 3-for-4 with 3 runs and Betts was 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs.

Pete Runnels was moved to AAA, with Claude Richey being recalled. 1B George Scott would have joined Runnels, but refused the demotion, potentially signaling the end of Boomer’s time with the Red Sox.

#New York Gothams

Despite walking 3 in the top of the 9th, Sad Sam Jones tossed a complete game, 4-hit shutout against the mighty Black Yankees. Jones moved to 2-3 on the year, with the key hit being a 2-run homerun by Eugenio Suarez. Willie Mays added 3 hits for the Gothams.

Al Mays‘ recent struggle cost him his rotation spot, with Gaylord Perry taking his place.

#Wandering House of David

C.C. Sabathia spun a 5-hit shutout against Brooklyn to raise his record to 5-2. The Royal Giants’ Don Drysedale–who gave up a grand slam to Ernie Banks in the first inning before delivering a very Drysedalesque performance–lost his first game of the year. Banks, George Stone, Pete Browning, and Mark McGwire each had 2 hits for the House of David.

Gabby Hartnett and Frank Grant were both sent to AAA (sub .500 OPS will do that), with Frank Chance being promoted to serve as Elrod Hendricks‘ backup at catcher. The House of David reached down to AA for Grant’s replacement, recalling Bunny Downs, who had been hitting 360/436/472 for Albuquerque.

TWIWBL 8.1: Series VII Notes – Bill James Division

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On June 18, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hal Newhouser made his second appearance of the year (his first only lasted 1.2 IP before an elbow injury sent him to the DL). While a little wild (5 walks), he pitched 6.2 innings of 2-hit, shutout ball. Gene Conley and Kevin Hart finished off the 3-hit shutout in the 10-0 victory over Baltimore.

Tony Phillips suffered a concussion during the game, and was put on the 10 Day IL afterwards. 2B Robby Thompson, who has been tearing up AAA since being sent down, was recalled.

Whitey Wilshire joined the 4-game winner club with 6.1 scoreless innings against Baltimore. The game was a bit of a laugher, with Geoff Jenkins‘ 4 hits leading the Wolverines to an 8-1 victory.

#Los Angeles Angels

Brett Anderson tossed a brilliant 3-hit shutout, going the distance for an 8-0 victory over Homestead. Anderson improved to 2-3 on the year, with support from one expected source (Doug Rader going 3-for-4) and one unexpected (Derrek Lee driving in 3 runs).

Elmer Valo delivered an extra innings, walk-off victory in the final game of the series against the Grays. Valo singled in Mike Trout, who had walked to lead off the inning, and then gone to 3rd an a single by Bobby Grich. The hit gave the Angels a series sweep, with the win going to Jonny Venters, who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of a highly effective Harry Howell.

#Memphis Red Sox

Nixey Callahan was a hard-luck 0-4 on the season, despite better than average numbers. He took matter into his own hands, spinning 7.1 innings of 2-hit ball against Kansas City and earning his first victory of the season. Joe Beggs pitched a scoreless 9th for his 2nd save of the season, and the Red Sox won a well-pitched game, 3-1.

#New York Gothams

After the blowout 16-5 win over Philadelphia, the Gothams placed C John Kerins on the DL, calling up light-hitting Wes Westrum from AAA Hartford.

Rain setup a doubleheader to close out the series with Philadelphia. In the first game, Joe Adcock tripled in 2 runs to tie the game at 3 with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth against Philadelphia’s closer, Bob Howry. Howry’s next pitch scooted under Bill Dickey for a passed ball, and a 4-3 improbable comeback win for the Gothams.

The Stars would win the second game, as Al Mays was shellacked for 6 runs in under 4 innings. The bright spot for the Gothams was a fantastic debut by recently recalled C Westrum, who went 3-for-4 with a grand slam. And I called him light-hitting above!

#Wandering House of David

Ernie Banks saw his 20-game hitting streak come to an end in a 9-5 victory over Indianapolis. The following day, Gabby Hartnett and Banks each hit pinch-hit HRs to lead the House of David to a come from behind victory over the ABC’s.

Frank Sullivan pitched a great game, allowing only 1 hit through 8 innings against Indianapolis. But the ABC’s scored in the 9th, sending the game to extra innings, and a Johnny Bench HR consigned the House of David to an extra-inning defeat.

TWIWBL 7.1: Series VI Notes – Bill James Division

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On June 5, 2021

In TWIWBL

{With the day off on April 25th, it was a time of roster moves and lineup and pitching adjustments. As such, there are a few more notes for each team than usual.}

#Detroit Wolverines

Bob Bailey had four hits including a HR and Hank Greenberg added a grand slam, powering the Wolverines over the New York Gothams.

To clear room for Hal Newhouser‘s return from a rehab stint in AAA, Long Tom Hughes was demoted. Justin Verlander was moved into the starting rotation as well, despite some recent struggles.

Ty Cobb‘s 397/453/655 line is demanding more playing time, despite a crowded Detroit lineup.

#Los Angeles Angels

RP Larry Anderson, highly effective in 6 appearances, will miss a couple months with a sprained ankle. Armando Benitez was recalled from AAA to take his roster spot.

Doug Rader had two HRs including a grand slam to lead Los Angeles to a 10-inning 11-6 win over Ottawa. Rader drove in 7 in the game on 3 hits.

The Angels left a dozen runners on base in the final game of their series with Ottawa, losing 5-1 despite 12 hits, 11 of which were singles.

The C platoon of Brian Downing and Jim Stephens is really not working out, but options aren’t terribly available. OF Rusty Staub‘s 151/252/237 start did earn him a trip to AAA Las Vegas with 3B Tim Wallach joining the Angels.

#Memphis Red Sox

The Red Sox turned five double-plays in the final game of their series with Homestead, en route to a 6-2 victory. 2B Dustin Pedroia was part of each one, 3B Wade Boggs had 4 hits, and Ted Williams and Bob Brenly both went deep in support of Dean Chance, who moved to 4-1 on the year.

Tim Wakefield‘s consistent bullpen performances have warranted his move into Memphis’ starting rotation.

OF Freddie Lynn and C Billy Bryan are destroying AAA pitching, but there is no room for them in Memphis as of yet.

#New York Gothams

Both C Buster Posey‘s 14-game and OF Willie Mays‘ 12-game hitting streaks came to an end in the same contest, but–perhaps surprisingly given that–it was a dramatic victory for the Gothams, 12-8 over Detroit in 10 innings. New York scored 4 runs in the top of the 9th to tie it and 4 more in the 10th to win. Johnny Callison had 3 hits, scored 4 times, and drove in 5 only to be outdone by Pinky Higgins who had 6 RBIs on his 3 hits.

RP Marcel Lachemann was sent to AAA to clear room for Carson Smith‘s return from a rehab assignment. SS Art Fletcher was released–he refused to go to AAA, despite hitting 224/250/318–setting up a platoon between Eugenio Suarez and the newly-recalled Brandon Crawford.

#Wandering House of David

When Jerry Mumphrey was sent up to pinch-hit for Sammy Sosa with the bases loaded, the House of David were hoping for a hit to get them back in the ballgame. Instead, Mumphrey wrapped Cory Gearrin‘s pitch around the right field foul pole for a grand slam, and a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the 9th against Cleveland. The lead held, and the House of David emerged victorious.

IF Frank Grant and C Gabby Hartnett are both struggling, but the House of David wants to wait before making any moves. 3B Jung Ho Kang was promoted to take the place of the recently injured George Gore.

Series V Featured Matchup – Wandering House of David @ Los Angeles Angels

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On May 20, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

Four games pitting the Wandering House of David against the Los Angeles Angels in a series between two of the better teams from the Bill James Division. See here for the series preview.

Game One: Jack W. Taylor v. Pud Galvin

Game one was dominated by Pud Galvin, who pitched 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 6 hits to lead the Angels to a 5-1 victory. Galvin’s opposite number, Jack W. Taylor, gave up 5 runs in 6 innings.

Both bullpens were stellar: Rollie Fingers threw 2 innings of scoreless relief for the House of David and Jeurys Familia, Larry Anderson, and Joe Nathan allowed only one hit behind Galvin.

Mike Trout and Doug Rader combined for 6 hits and all 5 RBIs for Los Angeles, with Trout hitting his second HR of the year. Don Buford added 2 hits and scored twice.

HOD 1 (Taylor 2-1) @ LAA 5 (Galvin 1-1)
HRs: Trout (LAA, 2)
Box Score

Game Two: Frank Sullivan v Harry Howell

The game itself was overshadowed by an injury to Pete Browning, who was put on the DL by the House of David, and is expected to miss between one and two weeks. Dan Ford was recalled from AAA after the game to take Browning’s spot on the roster.

That compounded a bad day, as Los Angeles moved to a 2-0 lead in the series with a walk-off victory. The House of David scored 4 times in the first two innings to take an early lead, led by HRs from Browning and Sammy Sosa, but a 3-run 6th inning keyed by a 2-run 2B from George Wright, tied the game at 5.

The score would stay that way until the bottom of the 9th, when Wright led off with a single against Joakim Soria. Kal Daniels followed with a single, with Wright heading to third, and Elmer Valo scored him with a hard single through the right side, sending the home crowd happy with a 6-5 walk-off win for Los Angeles.

Daniels and Wright had 3 hits each, with Wright scoring 3 times and driving in 2, and Derrek Lee looked to break out of his slump, going 2-for-2. For the House of David, both Ryne Sandberg and Mark Grace went 2 for 4.

Chuck Finley continued his strong start to the year for Los Angeles, with 3 innings of scoreless relief, while Aaron Heilman pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory, his first of the year. For the House of David, Dick Tidrow, who had been fantastic to date, was roughed up for 2 earned runs in 1.2 innings, earning his second blown save of the year.

HOD 5 (Soria 0-1) @ LAA 6 (Heilman 1-0)
HRs: Browning (HOD, 4); Sosa (HOD, 2)
Box Score

Game Three: CC Sabathia v Doc Gooden

The House of David look to get back into the series without their leading hitter, Pete Browning, who was placed on the DL.

Both CC Sabathia and Doc Gooden struggled early, but Sabathia got on track, allowing four hits over 7.1 innings to lead the House of David to a 4-1 victory. Gooden was not nearly as good, walking 5 and allowing 6 hits in 4.1 innings, giving up four runs in the process.

Both bullpens excelled: Nolan Ryan followed Gooden with 3.2 hitless innings while striking out four, while for the House of David, Bruce Sutter got his second hold of the year and Tom Niedenfuer pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save.

Richie Hebner drove in 2 runs with a bases loaded single in the top of the 2nd, and Mark McGwire and Mark Grace drove in runs with walks in the top of the 5th.

For Los Angeles, the offense was highly concentrated in two batters: Mike Trout went 3-for-4 and Bobby Grich 2-for-4.

HOD 4 (Sabathia 3-2; Niedenfuer 4 Sv) – LAA 1 (Gooden 1-3)
HRs – None.
Box Score

Game Four: Fergie Jenkins v Gerrit Cole

Sabathia and Gooden were a good matchup, but this one was even better. Fergie Jenkins comes into the game with a 2-1 record and a 4.50 ERA and Cole with an identical record and a 3.90 ERA. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, however, Cole especially, whose year started with 3 consecutive solid starts before being roughed up by Kansas City his last time out. Jenkins was masterful his last time out, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run over 7 innings in a victory over Memphis.

Sometimes, though, a game just comes down to a single swing. With the House of David up 2-0 in the bottom of the 5th, singles by George Wright and Don Buford scored the Angels’ first runs. Mike Trout walked to load the bases, and Doug Rader deposited a Jenkins fastball into the left field seats for a grand slam. That put the Angels up, 6-2.

The House of David closed the gap to 6-5, but the Angels’ Joe Nathan pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save, preserving the win for Cole, who struck out 10 in 7 strong innings.

HOD 5 (Jenkins 2-2) – LAA 6 (Cole 3-1; Nathan 3 Sv)
HRs: Rader (LAA, 3)
Box Score

Series Notes

Rader had 6 RBIs in the 4 games, but the hitting star was Trout, who went 8 for 14 in the four games, effectively breaking out of his early season slump. Richie Hebner and George Stone had 5 hits each for the House of David.

The Angels took 3 of the 4 games, but they still trail the House of David by 1 game in the Bill James Division.

The key storylines were Browning’s injury and Trout’s emergence–the former a significant challenge for a suddenly struggling House of David; the latter a ray of hope for the Angels.

Previewing Series V – Wandering House of David @ Los Angeles Angels

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On May 17, 2021

In Series Previews

For Series V, we’ll take a closer look at the Wandering House of David‘s four game road trip to the left coast to face the Los Angeles Angels in a matchup of the top two teams in the Bill James Division. At 12-6, The House of David, fresh off a four game sweep in Series IV, lead the Angels, who sit at .500 with nine wins and nine losses by three games.

The matchups of the series are (House of David SP first) Jack W. Taylor (2-0, 3.54 ERA) v. Pud Galvin (0-1, 4.34); Frank Sullivan (2-1, 5.31) v. Harry Howell (1-1, 3.18); CC Sabathia (2-2, 4.23) v. Doc Gooden (1-2, 5.92); and Fergie Jenkins (2-1, 4.50) v. Gerrit Cole (2-1, 3.90).

As those numbers suggest, the SP for each of these teams has been solid, but not spectacular. The same cannot be said of the House of David’s bullpen, which leads the WBL with a 1.36 ERA. Bruce Sutter has yet to give up a run, and Rollie Fingers, Joakim Soria, Dick Tidrow, and Tom Niedenfuer have each allowed only a single earned run on the season. Niedenfuer leads the team with three saves, with Sutter adding two.

The Angels’ bullpen has been less spectacular but still quite solid, led by Larry Anderson–yet to give up a run–and Joe Nathan‘s 2 saves. Chuck Finley looks to get a shot at starting soon, giving up only 2 runs in over 9 IP with 15 strikeouts.

Kal Daniels has been the best hitter for the Angels in the early going, slashing a 348/474/652 line. Don Buford (308/410/415) and Doug Rader (289/333/461 with 16 RBIs) have been their other key producers, with both Mike Trout and Derrek Lee mired in significant slumps. Lee, Rusty Staub, and Brian Downing all have OPS below .600, meaning they are likely to see a trip to AAA if they don’t pick up the pace soon.

For the House of David, it’s all been about reigning WBL Player of the Week Pete Browning, who is hitting at a 467/484/717 clip to go with 15 runs scored and 9 SBs. George Stone has been their second best hitter at 373/429/627, but the whole offense has been solid. Five players have three HRs each: Browning, Stone, Ryne Sandberg, Mark McGwire, and Ernie Banks. At the other end, Ron Santo, Sammy Sosa, and Frank Grant have all struggled mightily out of the gate, with BAs hovering around .200 and OPS under .600 each.

TWIWBL 5.3: Series IV Notes – Bill James Division

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On May 13, 2021

In TWIWBL

At 12-6, the Wandering House of David lead the division, with only the Los Angeles Angels at 9-9 also at .500. Having lost 7 in a row, Memphis trails the division, already 8 games behind with a 4-14 record.

Leading SP: Harry Howell, LAA. 1-1, 3.18 ERA, 1.01 WHIP.
Leading RP: Chuck Finley, LAA. 1-0, 2H, 1.86 ERA, 0.83 WHIP in 5G.
Leading Batters: Buster Posey, NYG. 433/486/731; Pete Browning, HOD. 467/484/717, 9SB; Chili Davis, DET. 329/376/506, 20RBI.

#Detroit Wolverines

With very few rested arms, Detroit sacrificed some of its infield depth in preparation for its next series, sending Robbie Thompson to AAA and promoting Doyle Alexander. Alexander gave up 3 runs and 4 hits in his debut inning, so he may be heading back to AAA shortly.

#Los Angeles Angels

Highly touted closer Francisco Rodriguez was promoted from AA to AAA.

#Memphis Red Sox

There may be some hope for Memphis, as the combination of Roger Clemens (3.54 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 8.4 K/9) and Dean Chance (1.93 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) looks quite strong at the top of their rotation. With a 2-1 record, Chance has the only victories by a SP for the Red Sox (Clemens is 0-1 and fellow current rotation members Nixey Callahan, Sadie McMahon, and Jon Lester are a combined 0-9).

#New York Gothams

Willie McCovey led a 15-3 clobbering of Miami with a 4 hit, 2 HR, 4 RBI effort. SP Carson Smith began a rehab stint at AAA Hartford, hoping to rejoin New York in short order.

TWIWBL 5.2: Notes from Series IV

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On May 12, 2021

In TWIWBL

The WBL saw its first on-field brawl, as Kansas City‘s Boog Powell charged the mound after getting plunked by Philadelphia‘s Robin Roberts. Powell was suspended for 5 games, Roberts for 6.

WBL Player of the Week

The Wandering House of David‘s Pete Browning went 13 for 22 for the week–that’s a 591/591/909 slash line–with 5 RBIs and 6 runs scored to take home the WBL Player of the Week.

He had some competition: Homestead‘s Mike Epstein hit 571/625/1143; and the New York Black Yankees‘ Babe Ruth hit 417/462/1000 with 4 HRs and 10 RBIs. On the mound, Birmingham‘s Scott Baker went 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 2 starts and Philadelphia’s Bob Howry had 3 saves.

Series IV Results

Series IV Sweeps

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series IV

TWIWBL 4.1: Notes from Series III

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On September 30, 2020

In TWIWBL

The New York Black Yankees saw their 10 game winning streak come to an end in a 4-2 loss to the Wandering House of David. The Black Yankees are tied with the Kansas City Monarchs for the best record in the league at 11-3, with the Brooklyn Royal Giants the only other team with double-digit victories. Those 4 teams–New York, Wandering, Kansas City, and Brooklyn–each lead their divisions.

Two decent hitting streaks are still intact: Babe Ruth has a 14 game streak (see below for a dramatic extension by Ruth) and the Baltimore Black Sox‘s Dan McGann has hit safely in 13 straight games.

Philadelphia‘s Ray Collins and Brooklyn‘s Don Drysedale are the only 3 game winners in the league (both are 3-0), and Portland‘s Johan Santana leads the league with 6 saves.

Houston‘s George Brett hit .538 with 2 HR’s and 7 RBIs to win the WBL Player of the Week.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Orel Hershiser (1-0) gave up only 5 hits while striking out 8 in a complete game victory over Cleveland. Hershiser’s only mistake of the day was a 2-run HR to Evan Longoria as the Royal Giants eased to a 6-2 win.

#Cleveland Spiders

Cleveland has basically created a fast shuttle between their AAA affiliate in Buffalo and the big leagues. Just across these five games, here’s who used it:

  • With John Ellis no longer carrying an injury, the Spiders demoted Harry Bemis.
  • Jim Gantner was called up from AAA to provide some depth at 2B behind Chuck Knoblauch.
  • Whit Wyatt returned from the DL, sending Sudden Sam McDowell down.
  • Yordano Ventura was put on the IL even though the Spiders were, at the time, unsure as the extent of his injuries (turns out to have been fine, Ventura is out for 4 months with bone spurs).
  • With the OF totally gassed and lacking depth, Peanuts Lowrey was called up.

Not all news for Cleveland was injury related: Bob Feller moved to 2-0 with 8 shutout innings against Brooklyn in a 9-1 Spiders’ victory.

#Detroit Wolverines

Phenom Ty Cobb continues to press for more playing time, going 3-for-4 with a HR in a start against Kansas City.

#Homestead Grays

With Corey Kluber still injured, Homestead recalled Cliff Lee for an emergency start. Lee was excellent, leading the Grays to keep him on the roster at the expense of Bill Fischer, who had struggled in a few early season appearances.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Bret Saberhagen was still not 100%, so the Colt 45’s did some roster juggling, sending Saberhagen to AAA for a day and recalling David Clyde. Clyde was lit on fire in his start, and sent right back to AAA after the game.

Roy Oswalt (2-1) combined with Trevor Hoffman for a 6 hit shutout against Portland.

#Kansas City Monarchs

The Monarchs’ Luke Hamlin–of all people–threw the best start of the year so far, allowing only 1 hit over 7 innings against Detroit while striking out 11. Neither Frank DiPino nor Jeff Pfeffer allowed a hit in closing the game out for a 1-0 Kansas city win.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Ramon Martinez tied the best game score of the year with a 5-hit complete game shutout of Chicago that took only 94 pitches, earning his first victory of the year.

#New York Black Yankees

With a 12-game hitting streak on the line, Babe Ruth came to the plate as a pinch hitter with his team down 2 in the bottom of the 9th and a runner on first. Ruth deposited Tom Niedenfuer‘s pitch in the left field seats for his 4th HR of the year to tie the game, extending his streak to 13 (New York would lose the game 5-4 in 13 innings).

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Lefty Grove continued his dominant start to the year, pitching 8 innings of 3-hit, 1-run ball while striking out 11 against Ottawa to go 2-0 on the season. Grove’s game score of 80 was the best in the league to date (later surpassed by Hamlin).

#Wandering House of David

OF Pete Browning continued his torrid start with a 4-for-4 game against the Black Yankees with a 2B, a 3B, and 2 RBIs to key a 13 inning HoD victory.

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