Tag: Willie Mays Page 7 of 8

TWIWBL 13.0: Series XI Notes

On August 4, 2021

May 17th

Performance

The best team in the WBL is … the Baltimore Black Sox? Surprising, but with 29 wins, they have one more than either the New York Black Yankees or the Portland Sea Dogs. Baltimore is led by C Curt Blefary and OF Frank Robinson offensively, with Dennis Martinez and Johnny Sain each having 5 wins on the year. Key to their recent performance has been a bit of resurgence by OF Bryce Harper, who has pushed his OPS up over .700 (a jump of about 100 points in just over a week).

The league is pretty well clustered, with only four teams (Memphis, Homestead, Miami, and Birmingham) yet to reach 20 wins.

Individual performances are still pretty spread out, as the lists below demonstrate. Babe Ruth leads in 4 categories, but he’s really the only player dominating across the board that way.

Leading SP: Walter Johnson (POR) 6-0, 3.21 ERA, 2.1 WAR; Gerrit Cole (LAA) 6-2, 4.09 ERA; Ron Guidry (NYY) 5-3, 3.10 ERA, 83 Ks, 1.06 WHIP; Lefty Grove (SFS) 4-1, 3.14 ERA; Camilo Pascual (MCG) 4-2, 2.45 ERA; Don Drysedale (BRK) 4-2, 2.60 ERA; Whit Wyatt (CLE) 3-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.12 WHIP; CC Sabathia 5-3, 3.01 ERA, 2.0 WAR.

Leading RP: Johan Santana (POR) 0-1, 3.65 ERA, 15 Sv; Terry Adams (CLE) 0-1, 1.69 ERA, 12 Sv; Bob Howry (PHI) 0-2, 5.74 ERA, 12 Sv; Ron Reed (PHI) 0-2, 2.92 ERA, 2 Sv, 9 H; Ralph Citarella (NYY) 1-2, 3.71 ERA, 1 Sv, 7 H; Craig Kimbrel (KAN) 1-1, 2.75 ERA, 7 H; Aroldis Chapman (MCG) 0-2, 0.00 ERA, 9 Sv; Joe Beggs (MEM) 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 Sv; Brian Wilson (NYG) 0-0, 2.08 ERA, 4 Sv, 0.77 WHIP; Bob Rush (HOD) 3-1, 1.50 ERA, 0.92 WHIP.

Leading Batters: Buster Posey (NYG) 377/451/623, 35 R, 2.6 WAR; Reggie Jackson (SFS) 370/488/637; Babe Ruth (NYY) 337/441/703, 16 HR, 44 R, 2.8 WAR; Lou Gehrig (NYY) 338/440/654; Willie Mays (NYG) 353/403/538, 65 H; Stan Musial (KAN) 354/417/566, 62 H; Rico Carty (PHI) 353/416/569, 18 2B; Terry Puhl (OTT) 248/313/409, 5 3B; Eric Davis (NYY) 301/349/578, 14 HR, 52 RBI; Doug Rader (LAA) 322/367/519, 49 RBI; Rickey Henderson (SFS) 244/402/333, 40 BB, 36 SB.

League Standings | League Statistics

Streaks

Cleveland‘s Jake Stahl is hitting 353/450/912 over his last 10 games, with 5 homeruns. At the other end, Philadelphia‘s Gene Demontreville is challenging the value of the good field/no hit shortstop, managing only a 128/128/154 line over his las 23 games (Demontreville was actually demoted to AAA this week, understandably). Damian Jackson has been even worse for Chicago: 075/213/075 over 18 games, but with more at-bats than Demontreville.

Sad Sam Jones is 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA over his last 5 starts while CC Sabathia is 4-1, 2.47 over his last 7.

Thurman Munson of the Black Yankees has the only active hitting streak of length, at 20 games and counting. Don Buford has reached base in 23 straight games, with Carlos Delgado, Oscar Charleston, and Munson each also having streaks of 20 games or more.

Hal Carlson hasn’t allowed a run in 14 innings.

The House of David is 1-9 over their last 10 games while Baltimore and Cleveland have one 8 of their last 10. Chicago has lost their last 7 games in a row.

Series Results

Series Sweeps

Cleveland over Chicago
Homestead over House of David

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series XI

Baltimore over Memphis
Kansas City over Birmingham
Brooklyn over Ottawa
Philadelphia over Detroit
San Francisco over Houston
Portland over Indianapolis
New York Black Yankees over Miami

Series Splits

Los Angeles @ New York Gothams

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview – Center Fielders

By mknn

On August 2, 2021

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

{ The All-Star game is about a month away. We’ll post occasional articles about the contenders for participation in the mid-season classic. These are written “as of now,” so the final selections may vary dramatically, but hopefully these will add to the ongoing flavor of the league. }

Put me in Coach, I’m ready to play …

#AL Center Fielders – Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions

The Pete Browning question looms large here. The House of David CF is slashing 385/419/606, but is currently on his second stint on the DL. He’s missed about 1/4 of the team’s games so far. But that–along with 16 SBs–is a helluva slash line.

The New York Gothams’ Willie Mays is at 354/405/536 with 38 RBI and Reggie Smith has been the sparkplug for Memphis’ offense all season, slashing 302/360/489. The same could be said for Houston’s Jimmy Wynn, hitting 291/402/475.

That leaves a group including Chicago’s Mike Fiore (262/403/404) and Los Angeles’ Mike Trout (294/375/395) on the outside looking in.

Fiore, Mays, and Smith have been the strongest defensive CFers, with Mays probably the best, so that’s covered here as well.

I’d go with Mays, Smith, and Wynn, with Mays as the starter; the AI selects the same trio.

#NL Center Fielders – Effa Manley & Marvin Miller Divisions

The Black Yankees’ Eric Davis is hitting 291/338/555 which, frankly, is excellent, but not spectacular. But he has 14 homeruns, 20 stolen bases (without being caught) and a WBL-leading 52 RBIs.

The San Francisco Sea Lions’ Bobby Bonds has hit even better than Davis, at 333/399/616, but is just returning from the DL. Portland’s Bobby Murcer, at 329/410/539 is in the mix, especially with his 30 RBIs.

Interestingly, Homestead’s Andrew McCutcheon (309/378/506) and Indianapolis’ Oscar Charleston (331/365/517) have very similar overall numbers to Davis, but a lot less media attention. Charleston has stellar defensive numbers, and McCutcheon adds 15 steals into the mix.

Finally, Brooklyn’s Duke Snider (298/344/506 with 10 homeruns) is at the fringes of the conversation.

Limited to three, I don’t see how you don’t select Davis and Bonds. I really want to select Charleston, but I think Murcer has to be the final choice at this moment.

The AI goes with Davis, McCutcheon, and Murcer, with Bonds selected as a RF.

TWIWBL 12.1: Series X Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

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

By mknn

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 11.0: Series IX Notes

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

May 8th

Awards

Duffy Lewis of the Chicago American Giants won the Player of the Week Award, hitting .448 with 5 homeruns–doubling his HR total on the year.

Performance

Given that we’re in early May, standings still don’t mean a whole lot. Portland and the New York Black Yankees have the best record in the league at 25-13, with the Chicago American Giants close behind as 23-15.

Homestead has the worst record at 12-26, already 13 games behind the Black Yankees.

League Standings | League Statistics

Walter Johnson moved to 6-0, becoming the only six-game winner in the league during Series IX. Babe Ruth slugged his 13th homerun of the year–a game-winner to boot–to regain the league lead.

More interestingly, the leaderboards are beginning to diversify. The lists below contain the top 2 performers in most categories, and while Ruth and Johnson still dominate, there a lot of different players there.

Leading SP: Walter Johnson (POR) 6-0, 3.07 ERA, 2.89 FIP, 1.9 WAR; Ron Guidry (NYY) 4-2, 3.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 65 Ks; CC Sabathia (HOD) 5-2, 2.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 3.13 FIP, 1.8 WAR; Don Drysedale (BRK) 4-1, 1.80 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, Gerrit Cole (LAA) 5-2, 4.45 ERA; Lefty Grove (SFS) 4-1, 3.30 ERA, 54 K; Camilo Pascual (MCG) 4-1, 2.36 ERA.

Leading RP: Johan Santana (POR) 0-1, 3.48 ERA, 13 Sv; Bob Howry (PHI) 0-2, 6.59 ERA, 10 Sv; Ron Reed (PHI) 0-1, 2.37 ERA, 2 Sv, 8 H; Joe Beggs 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 Sv; Tom Niedenfuer 0-0, 9.90 ERA, 7 Sv, 1 H; Craig Kimbrel (KAN) 0-1, 2.65 ERA, 6 H.

Leading Batters: Buster Posey (NYG) 394/463/685, 2.4 WAR; Reggie Jackson (SFS) 384/503/670; Babe Ruth (NYY) 371/461/734, 13 HR, 40 R, 2.6 WAR; Willie Mays (SFS) 352/394/509 56 H; Stan Musial (KAN) 380/448/570, 54 H; Rico Carty (PHI) 347/404/562, 14 2B, Kal Daniels (LAA) 289/413/485, 13 2B, Terry Puhl (OTT) 264/311/438, 5 3B; Curt Blefary (BAL) 295/420/676, 12 HR; Eric Davis (NYY) 306/342/571, 46 RBI; Doug Rader (LAA) 331/373/536, 45 RBI; Shoeless Joe Jackson (CAG) 370/458/688, 31 R, 2.5 WAR; Rickey Henderson (SFS) 286/442/397, 34 BB, 32 SB; Mickey Mantle (NYY) 293/414/444, 28 BB.

Streaks

Streaks are hard.

Chicago’s Luke Appling has the longest active hitting streak at 14 games, and Appling, Rico Carty (PHI), and Albert Pujols (KAN) have reached base in 16 straight.

San Francisco‘s Rickey Henderson has stolen 21 straight bases.

Sad Sam Jones of the New York Gothams and Houston‘s Toad Ramsey have each tossed 15 straight scoreless innings, and Baltimore‘s Ned Garvin hasn’t allowed a hit in 9 innings.

The hottest hitters in the league are Baltimore’s Curt Blefary (343/489/829 over 13 games), Cleveland‘s Ron Blomberg (486/488/838 over 11 games), and Indianapolis‘ Johnny Bench (382/493/764 over 16 games). Portland’s Kent Hrbek and Chicago’s Duffy Lewis each have 5 homeruns over their past 7 games.

Baltimore needs to make a choice soon, as Paul Blair continues to be totally overmatched, hitting 113/203/155 over 23 games.

Series Results

Series IX Sweeps

Cleveland over Kansas City

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series IX

Baltimore over San Francisco
Ottawa over Birmingham
Brooklyn over House of David
Houston over Detroit

Series Splits in Series IX

Chicago v Memphis
Homestead v Indianapolis
Los Angeles v Portland
Miami v Philadelphia
NY Black Yankees v NY Gothams

Series IX Featured Game: New York Black Yankees @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In Featured Games

The first subway series had seen the Gothams take 2 of the first 3 games. They would send an early season workhorse, Christy Mathewson, to the mound against the Black Yankees‘ Red Ruffing. Mathewson entered the game at 4-4 with a 4.69 ERA while Ruffing brought an undefeated record, at 4-0 with an ERA of 3.43.

The Gothams took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd, when Cookie Rojas delivered a bases loaded single, scoring Willie Mays. But a strong throw from Mickey Mantle in right field beat Yasiel Puig to the plate, keeping the lead 1-0.

Babe Ruth led off the top of the 4th with a line-drive double to left and Mantle walked. Both scored on a double by Albert Belle, putting the Black Yankees up by 2 runs, 3-1. The Gothams would tie it up in the bottom of the frame: Johnny Callison doubled and moved to 3rd on a sacrifice fly from Willie McCovey. Puig–who has hit very well since a recent promotion from AAA–was hit by a pitch from Ruffing. Brandon Crawford plated Callison with a sacrifice fly, and Puig scored on a wild pitch.

Ruffing and Mathewson found some consistency after that, until Ruffing was chased from the game in the bottom of the 7th, relieved by Dellin Betances. who promptly gave up 2 hits and a walk, with a single from McCovey plating Pinky Higgins and Buster Posey.

Mathewson was chased from the game in the top of the 8th by a long solo homerun by Belle, with Mike Norris coming in for the Gothams. Mike Schmidt greeted him with a single, and Thurman Munson followed with a deep shot to the upper deck in right field to put the Black Yankees up by a run, 6-5.

Goose Gossage took over for the Black Yankees in the bottom of the ninth with the 1 run lead, and induced flyball outs from Higgins and Posey. But Mays shot a ball just inside the RF foul pole to tie the game at 6. So … EXTRA INNINGS!

The deadlock lasted until the top of the 12th, when Ruth led off against Robb Nen by blasting a ball deep into the night. David Robertson closed it out in the bottom of the inning to preserve the victory–and the series split–for the Black Yankees.

Ruffing had a hard time with the strike zone, walking 6 in 6 innings, as did Mathewson, who walked 5 in 7.2 innings. Overall, the Black Yankees’ bullpen was just slightly more effective (3 hits and 2 runs in just under 6 innings), which–along with some timely longballs–was the difference maker.

Rojas and Higgins had 2 hits for the Gothams. For the Black Yankees, Derek Jeter went 3-for-6 and five players (Ruth, Davis, Belle, Schmidt, and Munson) had 2 hits each. Belle drove in 3, and Munson’s 2 homeruns gave him 5 on the year.

NYY 7 (Robertson 2-1; Citarella 6 H; Gossage 3 BS) @ NYG 6 (Nen 2-3; Norris 2 BS) [12 Innings]
HR: NYY – Belle (5), Munson 2 (5), Ruth (13); NYG – Mays (4)
Box Score

TWIWBL 7.1: Series VI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

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.

WBL Year I Statistics

I needed a place to hold statistics that aren’t easily displayed in OOTP. Most of these are game-level performances.

For complete statistics, poke around on the WBL Stats Page.

Batting Statistics

2+ 3B Games

2. Oscar Charleston (HOM); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Pete Hill (HOU); Gary Pettis (POR); Rick Reichardt (HOM); Manny Sanguillen (NYY); Billy Southworth (BBB); George Stone (HOD)

3+ 2B Games

4. Stan Musial (KCM)
3. Bob Bailey (DET); Curt Blefary (BAL); Pete Browning (HOD); Rico Carty (PHI) x2, Rick Ferrell (HOM); Pinky Higgins (NYG); Baby Doll Jacobson (BAL); Davey Johnson (HOM); Scott Rolen (PHI); Jimmy Sheckard (NYG); Ozzie Smith (KCM); Roy White (BRK)

3+ HR Games

3. Joe Adcock (NYG); Gil Hodges (POR); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Chase Utley (PHI)

3+ OF Assists

3. Jim Edmonds (HOD); Curtis Granderson (BBB)

4+ BB Games

4. Eddie Collins (CAG); Gavvy Cravath (PHI); Mickey Mantle (NYY); Joe Morgan (IND); Babe Ruth (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Reggie Smith (MEM); Elmer Valo (LAA); Joe Votto (IND)

4+ Run Games

5. Don Mattingly (NYA)

4. John Briggs (BRK); Johnny Callison (NYG); Robinson Cano (KCM); Cupid Childs (BBB); Will Clark (MIA); Mark Ellis (LAA); Carlton Fisk (CAG); Dan Ford (HOD); Bryce Harper (BAL); Kent Hrbek (POR); Frank Isbell (BBB/BRK) x2; Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Geoff Jenkins (DET); Eddie Mathews (BBB); Willie Mays (NYG); Andrew McCutcheon (HOM); Willie McGee (KCM); Boog Powell (KCM); Edd Roush (IND); Pops Stargell (HOM); Mike Trout (LAA) x2; George Wright (LAA)

4+ SB Games

4. Bobby Bonds (SFS); Lou Brock (KCM); Eddie Collins (CAG); Billy Southworth (BBB)

5+ Hit Games

5. Pete Browning (HOD); Robinson Cano (KCM); Ty Cobb (DET); Chili Davis (DET); Mark Ellis (LAA); Tom Herr (BBB); Frank Isbell (BBB); Stan Musial (KCM); Ken Singleton (BAL); Jim Stephens (LAA); Mike Trout (LAA); Andy Van Slyke (HOM); Jim Wynn (HOU)

5+ SO Games

5. Phil Bradley (OTT); Mike Piazza (BRK); Bobby Wallace (BAL)

6+ RBI Games

9. Jim Stephens (LAA)
7. Mickey Cochrane (SFS); Eric Davis (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Doug Rader (LAA); Pete Runnels (MCG)
6. Bob Bailey (DET); Carlos Delgado (LAA); Rogers Hornsby (KCM); Jim Pagliaroni (MEM); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Honus Wagner (HOM)

Longest HRs

526 ft. Jim Thome (MCG)
525 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM)
524 ft. Frank McCormick (BBB)
515 ft. Carlos Correa (HOU)
514 ft. Casey Stengel (HOU)
511 ft. Boog Powell (KCM)
504 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL); Eugenio Suárez (NYG)
503 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD)
502 ft. Wally Moon (SFS)
501 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL)

Pitching Statistics

80+ Game Scores

91. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
89. Dave Righetti (NYY)
88. Bert Blyleven (POR); Bob Gibson (KCM); Ron Guidry (NYY); Bill Steen (CLE)
87. Pete Donohue (NYG); Jack Taylor (HOD); Jim Whitney (BBB).
86. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); José Rijo (KCM); Jack Taylor (HOD)
85. Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Waite Hoyt (NYY)
84. Bert Blyleven (POR); Gene Conley (DET); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL); Lefty Grove (POR); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Harry Howell (LAA); Greg Maddux (BBB); Stubby Overmire (MEM); David Price (CAG); Frank Smith (CAG).
83. Jamie Moyer (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
82. Ned Garvin (BAL); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Bob Rush (HOD); Stephen Strasburg (HOU); Jack Taylor (HOD); Jim Whitney (BBB); Cy Young (HOM)
81. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Walter Johnson (POR); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Camilo Pascual (MCG); Whit Wyatt (CLE)
80. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Brown (OTT); Steve Carlton (PHI); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (POR); Waite Hoyt (NYY), Ramón Martínez (MCG); Wade Miley (HOD); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Charlie Root (DET)

10+ Strikeout Games

14. Bert Blyleven (POR)
12. Ed Walsh (CAG)
11. Bob Brown (OTT); Lefty Grove (POR) x2; Ron Guidry (NYY); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Tommy Hanson (BRK); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Dave Righetti (NYY); Bret Saberhagen (HOU); Ed Walsh (CAG)
10. Bob Feller (CLE); Lefty Grove (POR); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY) x2; Walter Johnson (POR); Mike Mussina (BAL); Frank Knauss (BRK).

8+ Walk Games

8. Ramon Martínez (MCG); Nolan Ryan (LAA); Carlos Zambrano (HOM)

Shutouts

1 H. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
2 H. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Waite Hoyt (NYY) [7 Inn]; David Price (CAG); José Rijo (KCM); Frank Smith (CAG); Jack Taylor (HOD)
3 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Pete Donohue (NYG); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL): Bob Gibson (KCM); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Greg Maddux (BBB); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Dave Righetti (NY); Bob Rush (HOD); Jack Taylor (HOD).
4 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Gene Conley (DET); Ned Garvin (BAL); Waite Hoyt (NYY); Wade Miley (HOD); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bill Steen (CLE); Jack Taylor (HOD); Cy Young (CLE)
5 H. Bert Blyleven (POR); Steve Carlton (PHI); Harry Howell (LAA); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Ramon Martinez (MCG); Jamie Moyer (OTT); Milt Pappas (BAL); José Rijo (KCM); CC Sabathia (HOD); Sam Streeter (BBB)

Shutouts (Combined)

1 H. Luke Hamlin / Frank DiPino / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM)
3 H. Whit Wyatt / Chad Qualls / Chuck Porter (CLE); H. Newhouser / Gene Conley / Kevin Hart (DET); Stephen Strasburg / Billy Wagner (HOU); Mel Harder / Chuck Porter (CLE)
4 H. Hank Aguirre / Mike Henneman (DET); Dizzy Trout / Elmer Brown (POR); Vic Willis / John Malarkey (BBB); Doc Gooden / Mike Smith (LAA); Stubby Overmire / Lance Broadway / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Willie Mitchell / Clay Carroll / Rob Dibble (IND)
5 H. Ray Collins / Rheal Cormier (PHI); Vean Gregg / Stan Bahnsen (HOM); Connie Johnson / Smokey Joe Wood / Jeff Pfeffer (KAN); Bob Rush / Rollie Fingers / Scott Downs / Lee Smith / Bruce Sutter (HOD); Francisco Liriano / Frank Linzy (HOM); Gene Conley / Buddy Napier / John Hiller; Jack Taylor / Scott Downs / Kerry Wood (HOD); Roenis Elías / Phenomenal Smith / Ed Bauta / Aroldis Chapman (MCG); Stephen Strasburg / Chad Qualls / Brad Lidge (HOU) / Eddie Plank / Dave LaRoche / Rob Beck (SFS); Jack Scott / Aroldis Chapman (NYY); Pat Malone / Chuck Porter / Cory Gearrin / Terry Adams (DET)

TWIWBL 7.0: Notes from Series VI

By mknn

On June 4, 2021

In TWIWBL

April 24th

Series VI saw the Kansas City Monarchs slow down the runaway steam train of the New York Black Yankees (they split a four game series) and the Portland Sea Dogs streak into first place of the Marvin Miller Division by taking 4 straight from the San Francisco Sea Lions.

League Standings | League Stats

Leading SP: Walter Johnson (POR), 4-0, 2.23 ERA, 1.13 WHIP; Don Drysedale (BRK), 4-0, 1.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP; Ron Guidry (NYY), 4-1, 2.32 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 51 K.

Leading RP: Johan Santana (POR), 0-1, 4.00 ERA, 11 Sv; Tom Henke (OTT), 0.90 ERA, 7 Sv; Bob Howry (PHI) 7 Sv; Ron Reed (PHI) 0-0, 2 Sv, 6 H.

Leading Batters: Babe Ruth (NYY), 449/534/867, 11 HR, 34 R, 32 RBI, 44 H; Jake Stenzel (IND), 261/330/420, 11 2B; Eric Davis (NYY), 290/309/542, 34 RBI; Rickey Henderson 244/421/337, 25 BB, 16 SB.

Boldface indicates league leading mark.

Streaks

Babe Ruth’s hitting streak ended at 23 games, leaving the Wandering House of David‘s Ernie Banks (19 games) and Ruth’s teammate Albert Belle (14 games) as the longest active streaks. Belle has also driven in a run in his last 8 games.

Four players (Bob Bailey of the Detroit Wolverines, Banks, Willie Mays of the New York Gothams, and Frank McCormick of the Birmingham Black Barons) have active streaks of 10 games of reaching base safely.

The Miami Cuban Giants‘ Camilo Pascual hasn’t allowed a run in his last 15 innings.

Series VI Results

Three Game Series

Cleveland Spiders over House of David

Series Sweeps

Portland over San Francisco

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series VI

Birmingham over Indianapolis ABC’s
Chicago American Giants over Philadelphia Stars
Memphis Red Sox over Homestead Grays

Series Splits

Baltimore Black Sox @ Houston Colt 45’s
Brooklyn Royal Giants @ Miami
Detroit v New York Gothams
Kansas City v New York Black Yankees
Ottawa Mounties v Los Angeles Angels

TWIWBL 3.0: Series II – Brooklyn Royal Giants @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On September 11, 2020

In TWIWBL

This time up, we’re heading for a Subway Series between the Brooklyn Royal Giants (4-1) and the New York Gothams (3-2).

Brooklyn may be better built for the future than this year. A lot of their success will depend on how a pair of youngsters, 21 year old Dutch Leonard and 20 year old Don Drysedale, do in the starting rotation. Roy White and Duke Snider look solid offensively, but any team with 2 Spring Training insertions in the regular lineup (2B Davey Lopes and RF Raul Mondesi) is taking a lot of risk.

The Gothams, on the other hand, could be contenders this year. Christy Mathewson anchors what should be a deep pitching staff, and especially if Buster Posey continues to produce at an all-league level, a lineup with the 2 Willie‘s–Mays and McCovey–should score some runs.

The first game matched up the aces, as Leonard faced off against Mathewson. Leonard was fantastic in his first start; in this one, not so much as New York rocked him for 9 runs in 5.2 IP. Mays paced a 17 hit attack for the Gothams, going 4 for 5. Most of the damage was in the 3rd, when the Gothams scored 5 runs with Art Fletcher driving in 2 runs with a 1-out double. Newly acquired 2B Cookie Rojas chipped in with 3 hits, 2 runs, and 2 RBI’s, allowing New York to overcome a mediocre start by Mathewson that saw him surrender 4 runs in 6 IP. Still, it was enough: New York got the win 12-5 and both pitchers leveled their records at 1-1.

New York was on the verge of taking a 2-0 lead in the series, taking a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 8th on 4 consecutive singles from Rojas, Eugenio Suarez, Mark Loretta, and Posey. Ron Cey singled to lead off the 9th for Brooklyn, bringing in Gotham’s closer, Brian Wilson. After a walk to Jim Delahanty, Wilson gave up a 2 run double to White, sending us into extra innings. It remained scoreless until the 15th inning, when Cey and Dickie Thon managed to drive in runs. Brooklyn closer Watty Clark pitched the final 4 innings, giving up only 1 hit and earning the victory, 7-5. The loss went to New York’s Mike Norris, who was tagged for those final 2 runs in 3.2 IP of relief.

With the series tied 1-1, game 3 saw Brooklyn’s Don Sutton taking the mound against New York’s Sad Sam Jones. A solo HR in the top of the 5th by Brooklyn’s Beals Becker increased the Royal Giants’ lead to 3-1, but the Gothams would tie the game in the bottom of the 6th and put it away in the bottom of the 8th behind a 3-run HR from Wally Berger. Robb Nen got the 7-3 win with Marcel Lachemann picking up the save and Smokey Joe Williams was tagged with the loss.

Brooklyn rode a great start from Drysedale to even the series at 2-2. He gave up 8 hits and only 1 run in 8 IP, which was plenty as the Brooklyn offense tallied 9 runs against losing pitcher Juan Marichal and reliever Gaylord Perry. Drysdale moved to 2-0 on the year with the 9-1 victory, and White led the way for Brooklyn, with 4 hits in 5 at-bats, totaling 3 2Bs, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs. Dan Brouthers added his 2nd HR of the year, and Becker continued his hot streak with 3 hits.

So, a split series, which has to be more encouraging for Brooklyn than the Gothams. White was the key for the Royal Giants, amassing 12 hits–8 of which were doubles–in the series and raising his BA to .425 on the young season.