|
St. Olmo's Fire...
|
Big Men Don't Grow Shorter
It's a sign of a team that is on the right track when, in times of intense pressure, your main guys step up and do what's needed.
If the West was to have any chance of catching the Giants in the FC National, one would think that a sweep of this home series would be essential. They start on a positive tip with a win in the opening game, but then the Giants big names come to the fore and they take the next two, almost certainly killing off the challenge. https://i.imgur.com/oaQNGlq.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/ESsPSSG.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/ADDa59u.png?1 |
Coggins up the works...
... a big game by the Crawfords outfielder to help Pedro Dibut lock down his 20th win of the year.
https://i.imgur.com/FNft5dy.png?1 |
A Homestead Heartbreaker
The Grays are still hanging on for grim death, ahead of the Elite Giants by 2.5 in the Weldy American with 20-odd to play, but this one will sting.
https://i.imgur.com/Qle95ba.png?1 |
Soto Berserko
|
CC on Song
Unlike their New York neighbours the Lincoln Giants, who are mathematically eliminated this same day, the BYs are still in it up to their eyeballs in the FC American, just 4 games adrift of archrivals Brooklyn. But with only 20 games to play they'll need more performances like this one from their undisputed ace.
https://i.imgur.com/QZZLDA2.png?2 |
The Pride of Havana...
... is quickly becoming The Pride of Cleveland and, while it's been a so-so first year for the Buckeyes in which they are hovering around 500 and entrenched in the WC National cellar, they'll enter 1969 feeling pretty good about their chances moving forward with Dolf, Chuck Smith and Lewis Hampton heading the rotation and Jon Nunnally banging out plenty of stitched souvenirs for the fans and Bobby Abreu still on the up.
They'll get a decent enough pick in the upcoming Draft, let's hope they use it wisely. A solid IF would be nice, as they are really weak around the diamond. https://i.imgur.com/H6LSI8O.png?1 This is undoubtedly Dolf's best outing to this point. https://i.imgur.com/PXm4Ny0.png?1 |
Out of the Shadows: Jack Bruton
Minimal game time and a resultant lack of statistics led me to deem Alabama native Jack Bruton unfit of a full profile. His rookie year performance in the EL, however, deems him more than fit to be honoured with an OotS feature.
There is some confusion among my sources as to whether "Dizzy" Bruton should be regarded as a pitcher or hitter. Seamheads shows him as having pitched sparingly (a total of 114 IP) over 3 seasons at the major league level in the late 30s / early 40s , but to have also only had 131 PA over 5 seasons. They have him nominally as a pitcher. Jim Riley on the other hand, in his single paragraph on Bruton that appears on pp129-30, focuses more on his hitting. While I didn't do a full profile for Dizzy, my notes show that I did tinker with his ratings a bit, which were nerfed in the usual way for fringe players: off the charts stuff with little by way of control or movement ratings. Perhaps in hindsight, given his career ERA of 5.68, I was a bit generous. If so, I don't think by a huge amount and I don't really mind. There have been plenty of worse pitchers going around. You judge for yourself: https://i.imgur.com/7csH1pa.png?1 In the EL, having been selected in the 30th Round by the ABCs, he has begun as a reliever but has both the stamina and pitch profile to eventually spot start. And what an astute 591st overall pick he has proven to be. In 59.1 IP (cue Scooby Doo music...), he has gone 7-1 with a 1.21 ERA. 25 BB v 20 K,along with negative WAR, a FIP- of 114 and a WHIP of 120 suggest Dizzy has had a fair bit of luck on his side, but you make your own and all that jazz, so good luck to him. https://i.imgur.com/rnu2L6E.png?1 The Indy club has shown flashes of brilliance but have been unable to sustain it for long periods, and at 8 games out of first with 18 to play have little chance of playoff action. Still, they'll almost certainly finish with a winning record to build on for the future and much of that is because of the bullpen's WC-best 1.94 ERA. Here's hoping Dizzy plays some part in that future. We'll check back along the way to see if he has. |
A Gem and a Pearl on a Diamond...
Dolf Luque has never really come on in any of my other saves in which he's appeared, but he looks set to be an absolute beast in this one. He certainly quelled a few big bats here.
https://i.imgur.com/kk9FRqY.png?1 Ryan Bowen doesn't profile quite as strongly, but has still put together a peachy rookie season for the AGs and was dominant in this 2-hitter with 7 K against the LGs. https://i.imgur.com/5t6hL2l.png?1 |
One Spot Booked
The Giants make a real statement with a road sweep of the East, the third win of which clinches top spot in the FC National.
It's a different story for the Cuban Stars. They now lead the WC National by just 4 1/2 games from Detroit, who seem to have their tails up at the moment. The AGs are also still right in the mix. This could get interesting. https://i.imgur.com/XaDzN7N.png?1 |
1968 September Recap
Only one of the Association races still up for grabs, with the Giants and Grays having clinched and the East's MN down to 1.
That leaves just the Fleet American, where the Royal Giants are still just in first place, 2 clear of the Black Yankees with 6 to play. I'll keep you posted.
A comprehensive wrap after the season is done with updates as necessary until then. |
Bowen Dry
No post-season action this year for the AGs, but plenty of positives to build upon including a really solid rookie campaign from Ryan Bowen. This is a fine exclamation point on it.
https://i.imgur.com/kxkMvXM.png?1 Meanwhile, the Cuban Stars East are officially playoff-bound after they clinch the WC National with a 3-2 win over Detroit. |
Boom Boom Boom...
|
Done and Dusted
And so, with this win by the Brooklyn Royal Giants to clinch the FC American, we now have know all four participants in the playoffs.
https://i.imgur.com/Q4a29O0.png?1 |
1968 Regular Season Summary
I'll be providing a full team-by-team recap in the offseason, but here's how things finished up at the end of the regular season.
With a 4-1 win over Newark in their final game, the Lincoln Giants finish at 63-99, meaning no team has a 100-loss season. The Giants, with 102, are the only club to make that mark in wins. In fact, the other three Conference Champions each finish at 90-72. https://i.imgur.com/rlsB0VW.png?1 A late slump by Giants 3B Hiram Bocachica - he hits just 230 over September and October - hands the FC batting title to teammate George Scott, who finishes with a 325 BA. Jose Abreu of the American Giants locks down the WC title with a 330 mark. Chito Martinez of the Bacharach Giants leads all players with 36 HR, while Hilldale's Willie Stargell tops the RBI count with 110. Jaime Cocanower, another Giants player, logs the most wins with 26. The league's lowest ERA belongs to the West's Bryan Clark with 2.13. Juan Marichal is the King of K with 296. Shingo Takatsu of the Giants leads the league with 43 saves. Andre Thornton of the Motown Stars finishes Top 3 in each of the Triple Crown Categories, with a 303 BA, 30 HR and 101 RBI. The final slash line for the league is 242/304/347 while the ERA finishes at 3.18. Here are the final Top 20 by WAR. Overall - Hitters https://i.imgur.com/G01It8Q.png?1 Overall - Pitchers https://i.imgur.com/2jW4R0r.png?1 NeL - Hitters https://i.imgur.com/WkjMekt.png?1 NeL - Pitchers https://i.imgur.com/iwEcSiV.png?1 News and final leaders. https://i.imgur.com/jfd2QK3.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/9nNZ13k.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/dp5GQWC.png?1https://i.imgur.com/aJUE3ep.png?1 |
1968 Fleet Conference Championship Series
St. Louis Giants (102-62) v Brooklyn Royal Giants (90-72)
Best of seven, Giants with home-field advantage. Game 1 https://i.imgur.com/8yc5UNp.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/SFdpWhS.png?1 Game 2 https://i.imgur.com/ZiIibcm.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/rUn2Dln.png?1 Game 3 https://i.imgur.com/FMY1pvf.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/UWM1L3j.png?1 Game 4 https://i.imgur.com/5mRmhVq.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/AhceLs9.png?1 Game 5 https://i.imgur.com/jUMzFeF.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/i0zonwF.png?1 Game 6 https://i.imgur.com/7m8n3n8.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/NkLnYeK.png?1 Game 7 https://i.imgur.com/kwiQwqz.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/sMojBGB.png?1 St. Louis wins series 4-3. MVP: George Scott (St. Louis) https://i.imgur.com/Lx9bX0J.png?1https://i.imgur.com/uieIoeo.png?1 |
1968 Weldy Conference Championship Series
Homestead Grays (90-72) v Cuban Stars East (90-72)
Best of seven, Giants with home-field advantage. Game 1 https://i.imgur.com/wrc51NE.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/BXJW8Ry.png?1 Game 2 https://i.imgur.com/lnfFjMv.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/HeqjVGE.png?1 Game 3 https://i.imgur.com/42aNyKZ.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/lXGGGoW.png?1 Game 4 https://i.imgur.com/2SKyGpD.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/9BSk55U.png?1 Game 5 https://i.imgur.com/3BYm9sP.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/fs4U0kJ.png?1 Game 6 https://i.imgur.com/J8rJyd1.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/NsK2hIM.png?1 Homestead wins series 4-2. MVP: Milt Thompson (Homestead) https://i.imgur.com/3Nv6HPZ.png?1https://i.imgur.com/3RwSIxu.png?1 |
1968 Eclipse League World Series
St. Louis Giants (102-62) v Homestead Grays (90-72)
Best of seven, Giants with home-field advantage. No doubt whatsoever that any barnacles of complacency in the Giants camp will have been scraped off after their almighty scare against the Royal Giants. Which is a good thing because they are up against a Grays outfit that just seems to know how to win. Should be a gripping series, I’m tipping the Giants to prevail, but wouldn't be in the least surprised if Homestead proves me wrong one last time like they have all season. https://i.imgur.com/ApqXtE7.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/9UM2oFc.png?1 Game 1 https://i.imgur.com/evL4Poz.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/9DFpzi1.png?1 Game 2 https://i.imgur.com/Q5Q3QD7.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/8VDpQUk.png?1 Game 3 https://i.imgur.com/APBZLzg.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/gCprshW.png?1 Game 4 https://i.imgur.com/scve9U1.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/bI8GvAt.png?1 St. Louis wins series 4-0 Series MVP: Hiram Bocachica (St. Louis) More often than not quality wins out in these short series and the Giants have too much of it for the Grays, who give it their best shot but are simply outclassed in the end. A deserving result for clearly the best side in the league this season. No disgrace for Homestead despite being swept, and they'll be back and better next year for the experience. https://i.imgur.com/LORGEg4.png?1https://i.imgur.com/hCJPRdj.png?1 |
1968 Awards
WALKER MEDAL (MOST VALUABLE PLAYER)
FC: Billy Sample, Red Sox [1] WC: Ruppert Jones, East [1] PITCHER OF THE YEAR FC: Jae-weong Seo, Giants [1] WC: Masahiro Tanaka, Grays [1] RELIEVER OF THE YEAR FC: Jose Jimenez, Crawfords [1] WC: Deunte Heath, Liberty Stars [1] unanimous ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FC: No award given WC: No award given KINDLING AWARD (SILVER SLUGGER) Fleet Conference P: Martin Dihigo, Crawfords C: Hank Conger, Giants 1B: George Scott, Giants 2B: Ernie Riles, Black Yankees 3B: Wilson Contreras, Black Barons SS: Lourdes Gurriel jr, Monarchs LF: Juan Soto, West CF: Billy Sample, Red Sox RF: Aaron Judge, Giants Weldy Conference P: Roberto Gomez, Grays C: Miguel Montero, East 1B: Andre Thornton, Motown Stars 2B: Rod Carew, ABCs 3B: Eric Chavez, Athletics SS: Tim Anderson, Motown Stars LF: Willie Stargell, Athletics CF: Ruppert Jones, East RF: Rod Allen, East SLICK AWARD (GOLD GLOVE) Fleet Conference P: Jaime Cocanower, Giants C: Hank Conger, Giants 1B: George Scott, Giants 2B: Chin-Lung Hu, Giants 3B: Hiram Bocachica, Giants SS: Todd Cruz, West LF: Gates Brown, Black Barons CF: Gary Pettis, Royal Giants RF: Ender Inciarte, Royal Giants Weldy Conference P: Johnny Markham, American Giants C: Ji-Man Choi, American Giants 1B: Jose Abreu, American Giants 2B: Chino Smith, Athletics 3B: Henry Blackmon, Buckeyes SS: Jake Stephens, Athletics LF: Felix Pie, Grays CF: Albert Almora, Elite Giants RF: Richard Hidalgo, ABCs |
1968/69 Rookie Draft
I'll provide a full rundown of which players have gone where at a later date, but here is how the 1st Round of this year's EL Rookie Draft went down:
https://i.imgur.com/ecLwspx.png?1 No real surprise that Rickey went first overall, but I am a bit shocked that Shotime didn't go until 9th. A nice pickup indeed for the Buckeyes. The highest NeL player selected was Jim Gilliam, who went to Newark with the 5th pick. |
The Janus Report 1969 Part 1: Fleet Conference
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Brooklyn Royal Giants (90-72) https://i.imgur.com/vniDi3V.png?1 1969 Draftees
A great debut season for the RGs, the downside of which is of course the low Draft pick. Clark is a handy type who should slot in as a backup OF but their IF remains weak apart from Luis Arraez. Low stamina in their rotation is another problem, meaning prolonged pressure on the BP. Janus predicts some regression in '69. New York Black Yankees (87-75) https://i.imgur.com/mkpw94W.png?1 1969 Draftees
Just came up short and will be there or thereabouts again next season. Their spin is a a beast (2.84 ERA in '68) led by Sabathia, who looks set to dominate this league. It will only get better if Walker continues to improve. Calderon a great pickup to augment a pretty ordinary OF group. Pittsburgh Crawfords (79-83) https://i.imgur.com/9Pfm9F9.png?1 1969 Draftees
Plenty of upside from here for the Crawfs through future guns like Whitaker, Oms and of course Dihigo. Nice scouting in the recent Draft, with Ramirez ready to go now and Rijo a real prospect. Maybe a couple years off peaking but that peak should be worth the wait. Atlantic City Bacharach Giants (74-88) https://i.imgur.com/bkw2qIC.png?1 1969 Draftees
Not quite sure what to make of the BGs just yet. Lots of pop in the bats (2nd) but little average (8th). Chito Martinez was a bit of surprise and I'm not convinced his great '68 is sustainable. There looks scant upside in the current playing group aside from Phillips and Clendenon, although Lee is a good add and of course they now have The Sandman to close out leads. How many leads he'll get to close out is the big concern, given what is a decidedly pedestrian rotation with the possible exception of Quevedo. Newark Eagles (74-88) https://i.imgur.com/xrMpkZP.png?1 1969 Draftees
The Eagles have taken the long view and so any improvement in record and standings will be seen as a win. They seem content with this strategy as Gilliam is some time off being a meaningful contributor in the bigs. Floyd looks ahead of schedule, but until their other prospects such as Bell, Rector, Leonard, Jackson and Smith come on the Eagles will struggle to be competitive. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION St. Louis Giants (102-60) https://i.imgur.com/XampEUO.png?1 1969 Draftees
What can you say about the Champs and clearly dominant team in the league? Not huge amounts of blue sky in this group, but Judge looks likely to become one of the EL's true superstars and the other heroes from '68 don't look like they'll be dropping off the cliff anytime soon. Once again they have been astute with their Draft choices despite their low pick, with both Pembleton and Amarista sure to be contributors, albeit in backup roles. Will be amongst it again this season. Cuban Stars West (90-72) https://i.imgur.com/PzCvaZV.png?1 1969 Draftees
A quality outfit that, cruelly, might not achieve the sort of success it should because of the presence of St. Louis in the same group. That said, they weren't vastly off the pace in '68 and the addition of Boyd gives them one of the best rotations in the league, with Nunez also a nice-looking type. That Soto-Ortiz-Burton heart will break those of many a pitcher in the years to come and will allow this club to give the Giants a run for their money. Birmingham Black Barons (84-78) https://i.imgur.com/liaQaCL.png?1 1969 Draftees
A bit lost in the rush last season, the BBs actually had a really solid campaign. 205th pick Tony Armas shot into the stratosphere with 30 HR and Willson Contreras delivered on the hype. But there's no doubt their pitching is a huge concern, one which will almost certainly hinder their chances of success. And, while Matthews jr is a key get, one wonders if - with John Briggs already a pretty solid OF prospect waiting in the wings - an ace would perhaps have been a more utile way to go. Because if a form slump or injury strikes the rotation, these guys are in a world of hurt. Kansas City Monarchs (67-95) https://i.imgur.com/RODwUMh.png?1 1969 Draftees
The 1-2 punch of Marichal and Marquez will get the Mons their share of wins, and they have two of the better SP prospects going around in Joe Black and Bill Lindsay. Now they need some offence. Minus 154 run diff last season tells you all you need to know about how far off the pace they are. King is a good add, but they'll need a couple more like him to help Jones, Jordan and Gurriel jr. Memphis Red Sox (64-98) https://i.imgur.com/sofUPVN.png?1 1969 Draftees
Another club taking the patient route. MVP Billy Sample was a revelation on a club that barely missed losing 100 and the addition of Rosario should, along with Khris Davis, Ozzie Virgil jr and Jose Vidro, help them put more runs on the board and win more games. The development of Andy Porter and William Tyler will be key to them doing so. A couple more juicy Draft picks in the meantime won't hurt either. |
The Janus Report 1969 Part 2: Weldy Conference
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Homestead Grays (90-72) https://i.imgur.com/A7z7YG5.png?1 1969 Draftees
Riding the EL's best pitching staff, the Grays fell just short of winning it all in '68. That staff should hold its own again this time around and therefore put this club right back in the mix. Amos Otis aside, there's not much improvement in the position player group, but Thurman is a solid enough add to an OF that needs upgrading. Davis is also an interesting type worth keeping an eye on. Hilldale Athletics (82-80) https://i.imgur.com/opnOV97.png?1 1969 Draftees
Highest BA, 3rd most HR, 4th best ERA in the league - so how come the Athletics barely played 500 ball last year? I don't know but I don't see it happening again in '69 with Pops Stargell, Chino Smith, Eric Chavez, Oddibe McDowell and Dave Brown all still on the up. I'm expecting them to make up the 8 games to the Grays and really push them. The addition of Nieves is spot on and Guzman should be in their rotation on OD one would think. Baltimore Elite Giants (79-83) https://i.imgur.com/epX1tat.png?1 1969 Draftees
Looked ready to challenge at the halfway point last season, only to flag and finish with a 23-34 run that left them well off the pace. Some live arms on this club that still need seasoning, to which list can now be added the mighty Don Newcombe. He's a while off his peak so look for this to be more of a consolidation year than anything else for the EGs. George Bell showed flickers of the brilliance earmarked for him and his projection should mirror that of his club. Sanford Jackson joins Bartolo Portuondo as a strong utility IF for down the track a ways. Philadelphia Liberty Stars (68-94) https://i.imgur.com/V3Glejv.png?1 1969 Draftees
It's a case of short-term pain / long-term gain for the Libs. So much offensive talent here: Spot Poles, Bobby Bonilla, George Hendrick, Bob Watson and now Bake McBride. But Boyd with their next pick was foolish as they desperately needed some more pitching. Armenteros is strong and Angel Garcia projects well, but that's about it and unless they address this all the offence in the world may well come up short. New York Lincoln Giants (63-99) https://i.imgur.com/lvaNQjr.png?1 1969 Draftees
99 losses in '68 = 1st pick overall in '69 and they used it wisely on the great Man of Steal. That said, given their underwhelming pitching staff, perhaps Shotime would have been a better option. I guess we'll find out soon enough. And they did get a serviceable enough pitcher in Army Cooper with their 2nd pick. Still, I think it stays flat or perhaps even gets worse for the LGs before it gets better. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Cuban Stars East (90-72) https://i.imgur.com/WS7Gkzz.png?1 1969 Draftees
A disappointing end to a great season for the East, falling one step short of the Series. No disgrace there, and with the players at their disposal it won't be their only chance to get to the mountaintop. Far and away the best OF in the league, with MVP Ruppert Jones at its heart, which - especially given their profusion of decent backups at the position - makes me question intensely their selection of Kern rather than the 4th SP they so desperately need. Lefty Calhoun is no doubt marked for that role at some stage, but until he's ready they are basically playing for .750. And that could well prove the difference this season. Detroit Motown Stars (87-75) https://i.imgur.com/BtsmQcC.png?1 1969 Draftees
I really like the look of this group. Well, their offence at least. 1B Andre Thornton's 1968 campaign (323/398/537 with 30 HR / 101 RBI; 421 wOBA; 179 OPS+; 8.1 WAR) was an understated thing of beauty and I see no reason he won't go well again in '69. SS Tim Anderson is a gun at the plate while offering solid enough defence. Gerry Davis and Xavier Scruggs are real gamers. The Montalvo add is a positive. But the pitching. Ay caramba! Until this aspect of their play is fixed, I just don't see them acquiring any silverware. Chicago American Giants (86-76) https://i.imgur.com/uBguGBm.png?1 1969 Draftees
Arguably the biggest disappointment of the 1968 season. Which, given they finished 86-76 and just 4 GB, tells you plenty about how good this group can be. Strength at pretty much every slot and they have bolstered their pitching nicely with a couple handy picks in Gallardo and Frias. Should prove the East's main rival these next few seasons. Indianapolis ABCs (83-79) https://i.imgur.com/LMcdbD2.png?1 1969 Draftees
Another club who threatened for a good portion of the year before running out of puff a bit down the stretch (11-14 in Sep). The WC National was a blanket finish with just 9 games from top to bottom, so ignore the fact they came 5th and focus on their relative proximity to the top. One would have to presume Reuben Curry goes into the spin at some stage and that'll improve them no end. As far as their offence goes, Carew is godlike and Bill North very good, but they need some of the others such as Brantley, Hidalgo and Brooks to catch up and share the load if they want to be closer again to where it counts. Cleveland Buckeyes (81-81) https://i.imgur.com/73WszUB.png?1 1969 Draftees
Even before acquiring Ohtani, this group looked almost guaranteed of being dominant from about 1972 onward. Cesar Hernandez, Dolf Luque and Joe Strong all project as elite; Lewis Hampton perhaps just a level under that. Still, a bunch of subpar players means the Buckeyes will need to keep adding quality to their roster at every turn if they want to fulfil their promise. |
1969 Opening Day (1)
We are ready to rock and roll for the 1969 Eclipse League Season.
A couple of noteworthy (well, actually, the only) trades were conducted in the offseason:
FWIW here are my tips for the season ahead:
EL WORLD SERIES: Black Yankees v Athletics CHAMPIONS: Black Yankees And here's how the game sees it panning out: Here are the 10 Top-Rated EL Prospects as at OD 1969:
While these are the Top 20 overall pitchers and position players: |
EL Featured Game #1, 1969
Friday 4th April, 1969 – Chicago American Giants @ Cleveland Buckeyes
7.05pm ET, Buckeyes Ballpark, Cleveland OH Shohei Ohtani (0-0, 0.00) v Yovani Gallardo (0-0, 0.00) No way I was going to pass up on an Opening Day matchup between two of the league's new young guns making their EL debuts. https://i.imgur.com/lt9u4QT.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/7Vg9qZA.png?1 Both sides will be looking to improve on disappointing 1968 seasons, and keen to see if their 1st Round picks (Ohtani 9th overall; Gallardo 13th) are set to help in this regard. Entering the new season, you'd have to think the AGs are slightly further along that curve than their opponents tonight. Here's how the two teams line up: https://i.imgur.com/lUgXFCk.png?1 Let's go - PLAY BALL! After each pitcher gets a scoreless 1st, Gallardo serves up a juicy gopher ball to Damian Jackson in the home 2nd that lands in the LF bleachers to give the Buckeyes the lead. This remains the only base hit until there are two out in the bottom 5th, when Cesar Hernandez walks and Leonys Martin triples him all the way home. 2-0 Cleveland. Excitement mounts as Shotime works a no-no into the 6th and actually looks to be getting stronger, then deflates entirely when he gives up a two-out double to Gregory Polanco and then an RBI single to Jose Abreu. A 2-run bomb by Karim Garcia completely upsets the apple cart. Rookies... The hosts rally immediately, tying the game at 3 in the home half on a single by Jon Nunnally and regaining the lead on a SF by catcher Raymond Taylor. Ohtani gives up a leadoff double in the 7th to Neifi Perez but holds his nerve and gets out of the inning unscathed. https://i.imgur.com/WSxv6gv.png?1 (Apologies for the crappy camera angle, I'll have to fix that...) A leadoff single to Jerry Hairston jr in the 8th ends Shotime's night, with southpaw Felix Heredia on in relief. He is greeted by a Mark Davis single and then the wheels kind of come off for the Buckeyes. Jose Abreu whacks a crisp single to RF and Nunnally's errant throw not only scores the tying run but puts two more in scoring position with still none out. He gets Garcia to fly out to shallow LF but Ji-man Choi gives the AGs the lead with a SF. Juan Sosa leads off the bottom 8th with an infield hit, prompting Chicago skipper Ryan McCharen to go to the pen, with Hisanori Takahashi getting the call. He obliges by shutting down the rally. Bottom of the 9th, still 5-4 Chicago. A one-out single by Jon Nunnally puts the tying run aboard for the Buckeyes. A fielder's choice gets the second out and keeps that run at first, and then Ed Steele flies out to right to give the visitors the hard-fought win. So a no-decision for Shohei while Yovani gets his first win in the bigs, with their line scores very similar indeed. Most likely by dint of his 9 strikeouts, Ohtani wins the PotG. At the plate, hitting in the 3 slot, he goes 0-for-3 with one strikeout. Plenty of positives to be taken out for both sides, but in the end the AGs just had too much firepower. |
1969 Opening Day (2)
A couple familiar names among the OD news, as well as one new one.
https://i.imgur.com/uEgRPgf.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/H6gAann.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/2442GG1.png?1 |
A Big Bat in the Big Apple
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Now, that's...
... getting it done at both ends as Jose de Jesus, one of the brightest stars of the '68 season, looks like he's ready for another big year.
https://i.imgur.com/qeMbpgt.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/UCachCL.png?2 |
A very crooked number...
The Lincoln Giants, powered by 5 hits from Raimel Tapia, post a 13-spot in the 5th en route to a wild, wild win over the american Giants.
https://i.imgur.com/HvTbsbJ.png?2 |
Hard to know...
... where to look.
So much going on here.
https://i.imgur.com/DzWJOaj.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/J935ap5.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/HvhCkIL.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/25NxqO5.png?1 |
Off the Cliff
This makes it 7 in the first dozen games for Mr Floyd, most in the EL.
https://i.imgur.com/8VoEbxS.png?1 |
A Nice W for El Inmortal
After a rough old rookie campaign (15-24 / 3.65 on the mound, 236/320/312 at the plate), Marty D looks to be on his way in his sophomore season. As you may have seen in the Did You Know? section of the game, no less a player than Johnny Mize called Martin the best player he ever saw. Here's hoping we get to witness the same in the EL. This win - his second straight CG shutout - leaves him at 2-2 / 2.12 with a FIP- of 82.
https://i.imgur.com/ZbAdSgh.png?1 |
Pop! Pop! Pops!
Willie looks set to dominate this season: 9 HR already with 19 RBI, a 415/485/814 slash line, 563 wOBA and OPS+ of 252, good for 2 WAR in just 21 games.
https://i.imgur.com/k7oikF2.png?1 |
Believe the Hype
Oftentimes the anticipation is greater than the reality.
Not so, it seems, for Shotime, who is taking the EL by storm. This is his third shutout in the past 5 starts, and puts him at 5-0 / 1.92. 44 K in 51.2 IP. FIP- of 62. Plus he's hitting 328. The Buckeyes, who put together a 12-game win streak earlier this month and are currently tied with the AGs atop the WC National at 15-6, are going along for the ride. Watch this space. https://i.imgur.com/7w2j7yW.png?1 |
Hot Rod
East outfielder Rod Allen is continuing on from his fine rookie year with a strong start to 1969, and quadruples his HR tally in three fell swoops here.
https://i.imgur.com/CeFHLEU.png?1 |
1969 April Recap
A fairly even start to the 1969 EL season, with the Newark Giants - thanks mainly to a rampaging Cliff Floyd - perhaps the biggest surprise of all, leading the FC American with a 15-9 record. The Athletics ride a sensational month from Pops Stargell to head the WC American narrowly from the Grays and Elite Giants, while the American Giants are currently on a 10-game winning streak that has them atop the WC National. Finally, St. Louis once again looks the team to beat in the FC National.
A minor controversy erupts when Chicago's Yovani Gallardo is awarded both the Pitcher and Rookie of the Month awards ahead of Shohei Ohtani, but at 5-1 / 2.44 there's no denying he earned it. The ABCs and Motown Stars both have horror starts to the campaign, with their 6-17 records leaving them well adrift and in need of a quick turnaround to avoid their seasons being over almost before they've begun. The ABCs in particular, already 11 1/2 GB in the WCN, will need to get a proper hurry on. https://i.imgur.com/nqsFJXD.png?1 Here are the awards for the month in full:
And the top 10s / news / and leaders: https://i.imgur.com/MejlJCl.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/v0VZfbH.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/gpLjg8a.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/oukyExr.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/eSGH1lx.png?1https://i.imgur.com/QJ43nDW.png?1 |
Quevedo, Que Bella
No stopping Ruben Quevedo this year, as he moves to 6-1 / 1.12 with this peachy one-hitter against the Giants.
https://i.imgur.com/RCALbOm.png?1 Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Ruben's MLB career never amounted to much, just 326 IP over four seasons in the early 2000s in which he posted a 14-30 record and ERA north of 6. OOTP has, it seems on that basis, been very generous with his ratings and he looks like he'll be a force in the EL over the course of his career. |
Three in a Row for Sho
|
Swing her 'round...
... in a Ducey-do.
This sets a new single game RBI mark for the EL, not to mention doubles his season tally in one big leap. https://i.imgur.com/PPxHusE.png?1 |
Jose a 5-hit Wonder
No sophomore slump it seems for Jose, who finished 3rd in the WC Walker Medal voting in 1968, and is looking the goods again in the early part of '69.
His effort in this one - with an assist to Karim Garcia, who goes solo yard twice - offsets another huge game by Hilldale's Pops Stargell, who has 4 hits including a double and 2 triples while driving in a run as well. https://i.imgur.com/TSkyQ2C.png?2 |
L-Time for Shotime
In a repeat of their Opening Day matchup, Yovani Gallardo and the American Giants get the better of Shohei Ohtani and the Cleveland Buckeyes, this time handing Shohei his first career loss in the EL. One gets the feeling there's a serious rivalry in the making here.
https://i.imgur.com/4fozoKv.png?1 |
Salmon Swimming Upstream
The West look ready to give the Giants a run for their money in the Fleet National this year, but they had to overcome a big game from Chico Salmon to get the win here.
https://i.imgur.com/WZsySJf.png?1 |
All Right, Lefty!
One of the EL's less-heralded hurlers shows 'em how it's done.
https://i.imgur.com/95J4yLq.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/gjTNRh3.png?1 Meanwhile Oil Can Boyd and the other Cuban Stars side find themselves on the wrong end of a beauty by Reynaldo Lopez of the Black Yankees. https://i.imgur.com/QvnCAbS.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/Yx9qs1C.png?1 |
Five Stars at the Hilton
A superb 11-inning two-hitter for Hilton Smith, whose Newark Eagles continue to impress. This 2-0 win over the struggling Monarchs puts them at 27-15, 6 games clear in the Fleet American.
https://i.imgur.com/37fpin1.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/cbLwuin.png?2 |
EL Featured Game #2, 1969
Friday 23rd May, 1969 – Baltimore Elite Giants (22-20) @ Hilldale Athletics (25-17)
7.05pm ET, Hilldale Park, Darby PA Adrian Hernandez https://i.imgur.com/yub7MjY.png?1 Jim Proctor https://i.imgur.com/xUdUJH5.png?1 I mentioned in the season preview that I liked the Athletics' chances this year and they haven't let me down so far. The main reason for this has been Willie Stargell, who is, not to put too fine a word, killing it. But their pitcher tonight, Adrian Hernandez, is due plenty of credit as well. At any rate, I thought we should go see them in action. They take on WC American rivals Baltimore tonight, who sit just 3 games adrift of the A's and Grays. Jim Proctor is on for them, one of those low-key guys who never get the attention they should. He went 16-16 / 2.48 last season, good for 6.6 WAR, and is at it again in 1969. This should be a ripper. Here's tonight's lineups: https://i.imgur.com/x06ksar.png?1 Let's get into it then. A sloppy start in the bottom 1st by the EGs as an error by Elvis Andrus puts Oddibe McDowell aboard and, after Pops Stargell singles him over to third, he comes in on a SF by Eric Chavez. The A's double their lead in the next on a solo shot by Neftali Soto. More trouble for the visitors in the 4th, with a walk and 2 hits getting them another run singled in by Chino Smith. He swipes second to put two RISP with none out, but Proctor looks to have got out of the jam by getting a popout and a strikeout. McDowell changes that as he singles 2 in to make it 5-0. An error by 3B Ed Charles extends the inning and loads the bases, and Pops ends Proctor's night with another 2-run hit. https://i.imgur.com/s6GHtJG.png?1 Cesar Jimenez replaces him on the mound and is rudely welcomed by Eric Chavez, who bombs out a 3-run moonshot and we have a real blowout on our hands at 10-0 Hilldale. The visitors finally get on the scoresheet in the 6th via a run-scoring single by Ed Charles and a two-out hit by Albert Almora gets them a second. The Athletics get a bit loose in the 7th, with an error by SS Jake Stephens eventually costing them an unearned run on a single by Derrick Robinson, but Hilldale kills off any thoughts of a miracle when they load the bases and Hernandez does the heavy lifting himself, cracking a slam - the first homer of his EL career, if you don't mind - to make it an ugly 14-3. They get one more in the 8th off Don Newcombe and Hernandez goes the distance for his 9th win of the year. Not quite as crisp as he would perhaps have liked, but I'm sure he'll take it all the same. A powerhouse, ruthless display from the Athletics, who do nothing to dissuade me from my belief that they'll go a long way this season. |
A Well-Oiled Can
After a tough rite of passage that saw him lose his first four EL decisions, OC looks to be settling in nicely. This win over Marty Dihigo and the Crawfs is his first shutout.
https://i.imgur.com/vYZa4GI.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/1NWOlrR.png?1 |
Moore of this Required
1969 has not started well for the Brooklyn Royal Giants, who sit at a nasty 17-30 and well off the pace in the cellar of the Fleet American, which they won last year. Pitching has been their main problem, along with a dearth of power, so hopefully this excellent Carlos Moore outing is a sign they are turning it around on the mound.
https://i.imgur.com/O3zE2qc.png?1 No such problems for Hilldale, who are continuing on their merry way. This win over Detroit makes Adrian Hernandez the first to win 10, while Pops cracks 2 jacks to take him to 20 - just 3 less than Brooklyn's team total - also the first to reach that mark this season. https://i.imgur.com/a1owZwI.png?1 Finally, Cleveland's Rafael Montero spins a pretty 2-hit shutout in a big win over Homestead. https://i.imgur.com/YOEQKoV.png?1 |
1969 May Recap
Still no decisive moves as all four Associations stay tight entering June. Tightest of all is the WC National, where three teams - the Buckeyes, East, and American Giants - are all tied at the top with 32-18 records.
Two surprises so far are the differing fortunes to this point of the Black Yankees and Red Sox. While the BYs are really struggling at 22-28 and 10 back in the FC American, the MeSox have improved out of sight from their turgid '68 campaign to be a game over 500 and still well in the hunt in the FC National. https://i.imgur.com/PoxJrAz.png?1 This month's award winners are:
Here are the overall Top 10s by WAR: https://i.imgur.com/nBsLQDf.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/aBCKMUG.png?1 And for the NeLers: https://i.imgur.com/GjY6oqh.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/rk3INW0.png?1 News and leaders: https://i.imgur.com/DQ8Ug5O.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/5w0j5r9.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/4m5CGVT.png?1https://i.imgur.com/8qQa7c6.png?1 |
Out of the Shadows: William Tyler
William "Steel Arm Bill" Tyler doesn't get much love at all from my usual NeL sources. Even James Riley limits himself to one paragraph, an entry that ends with the mention of some trouble with the law involving the death of a white man.
Perhaps this is the reason for his relatively short career. Seamheads has him listed as having played just 107 games between 1925 and 1930, finishing with a 10-12 record and 3.81 ERA. By their calculations, this was good for a tidy enough 8.9 WAR. My job when formulating profiles is made harder the less the anecdotal data available. For a player like this for whom that total is virtually none, I have to get creative. It was clear from his career stats that Bill was a fairly handy pitcher. He imported with a decent pitch repertoire, which I kept but edited to more realistic levels. This being a "what-if" exercise, his lack of longevity is not within my purview. Nor the reason for it. So these ratings merely get transposed into a career that lasts as long as it lasts. I think how it turned out is fairly representative of his abilities. https://i.imgur.com/JPYDMJ1.png?1 Bill was a member of the EL's inaugural draftee class and was selected by Memphis in the 9th Round with the 164th overall pick. He spent 1968 in the bullpen, where he struggled. In 1969, however, he has done well enough to earn a spot in the rotation, where he seems to be thriving. His most recent start, a 3-hitter in a win over Birmingham was both his first CG and first shutout, and leaves his stat line looking thus: https://i.imgur.com/nVfzM0r.png?1 We'll check back in along the way to see how he is progressing. |
Santiago a No-No
This is the EL's 4th no-hitter and the first for the 1969 season. It is both the first by a Hilldale pitcher and the first against Birmingham.
The fact that he managed to pull it off despite an hourlong rain delay in the 3rd makes it even more impressive. https://i.imgur.com/Zzjkmyr.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/aQY3dqL.png?1 |
What can you say...
... in the face of this sort of performance?
https://i.imgur.com/TCM8edA.png?1 https://i.imgur.com/eofYU48.png?1 |
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