The Excellence Project
 

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ixx6tGz4oA...ll_collage.jpg

Introduction

We all have them, our favorites. Whether it is because we saw them in person as a child or because we heard of their legends from others, we all have the preconceived theory of who the greatest baseball team is of all time.

In the only sport that spans the generations of your great grandfathers, the debate is deep rooted and comes from all corners of our nation. Passion of generations and their heroes are held more tightly then a sacred family recipe as their era, those they rooted for, are their own definition and identity of greatness.

Somewhere or someday when we are all gone; when that meteor finally hits us and we are in our Einstein youth picking up sticks again, will there be peace. Maybe at that time in a place loosely called heaven, the greatest of this old game can assemble together again, and have it out for one last fight to really see who was the best. Whose legend was the most valid and real.

It does little good to debate who the best player of all time was as it could never be fair or sensible to compare a pitcher to a right fielder, or a closer to a base stealer. The point to all of these greats and what they are made of comes down to wining, winning the greatest prize of them all which is that pennant and a chance at World Series glory. All great players had them, even Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg, that one team that may have not won it all, but is still considered legendary and good enough to be in consideration. It is all about team and not about records, stats, or comparisons. It is in the end about the win, about the winning side that for 150 or more games reached their goal. No one but no one can argue with a winner.

So the winners need to take their place, need to play things out and prove their greatness against others like them, others just as keen and confident. A legend versus legends is the only way to solve this ultimate test. The quest is to prove to you and to myself that there is a measuring stick and there are moments that can be tested to see the definition of greatness. It can not be found in the stats or the theories, it can only be found on the field of play, with a wooden bat and a ball, the same rules that have been for 120 years, this is the only judge that everyone will accept, the only mechanism to determine our answers. For on the diamond there can be no debate, a winner wins but a legend keeps winning.

This will be an analysis as well. This process is all too important to rush through or to get instant gratification from. It has to be enjoyed, like a fine wine or a long tale that can be unfolded in layers before the ultimate answer. All great things need to be worked at and this endeavor is definitely great and deserves all the focus we can give to it.

Format of Finding the Greatest

Baseball is a different type of game; it is a game of longevity and patience. Baseball is a game of seasons that lead up to a moment rather then immediate matchups and results. A season is so important in an undertaking like this because it keeps things the way the participants know it and excel in, a pennant race. A pennant race for all of 162 games will determine the best team every time, there is no room for flukes or hot streaks, this is about the cream rising to the top, this is the way baseball has always been.

The format for the season will also help provide a very intriguing side of things. We will be able to track and compare all the teams in a 162 game schedule and will be able to create our won leader boards and record book. The hallowed numbers of .400 or 56 straight games can be chased by the greatest. Batting titles will be played out and records in direct competition by the likes of Ty Cobb vs. Pete Rose and Barry Bonds vs. Babe Ruth will create themselves. So in an inadvertent way, we are able to measure individual greatness under a familiar measuring stick while keeping the overall focus on the ultimate finding of the greatest team.

So each and every team will be inserted into a pennant race. There are a total of 2624 major league baseball clubs between the year 1900 and 2023.

Every major league team will be included. These teams will be divided into six tiers, tier one including the strongest teams in history and tier 6 the weakest. Each tier will have 480 teams.

Round 1. One Hundred Sixty Four seasons will be played out. The rules to the seasons will be as follows:

- 162 game schedule
- 1986 settings
- 4 divisions of 4 teams.
- Winners of each division will advance, no wild cards.
- Injuries will be low

Only pennant winners advance, I like this because I think part of the importance of winning a pennant has been lost of late. 164 seasons means 164 champions. These 80 teams will receive a bye to the round 3. The 164 other pennant winners will also advance.

Round 2 The remaining 164 pennant winners will face off against each other in a best of seven series leaving 82 teams.

Round 3 The 82 will be added to the 164 making 256 total teams.


There will be an allstar game each season including a home run derby. This will be tracked as the best names to ever play will likely compete.
All awards will be tracked and awarded.

One issue that came forth was rather to use injuries of not. There are two sides to this debate; one is that injuries shouldn’t play a role in a perfect world where you are trying to find the best team based on skill and merit alone. I would argue however that we are not trying to find the best team on skill alone, but rather on everything else that incorporates a champion including endurance, stamina, and conditioning in a long season. So for this reason injuries will be included, I will however curtail them a bit in hopes that they won’t be too frequent. But make it known from now; at some point the engine will create an injury that greatly impacts a team and a season or pennant race.

On a final note of course the process isn’t perfect, but I can not think of a better way then to play out seasons to determine greatness. Will luck have a part of things? Surely to some extent, but with the marathon of the process the hope is that the standard deviation for any outliners will be greatly reduced and we will have a conclusive champion of all time. For what would baseball be without a little intervention from the baseball Gods?

American League Preview Season 1
 

National League Preview Season 1
 

April Season 1
 

Season 1
April

Attachment 1014333

Three HR For Crawford On Opening Day

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...cC63AFp30dog&s

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Frank Schulte (1912 Cubs)
Batter of the month NL - Ted Kluszewski (1954 Redlegs)
Pitcher of the month AL - Clayton Kershaw (2012 Dodgers)
Pitcher of the month NL - Jack Quinn (1928 Athletics)

Injuries
Harry Perkowsi - Joint infection (2 weeks)

Team Notes

1991 Toronto Blue Jays - A perfect start up by 4 games in the division already with 19 wins. John Olerud has 20 RBI while Mark Whiten is hitting .350. Jimmy Key has a 1.60 ERA in his last 4 games.

1912 Chicago Cubs - Cubs have scored the most runs in the league at 162 and Frank Schulte has 14 home runs already to lead the league with 33 RBI. Chicago pitching and defense needs to improve.

1996 New York Mets - Not bad at .500 in the division. Jason Isringhausen is 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA in the rotation while John Franco has 6 saves and looks domiant as a closer. Lance Johnson providing a spark in the lineup.

1903 Chicago White Sox - Roy Patterson has a 1.37 ERA with 4 wins but the Sox offense is last in team WAR scoring only 98 runs for the entire month.

1920 Cleveland Indians - Pushing into first place late in the month Tris Speaker has spoken about his club pacing itself. Speaker himself is hitting only .260 but Steve O'Neil is a top catcher hitting .342.

2012 Los Angeles Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw was pitcher of the month and is in for a huge season winning 6 already with a 1.83 ERA. Matt Kemp has 7 home runs and Kanley Jansen 9 saves.

1992 Philadelphia Phillies - Curt Schilling has been hammered with an ERA over 6 and the team defense has been shotty. The Phillies do fight in close games and Jim Fergosi has the club afloat.

1927 Boston Braves - Boston pitching has been hit hard and there are no easy answers in the rotation. George Mogridge has been used as a closer and has saved 10 of the 11 Boston wins with a 1.04 ERA.

1928 Philadelphia Athletics - Jimmie Foxx and Al Simmons are on fire and will be a nemesis for pitchers all season long. Lefty Grove however has lost 5 games already and looks way off for an ace.

1972 Los Angeles Dodgers - Tops in runs scored and very good on defense. The Dodgers feel they can beat the Athletics. Don Sutton is 5-1 and 36 year old Frank Robinson hit .400 in Aprl.

2022 Detroit Tigers - Few birght spots for the Tigers who struggle with strikeouts and getting on base. Tarik Skubal has been good with a 2.53 ERA and Javier Baez hit .462 in the last six games of the month.

1947 Cincinnati Reds - Harry Perkowski will miss two weeks with injury as the Reds chase a slow start. Johnny Van DerMeer has an ERA over 6 and Kent Patterson is 0-4 as Reds pitching has started off slow.

2021 Toronto Blue Jays - The best record in the league and first in batting average the Jays looked poised early. Teoscar Hernandez has 25 RBI and Vlad Guerrero is hitting .363 to start.

2005 Milwaukee Brewers - Leading in strikeouts and defense the Brewers have played well to start. Jeff Cirillo and JJ Hardy may not be household names but have helped the Crew offense to a good start.

1954 Cincinnati Red Legs - Injuries have hit the Redlegs a bit but they still won 15 games. including nine at home and two in extras. Ted Kluszewski has been on fire with 25 RBI and nine home runs.

1905 Boston Beaneaters - Only 5 wins in the month in what will likely be a very long season. Tied for last in runs and a defense that leaves alot of outs on the field. One hundred losses may be coming.

May Season 1
 

Season 1
May

Attachment 1014693

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Heinie Zimmerman (1912 Cubs)
Batter of the month NL - Mickey Cochrance (1928 Athletics)
Pitcher of the month AL - Stan Coveleski (1920 Indians)
Pitcher of the month NL - Lefty Grove (1928 Athletics)

Injuries
Nixey Callahan - (1903 White Sox) - 5 weeks - Fractured Thumb

Here Come The Jays

https://www.cooperstownexpert.com/wp...112343272.webp

Team Notes

1991 Toronto Blue Jays -Holding off the Cubs isnt easy but these Jays are starting to believe. The blub is 21-9 at the load Sky Dome and is an impressive 16-6 in one run games.

1912 Chicago Cubs - Tops in the league in runs and average including OPS, the Chicago offense has been leading with Franck Schulte continuing his MVP pace (.312/22/54). Most feel Chicago will right the ship and chase down the Jays.

1996 New York Mets - Mets are still playing good baseball as Lance Johnson is hitting .320 at the top of the order and Jason Isringhausen is now a perfect 8-0.

1903 Chicago White Sox - The loss of Nixey Callahan wont help a Sox team that cant really hit to begin with. Even more troublesome has been Chicago pitching that has a 4.62 starters ERA.

1920 Cleveland Indians - The champions went 21-8 in May making everyone forget their slow start. Ray Caldwell and Elmer Myers had great months on the mound and Tris Speaker is up to .320 with 42 runs. It is also good to see Ray Chapman playing well.

1992 Philadelphia Phillies - Darren Daulton hit .330 for the month and Lenny Dykstra still leads the entire league in WAR as the Phils try and stay in the race. Philly pitching has been the issue as their pen ERA sits at 5.06

2012 Los Angeles Dodgers - The Pythagorean record of this club is much worse then their record. Yes Clayton Kershaw is great but Dodger hitting is in the tank with the least runs in the league and only one batter (Matt Kemp) hitting over .260.

1927 Boston Braves - The season is getting away from the Braves with nothing to really lean on. Johnny Werts has already lost 10 games and Dan Bancroft is hitting just .195

1972 Los Angeles Dodgers - A ten game winning streak has the Dodgers in first. At total of 350 runs and 82 home runs are tops in the NL and the 5 game margin over the mighty A's has many really taking notice heading to the All Star break.

1928 Philadelphia Athletics - The A's are not playing bad winning 17 games in June but the Dodgers are just hotter. Forty one year old Ty Cobb is hitting .325 at the top of the order while Lefty Grove turned it on in June winning pitcher of the month with 6 wins.

1947 Cincinnati Reds - Not enough offensive power for the Reds who are last in slugging and home runs. Ewell Blackwell is carrying the rotation and should make the All Star game but the remainder of the staff has been hit hard.

2022 Detroit Tigers - Only 9 wins in June but any real hope for this club away. They are first in stolen bases to many peoples surprise but the overall hitting has not been good enough. Starter Tyler Alexander has a 10.22 ERA in the month and is still in the rotation.

2021 Toronto Blue Jays - The best pennant race is in the west where the Jays are getting great starting pitching including from Alex Manoah who has a 1.35 ERA in his last three starts. The team has a .350 OBP and leads the league in average at .286.

2005 Milwaukee Brewers - The Crew were swept at Rogers Center to end the month but they are still only two back in the race. Carlos Lee has 10 home runs hitting .364 and the Milwaukee team defense has been best in the league.

1954 Cincinnati Red Legs - The Reds had a winning month and are only five back playing better baseball then most thought. They hammer left handed pitching but real holes in their rotation likely will see a farther slide from them.

1905 Boston Beaneaters - Eleven wins heading into July as the Beaneaters look to set a standard for losing baseball. There are really no bright spots as the Beans are 4-29 away from home and are 0-6 in extra inning games. Ugly isnt a strong enough word.

Season 1 - June -
 

Season 1
June

Attachment 1015549

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Elmer Smith (1920 Indians)
Batter of the month NL - Frank Robinson (1972 Dodgers)
Pitcher of the month AL - Jimmy Key (1991 Blue Jays)
Pitcher of the month NL - Tarik Skubal (2022 Tigers)

Injuries
Johnny Van Der Meer (1947 Reds) - Broken elbow - Season done

Still Getting It Done

https://blogger.googleusercontent.co...TRAIT-REDO.jpg

Team Notes

1991 Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays are in a battle to hold off the Cubs and are holding their own. Pitcher of the month Jimmy Key proving he is a real ace with 11 win already. John Olerud has 67 RBI.

1912 Chicago Cubs - Frank Chance is still confident his club can in the end prevail in the division. Charlie Smith and Claude Hendrix have combined for 23 wins while the Cubs defense is first in run prevention.

1996 New York Mets - After a good start closer John Franco has run into some trouble and on offense the Mets are the slowest team in the league on the bases. Still The Mets are sitting with a winning record.

1903 Chicago White Sox - Seven wins for the second consecutive month and the White Sox can taste 100 losses. This team is 7-35 away from home and is last in OPS.

1920 Cleveland Indians - Almost 500 runs for the season the Indians have pulled away in the division after winning 42 games over the last two months. The club is first in WoBa and first in pitching ERA plus. The tribe could cruise to the pennant.

1992 Philadelphia Phillies - Darren Daulton should be a sure fire all star at catcher with 14 home runs and 59 RBI. Lenny Dykstra is hitting .321 with 31 steals but the Indians seem to be just too good to catch.

2012 Los Angeles Dodgers - The Dodgers just cant score enough runs and are hitting .230 as a team. Chris Capuano is 1-11 as a starter and a 6-21 June was a disaster.

1927 Boston Braves - A winning month for Boston and they really feel they can pull out of the cellar. Charlie Robertson continues his good season as the ace with 11 wins and Jack Fournier already has 2.5 WAR.

1972 Los Angeles Dodgers - A real fight in this division as Walter Alston feels his young Dodgers can win the flag. Don Sutton leads a good rotation but it is the Dodger hitting lead by the ancient wonder Frank Robinson, who is hitting .338/.450/.613 that is really something.

1928 Philadelphia Athletics - Tops in team ERA and strikeouts, Connie Mack will say that he feels his team has the better talent then the Dodgers. Mickey Cochrane has 18 home runs and Jimmie Foxx 15 while A's baserunning is tops in the league.

2022 Detroit Tigers - Ninety one stolen bases is first in the league in a surprise for these Tigers. Miguel Cabrera however is hitting just 5 for his las 29 while the backend of the Detroit rotation is a mess.

1947 Cincinnati Reds - The loss of Johnny Van Der Meer for the season is a big blow for this club. Eddie Miller has 14 home runs but the club depends too much on the long ball.

2005 Milwaukee Brewers - The Crew have played consistent and pass the Jays by three games. The Brewers pen is quite good while Geoff Jenkins has 59 RBI heading into July.

2021 Toronto Blue Jays - A 17 loss month cost Toronto first place including playing poorly against the Brewers. Vlad Guerrero has been on fire hitting .375 for the month but the arms need to improve as Robbie Ray and Alex Manoah struggled.

1954 Cincinnati Red Legs - Holding at .500, the Red Legs are only 6 games off the lead. Gus Bell has team with Ted Kluszewski for a fearsome tandem but no real table setter hurts.

1905 Boston Beaneaters - A club that has been tough to watch in every aspect of the game. Jim Delahanty and Pat Moran, who have combined for 27 home runs, are the one and only thing worth watching.

Season 1
Derby And All Stars

Bell First Derby Winner

https://www.cincinnati.com/gcdn/pres...pjpg&auto=webp

Attachment 1015992

Attachment 1015993

Attachment 1015994

Season 1
July

Attachment 1016397

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Vic Saier (1912 Cubs)
Batter of the month NL - Jimmie Foxx (1928 Athletics)
Pitcher of the month AL - Larry Cheney (1912 Cubs)
Pitcher of the month NL - Rube Walberg (1928 Athletics)

Injuries
Alex Manoah (2021 Blue Jays) - Being evaluated for elbow soreness

Team Notes

1991 Toronto Blue Jays - Jimmy Key is up to 15 wins and John Olerud has MVP on his mind with 84 RBI. The Jays are really hot under Cito Gaston and are starting to believe they can hold off Chicago.

1912 Chicago Cubs - Chicago will not panic but stay the course. Frank Schulte is the first to 30 home runs and 90 RBI as Chicago has a league best 131 home runs and stolen bases with 192.

1996 New York Mets - A good season may not be good enough in such a tough division. Lack of speed hurts the club but catcher Todd Hundley remains hot with 20 home runs and Lance Johnson his hitting .323 with 64 runs scored.

1903 Chicago White Sox - Davey Dunkle has already lost 20 games and the Sox may have 4 arms that end with more then that number. Fielder Jones has hit .522 in his last 12 games.

1920 Cleveland Indians - A flat out run away for the Tribe who lead the division by 17 games. First in almost every offensive catagory, Elmer Smith has 96 RBI for a club that has 614 runs. Stan Coveleski already has 18 wins.

1992 Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies played the Indians 6 times in July and lost all six of them. The club doesn't have the depth especially pitching and should just have the goal to finish with a winning record.

2012 Los Angeles Dodgers - A terrible season in LA as the Dodgers offense has fallen apart. Clayton Kershaw is still fun to watch going 2-0 with a 1.90 ERA in his last three starts. The team has scored 362 measley runs.

1927 Boston Braves - Eight wins in July the Braves may be ready to pack it in. Jack Fournier leads the club with 15 home runs and 55 RBI with Jimmy Welsh the only other hitter with a OPS+ over 100.

1972 Los Angeles Dodgers - The fight for this division is what makes baseball great. The Dodgers have some concerns in their pen with no real closer on the club but the bats are alive and well; Bill Buckner hitting .326 at the age of 22.

1928 Philadelphia Athletics - Most still expect this team to take the division. Jimmie Foxx had an incredible month as did George Earnshaw. The A's are 16-7 in one run games and Howard Ehmke has 26 saves.

1947 Cincinnati Reds - The offense cooled off as the weather heated up but the Reds have earned respect especially at home. Ted Kluszewski has only 9 home runs after a hot start to the year.

2022 Detroit Tigers - The Tiger pen has been a mess as the club followed up a winning June with a losing July. The Tigers lead in stolen bases with 4 players over 15 steals. Tarik Skubal has been hot with a 1.95 ERA in his last 15 starts.

2005 Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers hold on to the division lead and they have done it with a strong pen and a rotation that gets alot of whiffs. Ben Sheets has a 9 K/9 and the club is 11-2 in extra inning games.

1954 Cincinnati Redlegs - Seventeen wins in July and only 4 games back, Reds fans are starting to believe. Joe Nuxhall has been a credited ace with a 14-7 record and a 2.77 ERA. while the middle of the Cincy lineup is poison for opposing pitchers.

2021 Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays are only 5 back and are just one hot streak of making a real run. The injury to Alex Manoah is of concern but the offense has carried well with Lourdes Gurriel hitting .450 in his last 7 games. The team has bashed 158 home runs going into August.

1905 Boston Beaneaters - Four wins in July and a historic pace for losses the Beaneaters have no pitching or defense, two things a bit crucial to be missing in the game of baseball.

Season 1
August

Attachment 1016805

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Heinie Zimmerman (1912 Cubs)
Batter of the month NL - Ted Kluszewski (1954 Redlegs)
Pitcher of the month AL - Stan Coveleski (1920 Indians)
Pitcher of the month NL - Don Sutton (1972 Dodgers)

Injuries
Jack Smith (1927 Braves) - Torn Flexor Tendon

The Pennant Race

American League East
The 1991 Toronto Blue Jays are seeing their hopes become reality as they open September with an 8 game lead on the favored 1912 Cubbies. The Jays swept Chicago at Skydome and should have enough cushion in the division despite a three game trip to Chicago this month. Juan Guzman and Dave Stieb have had great finishes to the season as the Toronto rotation is really what is leading the way. The Jays just have to avoid a major crash and they will be set for an unexpected title this fall.

American League West
It is all Indians and more Indians. Tris Speaker has taken his game to an entirely new level as the Indians lead their race by over 20 games and have a magic number of only 4. Speaker is hitting .333 with 101 runs scored while Elmer Smith has driven in 116 runs. Stan Coveleski is 24-7 with a 2.32 ERA making him the odds on favorite for the Cy Young award. The Indians can rest and prepare for the post season after a runaway season in which this Cleveland side has proven why they are truly championship caliber. Finishing with the best record in the league is another likely goal for them as is approaching 1000 runs scored.

National League East
The 1928 Athletics and 1972 Dodgers continue to tussle in what has been a ballroom dance all season long. The Athletics take the division lead heading into September but the winner will be decided on the field as these teams face off 6 times in the month including a season closing three game series at Dodger Stadium. Jimmie Foxx and Al Simmons have been finishing the season strong while for the Dodgers Don Sutton won the pitching award for August and looks solid along side Tommy John. This race has had it all including great managing by two Hall of Famers in Walter Alston and Connie Mack. OOTP likes the Athletics to win the division at an 81.0% percent rate.

National League West
The 2021 Blue Jays won 19 games in September and are rolling into September having cut the division lead on the 2005 Brewers to 2 games. Bo Bichette has hit .457 in his last 10 games and Robbie Ray has gone 3-1 with a 2.10 mark in his last 4. The Brewers have kept playing winning baseball but Prince Fielder is sidelined with a strained oblique and he may miss at least half of September. The two teams face off six times this month including a all telling three game set at Miller Park to end the season. Not to be overlooked, The 1954 Redlegs lead by player of the month Ted Kluszewski, are still just 8 games back and are hoping for a miracle.

Season 1
September

Final Standings

Attachment 1017362

National League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/PHA-1928.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/MIL-2005.png

1928 Philadelphia Athletics (98-64) vs 2005 Milwaukee Brewers (95-67)

Both winning clubs in the National League took their respective division races to the final weekend of the season. The 1928 Athletics came into the last three games tied with the 1972 Dodgers and won the first two games at Dodger Stadium to clinch the postseason, including coming from behind and scoring 4 runs in the ninth for the clincher. Connie Mack had to be happy with his team's effort and contribution as the battle with the Dodgers was intense and confrontational all season long.

Now the strong roster goes to the NLDS lead by some of the best names in the game. Al Simmons won the batting title and and drove in 125 runs as the offense lead the league with 886 runs. Lefty Grove struck out 322 batters but it was Jack Quinn who went 26-9 to pace the A's staff. Mickey Cochrane hit .391 in the last 10 games of the season and goes into the postseason red hot. Forty one year old Ty Cobb is sure to leave his mark in the playoffs as well, he finished the year hitting .319.

The 2005 Brewers won 16 games in September and held a two game lead on the 2022 Jays as the final weekend started. The Brewers wasted no time clinching the division on Friday night and culminating a fine season with 95 wins. Craig Counsell could be confident in his team that played well down the stretch lead by a dominant bullpen. Rick Helling had 31 saves with a 3.13 ERA.

Prince Fielder is healthy again and his presence is huge in the order. Geoff Jenkins drove in 100 runs while the Brewers defense made the fewest errors in the league. Ben Sheets threw 320 innings and finished with 18 wins as he anchors the staff. The Brewers were 13-2 in extra inning games and seem to play their best when the stakes are highest.

The two clubs faced off 24 times during the season with Milwaukee winning 14 of them.

American League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/CLE-1920.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/TOR-1991.png

1920 Cleveland Indians (105-57) vs 1991 Toronto Blue Jays (96-66)

The most dominant club by a long shot this season were the 1920 Indians who won 105 games and took their division by 23 games. Lead by the dynamic player manager Tris Speaker, the Indians look like a sure bet and the all out favorites to claim the title of season 1.

The Tribe had three 20 game winners lead by Stan Coveleski who won the pitching triple crown with a 27-9 record and a 2.24 ERA. The club scored 890 runs as Speaker hit .348 with 118 runs while Elmer Smith drove in 131. It was great to see Ray Chapman finish the season and play outstanding defense at third base for a team that went 28-12 against left handed pitching.

The 1991 Blue Jays will be no strangers to being underdogs as they won the East by outpacing the favored 1912 Cubs and winning it by 5 games. Cito Gaston had his team believing and the Jays played particularly well at Sky Dome. The club is anchored around its great defensive play with Devon White and Roberto Alomar controlling the middle of the field.

John Olerud drove in 113 runs and the team stole more bases then hit home runs. The ace of the staff was Jimmy Key who went 21-11 with a 2.77 ERA and will be the perfect confident ace to face the Indians. Duane Ward had to be the closer of the year with 44 saves and a 2.71 ERA. The Jays were 37-17 in one run games this year.

In their matchups this season the Indians held the edge with a 13-11 record but all the games between them were competetive.

Season 1 Batting Title

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...QuVjnWZAUNPA&s
Al Simmons - 1928 Athletics
.355 average with 215 hits and 45 doubles.

Season 1 Championship Series
 

Season 1
Post Season Edition

National League Championship Series

Attachment 1017668

Simmons Carries Athletics
Philadelphia Defeats Milwaukee In Four Games

Al Simmons continues to grow his case for league MVP as his 11 RBI helped carry the 1928 Philadelphia Athletics to the pennant defeating the 2005 Milwaukee Brewers in six games.

Milwaukee took the opening game but Jack Quinn quickly righted the ship winning game two 2-1. In a similar spot, Lefty Grove pitched a shutout in game four to again tie the series. Simmons hit a three run home run in game five and two home runs in game six as the Athletics were determined to move on.

The Brewers likely deserved better but the margin of error in the post season is indeed miniscule.

American League Championship Series

Attachment 1017669

Blue Jays Stun Indians
Toronto Make It Look Easy In 5 Games

Postseason baseball truly can not be scripted. The 1991 Toronto Blue Jays overrun the 1920 Cleveland Indians in five games pushing aside the 105 win club.

A 10-2 romp in the opening game by Toronto set the tone and the Juan Guzman pitched outstanding as the Jays took both game in Cleveland. After losing game three big, the Jays wrapped the series up at home beating Stan Coveleski twice in the process. Devon White was named the MVP hitting .333 with 9 RBI while David Wells won two games allowing 2 earned runs in 15 innings.

"There is something special about this club" says manager Cito Gaston. Now the World Series awaits them.

Season 1
World Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/PHA-1928.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202406171/...r/TOR-1991.png

1928 Philadelphia Athletics vs 1991 Toronto Blue Jays

What A Series!
Athletics Rally And Are First Champions Of Season 1

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/b4/c2/ac/b...96b7b908cc.jpg

In a series that lived up to all the billing, it was the 1928 Philadelphia Athletics who came from a 1-3 game deficit in the series to win in seven games. Al Simmons was named MVP but many thought it was the heart of Lefty Grove that helped the Athletics find a way to survive and win. Simmons hit .448 in series and drove in 8 bit Grove struck out 29 in 23 innings winning two games, including game seven. Here is a quick recap of the seven games.

Game 1 In Philadelphia
Jimmy Dykes hit a two run home run and Lefty Grove struck out seven in a good pitching matchup with Juan Guzman. Each side only had three hits but the Dykes homer in the 7th broke a 1-1 tie and gave Connie Mack and his side the opener.

Game 2 in Philadelphia
After letting up three runs in the bottom of the first, Jimmy Key settled down and helped navigate a 6-3 victory for the Jays to tie the series. Devon White drove in two and Roberto Alomar made some sparkling defensive plays as the series moves to Canada.

Game 3 In Toronto
Devon White came through again in a big way as Toronto was on fire at the Skydome to take the series lead. White drove in four runs and Duane Ward shut the door as it became obvious that the Jays were more then capable of winning the series.

Game 4 In Toronto
Rene Gonzales singled in the bottom of the 10th to walk off another Blue Jays win and break the hearts of the A's. Dave Stieb comes in the game in relief and pitches two clutch innings to get the win and Roberto Alomar has three hits and scores two runs.

Game 5 In Toronto
Six outs away from a championship the Jays lead the A's 5-1 heading into the 8th inning. The Athletics would not quit and rallied for 4 runs behind a bases clearing hit by Ty Cobb. In the 9th the Athletics took the series home scoring three more runs in what was a telling collapse by the Toronto team and bullpen.

Game 6 In Philadelphia
An offensive show at Shibe Park as the Athletics opened up a 9-0 lead but the Jays scored six times in the 6th inning to make a game of it. Jimmy Dykes hit two home runs and Al Simmons drove in three as the confident A's scored 14 runs in a barrage of offense to force a game seven.

Game 7 In Philadelphia
It was Lefty Grove's night at the star threw a complete game shutout and the offense supported him with 8 runs with Simmons again coming through going 3-3 with a home run. The spirit of the Jays seemed to have left them completely, and Connie Mack celebrated the fantastic resolve and effort of his club

CHAMPIONS SEASON 1
1928 PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS

Attachment 1017847

Attachment 1017791

Attachment 1017792

Season 2
Derby And All Star Game

Evans Rockets Into Derby Win
Eleven Home Runs In Final Round

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...Evans_1974.jpg

Attachment 1021538


Attachment 1021536

Hayes Walks Off Nationals In All 12th

Attachment 1021537

Season 2
July

Attachment 1022135

Awards
Batter of the month AL: Goose Goslin (1924 Senators)
Batter of the month NL - Jose Bautista (2012 Blue Jays)
Pitcher of the month AL - Clay Buchholz (2015 Red Sox)
Pitcher of the month NL - Steve Carlton (1983 Phillies)

Injuries
Steve Jeltz (1983 Phillies) - Hamate Bone (2-3 months)
Rudy Pemberton (1995 Tigers) - Knee (3-4 weeks)
Jackie Bradley Jr (2015 Red Sox) - Shoulder (2-3 weeks)

Thirty Game Hit Streak For Jones

https://metsmerizedonline.com/wp-con...leon-jones.jpg


American League West

1925 Philadelphia Athletics - A losing month has made the race alot tighter as the 1972 Braves have cut the lead to 3.5 games. Al Simmons has cooled off to .360 but Lefty Grove has remained on point, now with 190 strikeouts and 12 wins. Still the A's need to prepare themselves for a race to the finish.

1972 Atlanta Braves - George Stone went down with an injury and Jimmy Freeman has come into the rotation and looked good. Henry Aaron has hit 30 home runs and 90 RBI already with 2 months to play proving his resolve to lead the club. Phil Niekro needs to be better and if all goes well, the Braves feel they can win it.

1977 Chicago White Sox - Even as they hosted the All Star Game, the Sox managed only 9 wins in the month and are now 15 games back. The offense really fell apart as a .245 team average wont cut it. The Sox were swept in four games in Atlanta, really showing two teams going in opposite directions.

1995 Detroit Tigers - Also winning only 9 games, Sparky Anderson has not been able to get the most out of this team. David Wells continues to pitch well with a 1.06 ERA in his last two starts but Milt Cuyler and Danny Bautista are a combined 4 for 48 as the offense remains in the tank.

American League East

1924 Washington Senators - Finally the favorites are playing like it again as a hot July has taken them back to the top of the division. The month included a sweep of the Braves and more importantly one of the 1987 Phillies. Goose Goslin and Bucky Harris are on fire with Goslin going 20 for 36 with now a .314 average and 87 RBI. A tight pennant race with Boston awaits and the Senators appear ready.

2015 Boston Red Sox - Nineteen wins for Boston as they keep pace with Washington and make it a two team race. David Ortiz had a big month hitting over .400 while Dustin Pedroia is now hitting .351 and is at his very best. Clay Buchholz won pitcher of the month honors as he has turned his season around and now has 15 wins.

1987 Philadelphia Phillies - Sixty wins for the Phillies but that is still keeping them 7 games back. The Phils have yet to prove they can beat the big clubs and that will need to change if a late run is possible. Todd Frohwirth and Steve Bedrosian have established one if not the best pen in the game. Still the offense appears old and unable to sustain itself for the season.

1929 Boston Braves - The Braves unfortunately have been heading in the wrong direction with 7 wins in July. The offense has only gotten worse with George Harper the only bright spot as the first baseman has had a fine year with 19 HR and a .802 OPS. The Braves are 9-30 versus leftys and lead the league in being shutout.

National League East

2002 Los Angeles Dodgers - The Dodgers are fortunate to be in the weakest division in the league. Odalis Perez had a good month and emerged as the need third starter. Shawn Green is up to 24 homers while Adrian Beltre is hitting .320 for the club that leads the league in batting average. Still the club is slow and the defense average, but they may still be enough to win the division.

1942 Cincinnati Reds - A four game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers in LA was part of a broken down month where the Reds now sit 6 games under .500. All is not lost yet for the club but they need to turn the ship around fast. The offense just has shut down and the bottom of the order especially has produced nothing but automatic outs. Eddie Joost is hitting .210 and Damon Phillips is 3 for his last 22.

1912 St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals are only seven games back in this division despite their record. Slim Sallee has found his groove as one of the best control pitchers in the game and has won 10 games along with Pol Perritt. Rube Ellis has 74 RBI and Ed Konetchy another 71 for an offense that is a surprising second in scoring runs. The Cards have also stolen 210 bases to lead the league keeping their small ball reputation. Lee Magee has swiped 31 bases.

2012 Toronto Blue Jays - Jose Bautista won batter of the month honors and now has 80 RBI with 23 homers. The Jays are first with 111 home runs but the pitching just cant get things right. Ricky Romero has already lost 18 games and the club has allowed 605 runs and a FIP of 4.57. We have seen however, in this division, anything maybe possible.

National League West

1993 Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies continue to be a wrecking ball in the West and are looking to end the race sooner then later. Steve Carlton is in a groove and took player of the month honors as he is sitting on 206 strikeouts for the season. Mike Schmidt has 33 home runs and is hoping to land around 50 while Bo Diaz has impressed with 72 RBI. The Phils are experienced and focused on a single goal, and they are making it look easy in the process.

1968 New York Mets - There is no wild card in the process so the Mets would truly need a miracle to make a run at the post season. Nolan Ryan is throwing hard and holds a 2.86 ERA in 17 starts while Tom Seaver threw two shutouts to end the month. Clean Jones is playing in another universe hitting .368 and coming off of a 30 game hitting streak. The Mets are an incredible 40-15 at home and will get the 83 Phillies three times at Shea in August. The Mets are tops in defensive efficiency at .734.

1931 Pittsburgh Pirates - The Bucs are now 17 games under .500 and may well be packing it in but they do have to fight the Americans for last place. The bullpen has been in shambles as Glenn Spencer was lit up for a 9.72 ERA in the month among others. The loss of Larry French hasn't helped the rotation putting the offense under pressure. Adam Comorosky has done his part leading the team with a .305 average but it is the hall of famers like the Waners and Pie Traynor that have been good but not great.

1907 Boston Americans - Last in runs and offense the Americans can pitch themselves to a win here and there. A .669 team OPS is just not good enough at this level and the strains of the modern game seem to have gotten the most of this club. The Americans played .500 baseball in May and look to have a winning month before the season is over.

Final Standings

Attachment 1023208

National League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/PHI-1983.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/LAD-2002.png

1983 Philadelphia Phillies (112-50) vs 2002 Los Angeles Dodgers (83-79)

It would appear that this series is going to be a mismatch as the 1983 Phillies come off an incredible season winning 112 games and the pressure will be on for them to finish the job. The Phillies dominated the season series winning 13 of 17 games against the Dodgers who are coming off a very tight race to even get to the postseason.

For the Phillies John Denny won 26 games and Steve Carlton struck out 292 batters throwing for over 300 innings. Mike Schmidt is sure to be the MVP with 52 home runs and 134 RBI for the season while Jeff Stone stole 90 bases along with 83 from Bobby Dernier as the club scored 884 runs. Ron Reed had 45 saves for the year and there is really no weakness that can be found in this club that put it all together.

The 2002 Dodgers had to win on the last day of the season as they held off a very determined 1942 Reds team. Now the task seems daunting for a team that won only 83 games. Kevin Brown and Odalis Perez combined for 39 wins but the Dodger pen lead by Eric Gagne has been a mixed bag. Shawn Green drove in 104 and the Dodger team defense is among tops in the league. Make no mistake however, if Jim Tracy and LA can pull an upset here, the reaction may be bigger then an LA earthquake.

American League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/BOS-2015.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/PHA-1925.png

2015 Boston Red Sox (97-65) vs 1925 Philadelphia Athletics (90-72)

Nothing more spicy then a Boston vs Philly battle to win the pennant. The 1925 Athletics are trying to match the feat of the 1928 team that took it all in season 1. Boston however has the better record and the better pedigree having won 10 of 16 vs the A's this season.

Speaking of Boston, they also had a last day scare in their division race but were able to hold off the the champion 1924 Senators on the last day of the season. Rick Porcello and Clay Buchholz pitched better than anyone expected at the top of the rotation while Koji Uehara used his splitter to become the dependable closer for the side. The Red Sox scored 899 runs to league both leagues with young Mookie Betts leading the way with a 155 OPS plus and 6.9 WAR. The no DH rule has really limited David Ortiz but he has the reputation of changing the narrative in the post season.

Connie Mack is a master at planning a gameplan for a post season series. The Athletics muscled their way past the 1972 Brave to win the division with once again Al Simmons leading the way with 34 home runs and a .349 average. Jimmie Foxx hit 15 home runs but is still only 17 years old and getting better everyday. Lefty Grove and Rube Walberg will make it tough on anyone and Grove can really step up in a big series game.

Season 2 Batting Champion

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped..._Garr_1974.jpg

Ralph Garr (1972 Atlanta Braves)
(.361, 228 Hits, 37 doubles)

Playoff Update Season 2

Red Sox Overwhelm Athletics
Betts And Shaw Lead Boston Rush In 6

Attachment 1023362

After a hard fought opening four games of the series including losing the first two; the 2015 Red Sox woke up in a big way and won the AL pennant disposing of Connie Mack and the 1925 Athletics in six games.

Surprise arm Wade Miley pitched well in both his starts but saved the best for game six where he shut out the A's 2-0 and avoided the tension of a game seven. Boston scored 14 runs in the two opening games with Xander Bogaerts serving up a walk off hit in extras of game one. Boston scored 4 runs late on the A's pen in innings 8 and 9 of game two to take command.

Philadelphia responded well for games 3 and 4 as the Sox helped them with four costly errors in game three. Game four saw Rube Walberg in complete control cruising to a series tying win. However Rick Porcello turned the favor with an excellent outing in game five and Miley then slammed the door in game seven.

Mookie Betts gets the MVP of the series hitting .444 with 5 RBI and six runs. Travis Shaw drove in 8 runs with a 130 OPS+ in the series. Boston did without David Ortiz who only had two at bats. The win now has the Red Sox on the biggest stage, awaiting a battle against a surging Phillies team.

Barely Breaking A Sweat
1983 Phillies Continue Dominance With Win

Attachment 1023363

The 1983 Phillies shocked everyone by losing game one to the 2002 Dodgers fairly handily as many thought an upset could be in the cards. Not even close as Philadelphia won the next four games to stamp their ticket to the season 2 World Series.

Kevin Brown struck out 11 in the opener beating Steve Carlton and giving the Phillies a much needed wakeup call. Mike Schmidt hit a big home run in a tight game two and in game three again Philadelphia used the long ball homering three times in a 4-2 win behind Marty Bystrom. The last two games were dominant as the Phils outscored LA 16-3 as Carlton got his revenge and John Denny ended the series with a quality effort.

Juan Samuel wins the MVP of the series hitting .368 with a .684 SLG and some very good defense at second. Schmidt hit .333 while Phillies pitching was excellent taking away a poor game one. The script is going as planned for this team as they prepare for the World Series, against a 97 win Red Sox team.

Season 2
World Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/PHI-1983.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408161/...r/BOS-2015.png

1983 Philadelphia Phillies vs 2015 Boston Red Sox

Phillies Crowned As Worthy Champions
Season 2 Excellence Continues In Post Season

The 1983 Philadelphia Phillies celebrated their championship as the undisputed best team of season 2. Their four game sweep of the 2015 Red Sox was an expected end to a club that did everything right.

Game 1 In Boston
Joe Morgan and Mike Schmidt both hit two run home runs in the 8th inning to overturn a Boston lead. Hanley Ramirez had given the home side the lead in back to back affair but it was the Phillies who finished strongest roughing up Koji Uehera.

Game 2 In Boston
John Denny pitches into the 8th inning and overcomes a 3 RBI game from Mookie Betts as the Phillies take both games in Boston. Juan Samuel goes 4-5 including a home run while Bob Dernier and Kiko Garcia both drive in two. Rick Porcello gets the loss lasting only 4 innings.

Game 3 In Philadelphia
Wade Miley and Marty Bystrom battle in a tight game that remained tied at two going into the late innings. In the 9th Xander Boegarts made an error to allow Juan Samuel to get on base. Samuel manufactured the winning run on his own stealing second and heading to third on a scrafice before he scored the winning run on a wild pitch Uehara who lost jis second game.

Game 4 In Philadelphia
The most dramatic finish of all four games and the hero turned out to be the mighty Mike Schmidt. The teams traded home runs as Schmidt hit two of them and both sides were tied at 6 going into the 9th. Brock Holt singled in two runs for Boston and it looked as if they would avoid the sweep. In the bottom of the ninth the Phillies loaded the bases with 2 outs before Schmidt cleared the bases with a double and walked off the game and the series Schmidt had 7 RBI in the final game.

CHAMPIONS SEASON 2
1983 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Attachment 1023496

Attachment 1023517

Season 3

American League

Eastern Division

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/BOS-2003.png
1. 2003 Boston Red Sox
Record: 95-67
Finish: Lost in ALCS
Manager: Grady Little
Ball Park: Fenway Park

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/STL-1991.png
2. 1991 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 84-78
Finish: 2nd in NL East
Manager: Joe Torre
Ball Park: Busch Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/ATL-1971.png
3. 1971 Atlanta Braves
Record: 82-80
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Lum Harris
Ball Park: Fulton County Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/CHW-2018.png
4. 2018 Chicago White Sox
Record: 62-100
Finish: 4th in AL Central
Manager: Ricky Renteria

Western Division

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/CLE-1999.png
1. 1999 Cleveland Indians
Record: 97-65
Finish: Lost in ALDS
Manager: Mike Hargrove
Ball Park: Jacobs Field

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/BAL-1985.png
2. 1985 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 83-78
Finish: 4th in AL East
Manager: Joe Altobelli
Ball Park: Memorial Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/NYY-1982.png
3. 1982 New York Yankees
Record: 79-83
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Gene Michael
Ball Park: Yankee Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/TEX-2014.png
4. 2014 Texas Rangers
Record: 67-95
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager:Ron Washington
Ball Park: Globe Like Park

Season 3

National League

Eastern Division

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/NYM-1988.png
1. 1988 New York Mets
Record: 100-62
Finish: Lost in NLCS
Manager: Davey Johnson
Ball Park: Shea Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/SFG-1973.png
2. 1973 San Francisco Giants
Record: 88-74
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Charlie Fox
Ball Park: Candlestick Park

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/BRO-1914.png
3. 1914 Brooklyn Robins
Record: 75-79
Finish: 5th In NL
Manager: Wilbert Robinson
Ball Park: Ebbets Field

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/CHC-1962.png
4. 1962 Chicago Cubs
Record: 59-103
Finish: 9th in NL
Manager: Charlie Metro
Ball Park: Wrigley Field

Western Division

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/PIT-1912.png
1. 1912 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 93-56
Finish: 2nd in NL
Manager: Fred Clarke
Ball Park: Forbes Field

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/BAL-1978.png
2. 1978 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 90-71
Finish: 4th iin AL East
Manager: Earl Weaver
Ball Park: Memorial Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/STL-1999.png
3. 1999 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 75-86
Finish: 4th in NL Central
Manager: Tony LaRussa
Ball Park: Busch Stadium

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202408212/...r/SLB-1940.png
4. 1940 St. Louis Browns
Record: 67-87
Finish: 6th in AL
Manager: Fred Haney
Ball Park: Sportsmans Park

Season 3
All Star Edition

Its Hammer Time
Aaron Bashes 25 Home Runs In Showcase Derby

https://sports.cbsimg.net/images/vis...aron-63013.jpg

Attachment 1026576

Attachment 1026577

Season 3
Final Standings

Attachment 1028098

American League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/BOS-2003.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/CLE-1999.png

2003 Boston Red Sox (90-72) vs 1999 Cleveland Indians (87-75)

The 1999 Cleveland Indians let their offense do the talking all season long and in the end won the AL West going away. The 87 wins may not be all the impressive but their ability to get on base and score runs is. Manny Ramirez drove in 106 runs while Kenny Lofton stole 41 bases and scored 103 times. Bartolo Colon won 18 games and a pen by committee worked as the Indians now look for greater glory. The 2003 Red Sox were lead by pitching triple crown winner Pedro Martinez for the season but Pedro will miss the playoffs with a bad back, putting the pressure on Boston to cover for him. Boston went 18-8 in September and are playing determined baseball as super star Nomar Garciaparra, who hit .324, joins Manny Ramirez in the middle of a good lineup. The Sox let up the fewest runs in the league, but Tim Wakefield and Bronson Arroyo will have their work cut out for them in the series against the Indians.

National League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/PIT-1912.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/NYM-1988.png

1912 Pittsburgh Pirates (111-51) vs 1988 New York Mets (98-64)

The 1988 Mets finished the fight in the NL East defeating the 1914 Robins three out of four in the final series of the season and the month saw them win 13 games in a row and a record of 20-6. Dwight Gooden and David Cone are as good a duo as one can find while Darryl Strawberry hit 31 home runs and drove in 96 for an offence that finished first in home runs. The Pirates won 111 games and haven't played an important game since June. They won their division by 34 games and had a plus run differential of 283. Honus Wagner hit .361 while Babe Adams won 26 games. Pittsburgh went 11-5 against the Mets in the regular season and will be the all out favorites to win the pennant.

Batting Champion

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...on%2C_1914.jpg

Honus Wagner
(.361, 211 H)

Attachment 1028099

Season 3
World Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/PIT-1912.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/BOS-2003.png

Sox No Match For Destined Pirates
Pittsburgh End Storybook Season With Title

The team with the best record for the entirety of season three upped their game in the playoffs and made the World Series a no contest culminating their season into ultimate success. The MVP of the series was George Gibson who was flawless behind the plate and hit a robust .444. A recap of the series:

Game 1 In Pittsburgh
A four run 4th inning was more then enough as the Pirates opened the series behind a dominant pitching effort by Hank Robinson. Robinson went 8 innings allowing just three hits and one run as he kept the Red Sox off balance all afternoon working well with George Gibson. The tone was set with this game one win.

Game 2 In Pittsburgh
Another four run inning, this time in the 6th, brings the Pirates back from a deficit. Tommy Leach adds a run scoring triple as Tim Wakefield couldnt hold the lead. Wilbur Cooper was good enough but it took Howie Camitz to close the door on the Red Sox in the ninth, it si Camitz's sixth save of the post season.

Game 3 In Boston
Nomar Garicaparra and Manny Ramirez both go yard as Boston makes it a great homecoming to get themselves back in the series. Derek Lowe out performs Babe Adams as the Pirates leave 10 men on base and couldn't find the big hit. Nomar went 3-4 and Jason Varitek scored two runs in the win.

Game 4 In Boston
The most crucial game of the series. Boston held a 1-0 lead into the seventh inning behind Bronson Arroyo and could smell a tie in the series. However a George Gibson double broke the tie and a Jim Viox single gave the Pirates the lead showing the Bucs resolve. Camitz closed out yet another one late as Boston had their hearts broken in a game they really needed.

Game 5 In Boston
Bobby Byrne hit a two run home run off of Tim Wakefield and the Pirates opened up a 4-0 lead early giving starter Wilbur Cooper all the support he would need. Cooper cruised through seven innings allowing no runs and striking out six. A late Boston rally would make it interesting but in the end the Pirates closed things out and were deserved champions in a season they truly can be proud of.

Champions Season 3
1912 Pittsburgh Pirates

Attachment 1028536

Attachment 1028534

Attachment 1028535

Season 3 Recap

Awards

Most Valuable Player

Attachment 1028574

Cy Young Award

Attachment 1028575

League Leaders

Attachment 1028576

Accomplishments

6/26 - Joe Grace (1940 Browns) - 6 RBI
6/2 - Bartolo Colon (1999 Indians) - 15 K in one start
5/12 - Shane Rawley (1982 Yankees) - No Hitter
7/20 - Mike Boddicker (1985 Orioles) - No Hitter

Best Game Performances

7/3 - Jeremy Giambi (2003 Red Sox) 5-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 8 RBI vs 71 Braves
6/26 - Joe Grace (1940 Browns) 4-4, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R
6/23 - Joe Grace (1940 Browns) 4-5, 5 RBI, 3 HR, 4 R
6/25 - JD Drew (1999 Cardinals) 3-4, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 R
8/30 - Wilbur Cooper (1912 Pirates) CG, 3 H, 0 ER, 13 K

Season 4

American League East

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/KCR-1975.png

1. 1975 Kansas City Royals
Record: 91-71
Finish: 2nd in AL West
Manager: Jack McKeon
Ball Park: Royals Stadium
WAR Leader: John Mayberry

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/PIT-1969.png

2. 1969 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 88-74
Finish: 3rd in NL East
Manager: Larry Shepard
Ball Park: Forbes Field
WAR Leader: Roberto Clemente

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/CHW-1999.png

3. 1999 Chicago White Sox
Record: 75-86
Finish: 2nd in AL West
Manager: Jerry Manuel
Ball Park: New Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Magglio Orodnez

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/TEX-1985.png

4. 1985 Texas Rangers
Record: 62-99
Finish: 7th in AL West
Manager: Bobby Valentine
Ball Park: Arlington Stadium
WAR Leader: Charlie Hough

American League West

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/CHW-1919.png

1. 1919 Chicago White Sox
Record: 88-52
Finish: Lost in WS
Manager: Kid Gleason
Ball Park: Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Eddie Cicotte

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/MON-1985.png

2. 1985 Montreal Expos
Record: 84-77
Finish: 3rd in NL East
Manager: Buck Rodgers
Ball Park: Olympic Stadium
WAR Leader: Tim Raines

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/ARI-2013.png

3. 2013 Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 81-81
Finish: 2nd in NL West
Manager: Kirk Gibson
Ball Park: Chase Field
WAR Leader: Paul Goldschmidt

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/SDP-2002.png

4. 2002 San Diego Padres
Record: 66-96
Finish: 5th in NL West
Manager: Bruce Bochy
Ball Park: Qualcomm Stadium
WAR Leader: Ryan Klesko

Season 4

National League East

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/PIT-2015.png

1. 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 98-64
Finish: Lost in Wild Card
Manager: Clint Hurdle
Ball Park: PNC Park
WAR Leader: Starlin Marte (5.0)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/HOU-2008.png

2. 2008 Houston Astros
Record: 86-75
Finish: 3rd in NL Central
Manager: Cecil Cooper
Ball Park: Minute Maid Park
WAR Leader: Lance Berkman (6.9)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/NYM-2018.png

3. 2018 New York Mets
Record: 77-85
Finish: 4th in NL East
Manager: Mickey Callaway
WAR Leader: Jacob DeGrom (9.9)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/DET-1954.png

4. 1954 Detroit Tigers
Record: 66-86
Finish: 6th in AL
Manager: Fred Hutchinson
Ball Park: Briggs Stadium
WAR Leader: Steve Gromek (6.0)

National League West

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/NYG-1924.png

1. 1924 New York Giants
Record: 93-60
Finish: Lost in WS
Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
WAR Leader: Frankie Frisch (7.5)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/STL-1914.png

2. 1914 St. Louis Cardinals
Record: 81-72
Finish: 3rd iN NL
Manager: Miller Huggins
Ball Park: Robinson Field
WAR Leader: Slim Sallee (5.9)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/CHC-1944.png

3. 1944 Chicago Cubs
Record: 75-79
Finish: 4th in NL
Manager: Charlie Grimm
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Bill Nicholson (6.1)

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202409272/...r/ARI-2021.png

4. 2021 Arizona Diamondbacks
Record: 52-110
Finish: 5th in NL West
Manager: Torey Lovullo
Ball Park: Chase Field
WAR Leader: Zac Gallen (2.3)

Season 4

All Star Week

A True Field Of Dreams
Shoeless Joe Wows In Derby

https://beckett-www.s3.amazonaws.com...hoelessJoe.jpg

Attachment 1032629

Attachment 1032630

Season 4
Final Standings

Attachment 1034736

American League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/ARI-2013.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/PIT-1969.png

2013 Arizona Diamondbacks (93-69) vs 1969 Pittsburgh Pirates (90-72)

The 2013 Diamondbacks are able to survive and put a dagger to Joe Jackson and the sentimental favorite 1919 White Sox. Arizona played much better then anticipated as star Paul Goldschmidt hit 39 home runs and he and Aaron Hill both drove in over 100 RBI. The team was also best of the bases and were tops in defensive efficiency. David Hernandez and JJ Putz made what was likely the best pen in the league. Arizona proved that they really dont have a glaring weakness.

On the other side are the 1969 Pirates who were lost for most of the early season but after the all star break really turned it on and ran away with things in their division; in fact they were the very fist club to clinch. Bob veale went 22-8 in an outstanding season while Bob Moose won 18 games and was almost just as good. Dock Ellis actually moved to the pen and looked competent while the Pirates offense was middle of the road but seemed to get the big hits when they need them. The above all star for the club is Roberto Clemente who had 115 RBI and a knack to do it all on the field. Two unheralded franchises get a chance to play it out for a chance to advance and win the pennant.

National League Championship Series

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/NYM-2018.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/NYG-1924.png

1924 New York Giants (99-63) vs 2018 New York Mets (81-81)

It will be the battle of modern New York with the glory of its past in the NLCS. The 2018 Mets lead from wire to wire in the East as their three headed monster at the top of their rotation was lights out. Jacob DeGrom won 21 games while Zack Wheeler made a great number two with Syndegaard and Matz adding more depth. Seth Lugo saved 41 games and the Mets as a unit lead the league in FIP. Yoenis Cespedes was worth all the hype with 36 HR and 112 RBI. Jeff McNeil hit .321 and Brandon Nimmo blasted 21 home runs. This Mets team did only win 81 games and isn't seeming to get the respect they deserve, but here they are trying to make a miracle of a post season pennant run.

The 1924 Giants learned the hard way not to take anything for granted as the 1944 Cubs were on their heels all season long. Still the Giants found a way as John McGraw often does and the famous club ended with the best record in the league with 99 wins. Virgil Barnes won 23 games and the staff held its own but it was Giants hitting that shined this season. The club hit 256 home runs and big Hack Wilson had 44 of them while the club .277 average was also tops. New York did lead the league in errors but many say that is just a result of their aggressive style in the field. The series should be a fine one in the biggest stage of them all. Many feel however that the Giants can only beat themselves and should lift the flag.

Leaders

Attachment 1034737

Batting Champion

https://sportsposterwarehouse.com/cd...g?v=1496258268

Joe Jackson (1919 White Sox) - .344 with 207 hits

Season 4
The Playoffs

American League Championship Series

Clemente Shines As Bucks Fly
Pirates Look Miles Ahead Of Nervous DBacks

https://metsmerizedonline.com/wp-con...o-clemente.jpg

Playing in the regular season is one thing, but when the bright lights of the postseason come on, certain teams and stars seem to steal the limelight. Roberto Clemente is such a player who is at his best on the big stage and in this ALCS, he was brilliant. Clemente went 10 for 18 and played great defense even as the series stood in the balance after the two teams split the in Arizona.

The 1969 Pirates took all three games at Three Rivers Stadium including game 5 where Bob Veale threw a three hit shutout and Pittsburgh fans celebrated their pennant. MVP Candidate Paul Goldschmidt did not have a single RBI in the series while Aaron Hill went 1 for 21 as the 2013 Arizona stars fell right out of the sky.

Confident and playing some of their best baseball at exactly the right time, the Pirates now look for their grandest moment in the World Series where the best team in the league, the 1924 New York Giants await them.

National League Championship Series

A Giant Comeback Truly Excellent
Giants Refuse To Lose As Shock Haunts Mets

https://www.sportsofyore.com/wp-cont...series_mob.png

The 1924 New York Giants, who had the best record in the league for season 4, played their best baseball with their backs against the wall in the NLCS to eliminate the 2018 Mets and make it to the World Series.

Game Seven was one for the ages, but before we get there, the 2018 Mets looked to have everything in their favor jumping to a convincing 3 games to 1 series lead. Jacob DeGrom pitched a shutout in game one and at CitiField the Mets carried the momentum to get to just one game from the clinch. Virgil Barnes had other ideas and was excellent in game five allowing no runs in 8 plus innings to beat Noah Syndergaard and send the series back to the Polo Grounds.

With new life the Giants made an example of the Mets and had the kind of win in game six that losing teams cant recover from. The Giants won 18-4 as George Kelly had 8 RBI and the club ended with a historic 26 hits. The Mets surely felt that the Giants and John McGraw had run up the score and tensions were high anyway for game seven.

Jacob DeGrom was the perfect man for the moment. DeGrom held the Giants hitless for five innings but his opponent, Art Nehf, also refused to budge and the game was scoreless in the 8th. Amed Rosario came to the dish and hit a home run almost out of the stadium. Rosario hit it 479 feet and the Mets closed out the 8th and needed three outs to win it.

Seth Lugo, the Mets closer who had 41 saves allowed a single to Ross Youngs and with one out faced hank Gowdy. Down two strikes, Gowdy hit a towering fly to left that swayed just fair and changed the entire narrative as the Giants walked it off and Giant fans stormed the field.

The Mythology of this one and New York baseball will not be lived down forever. Now the Giants move on to face a rested 1969 Pirates team for the right to win it all.

Season 4
World Series

Attachment 1035321

https://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/NYG-1924.pnghttps://cdn.ssref.net/req/202411081/...r/PIT-1969.png

Giants Race To Championship
New York Sweeps Bucs In No Contest

Game 1 - The Giants jump all over Pirate starter Bob Moose for six runs in the first four innings to set the tone for the series. Pittsburgh does fight back to make it a game but Rosy Ryan closes out the ninth. George Kelly drives in four and Ross Youngs scores 4 runs off 4 hits.

Game 2 - A much closer game as Jack Bentley held a slight lead over Bob Veale and the home team after a Frankie Frisch RBI single in the 5th. The Giants extended their lead in the ninth before Bentley closed it out despite a late home run by Carl Taylor. Hank Gowdy goes 4-4 and after this game it felt there was no way the Pirates could survive and bring the series back to Pittsburgh.

Game 3 - The hammer came out for the Giants at the Polo Grounds as their offense swelled including an 8 run sixth inning that put the game away. Art Nehf sailed along for the complete game win while Hack Wilson hit a three run home run and Jim Bunning had nothing in a crucial start foe the Pirates. Wilson had 4 home runs and 12 RBI in the post season.

Game 4 - Game 4 was a formality as the Giant fans celebrated a title for season four with an easy 7-1 clinching win. Virgil Barnes pitched well in the win while Frankie Frisch had four hits and a home run to earn MVP honors and Travis Jackson added a two run single. It was a culmination for the Giants who sweated out an ALCS win only to have it their way completely in the World Series.

Champions Season 4
1924 New York Giants

Attachment 1035320

Attachment 1035318

Attachment 1035319