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Three years ago the Ozarka Naturals (81-73) hit their way to the division title, but the batters have tailed off each year since and the Nats have slipped a little in the standings... skipper Frank Kiffen's squad wound up fourth this year, just 5 and a half games out... in its history Ozarka has accounted for 12 pennants and 14 postseason appearances, but has never won the Pro Cup in its five tries... the Nats have trouble scoring runs (25th) and don't have much power with 103 homers (27th)... star SS and 8-time All-Star James Couch (.302) was the best bat in the Ozarka arsenal with 19 homers, 79 RBIs and 81 runs scored... Couch is a .310 career hitter in his 18 seasons with a good shot at the IPA Hall of Fame... LF Lonnie Gillespie (.297) was also a decent hitter with 63 RBIs and 60 runs scored... RF Byron Glenn led the club with 21 home runs, but hit only .205 for average... Marty Lane (18-13/3.42), rookie Glen Jenkins (13-6/2.84) and Stan Carey (16-16/3.58) led the pitching staff.
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