Eclipse League
A typically enthralling start to the 1981 EL season, with some of that early craziness settling down in the latter part of the month. The Crawfords are the main surprise after such a dominant 1980, along with the Athletics, but it is only early.
Monthly Award Winners
- FC BATTER OF THE MONTH: Keston Hiura (Black Barons) 384 / 2 HR / 27 RBI.
- FC PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Nate Moreland (Red Sox) 4-1 / 2.62 / 27 K / 48 IP.
- FC ROOKIE OF THE MONTH: Frank Pearson (Royal Giants) 4-3 / 6.89 / 5 SV / 6 K / 14.1 IP.
- WC BATTER OF THE MONTH: Roberto Clemente (Grays) 345 / 7 HR / 19 RBI.
- WC PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Ervin Santana (American Giants) 5-0 / 2.63 / 39 K / 51.1 IP.
- WC ROOKIE OF THE MONTH: Slim Jones (ABCs) 3-2 / 3.89 / 22 K / 34.2 IP.
Points of Interest
- The Elite Giants sign gun Closer Lefty Moses – minus his trademark handlebar moustache – to a 1-year, $1.34m deal.
- Hilldale's Dusty Baker will miss 6-7 weeks with an elbow injury.
Transit League
A fairly tight start to the year in the TL.
Monthly Award Winners
- CAC BATTER OF THE MONTH: Glenallen Hill (White Sox) 388 / 9 HR / 21 RBI.
- CAC PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Enyel De Los Santos (Browns) 3-0 / 2.32 / 16 K / 31 IP.
- FRC BATTER OF THE MONTH: Louie Meadows (Bears) 388 / 2 HR / 23 RBI.
- FRC PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Jose Cano (Black Senators) 3-0 / 2.75 / 22 K / 39.1 IP.