Season 8
June
�� The Excellence Project – June 2025 Monthly Report (Season 8) ��
All-Star Break Nears as Races Tighten, Cueto and Coombs Capture Rookie Honors, Stargell Shines
As June gives way to July in Season 8 of The Excellence Project, all eyes turn toward the upcoming All-Star Game — but not before reflecting on a June filled with jaw-dropping performances, shifting pennant races, and breakout stars. From Willie Stargell’s MVP-caliber month to Johnny Cueto and Jack Coombs dominating from the mound, the league delivered another unforgettable chapter.
Let’s break down June team-by-team as the races heat up:
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AMERICAN LEAGUE ANALYSIS
East Division
Philadelphia 1910 Athletics (52–26, .667) — ��
Connie Mack's club continues to run laps around the rest of the AL. Jack Coombs' sensational June (5-2, 2.68 ERA, 60 Ks) earned him Rookie of the Month honors. Backed by a deep rotation (Krause, Bender, Plank), the A’s own the pitching leaderboard with all three in the top 3 in strikeouts. Eddie Collins (.334 AVG) and Danny Murphy (63 RBI) fuel the offense. Philly looks like the early World Series favorite.
Detroit 1994 Tigers (31–46, .403) — ��
An abysmal June saw Detroit slip further into irrelevance. Pitching woes and an offense that can't keep pace leave the Tigers needing a miracle second-half turnaround.
Boston 1953 Red Sox (31–46, .403) — ��
June was another frustrating month for Boston. The bats are lukewarm, the pitching is pedestrian, and the team is playing below expectations. They'll need a jolt to avoid a last-place finish.
St. Louis 1947 Browns (28–48, .368) — ❌
The AL's worst team in June. Vern Stephens continues to mash (22 HR, 74 RBI), but the supporting cast is nonexistent. Expect trade rumors to swirl around the slugger before long.
West Division
Pittsburgh 1972 Pirates (50–29, .633) — ��
Still comfortably in first, thanks largely to one man: Willie Stargell, your SL1 Player of the Month, who launched 32 HR and drove in 77 RBI. Stargell also had a 3-HR game in June, leading a power-packed offense. On the mound, Bob Moose (2.01 ERA) and Hank Robinson (2.36 ERA) keep hitters off-balance. This team is built to win now.
Seattle 1990 Mariners (39–37, .513) — ⏳
The M's held steady in June, neither rising nor falling significantly. They're a tier below Pittsburgh but remain in the Wild Card conversation.
St. Louis 1945 Browns (34–43, .442) — ⚠️
Judnich (.324 AVG) continues to impress, but they’ve lacked pitching depth. Without a midseason acquisition or breakout, the Browns will drift further from contention.
Minnesota 1998 Twins (29–48, .377) — ��
Despite strong June showings from Matt Lawton and Ron Coomer, this team is lacking elite talent on the mound. Their fate appears sealed.
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NATIONAL LEAGUE ANALYSIS
East Division
St. Louis 1926 Cardinals (45–32, .584) — ��
Solid and steady, the ‘26 Cards played balanced baseball in June. They don’t have the firepower of Pittsburgh or Philly, but their rotation led by Flint Rhem and dependable defense keeps them ahead in the division.
Pittsburgh 1913 Pirates (43–33, .566) — ��
Quietly surging, the Pirates put together a strong June with sound fundamentals and timely hitting. A few pieces away from catching St. Louis.
Chicago 1983 Cubs (30–48, .385) — ��
Slumping hard. A few early bright spots have faded, and this club is struggling to find an identity.
Washington 1965 Senators (27–48, .360) — ��
June saw them slide even further. The lowest scoring team in the league.
West Division
San Diego 2013 Padres (46–31, .597) — ��
A 17-9 June has the Padres atop the West. Tyson Ross (11 wins) has been exceptional, and the team’s depth is proving resilient. The best blend of offense and pitching in the NL.
Houston 2005 Astros (46–33, .582) — ��
Roger Clemens was untouchable in June (1.17 ERA, 54 IP, .161 BAA), earning Pitcher of the Month honors. Add Andy Pettitte (12 wins, 2.10 ERA) and Roy Oswalt (2.52 ERA), and Houston may have the league’s best rotation. The Astros are heating up fast.
San Francisco 1969 Giants (44–34, .564) — ��
Quietly consistent. Juan Marichal (118 Ks) remains dominant, and Willie McCovey’s 22 HR and 66 RBI are keeping them within striking distance.
Cincinnati 2015 Reds (42–35, .545) — ��
The hottest team in baseball in June. Rookie Johnny Cueto (4-1, 1.19 ERA in June) dazzled en route to Rookie of the Month, helping Cincinnati win 18 of 27 games. Joey Votto and Todd Frazier are raking, and the bullpen has locked down leads. This team has swagger and momentum.
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MONTHLY HONORS
Pitcher of the Month (NL)
Roger Clemens Houston 2005 4-1, 1.17 ERA, 47 K, 54 IP
Batter of the Month (AL)
Willie Stargell Pittsburgh 1972 32 HR, 77 RBI, .347 AVG
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LEAGUE LEADERBOARDS
Batting Average
Stuffy McInnis (PHA) – .355
Willie Stargell (PIT) – .347
Eddie Collins (PHA) – .334
Home Runs
Willie Stargell (PIT) – 32
Jeff Heath (SLA) – 22
Willie McCovey (SFN) – 22
Richie Hebner (PIT) – 22
Vern Stephens (SLA) – 22
RBI
Willie Stargell (PIT) – 77
Vern Stephens (SLA) – 74
Willie McCovey (SFN) – 66
ERA
Bob Moose (PIT) – 2.01
Andy Pettitte (HOU) – 2.10
Roger Clemens (HOU) – 2.27
Strikeouts
Harry Krause (PHA) – 131
Charles Bender (PHA) – 126
Jack Coombs (PHA) – 122
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STORYLINES TO WATCH IN JULY
Can Stargell make a run at 60 HR before September?
Will Houston’s Big Three starters carry them past San Diego?
Can Cincinnati keep riding Cueto’s magic and shock the West?
Will anyone catch Philadelphia in the AL, or are they unstoppable?
All-Star Game: Who will start on the mound – Moose or Clemens? Stargell or Collins at DH?