All things Figment - from the pages of The Figment Sporting Journal

[Tiger Fan]

JULY 14, 1975

ROSTERS NAMED FOR FABL ALL-STAR GAME

The greats of baseball will gather tomorrow evening at Peachtree Stadium in Atlanta as FABL prepares for its 43th annual all-star game. The midseason classic, a staple since 1933, will once again see the best of the Federal Association square off with the class of the Continental Association. It marks the first time the game will be played in Atlanta and comes just 18 months after the Pittsburgh Miners franchise moved to Georgia and became the Copperheads.

Only 22 of the 24 teams will be represented as while the Continental Association moved to ensure each of its member clubs had at least one player on the 25 man roster, the Federal Association went strictly with a merit based approach which left both the Boston Minutemen and New York Gothams without a player participating in the contest. The Continental Association did have some leeway as their roster contains 27 names since Montreal Saints pitcher Hal Bennett and Los Angeles Stars shortstop Lew Smith, both selected to the team, will not be able to play due to injury. The Seattle Kings, Dallas Wranglers and Atlanta Copperheads each had five players selected to lead the way with the most all-stars.

Surprisingly, the CA did not name a shortstop to replace Smith and the Continental Association will be without a natural shortstop for the game which likely means one of the two third-baseman in Buck Stout of Dallas or the New York Imperials George Love will likely shift to shortstop for the contest.

The Continental Association won last years game by a 6-3 score with Stout being named the Most Valuable Player. All told, the Federal Association, which has won 9 of the last 11 games, leads the overall series 22 victories to 20.

IMPERIALS WIN SIX STRAIGHT, TAKE CA EAST LEAD INTO THE ALL-STAR BREAK

No team has entered the All-Star break hotter then the New York Imperials, who took two of three from the Cannons, two of three from the Stars, and then all four against the Sailors. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Arrows are the coldest, losing nine straight and 11 of their last 12. Not only did it erase the 5.5 game lead the Arrows had entering the month, but it put the Imperials a game ahead.

A team who's never made the playoffs or even win 90 games in a season, they've also never finished a season within 5 games of first place. This year it could all change, as they're playing their best baseball of the season, and after the break they'll get back their co-ace John Alfano (4-6, 4.61, 34). Him and Jim White (12-4, 3.68, 132) are two of the most talented pitchers in baseball, and they've gotten outstanding and unexpected performances from Don Bradner (6-4, 3.15, 56) and Emmett Thornton (9-3, 1, 3.13, 44), while back-to-back All-Star Ed Cooper (2-4, 20, 2.83, 37) is able to hold nearly any lead he's given.

They do some hitting too, getting a ton of power from leadoff hitter George Love (.276, 14, 45, 13) and cleanup hitter Phil Terry (.273, 12, 51, 10), but what's really changed their fortune is the surprise breakout of Woody Richardson. Acquired in the offseason from the Sailors, the 26-year-old hit his was into the lineup, and is now batting .357/.410/.461 (140 OPS+) with 11 doubles, 6 homers, 27 walks, 36 runs, and 43 RBIs. He's been worth 2.5 WAR in 86 games, and aside from poor first base defense, there's not much he's had issues with. Along with Al Reece (.330, 7, 33, 12), these four make up an imposing top of the order. It's helped push them into the top-5 for many offensive categories, and if they want to keep their new found first place, they will continue to rely on this group.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, is trying to survive the downfall of a Whitney winner, as between mediocre performance and his bone spur, Harry Edwards has been a much different player. The now 26-year-old is hitting just .245/.340/.436 (113 OPS+), and he's not expected to return until August. Despite the low average, he is producing runs, hitting 11 doubles, 11 homers, and 52 RBIs, but coming into the season he never had an OPS+ or WRC+ above 140. It would take a miracle to get there now, and the Arrows just don't have the bats to make up for it. They have one of the top staffs in baseball, led by Tex Cavanaugh (4-9, 3.47, 65), Joe Wright (9-5, 3.53, 100), and Johnny Hoskinson (6-6, 2.99, 50), but they are just not providing them with the support they need. Despite his struggles, Edwards has been one of their more productive hitters, and their most effective hitter Rich Moyer (.342, 4, 28, 7) also missed time with injury. They've have played very few games together, and it's led to a lot of low scoring losses. Unless they right the ship fast, they could continue to slip, as Cleveland is just a half game behind them, and the .500 Saints are just 3.5 back of the Imperials.

Shaping up to be one of, if not the only, divisional race this season, only one other FABL division has a team within 5 games. No one is within 20 of FABL's best team, the 64-25 Atlanta Copperheads, and the 60-31 Seattle Kings have ten more wins and losses then the second place Cougars. Poor Chicago would lead the East, and they'd be a game closer then the 4.5 out the Detroit Dynamos find themselves in the Fed West. At 54-38, the Suns have not been able to pull away despite Tom Lally's (.317, 21, 67, 7) Whitney season and Sam Forrester's (.305, 19, 78, 24) 30/40 quest.

You'd think in the end, a team with stars like that with an ace like Heinie Schmidt (10-6, 3.12, 91) and a lockdown closer in Ron Clark (3-1, 21, 2.91, 46) would be enough, but baseball is all about the whole being worth more then the sum of the parts. Even Houston and Chicago are just six out, and like Detroit they don't have superstar bats. What they all do have is a strong supporting cast, which might suggest the Suns will go shopping after the break. With two divisions seemingly settled, this could lead to a large group of sellers, as even someone like the Dallas Wranglers could sell. Even though they've won ten in a row, they're still 12 games out of first, and a falling back to earth could lead to a selloff. Team like Boston, Washington, Toronto, Cincinnati, and Kansas City should all be open for business, but they may not be able to capture the prospect package they are looking for with so few teams confident on making a run.

• Major round milestones were reached, most notably Jorge Arellano's (4-8, 3.58, 68) 300th victory. A long-time Gotham and Keystone, the 44-year-old came close to his 40th career shutout too, leaving with two outs to go in an eventual 5-0 win over the Comets. Arellano did walk 5, which led to him not finishing things off, allowing 5 m ore hits with a single strikeout. Despite his record, he has a respectable 3.58 ERA (107 ERA+) and 3.68 FIP (94 FIP-) in his 18 starts. A veteran of 4,989 FABL innings, he's set to be the 14th pitcher to reach the 5,000 inning mark. They've been filled with quality, leading to a 3.57 ERA (112 ERA+), 3.47 FIP (85 FIP-), and 3,261 strikeouts, as Arellano has amassed 101.5 career WAR. Most impressively may be that he leads the Keystones in wins, and despite spending the first eight and a half years of his career in the Big Apple, he's two wins away from being the first pitcher in franchise history to win 200 games with the club.
• We had a fourth guy get to 100 saves, with Arellano's teammate Jim Steuber (3-6, 14, 2.66, 48) getting his save two days after Arellano's win, but more notably we have a new 2,000 hit hitter. That would be Ernie Carter (.246, 3, 29, 10) of the Comets, who hit his first 1,920 base hits with the San Francisco Sailors. Suffering through the two worst seasons of his long FABL career, he's a career .273/.326/.397 (107 OPS+) hitter, notching 335 doubles, 65 triples, and 148 RBIs. His current 86 WRC+ would be the second worst since his 1962 debut, and Houston has not gotten the bounce back they were betting on when they added the 34-year-old infielder.
• Perhaps it impacted Tom Lally too, as for a reason I cannot understand, he was not one of the unanimous All-Star selections. I guess for one voter, perhaps one based in Georgia, a .317/.392/.556 (165 OPS+) batting line with 21 homers, 67 RBIs, 73 runs, and an 11.3 WAR pace isn't enough to get to the All-Star game. Leading in homers and WAR (6.4) just isn't quite enough. It wasn't an association thing, as the two unanimous winners were Minneapolis' Carl Kilkenny (.317, 19, 56) and Atlanta's Marco Middleton (12-1, 2.65, 94). Kilkenny received all the third base votes, leading the Fed with a .565 slugging and .969 OPS, earning his second selection in his short three year career. This year's is far more deserved, as the former 15th Rounder hit just .278/.346/.426 (113 OPS+) when first selected as a rookie, and he's continuing to improve on that each season.
• Pitching is a little different, as you cast three votes, but all voters used one of those selections on the now 8-Time All-Star. Ironically his most recent appearance was awful, coming in for two innings of relief work and providing 4 runs (3 earned), 3 hits, and 3 walks. He struck out just one of the thirteen guys he faced, well worse then his usual rate as a starter. Readers will know that he was 5-0 as the June Pitcher of the Month. He has shutouts in two of his previous three starts, entering the second half 12-1 with a 2.65 ERA (144 ERA+), 2.99 FIP (76 FIP-), and 1.14 WHIP. Before that, he'll toe the rubber at his home stadium and kick off the annual festivities.
• With Hal Bennett hurt, there's no word on who will start for the Continental against the 4-Time Allen Winner. You can't go wrong with either King, but if it was me I'd go with first time All-Star Bill Harris. Arguably he biggest pickup of the offseason, the former Forester went 11-3 with a 2.18 ERA (176 ERA+) and 1.07 WHIP. His 71-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio is one of the best in the league, as Seattle's staff has really unlocked his command, giving them yet another elite arm on the right side of 30.
• New York baseball teams swept the weekly awards, with the Gothams' Sam Hamilton (.289, 8, 43, 21) and the Imperials' Woody Richardson (.357, 6, 43) named the top players of the week. Hamilton hit an outstanding .565/.600/.739 (268 OPS+) with a double, a homer, and 2 RBIs, swiping 6 bases in 8 attempts. Now with 21 on the season, he's the only member of his team with at least ten. Richardson meanwhile has been instrumental in bringing the Imps to first, going 12-for-27 with 5 runs, 3 doubles, 3 walks, and 10 RBIs.
• I might have jinxed Saints pitcher Hal Bennett, saying you can pen his name into the All-Star game. I was right, he was one of the players selected, but the Montreal ace will not get to pitch in what would have been his first All-Star game. The former first rounder left with knee discomfort during his 18th start of the season, as after two perfect frames he had to depart. The diagnosis was grim, a torn PCL, and the 29-year-old now runs the risk of missing Opening Day 1976. It's a terrible way for the season to end, as the reliable righty took a major step forward this year. Finishing with 115 innings, he was 11-4 with a 1.96 ERA (198 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts. At 46-46, Montreal was still technically in the race for a crowded Conti East, but without easily their best pitcher, it may be time to shift focus on to next season.
• Milwaukee's offensive struggles are well noted, as their nine game skid has seen them score two or fewer runs in all but one game. This includes three shutouts in Dallas, starting with eighteen innings of scoreless baseball and finishing with nine more. Ed Smith (6-7, 4.14, 79) had a 3-hitter with 2 walks and 8 strikeouts, while Larry Perry's (6-8, 3.86, 84) 5-hitter saw 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Neither are dominant pitchers either, as it really hasn't mattered who has been on the mound. The only thing working in their favor now is three full days off, as they can reset before hosting three series at beautiful Lakefront Park.
• It may not be the solution to their woes, but they will have a new guy they could put at first or in the outfielder. Recently waived by the Suns, 8-Time All-Star Harry Dellinger (.277, 2, 24, 6) will join his third organization, with all the moves coming recently. He was just average at the plate, batting .277/.342/.373 (101 OPS+) with 10 extra base hits, 24 RBIs, 26 runs, and 6 steals. With a lot of versatile quality players, they can find a way into the lineup if they want to, as his right handed bat would compliment the six lefties they have right now even if it's just coming off the bench.
• Dellinger wasn't the only guy on the move, as the Dynamos claimed the versatile Bill Calvin (.224, 2, 9) off waivers from the Suns. Another guy who started his career with the Keystones, Calvin was their first round pick in 1962, and the former top 15 prospect made Philly his home from 1965 to 1972. His time in LA was far shorter, lasting just two and a half seasons after being added following the '72 season. It worked out well for the Keystones, as James Powers (6-5, 3.29, 82) has been excellent out of the rotation this year, while Calvin was pushed out of playing time. Used primarily at first for the Suns, he started 27 of his 37 appearances, but there's no chance he displaces rookie Lou Strader (.309, 10, 34). Instead, he can come off the bench at seven different positions, all of which he's played in FABL.
• The Chiefs had a lot of injury issues, as not only did John Butts (.286, 2, 25, 8) suffer a setback in his rehab from back stiffness, they lost two hitters to more serious injuries. At least for Ricardo Castillo (.321, 4, 47, 16), it may just be a week, but he will not be able to play through his back strain. Lost for longer though, is reserve outfielder Andy Ellefson (.389, 3, 35), who will miss at least a month with a fractured hand. Despite limited appearances, he's played frequently, making 182 plate appearances across 70 of the Chiefs' games. His .389/.462/.529 (172 OPS+) batting line was well above average, and it would be a blow if the 26-year-old lost all the momentum he built up.

Western Teams Continue to Rack Up Wins Playing Wolves

Toronto heads into the All-Star Game break 15 games below the breakeven mark at 37-52 after a 2-4 week playing opponents from the CA West. In the first half the team has played teams from the other division 40 times compiling a 13-27 (.325) record. Seattle has now won 8 of 9 when Wolves provide the opposition including a 3 game sweep out scoring the home team 17-7 even with a close first game that Kings needed 10 to win 3-2.

Not that the fans need anymore bad news, the schedule has the Wolves starting in Seattle after the break which does not bode well for a hot start to the second half of the season. The headline might be a little misleading as the team did take 2 of 3 from the Stars over the weekend after blowing a 3-0 lead on Friday night when Los Angeles put up 8 straight runs while torturing the Toronto pitching staff with 15 hits. They almost blew a 6-3 lead going into 9 when Joe Henke had to deliver a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 win. Wolves won their first series of the month with a 2-1 taming of the Stars on Sunday. Not surprisingly no Wolves were voted in by the fans for the game in Atlanta on Wednesday. The only member of the team going to Atlanta is Phil Story who is an obligatory selection to have all teams represented in the game.

Dunbar sees the second half as experiment for Evans with his team. The front office is said to be leaning towards more development of the next generation rather than pushing players to the FABL. The moves in the coming months will be concentrated on moving players to their highest minor league level before making the ultimate step to the majors. In draft news both INF Eugene Orton, selected in the second round, along with OF Howie Carter, chosen in the fifth, have signed with organization. They will begin their journey in Tuscaloosa next week.

Only 4 teams in FABL have a lower winning percentage than the Wolves. An improvement in the last half of the season would be to get the winning percentage to 45%. This would mean a record of 73-89 or a 36-37 record in the remaining games on the schedule.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: PLAINS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Plains Athletic Association has a rich history dating back to the early days of the sport and one of the first national champions came from the conference when College of Omaha shared the 1907 national title with Centerville, a school that no longer is in division one. The Raiders are still searching for a second national title, but the Plains Athletic Association did win two more national titles in the ensuing years. Both came from the Oklahoma City State Wranglers, who shared the 1917 crown with Georgia Baptist and won a title of their own in 1949 following a perfect 10-0 season that culminated in a Lone Star Classic upset of Bayou State. That was the last time a school from the conference won a national title but there have been some very competitive seasons including two years ago when the Wranglers went 10-2 and finished third in the rankings. Lawrence State in 1962 and Daniel Boone College in 1959 also finished third, which is the high water mark for the conference since 1949.

The champion of the Plains Athletic Association usually goes to Miami for New Years Day and plays in the Sunshine Classic. A year ago it was a game that determined the national title as the Boulder State Grizzlies upset then #1 ranked Annapolis Maritime 27-7, costing the naval academy what would have been its first national title since 1913.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: MIDWESTERN ASSOCIATION

The Midwestern Association's north-south footprint is one of the largest in the nation, extending from Thief River Falls, Minnesota all the way down to Houston, Texas. A lower tier conference, it had a lot of movement with schools coming and going in the early days but has been stable with its current seven members since 1961.

In recent years the conference has been dominated by Topeka State as the Braves have won five consecutive conference titles and seven in the last eleven years. General the Midwestern Association schools do not have a lot of success outside of the conference, but the Braves have been an exception recently, finishing in the top ten in both 1972 and 1973.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 07/13/1975

• President Ford formally proposes federal loan guarantees for New York City, sending legislation to Congress and igniting sharp debate over conditions attached to the rescue.
• Congress opens hearings on New York aid package, with lawmakers split over fears of setting a national bailout precedent.
• Unemployment rate holds stubbornly high, reinforcing concerns that economic recovery remains fragile despite easing inflation pressures.
• Draft amnesty debate returns to Washington, with renewed calls for clemency for Vietnam-era draft resisters gaining political traction.
• U.S.-Soviet relations strained by arms talks slowdown, as officials acknowledge limited progress ahead of a planned fall summit.
• Energy officials warn of tight gasoline supplies in some regions, prompting localized shortages during peak summer travel.
• Bicentennial security and budget concerns surface, as planners acknowledge rising costs and crowd-control challenges for 1976 celebrations.

[Tiger Fan]

JULY 21, 1975

WALK-OFF BALK ENDS ALL-STAR GAME
Federal Association Rallies for 6-5 Victory

The 43rd annual FABL All-Star Game ended Wednesday night with a finish so odd it took a moment for the sellout crowd at Atlanta’s Peachtree Stadium to grasp it.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Montreal Saints closer Miguel Hernandez balked, forcing home Sam Forrester of the Los Angeles Suns with the winning run and handing the Federal Association a 6–5 comeback victory over the Continental Association.

The decision marked the Federal stars’ 10th win in the last 12 All-Star Games, though for much of the night it appeared the Continental Association would even the recent score. The Continentals built a 5–2 lead through five innings, getting solo home runs from Toronto’s Phil Story and Seattle Kings slugger Bob Glowacki.

Momentum swung in the bottom of the sixth. Detroit’s Buddy Ensey opened the inning with a single off Seattle right-hander Billy Collins, and Minneapolis third baseman Carl Kilkenny followed by launching a two-run homer that pulled the Federals within a run at 5–4. Kilkenny, enjoying the finest season of his young career, had already homered once in the fourth inning and finished the night with two long balls. The performance earned the 26-year-old the game’s Most Valuable Player award. The longball has been a Kilkenny trademark this season as he has hit 20 for the Millers, trailing only Los Angeles Suns star Tom Lally in the FABL home run race.

The Federal Association drew even in the eighth with a run manufactured on three singles. Philadelphia’s Lew Davison opened the inning with a base hit off Kansas City’s Van Taylor, moved to third on Ensey’s second single of the night, and scored on a groundout by Chicago veteran Joe Siniscalchi. Taylor escaped further trouble by striking out Atlanta pitcher Buddy Thomas, who was left in to hit, but the game was tied heading to the ninth.

Houston’s Bob Young set the Continentals down in order in the top half of the inning, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. Hernandez retired the first two Federal hitters before Forrester singled to keep the inning alive. Davison followed with another base hit, and Ensey was intentionally walked to load the bases. Before throwing a pitch to Kilkenny, Hernandez committed the balk that ended the game on the spot.

Young was credited with the victory, while Hernandez was tagged with the loss in a game that will be remembered less for its stars than for its startling final act.

Williams Becomes 6th FABL Slugger with 500 Home Runs

• It was a beautiful, clear 57 degree day at Seattle Municipal Stadium, and just like any of the game Hank Williams (.263, 9, 43) has been playing recently, everyone in the crowd was on the edge of their seat when he came up to the plate. Fans on the 18th had to wait until the 7th, where the prolific superstar took Gary Preston's (4-6, 4.22, 33) deep with one out. The roar in the stadium erupted with the bat crack, and not a single person stopped yelling until Hank came out for a third curtain call. That was home run #500, as Williams became just the sixth player to do this. A veteran of over 11,000 FABL appearances, it took him 2,645 games to reach the historic mark, and he ended the week with a career .312/.416/.540 (169 OPS+) batting line with 524 doubles, 1,558 walks, and 1,681 RBIs and runs.
• Williams becomes the third player to hit 500 home runs all with the same franchise, joining legendary Keystone Bobby Barrell and legendary Chief Rod Shearer. Barrell hit 639 in Philly, the second most for any player and most with one organization, and he's got little to worry about Williams catching him, but Shearer is next on Williams' ascent. Williams got to 6th by passing Bill Barrett (493) earlier in the season, and he's 8 away from getting past Shearer as well. He is on track for 15 homers this season, which would put him a little short, but the now 42-year-old is hitting well and should be back for 1976. His .263/.390/.416 (125 OPS+) batting line is still above average, and he hasn't posted a WRC+ below 100 since his 96 in 1957.

Lally, Terry, Named Player of the Week in Shortened Week

• Perhaps enraged at his non-unanimous All-Star selection, Tom Lally (.330, 24, 73, 8) took it out on the Copperheads and Eagles, going 11-for-18 with 3 homers, 6 runs, 6 RBIs, 2 walks, and a steal. Now hitting .330/.403/.582 (174 OPS+) on the season, Lally surpassed the 7 WAR mark, up to 7.1 in just 94 games. It's come with 14 doubles, 4 triples, 24 homers, 73 RBIs, 79 runs, 45 walks, and 8 steals. Not much of a triple crown threat anymore, since he gets on too much for Sam Forrester (.306, 19, 80, 24) and with all those homers it's going to be hard to hit over .350, which seems like the magic number for the Fed title this year. Still, he's the obvious frontrunner for the Whitney, and he helped push the Suns lead back up to 5.
• Our other winner had a fully rested week, as 1968 All-Star Phil Terry (.282, 14, 58, 10) of the Imperials took the honor, despite a rough week for his team. The formerly first place Imperials didn't stay there long, as after losing three of four to start the second half, they dropped to a game behind the Foresters and half behind the Arrows. Terry cannot be blamed, he was 8-for-18 with 6 runs, 2 homers, 7 RBIs, and a walk, and both of his three run homers came in one run losses. Terry doesn't offer much defense, but he's one of the best sluggers in the game. On pace for an 8th consecutive 20+ homer season, he's hit a nice .282/.341/.447 (116 OPS+) on the season, and if the Imps want to finish their season with an unexpected pennant run, more weeks like this are needed from their top slugger.

McCarthy, Hayward, Hunter Complete Shutouts

• Houston has had a lot of struggles this season, and it all started with Joe McCarthy (3-2, 2.37, 29) getting a bone spur in the spring. He did come back June, and after a road bump against the Chiefs, McCarthy has been firing on all cylinders. He put together three consecutive starts with just 1 run in 7 or more innings, and capped it off with a 3-hit shutout. In a 7-0 win over the Clippers, McCarthy walked 1 and struck out 5, lowering his ERA to an outstanding 2.37 (165 ERA+). He hasn't got much luck with winning games, but he's pitching like an Allen winner again, and they'll need more form him to erase the seven game deficit.
• Harry Hayward (7-1, 1.43, 50) got injured around the same time as McCarthy, his ailment an oblique strain, so it's only fitting that he got a shutout around McCarthy too. Hayward did come back a little earlier, so he has a few more starts and a 1-run (or less streak of his own. If we're talking earned runs, it goes back six starts, and this is the third without an earned run. It came with 5 walks and 4 hits to just 2 strikeouts, as his Gothams beat McCarthy's Arrows 6-0. Before this injury, Hayward was an iron man, making 32 or more starts for an entire decade, which could be why he's shown little defect in his return.
• The last shutout of the week was the first in the career of Jim Hunter (4-3, 3.90, 25), who disarmed the Saints in his 12th career start. A rookie who debuted in 1973, he was viewed in the past as more of a pen arm, but with Toronto's pitching woes he's instead forced his way to the top of the rotation. A nice bounce back after getting hit hard by the Kings (2.2 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 2 K), he allowed just 3 hits with a walk and strikeout.

Injury Notes: Cleveland, Spruill, Cleves, Alfano

• It was a tough week on the field for the Foresters, as in the first day back, starting left fielder Ken McKinney (.292, 1, 21) suffered a bone spur in his elbow, causing him to miss at least the next five weeks. Potentially sidelined through August, it's been an up-and-down season for the now 29-year-old. He had a nice 117 WRC+ in April and 113 in June, but they were countered by his woeful 60 in May. If it wasn't for a setback, his IL placement would coincide with the return of Orlando Benitez, who tore his PCL last July, and suffered a rotator cuff injury on rehab. He's now got a setback from that injury, with no knowledge on when he can return.
• Cleveland is already without Hal Kennedy (.227, 2, 9), who hyperextended his knee, and may also miss Carlos Jaramillo (.260, 25), who is dealing with back stiffness. The Diamond Defense shortstop turned third basemen will try to play through it, but with all the other injuries it may be worth adding him to the IL too. He's hitting just .260/.345/.312 (80 OPS+), but an 11% BB% has helped him produce a near average 98 WRC+. They did return one player, righty Bob Moore (0-1, 3.86, 3), but aside from making it to first, more went bad for them then good this week.
• St. Louis cannot catch a break in the middle infield, as replacement shortstop Tom Spruill (.257, 2, 15, 1) sprained his knee, and will likely be out until late August. The 34-year-old was filling in for Frank Green (.271, 6, 36, 5), who hurt his elbow in late June. Spruill will now join Green and starting second basemen Larry Cimino (.286, 6, 16) on the IL, who may not make it back until late September. On the bright side, Green is perhaps a week away, but until then they'll again be challenged to tap into depth they do not have.
• Toronto will be sending out a new regular center fielder for the next few weeks, as incumbent starter Dwayne Cleaves (.212, 5, 20, 9) is dealing with an oblique strain. A Rule-5 pick out of the Eagles system lsat year, he's having a dreadful sophomore slump, following up a solid .244/.320/.351 (93 OPS+) season line with a poor .212/.288/.303 (61 OPS+) one. The speedster isn't having success running either, as after 36 in 46 attempts last season, he's just 9-for-16. Cleaves did recently cede playing time to 23-year-old rookie Pat Schmitt (.340, 1, 13, 2), who has been excellent in limited time, and they'll now get a more extended look to see what the natural left fielder can do in center.
• New York welcomed back John Alfano (4-7, 4.99, 35) from the IL, but the Imperials co-ace provided his team with more of the same. Last having pitched on May 31st, he struggled in Seattle, allowing 10 hits, 6 runs, and 4 walks with just one strikeout. Of course, the Kings are never easy, even if you are coming off back-to-back shutouts, so it's too early to sound the alarm. He's scheduled to make his next start in New York against the first place Foresters, thought by time we get to the weekend series any of the top three teams could be leading.

Minor Transactions: Ireland, Osborne, Nash

• Continuing to be active on the waiver wire, the Cleveland Foresters made a shocking claim of Don Ireland. Debuting for the Cougars last season, he did throw 7.1 scoreless innings, but he had a 14.14 ERA (32 ERA+) in 14 AAA innings this season. It was a better 3.32 (127 ERA+) in 21.2 innings in AA, but neither really scream pen piece for a contender. That's what Cleveland is, though their vision for the lefty could just be depth. He has been optioned and can be again, and with how many injuries they were dealt this week, the depth could use some help.
• Expected to retire at the end of the year, Vern Osbrone (0-4, 1, 7.04, 14) may have pitched his last FABL game, as the 44-year-old was DFA'd by the Cannons. Inevitable with his performance, the 257-game winner had an awful 7.04 ERA (54 ERA+) in 30.2 innings. The 1.30 WHIP wasn't bad, and he had more strikeouts (14) then walks (9), but I can't see anyone giving the long-time Chief another chance. It was one of many 40-man casualties for the Cannons, as Joe Putnam (1-2, 6.05, 7), Chet Nash, Platon Daniels (.216, 2), and Gil Hamilton (1-2, 6.11, 4) were all waived.
• Nash has already been claimed, though not passed, as the 24-year-old will not stick with the Cannons organization. Whether he ends up a Clipper is up to the rest of the league, but it's no surprise young pitcher with options would not go unclaimed. A former 2nd Round pick, he made 6 starts for the Cannons last year, 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA (150 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts. 25 in a few weeks, he still has some upside, but without great stuff or command, he may not get too many more FABL starts.

WOLVES START SECOND HALF ON SAME TRACK

Toronto started their second half of the '75 season on the West Coast. It has not been a good year for the Wolves against the CA West with a record of 15-30. Last week's start in Seattle went the way it has gone all season against the Kings, a 3 game sweep with losses by 6-2, 7-3, 2-1 in 11.

The major highlight of the series was a negative one for the Wolves when on Friday Gary Preston became the victim of Hank Williams' 500th career HR. Williams, now 42, was drafted 5th overall by the then Brooklyn Kings in 1951. He began his full time FABL career in 1958, he been a mainstay in the nomadic franchises lineup since the move from Brooklyn to Kansas City and more recently Seattle. The only good thing about these three games was that this is last time Toronto plays Seattle finishing the season with a 1-11 record.

If the team was licking their wounds after being embarrassed by Seattle it was not evident when they visited Golden Gate Stadium on Sunday. Espinosa gave his team 7 strong innings in the first game of the twin bill leaving with a 3-1 lead. Art Gates brought the Sailors within one in the 8th taking Howie Mazzei deep for his 10th of 1975. Evans could only sit and watch as it appeared likely his team would again lose a game that the bullpen could not hold onto a lead. For change that did not happen as in the 9th Phil Story's sac fly restored a 2 run margin allowing Ray Smith to come in to pick up his 9th save of the year.

In the night cap if the bullpen needed rest Jim Hunter took care of that by pitching a complete game shutout 3-0. That was the sixth game of the year when the starter completed the game. Dwayne Cleaves was injured on the base paths, he will be out until early August.

The Wolves have 4 games left on this trip, one in San Francisco and then 3 in Los Angeles before heading home to face Montreal who are now in 4th only 3 games out in a suddenly tight East as Milwaukee has struggled and fallen a half game behind Cleveland with the New York Imperials one game off the lead.

Toronto and Cincinnati are a long way behind the leaders. Dunbar thinks 2-2 to finish this trip would be a success. Howie Mazzei has DFA'd with Harry Street recalled from Buffalo. Three more draft choice signed P Ace Middaugh, SS Bill Franzen, OF Brett Mott while 3 highschoolers decide to take the college route. The shifting in the system will now begin which could be the end for some players.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: INDEPENDENTS

When college football independents are discussed, St. Blane is the name that still commands immediate respect. The Fighting Saints have been an AIAA power since the sport’s early days, capturing five national championships, three of them within the past decade. Their late-1940s and early-1950s teams, led by Christian Trophy winners Ricky McCallister and Bobby Leonard, helped define the program before a rare downturn in the early 1960s, highlighted by a 5-5 season in 1962—the low point in St. Blane history.

The recovery was swift. A 10-2 season in 1965 ended a nine-year absence from the Classics, followed by a perfect 12-0 national championship run in 1966. Titles followed again in 1970 and 1972, though the past two seasons—both eight-win campaigns—fell short of the program’s own lofty standards.

The sense around Tyrone is that the 1975 roster stacks up favorably with St. Blane’s championship teams. Experience is plentiful across the lineup, with the notable exception of quarterback. The Fighting Saints enter the season with two sophomores and two freshmen at the position, including Bob Hitt, a top ten recruit who spent his freshman year apprenticing behind Allen McAlister. McAlister took over as a sophomore in 1972, led St. Blane to a national title, earned All-American honors, and started every game for three seasons. If Hitt can follow a similar path, the Fighting Saints could join Georgia Baptist and Noble Jones College as the only schools to claim six national championships.

Service Academies Still a Factor

Few rivalries once burned hotter than St. Blane versus Rome State, as the two programs collided repeatedly through the 1940s and 1950s. Rome State’s Centurions captured back-to-back national titles during World War II, but recruiting challenges over the past decade have led to uneven results. Their last New Year’s Day appearance came in 1967 following a 9-3 season, and they enter 1975 coming off a 5-6 campaign—this time looking up at their naval counterparts.

Annapolis Maritime has often lived in Rome State’s shadow, with notable exceptions. The Navigators’ unbeaten 1961 season produced a Desert Classic appearance and a second-place national finish, while a 9-2 campaign in 1970 launched a stretch of four Classic appearances in five seasons. That run peaked last year when Annapolis entered the Sunshine Classic at 11-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally. Favored against Boulder State, the Navigators instead fell decisively, missing out on what would have been their first outright national title since sharing the crown with Centerville in 1913.

Annapolis is again expected to field a top 20 team, though a demanding schedule includes a high-profile trip to Tyrone, Pennsylvania, to face St. Blane. Elsewhere among the independents, Miami State, American Atlantic, the College of San Diego, and Commonwealth Catholic all bear watching as the season unfolds.

Atlantic Independents

Officially, 28 schools compete as independents at the AIAA’s highest level, but eight operate under a shared umbrella known as the Atlantic Independents. Formed in 1952, the alliance has seen its membership fluctuate over the years, with the Alexandria Generals emerging as the dominant force in recent seasons.

Supporters in Alexandria still lament missed opportunities in 1972 and 1973, when the Generals posted perfect 12-0 records only to be held back in the final rankings by relatively weak schedules—finishing third in ’72 and second the following year. Though they slipped out of the top ten last season, Alexandria still earned a New Year’s Day berth for the third consecutive year, underscoring their continued relevance among the nation’s independents.

As 1975 approaches, the independent ranks remain anchored by tradition, depth, and no shortage of ambition—led, as always, by the Fighting Saints of St. Blane.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 07/20/1975

• Congress approves federal loan guarantees for New York City, clearing the way for emergency financing while imposing strict fiscal controls and oversight.
• President Ford signs New York aid legislation, calling it a necessary step to prevent economic shock while insisting it not become a model for other cities.
• House votes to extend draft registration authority, reigniting debate over military preparedness in the post-Vietnam era.
• Unemployment claims edge downward for first time in months, offering cautious optimism that the recession may be bottoming out.
• Energy officials report localized fuel shortages easing, though warn that refinery bottlenecks could resurface later in the summer.
• Canada prepares mandatory wage and price controls, with Ottawa confirming legislation is being drafted as inflation pressures persist.
• U.S. and Soviet negotiators resume arms talks, signaling renewed effort to keep détente alive after weeks of stalled discussions.
• Vietnam refugee resettlement funding expanded, as Congress approves additional resources to support housing, education, and job placement.

[Tiger Fan]

JULY 28, 1975


PENNANT RACES ALREADY LOOKING FOR THE EXIT

I’ve played this game long enough to know when a season has that “don’t bother setting the alarm” feel to it. This one’s got it in late July, which is usually about six weeks ahead of schedule.

Take the Federal Association East, please. The Atlanta Copperheads have turned the division into their personal jogging track. At 75–27, they aren’t just winning — they’re disappearing over the horizon. Fourth straight East title? You might as well start engraving it now, just be sure to leave room for fingerprints because nobody else has touched it.

Baltimore, in second place, is 27 games back. That’s not a pennant race, that’s a postcard distance. The dog days of August haven’t even arrived, and the Copperheads are already setting out water bowls for everyone else. If they keep this up, Atlanta may clinch the division around the same time kids start sharpening pencils for school.

And the scary part? They’re doing this with the bad taste of last October still in their mouths, having lost the World Championship Series to Seattle. This club looks like it’s playing every night with a reminder note taped to the clubhouse door. At their current pace, they’ll flirt with 119 wins and smash their own Federal Association record of 110, set just two years ago in their final Pittsburgh season before the move south.

Out West in the FA, there’s a little more suspense — the kind you get watching a rerun you’ve already seen. The Los Angeles Suns hold an eight-game lead over Detroit, and while the Dynamos deserve a hearty handshake for their turnaround from 62–100 last year, fairy tales usually end around midnight. Losing three straight in Minneapolis over the weekend felt like the clock striking twelve.

Over in the Continental Association, the West is already a closed case. The defending champion Seattle Kings are up 12½ games on Chicago. That’s enough of a cushion to nap on between innings. You almost feel bad for the Cougars, who would be leading the East by two games if geography had been kinder. Instead, they’re chasing shadows while Seattle polishes its crown.

Which brings us to the one place where a little drama still lives — the CA East. A week ago, first through fourth were separated by three games. It’s spread out a bit since, but at least it’s still breathing. New York’s Imperials have climbed to the top, a game and a half ahead of Cleveland. Milwaukee, once frisky, has fallen flat, winning just six of its last 26 and sitting four back. Montreal trails by five and looks like it’s running uphill in dress shoes.

The CA East is also Exhibit A for the old-timers who pine for single-division baseball. They’ll tell you divisional play waters the game down, and it’s hard to argue when the Imperials are leading with a .533 winning percentage. Put that record anywhere else and they’d be 7½ games out and flipping the calendar to football season. Meanwhile, clubs like Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Dallas would all be elbow-deep in a race if they’d landed in this division instead.

If you’re wondering how that might play out come October, here’s a preview: Seattle is 7–3 against New York this season and has outscored the Imperials 47–32. That’s not prophecy, but it’s a pretty good hint.

So here we are, not even August 1, and most of the pennant races are already packed and waiting for pickup. The dog days of August are coming, all right — but for fans hoping for a few white-knuckle finishes, this dog may not hunt.

Unless you’re watching the CA East. That one, at least, still has a pulse.

Barrell Hits 400th Career Homer

• Last week it was Hank Williams (.255, 9, 46) with the milestone homer, becoming the 6th player to reach the 500 mark, but this week we saw a slightly more common milestones. Homering in back-to-back games against the Wranglers, 35-year-olrd Ralph Barrell (.283, 6, 50) hit his 399th and 400th FABL home runs. Formerly the 2nd pick in the 1958, all 400 homers have came with the Stars, where he's won 2 Whitneys, 4 Championships, a Diamond Defense award at third, and 6 All-Star selections. A career .280/.357/.491 (139 OPS+) hitter, he's been the franchise home run leader for a long time, as him and teammate Bobby Garrison (.292, 17, 73, 20) are the only two Stars with at least 300 home runs. Garrison hit his 328th homer the same day as Barrell's 399th. About two and a half years younger, he could certainly catch Barrell, especially considering he's currently the superior player.
• Along with the most career homers, he also has the franchise record for a single season, with 45 in his 1964 Whitney season. Barrell also leads in games (2,263) and RBIs (1,484), and is top-5 in WAR (3rd, 79.2), runs (3rd, 1,339), hits (4th, 2,238), and walks (2nd, 959). How much more he can add to those is up in the air, but he has a 121 WRC+ in 99 games this season, but with a lot less homers. Likely set for his first sub-15 homer year in a season with more then 500 PAs, a lot of his homers have become doubles, with a legit shot for just his 3rd 30 double season.
• Barrell is not even the first in his family to reach 400 homers, as his dad Bobby Barrell hit 639 home runs, the second most in FABL history. With over 1,000 homers between them, they are the most prolific slugging father-son duo the game has ever seen. Of course, the Barrell family as a whole as the most of any family, with homers from Fred (65), Dan (48), Charlie (252), Rufus/Deuce (4), Tom (10), Harry (54), and Reid (189). This adds up to 1,661, though of course Ralph, Reid, and even pitcher and current homerless Barrell Ace could add to that total as we continue the season.

Belisle, Reynolds, Named Players of the Week

• Washington's 39 wins may be the fewest in baseball, but they ha d a little to celebrate this week with a strong showing from rookie Virgil Belisle. A 7th Rounder back in 1966, he had a 19 game debut season, but all but one was off the bench. Now the starting third basemen, he was off to a really slow start, but he's hitting .307/.354/.477 (126 OPS+) in July. His 12-for-27 week helped, adding 4 doubles, 4 runs, and 8 RBIs. This improved his season line to .260/.315/.401 (95 OPS+) in 98 games. Much better against lefties (160 WRC+) then righties (78), his future may be a platoon bat, but as the immediate replacement to Tom Lorang (.260, 6, 39, 9), he's done enough to not be a complete black hole at the hot corner.
• Toronto doesn't have many more wins then the Eagles, so like with Washington any good news for the Wolves makes the losing sting less. Another rookie and a team captain, Bob Reynolds actually was losing his regular playing time, and started just 2 of his 5 appearances. Making the most out of it, he was 9-for-14 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, 6 runs, and 10 RBIs. That offensive explosion may get him more playing time, but his .253/.312/.402 (93 OPS+) season line is not great. There is power and discipline, he has 7 longballs, one more walk (21) then strikeout (20), and a solid 109 WRC+. On the older side, being a 29-year-old rookie tends to limit your overall upside, but a week like this could certainly turn heads.

Trade Rumors: Dynamos, CA East, Cougars, Daniels

• Despite being 54-48, the Detroit Dynamos announced this morning they would consider moving big league pieces as after a stretch of impressive baseball, they fell back down to earth. Now 8 behind the Suns, they officially added six players to the trade block as the deadline quickly approaches. Sources in the organization say they would be most motivated to move starting catcher Ty Rusconi (.268, 2, 21) and infielder Bill Austin (.280, 5, 30, 2). Neither is tearing the cover off the ball, but both have solid batting lines and are on the wrong side of 30.
• More interesting targets are on the right side, with 27-year-old breakout arms Pat Fortier (10-4, 2.80, 65) and Pedro Castro (9-5, 2, 3.47, 56) inciting arms for a contender. Castro came off waivers midseason and wouldn't likely cost too much, but Fortier would bring in a haul. A first-time All-Star, he was an offseason waiver acquisition, and the former Rule-5 pick has spent the past three seasons in three separate organizations. His waiving was surprising, working to a 2.38 ERA (160 ERA+) and 1.14 WHIP in 185.1 innings last season, and while he may need to look for a new employer, the Gary native will no longer have to worry about being waives.
• With three divisions pretty much decided, only the Continental East really has a group of contenders that would want to make a move. Despite four teams being within five games of first, there's no indication that any of those teams would make a major move. In fact, more recently the division leading Imperials were looking to trim part of their FABL roster, thought with an eye on improving their pitching staff.
• After losing a member of their starting lineup, the Cougars are looking to add to their outfield. Their first call was the Dynamos Geoff Taylor (.301, 9, 52, 18), one of the six Dynamos made available. A Chicago native, Taylor is in his fifth season, and finally starting to hit some. His .301/.348/.446 (119 OPS+) batting line would be his first above average one, and he's matched his personal high for homers in just 99 games. His speed, power, and hometown made him a good fit for the Cougars, but with the Kings 12.5 games ahead, their may be a disconnect in what they would want to give up, and what Detroit would want to receive.
• There are rumblings that Dallas' third string catcher Roscoe Daniels (.169, 2) wants out of Texas. The 29-year-old and 4-Time Diamond Defense winner was a regular for them from 1968 to 1973, but he was pushed to the bench towards the end of last season. Making just 74 trips to the plate -- his first season below 300 -- he's got just 12 hits and a walk, so even if he wants out, there may be no one who want to bring him in.

5 Hits a Charm: Three CA Bats Collect 5-Hit Games

• A lot went right in New York's 10-0 win over Cleveland, with All-Star Al Reece continuing his outstanding sophomore season. A perfect 5-for-5, he came just a homer away from the cycle, scoring twice and driving in three. The first of his young career, he's helped the Imperials keep first from the Foresters, with a game and a half cushion in the East. Appearing in 94 games, he's hit an excellent .336/.406/.493 (147 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 41 RBIs, 14 steals, and an absurd 34-to-6 walk-to-strikeout ratio.
• That same day, FABL saw one of the most surprising five hit games, as it came in the second half of a double header from a guy who wouldn't have even been playing had a starter not gotten hurt. Filling in for the Cougars, 34-year-old Bill Rawdon did something more impressive then the cycle, as while he failed to get a triple, Rawdon hit two homers in a 12-1 domination of the Sailors. Scoring 3 times and driving in 5. Rawdon entered the game with just three total extra base hits on the season, raising his OPS over 100 points with just five swings of the bat. His .284/.341/.432 (113 OPS+) batting line now actually looks good, but just last week he had a .590 OPS and could have been a candidate to lose his roster spot.
• Baseball had to wait just one more day for another, Dallas catcher John Miller was a perfect 5-for-5 with 3 doubles in a 12-4 win over the Stars. The former 13th overall pick scored once and drove in five, and after a 1-for-3 in the finale is now hitting .326/.391/.493 (142 OPS+) as a 24-year-old. This is his fourth season, though first as a starter, as he was stuck behind long-time Wrangler and 4-Time All-Star John Vance (.243, 16, 1). Benching Vance was a shock, as he could have moved to the outfield, but it worked out great for Miller, who got to go to his first All-Star Game, and currently holds 24 doubles, 8 homers, 41 runs, and 60 RBIs in a now career high 335 PAs.

Quinn Lowers ERA Below 3 in 11-K Shutout

• Despite the Cannons struggles on the season, everything is going right for first-time All-Star Herm Quinn, who put on a pitching clinic against the struggling Milwaukee Arrows. Going the distance, Quinn allowed just 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 11 as Cincy beat their guests 2-0. The win improved Quinn to 12-8 on the season, as he dropped his ERA and FIP to 2.99 (128 ERA+) and 2.68 (69 FIP-) respectively in 168.2 innings pitched. His 122 strikeouts are third in the CA, and if he keeps pitching the way he has been, there's a chance he could find his way in contention for the Allen.

Injury Notes: Morrison, Dunn, Kennedy

• Chicago will be without starting left fielder Sam Morrison for the next two weeks after suffering a concussion in a 4-3 win out in Montreal. 33 in August, he'll hope to return before his birthday, as he looks to improve on his .284/.343/.388 (102 OPS+) batting line. Extremely disciplined, he has more walks (31) then strikeouts (21), and his speed has led to 20 steals, 50 runs, and solid left field defense. Lucky for the Cougars, they had Bill Rawdon's (.284, 3, 10, 2) 5-hit game, and the veteran seems likely to fill his roster spot in the interim.
• The 1966 Kellogg winner Slick Dunn (.280, 9, 3) is dealing with a sprained thumb, that could keep the reserve infielder out of action for a few weeks. Impacting his hitting and throwing, he does have a protective cast on, and even went 3-for-7 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 walks in the two games after his injury. With his limited playtime and the severity, he could avoid the IL, but some of his teammates may advocate for the placement so they can get a break from the arrogant Dunn.
• At this point, St. Louis may need to revamp their medical staff, as yet another Pioneer is dealing with an injury. This time it's righty Milo Kennedy (3-1, 5.40, 29), who is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a rotator cuff strain. Taken in the Rule-5 draft this offseason despite his five seasons in Cincinnati, Kennedy has made 27 appearances (5 starts) to varying success. His 5.40 ERA (71 ERA+) is much higher then his 4.32 WHIP (110 FIP-), and he is striking out 11.2% of the batters he faces. The issue is he walks about as many (10%), and his 1.60 WHIP in 60 innings is not something that would be missed.

Wolves Stumble to End Road Trip, Then Rebound at Home

Dunbar's hope that the Wolves close the west coast swing at 2-2 did not materialize, though it was so, so close. The Wolves coughed up a 3-1 lead on Monday when the bullpen allowed 4 in the 8th to the Sailors of course aided by an infield error to lose 5-3. The next night in Los Angeles the team rallied to tie the game with 2 in the top of the ninth before Dick Miller allowed 3 straight singles to give the Stars a 3-2 walkoff win. Toronto then lost 6-1 the following evening when Lee Humphrey had a tough night. Bob Reynolds, more on him later, led his mates to a 7-5 win to close out the trip with his 6th long ball of the season. Espinosa picked up his 5th win of the campaign against 10 losses in a game that ended 7-5.

Returning home after going 3-6 out west the team's bats went wild Friday night before 12,267. Trailing 3-0 to the Saints going into the bottom of 5 the Wolves' opened the floodgates scoring 5, 9, 5, then 3 runs in their next 4 trips to the plate. Reynolds came in to play SS after Henke was lifted for a PH, Sid Cullen who hit a 3-run HR, then went 3 for 3 with 5 RBI for the game. On Saturday afternoon the Wolves rode a strong pitching performance from Stan Terry, a key 2-run single from Clyde Bradshaw in 7, then hung on win 3-2 in a thoroughly entertaining game for the faithful in attendance. Red Bullock, who was pulled after a 6th inning cloud burst, led his team to their 4th straight win tying a season high last achieved in May with the final score being 7-1. Reynolds again hit a HR when hitting for Bullock his 8th. Reynolds was named POTW in the CA after going 9 for 14 with 10 RBI in mostly a substitute role for the week. You can bet Eaves will find a place in the lineup for his hot bat as the homestand continues this week.

Dunbar's take, is this something sustainable or just a flash in the pan? We will see as the Wolves host the Arrows for 4 games in 3 days before heading to Cincinnati for a 4 game weekend series that ends July begins August.

In check of the system Buffalo is struggling in 6th at 40-49 with Maldonado hitting for power but not average. Chattanooga sits in a tie for 2nd 6 behind Jackson at 48-40 led by 2B Scotty Timmons at the plate, Johnny Williams on the mound. Timmons was POTW in the Dixie League. Moses Watts at short with a .331/.473/.497 line has led the Davenport Dusters to a 6 game lead in the Heartland West taking over from recently promoted Bob Russell who is making noise at AA. Watts, who just turned 23, is in line for AA but for the fact Timmons is blocking him. Timmons may move to AAA to open a spot for Watts. Vancouver has fallen on hard times of late going 2-8 in the last 10 sit in 4th in COW 6 games off the pace set by Yakima. Pat Duffy, who was targeted for advancement this season, is having a hard time in 76 game behind the dish, Pitchers Jack McKenzie, Joe Hodges are statistically solid in Low A though both have to work on control issues. Rounding out the system the Tuscaloosa Tomcats are 14-8 leading the Gulf States West by a game. The roster in the rookie league is almost set as most draft selections have made their choice as to whether to pursue pro ball or continue their education.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

Football in the Southwestern Athletic Association is not merely a pastime—it’s a way of life. In Texas, where seven in-state schools are joined by Arkansas A&T, Saturdays are treated with near-religious reverence. Few conferences match the SWAA for week-to-week competitiveness, and while the league has not produced a national champion since Travis College claimed its fifth title in 1965, the absence is less about decline than constant internal warfare. In this league, no favorite is ever safe.

For much of this decade, Travis College has set the standard. The Bucks captured four straight conference titles before finally being knocked off last season, undone by three league losses—including stinging defeats at the hands of Red River State and the College of Waco. That opening allowed Red River’s Rowdies to slip through the door, their early-season win over the Cowboys proving decisive in a 6-1 conference campaign.

The championship, however, came with an asterisk in the national picture. Red River State finished just 7-5 overall and exited the season unranked after a New Year’s Day loss to Northern Mississippi in the Oilman Classic.

Played annually in Houston, the Oilman Classic traditionally pairs the SWAA champion against the Deep South Conference titleholder, and recent history has been unkind to the Southwestern side. The league has dropped eight of the last nine Oilman Classics, a frustrating trend for a conference that prides itself on depth, toughness, and the belief that on any given Saturday, the balance of power can shift without warning.

As another season approaches, that unpredictability remains the Southwestern Athletic Association’s calling card—and its greatest challenge.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 07/27/1975

• Canada formally introduces wage and price controls, as Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s government moves ahead with sweeping anti-inflation legislation after months of warning.
• Ford administration defends New York City bailout terms, insisting strict oversight will protect taxpayers as the first federal loan guarantees are prepared for release.
• Congress advances draft amnesty proposals, with House committees debating limited clemency for Vietnam-era draft evaders and deserters.
• U.S. recession shows tentative signs of easing, as new economic data point to modest growth in industrial output and a slight uptick in consumer spending.
• Not all news on the financial front was good as Gulf Oil -the nation's 7th largest industrial corporation- says profits tumbled 49% in the second quarter which ended June 30.
• Health insurance premiums are rising with many carriers including Blue Cross, which announced plans for a price hike of 27.5% effective September 1.
• Energy Department warns of refinery capacity limits, cautioning that gasoline supplies could tighten again later in the summer despite stable crude oil imports.
• Helsinki summit preparations draw attention, as U.S., Soviet, and European officials finalize arrangements for the upcoming Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
• Bicentennial celebrations face budget pressures, as cities scale back 1976 plans amid lingering economic uncertainty.

[Tiger Fan]

AUGUST 4, 1975

QUIET DEADLINE COMES AND GOES AS SEASON ENTERS FINAL TWO MONTH STRETCH

It's not that it wasn't expected, but in a league with as many trades and transactions as FABL, a quiet deadline always comes as a surprise. With only one pennant race close, there was a shortage of buyers, though on deadline day, the now .500 Milwaukee Arrows did take one shot to return back to the top of the West.

Calling up a divisional rival, they picked up slugging outfielder Bud Cormier from the Cannons in a 2-for-2 swap. Cormier came over with 118th ranked prospect Smith Strayhorn, with the Arrows swapping reserve outfielder Earl Johnson (.000; .236, 4, 15) and 45th ranked prospect John DeWitt (1-0, 3.60, 1). In desperate need of offense, Cormier can inject a nice boost to the CA team 9th in runs score that just returned Harry Edwards (.252, 12, 56) from a month's long IL stint. He looked rejuvenated, 7-for-21 in his first week back, hitting 2 doubles and his 12th homer of the season this past week.

Cormier, 32, won the Diamond Defense award in left as a rookie during the 1968 season, and will now join his fourth organization. A former 13th Rounder of the Sailors back in 1963, he was traded to the Wranglers the next season before being traded to the Cannons in '66. After a middling offensive season as a rookie, he's put together six consecutive above average seasons, and is on pace for a seventh. More good then great, his 123 OPS+ and 135 WRC+ in 1971 are both career highs, and on only one other occasion were both at least 120. Through 98 games this season, he has a .278/.367/.391 (107 OPS+) line, adding 12 doubles, 3 triples, 7 homers, 41 runs, 44 RBIs, and 45 walks. Even more of this would be considered a win for Milwaukee, as his 118 WRC+ would be the second highest on the team.

For the Cannons, DeWitt is the obvious prize, as the Cannons deal from a relative strength to add a top-50 pitching prospect and former #1 pick who just made his FABL debut. Ranked as high as #4 back in 1972, he came up from AAA last week, and picked up his first win in an 8-2 victory over the Wolves. The 23-year-old went just 5 innings, giving up just 2 runs despite 6 hits, 5 walks, and just a single strikeout. A five pitch pitcher, his fastball tends to top out at 96, but scouts think that can get a little bit higher. A real fireballer, the command is an obvious concern, but not enough to displace notions that he can one day top a rotation.

It was surprising to see the Arrows part with such a talented young pitcher, but they have an outstanding rotation and any proven bat can do wonders revamping their lineup. Plus the #12 ranked prospect Willis Amason, their first rounder this year that's already holding his own in AAA. Getting a high upside youngster like Strayhorn helps too, as he could be a building block at the keystone. The former 5th Rounder has a pure swing of beauty, and if all goes right he'll challenge for batting titles. It could come with above average power too, but early returns on the glove have been less then ideal. 19 in less then two weeks, he's a project prospect and one of five high upside bats the Arrows have that are 20 and younger and ranked in the top-150.

With just two July trades this year, both involving Cincinnati, FABL saw it's smallest number of deadline month trades since the 1955 season. Exactly 20 years ago, all 31 days passed without a trade, just like the season before. More philosophical then random, FABL GMs put a self-imposed trade embargo for two regular seasons after a flurry of trades in the two seasons before threatened to reshape the league. You'd then have to go back to the 1950 season to find a July where just two major league trades were completed, despite the Continental season seeing 6 of the 8 teams finish within five games of first place. Like this season, both deals came from a single seller, as the Wolves sent outfielder Chink Stickles to the Saints for lefty Charlie Zimmerman, and infielder Hal Wood back to the Cougars for a four player package.

Right now just 3 of the 24 FABL teams are within five games of first, with all five FA East clubs more then 30 games back of the leading Copperheads. Part of the reason there's no action, Atlanta is an absurd 81-28, securing a .500 season on August 3rd. Playing over .700 ball, they'd shatter the franchise win record of 110, which is also the Federal record, as well as the overall FABL record of 112 set by the Kings in 1963. Having won 51 of their last 62, they matched the second place Gothams win total on the entire season, and it's more or the same as ten other clubs. They'd have to finish the season just 32-21 (.604), lower then any single month on the season and significant stretch of games they've played all year. They have just one four game losing streak and one three game losing streak, and with plenty of divisional games down the stretch, the Copperheads have a chance to set a record that may never be touched again.

FABL Announces July Awards

• As if the All-Star game MVP wasn't enough, Minneapolis third basemen Carl Kilkenny was named July's Batter of the Month in the Fed, as the former 15th Rounder continues his offensive explosion in year three. The 26-year-old hit .358/.436/.716 (210 OPS+) in 27 games, crushing 8 doubles and 8 homers with 14 walks and 22 runs scored and driven in. After a slow start to the season, Kilkenny has a WRC+ above 170 in each of the last three months, and is now hitting an elite .313/.401/.555 (159 OPS+) with 22 doubles, 22 homers, 57 walks, 66 runs, and 69 RBIs. It would tough to give the Whitney to anyone other then Tom Lally (.320, 25, 79, 8) who's leading the Fed in homers and playing at a 10 WAR pace, but considering how bad the Millers would be without him, I can see a path where he surpasses the Suns superstar shortstop.
• Kilkenny wasn't the only Miller to earn an award, as his left side of the infield partner Bill Barber was again the Fed's top rookie. The graduated 71st prospect hit .298/.376/.587 (160 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 6 homers, 19 RBIs, 19 runs, and 10 walks, giving Minneapolis two Kilkenny like hitters. Despite this, the team was just 14-14, and after getting swept to start August they are now a game below .500. On the season, Barber has an outstanding 151 WRC+ and has been worth 3.1 WAR in 107 games. The 24-year-old is now batting .306/.369/.499 (135 OPS+) with 29 doubles, 15 homers, 69 runs, and 71 RBIs, establishing himself as one of the top shortstops in the game.
• As you'd expect from a bottom three staff, the Millers did not get the league's top pitcher, which instead went to Suns southpaw Pete Meissner. The former 4th pick was a perfect 6-0, working to a 2.12 ERA (188 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in his seven starts. This lowered the 29-year-old season ERA to 3.80 (105 ERA+), but it's still well higher then his 3.23 FIP (81 FIP-). Granted, this hasn't stopped the iron man from being effective, as he's 11-6 with 108 strikeouts and well on his way to another 30 start season.
• In the Continental, all three awards were won my members of different teams, starting with Dallas' Nick Parker named the top bat for the second straight month. Two weeks from 27, Parker has battled through an assortment of ailments, but it hasn't kept him off the field. The two time All-Star followed up a .391/.482/.598 (196 OPS+) batting line with a .375/.445/.625 (192 OPS+) mark, adding 3 doubles, 7 homers, 18 runs, 27 RBIs, and 14 walks. Appearing in 103 games, he's hit an inflated .360/.453/.556 (177 OPS+) with 24 doubles, 16 homers, 65 runs, 69 RBIs, and over twice as many walks (68) as strikeouts (30). If there is something he's struggled with, it is stealing bases, as Parker is 6-for-20 and has accounted for 45% of his caught stealings since his 1970 debut.
• It was more of the same for Rookie of the Month as well, with Chicago #2 Bill Bartlett again named the top youngster. Making 6 starts, the soon-to-graduate #44 prospect was 4-2 with a 1.66 ERA (237 ERA+) and 1.11 WHIP, striking out 22 in 48.2 innings pitched. Through 12 starts, Bartlett has gone at least 7 innings each time, and has allowed 3 or fewer runs in each of his last 8 starts. This includes his celebration for another Rookie of the Month, as Bartlett spun a 2-hit, 4-strikeout shutout in San Francisco a few hours a few hours after his win was announced.
• Last, but not least, Cleveland's Dick Couture took home Pitcher of the Month, though it's really not clear why he got it over Bartlett. Perhaps it was the 5-0 record, but his 2.81 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts were all worse then what Bartlett put together. 33 later in August, he did still impress, improving to 10-6 with a 3.38 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.25 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts in his 20 starts. Couture did not find the same success as Bartlett to start the month, as he also pitched the day of the announcement, just with 5 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), and 5 walks, striking out 5 in 5 (and a third) innings.

Strader, Terry, Named Players of the Week

• Lou Strader's rookie breakout year continued, as the June Rookie of the Month picked up the first Player of the Week award in his young career. The former 9th pick went 12-for-23, adding a pair of homers with 2 walks and 3 RBIs. 23 on the 14th, Strader has hit an outstanding .325/.416/.544 (164 OPS+), as he shapes out to complete in a two-horse race with July Rookie of the Month Bill Barber. Coming up late may be the difference, as he made 24 AAA appearances before his callup. Through 320 PAs, he's hit an outstanding .325/.416/.544 (164 OPS+) with 19 doubles, 13 homers, 42 RBIs, 51 runs, and 43 walks.
• Despite interest throughout the season, the first place New York Imperials held on to veteran slugger Phil Terry. It hasn't been his best season, but he caught fire during the recent week. An excellent 14-for-26, he hit 2 doubles and a homer with 9 runs, 8 RBIs, 2 steals, 6 walks, and not a single strikeout. This boosted his season line to a more recognizable .297/.363/.461 (126 OPS+), paired with 16 homers, 62 runs, 67 RBIs, and 13 steals. By virtue of having two more wins then the Foresters and the same number of losses, the Imperials hold a slim one game division lead, and to stay on top they will need a lot of slug from their star outfielder.

3-Time Allen Winners Announces Retirement

• 1975 will be the final stanza for 41-year-old Billy Hasson, as the righty decided that he would not be coming back for year twenty. It seems like the right call, as Hasson's struggles this season have put him in the bullpen. The last time Hasson didn't start a game was in 1957, though he did work his way back in this season. His first 23 appearances of the year were out of the pen, snapping a streak of 577 consecutive starts. In 76.1 total innings, he has a poor 5.78 ERA (67 ERA+) and 1.59 WHIP, no longer the superstar that played a key role in the Pioneers dynasty of the 1960s.
• Meanwhile, another 3-Time winner, Jim Norris (10-4, 3.19, 54) has given no indication of retiring, and even mulling an extension to return for his aged-46 season. Chasing history, he got an undeserved 355th career win, allowing 14 hits and 5 runs with 2 walks and strikeouts, but when he left after 5.1 innings and all his runners were accounted for, the Cougars held a 6-5 lead. 4 in the bottom half of the six made it so that lead would not be lost, giving him his 10th victory of the season. Currently FABL's sixth most winning pitcher, he's four wins away from tying Jack Long for 5th in FABL history.

Exceptional Performances: Hinzman, Castillo

• One shutout this week, as Bob Hinzman finished July with a 1-hit, 1-strikeout shutout of the Houston Arrows. The first of his career, he's now 11-7 on the season, and has allowed just two earned runs in his last four starts. This has helped him drop his ERA all the way down to 3.10 (128 ERA+) with a 1.26 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in his 21 starts. An unexcepted success out of the five spot, he has the second lowest ERA in the rotation, and he's just one off the team lead for wins.
• It wasn't a perfect showing, but Ricardo Castillo was crucial in the Chiefs 11-4 win over the Pioneers. 5-for-6, he scored four of the times he was on base, picking up a double and RBI to complete his star performance. Even after an 0-for-4 showing, he's still hitting an excellent .325/.380/.415 (118 OPS+), gathering 22 doubles, 4 homers, 21 steals, 54 RBIs, and 69 runs scored. Seen as a potential trade candidate, the Chiefs decided to hold on to the Panama native, who turns 34 on the last day of September.

Injury Notes: Prather, Stephens, Schneider, Benitez

• In the offseason it was announced that Steve Prather successfully completed a strength and conditioning program to help improve his ability to stay on the field. Injuries have always gotten in the way of his stardom, and unfortunately that did not change this season. In May, Prather fractured a rib, missing just under a month, and then last week he sprained his ankle. A serious sprain, it will prevent him from returning this season, finishing his 1975 with a career low 78 appearances and 342 trips to the plate. When healthy, the 3-Time All-Star was his normal self, hitting an excellent .317/.377/.497 (139 OPS+) with 25 doubles, 9 homers, 42 RBIs, 52 runs, 17 steals, and more walks (29) then strikeouts (21). If qualified, his 152 WRC+ would be the second highest of his career, with the only higher metric his 162 from his 1969 batting title win.
• Boston got bad news on first basemen Willie Stephens (.333, 29), as he suffered a setback in recovery. Already expected to miss most if not all of of the season with a torn meniscus, he suffered a setback in rehab that required a second surgery. Now expected to be out until 1976, he should be good for spring training, but it could hamper his power some when he returns. He didn't homer in 51 games this season, but his hit tool and discipline should end up making up for it.
• It didn't happen in game, but reliever Barry Schneider (4-2, 2, 3.94, 29) felt a strain by his chest when stretching. Turns out, it was a rib cage muscle, and he'll now hit the IL for a few weeks. A former 9th Rounder, the 1974 Continental loss leader transitioned to the pen this season, and he's been alright. His 3.94 ERA (99 ERA+) is just a little below average, but his 1.53 WHIP is hard to deal with, as he's been walking (31) more guys then he's struck out (29). Still, he should return to a setup role when he returns, and the 26-year-old shouldn't miss a beat when he returns.
• Injury woes continue for Forester outfielder Orlando Benitez (.238, 1, 5), as in his first week back he's dealing with back tightness. Having missed almost a year with a torn PCL, on rehab he suffered rotator cuff tendinitis, giving the oft-injured Cuban 25 separate ailments since the start of 1971. Now 32, he's managed more then 100 games in just 4 of his 12 seasons, which has really prevented the 1964 Kellogg winner from establishing himself in the majors.

Transaction Notes: Wright, Nash, McKinney

• Milwaukee looked to get some cost certainty in the upcoming seasons, as they inked 24-year-old Joe Wright to a 2-year, $47,200 per year contract. A fifth year veteran, Wright has gone 11-7 with a 3.32 ERA (118 ERA+), 3.27 FIP (82 FIP-), and 1.31 WHIP, striking out 124 to just 69 walks in 160 innings pitched. An All-Star back in 1973, he's one of the best young pitchers in the league, already 57-45 with a 3.22 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, and 617 strikeouts. Wright is on a nice little run too, allowing two or fewer runs in each of his last three starts.
• Baltimore officially claimed right hander Chet Nash off waivers from the Cannons, and quickly inserted the 24-year-old directly into the rotation. He pitched 6 innings against both the Keystones and Gothams, picking up a no-decision and win with 7 hits, 3 runs, 10 walks, and 10 strikeouts. His first action of the year, the former 22nd overall pick made six starts last season and holds a 2.36 ERA (155 ERA+) and 1.11 WHIP in 49.2 FABL innings pitched.
• Also moving on waivers is Bob McKinney, though the almost 37-year-old is leaving Baltimore, not joining. The swingman will go to Chicago after making 11 starts and 12 relief appearances for the Clippers. His 2.80 ERA (140 ERA+) and 1.26 WHIP are really nice, but his 3.85 FIP (97 FIP-) suggests his overall performance has been closer to average. A hard thrower, he has 60 strikeouts and 48 walks, taking advantage of the "effectively wild" strategy that helped him finally make his big league debut at 34 in 1973.

Wolves Extend Winning Streak Then Fall Back to the Cellar of the CA East

The Toronto Wolves finished July at home by splitting a series with the Arrows who have fallen dramatically in the standings over the month of July. After stretching their winning streak to a season high of 5 on Monday with a 6-1 win led by Lee Humphrey's arm and three homeruns the Wolves dropped the first of two on Tuesday to Milwaukee, 8-3, to end the streak of victories.

Toronto recovered in the back half of the twin bill winning 5-3 with a 3-run outburst in the seventh inning before losing the series finale in another 8-2 drubbing in which Jim Hunter got beat up allowing 7 earned in less than 6 IP.

On to Cincinnati with the hope of putting distance between themselves and the Cannons at the bottom of the East. It did work out that way for Carl Evans' charges. Stan Terry remained winless for 1975 at 0-9 as the Cannons won 5-2 on last day of July. That meant the Wolves finished the month at 13-17 which is one game better than June even with a 5-game undefeated string.

August started well with Red Bullock pitching 8 strong innings in a 7-2 final sealed by Jess McPherson's two run shot in the top of 9. Weekend losses at Tice Memorial, 9-4 on Saturday then 3-1 in 10 on Sunday when Bob Bell launched a walkoff HR off a Harry Street offering after the Wolves has tied it in the top of the ninth. That result left the Wolves looking up at the rest of the teams in their division, though only a half game behind the Cannons.

Up next the Wolves returns home to face the division leading New York Imperials before facing Western opponents for the balance of August's 23 games. Given their performance against the West so far this season, 11-26 (.297), these games will be defining for many players and staff of the Wolves. The only good thing about these 23 games against the West is that the team is finished with Seattle.

Dunbar's take: August will sort out the future of the team. The GM has been reputed to have told confidants that a last place finish would seal the fates of most of the coaching staff, many of whom have their contacts expire at the end of '75. If Evans and his staff can coax the team to an even or better record in August their employment could be extended for 1976.

September, with roster expansion, will be an interesting month for either a lame duck or extended staff. Fans may get a look at a few youngsters trying to prove they are ready for the FABL. Dunbar feels that the team may spend a few more years in the FABL wilderness while the youth improve their tools. Baseball, unlike the other pro sports, cannot be driven by one player acquired or drafted to take the team to the top. A hockey or especially a basketball team can rise from the ashes with the acquisition of one dominant player. Baseball is a more of slow progression to the top by putting the right group of players together, each contributing in varied ways to overall team success. Wolves have to begin this progression to being a factor not a doormat.

In minor league news the roster turnover began when Leo Makepeace was cut loose allowing Scotty Timmons, Moses Watts, Tommy Gooch to move up a rung on the organization ladder. Makepeace, a glove first strong defender spent two seasons in Toronto after being acquired in a trade from St. Louis for Johnny Moore in April '74. Makepeace's glove was not enough to overcome his weak bat as a line of .200/.259/.279 in almost 500 times to the dish showed Toronto management. In other news Dan Moran, 23, the second sacker of the future, clubbed 3 HR against Columbus giving him 16 for the Nickels this season. Moran has to improve on his .245 batting average to be a serious contender at second in 1976. Recently promoted Timmons did not look out of place in Buffalo after capturing the Dixie League Player of the Week. Bob Joy, 25, was the top pitcher in A Heartland league for July after starting and losing early in AA. Tom Scott, a recently signed 13th round pick, made big impact in Tuscaloosa in 27 games, the 20-year-old 1B, has 4 HR 27 RBI to go with a .317/.462/.598 line.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

One of the oldest leagues in college sports, the South Atlantic Conference was also among the largest in its formative years. In the early 1900s, the SAC routinely fielded more than twenty teams before the famous rupture of 1919, when eight schools broke away to form what is now the Deep South Conference. While the SAC has since established itself as a dominant force in collegiate basketball—led by powers such as Carolina Poly and North Carolina Tech—the conference has struggled to translate that success consistently to the football field.

If national titles won by future Deep South members during their time in the SAC are included, the conference’s ledger would show eight national championship teams. Limiting the count to current South Atlantic members cuts that number in half. The most recent title by an SAC school came in 1964, when Cowpens State capped an 11–1 season with a Sunshine Classic victory over Oklahoma City State.

Parity has become the conference’s defining feature in recent years. Eastern State broke through last fall, capturing its first SAC crown in 19 years and becoming the fourth different champion in as many seasons. That turnover appears likely to continue, though Charleston Tech enters the year as the early favorite. The Admirals were the last program to repeat as conference champions, rolling off five straight titles that ended in 1971.

Charleston Tech’s case, however, comes with questions. The Admirals return a seasoned defense but will place their offense in the hands of two freshmen—quarterback Gerald Paris and running back Hector Drumgoole. Once a fixture on New Year’s Day with six straight Classic appearances, Charleston Tech fell hard in 1973 before rebounding to a 7–4 mark last season. The hope is that Paris and Drumgoole can accelerate the program’s return to the top.

North Carolina Tech is also drawing preseason support despite not having won a conference title since 1954. The Techsters bring back 1,000-yard rusher Don Agnew for his senior season and most of a solid defensive unit. The concern rests under center, where quarterback Todd Saylor struggled a year ago and, at 22, enters the season without an established safety net behind him.

With recent history suggesting no clear favorite is ever truly safe, the South Atlantic Conference once again shapes up as a race defined less by pedigree and more by which contender can solve its questions first.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 08/03/1975

• U.S., Soviet Union sign historic Helsinki Accords, as President Ford joins 34 other leaders in endorsing postwar European borders and human-rights principles, drawing both praise and criticism at home.
• Helsinki agreement sparks debate in Washington, with supporters hailing détente while critics warn the pact legitimizes Soviet control of Eastern Europe.
• First federal loan guarantees released for New York City, marking the practical start of Washington’s rescue effort and calming short-term fears of default.
• Canada formally introduces anti-inflation legislation, as the Trudeau government tables sweeping wage and price control measures in Parliament.
• Economic indicators suggest recession bottoming out, with modest gains in manufacturing output reported on both sides of the border.
• Energy officials caution against renewed price pressures, noting refinery constraints and steady gasoline demand during peak summer travel.
• Vietnam refugee resettlement enters long-term phase, as emergency arrivals taper and governments shift focus to employment, schooling, and housing integration.

[Tiger Fan]

AUGUST 11, 1975

1975 PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW EDITION
HOUSTON AND MIAMI ARE PRESEASON FAVOURITES TO MEET IN AFA WORLD CLASSIC

The 26 American Football Association teams are set to report to training camps across the country this week in preparation for the league's 54th season. The early line suggests that World Classic XII will feature two teams very familiar with the AFA championship contest as the Houston Drillers and Miami Mariners have the best chance at prevailing in their respective conferences. The Drillers have already played in six title games, winning three of them but also losing three times including last January when they fell 12-6 to the Tom Bowens coached Buffalo Red Jackets in a game that made Bowens the first coach to win both a national collegiate title and a World Classic. The Mariners have reached the pinnacle game of the sport four times in the eleven year history of the World Classic but came out on top just once - that was in World Classic V to conclude the 1968 season when they edged Houston 9-7.

There are plenty of other contenders particularly in the National Conference where the Mariners could face stiff challenges from not only their East Division rival Red Jackets but also the Los Angeles Olympians, Dallas Stallions and the Kansas City Cowboys. The American Conference holds Houston, with a dominant defense led by Bobby Barrell Jr., as the clear favourite but the Drillers were hit hard by the retirement of their top two running backs in Vern Rebovich and Keith Gladfeather, which perhaps opens the door for teams such as the Washington Wasps, Pittsburgh Paladins and Cleveland Finches.

Here is a team by team look at each of the AFA clubs listed by division in their predicted order of finish.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION


PITTSBURGH PALADINS

1974 RESULT:9-5, made playoffs for first time since 1969 but lost 13-0 to Washington in Wildcard Round
HISTORICAL:Founded in 1934 they have won 4 AFA titles including a 23-20 victory over Miami in World Classic III in 1966
KEY LOSSES:Hubert Clary, who was among the league rushing leaders with 967 last season, announced his retirement.
KEY ADDITIONS:Pittsburgh brought center Danny Hutchins back to the team he started his career with in 1960. The 36-year-old had played for Cleveland the past five seasons before returning to the Paladins as a free agent signing. In the draft, the Paladins stayed close to home with their first round draft pick, selecting their QB of the future in Penn Catholic signal caller Roy Trevor. In round two they selected a huge offensive guard in 6'4", 303 lbs. Winfred Bock out of Coastal California.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Can running back Vincent Breen have a breakout season as the new starter in his third season with the Paladins. The decision to draft Trevor sets off some alarms that perhaps the Paladins do not feel that Charlie Stillwell, who the drafted in the second round three years ago and threw for over 2,100 yards last year, is long for the starting job.

WASHINGTON WASPS

1974 RESULT: Won AFA East with a 10-4 record and beat Pittsburgh in wildcard round only to fall 27-20 to Houston in conference final
HISTORICAL:Founded in 1937, the Wasps won back to back AFA title games in 1957 and 1958. The franchise struggled through the 1960's but did win a conference title in 1971 before being blown out 57-0 by Kansas City in World Classic VII. They would get their revenge the following season, reaching the World Classic and beating Kansas City in a rematch for their first World Classic victory.
KEY LOSSES:Defensive end John D'Amore, a key piece on the '71 and '72 teams that reached the World Classic, retired at the age of 33.
KEY ADDITIONS:Georgia Baptist free safety Mark Gagne was their first round pick and the Wasps may have picked up a steal in round two when they landed Ipswich Trophy winning offensive tackle Robert Longo from St. Blane. The Wasps were also busy in free agency in adding fullback Frank Floyd from Boston, strong safety Eric Strand from San Francisco and former Detroit defensive end Pete Lamb.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Charles Hartman took a big step forward in his second season as a quarterback, throwing 20 touchdown passes and for more than 2,600 yards. Can Hartman continue to improve and lead the Wasps back to the World Classic?

BOSTON AMERICANS

1974 RESULT:8-6 to finish third in their division
HISTORICAL:One of the early members of the AFA the Americans have been around since the 1920s and won titles in 1939, 1945 and 1962. They endured some lean years the past decade with their lone winning season coming in 1973 when they went 10-4 but made a quick exit from the playoffs.
KEY LOSSES:Fullback Frank Floyd left as a free agent and went to division rival Washington while veteran tackle Mark Randolph retired.
KEY ADDITIONS:The Yanks went for wideouts at the top of the draft selecting Chicago Poly speedster Ben Jacobson in round one and Joe Miller, who caught 6 touchdown passes for Cumberland last season and is also a threat to run the ball.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Juan Huff is a young quarterback and made the All-Star Classic as a rookie but took a step back last year. Can Huff rebound? The answer to that may depend on the Boston running game where Stephen McKeever returns for a ninth season but, like Huff, struggled in 1974.

PHILADELPHIA FRIGATES

1974 RESULT: 4-10, 4th place in division
HISTORICAL:Founded in 1933 the Frigates have won 3 AFA titles: 1944, 1954 and 1955. Times have be tough of late with back to back 4-10 seasons and they have not made the playoffs since 1969 when they went 7-7. The last time Philadelphia finished over .500 was 1964.
KEY LOSSES:Big holes to fill with the retirement of two long-time starters on defense in linebacker Pete Lipsey and tackle Doug Hallworth. Leading rusher from a year ago Frank Jones also called it quits.
KEY ADDITIONS:Vernon Kennedy, a linebacker out of Rome State, was drafted fourth overall with the hope he can replace the two-time All-Pro Lipsey. After surrendering an AFA worst 414 points last year it is easy to see why the Frigates also went defense with their second round draft pick: Cumberland safety Patrick Cook.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Can long-time reserve running back Carl Hale handle the starting job and can the defense improve at all?

NEW YORK STARS

1974 RESULT: 3-11, last place in their division
HISTORICAL:Another of the very early clubs to join the AFA, the Stars were often called the New York Football Stars to avoid confusion with the baseball team, but the FABL club moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s. As for the football Stars, they won their first league title in 1930 and two more over the next two decades. They were perhaps the most dominant team in football in the 1950's, winning 4 league titles and reaching the playoffs 10 times in a 12 year span ending in 1963. There have been mostly down seasons since then including a 2-12 mess in 1971 and missing the playoffs each of the last two years.
KEY LOSSES: Their offense took a hit with the retirement of Gil Cooper, a wide receiver who spent 14 seasons with the Stars and caught 36 passes a year ago. Center Dennis Hudson also left, signing as a free agent with Houston as did starting guard Richard Narvaez, who went to Miami.
KEY ADDITIONS:The hope is their first round pick, second overall, Carl Ashworth, a wide receiver out of Columbia Military Academy can immediately step in as a replacement for Cooper. The Stars had two second round picks and used them on Maryland State safety Scooter Talley and St Ignatius center Richard Cleveland.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Can Dick Cleaves, who is the son of baseball Hall of Famer George Cleaves, improve on an awful campaign a year ago when the New York quarterback completed just 39% of his passes and threw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns? A big factor on what happens with Cleaves this year will be can the offensive line, which lost two starters, hold up.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION


CLEVELAND FINCHES

1974 RESULT:9-5 to finish first in the Central Division but were thumped 45-10 by Houston in the wildcard round of the playoffs.
HISTORICAL:The Finches won AFA titles in 1925, 1932 and 1947 but had nothing to celebrate until they finally made the playoffs again in 1973 with a modern day franchise best 10-4 record. They followed that up with a 9-5 season a year ago and returned to the playoffs but still have not won a postseason game since 1947.
KEY LOSSES:Veteran center Danny Hutchins signed with Pittsburgh while backup linebacker Steve Kohler signed with St Louis.
KEY ADDITIONS:The big news in Cleveland over the summer was the signing of free agent quarterback Saul Washington away from the New York Stars. Selected first overall in the 1971 draft, Washington was a three year starter for the Stars but fell out of favour and spent last year primarily holding a clipboard on the sideline. Washington looks like he may replace Danny Boudreaux, the starter each of the past two years, under center. To aid the Cleveland passing game the Finches selected Raymond Markham, a four year starting wide receiver at Annapolis Maritime was the Finches first round draft pick while in round two they opted for steady guard William Wirth out of American Atlantic.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:The quarterback battle between incumbent Danny Boudreaux and free agent signing Saul Washington. Anthony Henderson, Roy Byrd and rookie Markham give the Finches plenty of capable receivers so the expectation is this will be a big year for the club offensively if a quarterback can emerge as a leader.

CHICAGO WILDCATS

1974 RESULT:snapped a string of three consecutive 4-10 seasons with a 7-7 record, good for second in the division but not good enough for the playoffs.
HISTORICAL:A 1920 charter member of the AFA, the Wildcats have a rich and storied history, most of it with Carl Boon at the helm as the owner/coach turns 79 and shows no interest in stepping down. Their most recent AFA title came in 1959 but they have only made the playoffs four times since then and never reached the World Classic.
KEY LOSSES:Five-time All-Star Classic tackle Jake Weber retired after a dozen seasons and will leave a big hole on the offensive line while Bill Gilbert, a 1970 all-star selection at free safety signed with New Orleans.
KEY ADDITIONS: In the draft the Wildcats nabbed Great Lakes Alliance All-Conference tight end Bernard Bird out of Detroit City College in round one and linebacker James Fraley from the 1974 national champion Redwood Mammoths in round two. Tight end is a focus position for the Wildcats as they also signed Johnny Gutierrez, who did not play last year but was a key piece of the St Louis offense from 1970-74.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Carl Pittman joined the Wildcats last year after spending his first seven years with Detroit and New Orleans. All the 30-year-old wideout did was led the league in receiving yardage with 1,146 after being a spare part in New Orleans the previous season. He immediately clicked with Chicago quarterback Carl Pederson and the Wildcats will need more of the same if they are going to return to the playoffs for the first time since 1970.

DETROIT MAROONS

1974 RESULT:6-8 and tied for third in the four team Central Division.
HISTORICAL:Ralph Butterworth enters his sixth season as Detroit's head coach, still looking for his first playoff win. It has been a long time since the club Rollie Barrell founded in 1920 has won anything in the postseason. The Maroons had won 4 AFA titles by 1936 but since then have lost 9 straight playoff games with the most recent one coming in 1971.
KEY LOSSES:Pete Lamb, a fixture for nearly a decade at defensive end, left for Washington as a free agent while wideout Jake De Lancy signed with the New York Titans.
KEY ADDITIONS: The Maroons opted to improve their passing game in the draft by grabbing CCLA wide receiver Andre Wertz, who was a key piece as a freshman on the Coyotes 1971 national championship team, in round one and Demetrius Springer, a wideout from Red River State in the second round.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Aside from all-star classic selection in rookie safety Michael Ruth, Detroit's defense was awful. With mostly the same cast of characters can it be improved upon? Can third year quarterback Charles Sonnenberg take another step forward?

MILWAUKEE STAGS

1974 RESULT:6-8 and tied with Detroit for third place in the Central Division.
HISTORICAL:1966 expansion club made the playoffs in both 1971 and 1972 but has struggled the past two years.
KEY LOSSES: none to speak of.
KEY ADDITIONS: Milwaukee was thrilled to land defensive tackle George Haight with the 11th pick in the draft. Haight was a two-time All-American at Boulder State and named All-Conference each of his four seasons with the Grizzlies. They stayed with defense in round two as well by selecting Arkansas A&T end James Bearden. It was a risky pick as Bearden was a star as a junior but missed his senior season with an injury. The Stags also signed free agent fullback Richard Beall, who had spent four seasons with Washington.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Only Atlanta, Seattle and the New York Stars put fewer points on the board than the Stags did last season, averaging less than 15 per game. Fifth year quarterback Rob Stone needs to cut down on his interceptions- he threw 17 a year ago. The hope is with fullback Beall leading the way, perhaps halfback Dave McFadden can crack the 1,000 yard rushing mark. McFadden did just that from 1971 to 1973 but came up short a year ago.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION


HOUSTON DRILLERS

1974 RESULT: 9-5 Won Division followed by playoff victories over Cleveland and Washington before losing 12-6 to Buffalo in World Classic.
HISTORICAL:Went 3-11 as a 1961 expansion team and has never had a losing season since. The Drillers shocked the league by reaching the AFA title game in just their second season and would win their first of three World Classic titles in 1967. Houston also reached the World Classic three other times including last season making them the only club to play in six World Classics in the first 11 years of the event.
KEY LOSSES:A major loss is the retirement of running back Vern Rebovich after a decade as the teams leading rusher. The 1969 playoff MVP rushed for over 1,000 yards in eight of his ten seasons including last year. To compound the problems his backup Keith Gladfelter, who gained 851 yards a year ago and was the 1967 playoff MVP, also retired as did offensive guard Randy Hutchins, after a decade as a starter.
KEY ADDITIONS:Houston signed a pair of free agents in center Denis Hudson, a longtime starter for the Stars and former Miami backup tight end Lionel Washington. It comes as no surprise the Drillers would take a running back with their late first round pick. It was Anderson Nall out of Potomac College where he was All-Conference twice. They also used their second rounder on a halfback, taking Scott Starling from Northern California.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:All the attention will be on fourth year back Billy Ray Brown and can the former Lane State power runner replace Rebovich as the starting halfback. Brown was primarily used on special teams the past three seasons and has never rushed for as many as 300 yards in the pros but did top the 1,000 yard mark three times in four years in college. Brown will likely get first crack as the starter but will be pushed by rookies Nall and Starling. The Houston defense remains its strength, led by future Hall of Famer Bobby Barrell Jr., who enters his 10th season in the league as a five-time winner of the Defensive MVP award.

NEW ORLEANS CRESCENTS

1974 RESULT:8-6, finished second in division
HISTORICAL:A 1967 AFA expansion club the Crescents went 3-11 each of their first three seasons and have been within a game of either side of .500 ever since. This will be their 9th season and they continue to search for their first playoff berth. This is the second time New Orleans has hosted an AFA club as the city was part of the Continental Football Conference from 1946-49 and was one of three teams to join the AFA in 1950 when the CFC folded. That club, also known as the Crescents, lasted just one year in the AFA before folding after an 0-11-1 1950 season.
KEY LOSSES:Running backs Joseph Swan and Jason Burris both retired leaving veteran backup Wayne Phillips as the only halfback with previous AFA experience.
KEY ADDITIONS:To upgrade a defense that had its struggles a year ago the Crescents signed a pair of experienced free agents in veteran All-Pro free safety Bill Gilbert from Chicago and defensive end Rick Fall, a 13-year starter in Kansas City. In the draft the Crescents added Cache Valley All-American safety Terry Hickman in round one and looked to fill the holes at halfback in round two with the selection of Troy Silverman from Maryland State.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:The addition of Fall and Gilbert to a defense that already included AFA sack leader Mike Poulin should give New Orleans a much improved defense.

LOS ANGELES TIGERS

1974 RESULT:6-8, finished 3rd in division
HISTORICAL: The Tigers history traces back to Cincinnati in 1944 before being purchased by West Coast businessman Thomas X. Bigsby and moved to Los Angeles in 1950. The club has only enjoyed very limited success, reaching the playoffs twice (1955 & 1958) and has only won a playoff game once.
KEY LOSSES:Running back Harold Tapia has not agreed to a contract and remains a free agent
KEY ADDITIONS:With Tapia's holdout the Tigers seemed to have moved on as they selected the Southwestern Athletic Association player of the year in Travis College running back Robert Diggs with their first round pick. Diggs ran for 1,307 yards as a senior.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Tigers had the most productive running game in the AFA a year ago led by Harold Tapia's 1,029 yards but Tapia is unlikely to return. James Dortch gained 919 yards as the backup so the question is can he carry the load as the number one option or will Diggs claim the job.

SAN FRANCISCO WINGS

1974 RESULT:5-9, finished fourth in division.
HISTORICAL:One of two teams born out the post-WWII Continental Football Conference that continues today (Kansas City is the other), the Wings won a CFC title in 1948 and joined the AFA in 1950. San Francisco won its only AFA title in 1956 but has made the playoffs just once since 1959. That was 5 years ago when they were an impressive 11-3 but still finished second behind 13-1 Houston in their division and lost their wildcard round game to the Drillers. They have not finished above .500 since.
KEY LOSSES:Starting strong safety Eric Strand signed with Washington but the Wings lured long-time Los Angeles Tigers safety Dennis Lawson out of a 1-year retirement to replace Stand.
KEY ADDITIONS:Portland Tech running back Jimmy Young was the Wings first pick, fifth overall, in the AFA draft. In round two they also looked offense with the selection of Carl Powers, a wideout from the Detroit City College team that played in back to back East-West Classics.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Can the defense, which has been the franchise's weak link in recent years improve under second year defensive coordinator Charles Miller? If not it will be another long year at Golden Gate Stadium despite a high octane offense led by quarterback Charlie Singletary, who set a personal best in passing yards in his Wings debut after four season with Minnesota.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION


MIAMI MARINERS

1974 RESULT:11-3 to win their division but were upset by wildcard Buffalo 31-14 in the opening round of the playoffs.
HISTORICAL:The most successful of the National Football Conference teams from the new league born in 1964, the Mariners reached the World Classic four consecutive seasons from 1966-1969 but only won the title game once, in 1968 when they nipped Houston 9-7. Miami had made the playoffs nine straight seasons but failed to win a postseason game each of the past three years.
KEY LOSSES:Nickelback Bill Szafranski is the only notable loss, retiring after being one of the original 1964 Mariners.
KEY ADDITIONS:Veteran guard Richard Narvaez, a 4-year starter for the New York Stars, was signed as a free agent. In the draft the Mariners found a replacement for Szafranski with the selection of Alexandria cornerback Eddy St. Pierre with the 22nd pick of the opening round.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Miami has not missed the playoffs since 1965. Expect that trend to continue and if they stay healthy the Mariners may just win their second World Classic trophy. Big things are expected out of third year quarterback Jeffrey Conroy, who finished second in the league in passing yards and was named to the All-Star Classic roster as a sophomore.

BUFFALO RED JACKETS

1974 RESULT:8-6 but that was good enough to earn a wildcard berth and they went on to win their first World Classic, upsetting favoured Houston 12-6.
HISTORICAL:They joined the AFA along the Houston Drillers as 1961 expansion clubs but were far less successful. Buffalo did not make the playoffs for the first time until 1973, a year after former CCLA national champion coach and ex-AFA star receiver Tom Bowens took over as their head coach. Moved to the NFC during the 1970 merger, the Red Jackets made the playoffs for the first time in Bowens second season when they went 9-5 and followed that up with the run from wildcard team to AFA champion last year.
KEY LOSSES:Veteran defensive end John Strumler, a key cog on the Red Jackets defense, has retired.
KEY ADDITIONS:It is much the same cast with center Harold Horner, a backup last year in Detroit, being the only notable signing. Defensive tackle Joel Dorsey, out of Tempe College, was the Red Jackets first round selection. They dealt their second round pick to Kansas City
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:How much better can the Red Jackets get? Coach Tom Bowens has taken the team to the top with a World Classic win. Everyone will be gunning for the Red Jackets this time around. Can they repeat?

NEW YORK TITANS

1974 RESULT:7-7, fourth place in the NFC East Division
HISTORICAL:A charter member of the National Football Conference when it debuted in 1964, the Titans challenged the immensely popular Stars for fan attention in New York City. They went 11-3 in their second season and played in World Classic II, but lost 17-3 to the Boston Americans. The Titans have not won a postseason game since, making the playoffs just one more time in 1972.
KEY LOSSES:Quarterback Saul Washington, the 1971 first overall draft pick and a two year starter for the Titans before losing his starting job last year, left for Cleveland as a free agent. Two veteran defenders in cornerback Jerry Worcester and linebacker Jim Pitts retired but both had taken on reduced roles in 1974.
KEY ADDITIONS:One of the biggest free agent pickups of the off-season was Jack De Lacey being signed away from Detroit. The 9th year wideout had 45 catches for the Maroons a year ago and will fit in nicely alongside veteran receiver Richard Salcedo to upgrade the Titans passing game. The Titans focused on defense in the draft, selecting defensive end Edwin Dooley out of Georgia Baptist in round one and Northern Mississippi safety Lester Snyder with their second pick. Both are expected to earn starting jobs immediately.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Can Louis Snyder, a 1973 7th round pick who won the quarterback job from '73 third rounder James Tovar last year, continue to improve. He has lots of weapons at his disposal in receivers Salcedo and De Lacey along with running backs Leland Vinson and Mike Dover.

CINCINNATI RIVERMEN

1974 RESULT:8-6, tied with Buffalo for second in the division but lost out on tiebreaker for the wildcard berth.
HISTORICAL:Part of the original group of eight NFC teams to debut with that new league in 1964, the Riverman brought football back to the Queen City 14 years after the Tigers moved to Los Angeles. They have only made the playoffs once, back in 1968 but did improve to 8-6 a year ago after the franchise bottomed out in 1973 with a 3-11 campaign.
KEY LOSSES:Only veteran defensive lineman Al Cummings, who was reduced to a backup role last year.
KEY ADDITIONS:Harold Robinson, the quarterback who led Detroit City College to consecutive East-West Classic appearances, was the Rivermen's first round draft pick while defensive end Steven Meeks, out of Charleston Tech, was selected in round two.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:The selection of Robinson is one that left many observers shaking their heads. Yes, he did drop in the draft but the Riverman did not need a quarterback as they have Chuck Rayford -who is just 25 and was selected 18th overall three years ago- as their starter and Rayford seemed to really find his groove last season. Does the addition of Robinson mean Rayford is on a short leash?

ATLANTA FIREBIRDS

1974 RESULT:2-12, worst record in the entire league.
HISTORICAL:They became the first NFC expansion club, joining the second league in 1966, two years after its debut. The Firebirds made the playoffs in both 1969 and 1970 but did not win a postseason game. The team has spiraled since then, going 5-9 in 1971 and slipping 1-13 in 1972 before posting back to back 2-12 seasons. They have a new field to play on, Peachtree Stadium, thanks in part to the arrival of baseball's most successful club in recent years as the Pittsburgh Miners moved to Atlanta to become the Copperheads, but the Copperheads winning ways have made the Firebirds far less of a priority for the Georgia sports fan, which also has two powerhouse college programs in Georgia Baptist and Noble Jones College to support.
KEY LOSSES: Cortez Howes, a starting guard for eight seasons left for the Los Angeles Olympians as a free agent.
KEY ADDITIONS:The first overall pick in the draft was quarterback Allen McAllister, who led St Blane to a national title in 1972 and was a four year starter for the Fighting Saints. The Atlanta offense was awful a year ago and it will be interesting to see how long it is before McAllister replaces veteran Pete Fairfield as the Firebirds quarterback. Fairfield has been Atlanta's starting quarterback since the franchise joined the league in 1966.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: For Atlanta to succeed with either quarterback they need a better ground game meaning George Elliason needs to regain his form of two years ago when he rushed for 1,296 yards. He missed much of the 1973 season with an injury and was healthy last season but gained just 872 a year ago.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRAL DIVISION


DALLAS STALLIONS

1974 RESULT:10-4 to win the Central Division for the second time in three years. They beat the Los Angeles Olympians in the opening round of the playoffs but fell in the conference final, losing to Buffalo 17-6.
HISTORICAL:Joined the NFC in its debut season of 1964 but went 3-11. It was not until 1972 that Dallas made the playoffs for the first time but they followed that up with a 4-10 campaign the following year. They did rebound last season, going 10-4 to win their division for the second time.
KEY LOSSES:no major losses.
KEY ADDITIONS:Wide receiver Carl Berger, out of American Atlantic, was the Stallions first round draft pick.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:No team surrendered fewer points than the Stallions allowed last year and their defense, led by 9-time All-Star tackle John Smith will determine just how far Dallas can go in 1975.

KANSAS CITY COWBOYS

1974 RESULT:8-6 missed the playoffs as they finished second in their division
HISTORICAL:Led by legendary quarterback Pat Chappell, the Cowboys dominated the post WWII Continental Football Conference, winning three titles in the four year run of the league before the CFC folded and three of its teams joined the AFA. Two of them continue to survive in the Cowboys and the San Francisco Wings. In their debut season in the AFA, 1950, the Cowboys won the league title but despite playing in the next three AFA titles games and again in 1960 they did not win a second AFA title. They were shifted to the NFC during the 1970 merger and responded with the first World Classic win, taking the 1970 game by the largest margin in World Classic history when they shelled Washington 51-0. The two sides would meet again in the 1971 World Classic and this time Washington turned the tables with a 26-6 victory. The Cowboys also played in World Classic X two years ago but were beaten 26-20 by Houston. Last year they missed the playoffs.
KEY LOSSES:Rick Fall, a 13-year starter at defensive end left via free agency for New Orleans while Leroy Avens, who ran for over 1,100 yards last year, retired.
KEY ADDITIONS:Shawn Landrum, a cerebral safety out of Dickson College of the Academia Alliance was the Cowboys first round selection in the draft and in round two they selected all-Great Lakes Alliance running back Jimmy Walker from Detroit City College. It is hoped that Walker can immediately replace the retired Leroy Avens as the top rushing option for the Cowboys.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Josh Sellers was solid in his second season since being drafted out of Daniel Boone College. The 23-year-old quarterback was offensive rookie of the year in 1973 and is only expected to get better. The Cowboys passing attack is solid but they need Walker to have success right out of the gate at halfback.

MINNESOTA LAKERS

1974 RESULT:6-8, third in the Central Division
HISTORICAL:The first champions of the National Football Conference in 1964, they played in World Classic I but were beaten handily by the St Louis Ramblers. The Lakers made the playoffs four more times in the next five years but did not win a postseason game. They have not made the playoffs since 1969 and only finished above .500 once in that span, an 8-6 showing two years ago.
KEY LOSSES:Defensive tackle Don Whiting retired after 11 seasons with the Lakers.
KEY ADDITIONS: First round pick James Allman, a safety out of Utah A&M, and College of San Diego wide receiver Joseph Middleton were the Lakers top two draft picks.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Gus Robards had a terrific rookie season at quarterback without a true elite receiver. Can he take another step forward in 1975?

ST LOUIS RAMBLERS

1974 RESULT:4-10, last in their division.
HISTORICAL:The Ramblers joined the American Football Association 1933 and were one of the teams to move to the National Conference during the 1970 merger. The franchise enjoyed little success until 1963 when, after just two playoff games and no wins, they won back to back American Football Association titles in 1963 and 1964. That 1964 title would advance them to the very first World Classic between the winners of the AFA and the newly formed National Football Conference and the Ramblers became the first World Classic winners, blasting Minnesota 27-3 in what would later be known as World Classic I. St Louis made the playoffs three more times since then (1966, 1968 and 1971) but has yet to win another postseason game. Last year's 4-10 season was their worst showing since a 3-9 effort in 1960.
KEY LOSSES:None of note
KEY ADDITIONS:veteran linebacker Steve Kohler was signed from Cleveland to help steady a struggling defense. Freddie Hopkins, a wide receiver out of South Valley State, was selected third overall in the draft while the round two choice was Central Ohio safety Earl Grimes.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:The Ramblers have holes everywhere and it is hard to imagine them competing for a playoff berth. Their strongest position group is likely the offensive line led by All-Star Classic participants Pat Walrath and Vince Wendell. Neither Jerry Flores or Patrick Kelly instill much confidence at quarterback. Don't be surprised if St Louis is picking first overall in next year's draft.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION

LOS ANGELES OLYMPIANS

1974 RESULT:10-4 won the West Division but lost to Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs.
HISTORICAL:A 1964 NFC charter member they went head to head with the established Los Angeles Tigers for the attention of football fans in Los Angeles. The Olympians finished 11-3 in each of their first two seasons but did not make the playoffs until 1967 after a mediocre 7-7 campaign earned them a spot thanks to a very week West Division. They have been to the playoffs four times since including each of the past two years but have never advanced past the second round.
KEY LOSSES:Wideout Andy Ahlman and safety Les Carrigan retired. John Steele, one of two LA backs to surpass the 1,000 yard rushing mark, is unsigned and may not return.
KEY ADDITIONS:Veteran guard Cortez Howes was signed from Atlanta while in the draft the Olympians added Georgia Baptist cornerback Luther Spillman in round one and safety John Wiggins, who was the Southwestern Athletic Association defensive player of the year as a senior at College of Waco, in round two.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Halfback Hal Jagger came over from Houston last year and had the finest season of his 10 year career by rushing for 1,075 yards and formed a perfect duo with fellow running back John Steele. Steele is holding out and may not sign which brings up concerns whether Jagger is still durable enough to carry the mail on his own. If not, third round pick Eugene O'Neill out of Pittsburgh State, may need to develop quickly.

DENVER MOUNTAINEERS

1974 RESULT:8-6 second in their division, missed playoffs.
HISTORICAL:A 1964 charter member of the National Football Conference the Mountaineers had little success during their first eight seasons but discovered magic in 1972 when an unheralded quarterback by the name of Ben Atwell caught fire and led them to a season ending 7 game winning streak to make the playoffs for the first time. Atwell never cooled off in the postseason as Denver rolled to a 17-14 shocking upset of the Houston Drillers in World Classic IX. Atwell failed to duplicate his success the following year as he and the Mountaineers stumbled through a 7-7 season and he was cut prior to last season when the Mountaineers narrowly missed the playoffs.
KEY LOSSES:Hit hard by retirement with LB Jeff Lane, a 4-time All-Star Classic participant headline the losses that also included running back Ron Gorski and guard Alex Michael.
KEY ADDITIONS:Dave Lankford is a highly touted defensive tackle selected out of St. Pancras in the first round. The Mountaineers had two second round selections and went offense with both in 1,200 yard rusher Joseph Chatman of Alabama Baptist along with North Carolina Tech wide receiver Ryan Corey.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:After three years apprenticing, Robert Haas was finally given the starting quarterback job and he was the biggest surprise of the year. A dual threat Haas threw for over 2200 yards and 17 touchdowns while also rushing for 591 and six more scores to be named the AFA's Most Valuable Player. Not bad for a 6th round pick out of Maryland State but can he duplicate it this year or will he be a one-year wonder like his predecessor Atwell?

SAN DIEGO ADMIRALS

1974 RESULT:5-9, tied for last in the West Division.
HISTORICAL:1964 charter members of the NFA, the Admirals struggled through four straight 3-11 seasons to begin their existence. The only playoff berth came in 1971 when they finished over .500 (8-6) for the first and so far only time in franchise history. They have yet to win a postseason contest.
KEY LOSSES:veteran cornerback Terry Scheidemantel, who had been with the Admirals since they formed in 1964, retired.
KEY ADDITIONS:The always struggling franchise has another new coach as former Denver defensive coordinator Ken Chapman gets his first shot at being a head coach in the AFA. Both coordinators are also new so this club may struggle early, but that is nothing new for the Admirals, who are 53-101 all-time. In the draft they added former Northern Mississippi cornerback Michael Richards with the seventh overall selection and nabbed Rainier College receiver Stephen Martins in round two.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:With Rick Osorio, who was the Admirals only offensive selection on the All-Star Classic roster last year, and rookie Martins the Admirals have some talent at wide receiver. Now it will be up to Duane Gray, who was a backup for five seasons before getting the starting quarterback job last year, to step up. Emery Cartwright is the only other option but there are worries the 1974 second round pick has not progressed as hoped.

SEATTLE ROUGHNECKS

1974 RESULT:5-9, tied for last in the West Division.
HISTORICAL:A 1968 NFA expansion team, they shocked the junior league by going 11-3 in their debut campaign and reaching the playoffs. The party ended in heartbreak with a 20-18 loss to Miami in the opening round of the playoffs and Seattle has never returned to the postseason. They have finished below .500 in four of the past five seasons with the lone exception being a 7-6-1 showing in 1971.
KEY LOSSES:A major one as Randy O'Connell, who led the AFA in rushing and was an All-Pro a year ago when he joined Seattle after 11 years in Chicago, has retired.
KEY ADDITIONS:Walter Martinez, who ran for 1,156 yards as a senior at Opelika State, was the Roughnecks first round selection, sixth overall. Due to trades made in previous years the Roughnecks did not select again until round four when they choose another Deep South Conference player in Northern Mississippi linebacker Luther McCarter.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Plenty of pressure on the rookie Martinez to step in and replace the veteran O'Connell. A good running game is essential as third year quarterback Ellis Rich instills very little confidence and has thrown 30 interceptions vs just 20 touchdown passes over his two seasons in Seattle.

COMETS SWEEP SUNS, SNEAK WITHIN FIVE AS DIVISION RACE HEATS UP

Perhaps we will have more then just one division race this year, as the Houston Comets did exactly what they had to do when the first place Los Angeles Suns came to town. A tough four game series, the Comets swept their guests out of town, allowing just a single run in three of the four contests. The fourth was a 9-8 nail-biter where the Comets got 3 in the 8th and 3 in the 9th, able to keep the line moving with a lot of well-timed singles.

Houston did follow that up with a tough series loss, dropping two of three to the last place Minutemen, but lucky for them, the Suns did the same for the sub-.500 Gothams. Entering the week five games down, they do have a chance to keep cutting that deficit, but Houston has a tough test right out of the gate that will be a lot more difficult then

Whether it's LA or Houston or even the Chicago Chiefs, who are now just seven out, the Western winner will have to face the autonomous juggernaut known as the Atlanta Copperheads. That's who the Comets start with, and even with a winning record they have 22 fewer wins. No FABL team has scored more runs or allowed fewer, and aside from the questionable decision to move what could have been a 5-Time Allen winner Marco Middleton (12-1, 1, 2.98, 98) to the pen, they have done everything right.

That hasn't been the case for the Comets, but things have gotten a lot better since Joe McCarthy's return. Now having made 11 starts since recovering from his bone spur, he's allowed one or fewer earned runs in seven of his last eight starts, including back-to-back complete game wins with just one run allowed. Set to start the series against the Copperheads, he's arguably the best pitcher in baseball, and no elbow injury is going to put a damper on to that. The 1974 Allen winner holds 2.11 ERA (187 ERA+), 1.09 WHIP, and 3.04 FIP (76 FIP-) in 81 innings, striking out 50 with just 20 walks. None of this matters when you're facing a lineup of John Newton (.323, 11, 53, 22), Al Hubbard (.334, 12, 61, 16), and Jack Blair (.343, 11, 84, 30), while leadoff man Gus Richards (.315, 6, 35, 10) is having a huge breakout in his first year as a starter. It's a tough test for any starter, but if someone can handle it, it sure is McCarthy.

The same is true for Johnny Blackburn (13-5, 2.66, 111) who is scheduled for the second game, giving the Comets a legitimate chance to use their top two pitchers to secure a critical series win. Blackburn doesn't have the track record of McCarthy, but he's an iron man arm in the midst of his fifth consecutive above average season, Yet to miss a start in his career, he's set to face the Copperheads for the third time this season, splitting the two previous matchups. Game three will be the real challenge, as they're going with George Roy (5-16, 4.93, 100), a floundering starting pitcher who's way better then the results display, but still not the type of guy you want going against Atlanta. This puts a lot of pressure on the Comets' offense, which at best is middle of the pack. John Edwards (.259, 10, 64, 16) does not really look like the guy he was in Minneapolis, butting a lot of pressure on outfield mates Stan Francis (.348, 2, 42) and Hank Andrew (.313, 12, 60, 11). The drop-off after these three is major, as they cannot keep up in slugfests if Roy is hit hard.

Meanwhile, the Suns get a pair of Eastern division teams that should not be tough to beat, hosting the Keystones and Minutemen. Philly is 52-64 and Boston 44-69, though the last place Minutemen did take two of three from the Comets to finish the week. Neither team should pose much of a threat, but the Suns have lost 7 of their last 8 and haven't won a series since their July 22nd to 24th series hosting the Clippers. They have a solid staff and lineup, but they aren't constructed the same way. While their staff is deep and talented, led by Heine Schmidt (13-8, 3.17, 113) and reigning Pitcher of the Month Pete Meissner (11-7, 3.77, 114), while the lineup is just carried by two stars. Tom Lally (.320, 25, 82, 8) and Sam Forrester (.320, 25, 82, 8) do all the heavy lifting, and if their slide continues, one would wonder why they didn't add a few extra pieces when they had the chance.

LA and Houston don't meet again until September, but if the pennant race is still undecided, these games will prove crucial. Both are small two games series exactly one week apart. The two clubs will be in LA on the 17th and 18th before going to Houston on the 24th and 25th. That second series is the second to last of the season, as LA finishes hosting the Dynamos while the Comets leave town to finish the year in St. Louis. On paper, that favors Houston, as St. Louis is in last while the Dynamos are still a few games over .500, but they have their work cut out for them if they want that last series to matter.

Catching Up With The Division Races

• It likely comes as no surprise that the team with the best record since the all-star break is the Atlanta Copperheads, who have gone 21-6 since what is considered the traditional midpoint of the season. This was a rare week for the Copperheads as they lost three times for just the second time since mid-May. Despite the 4-3 showing over the past seven days the Copperheads are still on a pace to win 118 games, which would be a new FABL record.
• The Los Angeles Stars have looked much improved the second half of the season, posting a 16-9 record after finishing the first half a game under .500. It is likely a case of too little, too late for the Stars as they are 18 games back of Seattle in the CA West. The Kings are not slowing down as they are 20-7 since the midseason classic.
• You have to wonder if anyone wants to win the CA East as each of the top four teams in that division have a losing record since the break and the New York Imperials went 2-5 last week and actually increased their lead atop the division because second place Cleveland lost 6 in a row. The Imperials are presently two games ahead of the Foresters with the third place Milwaukee Arrows a half game back of Cleveland.
• The Arrows took 3 of 4 from Cleveland last week and made up two games on the Imperials but things get tough for the CA East clubs this week as each of them begins a trek through West Division opponents.
• How bad is the CA East? The front-running Imperials 62-56 record would be at least 6.5 games out of first place if they were in any other division.
• The Fed West may just become a race as the Los Angeles Suns were swept by Houston in a 4-game set last week, moving the Comets suddenly to within 5 games of the front-running Suns. The Suns lost seven consecutive games before snapping the streak yesterday with a 3-2 win over the Gothams.

Milestones & Awards

• Catcher Chris Wells of the Chicago Chiefs was named the Federal Association player of the week. The 25-year-old went 12-for-25 and scored 9 runs last week to help the Chiefs take six of seven from Detroit and Washington. A 14th round pick in 1968, Wells his hitting .264 with 3 homers and 50 rbi's in his third season with the Chiefs.
• In the Continental the weekly accolades went to Charlie Jarzombek of the San Francisco Sailors for the second time this season. The 24-year-old rookie outfielder is generating some Kellogg Award talk with a .310 batting average and 8 homers so far this season.
• Cincinnati third baseman Tony Nino delivered his 1,000th career hit.
• 27-year-old Moe Lowery begin work on his second 100 wins by allowing just 1 run over 8 innings to beat Montreal 3-1. Lowery now has 101 career victories and is 15-7 on the season and may just be on his way to his second Allen Award.
• It was a long wait but Art Newell made his FABL debut last week with the Montreal Saints. The 29-year-old righthander was originally drafted 12 years ago by the Dallas Wranglers and has bounced around the minors ever since. He was called up and got the start against Cincinnati last Thursday but it was not a storybook ending as Newell lasted just 5 innings, surrendering all the runs in a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Cannons.

Odds & Ends

• What a nightmare season for Tom Lorang in his debut campaign with the Chicago Cougars. He'll hit the IL for the second time this year, and when he returns close to the end of August, he'll have just 6 home run sin 398 trips to the plate. Since his debut at 18, Lorang has never hit fewer then 18 home runs, and has hit 20 or more 14 time. He's also likely to produce his first sub-150 OPS+ since his debut season, as his current 118 matches his 1960 total.
• Two more Continental Association infielders will miss some time after suffering injuries last week. Cincinnati lost second sacker Bob Bell until at least mid-September while Cleveland will be without Andy Barrington as their second baseman may be done for the season with a torn quad.
• Tough break for San Francisco Sailors prospect Frank Torsiello. The 3rd overall pick in the most recent draft was tearing up AAA pitching with a .307 batting average through his first 38 pro games. You had to figure the third baseman would be a September call-up by the Sailors but that won't happen now as he was hurt last week, suffering a torn hamstring that probably ends his season prematurely.
• Detroit's Lou Strader continues to make a strong case for the Federal Association Kellogg Award. The 22-year-old rookie first baseman is batting .359 with 4 homers so far this month to give him 16 on the season to go with a .320 batting average. Strader will get competition for the top newcomer award in the Fed from Minneapolis shortstop Bill Barber (.302,16,80).
• Keep an eye on Sal Baldassari. One of the few bright spots for the Boston Minutemen organization this season has been the showing of the 19-year-old pitcher in the minors. The 1974 second overall pick went 8-1 in 12 starts at Low A ball before being moved up to High A a little over a month ago. He is 6-0 with a 2.65 era at the level and word is the Minutemen are going to push the 19-year-old up to AA, perhaps as early as this week. OSA has Baldassari as its second best pitching prospect behind only George Carney of the Detroit Dynamos.
• Looks like Jim Norris plans to pitch next season and with an 11-4 record and a 3.03 era so far this year why not? The 45-year-old just agreed to a one-year extension with the Chicago Cougars. He is just 14 wins away from 350 for his career and needs just 14 strikeout to join the 3,000 K club. Very exclusive company should Norris get there as only one pitcher in FABL history has at least 350 wins and 3,000 K's. That would be Hall of Famer Charlie Sis who won 395 games and fanned a record 3,462.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: WEST COAST ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The eight members of the West Coast Athletic Association gather each fall with a single prize in mind: the right to represent the conference in the East–West Classic. The oldest of the New Year’s Day college games, the East–West has been played continuously since 1916 and, with the lone exception of a wartime relocation to New York City in 1941, has called Santa Ana, California home. Since 1946, it has served as an annual measuring stick between the WCAA champion and the winner of the Great Lakes Alliance.

The West Coast enters the 1975 season riding a wave of national credibility. Redwood University has captured the last two East–West Classics, both times turning back Detroit City College. Last January’s 17–14 victory delivered the Mammoths their first national championship and underscored the conference’s growing stature. It marked the second time in four seasons that the nation’s top-ranked team hailed from the WCAA, following the City College of Los Angeles Coyotes’ run to number one in 1971 under legendary coach Tom Bowens, now plying his trade with the Buffalo Red Jackets of the American Football Association.

Redwood and CCLA again sit near the top of the preseason charts, but the path to Santa Ana figures to be crowded. Northern California and Lane State both appear capable of forcing their way into the race and turning the conference chase into a four-team scramble.

The defending champions from Redwood will be anchored by junior linebacker Dennis Brower, who is widely expected to earn preseason All-American honors. City College of Los Angeles counters with a veteran offense led by senior quarterback Jeremy Richardson, who threw for nearly 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

Northern California, still seeking its first conference title since 1960, enters a new era under first-year head coach Donald Fortenberry but boasts one of the nation’s elite backs in senior Jorge Gross. Lane State, despite a five-win season a year ago, returns considerable experience, including senior quarterback Jerry Lewis, now in his third year as the Emeralds’ starting signal caller.

With recent history favoring the West Coast and no shortage of contenders lining up behind the frontrunners, the WCAA once again shapes up as one of college football’s most compelling—and unforgiving—conference races.

Wolves Remain in The East Basement

Despite taking 2 of 3 from the East Division leading Imperials of New York, Toronto actually lost a game to Cincinnati in the standings over the past week.

In the three early week games the crowds, as sparse as they were, were treated to good, close games as all three games were decided by a single run. Monday saw the home side come from behind with 2 in eight followed by a walkoff homerun from Pat Kellison when Manager Evans surprisingly sent him to the plate to pinch hit for Les Reid, a player who has been one of the stronger bats in the lineup. The news got worse for Reid later in the week, he was injured in a collision while running the bases and will be unavailable for the next two weeks with a bone bruise. Joining Reid on DL will be Sid Cullen as his ankle is not responding to treatment as well as the training staff had hoped for over the last week.

On a soggy Tuesday Stan Terry ran his record to 0-10 when he could not hold on to a 3-1 lead when New York scored two on a Jay Grey triple in the seventh inning to win 4-3. Wolves took the series with their own comeback by scoring 2 in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 3 before Pat Schmitt sent everyone home happy with a run scoring single in the tenth.

Toronto went into the weekend series against San Francisco with a 5-4 record against the Sailors for 1975: one of the few teams in the West in which Toronto's record has more wins than losses. The Sailors will finish the season with an even record, 6-6 after humiliating the Wolves 11-3 on Friday, breaking a 3-3 with 3 in 7 to win 6-3 Saturday. Toronto avoided a losing record on Sunday with their third walkoff of the week when 3 hits, 2 errors, 3 walks by Sailors hurlers turned a 4-2 lead going into the bottom of 9 into a 5-4 loss for the Sailors.

In other news Dwayne Cleaves and Gus Hayes were recalled from Buffalo to replace the injured Reid and Cullen. Fans were clamoring for Maldonado to start his career in Toronto since he had just won the Union League POTW going 7 for 19 (.368) 3 HR 6 RBI, staff feels Pedro needs more time at AAA to further develop at the plate. In what is beginning to look like lost season for C Pat Duffy, 22, will take his .245/.381/.361 line to the DL for at least 2 weeks due to a bad back. It was hoped that by this time in the '75 season the 66th OSA ranked prospect would be in Davenport or possibly Chattanooga. His bat has been improving over the summer but not enough for promotion. It also seems that Wolves top prospect LHP Ron Burch, 20, has stalled after starting the year with the Mounties with moderate success management thought he would be the ace of the Tomcats' staff. While it is not time to give up on the 8th ranked FABL prospect by OSA his 1-2, 7.63, 1.99 WHIP, 8.2 BB/9 is causing some consternation in the scouting department.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 08/10/1975

• President Ford defends Helsinki Accords in national address, pushing back against critics who say the agreement concedes too much to the Soviet Union.
• U.S. Senate opens hearings on Helsinki pact, as lawmakers question its implications for Eastern Europe and American foreign policy.
• New York City begins operating under federal financial oversight, with control boards starting reviews of budgets, contracts, and borrowing plans.
• Unemployment remains high despite economic stabilization signs, tempering optimism that the recession is ending.
• Energy officials warn of possible autumn fuel price increases, citing refinery limits and strong summer demand.
• Indochinese refugee settlement programs expanded, as governments shift from emergency relief to permanent integration measures.

[Tiger Fan]

AUGUST 18, 1975

IMPERIALS SKID LEADS TO CONGESTION IN THE EAST

Only in the Continental East can you lose 10 of the last 12 and still be within shouting distance of first, but even in the East that poor performances will knock you out of first. Now in third, but still less then two games out, the New York Imperials coughed up their division lead, as again Eastern teams struggle with their neighbors in the West. Playing their worst baseball of the season, the Imperials were beaten by three teams with better records on the road. First, the CA leading Kings took three of four, then the Cougars swept them out of town, before the Wranglers finished things off with another three of four.

Just a game over .500, New York's pennant blows took an even bigger blow on the personnel side, more damage then even a brutal stretch of games could do, as their star slugger will hit the IL. Suffering a severe hip strain in the opener against the Cougars, Phil Terry's season is in jeopardy, as recovery is expected to take seven weeks. Theoretically, he'd be back for the playoffs, but without their big bat can New York even get there? Terry's offensive production cannot be understated, as the 31-year-old leads the team with 71 RBIs and his 18 homers are one off the team lead. It's came with a .301/.369/.466 (129 OPS+) batting line, adding 13 doubles, 14 steals, 44 walks, and 65 runs scored. Replacing that will be no easy task, and considering they'll have to run it back with the same three teams that just man handled them, New York's season may be over before August finishes.

If this really is it for New York, it would actually require Cleveland and Milwaukee to start winning games too. By default, the Foresters are in first, as even though they surprisingly took two of three from the Kings before a more expected two of three from the Stars. At 63-59, they're a half game ahead of the Milwaukee Arrows, though both would be behind not only the Chicago Cougars, but now also the Dallas Wranglers were they in the West. That's not Cleveland's fault, as all they can do is win the games on their schedule. They've been pitching well lately, even Roy Rice (12-11, 4.09, 120) has completely imploded after winning eight of nine decisions, putting a lot of pressure on ace Juan Solorzano (10-11, 2.85, 85) and breakout arm Dick Couture (11-6, 3.08, 79), as they won't be able to outhit teams to keep their lead.

Milwaukee meanwhile has came almost all the way back, as after a brutal 9-22 July that saw them blow a large lead, they've crawled their way back. It's come in surprising fashion too, as the reason the Arrows within half a game is that they swept the seemingly unbeatable Kings, who could lose their next 38 games and still finish .500. Seattle is equipped with one of the top offenses in the game but the Arrows rotation kept them in check, as excluding a 4-run 9th in the opener, the Kings looked completely overmatched. Tex Cavanaugh (8-9, 2.97, 102) held them to a single run on 7 innings in the middle match, and even though a rain delay prevented Johnny Hoskinson (8-8, 3.05, 71) from a potential shutout as Milwaukee finished the sweep with a 6-1 win. This is how they can beat teams, keep them off the board while the offense occasionally plates runs, and if Harry Edwards (.253, 14, 62) can tap into that '74 Whitney strength, this Arrows teams is going to erase the disappointment, and return for a repeat division title.

What makes the rest of August most interesting is that no one plays each other, as all three teams face Western opponents for the final four series. Even if the Arrows swept them this week, I don't think they want another go at them, but on the bright side their opponents all face them too. An advantage goes to Cleveland, who gets the 58-65 Sailors twice. while both Milwaukee and New York get a go at the Mavericks. The rest of the series are against teams over .500, meaning all three Eastern teams could run into trouble, leading to a sub .500 division leader entering the final month of the season.

Rookie Bills Nab Player of the Weeks

• It took thirteen starts for Cougar righty Bill Bartlett to look mortal, and then just two more for you to start questioning it again. Sure, he finally failed to reach 7 innings, and the Stars piled on 10 hits and 8 runs on him, but the Imperials and Wolves? Not even close! One of the more dominant weekly performances of the season, he followed up a 130 pitch shutout with a 124 pitch shutout. Bartlett started the Imps slide, a 5-hitter with 7 strikeouts, and then the Wolves got just 4 hits and 2 walks while the 22-year-old struck out 3. Up to 120.2 innings on the season, he's within four innings of qualifying for the league leaders, and his 2.16 ERA (182 ERA+) would be best in either association, and it comes with a 3.14 FIP (79 FIP-), and 1.05 WHIP. From outside the top-100 prospect list to #6 pitcher in FABL, Bartlett's rise has been meteoric, and the Cougars now boast one of the top 1-2 punches in the league.
• Sure there are a thousand active Bills, at least, and sure there aren't that many rookies, but what are the odds that a rookie Bill would win both the Continental and Federal Player of the Week!? I guess when it's Bartlett and Barber, it's really not too surprising, as these are the two most talented rookies in the league. Likely Kellogg winners, Barber has the advantage of starting the year in Minneapolis, and if Player of the Week isn't enough, he's now going for Batter of the Month. Barber went 12-for-24 with 3 doubles, 3 homers, 5 walks, 8 runs, and 10 RBIs. He's now hitting .333/.414/.700 (200 OPS+) in 15 August games, and .312/.377/.529 (145 OPS+) on the season. He's a homer away from 20, his 161 WRC+ is fifth among qualified hitters, and his 34 doubles are tied for second in FABL with teammate Clyde Allen (.284, 8, 57). Minneapolis may not have any pitching, but Barber is one of many talented bats, and there's a reason they've scored the most runs in the league this year.

Exceptional Performances: Mullins, Jones

• When you're a three time Allen winner, you tend to get a lot of shutouts, but it was look like like Bunny Mullins' (9-13, 3.72, 160) streak was in jeopardy. Since his 1965 debut, he's thrown at least one in each season, leading the Fed on seven separate occasions. This includes a 6-shutout season as a rookie and three 5-shutout seasons, but those starts of dominance have slowed in recent years. He had just one last year, and after dismantling the Chiefs on the 15th, he now has one this year. His 26 start of the season, he allowed just 5 hits with no walks, striking out 6 as he crossed the 200 inning mark once again. The ultimate iron man, he's started at least 34 games and thrown at least 250 innings in each of his previous ten seasons, and is well on his way again this year. The first pitcher to 200 innings this season, he could lead the Fed in innings for the 7th time of his career, and in 379 career appearances he's 163-121 with a 2.82 ERA (132 ERA+), 1.1 WHIP, and 2,198 strikeouts. Only first ballot Hall-of-Famer Ed Bowman has more strikeouts (2,606) as a Gotham, and Mullins' next win would enter him into a tie for 4th in franchise history with another Hall-of-Famer, Charlie Wilson, who was recently passed for the 6th most wins in FABL history.
• Half the shutouts of the week went to Bartlett, as Joe Jones finished the week with a 5-hit, 5-strikeout shutout of the Baltimore Clippers. 29 in a few weeks, Jones has been one of the many pleasant surprises on the Dynamos pitching staff, now 13-6 with a 3.55 ERA (109 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts. Starting the season in the pen, now 23 of his 27 appearances are starts, yet another gem off waivers the Dynamos added. He came in November, as did first time All-Star Pat Fortin (12-5, 2.70, 72), while Pedro Castro (10-8, 2, 3.52, 70) has been excellent since his April claim. At 63-60, the Dynamos are a little out of schedule, and since they're just 9 out there's a slight chance they can jump the four teams ahead of them in the West.

Injury Notes: Lorang, Foresters, Henke, Murphy

• The season has gone from bad to worst for Tom Lorang, as the superstar third basemen's thumb injury was worse then previously believed. Expected to need a minor surgery that would have him back in two weeks, things did not go as planned, as it was botched and he's now out for the season. Needing three months to recover, at least his nightmare is over, as the long-time Eagle appeared in just 96 games and had easily the worst year of his career. A guy who entered the season with nearly 450 career home runs, he hit just 6 in 398 trips to the plate, and his .279/.403/.380 (118 OPS+) is the worst season of his career. He's never slugged below .450 -- let alone .400 -- and he set personal lows in runs (55), hits (91), doubles (15), homes, RBIs (42), and average, tying his worst for OPS+ and going his first season without any triples, previously hitting at least three a season. On the bright side, the recently turned 34-year-old is not the reason the Cougars aren't in first, and if he can return to form next season they can legitimately challenge the Kings in a Western division that has been decided for months.
• No setbacks in Cleveland, as they activated a pair of players from the IL. The longest time away was for 24-year-old Mickey Farr, who was hurt in the spring and came back for his season debut this week. He did fine, 5.1 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts, and if he can match his performance from last season (2-1, 3, 2.67, 21) he will be a big boost to the pen. The lineup also returned Carlos Jaramillo (.266, 28), which makes up some for Andy Barrington (.292, 5, 37) having to hit the IL himself. Jaramillo can return to third, moving Gus Randall (.326, 2, 29), who played well when Jaramillo was hurt, to the vacant second base position. The first place Foresters can also bring back the oft-injured Orlando Benitez (.238, 1, 5) this week, with Ken McKinney (.292, 1, 21) right behind him.
• Toronto will be again without Joe Henke, who strained his oblique and should miss at least the next two weeks. He dealt with plantar fasciitis earlier in the season too, holding him to 26 AAA games and 23 FABL games. With Toronto it's been bad. Really bad. As his .162/.208/.191 (9 OPS+) batting line looks like something you'd see from a pitcher. If there is a silver lining for the injury, it's that Henke can't be waived, and will collect his FABL paycheck until healthy.
• Houston's pen then took a hit as Bill Murphy left an 11-4 win after just two batters with shoulder inflammation. Potentially keeping him out for the rest of the season, his rehab is expected to last 5-6 weeks, but by time he returns the Comets' season may be done. A one inning type, he has thrown 20 in 19 appearances, working to a nice 3.60 ERA (109 ERA+), 3.51 FIP (89 FIP-), and 1.15 WHIP with 5 walks and 8 strikeouts.

Transaction Notes: Unsigned Picks, White

• FABL's draft deadline has come and gone, with most teams inking a majority, if not all, of their picks to contracts. In the early rounds, all but six of the players taken in the first three rounds were able to reach agreements. Minneapolis was the only team not to agree with a deal for their 1st Rounder, with 18-year-old Chicagoan Sam Mann and 8th pick going to Johnstown State. 2nd Rounder Charlie Lewis will return to Grange College for his senior season while 3rd Rounder Al Fritsche will make his way to Arkansas A&T. Cincinnati let 2nd Rounder Monty Calvert and 3rd Rounder Neal Walker go to campus at Liberty College and Maryland State respectively, while Sailors 3rd Rounder Bob Gray enrolled at Western Iowa. In total, 11 of the 24 teams let at least one player return to the draft.
• Eagles first rounder Gene Peters almost joined that group, but on deadline day him and Washington agreed to a $21,000 bonus for the switch hitting shortstop. Likely to report to rookie ball, the 18-year-old is the son of former FABL outfielder Johnny Peters and the grandson of a former FABL pitcher also named Johnny Peters. "Mene Gene" is expected to surpass them both, even if his dad was taken earlier in the draft, as the Montreal native is a strong athlete with a great contact tool and feel for the strike zone that could end up with him developing into an impact player. He is outside the top 100 at 118, but the club now finally has an eventual replacement for their 37-year-old shortstop Al Marino (.205, 8, 22, 8).
• It was an early 28th birthday gift for Jim White, who signed a 2-year, $85,000 per year extension with the New York Imperials. Locking up one of the most talented pitchers was a priority for the Imps, as their former 5th Rounder has been a key cog in their rotation each of the past three seasons. He's been unlucky this season, as his 3.78 ERA (103 ERA+) is over a run higher then his 2.49 FIP (64 FIP-), which is lower then every qualified FABL pitcher's ERA this season. The average ERA hasn't kept him from winning games, he's 14-8 in his 26 starts, and his 173 strikeouts are best in either circuit. His 1.41 WHIP is elevated despite just 4 homers allowed, let down often by his defense. They rank 12th in zone rating (-39.5) and 11th in errors (136), and if they just played clean baseball they'd likely be running away with the East.

SOME BACKGROUND ON THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Football has officially become an online league in the Figment Universe, joining baseball, hockey and basketball. There will be open teams so if you are interested in joining the league either send me a DM and I will connect you with our commissioner or visit https://legendsport.com/ and fill out an application. I believe there are also two openings at the moment in the baseball league and will also be some in both hockey and basketball as we close in on the start of the 1975-76 season for the two winter sports. You can run a team in just one sport or each of the four should you desire. OOTP is used for baseball and FHM12 for hockey while the football and basketball use Wolverine's Draft Day Sports games.

The American Football Association was formed in 1920 and enters its 56th season in 1975. The first champion was the long defunct Youngstown Reapers while other early era teams included the Chicago Wildcats and the Rollie Barrell owned Detroit Maroons. Around 1940 in Figment baseball time the commissioner began simming the football season in conjunction with FABL and the North American Hockey Confederation as well as college basketball with pro basketball completing the four major team sports with the addition of the Federal Basketball League in 1947. Each of those sports would be documented in these pages prompting a change in name of the league magazine in the early 1940's from "This Week in Figment Baseball" to "This Week in Figment Sports."

In the early days the football was run as a solo league using a game called Second and Ten, which I believe does not support online play but does a much better job of simulating the early era of football. In 1951 the game used to sim the football was switched to the Draft Day Sports Football series from Wolverine, setting the stage for becoming an online league which is happening now for the 1975 campaign. The college version of Draft Day Sports football was also added to the mix at the same time to act as the feeder league. Prior to that point the college seasons had been simmed out using an excel-based college football game from the Table Top Sports website. College football will not have human GM's but will continue to sim alongside the pro game and supply the draft pool each year just as college basketball does for the Federal Basketball League.

Just as FABL, hockey and basketball evolved close to real life, the Figment version of football did the same. In 1946 the Continental Football Conference (figment version of the All-American Football League) was born as a rival to the AFA. It lasted four years, just as its real-life counterpart, before folding but two of the CFC clubs in the Kansas City Cowboys and San Francisco Wings still exist today after joining the AFA. The Cowboys are I suppose the equivalent of the real-life Cleveland Browns and were a powerhouses in the CFC and early '50s in the AFA led by Figment's version of Otto Graham and Coach Paul Brown in the form of QB Pat Chappell and coach Pete Walsh.

The league was stable throughout the 1950s but in 1964 a rival emerged in the National Football Conference. It came a few years later than the real-life American Football League but served the same role. Due to limitations in the DDSPF game, the Figment version of the Super Bowl -dubbed the World Classic- began earlier than the real Super Bowl, making its debut with World Classic I in 1964.

Prior to the 1970 season, just as the NFL-AFL did, the National Football Conference and long-running AFA were merged into a single league with 26 teams which is where we sit today. The most successful team in the World Classic era at this point is the Houston Drillers, a 1961 AFA expansion team that reached the AFA title game in just their second season. Since 1964 and the dawn of the World Classic, the Drillers have played in six of the first 11 title games and won three of them. Houston was runner-up to its 1961 AFA expansion buddy the Buffalo Red Jackets in the 1974 game or World Classic XI. The Buffalo team was coached by Tom Bowens, who had been a star receiver in the 1940s and a long time coach at CC Los Angeles were he won a college national championship before jumping to the Red Jackets in 1972. His son Tom Bowens Jr. is a star receiver for the Red Jackets.

The league has ties to other sports in the Figment universe going back to the 1940s when Del Thomas was quarterback for the Boston Americans after a brief baseball stint as a pitcher for the St Louis Pioneers. Thomas' son Del Jr., is a college quarterback right now and may be in the AFA soon and another AFA quarterback at the moment is Dick Cleaves, who is the son of FABL Hall of Famer George Cleaves. Maybe the biggest star in the AFA at the moment is another son of a baseball Hall of Famer - Bobby Barrell Jr., who is the son of the legendary Philadelphia Keystones slugger of the 30's and 40's. A defensive end, the 31-year-old Barrell is among the all-time sack leaders and has won multiple Defensive MVP awards as the leader of the dominant Houston Drillers defense.

Many of the General Manager's who will run teams in the AFA are new to the Draft Day Sports football games so the league should be perfect for newcomers as well as those with previous experience in DDSPF online leagues. The universe has a rich history, and plenty of crossover between sports to make it feel likes it own universe, and our commissioner does not run a team but always willing to help a new GM get settled.

MAROONS, WILDCATS LEAD AFA IN QB DEPTH

The best quarterback in the American Football Association, at least according to the OSA scouting service, might come as quite a surprise. It is not Denver Mountaineers star Robert Haas, who was named league MVP a year ago nor is it Jason Myers who piloted the Buffalo Red Jackets to their first World Classic victory last January. Myers is 8th on the list of quarterbacks in the scouting service's projections for 1975 while Haas, who is as much a running back as he is a quarterback, did not crack the top 15.

The tope quarterback comes as a surprise with the news the Charles Sonnenberg of the Detroit Maroons heads the list. The 25-year-old is a quality passer but considering he led the Maroons to a 6-8 record a year ago it is hard to phantom that he is considered the best at his position in the game. The Maroons, chronic underachievers that have not won a playoff game since 1947, not only had their starter Sonnenberg top the list but his back-up Jimmy Moore also cracked the top ten.

Detroit was not the only club to have two of their quarterbacks claim a spot on the list of 15 as the Chicago Wildcats also had a pair in Carl Pederson, who was listed second behind only Sonnenberg, and veteran Brian Eagle showed up in the 6th spot despite not starting a game in each of the last two years.

Chicago, like its American Conference Central Division rival Detroit, has not had much success of late. The Wildcats have missed the playoffs each of the past four seasons and finished with a 7-7 record a year ago. Both clubs may have quarterback depth but there are clearly holes in other areas so, despite the fact that trades during the season are rare, perhaps the Maroons or Wildcats will end up moving one of their quarterbacks to address other areas of need.

Below is the complete list of the top 15 quarterbacks as determined by the league scouting service.

AFA UPCOMING GAMES
Preseason Week One
Buffalo at Boston
Pittsburgh at New York Stars
New York Titans at Philadelphia
San Francisco at Chicago
Dallas at Detroit
Miami at Los Angeles Tigers
Atlanta at Minnesota
Seattle at Milwaukee
New Orleans at Kansas City
Houston at Cleveland
San Diego at Denver
Cincinnati at St Louis
Los Angeles Olympians at Washington





PITTSBURGH MAY BE LOSING ANOTHER TEAM — AND IT HURTS MORE THIS TIME

Pittsburgh has always been a town that understands hard work, patience, and hanging on through lean years. Lately, though, it feels like patience is the only thing left — and even that is wearing thin.

Word filtering through the basketball back rooms this week suggests the city is on the brink of losing its second major league club in less than two years. Kevin Oliphant, last seen owning the now-defunct Continental Basketball League’s New Jersey Demons, is said to be finalizing the purchase of the Pittsburgh Ironmen, one of the four CBL franchises slated to survive the league’s June collapse and move into the Federal Basketball League this October.

If that were the end of it, Pittsburgh fans might grit their teeth and carry on. But it rarely ends there.

Oliphant is also reportedly deep in negotiations with the FBL’s New York Knights over territorial rights. Should he get the Knights’ blessing — and insiders say that hurdle is closer to cleared than not — the Ironmen will be Ironmen in name only...or that may disappear as well and they become Demons. The franchise would be packed up and shipped east, reborn in New Jersey, leaving Pittsburgh to stare at another empty locker room.

For a city still sore from losing the Miners, this one cuts close to the bone.

Just 20 months ago, the Pittsburgh Miners were sold and moved south after years of pleading with city officials for a new stadium. The refusal wasn’t born of indifference so much as arithmetic. Inflation is biting hard, oil prices are through the roof, and the coal industry — once the backbone of the region — is fighting for air. When the books don’t balance, sentiment rarely wins.

The irony has been cruel. The former Miners, now playing as the Atlanta Copperheads, have turned into a powerhouse, winning three straight division titles and last October’s World Championship Series in their first season away. Every Copperheads highlight feels like a postcard from an ex who’s doing just fine without you.

Now basketball appears ready to follow baseball out of town.

The Ironmen have never been mistaken for a glamour club, but they’ve been steady, professional, and very much part of the city’s sporting fabric. Their potential departure wouldn’t just shrink the sports page; it would shrink the sense that Pittsburgh still matters in the national conversation.

If the move goes through, Pittsburgh would be left with two big-league teams: the Paladins of the American Football Association and the Sentinels of the North American Hockey Confederation. Two proud franchises, to be sure — but for a city of Pittsburgh’s size and history, it feels like a thin portfolio.

This isn’t just about owners chasing better deals or leagues shuffling franchises like cards. It’s about timing. It’s about a city caught in an economic vise, forced to choose between fixing streets, paying workers, and subsidizing stadium dreams. The same financial reality that closed the door on a new ballpark for the Miners now seems to be escorting the Ironmen out.

There’s a sadness in that — not the loud, angry kind, but the quiet realization that sometimes doing the responsible thing still leaves you with less than you had before.

Pittsburgh has survived steel busts, coal downturns, and wars that hollowed out whole neighborhoods. It will survive this, too. But survival isn’t the same as satisfaction. And if the Ironmen do leave, it will be another reminder that in 1975, even a tough town can only take so many body blows before it starts to feel them.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: GREAT LAKES ALLIANCE

The Great Lakes Alliance has been part of the college football landscape for so long that it’s hard to remember the sport without it. Ten schools make up the conference, and while Detroit City College and Central Ohio have long served as its twin pillars, the Alliance has never been a closed shop. Every few years someone new pushes to the front, and the balance of power shifts just enough to keep everyone honest.

Detroit City College has worn the crown the past two seasons, earning the GLA’s New Year’s Day ticket to Santa Ana and the East-West Classic both times. Last January, the Knights were within a field goal of a third national championship—and their first since 1955—before falling 17–14 to Redwood of the West Coast Athletic Association, a loss that ultimately crowned the Mammoths as the nation’s top team.

For all its tradition and weekly toughness, the Great Lakes Alliance has been light on national titles. Aside from Detroit City College’s two championships, the lone other crown belongs to Indiana A&M, which ran the table at 12–0 in 1968.

That history may matter less this season, as Detroit City College faces a rebuilding year after being hit hard by graduation. A third straight conference title will not come easily. The door appears open for Central Ohio, which looks primed to reclaim the spotlight behind junior quarterback George Stephens and a defense anchored by tackle Franklin Conners and cornerback Willard Thomas. The Aviators have not represented the Alliance in Santa Ana since 1971, but this group looks capable of ending that drought.

As it so often does in the Great Lakes, the championship may come down to Thanksgiving weekend and the annual Detroit City–Central Ohio showdown. The rivals have split their last twenty meetings evenly, ten wins apiece. This year, however, the setting favors the Aviators, with the game scheduled for Columbus—a small edge, perhaps, but in this league, often a decisive one.

WOLVES ROAD WOES CONTINUE

The Toronto Wolves, if remembered for anything during 1975, it likely will be for their lack of success on away from Dominion Stadium. Of 63 games in their road greys this team has only been on the right score of the final score 20 times. In the entire FABL only Boston and Kansas City have fared worse on the road. At the current pace Toronto would finish 1975 with a 26-55 record which in no league is a path to postseason play. Dunbar cannot come up with a suitable explanation for this pathetic record, if he could skipper Carl Evans would be first in line to hear or read his theory.

This week followed the season's script with a 2-5 record after being swept in 3 games by the Mavericks in KC before splitting a 4 game series against the Cougars, who occupy 2nd place in the West, in Chicago. The story of the week can be summed in with the game that opened it at Mavericks Stadium. When fans settled in to their seats for an 8:00 PM local start they had no idea the game would not end until just before 2:00 AM the next morning. In a game that went 19 innings in which pitchers threw a total of 551 pitches before the few left of the 7,533 that started in the stands saw Bob Howard single in Tony Keil's triple in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Two tired teams, especially Hal Street who pitched 7 inning in relief, met 18 hours later with KC running Stan Terry's record to 0-11 in a 4-2 win before completing the sweep 7-2 on Wednesday. After a flight to Chicago the Wolves came from behind with 3 in the 9th thanks to Pat Schmidt's 5th HR to win 9-8 in a wild affair.

The series opening win in Chicago was followed by two more losses. The first, a tight 2-1 loss on Friday, was a game in which Bullock gave the bullpen some much needed rest but the Wolves did not just lose on the scoreboard. Joe Henke was injured in another collision on the bases and will be out until September. Herb Runnels, who can play all over the infield or OF corners, has been added to the 40-man roster to replace Henke. Runnels brings a .322/.386/.483 line from Buffalo to the FABL.

Saturday's loss was particularly one sided with the Cougars blanking the Wolves 7-0. There was good news on Sunday in the form of a win, 8-1 giving Stan Terry his first W of '75 after the 28-year-old had lost 11 consecutive decisions.

Toronto returns home this week to host Dallas for 3 then face the Cougars for 3 more for the second straight weekend.

Dunbar has noticed a strange stat for the Wolves. Although Clyde Bradshaw reached the half century mark for RBI this week to lead the team Bob Reynolds is second on the team with 49 in 157 less times to the plate. Evans is faced with some decisions to make when Les Reid returns to the team this week. Reynolds has to stay in the lineup, but where? Dunbar is hearing rumours that Reynold will man the hot corner to have Reid at first therefore not having to disrupt the outfield.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 08/17/1975

• Ford administration launches public campaign to sell Helsinki Accords, with senior officials fanning out across the country to blunt criticism and rally congressional support.
• Senate debate intensifies over U.S. commitments under Helsinki, as resolutions are introduced seeking assurances that American policy toward Eastern Europe has not shifted.
• Canada’s wage and price controls take effect nationwide, marking the formal start of enforcement under Ottawa’s new anti-inflation program.
• Congress advances refugee resettlement funding, approving additional money to support housing, education, and employment programs for Indochinese arrivals.
• Bicentennial organizers unveil national event schedule, giving the public its clearest look yet at how the U.S. will mark its 200th anniversary in 1976.

[Tiger Fan]

AUGUST 25, 1975

IMPERIALS SWITCH GEARS, WIN SIX STRAIGHT TO RETAKE EAST LEAD

Just when it looked like the New York Imperials were down and out, they decided to start winning again. Perhaps it was the two days of rest, as once they returned to the Big Apple, they managed to sweep both the Kings and the Wranglers.

It was the pitching that did the job, with each game seeing their guests score four or fewer runs. Three of their wins were by a single run, including a walk-off Woody Richardson (.356, 12, 69) single in an 11-inning nailbiter, as the Imperials quickly turned their fortunes around when it mattered most. They even managed to shutout the #1 offense in the Continental, and it was key considering it was the day they faced Seattle ace and former Allen winner Moe Lowery (16-8, 2.87, 148).

Teams in the East don't tend to win, so that 1.5 game deficit they had has turned into a 1.5 game lead. Cleveland went just 3-4 while Milwaukee was 2-5, making it too easy for the Imps to get back on top. Though to be fair, they did it without Phil Terry (.301, 17, 71, 14), an injury that I thought would make it almost impossible for them to return to first by season's end, let alone a few days into the week. His replacement, 23-year-old rookie Brian Miller (.219, 3, 10) didn't come close to matching his production, but they had help from unlikely sources. Sure, Richardson continued his great season, as the extra inning hero was 10-for-19 with a homer, 2 runs, 6 RBIs, and a walk, but not much was expected from Owen Drake (.268, 11, 49). Instead, the rookie second basemen was 7-for-16 with a triple, homer, 2 runs, and 4 RBIs, and fellow rookie John Gill had a nice debut week. The former 2nd Rounder was 4-for-11 with a double, walk, run, and 3 RBIs after replacing Terry on the roster. The 25-year-old can't play defense, but he's got a great hit tool, and may end up a key to them staying on top.

New York continues their homestand, hosting the Cougars for three, taking an off day, and then hosting the Mavericks for three more. Chicago swept the Imperials in the week before, but they just dropped five of six to the Canadian teams, who New York has had no issue with, and Kansas City is one of the few Western teams that lose more then they win. If these two series go well, New York could build a lead that will be much harder to blow then the one they just coughed up. And while they're at home, Cleveland traverses to Seattle and San Francisco, with Milwaukee first in San Francisco before heading to LA. Both teams will have to be on their best, otherwise the exciting race could get out of hand quickly.

Early Season Ends: Federal East

• When one team has 94 wins, you can assume most of the division has a lot less, but when it comes in August you know it. The Copperheads eliminated four of their competitors, with the Minutemen, Eagles, Keystones, and Clippers all earning that "e-" before their name in the standings. Who it's worst for is up for debate, but given expectations I have to pick to the Minutemen. Not only did they try to make additions, they won 83 games last year, and looked like they could try to stop the Copperheads. Instead, former #1 pick Willie Stephens (.333, 29) suffered a torn meniscus in June and even way back then things were falling apart. On the bright side, Dick Ward (.254, 26, 64, 24) looks legit and we'll be closely following his 30/30 quest, which will continue to bring fans to the stadium.
• For Washington it was expected, they traded Tom Lorang (.279, 6, 42, 9) at the perfect time, and the Keystones have been rebuilding themselves, but the expansion Clippers at one point were in first place. Sure it was super early and they quickly fell below .500, but there was hope for a winning season after an 81 and 79 in '73 and '74. Worse, none of their young guys took any major steps forward, with key guys like last year's Kellogg winner Hank Butler (.258, 5, 46, 15) take steps back. Regression should help them in both ways next season, but right now Atlanta looks too dominant to deal with in the immediate future.
• This leaves just the Gothams, but at 61-68 and 33 games out it's also just a formality at this point. They're only two clear of the Clippers, and they dropped each of their last two to the Suns. St. Louis should be an easier venue, but Atlanta isn't going to lose ten more games this regular season, let alone in the next ten days. Aside from Bunny Mullins (10-13, 3.87, 165) milestones there's not really much left to but look forward to the future. With roster expansion on the horizon, there are a lot of interesting prospects in AAA, including 14th ranked prospect Fred Dickson and 78th prospect Barney Knox. They could quickly become the new second basemen and center fielder, the latter which could be as early as today. Normally Bill Arndt (.277, 11, 72, 4) wouldn't be in any danger, but he picked up a quadricep strain in early August and he hasn't quite been able to shake it.

Weekly Awards: Richards, Bradshaw

• Atlanta has at least 10 more wins then every other FABL team, and it's because they have players like Gus Richards. A bit of an after thought on a team with John Newton (.316, 11, 59, 25), Al Hubbard (.341, 12, 63, 20), and Jack Blair (.340, 14, 97, 31), but it's the almost 27-year-old that gets everything going. After just five starts in three years, he's now the leadoff hitter, and his breakout is one of the many reasons. This week was just another example, as Richards went 12-or-25 with 2 homers, 6 RBIs, 4 runs, 5 walks, and 2 steals. The former 4th Rounder is now hitting .329/.414/.481 (147 OPS+) on the season, and if he was a rookie he'd be at least giving Bill Barber (.318, 19, 92) a run for the Kellogg, as despite spending a full season on the Copperhead roster last season he didn't come too close to the at bat threshold for rookie eligibility. That makes nearly everything a career best, as the "fourth" year player has 16 doubles, 3 triples, 9 homers, 44 RBIs, 61 runs, 45 walks, and 12 steals. Paired with okay outfield defense, he's been worth 3.3 WAR in 101 games, and with his rare combination of swing, speed, and discipline he could end keep this dynasty rolling even as the guys who started it start to get old.
• Believe it or not, the Toronto Wolves are the hottest team in baseball, winning seven straight against teams with a winning record. Now just ten games out, Clyde Bradshaw is a big reason why, capping off his week with a 4-hit, 4-RBI thrashing of Pug White (9-12, 4.07, 82) and the Cougars. Despite picking up a sore hamstring in the middle of the week, he hit .609/.623/.913 (315 OPS+) in 24 trips to the plate. He added 4 doubles, a homer, and 6 runs scored and driven in, returning to the form that earned him All-Star trips in his previous two seasons. Now 27, the third year shortstop is hitting .290/.344/.404 (103 OPS+) and his 120 WRC+ is just one point his personal best from last season. He's not much of a power hitter, just 6 homers in over 500 trips to the plate, but he has 29 doubles and that plays better at Dominion Stadium then anything but elite level power.

Exceptional Performances: Cohen, Marino, Smith, Inge, Martinez, Walker

• There was no shortage of individual efforts this week, starting with a streak that ended. For 20 games in a row, Kansas City's Chuck Cohen reached base successfully, before Ace Barrell (7-14, 5.23, 109) set him down three times and eventual game loser Charlie Wolf (3-11, 11, 4.89, 41) got out of trouble by getting Cohen out to finish the 9th. I'm not sure if he's more happy they won the game, or that he got two hits in each of the next two games the team lost, but either way he's now hitting an average .289/.348/.390 (101 OPS+) with 27 doubles, 7 triples, 3 homers, 56 RBIs, 65 runs, and 10 steals. His 144 hits are most on the team, as our his steals, while he's second in average and RBIs.
• 37-year-old vet Al Marino hasn't had much success making contact this season, but even in his old age, when he does the ball can go very far. On the 19th, everything was working, as he was 3-for-4 with 8 RBIs, as all three of his hits left the yard. Now with 11 on the season, he did go 1-for-21 in the six games following, so his .201/.280/.347 (73 OPS+) season line isn't too great. The defense has held up relatively well too (-4.1, .985), but year 17 might be his last as a FABL starter.
• Not everything has gone well for the Copperheads this year, and aside form his big five hit game this week, Howard Smith has been a major disappointment. Even with 4 RBIs and a perfect 4-for-4 showing, his .263/.329/.379 (96 OPS+) batting line remains below average -- a far cry from his .312/.396/.488 (157 OPS+) line in his 6 WAR season last year. Good defense has kept him at 2 in 107 games, but he's hit half the homers (10) and won't get anywhere near his 106 RBIs or 71 walks. It's scary to think how many games the Copperheads would win with the '74 version of him, but they'll settle for a middling year if it surfaces in the postseason.
• The rest of it was shutouts, as you can't forget that on average the FABL pitcher has their way with the FABL hitter. Copperhead #5 got things going, with 28-year-old Harry Inge spinning a 4-hit shutout of the Suns with just 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. An All-Star snub, last year's ERA leader is now 12-5 with a 2.55 ERA (151 ERA+), 2.80 FIP (71 FIP-), and 1.10 WHIP, and as surprising as it sounds you can only really argue that he should be their #4. Their rotation is so good that a guy with a 3.1 K/BB and 4.7 WAR is not the ace and it's not managerial malpractice, but it will be if Curly Anderson (7-5, 1, 3.79, 79) is starting postseason games over him.
• Baltimore's Jose Martinez (11-8, 2.61, 102) and Los Angeles' Charlie Walker (5-4, 3.07, 60; 5-4, 3.38, 64) completed the trio of shutouts. It's almost expected for Martinez, especially against the Arrows, as he'd be an Allen frontrunner if the Clippers could win him games. It was easy with the 2-hit shutout he did this week and the 1-hitter in 7 scoreless innings that came before, but on another team he'd be going for a 20-win season. It wouldn't be the same for the Stars' Walker, as he get's a ton of run support, though recently he has gotten some bad luck. Including his 2-hitter against Foresters, he's allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, but only came away with two wins.

Injury Notes: Kellison, Harris, Dennis

• It wasn't all good for the Wolves, as when the week lefty Pat Kellison quickly fractured his finger. Ending his debut season, the 24-year-old split time between Toronto and Buffalo, with 149 PAs on the Wolves. Out for the year, he'll finish with a .260/.342/.473 (120 OPS+) batting line, adding 13 doubles, 5 homers, 18 RBIs, 22 runs, and 15 walks. A good thing to build on, he'll turn 25 in March, and could open the season in left, right, or at first for Toronto. The former first rounder has nice pop and a strong hit tool, and could be reliable regular for the rest of the 70s.
• Chicago's elite defensive infield took another hit, with second basemen Cleo Harris dealing with shoulder tendinitis. The 29-year-old could play through it, but with the Cougars 16 out and on a tough skid, they may just let him rest up for two weeks and return him after the minimum. Worth a tenth of a WAR below 4, it's mostly due to his elite defense (19.6, 1.100), but he has 14 doubles, 10 homers, 51 runs, 56 RBIs, and 47 walks to go with the .251/.328/.355 (89 OPS+) line. He could be replaced by Sam Morrison (.284, 5, 20, 20), who while not an infielder, is a regular starter on rehab in Rockford.
• Nick Dennis' injury is a little more severe, as he wouldn't be able to play through his sprained PCL. Expected to last just two weeks, the backstop could return after rosters expand, and finish his rookie season. He's shown a lot of power, hitting 10 homers in 292 PAs, but the rookie's .229/.298/.370 (84 OPS+) batting line needs plenty of work. 25 in November, he's a guy they will want to build on, and they are lucky this shouldn't impact him too much long-term.

Transaction Notes: Martin, Ludwig, Fortier

• Minneapolis returned Rule-5 pick Charlie Martin to the Kings, as after 21 starts they determined he was not worth keeping long term. A former 4th Rounder, he spent parts of 1971 to 1973 in Seattle, but each of the next two seasons in their farm system. He looked solid and ate innings, but that's not what happened this time around. He lasted just 113.1 innings, working to a 4.69 ERA (82 ERA+), 4.45 FIP (115 FIP-), and 1.60 WHIP. His release opened a rotation spot for Don Barrell, who's only other FABL appearance was a two inning relief outing. A former 6th Pick, "Dangerous Don" doesn't have the upside of some of his family members, but he ranks 13th in the Millers organization and 182nd overall.
• The Millers also made a free agent add, signing first basemen Tex Ludwig to a $36,600 contract the day before. Ludwig spent the start of the season and at least part of each of the past five seasons in San Francisco, hitting .237/.303/.334 (85 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 2 triples, 9 homers, and 57 RBIs. Before joining the Millers, he last played June 8th in Cleveland, and he's gone 0-for-3 with a walk in a start and a appearance off the bench.
• Detroit rewarded Pat Fortier's breakout with a nice raise, giving their All-Star ace a $39,200 contract for 1976. It will be his aged 28 season, as he finally gets to spend a second season with a FABL club. Through 27 starts he's been brilliant, 13-5 with a 2.75 ERA (142 ERA+) and 1.15 WHIP. He's not a guy who overpowers you, striking out just 74 batters in 173.2 innings, but he generates a lot of weak contact while limiting free passes. As a soft tosser that's crucial, but his kitchen sink mix more then makes up for the lack of velocity.

Milestones: Boyd, Hicks, Zimmerman

• Ever since the Cannons took him 4th in the 1959 draft, Mark Boyd (.282, 7, 29, 7) has been known for his power, and on April 20th the Kenosha native hit his 250th FABL home run. The 70th player to do this, he hit 30 homers in three of his first four seasons as a regular, with the only miss due to injury. At 34 he's in his second year as a reserve, which snapped his streak of double digit homer seasons, but 7 in 247 PAs is not too bad. Even though most of his time has been spent with the Gothams, he has more homers six seasons with Cincy, and his 134 homers ranks 7th in Cannons history. He doesn't seem likely to reach 300, but with a 134 WRC+ this year it's too early to give up on him, even if he's only started 54 games this year.
• Add another to the list of players to reach 100 saves this season, as Cougar lefty Augie Hicks (5-5, 13, 3.62, 36) joined the club with his 13th of the season. The third closer Chicago has used this season, his 100th save was the only win, as he picked up two losses against the Wolves later in the week. Just 29, he picked up 20 or more saves in three consecutive seasons for the Chiefs from 1970 to 1972, and has an outside chance to reach that this season if he stops blowing games and his Cougars go on a run.
• Usually when a bench player debuts, it goes unnoticed, but Cleveland's Bobby Zimmerman joins a very rare group thanks to his pinch-hit debut in an 8-5 win over the Stars. Taken 463rd by the Foresters in the 1969 draft, he became the third latest FABL pick play in a game. He became the third latest with a hit two days later, one of the only two in Charlie Walker's shutout. Zimmerman now joins Vic Kiel, taken by the Wranglers 464th in 1965, and Ernie Lott, taken 478th by the Eagles in the 1964 draft, as the only FABL players taken after pick 450 to record a hit. Free agent reliver Pat Andrews is the only other guy taken that late to debut, and now the 29-year-old Zimmerman has a chance to catch Lott's 21 hits and 3 homers and make late round history.

AFA PRESEASON GAMES GET UNDERWAY

A year ago nearly half of the Buffalo Red Jackets games where decided by a touchdown or less including their 12-6 victory over Houston to earn the Red Jackets their first World Classic title. If the opening week of preseason action is any indication the Red Jackets may play a lot of close games again in 1975. Buffalo opened its preseason slate with a 10-7 victory over the Boston Americans, a game that was decided by a 32-yard field goal courtesy of Buffalo kicker Warren Maness just over 4 minutes into overtime.

The game, held at Boston's Minutemen Stadium and with backups handling most of the playing time, was a quiet affair that saw neither team put any points on the board until the midway point of the fourth quarter. Boston had opportunities earlier in the contest but failed to convert as the Americans missed on a pair of field goal attempts and fumbled away the ball at the Buffalo six yard line. Buffalo never got much going as neither backup quarterback Cal Matlock or free agent Chris Kennedy could accomplish much.

Boston finally took the goose eggs off the scoreboard when a missed assignment by the Buffalo secondary allowed Donald Horton to find rookie wideout Joe Miller for a 53-yard touchdown pass on what turned out to be the longest play of regulation. With six minutes remaining in regulation the Red Jackets finally had a sustained drive, but it was successful more became the Americans defense committed three fouls to prolong the drive. On a third and goal from the Boston one yard line with 2:44 remaining in regulation, Buffalo's Randall Peterson dove over the pile to tie the game. The Red Jackets won the coin toss in overtime and came up with a big pass play of their own - Matlock teamed up with veteran receiver Bobby Rinehart on a 56 yard catch and run that set up the game-winning 32-yard field goal by Maness.

The game in Boston was not the only one to go to overtime as Seattle and Milwaukee settled nothing after 60 minutes and another 15 did not change matters with the Roughnecks and Stags battling to a 24-24 draw. The game had plenty of drama late as each club scored on a long touchdown pass in the final minute of regulation. Seattle had a chance to win it in the extra period but Trenton Lacey, who normally handles the punting duties for the Roughriders, missed on a 45-yard field goal attempt.

In other action Charlie Stillwell and Alton Pennell connected on a pair of long touchdown passes to lift the Pittsburgh Paladins to a 17-0 victory over the New York Stars. Some good news for New York is starting quarterback Dick Cleaves, who completed just 39% of his throws a year ago, looked sharp in limited action, completing four of six throws for 45 yards.

Clinton McKnight and Jack De Lacey teamed up on a 31-yard touchdown pass with a minute and a half remaining in regulation to lift the New York Titans to a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Frigates. The win came at a price for the Titans as guard Michael Savage suffered an injury that will end his season almost before it began. The 22-year-old was a 1974 fourth round pick and started 6 games for the Titans last year.

All the scoring in Chicago came in the first half as the visiting San Francisco Wings downed the Wildcats 10-3 at Cougars Park. The only touchdown of the contest came on the opening drive when the Wings marched 89 yards over 14 plays culminating in a 5 yard run for Jimmy Young. Young was the Wings first round selection, fifth overall out of Portland Tech in the spring AFA draft. In total, Young had 5 carries for 27 yards.

The Dallas Stallions scored 14 points in the final four minutes to rally past the Detroit Maroons 21-20. Veteran backup quarterback Dave Lerma had a big day for the winners, throwing for 178 yards and the two late scores while rookie Carl Berger, the Stallions first round selection, had five catches for 84 yards.

Dominic Cross was successful with a 43-yard field goal attempt midway through the fourth quarter to lift the Los Angeles Tigers to a 13-10 victory over the Miami Mariners. Veteran backup defensive back Damian Clem had a big game for the Tigers as the long-time backup cornerback had an interception and recovered a fumble while also making seven tackles.

First overall draft pick Allen McAlister learned quickly that the AFA is much different than what he experienced in college at St. Blane. The quarterback, who won a national title as a freshman, struggled mightily and completed just two of 13 pass attempts as his Atlanta Firebirds were blanked 13-0 by the Minnesota Lakers.

At Prairie Park in Kansas City, Cowboys backup quarterback Scott Willard had a big day. The 24-year-old completed 11 of 14 passes for 130 yards and two second quarter touchdowns to propel the Cowboys past the New Orleans Crescents 17-7. The game marked the debut of Rick Fall with the Crescents after the defensive end spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the Cowboys. Fall looked very good against his former mates, notching 8 tackles and a sack of Willard.

Javier Headley, who gained over 900 yards a year ago for the Cleveland Finches, had a strong game rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Finches to a 27-7 win over visiting Houston. There were holes all day in the Drillers defense as another Finches back, Dean Langer, also had a big afternoon, rushing for 109 yards. It is the Drillers backfield where there are questions as the club copes with the retirement of long-time rushing star Vern Rebovich, who retired after a decade of averaging over 1,000 yards a season for Houston. Scott Starling, a 1975 second round pick out of Northern Cal, led the Drillers in rushing with 56 yards but carried the ball 24 times. Billy Ray Brown, the only Houston back with previous experience, was not successful either as he gained just 10 yards on five attempts.

Robert Haas, the dual threat quarterback who was named AFA player of the year last season, had his ups and downs going the distance for Denver in a 13-10 loss to the San Diego Admirals. Haas threw for 115 yards, completing 15 of 29 attempts with one touchdown and an interception. The Mountaineers signal caller had trouble when he tucked the ball and ran, netting just 10 yards on 15 carries after average 5 yards a carry a year ago.

The highest scoring game of the weekend saw the Cincinnati Riverman wallop the Ramblers 56-28 in St Louis. Rivermen starting quarterback Chuck Rayford played just one series, completing 6 of 8 for 67 yards and a score before turning the ball over to backup Charles Clark. Clark had himself a day, throwing for 223 yards and 5 touchdowns. Little seemed to go right for the Ramblers as all they did was reiterate predictions that they will be in the running for the first overall draft choice next year.

Finally in the nation's capital the Washington Wasps downed the Los Angeles Olympians 20-3. Terry Bergeron, in a battle to regain the starting quarterback job in Washington that he lost two years ago to Charles Hartman, was impressive in completing 13 of 21 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Hartman only played the first series for the Wasps and went 2-for-4 for 37 yards.

PRESEASON WEEK ONE RESULTS
Buffalo 10 Boston 7 (OT)
Cleveland 27 Houston 7
Pittsburgh 17 New York Stars 0
New York Titans 24 Philadelphia 21
Washington 20 Los Angeles Olympians 3
San Francisco 10 Chicago 3
Dallas 21 Detroit 20
Kansas City 17 New Orleans 7
Los Angeles Tigers 13 Miami 10
Cincinnati 56 St Louis 28
San Diego 13 Denver 10
Minnesota 13 Atlanta 0
Seattle 24 Milwaukee 24


THIS WEEKEND'S SCHEDULE
NY Titans at Cleveland
Milwaukee at NY Stars
Chicago at Philadelphia
LA Tigers at Washington
LA Olympians at Detroit
Atlanta at Kansas City
Minnesota at St Louis
Seattle at Buffalo
Houston at Boston
Dallas at Denver
San Diego at Pittsburgh
New Orleans at Cincinnati
Miami at San Francisco



SEASON PREVIEW: TOP PLAYERS

A week ago we looked at the top quarterbacks entering the 1975 American Football Association season as determined by OSA, the league scouting service. We build on that this week by taking a look at some of the other position groups. Below are the players the OSA ranks as the top ten defenders, running backs, wide receivers and offensive linemen.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: DEEP SOUTH CONFERENCE

Born out of a 1920 break with the South Atlantic Conference, the Deep South Conference has grown into college football’s largest and most decorated league. Its twelve members have combined to make the DSC the standard by which success is measured, with eight of the schools having reached number one in the national rankings at least once. No programs better symbolize that dominance than Georgia Baptist and Noble Jones College, each the proud owner of six national championships.

Depth and balance have long been the Deep South’s calling cards. In most seasons the conference places three teams—and occasionally as many as four—into New Year’s Day Classics. Last fall, however, represented a relative dip by DSC standards, with only champion Northern Mississippi and Cumberland earning postseason invitations.

Northern Mississippi claimed just its second conference title by posting a 7–1 league record, then went on to reinforce the conference’s reputation by defeating Red River State 28–17 in the Oilman Classic. That annual New Year’s Day matchup between the Deep South and Southwestern Athletic Association champions has tilted heavily in the DSC’s favor, with Deep South teams winning 16 of the 23 meetings since the series was established.

Cumberland, the lone Tennessee school competing at the AIAA’s top level, added another postseason success by capturing the Cajun Classic in New Orleans with a 27–14 victory over Eastern State of the South Atlantic Conference. The Bulldogs finished ninth in the final national poll, six places behind the Mavericks.

As always, the Deep South enters the new season both crowded and unpredictable. Six different schools have claimed the conference title over the past six years, and early indications suggest as many as five DSC teams could appear in the preseason top ten when it is released next week. Georgia Baptist and Noble Jones are, as usual, fixtures in any championship discussion.

One program drawing particular attention in 1975 is Mississippi A&M. The Generals finished second at 7–1 in conference play two seasons ago before slipping into the middle of the pack last fall. They have not won a Deep South title since 1962, but that drought could be tested if junior quarterback Jimmy Ray Johnson proves to be as good as advertised. Central Kentucky and Alabama Baptist also appear poised to challenge for the conference crown and a coveted New Year’s Day trip to the Oilman Classic.

In a league where pedigree, depth, and weekly survival all matter, the Deep South once again shapes up as college football’s toughest proving ground.

Wolves Wakeup, Win 7 Straight

Fans, players and staff seem to be walking around Dominion Stadium with a new bounce in their step. Who can blame them? As the dog days of August wind down Toronto is riding a seven game winning streak giving the Wolves a 12-10 record in August. This is significant given that 16 of the 22 games have been against the West where the Wolves have struggled for wins all season.

With the 9-7 record so far in August the season total when the opposition comes from the CA West is now a slightly more respectable 25-40 with 7 games left in the interdivision schedule. These last games will close out August for the Wolves with 3 at home against Kansas City before going to Dallas for 4. All 26 of September's games with be within the CA East evenly split between home, road games.

The week began with Dallas in town. Pat Kellison, who would be injured later in the week, hit a grand slam in a 7-4 Monday evening victory. Kellison will be out for the remainder of the season with a broken finger. On Tuesday and Wednesday Wolves won a pair of one-run games 6-5 in 11 on Tuesday thanks to Rigby's 11th inning single, one of two walk off hits George would deliver for the home fans this week. His second came a night later in the ninth when pinch hitting for Cleaves, he smacked another single allowed the Wolves to rally for to win 3-2.

After the team's last day off in August, Chicago was in town for a weekend set. The walkoff ways continued on Friday when Edwin Viramontes sent the 13,931 on hand home happy with a 2 run shot in the 10th. Viramontes had entered the game in the second after Kellison was injured sliding into home in the first. A tight 2-1 victory Saturday afternoon kept the streak alive before a wild Sunday in which Gus Hayes had 5 RBI including a 2 run homer and a 2 run triple, Bradshaw added 4 more in a 16-6 final. By taking the last 4 matchups with Chicago the Wolves finished with a 6-6 mark playing the Cougars. Red Bullock became the first Toronto hurler with double digit wins, picking up his 10th.

Les Reid will be back on the roster to replace Kellison, while Cullen will spend a week in Buffalo to get his eye back before rosters expand in September.
In other news Clyde Bradshaw was 14 for 23 with 6 runs, 6 RBI to claim the CA POTW. Wolves have climbed to 9th place in the Weekly FABL rankings even though they remain last by percentage points in the East. Davenport Dusters, 75-43, are close to clinching the Heartland West. Gene Anderson, 18, is leading the Gulf States League in victories 6 even with 44 BB in 61 IP. At 19 Tom Allenby is feasting on GSL pitching with a .395/.525/.561 line 2 HR 19 RBI.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 08/24/1975

• President Ford nominates John Paul Stevens to Supreme Court, tapping the little-known Chicago appeals court judge to replace the retiring Justice William O. Douglas.
• Confirmation hearings for Stevens begin swiftly, with early reaction noting his moderate record and lack of ideological flashpoints.
• Congress moves to finalize New York City loan guarantees, as federal officials begin preparing the first large disbursements under the rescue program.
• Canada braces for backlash as wage and price controls bite, with unions staging protests and warning of escalating labor unrest.
• Energy officials warn heating oil shortages possible this winter, raising concern across northern U.S. states and Canada ahead of the cold season.
• Bicentennial preparations spotlight security concerns, with federal planners outlining crowd-control and emergency measures for 1976 events.

[Wallabee4]

Hello, long time lurker, first time member here. Took me quite a while to read all of this, but it was very well worth the time!

Some thoughts:
It's a shame Pittsburgh might be losing another team, especially after just getting admitted to the FBL. Wish Portland could've made the cut, but hopefully they'll get an expansion team further down the line.

Loved seeing Lane State dominate CBB for a couple years as a Eugene resident, doing what UO can't I guess, win big games lol

All the logos look really well done and very of the time.

If I do have a nitpick, why is Ottawa in the Central of the CHL, while Cleveland and Toronto are in the East even though they're both further West from Ottawa? Also, I feel like Atlanta and Cincinnati should swap divisions over in the NHAC.

Can't wait to see what happens from here!

[Tiger Fan]

Thank you for following along. I get where you are coming from on the hockey divisions and I am not sure exactly why our commissioner went in the direction he did. However, I will say the NHL division structure in this era made zero sense geographically. For example the Adams Division had Toronto, Boston, Buffalo and California in it. Our NAHC divisions are aligned by location a lot better but yes I agree it would make sense to flip Atlanta and Cincinnati.

As for the CHL, the WHA had a Canadian Division plus an east and west. My guess is our commissioner wanted Ottawa and Winnipeg together since they had a decent rivalry going but I am not certain that was the reason. The real WHA had some weird ones too like Chicago was in the East and the Michigan Stags were in the West.

I am right there with you on Pittsburgh. Losing the Miners was something I hated to see and really rubs salt in the wound if their FBL team ends up in New Jersey.

Lane State had some great runs in college basketball and became a team I followed very closely. That whole conference (West Coast Athletic Association) has enjoyed some great success on the court.

[Tiger Fan]

SEPTEMBER 1, 1975

GATORS TOP AIAA GRID PRESASON POLL

The Georgia Baptist Gators are considered the team to beat in college football, at least according to the preseason poll that was released last week. The Gators top the list and if they finish the year the way they started it, the Gators will be celebrating their record seventh AIAA football title. Georgia Baptist and its in-state and Deep South Conference rival Noble Jones College have each won 6 national titles. The Gators most recent one came six years ago after a perfect 12-0 campaign.

Georgia Baptist is coming off back-to-back 7-4 seasons, and missed out on a New Year's Day classic invitation both years, so there will be something to prove this season for a school that made ten classic appearances in an 11 year stretch last decade but has had its struggles in recent years. There are a number of new faces expected on both sides of the ball but the some big contributors return including All-American linebacker William Walter and big hitting safety Teddy Sanchez, who are both seniors. On offense, it appears junior quarterback Laverne Gilbert will be the starter for the third year in a row but he will have a short leash as highly touted sophomore Alfred Morgan, the top recruit out of the state of Georgia two years ago, is waiting in the wings and ready to take the starting job.

The Central Ohio Aviators are also a school looking to find past success that has eluded them in recent years. The pollsters think the turnaround will come this season for Central Ohio, which played in back to back East-West Classics in 1970 and 1971 but has gone just 19-14 over the past three years. Senior wideout Sal Parrish may just be the best pass catcher in the country and looks to be a lock for the preseason All-American team, as does senior guard Anthony Morales, who may just contend for the Ipswich Trophy as top linemen in the AIAA.

The St Blane Fighting Saints are third in the preseason rankings as the Saints look for their third national title in five years. Last season was a disappointment at 8-3 after being ranked no worse than second in the final polls each of the previous four years they slipped out of the top 25 in 1974.

Rounding out the top five are the Lawrence State Chippewa and the Mississippi A&M Generals. The Chippewa are coming off a 10-2 season and finished 6th in the final poll - their highest showing since 1962. Lawrence State will be led by junior running back Luther Dickson, who looks like a Christian Trophy candidate this season after rushing for 1,241 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago. The Generals will have to fight their way through an always difficult Deep South Conference but there is plenty of buzz about their offense, led by junior quarterback Jimmy Ray Johnson and speedy sophomore running back Marcus Butler. The worry at Mississippi A&M is can its defense do the job as the Generals struggled mightily in that facet of the game a year ago.

Here is the AIAA preseason top 25.

TWIFS UNVEILS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

Training camps opened across the AIAA this week, all 114 Division I programs officially turning the page toward a new college football season that will kick off on September 13. As is tradition, This Week in Figment Sports marks the start of camp by releasing its Preseason All-American team, a snapshot of the players expected to shape the 1975 campaign.

The squad features two holdovers from last season’s postseason All-American list: Cumberland tight end Johnny McClary and Detroit City College kicker Howard Lucas. Lucas, now a junior, is part of a strong Detroit City College contingent that places three players on the preseason team, joined by senior center Johnny Lemon and senior safety William Angulo. Mississippi A&M matches that total, making the Generals and the Knights the only schools with three selections apiece.

For Mississippi A&M, the recognition reflects growing optimism after a frustrating 6–5 season a year ago. The Generals have not claimed a Deep South Conference title since 1962, but there is a sense in Jackson that this group may be capable of ending that drought. All three of Mississippi A&M’s selections are underclassmen—quarterback Jimmy Ray Johnson (junior), halfback Marcus Butler (sophomore), and linebacker John Barnes (sophomore)—suggesting that even better days may still lie ahead.

Last season did not unfold as hoped in Jackson. Coming off a 9–3 campaign in 1973 and a top-20 ranking, the Generals were widely expected to contend nationally in 1974. Early returns were encouraging, with the only blemish through five games a road loss at Minnesota Tech. But injuries ravaged a thin defense, and Mississippi A&M faded down the stretch, losing four of its final six games. The most painful of those setbacks was a 28–25 loss to rival Northern Mississippi, a result that helped the Mavericks capture the Deep South Conference, finish 10–2, and place third in the national rankings.

The Generals’ slide was hardly the fault of Johnson. The then-sophomore quarterback continued a strong start to his college career, throwing for 1,668 yards—the third-highest total in the AIAA—and leading the nation with 22 touchdown passes while being intercepted just four times. With another year of experience and the benefit of having navigated a difficult season, Johnson is expected to be even more effective in 1975.

Butler emerged as one of the league’s most productive backs as a true freshman, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and finishing third in the Deep South Conference. Offense, then, is not the major concern for Mississippi A&M. The key to a legitimate title push will be defensive improvement, particularly against the pass, where the Generals struggled badly a year ago. Barnes, their most consistent defender as a freshman, will be counted on heavily as the defense looks to take a step forward.

Below is the complete This Week in Figment Sports 1975 Preseason All-American Team:

BACKUP QUARTERBACKS STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT IN PRESEASON WEEK TWO

If preseason football is about anything, it’s about opportunity — and in Week Two of the 1975 AFA exhibition schedule, the men cashing in most often wore the “2” on the depth chart.

With coaches protecting starters like heirlooms, backup quarterbacks have been getting extended auditions. In four cities — Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas and Washington — those auditions are turning into legitimate conversations.

In Cincinnati, incumbent Chuck Rayford still appears secure entering his fourth season as the Riverman’s starter. But Charles Clark has made things interesting. Clark, also in his fourth year, has started just four games over his career compared to Rayford’s 35, yet he’s been electric in two preseason outings. After tossing five touchdowns in a 56–28 rout of St. Louis in the opener, Clark followed up Sunday by completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two scores in a 28–7 win over New Orleans. Rayford was sharp in limited duty (6-for-7), but if Cincinnati’s offense sputters in September, Clark has clearly positioned himself as more than just insurance.

Cleveland’s quarterback situation has been front-page material since the Finches signed former 1971 first overall pick Saul Washington, who lost his job with the New York Titans. Danny Boudreaux has guided Cleveland to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, though the franchise hasn’t celebrated a postseason victory in 28 years. Washington faced his former Titans on Sunday and delivered a pointed reminder of his pedigree, throwing for 186 yards and two touchdowns in a 28–7 victory at Forester Stadium. Cleveland head coach John Decker may have hoped for clarity by now; instead, he has a genuine decision to make.

In Dallas, Keith Hale remains the presumed starter, but longtime understudy Dave Lerma is forcing notice. The six-year veteran completed 16 of 18 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns in a 38–7 dismantling of Denver as the Stallions improved to 2–0. Lerma has waited patiently behind Hale — and he looks ready should opportunity knock.

Washington presents perhaps the most intriguing case. Charles Hartman supplanted Terry Bergeron two years ago, relegating the former playoff MVP and AFA champion to backup duty. The Wasps have opened with convincing wins over both Los Angeles clubs — 20–3 over the Olympians last week and 30–6 over the Tigers yesterday— but Hartman exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring issue after completing 3 of 4 passes. Bergeron stepped in and flourished, hitting 22 of 25 throws for 232 yards and two touchdowns. If Hartman is slowed for the opener against Milwaukee, Washington appears to be in capable hands.

Elsewhere around the league, the finishes were as dramatic as the quarterback battles.

Milwaukee edged the New York Stars 10–7 in a thriller. The Stars grabbed a 7–3 lead with just over two minutes left on a 44-yard scoring strike from Arthur Turner to James Graff, but Hubert Crisp answered with a 77-yard touchdown pass to John Fritz with 20 seconds remaining to give the Stags their first win after last week’s tie.

Boston went to overtime for the second straight week and this time came out on top, defeating Houston 34–28 on Donald Horton’s 24-yard touchdown run five minutes into the extra period. Stephen McKeever rushed for 109 yards for the Americans, while Houston’s Scott Starling gained 106 yards and scored twice on just 13 touches.

A pair of Brian Eagle touchdown passes was not enough to get the Chicago Wildcats their first win of the preseason. The Chicago backup quarterback was also intercepted twice including one that Rich Gilmer returned 45 yards for a score to lead the Philadelphia Frigates to a 20-14 victory over the Wildcats. Philadelphia is 1-1 in its two preseason games.

The Detroit Maroons managed just 105 yards of total offense but a strong Detroit defense helped the Maroons even their preseason record at 1-1 with 7-3 victory over the 0-2 Los Angeles Olympians. Detroit gained just 5 first downs on the day and Los Angeles was not much more successful. The difference was the Olympians fumbled the ball six times including a second quarter fumble deep in Los Angeles territory by Maroons defensive end Joe Chaney that set up the games only major.

Kansas City improved to 2-0 by downing winless Atlanta 13-3 in what proved to be another rough game for first overall draft pick Allen McAllister. The former St Blane quarterback completed just 5 of 15 throws and it is becoming very clear that he will not be pushing 36-year-old Pete Fairfield out of the starting job with the Firebirds this season.

A dramatic finish in St Louis as the visiting Minnesota Lakers rallied for a 20-16 victory after trailing the Ramblers 16-6 late in the third quarter. The winning score was a 68-yard touchdown pass from Ivan Whitehurst to tight end Jose Rowland with just 41 seconds left in the contest.

Three Buffalo field goals stood up as the Red Jackets won another tight game, defeating the Seattle Roughnecks 9-7 a week after needing overtime to beat Boston.

The Pittsburgh Paladins exploded for 22 fourth quarter points to down the San Diego Admirals 28-7 at Fitzpatrick Park. A pair of the Pittsburgh scores came on Jerry Salisbury runs sandwiched between a 34-yard interception return for a score by Doug Howard.

Finally in San Francisco, Miami halfback Dave Kinard had a big day. The 1969 third round pick who ran for a career best 1,164 yards in 1972 but gained just 101 all of last season, carried the ball 17 times for 130 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Mariners to a 35-27 victory over the Wings. The Miami ground game was firing on all cylinders as Marlon Landrum added 91 on 8 carries.

Two weeks into the preseason, the wins and losses matter less than the questions being asked. At quarterback in particular, several coaches may have more to think about than they expected — and September is coming quickly.

AFA NOTES - The season ending injury to Michael Savage created an opportunity for Stephen Brown. The New York Titans lost Savage, a second year guard, for the season after he was injured in their preseason opener in Philadelphia. New York found a quality replacement in Brown, who started all 14 games for the Pittsburgh Paladins a year ago but was not resigned and could not find a suitable deal during the offseason. Brown, a 1971 second round pick out of Minnesota Tech, is expected to challenge Carlos Graham for a starting job on the Titans offensive line.

The Detroit Maroons also made three moves, primarily for depth. Detroit brought in three undrafted rookies in Travis College fullback Nicholas Owens, linebacker Robert Ackerman from Northern California and former Minns College kicker Junior Ward. All three are expected to end up on the Maroons practice squad roster. Following next week's final preseason game, AFA teams will need to get their active roster's done to 40 players with up to 8 more being allowed to be placed on the practice squad for each club.

AFA PRESEASON WEEK TWO RESULTS
Cleveland 28 NY Titans 7
Milwaukee 10 NY Stars 7
Philadelphia 20 Chicago 14
Washington 30 LA Tigers 6
Detroit 7 LA Olympians 3
Kansas City 13 Atlanta 3
Minnesota 20 St Louis 16
Buffalo 9 Seattle 7
Boston 34 Houston 28 (OT)
Dallas 38 Denver 7
Pittsburgh 28 San Diego 7
Cincinnati 28 New Orleans 7
Miami 35 San Francisco 27

NEXT WEEKEND'S GAMES
Boston (1-1) at Atlanta (0-2)
Cleveland (2-0) at Minnesota (2-0)
New York Stars (0-2) at Buffalo (2-0)
Philadelphia (1-1) at Seattle (0-1-1)
Chicago (0-2) at St Louis (0-2)
Detroit (1-1) at San Francisco (1-1)
Milwaukee (1-0-1) at Los Angeles Tigers (1-1)
New York Titans (1-1) at Los Angeles Olympians (0-2)
Kansas City (2-0) at San Diego (1-1)
Washington (2-0) at Houston (0-2)
Pittsburgh (2-0) at Denver (0-2)
Miami (1-1) at Cincinnati (2-0)
New Orleans (0-2) at Dallas (2-0)





SEASON ENTERS FINAL MONTH AS SUNS, IMPERIALS LOOK TO HOLD ON TO DIVISION LEADS

Baseball has entered the home stretch, and with the calendar now reading September, teams are running out of time to cut divisional leads. For the Atlanta Copperheads and Seattle Kings, they don't have to worry about their leads going anywhere, and with how well the Los Angeles Suns have been playing lately, they may be next to join them.

Winners of six straight, the Suns have opened up a 6.5 game lead over the Houston Comets, who looks to be the only thing standing between them and a second consecutive Western division title. The dynamic duo of Tom Lally (.322, 28, 90, 8) and Sam Forrester (.293, 24, 106, 37) is easily the best in the business, and if you could award a co-Whitney there'd be an argument for them both to receive it, but what's really helped them out recently has been the pitching.

All five current members of their rotation have ERAs below 3.50 and ERA+ above 115, so no matter who they send out on the mound, the opposing lineups are gong to have a lot of issues. Star level production was expected from Heinie Schmidt (14-9, 3.05, 125) and Pete Meissner (14-7, 3.37, 142), but I've been very impressed with Bob Hinzman. Coming from the Kings' pitching factory, he started 37 games for them in 1973 as a rookie before being moved to LA in the offseason. Last year he split time between the farm and majors, 5-3 with a 4.09 ERA (95 ERA+), 1.38 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts in 94.2 innings pitched. This year has been a different story, as despite a 12-10 record, he's got a strong 2.88 ERA (137 ERA+), 1.21 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts in an out shy of 200 innings. A stabilizing force at the back of the rotation, the two days away from 28-year-old needs to hold up for just one more month, and he can make the trade that acquired him worth it already.

LA also has a very reliable pen, including one of the top stoppers in the game in Ron Clark. The 26-year-old had a major breakout last season, working to a 1.43 ERA (272 ERA+) and 1.14 WHIP in 120 innings last season, finishing 10-7 with 25 saves and 84 strikeouts. This season the ERA is higher, a still well above average 2.43 ERA (162 ERA+), though his 2.65 FIP (67 FIP-) is even better. Through 74 innings he has 33 saves and 68 strikeouts, dropping his BB% from 8.1 to 6.6, and rather surprisingly the only pitcher with more saves is St. Louis' Roy McDonald (5-11, 34, 4.12, 58), despite the Pioneers' having just 60 wins on the season. When the backend of the Suns pen gets the ball, good things happen, and their ability to hold leads will be crucial in finishing off the title race.

The New York Imperials are lucky that no one in their division wants to win, so even when they go 3-3 they're generally doing as good or even better then the teams chasing them. In fact, they were 13-16 in August and still hold the exact 1.5 game lead they opened the month with. They also have three teams within five games of them and all six teams are within ten of each other. This wide open field could end up with a crazy and chaotic finish, but at least now it looks guaranteed the East leader will finish above .500.

They also get to only play fellow Eastern division teams the rest of the way, with a home and away series against their five competitors. This coming week is key, as the Imperials start the month with road series against the two teams closest to them. First, it's three in Milwaukee, where even if they did get swept, they'd at least still have a half game lead on the Arrows. They'll get the back three of the rotation, Johnny Hoskinson (9-8-, 3.09, 80), Mel Maddox (9-8, 3.37, 85), and new rotation entrant John Carpenter (1-1, 1, 2.75, 22), and as long as they can get some runs on the board, they shouldn't have any problems. The three in Cleveland may be tougher, as they are a far more complete team and matched the Imps 13-16 August. This week could play a key role in the Eastern division race, but lucky for everyone involved, as long as you can split your week you'll stay in the race.

HANDING OUT THE AUGUST HARDWARE

• Double duty on the awards this time around as both the weekly and monthly honours were handed out. For the week the top player in the Continental Association was Bobby Garrison of the Los Angeles Stars. It marks the 17th time the 33-year-old first baseman has won the weekly award, but the first time this season. In the Fed, the winner was Phil Church, first baseman of the New York Gothams. The 27-year-old Church won for just the second time with his first coming in his rookie season of 1973.
• Two of the monthly awards went to Detroit Dynamos first baseman Lou Strader. The 23-year-old was named the batter of the month in the Federal Association for the first time while also claiming rookie of the month honours for the second time. On the season Strader is batting .330 with 18 homers and 56 rbi's.
• Joe McCarthy of the Houston Comets went 5-1 with a 2.77 era in August to claim the Fed's pitcher of the month award while trying to keep his club in the race for the West Division title. On the season, the 31-year-old who won the Allen Award a year ago, is 9-4 with a 2.58 era.
• A former Allen Award winner also took the Continental pitcher award for August. Moe Lowery, who won his Allen in 1971, and is making a case for a second one this season (18-8, 2.64) was the pitcher of the month for August.
• Chicago Cougars rookie Bill Barlett might have something to say about the CA Allen Award. Bartlett is 10-4 with a 1.98 era on the season but excelled in August with a perfect 3-0 record and a 1.68 era to claim the CA pitcher of the month. Chicago Daily News columnist Tip Harrison has seen Bartlett up close all year and says "I don't know how it happened, but Bill Bartlett has become the best pitcher in baseball. Taken in the 3rd Round of last year's draft, the graduated 42nd ranked prospect has thrown nine shutout innings in three of his last four games and four of his last six. All these shutouts have allowed him to qualify for the ERA lead, and his 1.98 (199 ERA+) mark is the only one in either association below 2.50, and the 22-year-old seems likely to run away with the Kellogg, and even make a run at the Allen award
• Second year outfielder Tony Keil of Kansas City was named the CA batter of the month for August. The 25-year-old hit .359 last month with 21 rbi's and 18 runs scored.

MILESTONES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• George Love hit his 300th career homerun for the New York Imperials, becoming just the 40th player in FABL history to reach that milestone.
• A pair of veteran outfielders each drove in their 750th career RBI last week. Ed McNaughton of Washington and Montreal's Jim Hendricks each turned the trick.
• On the mound, Dick Couture of the Cleveland Foresters notched his 1000th career strikeout.
• It was a big week for the bats as three different players enjoyed five hit games last week. First it was Bobby Garrison of the Los Angeles Stars who went 5-for-6 in a 2-1 loss to Montreal that went 13 innings. It was the fourth 5-hit game of Garrison's career and all four have come against the two Canadian teams, although he did also have a 6-hit game a year ago and that one was against the Chicago Cougars.
• A day after Garrison's quintet of hits, both Sam Hamilton of the New York Gothams and Rankin Ziegler of the Chicago Chiefs each had 5 hit games.
• For just the third time this year a player hit 3 homeruns in a game. It was Lew Davison of the Philadelphia Keystones who smacked three longballs yesterday in a 7-3 win over St Louis. The 26-year-old now has a career high 20 homers on the season.
• The Atlanta Copperheads clinched the Federal Association East Division on August 26. it is the fourth year in a row the former Pittsburgh Miners franchise has won the division.

Wolves Finish with West By Going 4-3

The Toronto Wolves story had just two possible outcomes over the final week of August. If they got any kind of starting pitching they won, if not they lost. In the four wins the opposition score a total of 12 runs, in the three losses Toronto allowed 29 runs most early in the game.

The week started with the winning streak coming to an end when the Kansas City Mavericks erased a 4-0 Wolves lead with a 5 run fourth inning and then cruised to an 11-5 rout. Off season acquisition Manny Espinosa, who was supposed to stabilize the Toronto rotation, has been anything but a reliable source on the mound. Of 3 losses for the week he was the pitcher of record in 2 as he also giving up runs early and often in Dallas on Saturday. Espinosa's record for the year is now 5-14, 4.46. To be fair he has been the victim of 28 unearned runs in 25 starts and only 2 of 8 runs were in earned in Saturday's loss in Dallas.

After the winning streak was halted the Wolves began another short streak by winning four, the last two against Kansas City at home then 2 more in Dallas. The Wrangles took the last two of the four game set to finish the month of August, winning by 9-2 and 9-4 counts.

The month of August ended with the Wolves first winning month of '75 going 16-13. Dunbar is hearing rumours that the performance in August -given it was against the tough West Division - probably saved Carl Evans' job. Senior management has not yet announced any extensions as of yet and they may be waiting to see if the Wolves can keep the good play going in September.

The roster expansion to 40 has come into effect but Toronto officials say that they will not expand the roster to the full 40. September will see many of the fringe players playing for their jobs in the FABL in 1976. With the final series with the West in the past the Wolves finished with a record of 29-43 (.402) against the other division for the season. Take out the drubbing by the Kings, 1-11, the record would be 28-32, not world beating but respectable for a team looking to the future. There is lots work to do in Toronto moving forward.

The Wolves begin the last month of the season at home hosting the Cannons in an attempt to lengthen their half game lead they have on Cincinnati to stay out of the cellar.

In other news Davenport could clinch the Heartland West this upcoming week. Tuscaloosa could also claim another GSL West division crown early in September. While there is some good news in the lower minors the upper levels are struggling this season. Chattanooga has recently fallen 8 games off the pace in the Dixie with 20 to play. Buffalo has fallen into the Union League cellar at 53-68, to add insult to injury the Nickels had Syracuse's Allan Morris toss a perfect game against them on the last day of August.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 08/31/1975

• Senate Judiciary Committee approves John Paul Stevens nomination, clearing the Supreme Court pick for a full Senate vote with little organized opposition.
• President Ford orders expanded federal oversight of New York City finances, tightening conditions as loan guarantees move from planning to execution.
• Congress debates sweeping tax reform proposals, with lawmakers pushing simplification and relief amid lingering recession pressures.
• Vietnam refugee integration strains schools and housing, prompting emergency funding requests from cities and provinces hosting large numbers of newcomers.
• Bicentennial planners warn of funding gaps, as organizers seek additional federal and private support to meet 1976 expectations.

[Tiger Fan]

SEPTEMBER 8, 1975

SERIES WIN BRINGS FORESTERS WITHIN HALF A GAME OF IMPERIALS

All eyes were on the Cleveland Foresters and New York Imperials over the weekend, as the top two teams in the Continental Association East squared off in a battle for first. New York entered the series a game and a half up, and after a pitching performance from Jim White (17-8, 3.53, 194) that had Cleveland batters making a lot of weak contact, it looked like they were about to take the series opener, as Ed Cooper (2-11, 29, 3.42, 52) was headed back out for a two inning save. His 1-run lead was small, and like he's done too many times this season, he could not keep runs off the board.

An easy first out got the home fans nervous, but their fears were quickly alleviated by 23-year-old pinch hitter Steve Keen (.286, 3, 21), who's third career home run tied things up, turning the lineup order with one out. One pitch later first basemen Athan Metrofanis (.264, 5, 42, 13) is on first with a single, and then another pitch got him to second with a steal. Now in scoring position, Herb Reed (.264, 7, 60, 13) was intentionally walked, setting up a double play opportunity to force extras. A grounder was gotten, but John Piper (.285, 10, 75, 9) beat the return throw from second, keeping the inning alive. This was exactly what the home team needed, one more chance with their top hitter Vern Schneider (.295, 12, 60) up, but again, a ball on the ground was served up. The only thing was it went 106 mph to short, to the backhand of converted second basemen Owen Drake (.265, 12, 52), who could not get enough on the throw to get an out.

Game two was another nailbiter, again decided by a single run, and again via the walk off with Cooper on the mound. This time it was tied at 5, with New York actually coming back from down 5-3. Why Cooper was brought in for another two inning save, I don't know, but again the second inning caused him issues. It was a little different, starting with Gus Randall's (.320, 3, 38) leadoff double before an intentional walk got the force. Cooper retired the next two pinch hitters, including yesterday's hero Keen, and he had a chance to tight rope out of danger. Instead, he walked Metrofanis on four pitches to load the bases, and he feel behind Herb Reed quickly. This time, the walk was not intentional, forcing the winning run, and putting the Foresters in first place.

First was short lived, however, as the Imperials did not go down without a fight. Don Bradner (8-7, 3.01, 97) was dominant, 8 innings with 7 hits, a run, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts, and with a different arm in the ninth, no late runs could ruin the party. A homer from Drake and doubles from Bradner, Woody Richardson (.351, 12, 76), Brain Miller (.231, 4, 13, 1), and Al Reece (.337, 7, 52, 18) proved key, reclaiming first for the Imps and avoiding embarrassment. I'm sure it hurt losing the series despite scoring more runs, but they have the extra win, and again enter the week on top.

The issue, however, is they're now 6-9 against the Foresters this season, and with just three games left against them, they can't do better then tie. Losing just one game would give Cleveland the head-to-head edge, but this weekend will see the games take place at Dyckman Stadium. An impressive 43-25, their home stadium is a fortress, and considering how they could have swept the series with better pen play, the edge has to go to the hosts.

Before the highly awaited series, both teams will be at home, hosting a pair of two game sets. Cleveland welcomes Milwaukee and Montreal while New York sees Cincy then Milwaukee. The edge here goes to the Imps, as while both teams play the 71-72 Arrows, the Saints are tied with them while Cincinnati sits at 64-80 and in dead last. But this week also provides a rare opportunity for Milwaukee, as it's not often you're under .500 and have a really good chance to take over first place. If they beat both the Imperials and Foresters, and then that series isn't a sweep, the Arrows could be the one to enter the final two laps on top. With their staff anything is possible, but they'll need a lot more then just Rich Moyer (.317, 9, 52, 14) to get runs on two very strong staffs. A red hot Wolves team in Toronto won't be easy either, but on paper this team is really good, and as long as there is no "e-" by your name you always have a chance to make something happen.

*** COMETS, SUNS, MATCH HOT STREAKS AS FED WEST RACE TURNS INTO TWO MAN TANGO ***

Houston picked the right time to play their best baseball, but unfortunately for them, the Federal Association leading Los Angeles Suns have done the same. While the Comets have won 6 of their last 7 and 8 of their last 10, the Suns have also managed 8 wins in 10 games, keeping them 4.5 games up.

What this has changed, however, is the proximity of the rest of the division, as now only the Comets are within 10 of LA. With just four games left between them, two in LA next week and two in Houston the week after, meaning the Comets will have to rely a lot on their Western division rivals. With only one off day left, they can't take much advantage of the front four in their rotation. What has gotten them to this point, they have three starters with sub-3 ERAs, and even Spencer Reese's (15-4, 3.55, 87) 3.55 ERA is 10 percent above average, and he's won each of his last four starts. A healthy Joe McCarthy (9-4, 2.85, 83) continues to dominate at the top, while Johnny Blackburn (18-6, 2.81, 135) and Jay Hunt (10-9, 2.56, 130) have emerged as ace-level starters. And when they have leads, Bob Young (9-8, 26, 2.17, 64) is there to finish things off, doing an outstanding job in the late innings.

A simple question remains: does the offense has enough in it? The easy thing for them would be John Edwards (.255, 10, 72, 24) playing like John Edwards, as he followed up his 8 WAR season split between the Millers and Comets by dropping his WRC+ over 40 points. Expected to anchor the lineup and help them get back to the postseason, he's been more good then great, putting a lot of pressure on a middling supporting cast. They have the fewest homers in the Fed and they aren't scoring enough, and if there were more sellers you'd have to wonder if they'd wish they took a big swing at the deadline. Without a Tom Lally (.320, 28, 92, 8) or Sam Forrester (.291, 24, 108, 41) they may be left in the dust, as the combo of those two and the Suns pitching staff will not be easy to supplant.

Players of the Week: Jones, McPherson

• A big reason the Comets have gotten hot is infielder Don Jones, who wasn't even a regular this season until after the break. A bench player most of his career, he did start most of the time in '72 and '73 for the Comets, but he saw his starting role disappear last season and it looked complete gone when Houston picked up long-time Sailor Ernie Carter (.240, 5, 45, 15) to take over third. But since the bounce back candidate never bounced back, Jones was given a chance, and he's taken full advantage of it. Now batting cleanup, the Fed Player of the Week went 12-for-24 with 2 doubles, 3 homers, and a whopping 17 RBIs. He has an eight game RBI streak and recorded multiple in four of his last five games. The 32-year-old is now hitting .305/.384/.442 (126 OPS+) in 323 PAs this season, and if he can work some more magic the Comets have an outside chance of crashing first place.
• Toronto has been playing great ball lately too, and this week their catcher Jess McPherson was rewarded with the weekly award. It didn't matter that he twisted his ankle at the end of it, as McPherson went 8-for-11 with a homer, 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, and 6 walks. The former Seattle 4th Rounder now has 8 homes and 59 walks on the season, hitting a strong .269/.378/.384 (108 OPS+) out of the eight hole. His power/eye combo has led to a career high 125 WRC+, and he's on track for his first above average season as a big leaguer.

Injury Notes: Imperials, Keystones, Armstrong, Perry, Belise

• As if the pennant race wasn't tight enough already, New York will be without two pieces for the rest of the season. Hurting most is the loss of co-ace John Alfano, who has not pitched like it this season. Not expected to be back until midseason next year, he had a herniated disc earlier in the season, and he has to undergo major elbow surgery for the second straight season. Next time he pitches he'll be 30, as injuries continue to pile up for the 1st pick of the 1967 draft. His season ends with 21 starts, he was 8-11 with a 4.15 ERA (93 ERA+) and 3.78 FIP (97 FIP-). His elevated 1.51 WHIP led to troubles, walking 61 with just 69 strikeouts. Generally a major strikeout arm, his 11.6 K% is a career low, and discounting his 3 start season last year, he's never struck out less then 125 hitters in a season.
• Less of a blow is losing Mike Counts, who has seen his playing time go away due to a pair of his own injuries. Recently back in the lineup, he fractured his finger, and would likely miss the postseason if New York makes it. A regular from '71 to '73, he still started 119 of his 149 games last year, but that dropped to 58 of 101 this season. When healthy, he didn't hit like he normally does, as his .250/.376/.357 (103 OPS+) line is much lower then his .270/.391/.406 (132 OPS+) career mark.
• Last, but not least, rookie second basemen John Gill sprained his elbow, and like Counts would be questionable, but technically possible, for only a postseason return. A 2nd Rounder from Western Iowa in 1972, he made his FABL debut on August 19th. Appearing in 15 games, he hit .348/.418/.413 (129 OPS+) with a double, triple, 3 runs, 4 RBIs, and 7 walks. He was starting at second, but should now see Drake return there with Rusty Robertson (.224, 9, 41, 4) returning to shortstop.
• Philly got hit with a pair of injuries, losing both of their second basemen. First was starter Lew Davison (.277, 20, 64, 7), who tore his thumb ligament, and then replacement Ed Walter strained his hamstring. Davison luckily won't miss too much time, as the Keystones star should be back in a week or so, but the 31-year-old Walter can play through with his strained hamstring. It's actually going to take longer to heal then Davison, who has hit just .245/.351/.294 (80 OPS+) in a reserve role.
• Alfano wasn't the only first overall pick hurt this week, as Boston will again be without Gil Armstrong. Picked up with Bill Kelly (7-14, 3.72, 129) from the Eagles in the spring, Armstrong's season will end with shoulder tendinitis. 23 in October, he'll finish with a 120 game rookie season, batting a poor .263/.319/.345 (83 OPS+) in a tough debut season. Add in poor defense and he was actually sub replacement level by almost a full win (-0.8). Still an exciting talent, the injuries and poor performance would give some pause to evaluators, but there's nothing to suggest that he won't be able to handle a full-time starting job.
• Not only is Dallas eliminated from postseason contention, but righty Larry Perry is eliminated from pitching contention. Suffering a bone spur in the first inning of an eventually 10-6 win over the Stars, his season ends with 30 starts and his second consecutive 200+ inning season. Tossing 221.2, it was a nice first full season in Dallas for Perry, who's 3.87 ERA (100 ERA+) does not look as nice as the 3.35 FIP (86 FIP-). A former 6th Rounder of Boston, he was 10-12 with a 1.28 WHIP, 68 walks, and 119 strikeouts, and should be back and healthy in plenty of time before spring training.
• There were too many injuries to keep track of, but the last one of note is one that we do not know much about. Aside from that he's hurt, no one knows why Virgil Belisle won't be returning this season. The former 7th Rounder had a pretty successful rookie season, hitting .277/.335/.416 (107 OPS+) with 31 doubles, 5 triples, 9 homers, 67 runs, 74 RBIs, and 41 walks in 134 games. Recently 27, the former 7th Rounder isn't really considered a building block, but he looks at least average, and was one of the more valuable Eagles this season, filling in admirably for traded superstar Tom Lorang (.279, 6, 42, 9).

RIVERMEN SINK MARINERS TO COMPLETE PERFECT PRESEASON

The Cincinnati Rivermen have been overshadowed in the National Conference East by the Miami Mariners and Buffalo Red Jackets. While both Miami and Buffalo have gone on to win World Classics in recent years the Rivermen have not made the playoffs since 1968. However, Clark Hardy, who guided the Rivermen to an 8-6 finish a year ago in his debut season as the club's head coach, feels that might just change this year.

Hardy says his goal is to not only make the playoffs but win a division title despite the fact it contains the defending champion Buffalo Red Jackets and the always tough Miami Mariners. It's only preseason, but Hardy has to be happy with his club's performance as the Rivermen ended up as just one of just five teams to go a perfect 3-0 in tune-up games. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that Cincinnati's final win came over division kingpin Miami as backup quarterback Charles Clark threw a pair of touchdown passes and the Rivermen held off the Mariners 24-20.

Clark may have added fuel to the fire that is his case he, and not Chuck Rayford, should be the starting quarterback for the Rivermen. After Rayford had a workmanlike first half, completing 11 of 15 tosses for 81 yards but was picked off once, Clark went to work after the break and threw a pair of touchdown strikes including the game winner, a short 3-yard toss to wide receiver Michael Grimes, with a little under two minutes remaining in the game. On the day Charles Clark was 9-for-12 for 113 yards and that gave him a preseason line of 42 completions in 56 attempts for 567 yards and 9 touchdowns while being intercepted just once in those three games. Coach Hardy has repeated that Rayford, who has been the Rivermen starter since being selected in the first round of the 1972 draft, remains number one but it is nice to have the option of a strong backup to turn to if needed.

The only other National Conference squad to win all three of its preseason games was the Kansas City Cowboys, who admittedly had a relatively light schedule with games against New Orleans, Atlanta and San Diego. The win on the weekend over the Admirals was tight contest for the first half before the Cowboys erupted for 20 points after the break to down the Admirals 36-17. Cowboys quarterback Joshua Sellers, who was the 1973 offensive rookie of the year, was impressive in his first real playing time of the preseason, completing 16 of 22 passes for 125 yards. San Diego's offense, which struggled a year ago, had a terrible time mounting any sort of sustained attack against the Cowboys.

Three teams in the American Conference ended their preseason with a 3-0 record including a pair of East Division members in Washington and Pittsburgh. The Wasps, who won a conference best 10 games a year ago, handed Houston its third straight loss, dumping the Drillers 23-13. The Houston defense, long the strength of the franchise that has played in 6 of the first eleven World Classics, had its troubles with the Washington passing game as Terry Bergeron threw for 206 yards. One bright spot for Houston in a preseason that had few moments of note was that rookie running back Scott Starling had another solid game, rushing for 72 yards on 16 carries. The Drillers had long-time running star Vern Rebovich and his top backup both retire over the summer leaving Houston without an experienced ballcarrier.

The Pittsburgh Paladins nipped Denver 32-28 handing the Mountaineers their third straight defeat. Pittsburgh put the game away with three fourth quarter touchdowns including pair of scoring passes from Charlie Stillwell in the final four and a half minutes. Denver got a strong game from running back Johnny Torres, who gained 127 yards on the ground and scored a pair of touchdowns.

The final team to go a perfect 3-0 in preseason play was the Cleveland Finches. The Finches who will open their season in two weeks time in Kansas City against the Cowboys, handed the Minnesota Lakers their first loss of the preseason on Sunday, winning by a 17-6 count. Cleveland has a quarterback battle going between incumbent Danny Boudreaux and free agent pickup Saul Washington. Neither was exceptional on Sunday but it appears that Washington, the former New York Titan who was selected first overall in 1971, may have won the starting job.

In other action Sunday the Boston Americans held off the winless Atlanta Firebirds 38-24. The Firebirds, who finished with the worst record in the AFA a year ago, look like they might be in for another very long season as veteran quarterback Pete Fairfield struggled while rookie Allen McAllister, selected first overall, has had a dreadful preseason.

A defensive struggle in Buffalo saw the visiting New York Stars pull out an 11-6 victory. The game saw New York kick three field goals and add a safety when Stars defensive end Steve Decker tackled Red Jackets back David Allen in the Buffalo endzone. The lone Buffalo score can courtesy of a 37-yard A.J. Fahy interception return for a touchdown.

Second year starting quarterback Butch White completed 9 of 12 passes for 124 yards to help the Philadelphia Frigates past the Seattle Roughnecks 16-3. Philadelphia finished 2-1 while the Roughnecks dropped to 0-2-1 for the preseason.

In a battle of two teams that entered the game winless the St Louis Ramblers downed the Chicago Wildcats 14-6. Neither club had much success moving the ball as the pair combined for just 436 yards of total offense and 3 turnovers.

Quarterbacks Charlie Singletary and Marty Riggs combined to throw for 284 yards and lead the San Francisco Wings to a one-sided 32-13 thumping of the Detroit Maroons. Rookie Wings running back Ben Wagner ran for a pair of touchdowns while kicker Heriberto Wilson was successful on all four of his attempts for the winners.

Rob Stone threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Colby early in the fourth quarter and that stood up as the difference in giving the Milwaukee Stags a 14-13 victory on the road over the Los Angeles Tigers. Meanwhile on the other side of Los Angeles the Olympians doubled the New York Titans 28-14 in a game that saw Olympians rookie wideout Jimmie Lowe catch a pair of touchdown passes. Lowe was a fourth round pick out of Alexandria. The final game of the weekend saw New Orleans nip Dallas 12-9 in a contest that saw each club record a safety.

The 26 AFA teams will now have a week off before the season openers on September 21. Each club will need to make cuts to get down to the regular season roster limit of 40 with up to 8 additional players allowed on the practice squad.

COLLEGE GRID CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF SATURDAY

The long wait ends this weekend as the 1975 college football season opens with a smattering of games across the country. While preseason No. 1 Georgia Baptist will sit out the opening weekend — the Gators don’t debut until September 20 when they host Portland Tech — several other national title contenders waste no time getting started.

Three members of the preseason top ten are in action Saturday, including a pair of heavyweights from the Great Lakes Alliance.

Second-ranked Central Ohio begins its campaign with a short trip north to face Midwestern Association member Cleveland. On paper, it’s a favorable opener for the Aviators. The Tigers were 3–8 a year ago and have yet to defeat Central Ohio in four all-time meetings. With a veteran defense and junior quarterback George Stephens leading the way, the Aviators are expected to tune up efficiently before conference play begins.

Sixth-ranked Detroit City College faces a sterner test. The Knights travel to Texas to meet the College of Waco Cowboys in an intersectional matchup that could carry early-season poll implications. Waco finished 8–3 last year and defeated Detroit City College in the only previous meeting between the two programs — though that contest came nearly a decade ago. The Knights, champions of the GLA the past two seasons and East–West Classic participants both years, are looking to start fast after coming up short on New Year’s Day each of the last two campaigns.

The other top-ten team in action Saturday is fifth-ranked Mississippi A&M. The Generals open at home in Jackson against Central Carolina, beginning what they hope will be a return to prominence in the Deep South Conference. Mississippi A&M has not claimed a league title since 1962, but expectations are high behind preseason All-American quarterback Jimmy Ray Johnson, a leading Christian Trophy candidate. The Generals went 9–3 and reached the Cajun Classic two seasons ago before slipping to 6–5 last fall. With experience returning on both sides of the ball, Saturday’s game marks the first step in what many around the program believe could be a special season.

Elsewhere among the ranked teams, No. 14 Minnesota Tech travels to face Wisconsin Catholic, while 20th-ranked Oklahoma City State opens at home against Wisconsin State.

The nation’s top team may be idle for now, but with several contenders already stepping into the spotlight, the 1975 campaign begins in earnest this weekend — and by Saturday night, the first storylines of the season will already be taking shape.

Here is the complete schedule for week one of the college football season

UPCOMING COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13
#2 Central Ohio at Cleveland
Central Carolina at #5 Mississippi A&M
#6 Detroit City College at College of Waco
#14 Minnesota Tech at Wisconsin Catholic
Wisconsin State at #20 Oklahoma City State
#23 North Carolina Tech at St Magnus
Coastal State at #24 St Ignatius
Whitney College at Cowpens State
Tempe College at College of San Diego
Carolina Poly at Topeka State
Northern Minnesota at El Paso Methodist
Payne State at Potomac College
Queen City at Valley State
McKinney State at Abilene Baptist
Ferguson at Texas Panhandle



EIGHT MUST-SEE COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES THIS SEASON

The 114 division one AIAA college football teams will combine to play more than 1,200 games this season but, as they always do, a few select contests will stand out from the pack. Here are eight games to watch for over the course of the year.

September 20, St Blane at Detroit City College: The Fighting Saints have their eye on another national title, which would be their third since 1970 and sixth overall. Detroit City College has won back-to-back Great Lakes Alliance crowns and the Knights join the Fighting Saints in the preseason top ten. This early test is St Blane's opener and the second game for DCC, and it could go a long way towards determining which one is a legitimate national title candidate. They don't meet often, St Blane is 2-1 against DCC over the last eighteen years, so this one will be the most anticipated of the early season games.

OCTOBER 18, Ellery at Dickson: The Dickson Maroons have dominated the Academia Alliance this decade, with five straight conference titles and a three consecutive top twenty finishes on their resume. Their stiffest test to winning another conference title, and perhaps even earning their second trip to a New Years Day game in three years, will come when they face the Ellery Bruins, a school that has given the Maroons fits. Ellery is 8-10 against Dickson over the past eighteen years and handed the Maroons their lone conference loss a year ago.

OCTOBER 25, Daniel Boone College at Lawrence State: Lawrence State finished the season ranked 6th in the nation a year ago: the Chippewa's highest showing since finishing third in 1962. This year they are fourth in the preseason polls but the Plains Athletic Association has three schools ranked in the top ten including Daniel Boone College. The Frontiersmen will be a stiff test for the Chippewa and come a week after another tough matchup for Lawrence State in Boulder State. Daniel Boone College has won 11 of the last 18 meetings between the two but Lawrence State prevailed 14-6 last year.

NOVEMBER 15, CC Los Angeles at Redwood: The Mammoths will be looking to become the first WCAA school to play in the East-West Classic three consecutive seasons since Northern California's run of four in a row came to an end in 1960. Redwood is also coming off their first national title and have a schedule that might just be friendly enough to allow Mammoths to go undefeated through the regular season. A big test will be the week ten meeting with the Coyotes. CCLA won a National Title four years ago and finished tied for second in the WCAA last season. Both schools are ranked in the preseason top twenty-five with the Coyotes at #18 and the Mammoths 21st on the list. The all-time series between the two is close with Redwood holding a slim 9-8 lead over the past 18 years but the Mammoths won in a rout a year ago, taking a 38-3 decision.

NOVEMBER 22, Noble Jones College at Mississippi A&M:The Generals have a Christian Trophy candidate in Jimmy Ray Johnson at quarterback and a feeling this might be the year they snap a 13-year drought and win the Deep South Conference. They are fortunate in their scheduling this season to avoid both Georgia Baptist and Central Kentucky -two other schools with title hopes in the toughest conference in the nation- so a win at home over Noble Jones College might be just the ticket to send the Generals to Dallas for the Oilman Classic as Deep South Conference champions. The worry is that A&M has had little success of late against the Colonels, winning just once in their last seven meetings.

NOVEMBER 28, Noble Jones College at Georgia Baptist:An annual meeting slated the day after Thanksgiving for as long as anyone can remember, the two Georgia rivals are the most successful schools in college football history with six national titles each. This year the Gators are the preseason number one and will have the benefit of home field as the meeting this time around will take place in Athens rather than Augusta. Georgia Baptist has won 10 of the last 16 meetings between the two including last year's 27-24 thriller.

NOVEMBER 29, Detroit City College at Central Ohio: The annual matchup between the two Great Lakes Alliance rivals often has a trip to Santa Ana for New Years and a berth in the East-West Classic at stake for the winner - each of them has made the trek twice in the past five years. There is no love lost between these two bitter rivals and even if one is having a down season this game can usually be counted on to be one of the best. They have also played it very even, with each school winning the annual post-Thanksgiving Day matchup 9 times in the past 18 years. DCC has something to prove this time around as while they had already clinched the conference title by the time they met an underachieving Central Ohio team last year, the Aviators hammered the Knights 52-6 in a game played in Columbus.

DECEMBER 13, Rome State at Annapolis Maritime: The traditional season ending contest between the two service academy schools has always been a big game but it had added importance a year ago when the Navigators won by a 16-9 score to finish the regular season a perfect 11-0 and ranked number one in the nation. Unfortunately for Annapolis Maritime, they stumbled on New Years Day, losing the Sunshine Classic to Boulder State which cost the school a chance for its first national title since 1913. Rome State won a pair of national titles in the 1940s but has not been a factor in the past two decades but the Centurions always play the Navigators tough, although Annapolis Maritime has won 11 of the last 18 meetings. If the Navigators can find a way to beat St Blane in early November they may just enter this game undefeated for the second year in a row.

WOLVES CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

Toronto fans continue to see improvement in their baseball team as the Wolves began the final month of the FABL season. After a winning record in August the team took 2 of 3 from Cincinnati at home followed by 2 of 3 from Milwaukee on the at Lakefront Park.

The only loss to the Cannons followed an all too familiar script this season. After closing the gap to one at 4-3 in the seventh inning, the Toronto bullpen gave up 2 in both the eight and ninth to disappoint the 13,403 on hand at Dominion Stadium. Again free passes being the problem. The pen avenged that loss the next night when they combined to shut the Cannons down for the final 4 innings allowing the Wolves to erase a 5-0 lead to win 6-5 when Gus Hayes delivered a pinch-hit double to plate two in the seventh. In the last game of the Cincinnati series Red Bullock worked around 5 BB in 5.2 innings of work, keeping his mates in the game long enough for the Bill Cox to come in to pick up his eighth win of the season while only pitching a third of inning when Joe Henke singled in the winning run in the sixth allowing the Wolves to come away with a 4-2 win. The bullpen ran their scoreless streak 7.1 innings, a welcome sight for Toronto skipper Carl Evans.

The streak added 3.1 scoreless innings on Thursday in the opener against the Arrows when Bob Reynolds drove in 2 in the ninth giving the Wolves a 5-3 win. Reynolds still has the second most RBI on the team even in limited action. All good things come to an end, as the bullpen streak was snapped after 14 innings when the pen gave two runs in an 11 inning 6-5 loss. Jim Hunter gave the relievers a night off when he pitched a complete game Friday winning 5-1. It was the third time Hunter finished what he started in '75, the rest of the staff has only added 4 more.

At 65-76 the Wolves have already surpassed many preseason predictions of triple digit losses. The Wolves are only 7.5 out in a Up for grabs CA East. While some fans are dreaming of October baseball at Dominion Stadium, Dunbar thinks the odds are extremely thin having to jump five teams in 21 games. Spoiler will be the Wolves role Dunbar thinks in September.

Jess McPherson was POTW in the CA going 8 for 11 with 4 RBI, unfortunately he will be out for a week with a sprained ankle. Davenport clinched the Heartland West title, Tuscaloosa is tied with Beaumont in the GSL West with one game to play, Chattanooga has a slim chance in the Dixie, while Buffalo, Vancouver have been eliminated in their leagues.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 09/07/1975

• President Ford was unharmed after an assassination attempt in Sacramento. Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a member of the Manson Family cult, was at arms length from the President and pointed a pistol at him in from of the California State Capital building but unsuccessfully attempted to fire the gun.
• White House tightens security after attempt on Ford’s life, with the Secret Service reviewing procedures and canceling several open public events.
• Kentucky's governor has called for the national guard to restore order in riot-torn sections of Louisville after anti-busing violence.
• The FBI is investigating whether a Virginia heavy equipment operator named Jerry Cooper is really D.B. Cooper, the airline hijacker who parachuted with $200,000 in ransom money from a Northwest Orient jet in 1971 and disappeared. The FBI said it is acting on an anonymous tip. Jerry Cooper met voluntarily with the FBI to deny he had anything to do with the crime.
• Political crisis deepens in Lisbon, as moderate and leftist factions within Portugal’s armed forces struggle for control during the ongoing post-revolution turmoil following the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
• Western governments watch closely, concerned that instability in NATO member Portugal could shift the country further toward Soviet influence during the Cold War.

[Wallabee4]

Wonder if the AFA will expand before the 1976 season just like the NFL did IOTL.

I also imagine the entire city of Pittsburgh feels sick with the Copperheads lighting the rest of baseball on fire right now. At least the Paladins might be decent this year

[Tiger Fan]

SEPTEMBER 15, 1975

FORESTERS WIN 4 OF 5 TO RETAKE EAST LEAD

There's still two weeks to go in the 1975 season, but after taking a huge three game set in New York, the Cleveland Foresters are in prime position to make their first postseason since they won three consecutive pennants and later lost three world series from 1959 to 1961.

Sure, they're just 76-72 and sure they have just a single game lead, but in a division that no one wants to take, they are on top and have a chance to earn the right to face, and perhaps likely lose, to the Seattle Kings in the Continental Championship Series.

After knocking the New York Imperials down to a game and a half out, the Foresters can put some space between themselves and the Milwaukee Arrows, as they'll be in Milwaukee for a two game set. The two squared off for two this week, with Cleveland taking both, but the team is much different away from home. At Forester Stadium, they look like a postseason team (46-28, .622), but away from home they're playing worse (30-44, .405) than any FABL team except Boston (55-93, .372), who ran away with the #1 pick.

One of the biggest series of the season, Cleveland gets to rely on Roy Rice (14-12, 3.94, 136) and Dick Couture (12-7, 3.42, 99) to keep the Arrow's measly offense in check, while Milwaukee counters with their top two in the rotation. Joe Wright (14-10, 3.45, 153) gets the opener and Tex Cavanaugh (9-11, 3.03, 120) the finale, so don't expect much scoring in this battle for first place. Whoever pitches better likely takes the series, and if we see a sweep, the sweeper should have command over the rest of the week.

After the early series, Cleveland gets two in Toronto before hosting the Cannons for three. Cincinnati will be in Milwaukee before making it to Cleveland, and then the Arrows finish their last homestand of the season with three hosting the Saints. Even at 73-76, they're still alive and just 3.5 games out of first, and even the 68-82 Cannons aren't officially eliminated yet.

New York is a bigger piece of the puzzle, but with all the Imperials injuries and overall poor play in September, time may be running out. Yet to make a postseason appearance, they'll at least finish the closest they ever have to first, previously never coming within fewer then 8 games of the eventual division winner. With no more games remaining against the Arrows or Foresters, they don't have a way to beat the teams in front of them, but they may benefit from the weaker competition. Of course, they can also get passed by the Montreal Saints and slip back under .500, as it seems almost anything is possible in this chaotic and somewhat unserious division.

Players of the Week: Kilkenny, Parker

• Carl Kilkenny's big season continues, as Minneapolis' star slugger was again named Fed Player of the Week. The two-time All-Star finished 9-for-23 with 3 homers, 9 runs, and 12 RBIs. His first Player of the Week, Kilkenny was the Batter of the Month in July, and was named All-Star game MVP after going 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs. On the season, he's hit an impressive .314/.391/.543 (153 OPS+) with 27 doubles, 29 homers, 104 RBIs, 87 runs, and 68 walks. His next home run would make him the second Miller in team history to record 30 in one season, and if he can get to 32, he'll set the record for most in a season for the franchise.
• It was also the first Player of the Week for Nick Parker, but the Wrangler superstar not only won the July Batter of the Month in the Conti, but also the June version the month before. Another 2-Time All-Star who also started the season as a 26-year-old, he was 10-for-20 with 3 doubles, a homer, 2 RBIs, 6 runs, and 8 walks. Back healthy, he managed to pass 140 games for just the third time in six years, batting .334/.437/.545 (169 OPS+) after 142. He's set career bests for homers (25), runs (95), RBIs (93), walks (97), and WAR (5.9), and if he can keep his WRC+ above 162 (currently 166), it would be his best in seasons with at least 500 PAs.

Exceptional Performances: Bartlett, Bradshaw, Davis, Newton

• After a stinker to start the week, there was some belief that Bill Bartlett (12-5, 2.10, 70) finally ran out of gas. I mean, he allowed 9 hits and 7 runs with 3 walks and just strikeouts, chased out by a poor Mavericks team in the 4th inning of his start. Thankfully for Bartlett enthusiast, that notion was quickly dispelled, as he turned around and shutout the Stars. His 4th of the season, he now leads all of FABL despite just 20 starts, and his 13 complete games are third overall. 23 in December, he's now 12-5 with a still FABL low 2.10 ERA (187 ERA+), and with two weeks and just under 4 innings needed to qualify, he's a near lock for the ERA crown. The Allen may be harder now that his ERA is back over 2, but his 1.07 WHIP still leads all qualified pitchers, as does his .217 batting average against.
• Perhaps the most hit-or-miss pitcher there is, even if it's been almost all hits so far, Bartlett seems to string together runs of dominance with the occasional, an almost equal level of incompetence, just to keep you on your toes. In his last 10 starts he has 2 starts with 1 earned run, 2 starts with 7 or more earned runs, and 6 starts of 0 earned runs. In fact, 21 of his 37 earned runs (57%!!!) have come in just three starts of 16.2 total innings, leading to an astronomical 11.67 ERA. In the other 141.2 innings, however, he has just a 1.02 ERA, as when his stuff is working, you can just assume your team isn't scoring.
• In Cincinnati's 13-4 beating of the then first place Imperials, Frank Bradshaw (.242, 5, 38, 21) took the headlines with a big 5-for-6 game. His solo shot in the first got the Cannons on the board, cutting their deficit to 3-1, and then he contributed multiple singles as they scored two or more runs from the 5th to the 8th. At the end, Bradshaw and 3 runs and 3 RBIs, a rare bright spot in a season full of issues for him. The 33-year-old's 83 WRC+ is better then his 67 from last season, but his acquisition has not gone well, and his roster spot could be in jeopardy for next season unless he has a few more five hit games in him.
• We had two more five hit games, but the only one that was a perfect 5-for-5 in a nine inning game came from Gothams' outfielder Fred Davis. Now 34, he's dealt with various injuries throughout the year, but when healthy he's been productive. Coming in the 8-3 win over Baltimore, he picked up 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 3 RBIs. After a pair of 1-for-4s to finish the week, Davis is now hitting .294/.351/.435 (115 OPS+) in 69 games, adding 15 doubles, 5 triples, 4 homers, 6 steals, 35 RBIs, and 42 runs.
• John Newton's (.311, 13, 65, 29) five hit game doesn't really feel like one, as it came in eight at bats and his fifth hit came in the 16th inning of a shocking 6-5 loss to the Minutemen. His second five hit game in two seasons, it's also his fourth since his 1966 debut. In that time, the Copperheads star shortstop has recorded 1,718 hits, owning a .295/.345/.422 (123 OPS+) career line in almost 1,500 FABL games. All have came with the Saints or the Copperhead organization, and he's set to make his fifth trip to the postseason this next month.

Injury Notes: New York, Lewis, Siniscalchi, Story

• Both Big Apple teams saw outfielders suffer setbacks on September 10th, but only one really impacts recovery. He wasn't going to return anyways, but Imperial slugger Phil Terry (.301, 17, 71, 14) will now need an additional seven weeks to get over his severe hip strain. Out since August 12th, his initial recover time was eight weeks, but he should still be fine for Opening Day. Meanwhile, Gotham outfielder Bill Arndt (.276, 13, 81, 5) continues to be hampered by his quadricep strain. He's been playing through it, but right when it looked to be gone, it came back. Hopefully healthy by the end of the week, the now 24-year-old Arndt has continued to show why he's one of the most valuable Gothams, currently holding a 131 WRC+ in 582 PAs.
• Adding more injury to insult, the floundering Imperials lost their current left fielder, as Bill Wood will become the sixth player on their IL. Playing more because of injury, the almost 33-year-old tore his labrum, and is expected to be healthy around when Terry is, assuming no more setbacks. A former 9th pick by Toronto, Wood started 86 of his 122 games after making just 34 in 108 games last year. He hit about the same, .256/.347/.399 (105 OPS+), but with a lot more counting stats. Wood added 17 doubles, 6 triples, 7 homers, 56 RBIs, 52 runs, 47 walks, and 14 steals, but unless the Imps are as snake bitten as they were this year, I don't see him returning to a regular role.
• More issues in Boston, as struggling reliever John Lewis (0-1, 1, 4.71, 18) will need to undergo elbow surgery to remove a bone spur. Having allowed 8 runs in his last 4.1 innings, he may have already been hurt, but he left after just five pitches in Boston's 7-3 loss to the Eagles. A former 4th Rounder, he's expected to need six months of rehab, making an Opening Day appearance unlikely for the rookie. 27 in November, this was technically his third season, but he had just two appearances in 1972 and a third in 1973.
• While generally not a season ender, Chief Joe Siniscalchi suffered an intercostal strain, and with two weeks left in the season they can just add him to the IL, and see what a minor league has. A storied team vet, if his season ends today, the 6-Time All-Star will have hit .302/.411/.423 (130 OPS+) in his 14th big league season. His 13 homers may be his fewest since his 57 game debut season, but his 134 WRC+ was a bit above average, as he set a career best with a .411 OBP. It's his second time above .400, having been at .403 in 1970, and he's maintained at least a 10% BB% since the 1967 season. One of the best in baseball's oldest franchise, his .446 career slugging is 10th in team history, and he's top-10 in WAR (9th, 61), games (5th, 1,981), at-bats (7th, 7,177), runs (8th, 1,102), hits (9th, 1,927), doubles (7th, 318), homers (3rd, 276), and RBIs (5th, 1,193).
• The Stars are down another shortstop, as rookie Bob Branson will miss the rest of the year with a fractured thumb. He'll get to join Lew Smith (.270, 8, 33, 10), the Opening Day shortstop, who's been hurt since late June. Branson was called up earlier to fill in for second basemen Bill Bell (.297, 7, 47, 12), and ended up getting into 112 games for the team that took him 20th last season. The 22-year-old hit a nice .279/.330/.404 (103 OPS+) with 19 doubles, 3 triples, 8 homers, 65 RBIs, and 5 steals, which should give him some down ballot Kellogg votes.
• Another labrum tore struck Phil Story, who at 37 was one of the few Wolves with an above average WRC+ (107). It came with a much lower .259/.345/.345 (88 OPS+) batting line, as the veteran has the rare combo of limited power with a lot of strikeouts. Great at drawing walks, he had 63 and a 11.2 BB%, but just 26 extra base hits and 45 RBIs in 564 PAs. Likely to miss just under two months, he should be good to return to his customary leadoff spot for the 1976 season.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OPENING WEEKEND SHOCKER IN WACO

The 1975 college football season wasted no time delivering its first surprise.

The College of Waco Cowboys turned the usual opening-week script on its head, knocking off sixth-ranked Detroit City College, 16–6, in a defensive-minded season opener. Detroit City entered the year as a national contender after back-to-back appearances in the East-West Classic, but left Waco with more questions than answers.

While hardly a pushover, Waco has never captured a Southwestern Athletic Association title since joining the league in 1964, and has never earned a Classic berth making the result all the more eye-opening.

Points were at a premium throughout the first half. The teams went into the locker room tied 3–3, with missed opportunities on both sides—Cowboys kicker Zane Johnson misfired on a short field goal, while the Knights coughed the ball up deep in Waco territory.

Waco edged ahead in the third quarter on Johnson’s 45-yard boot, only to see Detroit City answer early in the fourth with a 40-yard field goal from Howard Lucas. The game turned midway through the final period when the Cowboys mounted a decisive 68-yard drive. A costly facemask penalty on DCC safety Ben Sperry kept the march alive, and quarterback Charles Gittens capitalized with a 12-yard touchdown strike to George Shull—one of just five passes Waco attempted all afternoon.

Detroit City threatened late but never seriously challenged, and a final Waco field goal sealed the upset.

*** No Other Ranked Club Stumbled ***

Elsewhere, there were fewer surprises among the nation’s elite.

Second-ranked Central Ohio rolled past Cleveland Tigers, 37–20, behind 285 yards and two touchdown passes from quarterback George Stephens.

Fifth-ranked Mississippi A&M showcased its firepower in a 62–17 rout of Central Carolina. All-American quarterback Jimmy Ray Johnson threw a pair of scoring passes, while fellow standout Marcus Butler piled up 154 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Fourteenth-ranked Minnesota Tech had little trouble in a 55–0 shutout of Wisconsin Catholic. Senior running back James Gallant, who scored just three touchdowns all of last season, had two in the season opener while rushing for 127 yards.

One ranked club did stumble, however, as Oklahoma City State was upset 34–17 by Wisconsin State. The turning point came on a dazzling 108-yard kickoff return by Eddie Marks.

Around the country, several close contests and standout performances highlighted the opening slate:

Topeka State edged Carolina Poly 27–21 behind 124 rushing yards and two scores from Tony Craig.

Whitney College stunned Cowpens State 19–14 on a 61-yard touchdown pass from Robert Guenther to Benny Farley in the final minute.

St. Ignatius topped Coastal State 26–13.

St. Magnus held off North Carolina Tech 20–17.

College of San Diego defeated Tempe College 20–7 with two touchdown passes from Randy Roseman.

El Paso Methodist overwhelmed Northern Minnesota 48–7 led by sophomore running back Grant Chacon's four touchdowns.

Payne State slipped past Potomac College 10–6 behind 171 rushing yards from Mark Brackens.

Valley State beat Queen City 33–13 as Za’Darius Harris ran for 159 yards.

Ferguson defeated Texas Panhandle 41–28 in a wild outing that saw senior quarterback Guy Cottrell throw four touchdown passes—and three interceptions.

Abilene Baptist closed the weekend with a 23–16 victory over McKinney State.

WEEKEND RESULTS
Valley State Gunslingers - 33, Queen City Monarchs - 13
Central Ohio Aviators - 37, Cleveland Tigers - 20
Abilene Baptist Chaparrals - 23, McKinney State Renegades - 16
El Paso Methodist Bandits - 48, Northern Minnesota Muskies - 7
Ferguson Wildcats - 41, Texas Panhandle Cowboys - 28
Payne State Mavericks - 10, Potomac College Pelicans - 6
Minnesota Tech Lakers - 55, Wisconsin Catholic Cavaliers - 0
Mississippi A_M Generals - 62, Central Carolina Lions - 17
Wisconsin State Brewers - 34, Oklahoma City State Wranglers - 17
Whitney College Engineers - 19, Cowpens State Fighting Green - 14
College of Waco Cowboys - 16, Detroit City College Knights - 6
College of San Diego Friars - 30, Tempe College Titans - 7
Topeka State Braves - 27, Carolina Poly Cardinals - 21
St Magnus Vikings - 20, North Carolina Tech Techsters - 17
St Ignatius Lancers - 26, Coastal State Eagles - 13

NEXT WEEKEND'S GAMES INVOLVING RANKED TEAMS
Portland Tech at #1 Georgia Baptist
#2 St Blane at #8 Detroit City College (0-1)
#3 Central Ohio (1-0) at Western Florida
#4 Lawrence State at Valley State
#5 Noble Jones College at McKinney State (0-1)
Rome State at #7 Central Kentucky
#9 Minnesota Tech (1-0) at Liberty College
#10 Charleston Tech at Mobile Maritime
Tempe College (0-1) at #11 Boulder State
#12 Alabama Baptist at Carolina Poly (0-1)
#13 Daniel Boone College at Lincoln
#14 Huntington State at Richmond State
#15 Redwood at El Paso Methodist (1-0)
#17 Oklahoma City State at #16 Bayou State
#18 Rainier College at Whitney College (1-0)
#20 Northern California at Wyoming A&I
#21 Travis College at Utah A&M
#22 American Atlantic at Cowpens State (0-1)
#23 Lane State at Idaho A&M
#24 CC Los Angeles at Minns College
#25 Maryland State at Central Carolina (0-1)



AIAA APPROVES THREE NEW CLASSIC GAMES

College football’s postseason landscape will look markedly different this winter.

The AIAA has formally approved the addition of three new Classic games, expanding the New Year’s Day lineup from seven contests to ten beginning January 1, 1976. The new events — the All-American Classic, the Southern Classic and the Palm Classic — will debut at the conclusion of the current season, signaling the end of an era in which only 14 teams were invited to postseason play.

For nearly two decades, the number of Classic games had remained unchanged at seven. The field last shifted following the final stagings of the San Joaquin Classic and Volunteer Classic on New Year’s Day 1957. Since then, invitations have been limited and coveted, with conference champions and select independents battling for a small handful of spots.

This season, at least, the three new Classics will operate without conference tie-ins. Instead, they will extend at-large invitations after the original seven games have completed their selections. The move is widely viewed as an opportunity for highly ranked runners-up and strong independent programs to secure postseason appearances that previously would have been out of reach.

Classic games have been a cornerstone of the AIAA calendar since 1916, when the East–West Classic debuted as a showcase between the champions of the Great Lakes Alliance and the West Coast Athletic Association. Over the past three decades, that matchup has become the sport’s most prestigious postseason stage.

The New Year’s slate already includes the Oilman Classic in Houston, matching the champions of the Deep South Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Association; the Lone Star Classic in Austin; the Sunshine Classic in Miami; the Cajun Classic in New Orleans; the Bayside Classic in Tampa; and the Desert Classic in El Paso.

With three additional Classics now joining the rotation, more programs will close their seasons under the bright lights of January 1 — and the postseason picture, long defined by scarcity, is entering a new and more expansive chapter.

DRILLERS OPEN WITH QUESTIONS—AND, AS ALWAYS, EXPECTATIONS

There is something almost comical about the hand-wringing in Houston this week.

The mighty Drillers—three-time champions, perennial contenders, the closest thing the American Football Association has to a sure thing—have gone 0-3 in exhibition play and suddenly the question is being asked: are they vulnerable?

Maybe. But you’d better see it before you believe it.

This is, after all, the same Houston club that has turned autumn into a formality. Since 1966 they have not missed the playoffs. They have played in six World Classics. They have won three of them. For nearly a decade, if you were picking against Houston, you were usually picking wrong.

Still, even the most reliable machines show a loose bolt now and then, and the Drillers do enter 1975 with a problem they have not had to solve in years—who is going to carry the football?

For ten seasons the answer was simple. Give it to Vern Rebovich and step aside. He ran for more than 10,000 yards, punished defenses, and, perhaps most importantly, gave Houston an identity. When the game tightened, when the weather turned, when the stakes rose, the Drillers knew exactly what they were.

Now Rebovich is gone, retired, and so is his understudy Keith Gladfelter. In their place: Billy Ray Brown, who has waited his turn, and a handful of rookies who have yet to prove they belong on a Sunday roster, let alone in a championship chase.

That is not a minor adjustment. That is a philosophical shift.

There are other nicks and dents. Guard Randy Hutchins has stepped away, leaving a gap up front. The running game, the line, the rhythm—these are not small parts to replace, and they help explain why the exhibition season looked as uneasy as it did. Losses to Cleveland and Washington, both playoff clubs, and an overtime setback in Boston do not make for comforting reading, even in August.

But here is where perspective matters.

Houston has never been built like other teams. While clubs around the league search for balance, the Drillers have long imposed themselves with defense—and that part of the equation has not changed. As long as Bobby Barrell Jr. is coming off the edge, as long as head coach Mario Case is pacing the sideline in his 14th season, the Drillers are going to be heard from.

They may not run the ball the same way. They may not look as polished in September as they have in years past. But they will hit, and they will defend, and they will make you earn every yard you get.

And that is usually enough.

The real business begins Sunday, when Houston opens at home against Seattle. The standings will start to count, the questions will start to get answers, and the Drillers will begin the long, familiar march toward January.

Concerned? Perhaps a little.

But history suggests this: if Houston is in trouble, it will take more than three August losses to prove it.

NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS Teams are finalizing there 40-man active roster along with 8 names to go to the practice squad which means a few veteran players were among those who received bad news this week as final cuts were made. Among those released include veteran guard Pete Massey who was cut by the Cleveland Finches after starting 119 games over the past decade with the club.

The New York Titans parted ways with several players including Shorty Cherry. The 36-year-old defensive end had played 11 of his 15 AFA seasons with the Titans and started seven games in an injury shortened season a year ago. Cherry was released as the Titans decided to get much younger on the defensive line by keeping four rookies including end Edwin Dooley, their first round pick out of Georgia Baptist who will take over Cherry's spot in the starting lineup. The Titans also cut both of the kicking specialists from a year ago as kicker Darin Meza, a 3-year starter, and punter Gail Fleming, who played the past two seasons, were let go. Rookies John Sheridan and Larry Snodgrass will replace them.

Not surprising news out of Miami as the Mariners cut quarterback Bennett Smoot. The 28-year-old from Miami State became an instant hero in South Florida when was offensive rookie of the year in 1969 and helped the Mariners win the World Classic that year. He also made the All-Star Classic for a second time in 1972 but lost his starting job the following season to Jeff Conroy and had been a backup ever since. The Mariners opted to elevate Hilton Head, who had been on their practice squad the past two years, to the backup role with the decision to part ways with Smoot.

Wolves Stumble Slightly, Lose Story For Season

Toronto, with a 3-4 week, managed to stay out the CA East cellar although the Cincinnati Cannons are right on their heels just a game back with only two weeks left in the season.

Last week the Wolves split 2 games with both Montreal and Cincinnati on the road before losing 2 of 3 to Milwaukee at Dominion Stadium. The Arrows need every win possible, including the one in extras, as they are one game out of the division lead after a hot start to open the season that was followed by a terrible slump. Toronto's division has 4 teams less than 4 games out for the division pennant. The CA East will be a fight to the finish with teams having about dozen games remaining in the regular season.

The worst news of the week for the Wolves was that Phil Story is done for the season after suffering a shoulder injury when he was taken out by a runner breaking up an attempt at a double play. Story will finish the season with a .259/.345/.345 17 SB line while occupying the leadoff spot for most of '75. Many feel that this could be end of the line for Story who turns 37 on September 26th. He made his debut with team in 1961 after being the 10th player selected in the 1957 draft.

The Wolves will play a major factor in which team advances out of the East. The only team of the top 4 they do not play in their remaining 14 games are the Arrows who they finished the year against with a 9-9 record. Toronto finishes the season series with 4th place Montreal this week with 2 at home before hosting division leaders Cleveland for 2. On the weekend the Wolves head to New York to play 3 with the Imperials. The last week of season has the Wolves in Cleveland for 4 in 3 days before hosting the Imperials in the season's final series.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 09/14/1975

• Second assassination attempt on President Ford foiled in San Francisco, as Sara Jane Moore fires a shot that narrowly misses the President, intensifying national alarm over presidential security.
• Secret Service overhauls protection procedures, sharply restricting public access to Ford after two attempts on his life in just 17 days.
• Senate confirms John Paul Stevens to Supreme Court, and the new justice is sworn in, formally filling the seat vacated by William O. Douglas.
• Two U.S. servicemen are missing after an armed band attacked a U.S. communications base in Ethiopia. The identity of the attackers is unknown but an Ethiopian rebel group based in Syria has claimed responsibility.
• Police in Spain arrested eight alleged members of a Communist group accusing them of distributing anti-government propaganda.
• Heating oil concerns dominate Northeast headlines, as governors warn of potential winter shortages if inventories are not replenished quickly.

[Tiger Fan]

SEPTEMBER 22, 1975

TITANS SURPRISE DEFENDING CHAMPS
New York Tops Buffalo 20-14 as AFA Kicks Off 1975 Campaign

The first Sunday of the 1975 AFA season belonged to defense, field position — and the unexpected.

It wasn't pretty as the New York Titans had nearly as many punts as they did first downs but the Titans showing was effective as they held off the defending World Classic champion Buffalo Red Jackets 20-14 in a game that was dominated by the defense for both teams. The loss for Buffalo was doubly tough when quarterback Jason Myers was knocked out of the game after his knee was pinned awkwardly under him when Titans linebacker Booker Viera sacked the Red Jackets star signal caller late in the second quarter. Fortunately for Buffalo the injury was not as serious as first feared but Myers is expected to miss at least one and perhaps two games.

The game was tied 7-7 late in the second quarter when Myers went down after completing 11 of 18 pass attempts for 82 yards including a 6-yard touchdown throw to Tom Bowens Jr. minutes before his injury. Without his starting quarterback, Buffalo coach Tom Bowens Sr., had to adjust his offense and the Red Jackets passing game was almost non-existent with backup Chris Kennedy calling the shots. The 8th year pro, who had completed just one regular season pass since Myers arrived in 1973, struggled mightily and went just 4-for-14 throwing the ball. Nothing illustrated the Red Jackets futility on offense more than their final series of the game when, trailing 20-14, Kennedy threw four consecutive poor passes, all incompletions, that ended any hope of a Buffalo comeback.

New York's offense was not much better as James Tovar completed less than half of his throws and passed for just 119 yards but he did find Jack De Lacey for a four yard score in the closing moments of the first half that put the Titans ahead 14-7, a lead they would not relinquish.

The Titans managed just 13 first downs, 189 yards of total offense and was only 5-for-19 on third down attempts but the Titans defense ensured that the Red Jackets were worse in each of those categories. The Red Jackets gained just 24 yards on the ground, a task made much easier for the Titan defenders when it was quickly determined that Kennedy would not be a threat through the air. Viera, who had 7 tackles to go along with his sack, had a strong game but the Titans most impactful player on this day might well have been punter Larry Snodgrass, who was kept very busy with 11 punts on the afternoon. Snodgrass boomed most of them, averaging over 51 yards a kick and placed 5 of them inside the Buffalo 20-yard line to ensure that his club would win the battle for field position.

Next up for the Titans will be another difficult challenge as they host the other team to reach the World Classic last season in the Houston Drillers. It is early but without Myers and with a second consecutive game against a National Conference East Division foe in the Cincinnati Riverman the defending champs run the danger of falling well behind their division rivals.

*** Drillers Survive in Overtime ***

If the Titans’ win raised eyebrows, the performance of the powerhouse Houston Drillers raised questions. Houston, coming off an 0–3 preseason, needed overtime and the right leg of James Alcala to escape with a 27–24 victory over the Seattle Roughnecks.

Seattle, which went just 5-9 a year ago and has not had a winning season since 1971, appeared poised for the upset after rookie Walter Martinez capped a strong fourth-quarter drive with a six-yard scoring run to put the Roughnecks ahead 24–21. Martinez gained 41 of his game high 99 yards rushing on that scoring drive. However the Drillers, who have not had a losing record since 1961, put together a late drive to get into field goal position for Alcala. His 24-yard kick with 11 seconds remaining in regulation tied the contest and then after winning the coin toss for overtime the Drillers did just enough to give Alcala a chance to win the game. His 42-yard boot split to uprights to give Houston a 27-24 decision.

It was a tough result for the Roughnecks, who likely deserved better after they were treated to a strong game by third year quarterback Ellis Rick (21-of-28 for 190 yards). Seattle outgained Houston and had the edge in time of possession but the veteran Drillers, as they so often do, simply found a way to win.

Houston quarterback Randall Silva had a workmanlike game and while the running back question - a position decimated by retirement over the off-season- may still be unanswered although first round pick Anderson Nail did gain 70 yards on 17 carries, the Drillers prevailed. On defense, Bobby Barrell Jr. was far less involved than is usually the case for the 31-year-old all-world defensive end but he still garnered plenty of attention from the Seattle blockers, which may have opened the door for Roger Hansen to shine. Hansen, the other end on the Drillers defensive line, had two sacks and forced a fumble and is already a third of the way towards his previous season high in sacks. Linebacker Max Brunner also made his presence felt with a game high 10 tackles and a sack. That is the beauty of Houston's defense as you can stop one piece but there are simply so many other weapons that it is impossible to contain them all.

AROUND THE LEAGUE

The Minnesota Lakers opened their season with a 14-7 victory over the worst team in the league a year ago, doubling Atlanta 14-7. Juan Romo ran for 123 yards and a touchdown to pace the Lakers offense. Gus Robards completed 15 of 24 passes for 126 yards but was also intercepted 3 times by the Firebirds defense. Atlanta's offense was practically invisible as veteran quarterback Paul Fairfield completed just 6 of 14 throws for 77 yards prompting calls from the crowd for first overall draft pick Allen McCallister to get his shot under center despite the fact that the former St. Blane star struggled mightily in the preseason. The Atlanta running game was dreadful averaging barely a yard a carry on 33 attempts.

The Detroit Maroons opened the season with a victory at Thompson Field, downing the New Orleans Crescents 21-3. It was an awful display of football by both offenses, particularly the hosts who gained just 109 yards of total offense. The Crescents were not much better but shot themselves in the foot as quarterback Royce Neill was picked off three times including a pair of interceptions that the Maroons returned for touchdowns.

The Boston Americans went into Cougars Park and their defense completely overwhelmed the Chicago Wildcats in a 13-7 victory. Boston held the Wildcats to less than 100 yards of offense and it is a miracle that Wildcats quarterback Carl Pederson survived the afternoon. He was sacked 13 times including 3 from veteran Yanks defensive end Wayne Flemming who had a field day with the injury-depleted Chicago offensive line. Despite the constant running for his life, Pederson had Chicago ahead 7-3 after finding Frank Roberts for a 39-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. The lone Boston touchdown did not come until the midway mark of the third quarter when Jeff Stockton ran for a three yard score after the Americans had been given great field position thanks to a 54-yard punt return courtesy of Jacob Sloane.

Defense was also the story at Fitzpatrick Park where the only touchdown came on an Edward Ball 24-yard interception return for a score midway through the third quarter to put the Pittsburgh Paladins ahead of the New York Stars 7-6. The game would end in that score with Lewis Tanner's two field goals accounting for all of the Stars offense. The turnover ruined a pretty solid game for Stars quarterback Dick Cleaves, who had an awful time as the starter a year ago and completed just 39% of his passes in 1974. Cleaves was much better on this day, hitting his target on 19 of 36 attempts for 173 yards but the interception proved the difference between winning and losing.

Charlie Singletary threw for 239 yards to help the San Francisco Wings defeat their long-time rivals the Los Angeles Tigers 19-7. It was the 49th meeting between the two foes and San Francisco leads the series 28-21. The only Wings touchdown came on a Clifford Lattimore 1 yard plunge as kicker Herb Wilson accounted for the rest of the San Francisco scoring by connecting on all four of his field goal attempts.

The Washington Wasps jumped out to a 20-7 second quarter lead on Milwaukee and went on to beat the Stags 29-13 at Milwaukee's Lakefront Stadium. Terry Bergeron threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns but was also intercepted twice, both by Stags cornerback Steven Hunter including one Hunter returned 41 yards for his first career touchdown. Veteran Milwaukee running back Dave McFadden had an awful day as he was held to just 7 yards on 23 carries.

Patrick Kelly started his first game at quarterback for St Louis in three years and did enough to lead the Ramblers to a 14-9 win over the Admirals in San Diego. Kelly, who won the starting job from incumbent Jerry Flores in training camp, completed just 7 of 16 passes on the day but two were for second quarter touchdowns. San Diego had success moving the football, and quarterback Duane Gray threw for 207 yards, but struggled in the red zone and was forced to settle for field goals.

In Kansas City Joshua Sellers had a strong game for the Cowboys, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns to lead his team to a surprisingly easy 30-6 victory over the visiting Cleveland Finches. Running back Jimmy Walker had 100 yards receiving while wide receiver Al Blackburn caught a touchdown pass and ran for another score as the Cowboys had little difficulty moving the ball against the Finches.

Robert Haas, offensive MVP a year ago, picked up right where he left off last season for the Denver Mountaineers. The fifth year quarterback threw for 170 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another major to lead the Mountaineers to a 27-3 drubbing of Miami. It was a disappointing result on the road for the Mariners, who went 11-3 a year ago and have not missed the playoffs since 1965. Miami quarterback Jeff Conroy had a rough day, completing just 15 of 35 pass attempts and was intercepted twice including one that Denver defensive back George Van Beek returned 43 yards for a fourth quarter touchdown that put an exclamation mark on the Mountaineers victory.

Chuck Rayford threw for 173 yards and a touchdown while Lanny Keel returned a first quarter interception 41 yards for a score to help the Cincinnati Riverman hold off the visiting Philadelphia Frigates 16-10. Two Butch White interceptions doomed the Frigates with the first quarter Keel score turning the game around after Philadelphia had gained some early momentum. On their opening drive Riverman tight end Todd Poindexter fumbled the ball and Philadelphia recovered but on the next play White was picked off by Keel who returned the ball for the opening score and Cincinnati never trailed in the game.

Drama in Dallas as the visiting Los Angeles Olympians held off a late charge to defeat the Dallas Stallions 13-10. The Olympians led 6-3 until quarterback Jim Moran completed three straight passes including a 6-yard scoring strike to Keith Aguilar with less than 4 minutes remaining to increase the lead to 13-3. That touchdown proved essential as Dallas quarterback Keith Hale found Richard Marshall for a 65-yard scoring pass to cut the LA lead to 3 points with a little over a minute remaining. A Dallas desperation onsides kick attempt failed to work and the Olympians were able to run out the clock.

Week One rarely defines a season. But for the champions in Buffalo, the powerhouse in Houston, and several clubs with January aspirations, the margin between comfort and concern already feels thin.

THREE TEAMS WITHIN HALF GAME OF EAST DIVISION LEAD AS SEASON ENTERS FINAL WEEK

Half the divisions had absolutely zero action in the final month, and one is a few moments away from being decided, but if the CA East doesn't go down to the last day it would be a surprise.

A division where no one has been able to separate and seemingly a new team is on top each week, the baseball world will be firmly focused on the game's most crowded division.

At print, the New York Imperials hold a lead of the slightest margins, half a game over both the Arrows and Foresters, after a huge three game sweep of the Wolves in New York. They also have one of the easier schedules left, three hosting the Saints, an off day, and then they finish the year with a three game set against the Wolves in Toronto. At 77-79, the Saints could get back into the division race, especially with a sweep, but them and the Wolves have gone 9-21 against New York. They have their best record against the Wolves, and the only other team they've played better then Montreal is the Sailors.

Of course, the Imperials are the most fragile team in baseball, and they were dealt yet another big blow to the roster. This one hurts the most, as their likely batting title winner Woody Richardson will miss the rest of the season with an oblique strain. Coming over in probably the best move of the offseason, the 27-year-old first basemen has hit an outstanding .347/.401/.475 (140 OPS+) with 22 doubles, 13 homers, 67 runs, 82 RBIs, and nearly twice as many walks (46) as strikeouts (24). Richardson joins notable bats Bill Wood (.256, 7, 56, 14) and Phil Terry (.301, 17, 71, 14), as well as co-ace John Alfano (8-11, 4.15, 69) on the IL, and one has to wonder if this is finally the injury that keeps them out of the postseason. Their depth will be seriously tested, but they can move All-Star outfielder Al Reece (.339, 9, 64, 18) to first, improving the defense with someone like Freddy Curtis (.230, 3, 24, 7) or Brian Miller (.244, 4, 16). While not ideal, it has to work for just a week, as a first division title in team history is firmly in reach.

Milwaukee and Cleveland both face one of the teams the Imperials face, with their other series against the Cincinnati Cannons. The Cannons are tied with the Wolves for last, and start with a two game series hosting the Arrows. At 80-77, the Arrows have one more loss then the Imperials, and will need to make up ground with two series on the road. One less game could make it tougher to catch up, but they're playing some of their best baseball this year. Their 12-8 September record is reminiscent of their early season success, and they've gotten huge performances from the almost 29-year-old Tex Cavanaugh (10-12, 3.03, 125). Used to pathetic run support all year, he's just 2-1 in September, but it comes with a dominant 1,37 ERA (284 ERA+) in 26.1 innings pitched. Paul Barkley (.268, 14, 73, 19) and Rich Moyer (.328, 10, 65, 16) have really been hitting well too, and the duo is doing what they can to will their team back to the playoffs.

Cleveland then has one less win then the Imperials, and are stuck with a double header to open the week. A spot starter may be expected, as while they are off on Thursday, they've played 17 in a row and have the flexibility of an expanded roster to lessen the loss of a pen arm. Four against the Wolves could end in easy wins, especially at home, and three against the rival Cannons could set up some very interesting storylines.

*** Suns Magic Number at 2 ***

While all but a formality at this point, the Los Angeles Suns have got their magic number down to just two games, as they open the last week of the season with a six game lead over the Houston Comets. The two teams meet in the middle of the week, a pair of games in Houston on Wednesday and Thursday, buy by that series the division could already be wrapped up.

LA opens the week with two in Minnesota, and if they win both, it won't even matter what the Comets do. Same goes if the Comets lose both games to the Pioneers, and if both teams split things will be finished as well. What gets interesting is if the Suns get swept and the Comets sweep, which would make the last series of the season meaningful. LA would still hold a two game lead, and be at home to finish the season, but they'd get a tougher test. Instead of a bottom feeder like the Pioneers, which should be easy wins for Houston, they're stuck with the 82-73 Dynamos, who were recently eliminated themselves.

It would take a lot for Houston to erase their deficit, but they helped themselves by splitting with the Suns this week before sweeping the Millers. Dropping a two game set to the Dynamos, however, put them in this mess to start with, but even this offense can't be counted out just yet. The staff keeps them in any game, and if the Suns manage to cough up this lead, it wouldn't even be the first six game deficit given up on the final week of the season. Sure, the Stars held the Cougars off in a play-in game back in 1946, but if you give a FABL team a chance, you never know what they might pull off.

Players of the Week: Burney, Hendricks

• For most Pioneers fans, they can't wait until this nightmare season ends, but for 24-year-old Mike Burney he's glad it's not quite over yet. The rookie former 15th Rounder took home Player of the Week, going an absurd 12-for-17 with 2 doubles, a triple, 2 walks, 3 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. It hasn't been like that most season, as until September he didn't even have a monthly OPS+ above 100. In September, however, he's hit an outstanding .415/.449/.554 (175 OPS+), that has increased his season line to a now above average .300/.367/.390 (109 OPS+). A lefty with a decent bat, he doesn't have the power you traditionally expect from a corner bat, just a single homer in 244 PAs, but he's got 10 doubles, 3 triples, 22 walks, 22 RBIs, and 25 runs scored in his 69 games.
• If Montreal wants to sneak into the playoffs, they'll need more of the same from Jim Hendricks, who got the Conti's version of the award. Having turned 34 at the end of last week, he celebrated his new age with a 16-for-31 week. It came with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 10 RBIs, 9 runs, and a steal, as he's a week away from his tenth consecutive offensive season. I don't think there's enough at bats for him to drop down from his .308/.358/.492 (134 OPS+) line, and his 137 WRC+ right now gives him 8 seasons above 130. An extra base machine, he set a career high with 15 triples this season, compiling 38 doubles, 10 homers, 90 RBIs, 77 runs, 42 walks, and 13 steals. A 4-Time All-Star and fan favorite, he's been one of the most productive Saints since they took him 6th in 1964, and he continues to be a weapon for them in the lineup.

Exceptional Performances: Boynton Debut, Shutouts, 5-Hit Games

• It's hard to ask for a much better debut then the one from former 1st Rounder John Boynton. As if the Kings needed another top pitcher, they may have it in this 25-year-old, as Boynton spun a 3-hit shutout in his first FABL start. He struck out 4 and didn't walk any, cruising to a 5-0 win over the Cougars. Boynton isn't considered a highly ranked prospect, 27th in the Kings organization and outside the top 500. It's not like he had much success in AAA either, just 7-14 with a 5.64 ERA (87 ERA+) and 1.66 WHIP in his 28 starts, but a few more starts like this and it won't matter what he did in AAA. Someone will be interested, and I'm sure the Kings would get to add a nice prospect in return for a young pitcher who's got the guts for professional ball.
• In a much needed game to keep their postseason chances alive, Houston got another gem from Jay Hunt. His record isn't any good because his team doesn't always score, so a 5-hit shutout it about the only way to guarantee one. His 12th win in 22 decisions, that's despite an elite 2.43 ERA (160 ERA+) and 3.04 FIP (77 FIP-), and even if the shutout had just one strikeout, he had 138 more coming into the game.
• A third shutout came in New York, where Joe Nelson bested the Clippers at his home stadium. A true gem, the 27-year-old allowed just 4 hits with no walks, striking out 6 to improve to 12-14 on the season. His 3.57 ERA (108 ERA+) is much higher then his 3.04 FIP (77 FIP-), and he's got one more chance to put up a 6 WAR season. It's been a nice breakout for the former 4th Rounder, who's comfortably fit himself at the top of the Gothams rotation.
• Three players had 5-hit games this week, including two in the same game. A member of the Saints and Arrows both got 5-hit games, but only the Saints player came away with the win. In a 17-9 victory, Player of the Week Jim Hendricks (.308, 10, 90, 13) got his in 6 trips, adding a double, 3 runs, and 6 RBIs. Meanwhile, Rich Moyer (.328, 10, 65, 16) was a perfect 5-for-5 in the loss, picking up a run, RBI, and three runs scored. Record keeping isn't perfect, but this is widely believed to be the first 9-inning FABL game where players on different teams both recorded 5-hit games.
• The last came from Keystone outfielder Jake Butler earlier in the week, as he was 5-for-5 in a shocking 10-2 thrashing of the first place Copperheads. Last year's All-Star was a perfect 5-for-5, adding a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs. Despite not being an All-Star this year, the second year player is actually hitting better, with a strong .302/.365/.428 (120 OPS+) batting line and 132 WRC+. All three are improvements on last year, as are his 4.8 WAR, 6 triples, and 54 walks, but he's dropped from 22 homes to 12. One of the few bright spots in the lineup, him and Joe Landry (.246, 22, 81) make up a dangerous corner outfield, and if they can find some arms they could compete next season.

FIGHTING SAINTS BLANK DETROIT CITY COLLEGE 16-0

The St. Blane Fighting Saints passed their first challenge of the college football season while handing Detroit City College its second consecutive failing grade. The Fighting Saints defense dominated its much anticipated showdown with DCC, forcing three turnovers and leading the Saints to a 16-0 victory in their season opener. For Detroit City College, it is still September but already a lost season for the Knights who are shockingly 0-2 and no longer ranked after following up a upset loss to College of Waco in their season opener with a disappointing showing against St Blane.

The Fighting Saints offense did not overwhelm - their only touchdown came early in the first quarter on the play immediately after Raleigh Cutler had returned a punt 60 yards to the Knights one yard line. The score came on a 1-yard plunge by sophomore halfback Boyd Freeman, who carried the ball 30 times for 109 yards in his first career collegiate start. Freshman quarterback Henry Sneed had his struggles adapting to the speed of the college game, completing just 5 of 13 tosses for only 36 yards but the Fighting Saints offense did not turn over the ball and while they did not find the endzone again, they did navigate their way into position for Freddy Stewart to make good on each of his three field goal attempts.

As for the Knights, they knew they would have challenges with the loss of All-Great Lakes Alliance quarterback and four year starter Harold Robinson to graduating, but they did not expect things to be this difficult. Pete Patterson was a little better under center this week than he performed in his debut against Waco, but he still threw for just 66 yards and committed one of the three Knights fumbles, two of which led directly to Saints field goals. DCC now has a week off to try and regroup and one more tune up game, against Red River State, before beginning their quest for a third consecutive conference championship but any dreams of a national title, flimsy as they might have been at the start of the season, are now out the window.

*** Gators Dominant in Debut ***

The Georgia Baptist Gators already own six national titles and reaffirmed in their season opener why they are ranked number one in their quest for a seventh crown as the Gators hammered Portland Tech 45-10 in the 1975 debut for both schools. It took little time for the Gators to get their legs as they scored a touchdown on a long opening drive and had built 31-0 lead just pass the midway point of the second quarter. Quarterback Alfred Morgan completed 17 of 19 throws for 233 yards and four touchdowns with three of them going to senior wideout Arthur Doe, who caught nine passes for 132 yards on the afternoon.

Noble Jones College, the Gators Georgia and Deep South Conference rivals, who are the only other school with six national titles, had a dominant debut of their own, blasting lightly regarded McKinney State 48-10 behind the two-pronged rushing attack of Melvin Edgar and Jason Holder. Each of the junior backs scored twice with Edgar gaining 208 yards on just 15 carries while Holder rushed for 169.

Other action involving ranked teams saw Lawrence State, behind the 119 yard, two touchdown running performance from junior halfback Luther Dickinson, blank Valley State 38-0. Central Ohio improved to 2-0 with a 19-0 shutout of Western Florida as Aviators quarterback George Stephens threw for 129 yards and ran for a touchdown. Central Kentucky also picked up a shutout in its season opener as the Tigers downed Rome State 28-0 with running back Louie Fierro gaining 129 yards on the ground and scoring a pair of touchdowns.

A surprise result from Texas where El Paso Methodist ran its record to 2-0 by downing defending national champion Redwood 31-13 in the Mammoths season opener. The Mammoths dominated most of the key indicators including gaining 121 more yards of total offense but three costly turnovers including an errant John Coughlin pass that was returned 19 yards for a Joseph Flowers touchdown just 8 seconds after the Bandits had scored their opening touchdown proved to be the difference in the contest.

Boulder State was another ranked team to taste defeat in their opener as the Grizzlies lost a tight one to Tempe College, falling 18-14 in another game that saw turnovers play a big role in the outcome.

Elsewhere in games of note senior quarterback Jose Felder, a three time All-South Atlantic Conference selection, passed for one touchdown and ran for 121 yards and another score to lead the Charleston Tech Admirals to a 27-7 decision over Mobile Maritime. Fellow SAC outfit Carolina Poly upended favoured Alabama Baptist 16-13 thanks to a late 59-yard touchdown pass from Frank Payne to David Sander. Victor Young ran for 135 yards but it was not enough as his Lincoln Presidents came out on the short end of a 14-10 decision against Daniel Boone College. Huntington State backs Allan Rios and Scott Kroll combined for 283 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Miners past Richmond State 45-17. Payne State moved up to #15 in the polls after the Mavericks crushed Chicago Poly 52-13. College of San Diego is also 2-0 and ranked after the Friars, led by a pair of touchdown passes from freshman quarterback Randy Rossman, upended Coastal California 21-14. It was a tough day for the city of Los Angeles as the CCLA Coyotes joined the Dolphins in defeat, falling 40-14 to Minns College.

A pair of Ken Harding fourth quarter field goals lifted Oklahoma City State to a 13-6 win over Bayou State. A late touchdown by senior running back Russell Galvin proved the difference as Whitney College upset Rainier College 17-13. Freshman quarterback Ralph Smithey threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns to pace St. Magnus to a 38-17 victory over Commonwealth Catholic and improve the Vikings record to 2-0. Northern California rallied with three unanswered fourth quarter touchdowns to nip Wyoming A&I 29-24 while fellow West Coast Athletic Association member Lane State edged Idaho A&M 12-10.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL RESULTS
St Blane Fighting Saints - 16, Detroit City College Knights - 0
St Magnus Vikings - 38, Commonwealth Catholic Knights - 17
Central Kentucky Tigers - 28, Rome State Centurions - 0
El Paso Methodist Bandits - 31, Redwood Mammoths - 13
Minns College Mavericks - 40, CC Los Angeles Coyotes - 14
College of San Diego Friars - 21, Coastal California Dolphins - 14
Carolina Poly Cardinals - 16, Alabama Baptist Panthers - 13
Lane State Emeralds - 12, Idaho A_M Pirates - 10
Abilene Baptist Chaparrals - 15, Lubbock State Hawks - 10
Texas Gulf Coast Hurricanes - 54, Ferguson Wildcats - 0
College of Omaha Raiders - 37, Western Iowa Canaries - 0
George Fox Reds - 38, Garden State Redbirds - 0
Columbia Military Academy Cadets - 28, Henry Hudson Explorers - 3
Maryland State Bengals - 38, Central Carolina Lions - 10
Brunswick Knights - 45, Baton Rogue State Red Devils - 9
Ellery Bruins - 36, St Patrick's Shamrocks - 6
Grafton Scholars - 26, Coastal State Eagles - 23
Dickson Maroons - 20, Boston State Pirates - 3
Potomac College Pelicans - 24, Sadler Bluecoats - 19
Pittsburgh State Finches - 30, Pierpont Purple - 13
Central Ohio Aviators - 19, Western Florida Wolves - 0
American Atlantic Pelicans - 13, Cowpens State Fighting Green - 3
Daniel Boone College Frontiersmen - 14, Lincoln Presidents - 10
Indiana A_M Reapers - 45, Lambert College Stags - 0
Eastern State Monitors - 41, St Ignatius Lancers - 30
Noble Jones College Colonels - 48, McKinney State Renegades - 10
Liberty College Bells - 16, Minnesota Tech Lakers - 13
Oklahoma City State Wranglers - 13, Bayou State Cougars - 6
Travis College Bucks - 27, Utah A_M Aggies - 13
Darnell State Legislators - 17, Colorado Poly Redbirds - 16
Amarillo Methodist Grizzlies - 23, Mile High State Falcons - 16
College of Waco Cowboys - 29, Custer College Cavalry - 27
South Valley State Roadrunners - 10, Eastern Oklahoma Pioneers - 3
Provo Tech Lions - 10, Topeka State Braves - 3
Arkansas A_T Badgers - 30, Cache Valley Cowboys - 7
Northern California Miners - 29, Wyoming A_I Prospectors - 24
North Carolina Tech Techsters - 45, Petersburg Patriots - 13
Charleston Tech Admirals - 27, Mobile Maritime Middies - 7
Alexandria Generals - 35, Bluegrass State Mustangs - 13
Chesapeake State Clippers - 24, Red River State Rowdies - 14
Huntington State Miners - 45, Richmond State Colonials - 17
Whitney College Engineers - 17, Rainier College Majestics - 13
Cumberland Explorers - 31, Miami State Gulls - 21
Bulein Hornets - 30, Queen City Monarchs - 7
St Pancras Lions - 28, Cleveland Tigers - 0
Northern Minnesota Muskies - 23, Penn Catholic Crusaders - 13
Payne State Mavericks - 52, Chicago Poly Catamounts - 13
Lawrence State Chippewa - 38, Valley State Gunslingers - 0
Tempe College Titans - 18, Boulder State Grizzlies - 14
Texas Panhandle Cowboys - 15, Eastern Kansas Warriors - 13
Spokane State Indians - 23, Iowa A_M Bulls - 13
Canyon A_M Armadillos - 26, Opelika State Wildcats - 10
Georgia Baptist Gators - 45, Portland Tech Magpies - 10
Northern Mississippi Mavericks - 17, Wisconsin State Brewers - 14

NEXT WEEK GAMES INVOLVING TOP 20 SCHOOLS
#1 Georgia Baptist (1-0) at #18 Rainier College (0-1)
Rome State (0-1) at #2 St Blane (1-0)
#3 Lawrence State (1-0) at Cowpens State (0-2)
#4 Noble Jones College (1-0) at Coastal California (0-1)
#5 Mississippi A&M (1-0) at #15 Payne State (2-0)
Petersburg (0-1) at #6 El Paso Methodist (2-0)
#7 Central Kentucky (1-0) at Spokane State (0-1)
#10 Boulder State (0-1) at #9 Charleston Tech (1-0)
#11 Alabama Baptist (0-1) at #24 Lane State (1-0)
#12 Daniel Boone College (1-0) at #22 Travis College (1-0)
Opelika State (0-1) at #13 Redwood (0-1)
Boston State (0-1) at #14 Huntington State (1-0)
Penn Catholic (0-1) at # 16 College of San Diego (2-0)
#17 Bayou State (0-1) at Northern Minnesota (1-1)
#20 Annapolis Maritime (0-0) at Liberty College (1-0)

POSITIVE SIGNS AT THOMPSON FIELD - AND A CLOUD OVER THE CAMPUS

For a change, the wind that whipped around Thompson Field on Sunday did not carry only groans.

It carried something unfamiliar around these parts.

Hope.

Not the parade-down-Woodward variety. Not yet. But the kind that lets a Detroit sports fan loosen his collar a notch and say, “Well now, that’s something.”

The Detroit Maroons opened their season with a 21–3 victory over the New Orleans Crescents, and if you’re the sort who prefers style points, you were probably home by halftime. If you’re the sort who prefers victories, you stayed to applaud.

And on the diamond the Detroit Dynamos have quietly won three straight and are about to finish with their first winning record since 1970.

In this town, that qualifies as a civic improvement.

Let’s begin with the Maroons.

They weren’t dazzling. They weren’t dynamic. They weren’t even particularly competent on offense. But they were the only club in the American Conference Central to put a “W” in the ledger on opening weekend. In September, style is optional. Standings are not.

The defense was ferocious in the way only a Detroit defense can be — blue-collar, lunch-pail, no-nonsense. John Barrow and John McKay each carried interceptions into the end zone, accounting for 14 points all by themselves. I can’t recall the last time the Maroons defense outscored the offense without breaking a sweat.

They held New Orleans to three conversions in 18 third-down attempts. That’s not bending. That’s bricklaying.

And they did it without linebackers Russell Campbell and Brad Sparrow. Campbell will be back next week. Sparrow will not. The fact that it hardly seemed to matter tells you something about the spine of this football team.

Now, about that offense.

Charles Sonnenberg completed nine passes Sunday. They traveled a combined 69 yards. That’s not a misprint. The young man OSA recently hailed as one of the league’s best quarterbacks still looks like a symphony warming up instead of playing. He doesn’t make many mistakes — and that’s to his credit — but he doesn’t make many plays either.

Gerald Edwards carried the ball 15 times and gained four yards. Four. I’ve seen cab drivers make more progress on Jefferson during rush hour.

Caleb Luce at least showed a pulse, punching in a two-yard score that gave Detroit breathing room. But if this offense is going to be more than a weekly passenger riding shotgun with the defense, new coordinator Dwight Johnson has some late nights ahead.

The good news? Los Angeles visits next. The Los Angeles Tigers didn’t look like world-beaters in their opener. The Maroons could very well be 2–0 before the leaves change.

Now to baseball — yes, baseball — where something remarkable has happened. Pitching has broken out in Detroit.

Pat Fortier, plucked off waivers last fall, has turned into a 17-game winner with a 2.50 earned run average. Joe Jones, another castoff, has matched him stride for stride at 17–7. Manager Roger Cleaves deserves a tip of the cap for having the nerve to move Jones into the rotation.

And then there’s George Carney — local boy, high draft pick, still walking a few too many but flashing the kind of arm that makes you circle next April on the calendar.

A year ago this was the worst staff in the league. Today it’s the reason you can talk about spring training without laughter following the sentence.

That’s progress.

And now — because no Detroit weekend is allowed to be entirely pleasant — we turn to the campus.

The Detroit City College Knights are 0–2.

Read that again.

A program that has worn the crown of the Great Lakes Alliance two straight years has stumbled out of the gate like a freshman late for an 8 a.m. lecture. The loss in Texas to College of Waco was jarring. Saturday’s 16–0 shutout at the hands of St. Blane was sobering.

The offense, once a point of pride, has been reduced to a rumor.

Yes, graduation stripped them of leadership. Yes, these things take time. But national title talk in September has already given way to damage control. The trip to Red River State on October 4 now looms as something close to essential. Lose that one, and New Year’s Day becomes a postcard instead of a plane ticket.

It is too early to panic. It is not too early to worry.

So here we are, Detroit.

The Maroons have muscle. The Dynamos have arms. The Knights have questions.

For one crisp Sunday at Thompson Field, the cheers outweighed the sighs. In this town, that counts as a pretty good weekend.

Just don’t ask anyone wearing a Knights red and silver crew neck sweatshirt how they feel about it.

Wolves' 2-5 Week Aids Imperials Chase For The Pennant

Toronto has the spoiler role in determining the eventual winner of the 1975 CA East division crown. This week they gave the New York Imperials a boost by getting swept in a 3 game series at Dyckman Stadium.

The East title will go down to the final weekend. The Imperials lead by the slimmest of margins, one half game, over both Milwaukee and Cleveland with Montreal lurking in 4th place only 3 games behind the leaders. The Imperials, Saints have 6 to play while Arrows and Foresters have 5 games left on their schedule. In a quirk of scheduling Toronto's last 7 games are against Cleveland (4) on the road including a Monday doubleheader then home for their final three games against the Imperials.

Toronto was officially eliminated from pennant contention this week. Manager Carl Evans' words to the team are "We may be out but lets make Cleveland and New York sweat to earn their way into the post season." Dunbar believes that this week will be the final chance for the manager along with his staff to prove they should be back in Toronto next season.

The team began their week hosting both Montreal and Cleveland in short 2 game series. Aided by 3 double plays Stan Terry downed the Saints 3-2 on Monday before getting blown out 15-5 by the Saints the next night. Lee Humphrey's decline continues in the over the last two months, he is now 9-15, 4.86 after leading the staff in the early parts of the season. Les Reid's single in the 9th walked off the Foresters 3-2 Wednesday before surrendering a 2-1 lead in the 8th when Cleveland score 3 times, setup by a George Rigby error, to capture the game 4-2.

Going into New York for a weekend set the team knew they were playing a role in the race and needed to play winning baseball against the Imperials who have been besieged lately by injuries. Toronto came up short in all 3 games. After losing a tight Friday night contest 3-2 they erased an early 3-0 deficit on Saturday to go up 5-3 but it did not last as Toronto allowed the home side to rally for 4 more runs and beat the Wolves 7-5. That loss seemed to take what little breeze remained out of the Wolves sails for Sunday's series finale. Humphrey was hit hard early and did not survive the 4th inning before get yanked after surrendering six runs in what quickly became a stree-free 12-3 win for New York. Evans hopes the entire team, especially the pitchers, put up a better fight than displayed on Sunday during the final week of the season.

In other news the AAA Buffalo Nickels finish their disappointing season Wednesday most likely finishing 5th in Union League. Chattanooga's late season rally came up short in the Dixie finishing a successful season at 73-64 in second 4 games behind Jackson. Davenport has one game left against Rockford in the Heartland championship best of three series. Vancouver finished 3rd in COW at 77-63 a distant 12 games behind the powerful Yakima Rams. Tuscaloosa won their 7th Gulf States league championship repeating the 1974 title. The future seems bright in the organization with only Buffalo having a record below .500.

Dunbar hopes the Wolves will show their mettle in the final week destroying the hopes of at least one team in the pennant chase. There will be more than sufficient time to preform a post mortem on 1975. Dunbar will start the process during the playoffs.

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 09/21/1975

• Undaunted by 2 recent assassination attempts, President Ford rode through Dallas in an open limousine and denounced "the prophets of gloom and doom" who see America crumbling under economic woes, crime and assassination fever.
• Sara Jane Moore formally charged in San Francisco shooting attempt, as court proceedings begin and new details emerge about security lapses.
• Portugal’s moderate military faction gains upper hand, as General António Ramalho Eanes and allied officers push back against radical leftist influence within the armed forces.
• New York City budget cuts deepen under federal oversight, with layoffs and service reductions announced to meet conditions of the rescue package.
• Canada’s wage and price control board begins active enforcement audits, targeting large corporations and major labor contracts.
• United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, with Middle East tensions and post-Vietnam global realignment dominating diplomatic discussion.

[Wallabee4]

Wow, what has happened to Atlanta, they sure look like they're losing their grip on having the best record, Seattle might catch them and who knows, that highly anticipated rematch might be in jeopardy.

[Tiger Fan]

Originally Posted by Wallabee4

Wow, what has happened to Atlanta, they sure look like they're losing their grip on having the best record, Seattle might catch them and who knows, that highly anticipated rematch might be in jeopardy.

Atlanta had quite the answer to your question, following up their stretch of 10 losses in 11 games with a 7 game winning streak to end the season and allow them to tie the FABL all-time record for wins in a season.

[Tiger Fan]

SEPTEMBER 29, 1975

NEW YORK IMPERIALS CAPTURE CA EAST
First Postseason Appearance For 1962 Expansion Club

Despite being battered with injuries the New York Imperials survived the mess that was the Continental Association East Division to qualify for postseason play for the first time in franchise history. Imperials boosters will not care that they also become the team with the worst winning percentage in baseball history to qualify for the playoffs. The Imperials finished with a mark of 84-78. Previously only the 1972 St. Louis Pioneers, who went 88-74, had ever won a division title with less than 90 victories since baseball expanded to the divisional format in 1969.

Despite finishing the season without everyday players Bill Wood, Phil Terry and Woody Richardson along with starting pitcher John Alfano and a host of reserve players, the Imperials won 10 of their final 15 games, an accomplishment greatly aided by the fact they played eight of those games against co-cellar dwellers Toronto and Cincinnati. Over the same span the reigning CA East champion Milwaukee Arrows went 9-6 with that single game difference proving the margin between moving on to the playoffs or their season coming to an end.

One has to think the Imperials, even if they were healthy, would stand little chance against a Seattle Kings team that went 107-55, a total of 23 more wins than New York mustered. However, the Imperials did go 5-7 against the Kings during the regular season and few gave them much chance of winning - or perhaps the better term is not losing- the East Division crown due to all of the man games lost. The Imperials were also second in the CA in runs scored this season, trailing only the Kings. The difference will likely be that while Seattle owned the best pitching staff in the CA and surrendered just 564 runs - fewest of any team in either association- the Imperials allowed 747 runs against - 10th most in the 12 team Continental Association.

Figuring out how to beat Seattle is a problem that can wait until tomorrow to solve. For now, the Imperials can bask in the glory of what for them is uncharted territory. The anticipation of playoff baseball.

As for the Kings, aside from 15 game winner Bill Harris, who fractured his elbow last week and will miss extended time, Seattle is healthy and ready to defend a World Championship Series crown won last year for the first time since 1937 when they were based in Brooklyn. The won 107 games, claiming their third straight division title and finishing 24 games up on second place Dallas. We have known that the Kings will be in the playoffs really since before the all-star break as they have had a double-digit lead atop the division every day since June 12. The only question is will they be rusty having not played a really crucial ballgame since winning the WCS a year ago?

The only team that had more certainty than the Kings that playoff baseball was in their future was the Atlanta Copperheads, who ended up a whooping 34 games ahead of second place Baltimore in the Federal Association East Division. The Copperheads have won at least 102 games each of the past four season and five of the last six. Their 112 wins this year breaks their own three year old Federal Association record of 110 and ties the 1963 Kansas City Kings for most wins in a season by a team in either association. It will be Atlanta's fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs and second straight meeting with the Los Angeles Suns in the Association Championship Series. Atlanta prevailed a year ago, taking the best of five series 3 games to one before losing to Seattle in game seven of the WCS.

The Suns, at 96-66, improved on their win total of last season by five victories and while fans of the Houston Comets might like to think they were in a race, the Suns lead was never really in danger and they finished six games ahead of Houston. The Suns went 5-7 against the Copperheads during the regular season and while they may not be considered quite the longshot the Imperials are in the CA, there is no question the Copperheads are the favourites in this series. Some might have felt there was a weakness to be found in Atlanta when the Copperheads lost 10 of 11 games in the middle of September but they ended with quite a statement, winning each of their last seven games of the regular season with absolutely nothing on the line.

Although both championship series are best-of-five affairs — a format that can produce surprises — Atlanta and Seattle enter October as clear favorites. Still, for the Imperials and Suns- two clubs that each joined the ranks of FABL in 1962 - the opportunity alone represents significant progress.

For New York in particular, the moment is historic. An expansion club that waited 13 seasons to reach October baseball now has its chance, regardless of the odds that lie ahead.

IS BASEBALL BROKEN?

I have been accused, unfairly I think, of being “old-fashioned” about baseball.

This is usually said by a man with three pocket protectors and a slide rule who believes dividing 24 teams into tidy little geographic cubbyholes has improved civilization.

Permit me to offer Exhibit A.

The New York Imperials are in the playoffs. They won 84 games. They lost 78. They finished six games over .500 and are now being fitted for October bunting because they happened to reside in the Continental Association East, a division so modest it should come with curtains.

Meanwhile, the Houston Comets won 90 games — ninety — and are home polishing their golf spikes because geography sentenced them to coexist with the Los Angeles Suns.

If you’re keeping score at home, that’s 90 victories punished, 84 rewarded.

And we are told this is progress.

Now, before the good citizens of Queens begin sending thank-you notes to the scheduling committee, let me say plainly: the Imperials did nothing wrong. They played by the rules as written six years ago when the sport doubled its postseason invitations and split itself into tidy little fiefdoms. They earned their first playoff berth fair and square.

But fair and square does not necessarily mean fair and square.

The disease in question is not the Imperials. It is mediocrity, and it has spread faster than a July doubleheader sunburn.

Consider the arithmetic. Only five clubs in the entire game managed to win 85 games. Five. Out of twenty-four. That’s not competitive balance. That’s competitive imbalance with a polite smile.

The aristocracy is easy to identify. The Atlanta Copperheads won 112 games. Again. They have now won at least 102 in four consecutive seasons, which is less a division race and more a coronation. The Seattle Kings piled up 107 victories and a third straight Continental West title without so much as breaking a royal sweat. The Suns won 96 and rendered Houston’s fine season a footnote.

Atlanta and Seattle are not simply good. They are inevitable.

The rest of the league? It is a patchwork quilt of 78–84s, 83–79s, and 80–82s pretending to be contenders because the map says they might be.

There was a time — and yes, I was there, and yes, it was uphill both ways — when you finished first or you went home. The old Los Angeles Stars made seven consecutive postseason appearances beginning in 1966, and they did so for much of it when only two teams advanced. They won four World Championship Series in that span because they were, plainly, the best.

No cartography required.

Today, the Federal Association East and the Continental West might as well hang “Closed for the Season” signs by Memorial Day. Baltimore, Philadelphia, Dallas — fine cities all — never truly stood a chance of catching Atlanta or Seattle. Hope in those towns was less a flame than a flicker.

And nothing — nothing — drains a fan’s enthusiasm like arithmetic in April that says, “See you next year.”

We are told free agency will cure this ailment. Perhaps. But even the most optimistic economist will concede it will take time — years — before player movement narrows the canyon between the haves and the have-nots. At present, Atlanta, Seattle, the Los Angeles Suns and perhaps Houston occupy the penthouse. The other 20 tenants are arguing over parking.

So what is left for October?

The Imperials deserve their celebration. Hang the bunting. Print the tickets. If they get hot and knock off Seattle, I will tip my cap and eat my column.

But let us be honest with ourselves. The odds favor another rendezvous between Atlanta and Seattle in the World Championship Series. And that would be fitting — because they are the two best teams in the sport.

Which brings us back to the original question.

If October is merely a formality for the giants and a geographic lottery for the rest, is the system working? Or have we constructed a league where 75 percent of the fan bases begin summer knowing the ceiling is third place?

The best tonic for baseball right now would be chaos. Let the Imperials topple a king. Let the Suns scorch a copperhead. Let the bracket remind us that arithmetic is not destiny.

Because if hope is an illusion in most cities by July, the game doesn’t just look broken.

It feels it.

TITANS KNOCK OFF DRILLERS 10-3
Back to Back Wins Over World Classic Participants

While the Imperials making the FABL playoffs for the first time in franchise history may have got much of the attention, the New York Titans certainly did their best to hone in on the weekend sporting highlights in the Big Apple. The Titans had a difficult start to their season with back to back games against last year's World Classic participants and although both were at Empire Stadium there was fear the Titans might start the season with a pair of losses. Instead New York pulled off something very unexpected, beating both the Buffalo Red Jackets and Houston Drillers to start the season 2-0.

The Titans held off the Red Jackets 20-14 a week ago and followed that up with a late touchdown drive to trim the Drillers 10-3. Neither offense was overly impressive as it took nearly 57 minutes for the first touchdown but the New York defense matched the mighty Drillers defense punch for punch, holding Houston quarterback Randall Silva to just 94 yards passing and did a decent job containing Houston's rookie running backs. Drillers top pick Anderson Nail gained just 67 yards while Scott Starling, selected in the second round last spring, managed to rush for 69.

The biggest play of the game for the Titans defense came in the closing seconds when veteran linebacker Bruce Fisher clinched the win by intercepting a Silva pass with just 11 seconds left in the game. It capped a brilliant day for the three-time All-Star Classic participant Fisher, who was all over the field with 15 tackles including four for negative yardage.

The Titans benefited from some breaks such as Houston kicker James Alcala missing three field goal attempts, all of at least 40 yards. Alcala is normally quite effective from that distance, entering the game 18-for-27 over his career on kicks of more than 40 yards. New York also turned the ball over three times but the Titans defense held strong.

It was the New York defense that set up the game winning score as with less than six minutes remaining Titans cornerback Richard Swanson stripped the ball out of Houston receiver Quincy Culver's hands and gave New York the ball at the Drillers 26 yard line. New York quarterback Jim Tovar quickly completed a pair of pass, finding wideout Ron Doyle for 11 yards and fullback Jack De Lacey for 14 to set up first and goal on the Houston one yard line. Legendary Drillers defensive end Bobby Barrell Jr. did his best to keep New York out of the end zone, sacking Tovar for a 7 yard loss but on second down the Titans quarterback found running back Richard Salcedo in the end zone for what proved to be the game winning score.

*** Red Jackets Fire Offensive Coordinator Following Loss to Cincinnati ***

It was a case of what have you done for me lately in Buffalo as the 0-2 Red Jackets announced that offensive coordinator Branden Martin has been relieved of his duties and will be replaced by quarterbacks coach Freeman Stahlberg. Seems like an overreaction from Buffalo head coach Tom Bowens and GM Lloyd Stephenson as Martin helped Buffalo win the World Classic just a little over eight months ago.

Martin and the Buffalo offense has had one arm tied behind its back with injuries to starting quarterback Jason Myers before halftime of the season opening loss to the New York Titans and the injury bug bit the Red Jackets passing game again yesterday. This time it was backup Chris Kennedy who was forced out midway through the game after suffering an ankle injury. The Red Jackets came up short, dropping to 0-2 with a 10-7 loss to the Rivermen, who are one of two 2-0 teams in the National Conference's East Division. Surprisingly neither of those teams is Miami as the New York Titans are the other 2-0 squad.

As for Buffalo, the Red Jackets actually had a little more success with third stringer Cal Matlock under center instead of Kennedy but the real blame for this loss has to go to the Buffalo running game, which managed just 30 yards on 22 carries in the loss. This after averaging barely a yard a carry in the week one loss to the Titans.

The Rivermen did not look like world beaters either, but they did get a solid game out of quarterback Chuck Rayford, who completed 17 of his 37 pass attempts for 177 yards. Cincinnati dominated all facets of the game, particularly time of possession with their offense on the field nearly 13 minutes more than that of the Red Jackets and the final score could have been much worse.

The Miami Mariners did manage to even their record, following up a poor showing in their opening week loss in Denver with a 28-17 victory over the St Louis Ramblers. Jeff Conroy threw for 214 yards to lead the Miami offense, which trailed 14-3 at the break but turned the game around with a pair of touchdown carries just over a minute apart sandwiched between a Ramblers fumble.

Both Kansas City and Minnesota are 2-0 and share the lead in the National Conference Central Division. The Cowboys handed the New York Stars their second straight loss, blanking their hosts 19-0 as Cowboys quarterback Joshua Sellers threw for 135 yards while halfback Tom Whitney ran for 99 yards. The Stars lost struggling quarterback Dick Cleaves for at least next week's game against Boston after Cleaves left the game with a sprained ankle. In Minneapolis, Gus Robards threw for 160 yards and a touchdown to lead the Minnesota Lakers past Dallas 17-14, spoiling a strong day from Stallions quarterback Keith Hale. The Stallions drop to 0-2. The Cowboys and Lakers will meet next Sunday in Kansas City.

The American Conference East Division also has a pair of 2-0 teams after Washington and Boston both were led by strong offensive showings. Terry Bergeron threw for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Wasps to a 34-13 victory over division rival Philadelphia while the Americans had little trouble with Pittsburgh, dumping the Paladins 31-12. Boston receiver Ben Jacobson had five catches for 112 yards and leads the AFA in receiving yardage while veteran running back Stephen McKeever found the endzone twice and rushed for a game high 86 yards. Following the game there was some unrest in the Paladins locker room with veteran tackle Brandon Schaefer noting a better effort was needed from many of his teammates and singled out quarterback Charlie Stillwell as one of the culprits. Stillwell has struggled in the Paladins two games this season, completing just 30% of his passes and was just 7 of 20 against the Yanks.

In other action the New Orleans Crescents evened their record at 1-1 with a 21-0 shutout of the hapless Atlanta Firebirds. The game did mark the pro debut of first overall pick Allen McAllister, who was called on to replace Pete Fairfield after the veteran quarterback suffered a hand injury. Neither was particularly effective and McAllister completed just 3 of 8 pass attempts for 20 yards while Fairfield went 3 for 13. In their defense the Firebirds offensive line has been downright offensive, allowing 8 sacks on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Tigers built a 10-0 first half lead on the road in Detroit but had to settle for a 10-10 tie with the Maroons. Detroit lost quarterback Charles Sonnenberg for perhaps the next two months after he suffered a broken wrist late in regulation. The injury came midway through the overtime period. Detroit had an opportunity to win the game in regulation but Maroons kicker Daniel Holmes missed a 35-yard field goal attempt in the final minute and another one, from 38 yards in overtime. It was an awful afternoon for Holmes, who missed four field goal tries and the only one he was successful on was the longest, connecting on a 51-yarder in the third quarter. Tigers kicker Richard Pond also missed a short field goal attempt early in the contest.

Another awful game for the Chicago Wildcats offensive line. Chicago quarterback Carl Pederson spent most of the 10-3 loss to Milwaukee running for his life as for the second game in a row the Wildcats allowed 13 sacks. Pass protection has long been a problem for the Wildcats, as Pederson has been sacked 46 times as a rookie two years ago and 47 last season. He has already been tackled for a loss 26 times through two games this year.

The Cleveland Finches and Los Angeles Olympians are both 1-1 after the Finches prevailed 44-31 in a shootout at Forester Field yesterday. Finches running backs Scott Hastings and Javier Headley combined for 254 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns. Hastings was named the AFA's offensive player of the week for his efforts.

Charlie Singletary threw for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the San Francisco Wings to their second straight victory. The Wings beat the Denver Mountaineers 29-7 at Golden Gate Ballpark.

Finally the Seattle Roughnecks evened their record at 1-1 by handing San Diego its second consecutive loss, 20-14 was the final score with a pair of fourth quarter Jimmy Provost field goals proving the difference.

DOLPHINS UPSET NOBLE JONES COLLEGE 17-9

The transfer to Coastal California worked wonders for running back Alvin Romero. The redshirt sophomore was unhappy after a season sitting on the bench at Payne State so he transferred to the Dolphins and paid immediate dividends for the West Coast Athletic Association squad. Noble Jones College entered the game ranked fourth in the nation but the Colonels had no answer for Romero, won ran over and around the Noble Jones College defenders, gaining 131 yards and scoring the game clinching touchdown early in the third quarter to lead Coastal California to a 17-9 upset victory. The win evens the Dolphins record at 1-1 after they dropped a decision to College of San Diego in their season opener, while it knocks the 1-1 Colonels all the way out of the top twenty-five in the latest rankings.

Number one ranked Georgia Baptist had far more success against a WCAA team than their Deep South rivals as the Gators defense shut down Rainier College, winning by a score of 19-3. Gators running backs John Garvey and Derek Cross combined for 150 yards in the victory. Two other top ten Deep South Conference schools also won on Saturday as Jimmy Ray Johnson threw for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns while halfback Marcus Butler ran for 113 yards and two scores to lead the Generals to a 42-20 drubbing of Payne State. Meanwhile Central Kentucky headed west and had an easy time with Spokane State, taking a 38-6 decision behind a 298 yard, 4 touchdown passing day from junior Tigers quarterback Joe Dobson.

St. Blane won but the Fighting Saints tumbled in the polls from second to eighth after struggling to handle winless Rome State 17-10. Only a late 46-yard touchdown run from Boyd Freeman saved the Fighting Saints from heading to overtime.

Four Great Lakes Alliance schools are in the top ten but only two won on the weekend. Central Ohio, which is sixth in this week's rankings and ninth ranked St. Magnus each had the week off while Indiana A&M and Whitney College both won. The Reapers are 2-0 and ranked 7th after shutting out Wyoming A&I 24-0 behind three Harry Connors touchdown throws while the Engineers are 3-0 and 10th this week after having an easy time of things in Cincinnati, blasting Queen City 44-9. Whitney College quarterback Roger Guenther threw for 300 yards and three scores.

El Paso Methodist is 3-0 and moved up to third in the latest rankings after the Bandits destroyed Petersburg 72-7. Mark Whitton ran for 285 yards and three touchdowns after coming in to replace starting running back Grant Chacon, who had 193 yards and 3 scores of his own.

A wild finish in South Carolina as the host Cowpens State Fighting Green and Lawrence State Chippewa were tied at 10 after regulation. The overtime had 5 touchdowns scored with Lawrence State improving to 3-0 and staying in the top five of the latest rankings following a 32-24 victory keyed by a 160 yard rushing day from Luther Dickson.

Defending national champion Redwood fell to 0-2 after the Mammoths had their struggles at home, falling 22-6 to Opelika State. It was a rough day for John Coughlin as the Redwood quarterback and hero of the East-West Classic last January threw as many interceptions (3) as he had completions on the day. Annapolis Maritime, which went unbeaten during the regular season a year ago and only a Sunshine Classic loss cost the Navigators their first national title in more than fifty years, will not go without a loss this time around as the Navigators were beaten 28-21 by Liberty College in their season opener. The difference in the game was Larry Leeper as the Bells senior running back shredded the Annapolis Maritime defense with 125 yards rushing.

Other results of note saw Eastern State spank Iowa A&M 34-3 behind a pair of touchdown passes from James Wyatt. Maryland State held off a late charge from Red River State to improve to 2-0 with a 24-16 victory. Northern California had an easy time with Baton Rouge State, downing the Red Devils 31-7 while Northern Mississippi topped the Ferguson Wildcats 31-6.

WEEKEND COLLEGE FOOTBALL RESULTS
St Blane Fighting Saints - 17, Rome State Centurions - 10
Commonwealth Catholic Knights - 10, Pittsburgh State Finches - 3
Garden State Redbirds - 23, Chicago Poly Catamounts - 18
Idaho A&M Pirates - 15, St Patrick's Shamrocks - 3
American Atlantic Pelicans - 13, Miami State Gulls - 9
Penn Catholic Crusaders - 23, College of San Diego Friars - 16
Liberty College Bells - 28, Annapolis Maritime Navigators - 21
Boston State Pirates - 18, Huntington State Miners - 17
St Pancras Lions - 43, Lambert College Stags - 13
Minns College Mavericks - 37, Wisconsin Catholic Cavaliers - 0
Arkansas A&T Badgers - 33, Coastal State Eagles - 23
Carolina Poly Cardinals - 17, Lubbock State Hawks - 6
Maryland State Bengals - 24, Red River State Rowdies - 16
North Carolina Tech Techsters - 27, Texas Gulf Coast Hurricanes - 19
Boulder State Grizzlies - 24, Charleston Tech Admirals - 16
Eastern State Monitors - 34, Iowa A&M Bulls - 3
Lawrence State Chippewa - 32, Cowpens State Fighting Green - 24
Eastern Kansas Warriors - 13, Columbia Military Academy Cadets - 3
Travis College Bucks - 32, Daniel Boone College Frontiersmen - 27
Darnell State Legislators - 23, College of Omaha Raiders - 13
Oklahoma City State Wranglers - 27, Amarillo Methodist Grizzlies - 20
College of Waco Cowboys - 20, Eastern Oklahoma Pioneers - 17
Northern Minnesota Muskies - 16, Bayou State Cougars - 9
Northern Mississippi Mavericks - 31, Ferguson Wildcats - 6
Mississippi A&M Generals - 42, Payne State Mavericks - 20
Topeka State Braves - 20, Cumberland Explorers - 10
Northern California Miners - 31, Baton Rogue State Red Devils - 7
Bluegrass State Mustangs - 10, Portland Tech Magpies - 2
Alabama Baptist Panthers - 30, Lane State Emeralds - 13
Opelika State Wildcats - 22, Redwood Mammoths - 6
Western Florida Wolves - 19, CC Los Angeles Coyotes - 16
Coastal California Dolphins - 17, Noble Jones College Colonels - 9
Georgia Baptist Gators - 19, Rainier College Majestics - 3
Central Kentucky Tigers - 38, Spokane State Indians - 6
Valley State Gunslingers - 37, Central Carolina Lions - 31
Tempe College Titans - 27, Bulein Hornets - 7
Potomac College Pelicans - 28, Abilene Baptist Chaparrals - 6
El Paso Methodist Bandits - 72, Petersburg Patriots - 7
Texas Panhandle Cowboys - 34, Utah A_M Aggies - 23
Canyon A&M Armadillos - 19, Colorado Poly Redbirds - 7
Mile High State Falcons - 12, Mobile Maritime Middies - 7
Alexandria Generals - 27, Custer College Cavalry - 0
South Valley State Roadrunners - 20, Chesapeake State Clippers - 10
Provo Tech Lions - 41, Richmond State Colonials - 16
Lincoln Presidents - 38, Cache Valley Cowboys - 13
Indiana A&M Reapers - 24, Wyoming A&I Prospectors - 0
Whitney College Engineers - 44, Queen City Monarchs - 9
McKinney State Renegades - 25, Wisconsin State Brewers - 20

NEXT WEEKEND'S GAMES INVOLVING TOP 20 TEAMS
Northern Minnesota (2-1) at #1 Georgia Baptist (2-0)
#15 Northern California (2-0) at #2 Mississippi A&M (2-0)
#3 El Paso Methodist (3-0) at South Valley State (2-0)
Ferguson (1-2) at #4 Central Kentucky (2-0)
#5 Lawrence State (2-0) at Mile High State (1-1)
#6 Central Ohio (2-0) at #20 Travis College (2-0)
#7 Indiana A&M (2-0) at #12 Maryland State (2-0)
#9 St. Magnus (2-0) at Charleston Tech (1-1)
Valley State (2-1) at #11 Eastern State (2-0)
Potomac College (2-1) at #13 Alexandria (2-0)
#14 St. Pancras (2-0) at Wisconsin Catholic (0-2)
Topeka State (2-1) at #16 Northern Mississippi (2-0)
#17 Canyon A&M (2-0) at Sadler (0-1)
#18 Minns College (2-0) at Rome State (0-2)
College of San Diego (2-1) at #19 Annapolis Maritime (0-1)





WOLVES FINISH 1975 TIED FOR FIFTH

Toronto, in the catbird's seat as the CA East spoiler, went 4-3 in the final week of the '75 season to finish with the exact same record, 74-88, as they did a year ago.

Beginning the week in Cleveland with 4 games in 3 days the Wolves poured cold water on the Foresters playoff hopes. Cleveland's problems began when Toronto swept Monday's doubleheader. Jim Hunter was dominate in the opener with a 9 inning gem tossing a 7-hit 6-0 shutout. In the nightcap Toronto opened with 6 runs in the top of the first to cruise to an easy 9-4 final despite surrendering 13 hits to the opponents. Cleveland won the Tuesday encounter when they chased Red Bullock early building a 7-0 lead through 3 then piled on the runs against the relievers to win 12-5. In the series finale. a must win for Cleveland, the Wolves' Pat Schmitt led the way with a 2-run double in the seventh inning after the Foresters had tied the game at 3 in the sixth. The loss virtually eliminated Cleveland from contention with the 5-3 final score.

After a day off on Thursday Toronto knew their play in the final series against the New York Imperials at home would be a pennant determining series. On Friday night, a cool, clear evening, with 13,677 on hand their hometown heroes built an early 5-0 lead then held on to win 6-4 giving Stan Terry his 5th victory of the year after starting the year 0-11. Terry won five of his last six decisions. The news wasn't all good for the team as George Rigby, who was playing for injured Phil Story, broke his foot forcing Joe Henke into the lineup. At this point the Milwaukee Arrows and the Imperials were deadlocked atop the East.

On Saturday under cloudy skies the fans were treated to a tight 4 hour marathon contest. After New York took a 3-2 lead in their half of the ninth the Wolves sent the games to extras when Les Reid took Ed Cooper deep with his 8th homerun of the season. After 2 scoreless innings pinch hitter Jack Peeples stroked a 2 run double off Ken Jefferies in the 12th then Carl Hoffman secured his first save of '75 to send the fans home disappointed with New York on top 5-3. This win coupled with Milwaukee's 4-3 loss in Montreal gave New York a one game lead.

The Imperials left very little to chance on the final day of the season when they obliterated Jim Hunter and the Wolves with an 18 hit attack winning a laugher 13-1. A disappointing end to the season for the Wolves.

Dunbar notes that all is not bad news for the fans. The combined record in August and September was a winning one at 29-27 allowing the team to finish 74-88, not the 100 loss season predicted by the so-called experts in March. There is still a long way to go though there are also signs of hope for the future of baseball in Toronto. This columnist will be starting a series of articles with his view of the future for the Wolves. It is apparent the team needs improvement in all areas but foremost the pitching and defense must be the starting focus. Only one word describes those two areas in 1975, awful!

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 09/28/1975

• OPEC has announced plans to hike oil prices by 10%. President Ford warns that worsening inflation and greater unemployment will result from the price hike.
• President Ford addresses the United Nations, urging continued détente and defending the Helsinki Accords amid growing Cold War skepticism at home.
• Middle East tensions flare at the U.N., with renewed debate over Palestinian representation and regional security dominating diplomatic sessions.
• Following riots in Louisville and unrest elsewhere, anti-busing sentiment is gaining strength in the Senate.
• A tip that the body of former Teamsters Union leader Jimmy Hoffa was buried in a field about 35 miles northwest of Detroit prompted an extensive search but Hoffa's remains were not found.
• Strained relations between Spain and Portugal are the result, after an attack on the Spanish Embassy in Lisbon by leftist demonstrators. Spain is upset the failure of Portuguese security forces to stop the attack.