I guess he's hiding from Arnold.
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I guess he's hiding from Arnold.
Overbay17: I'm a bit surprised as well. In earlier versions the AI 'tended' to go with the draftee's original team but it could cause trouble.
rockiesfan4ever: Yep...and I'll keep it turned off if they get it working. I'm of mixed feelings on this: Sure, the fan in me would love to see Rice, Lynn and Evans together in Boston, or Brett in KC... but that only made sense in the logic of what happened IRL.
Forcing the AIs to draft historically can weaken them long term. What if Boston, while drafting all these outfielders, already traded and had the strongest group in the league? What if Boston desperately needed a first baseman - ANY first baseman. Should they be forced to draft outfielders anyway? If so, shouldn't *I* be forced to live with whatever decisions Royals GMs made over the years? I wouldn't have Blyleven as my ace in that case...
By the logic of this universe, it made sense for Brett to end up in San Diego, and Rice/Lynn/Evans to part ways.
PotatoofCouch13: Ack! I forgot about that! Aiee!
Imgran: Bunker, Fitzmorris, Butler, and now Splittorff until October. I'm having terrible luck with my starters. I'd wonder if Satchel was practicing them too hard if he didn't have such a laid back personality.
Coach Owens: ....Ahnold? Trademarked it? Ulp! *runs*
Imgran: Is he gone yet?
*******
June 15, 1971
Kevin and I met at the observation deck of the famed Space Needle 520 feet above the city.
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...paceNeedle.jpg
Constructed in 1962, the Space Needle is the tallest building west of the Mississippi. It's built to withstand 200 mph winds and earthquakes rated 9.5 or lower.
Kevin and I walked along the perimeter. He showed off different parts of the Needle, flushed and enthusiastic as if he'd built the structure himself. Then we stood along the glass outer wall and he pointed out the distant Olympics and Cascades as well as Mount Rainier and Baker. Looking out to sea he showed me Elliott Bay and various islands.
I jumped as a heavy hand fell on my shoulder, pushing me against the glass. I spun around, ready to cold **** my accoster, then stopped as Charlie Finley grinned back.
"Sorry, Chuck. Didn't mean to startle you. Kevin? Always a pleasure!" Finley clasped his hands behind his back, breathed deep as if he could taste the salt air from the bay and examined Seattle. "Beautiful. You can see for miles!"
Kevin agreed. "I've lived here all my life, but never tire of coming up here."
He spoke emotionally, and both Finley and I gave him a long look. Charlie finally chuckled. "Well, gentlemen. I don't know about the two of you, but I am starved."
"What?" Calahan blinked. "Oh, right. The restaurant's two floors down and our reservation's set. Let's go."
I've only rarely stepped into restaurants as nice as the Sky City, usually when the Cardinals were doing some promotional or charity event. Waiters in white tuxedoes weaved between tables set in two staggered rows around the perimeter so that everyone had a more or less unobstructed view out their windows at the city far below. The twin scents of fish and beef drifted from the kitchen. Sky City is effectively a doughnut, with the kitchen, restrooms, storage and so forth in the middle.
The maitre d'restaurant met us at the elevator door, took Kevin's name and beckoned to a server who leapt over.
"Gentlemen? Please follow me."
After ordering drinks (Finley told them to just bring the entire bottle) and placing our orders I got to business.
"Okay Charlie. You wanted to talk to us. What's on your mind?"
Finley didn't answer, apparently absorbed with the view, or perhaps gathering his thoughts. "Chuck, how would you summarize the state of the American League?"
Huh? "Fairly strong. Chicago and Washington claim to be losing money, but I haven't taken a good look at their finances lately. I figured we'd bring it up at the Break."
"Kevin?"
"That...that sounds about right."
He turned. "That is how things appear on the surface, I'm sure. It's not quite that simple, and here's a clue. In the last eleven campaigns, teams that are now in the Western division have won only twice: 1965, and my Athletics last year. In other words, after 1959 you see a disproportionate amount of talent in the eastern teams."
"Winning 9 of 11 campaigns doesn't prove much," I replied. "Of the six Western teams only three were around in '59: Oakland, Chicago and Minnesota."
"True," Finley agreed. "However, you've just made my point. Through no fault of our own, the eastern teams have more talent. My point is that, as it stands, this has translated to more political power for them as well. Five of these teams - all except Washington - effectively form a bloc that dominates League affairs."
My eyes narrowed. Calahan looked thoughtful.
"Consider the Seattle situation two years ago. That went down completely along divisional lines, except for Chicago abstaining. We would have lost the Pilots if Keith Clay in New York didn't yet know his business. Believe me, if Clay hadn't been a rookie GM not yet influenced by his counterparts, we wouldn't be holding this conversation and Kevin wouldn't be in baseball at all."
"Let's say you're right," I said. "What do you want to do? Form our own 'bloc'?"
"Not quite, Chuck. This current state of affairs is caused by, and even supported by one man: Cronin. He may have been born in San Francisco, but he spent his entire playing and managing career out east and most of that in Boston. He was GM there for twelve years before becoming president! Of course he's used to working with the eastern clubs and getting them to do what he wants."
He drank half of his scotch in one shot and continued. "I think the AL President should do what the owners want instead, don't you? Every team should vote based on their interest. In fact, every team should do what's in their own best interest within certain broad guidelines. There's no reason the Seattle issue should have come to a vote: Kevin could have told us everything was okay, we could have seen that Boeing had a sane plan for keeping the team solvent, and left it at that. Now he keeps riding Kevin's ____ about Sick's Stadium! Well, I believe that so long as the team is viable and nothing happens to threaten that, then it's none of our business where the Pilots play."
Kevin nodded enthusiastically. "So, what exactly are you proposing?" I asked.
"I'm proposing the League needs a new president!"
"Wh...You?" I laughed. "No offense, Charlie, but I've heard how you run things in Oakland. They say you micromanage worse than Cronin or Bowie Kuhn ever dreamed!"
"They say lots of things, Chuck." He smiled, though his gaze hardened. "It's true though. It's necessary when others don't share your vision. This would be different though: I have no visions, no vested interest in the other clubs. Well, I take that back: I have two: First, every team must remain viable and legitimate to maintain League strength. Second, short of anything that threatens the first, no team, no Commissioner, and no president should interfere in the operating affairs of another."
"I think you can count on Seattle's vote," Kevin smiled.
"I...need to talk to Kauffman before I commit."
"Take your time," Finley replied. "We have a month. Just ask him how he'd feel if Kuhn or Cronin shut down his baseball academy as 'not in the best interest of baseball!'
Late June 1971
Needless to say Finley's idea went over like a ton of bricks with Ewing Kauffman. "I'd sooner vote in Andy! I'll take someone inexperienced over a showboating megalomaniac any day!"
In fact, he asked me to warn Cronin. I finally agreed. It felt a bit like snitching from grade school, but I suppose trying to build a coalition behind his back isn't exactly fair either.
Cronin asked for all the details. When I finished speaking he remained silent for several seconds and I began wondering if I'd lost the connection.
"Joe?"
"I'll kill him! No, I'll break him! Him and that idiotic team of his! Who the **** dresses players in lemon and lime!? I'm going to make him rue the day he ever thought of taking me down!"
"Mr. Cronin...Joe! If you retaliate you're playing into his hands! He's going to argue that you and Bowie Kuhn are too heavy handed. If you do anything to him then you'll just prove him right!"
He huffed for a moment more, then in a more normal tone: "So he's convinced Kevin. I see him talking to Bud all the time, no doubt there. Who else, Chuck?"
"He mentioned talking to the Angels. Other than that I'm not sure."
"Reynolds is easy to dupe. He'll buy Charlie's bull. Thanks for calling me, but I need to start making calls of my own."
*******
Meanwhile, Andy Kraft went ahead and made a deal. Without consulting me. I stormed into his office when I got back.
"Andy? What is this I hear about you trading away Severson!?"
He grinned. "Yeah, and Paepke and Kusick too. Sweet deal, huh?"
"All deals go through me!" I roared. "You had no right to..."
"Relax man, I had it under control. You were looking to move Paepke anyway, right? I know you won't let me get rid of Thompson, but we still have too many first basemen and so it had to be Kusick. Severson? He's not going anywhere with us. At least not anywhere near where this new guy will go."
"You should have consulted me!"
"You were out of town." He grinned. "Relax, man. I think we won this one!"
Trade:
Kansas City to LA Dodgers:
C Dennis Paepke (71/73) [26] (.250 0-1 0 in 4 AB) (assigned to bench)
1B Craig Kusick (67/81) [22] (.406 24-74 5 in B-San Jose) (assigned to C ball)
IF Rich Severson (79/83) [26] (.217 0-2 0 in 23 AB) (assigned to start at SS)
LA Dodgers to Kansas City:
SS Bill Russell (80/93) [22] (.292 0-3 2 in 24 AB) (assigned to bench)
*******
Serious news out of Cincinnati. IF Chico Ruiz claims that OF Alex Johnson pulled a gun on him in the locker room. Johnson denies the allegation and there are no witnesses. Johnson's had a very bad relationship with manager Sparky Anderson this year, who says he doesn't hustle in the field. He's already been fined and suspended a few times this year. Kraft tells me Cincinnati tried to give us Johnson as part of a trade for Paepke/Kusick/Severson, but he didn't bite.
*******
Kansas City (42-27) (1st, +3g) at Detroit (22-50) (6th, -29g)
18: Hart goes 3 for 5 with 2 RBI, Piniella 2 for 3 with 3 of his own as the Royals survive indifferent pitching. Royals 6-4
WP: Rooker (7-4), SV: York (4), HR: Hart (11)
19: Losing 2-0 entering the sixth we score 3..then they score two more as Monty Montgomery shows why he belongs in Omaha. Overall a mediocre day with no highlights. Tigers 4-3
LP: Montgomery (3-4)
20: This is the worst team in the AL? Steve Busby's MLB debut lasts 6 innings giving up 3 runs, but Tiger pitching combines to hold us scoreless. Fred Rico in RF is the only one to get two hits. Tigers 3-0
LP: Busby (0-1)
*******
Ouch. I wonder if the SI curse is finally catching up to us.
*******
Kansas City (43-29) (1st, +2g) at New York (45-24) (2nd, -6g)
21: Ken Wright blows it in the ninth giving up 5 earned runs. This wastes perfectly solid offense led by Dave Concepcion (3 for 5) and Bert Blyleven (3 for 3) Yankees 9-8
LP: Wright (3-3)
22: This time it's an error by Chico Salmon that allows New York to take a 5-1 lead. We battle back led by Kelly's two-run blast, but it's too little too late as Chicago ties us for the division lead. Yankees 5-4
LP: Rooker (7-5). HR: Kelly (7)
23: Cram stumbled in the ninth allowing two runs and letting the Yanks tie. In the tenth Hart doubles home two runs, then Cardenal brings him home. Fingers shuts the door. Royals 7-4 (10)
WP: Cram (1-2), SV: Fingers (7), HR: Kelly (8)
*******
We return home bloodied, but still tied for first. Al Fitzmorris returns from whatever ailed his family and gets the nod.
*******
Boston (37-38) (4th, -17g) at Kanssa City (44-31) (1st-T, +0g)
24: Fitzmorris holds Boston to 4 hits in 6 innings, and Cram shuts the door. Kelly goes 3 for 4, while Salmon gets a pinch hit 2 RBI single. We reclaim first. Royals 6-3
WP: Fitzmorris (4-2), SV: Cram (1)
25: Montgomery pitches for the second time in three days, for reasons only known to Lemon. He performs predictably tiring out quickly, while Jim Lonborg holds us to 4 hits in 8 innings. We're once more tied with Chicago. Red Sox 6-2
LP: Montgomery (3-5), HR: Oliver (8)
26: We manage a bit of revenge, with Blyleven striking out nine. Rico leads the way with a three-run homer. Royals 6-2
WP: Blyleven (12-3), HR: Piniella (3), Rico (1)
*******
We regain the lead on our day off. Doctors report Bunker will be ready to play on July 1, and Butler on July 5. Our starting rotation will be at full strength for the first time this year!
In Cincinnati, owner Francis Dale and Anderson decided they've had enough of Johnson. He's suspended fifty days without pay in the hope he can get his act together. No one complains about his bat (.334 10-42 4), but his .881 fielding is apparently due to simply not trying.
*******
Kansas City (46-32) (1st, +0.5g) at Minnesota (41-40) (3rd, -6.5g)[/b]
28: A slugfest culminates in Oliver's 3 run homer to tie it in the ninth. In the 11th Cardenal scores Kelly for the win. Royals 9-8 (11)
WP: Fingers (2-2), HR: Oliver (9), Kelly (9)
29: Cram and York stumble late wasting our lead. Overall a solid offensive performance led by Cardenal's 2 RBI wasted, and we slip behind the ChiSox. Twins 6-4
LP: Cram (1-3), HR: Cardenal (10)
30: Another offensive battle: Andrews hits a pinch hit homer in the 10th to give us the lead, but Rollie Fingers gives up a three run homer to Ted Uhleander for the loss. Twins 12-10 (10)
LP: Fingers (2-3), HR: Cardenal (11), Andrews (1)
*******
We get two days off, while the White Sox chew on the Pilots and extend their lead. Bunker's back though, and once he gets the kinks out we hope he'll provide a boost to our starting rotation.
July 3, 1970
Standings
Code:American League East
Team W L GB
Baltimore 57 27 --
New York 51 30 4.5
Washington 48 36 9
Boston 42 42 15
Cleveland 27 57 30
Detroit 28 59 30.5
American League West
Team W L GB
Chicago 50 34 --
KANSAS CITY 47 34 1.5
Minnesota 43 41 7
Oakland 43 41 7
Seattle 34 47 14.5
Los Angeles 31 53 19
*******Code:National League East
Team W L GB
Chicago 45 39 --
New York 43 41 2
Philadelphia 40 42 4
St. Louis 38 43 5.5
Pittsburgh 36 46 8
Montreal 34 47 9.5
National League West
Team W L GB
San Francisco 49 35 --
Los Angeles 46 35 1.5
Houston 47 38 2.5
Cincinnati 46 38 3
Atlanta 45 39 4
San Diego 28 54 20
American League Leaders
Average: Tony Oliva (MIN) .361, Rod Carew (MIN) .349
HR: Reggie Jackson (OAK) 24, Frank Robinson (BAL) 23
RBI: Reggie Jackson (OAK) 82, Ken McMullen (WAS) 64
Steals: Ron LeFlore (NYY) 29, Dave Nelson (CLE) 26
Wins: Mel Stottlemyre (NYY) 14, Bert Blyleven (KC) 12
ERA: Jim Palmer (BAL) 2.21, Mel Stottlemyre (NYY) 2.33
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven (KC) 117, Catfish Hunter (OAK) 101
Saves: Gene Rounsaville (CHW) 15, Steve Hamilton (NYY) 12
National League Leaders
Average: Johnny Bench (CIN) .372, Felix Millan (PHI) .352
HR: Dick Allen (PHI) 24, Bobby Bonds (SF) 23
RBI: Lee May (CIN) 76, Doug Rader (HOU) 76
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 24, Two tied with 21
Wins: Don Drysdale (LAD) 12, Joe Niekro (CHC) 10
ERA: Don Sutton (LAD) 2.38, Fergie Jenkins (CHC) 2.72
Strikeouts: Steve Carlton (STL) 126, Two tied with 119
Saves: Three tied with 11
Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Pat Kelly .328 (5th)
HR: Jose Cardenal, Jim Ray Hart 11
RBI: Jose Cardenal 60 (7th Tied)
Steals: Pat Kelly 13 (6th)
Wins: Bert Blyleven 12 (2nd)
ERA: Paul Splittorff 3.13 (7th)
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 117 (1st)
Saves: Rollie Fingers 7 (7th Tied)
*******
Trades
DET to ATL: SP Mickey Lolich (93) [30] (4-9 6.11 1 CG)
ATL to DET: RP Larry Bradford (71/81) [21] (0-1 6.48 1 SV)
ATL to DET: RP Pablo Torreaba (70/81) [23] (Last played MLB in 1970)
ATL to DET: RP Ron Schueler (69/81) [23] (Minor leaguer)
ATL to DET: RP Mike Beard (63/90) [21] (Minor leaguer)
DET to SFG: LF Willie Horton (88) [28] (.286 7-38 0)
SFG to DET: LF Ken Henderson (76/91) [25] (.240 0-3 0)
BOS to SEA: SS Mario Guerrero (63/78) [21] (Last played MLB in 1969)
SEA to BOS: RP Tug McGraw (78/79) [26] (2-2 4.02 0 SV)
HOU to SEA: SS Ray Busse (71/81) [22] (Minor leaguer)
HOU to SEA: LF Rich Chiles (66/84) [21] (Minor leaguer)
SEA to HOU: RP Mike Marshall (83/87) [28] (0-3 5.79 4 SV)
MIN to SDP: SP Danny Fife (61/79) [21] (Minor leaguer)
MIN to SDP: RP Tom Norton (65/80) [21] (Minor leaguer)
SDP to MIN: SP George Culver (81/84) [27] (6-7 4.84 0)
*******
Major Injuries
BAL - LF Frank Robinson (93) [35] (.298 23-60 3 SB) for 7 months
DET - RP Bob Reed (71/78) [26] (0-0 0.00 0 SV) for 2 months
MIN - SP Milt Pappas (86) [32] (4-8 4.73 2 CG) for 14 months
MIN - C George Mitterwald (75/80) [26] (.213 2-20 0) for 5 months
OAK - 2B Gary Sutherland (80) [26] (.243 2-21 0 SB) for 6 months
CHC - RP Buddy Schultz (65/78) [20] (1-1 1.93 1 SV) for 4 months
NYM - SP Nolan Ryan (94) [24] (2-5 4.15 0 CG) for 4 months
PIT - RF Richie Zisk (83/94) [22] (.361 3-18 1) for 2 months
PIT - CF Roberto Clemente (80) [36] (.278 2-20 1 SB) for 2 months
CIN - SP Gary Nolan (73/76) [23] (8-4 4.99 2 CG) for 5 months
LAD - C Joe Ferguson (80/81) [24] (.260 7-34 2 SB) for 3 months
LAD - 3B Ron Cey (84) [23] (.289 14-53 0) for 3 months
SDP - 2B Rafael Robles (76/81) [23] (.207 0-8 11 SB) for 3 months
SFG - CF Willie Mays (79) [40] (.297 11-54 9) for 6 months
*******
Milestones
SS Don Kessinger (CHC): 22g Hitting Streak (86) [28] (.339 0-27 6)
SS Bud Harrelson (NYM): 20g Hitting Streak (81/85) [27] (.249 0-10 8)
CF Mack Jones (MON): 22g Hitting Streak (88) [32] (.290 17-53 3)
*******
Notable Retirements
C Johnny Roseboro (Minnesota) (Age 38, 14 seasons)
1971: .500 0-2 0 in 1g, 4 AB before being injured on April 1
Lifetime: .249 111-611 67 SB with 1296 hits
Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers (57), Los Angeles Dodgers (58-67), Minnesota Twins (68-71)
Awards: All Star (58,61,62), Gold Glove (61,66)
2B Juan Rios (LA Angels) (Age 29, 0 seasons)
1971: None
Lifetime: .235 0-1 0 with 4 hits
Teams: Kansas City Royals (69), Montreal Expos (70)
Awards: None
July Preview
We stand 1.5 games behind Chicago - which is still much better than I ever expected, but now that we have spent two months in front of the pack...I'd like to take the lead back if we can.
Jerry Grote claims his shoulder is bothering him, so he moves to the bench...where he'll stay. Ellie Rodriguez (.300 0-9 2) has done well enough when he's started for us, and proven he can control the defense. We can't have our number one catcher getting injured every two weeks.
At first, Will Thompson has been tearing apart the International League with a 1.019 OPS so he's back and will get another chance starting. Mike Fiore (.238 2-10 0) will stay on the bench, while Oliver (.213 9-25 0) goes to Omaha. Bob's very unhappy and already warned me that if he spends too much time down there he WILL ask to be moved under the Rule V minor league draft this winter. Eep.
Mike Andrews has played well lately, so we'll give him a chance to reclaim second base while Chico Salmon (.269 2-30 3) sits on the bench. Concepcion and Hart continue at short and third, while Bill Russell sits as backup shortstop.
The outfield remains unchanged. Piniella, Kelly and Cardenal start, with Rico and Keough on the bench. After a shaky start Piniella's doing well now.
On the mound, Bunker's return puts him in the number two slot, with Fitzmorris third and Rooker fourth. Montgomery will probably stay on as spot starter even after Bill Butler comes back from the DL: Butler will probably wind up in Omaha. Rooker (7-5 5.02 ERA) needs to shape up or he might follow.
Ken Wright (3-3 6.20 1 SV) has finally tried my patience, and is replaced by Aurelio Lopez who actually started a game for us earlier this month.
Code:Lineup Bench Rotation Bullpen
C Rodriguez C Grote S1 Blyleven CL Fingers
LF Piniella IF Salmon S2 Bunker SU Hedlund
2B Andrews SS Russell S3 Fitzmorris SR York
RF Kelly OF Keough S4 Rooker SR Cram
3B Hart RF Rico MU Montgomery MR Lopez
CF Cardenal 1B Fiore LR Drago
SS Concepcion
1B Thompson
July's Schedule
3-5: @ Minnesota
15-17: vs Minnesota
18-20: vs Baltimore
21-23: @ Minnesota
24-26: @ Seattle
27-29: vs New York
30-8/1: vs Los Angeles
Good to see some plotting going on, seeing more in depth on the games was interesting, but one of the things I've always liked about your dynasties is the depth and characterization of the universe, keep up the good work!:)
Oh, and catch those White Sox...you know, some time when their not busy sweeping the Pilots...
Overbay17: I'm trying to catch them! Well...I'll try harder after the All Star Break :)
*******
Early July 1971
And so the battle for the fate of the American League began.
Within hours of my talking to Cronin, Red Sox President Tom Yawkey called me. I haven't dealt much with Tom, but he has a reputation for being gentle and soft spoken, a real gentleman from an era now dwindling into the past. I confirmed that yes, KC would vote to keep Cronin.
"I've known Joe most of his adult life," he said softly. "I suppose I can see how some would find him..abrupt..but he really does have the best interests of the league at heart. He loves baseball. Anyone with half a mind can see that. As for Charlie...well, Charlie's fun to be around, and occasionally he has some interesting ideas, but the truth is Charlie only loves himself."
Kevin Calahan called to ask me what Kauffman thought of Charlie as president. He didn't care for my answer.
"So...ignore him."
I laughed. "What? Vote against Ewing? He'd have my head!"
"Ewing's not a baseball man, Chuck! We are! I think it's time for the league to have some new blood, and I think Charlie's the guy to do it! Kauffman doesn't go to the summer meetings. He won't know until it's done, and I'm sure he'll get over it."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I warned Cronin. "I'll think about it."
"Do that, Chuck. And think hard. I know you'll do the right thing."
It quickly became obvious this would be a very close vote. Finley's promises appealed to those teams that wanted change: Los Angeles (Reynolds didn't need an excuse to change things) and Seattle seemed solidly behind Charlie. Chicago too probably...I don't really talk to Bud. I think he's still sore that I fought hard to keep the Pilots in Seattle. Robert Short in Washington wanted to move to Dallas, and Finley seemed inclined to let him. Baltimore, sensing the chance to secure the entire Mid-Atlantic market, was willing to live with Finley if it sent Short to Texas.
Boston and (unbeknownst to most) Kansas City were solidly on Cronin's side. So was Cleveland, where Mister Bradley opposed any and all change, and the Yankees who bore a grudge against Finley for disparaging remarks he made after taking control of the Athletics.
Bowie Kuhn tried to indirectly help Cronin by being much more hospitable to us as summer meetings approached. If Finley wanted to argue that the Commissioner and AL President were too tyrannical, then he would prove him wrong. Kuhn also won fan support on July 7 when he announced that, rather than give the Negro Leaguers a seperate wing of the Hall of Fame, their players would be welcomed as full members.
I was happy for Satchel Paige. This would make two straight years one of my coaches made the Hall of Fame.
*******
Bob Lemon's resting as many starters as he can. We have three games against Minnesota, then are off for ten (including the All Star Game) before we begin our 60 game marathon.
Kansas City (47-34) (2nd, -1.5g) at Minnesota (43-41) (3rd-T, -7g)
3: York has a bad day giving up 3 ER in 1 IP. Twin ace Dean Chance holds us to five hits. Twins 7-2
LP: Blyleven (12-4)
4: We tie it in the ninth when Rico and Hart hit back to back homers, but the Twins score on a Harmon Killebrew double to win it. Twins 8-7
LP: Lopez (1-1), HR: Hart (12), Rico (2)
5: Fitzmorris lasts only two innings while Steve Hargan pitches a CG shutout for Minnesota yielding only two hits and one walk. Twins 6-0
LP: Fitzmorris (4-3)
*******
Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering Bob used mostly bench players. I just hope this isn't a sign of things to come. We enter the All Star Break 3.5 games behind the ChiSox.
Kyle Halwell in Detroit offered me SP Bob Veale (86) [35] (3-5 5.73 0 CG) for 2B Junior Kennedy (57/82) [20] and LF Derek Bryant (51/87) [19]. We really don't need another starter, especially one on the tail end of his career. No thanks.
*******
Everyone converged on Tiger Stadium in Detroit for the All Star Game. At least Tiger fans would have something to cheer about this year as their team continues to flounder in the basement of the AL East.
On Friday afternoon, before a crowd of some 3,500, Bowie Kuhn repeated his announcement regarding the Negro Leagues to polite applause. Then he announced this year's non-Negro inductees:
SP Sandy Koufax played only 12 seasons before retiring at age 30.
Lifetime he finished 165-87 2.76 with 137 CG, 40 ShO and 9 SV as well as 2396 K.
He is 10th all time (2396) in strikeouts.
Koufax holds 1st (382) and 6th (306) All Time for most strikeouts in a season.
He played for the Brooklyn (55-57) and Los Angeles Dodgers (58-66)
Koufax was an All Star in 61-66, MVP in 63, WS MVP in 63 and 65, and won the Cy Young in 63, 65 and 66.
SP Robin Roberts played 19 seasons before retiring at 39.
Lifetime he was 286-245 3.41 with 305 CG 45 ShO 25 SV and 2357 K.
Roberts is tenth all time (286) for most wins.
He played for the Phillies (48-61), Orioles (62-65), Astros (65-66) and Cubs (66)
Roberts was an All Star in 1950-56.
Both men will have their numbers retired by their primary teams.
*******
The Home Run Showdown would be dominated by the Cincinnati Reds. The Americans quickly ran into trouble as Jackson and the injured Frank Robinson put in questionable performances.
May and Bench continued to duel, easily outclassing Allen and Powell.Code:FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
Johnny Bench (CIN) 11
Lee May (CIN) 10
Dick Allen (PHI) 7
Boog Powell (BAL) 7
Reggie Smith (BOS) 6
Frank Robinson (BAL) 5
John Lowenstein (CLE) 4
Ken Singleton (NYM) 4
Reggie Jackson (OAK) 3
Bobby Bonds (SFG) 3
In the end Lee May faltered, as Johnny Bench continued hitting balls into the Tiger bleachers again proving himself the most dangerous catcher in the game today.Code:SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
Lee May (CIN) 5
Johnny Bench (CIN) 4
Dick Allen (PHI) 3
Boog Powell (BAL) 3
Code:FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)
PLAYER HOMERS
JOHNNY BENCH (CIN) 4
Lee May (CIN) 1
Maybe it was bad of me to bring that up. Oops. Oh well, you still have the second half, and I am liking the new storyline a lot!Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
PotatoofCouch13: Thanks! I suppose we'll see what happens between Finley and Cronin soon, but first...
*******
All Star Game
National League Roster
American League RosterCode:Pos: Name Team App
MGR Harry Walker HOU
BC Red Schoendienst STL
H CPT Robin Roberts PHI
T CPT Hank Aaron ATL
C Johnny Bench CIN 3 (3 consecutive)
1B Lee May CIN 2 (2 consecutive)
2B Joe Morgan HOU 3 INJURED
3B Doug Rader HOU 1
SS Don Kessinger CHC 2 INJURED
OF Bobby Bonds SF 1
OF Dick Allen PHI 5
OF Ken Singleton NYM 1
OF Johnny Callison PHI 4
OF Dusty Baker ATL 1
OF Willie Stargell PIT 5 (2 consecutive)
OF Nate Colbert SD 2 (2 consecutive) INJURED
C Manny Sanguillen PIT 1
C Joe Torre STL 7 INJURED
OF Jimmy Wynn HOU 3 (2 consecutive)
OF Hank Aaron ATL 17 (17 consecutive)
1B Rusty Staub HOU 3
IF Ron Santo CHC 8 (4 consecutive)
1B Orlando Cepeda ATL 8
P Don Drysdale LAD 10
P Mudcat Grant MON 3
P Bob Gibson STL 8 (7 consecutive)
P Gaylord Perry SF 4 (3 consecutive)
P Fergie Jenkins CHC 3 (2 consecutive)
P Don Sutton LAD 2 (2 consecutive)
P Tom Seaver NYM 5 (5 consecutive)
P Cecil Upshaw ATL 1
P Kent Tekulve PIT 1
P Tom Burgmeier CIN 1
P Jim Brewer LAD 1
Stottlemyre and Drysdale started for the Americans and Nationals respectively and both teams went down in order in the first.Code:Pos: Name Team App
MGR Dick Williams OAK
BC Earl Weaver BAL
T CPT Frank Robinson BAL
C Carlton Fisk BOS 3 (3 consecutive)
1B Boog Powell BAL 3
2B Bobby Grich BAL 1
3B Sal Bando OAK 2 (2 consecutive)
SS Rico Petrocelli BOS 2
OF Reggie Smith BOS 2
OF Reggie Jackson OAK 2 (2 consecutive)
OF Frank Robinson BAL 11 (3 consecutive) INJURED
OF Tony Oliva MIN 6
1B Bob Spence CHW 1
OF John Lowenstein CLE 1 INJURED
2B Dick McAuliffe DET 4 INJURED
OF Jose Cardenal KC 1
OF Jay Johnstone LAA 1
1B Ed Kranepool SEA 2
1B Mike Epstein WAS 1
OF Paul Blair BAL 1
1B Harmon Killebrew MIN 10
OF Frank Howard WAS 4 (4 consecutive)
P Mel Stottlemyre NYY 4
P Jim Palmer BAL 3 (3 consecutive)
P Catfish Hunter OAK 5 (3 consecutive)
P Mike Cuellar BAL 2
P Bert Blyleven KC 1
P Dean Chance MIN 3
P Jim Perry MIN 3
P Paul Lindblad OAK 2 (2 consecutive)
P Gene Rounsaville CHW 1
P Dick Hall BAL 2 (2 consecutive)
P Eddie Fisher LAA 3 (2 consecutive)
Willie Stargell walked in the second, but couldn't advance. The Americans did a little better with Bobby Grich grounding to short to bring in Jackson with the bases loaded. AL 1-0
The Nationals again walked once in the third. Fergie Jenkins took over for Drysdale and yielded a two-run homer to Jose Cardenal. AL 3-0
Jim Palmer pitched the National fourth and promptly gave up a homer to Dusty Baker. The Americans avenged themselves by loading the bases on two singles and an error by CF Bobby Bonds. Tony Oliva hit a one out shot to left center for 2 RBI. AL 5-1
Catfish Hunter shut the Nationals down in the fifth, while Bob Gibson gave up a homer to Carlton Fisk, then doubles to Boog Powell and Grich. AL 7-1
Again the Nationals fell, while Cardenal hit his second homer of the day in the sixth to extend the lead. AL 8-1
Bert Blyleven pitched the National seventh. Stargell singled and Doug Rader walked to put two on, but Gibson struck out to end the inning. Tom Burgmeier took over in the American seventh and gave up a walk, but for the first time since the first the AL didn't score.
Blyleven gave up another single to Dick Allen, but again the National offense slept. Carlton Fisk slammed a three-run homer past the foul pole in right. AL 11-1
In the ninth Blyleven retired Stargell, Lee May and Ken Singleton on three ground outs.
American League 11, National League 1
WP: Stottlemyre, LP: Drysdale, SV: Blyleven
HR: (NL) Baker, (AL) Cardenal 2, Fisk 2
MVP: Carlton Fisk (2 for 5, 2 runs, 4 RBI)
KC Players:
Bert Blyleven 3 IP 2 H 1 BB 2 K
Jose Cardenal 2/5 2 R 3 BI 2 HR
Carlton Fisk? Did they not see that Cardenal had 2 HR!? Talk about an East Coast bias! Hey, maybe Joe Cronin had something to do with that?
Well, KC is actually closer to the EC than the WC so... :pQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
Yeah, Cardenal was robbed there. 2 bombs should have put him over Fisk easily.
Looks like Hunter might have given Selig some ammunition. Nobody likes a snitch.
Yeah, Cardenal was robbed. From a straight performance perspeective he should have gotten it over fisk.
At least Chuck Hunter's consistent. He didn't like it when Andy moved behind his back and so he won't try to go behind Kauffman's back. Callahan's request was really entirely unreasonable though -- although he couldn't be expected to know that Hunter was on probation.
Looks like Hunter might have given Selig some ammunition. Nobody likes a snitch
Duplicate
PotatoofCouch: Possibly! Fisk also had 2 HR (it's noted in the summary and description of the game, but not his stat line). He had 4 RBI to Cardenal's 3...but one can argue Cardenal's homers were more vital.
CoachOwens: I'm pretty sure KC isn't on the east coast. :)
Imgran: Hunter's being consistent...and it's going to make him enemies.
*******
July 11, 1971
"Gentlemen? Be seated." Joe Cronin, President of the American League, smiled at everyone (even Charlie), though he seemed somewhat formal and strained. Dark circles shrouded his eyes and he absently clenched his chair for support before sitting himself. "This meeting of the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs will come to order. I see everyone's here."
I sat near the foot of the table between Bud Selig and Detroit's Kyle Halwell as Cronin went through various formalities. Rumors of a possible East Coast (or even Red Sox) bias caught fire in KC after the All Star Game. Many people, from Andy Kraft and John McGraw to the Star, felt Jose Cardenal should have won the MVP award. True, both he and Fisk hit 2 homers and Fisk managed one more RBI (4-3), but Cardenal's big homer came at a time when the game was still in doubt. Fisk just added to the massacre. Andy let me know that, as far as he was concerned, Cronin manipulated the vote in favor of his former home team. Even Kauffman was troubled and we talked long into the night by phone deciding what to do today.
"We'll now go through the team reports. First up is...."
"Just a moment, Joe." Finley leaned back and grinned. No drink today. "I have business to bring before the League."
Cronin inhaled and stared at Robert Short of Washington who occupied the foot of our conference table. "What is it, Charlie?" he asked softly.
"I've talked to many of you gentlemen about the state of the American League," Finley said. He met each of our gazes in turn and winked at Kevin. "I believe that Commissioner Kuhn's heavy handed approach to his false allegations of collusion is the kind of thing a president should protect us against. Instead, rather than do that, our president instead noses into the every day details of each of our member clubs. I say we need a leader who will respect each team's individual needs and desires so long as they stay viable. Therefore, I ask for a vote of no confidence against the American League President."
To his credit, Cronin didn't move a voluntary muscle, though his eye twitched and he alternately paled and flushed. "Is there a second?"
"Right here," Selig said. "Sorry, Joe, but I've told you repeatedly what my White Sox need to survive and remain viable, and I don't feel you've given my plan the attention it deserves. I think it's time for new leadership."
Cronin continued studying Short, who scrunched in his chair as if trying to hide. "Very well. I offer no response to these allegations. You gentlemen know me and you know my style. The League's prospered since I've taken over and grown by four teams. We're voting on Mr. Finley's...proposal. Aye means you agree with him, Nay means you do not. Any questions? Then we'll start with Washington."
Short straightened and loosened his tie as all eyes turned to him. He didn't reply right away, but simply poured a glass of water and gulped it down.
"Mr. Short?" Cronin asked pointedly.
"First....first, I'm pleased to announce that the Senators...that I no longer feel the need to move the team to Dallas or anywhere."
"WHAT?" cried someone. Instant rumbling back and forth. Finley looked like someone shot him, and Selig's jaw dropped. Baltimore GM Bill Worth glared.
"As such, Washington votes Nay."
Cronin nodded faintly. "New York?"
Keith Clay shook his head. "Nay."
"Chicago?"
Selig looked around the table, trying to read our minds. "Chicago...votes Aye."
"Seattle?"
No hesistation from Kevin: "Aye!"
"Kansas City?"
I looked at Joe, then Charlie. Kauffman's instructions were clear: "Kansas City abstains."
Finley shook his head. "You can't do that, Chuck. This vote requires seven votes to pass. Failing to vote is the same as voting for Joe here."
"Fine. No."
Kevin, Selig and Finley all stared. Cronin smiled. "Oakland?"
"Of course, **** it!"
"Detroit?"
Halwell looked back and forth and grinned. "Aye!"
I looked at him in shock. His grin broadened.and he winked.
"Minnesota?"
Calvin Griffith looked frightened. "...Aye."
"Boston?"
"**** no," spat GM Tadd Davis.
"Baltimore?"
Worth continued glaring at Short. "Abstain. And since I can't, I'll cancel Chuck Hunter's abstention: Yes."
So much for the Eastern bloc. "Cleveland?"
Bradley sniffed. "Don't be absurd."
6-5, and all eyes turned to Robert Reynolds representing the Los Angeles Angels.
His eyes shifted back and forth. Cronin nodded slightly. "I...see no reason to change anything, No."
"No!?" Finley thundered. "NO!? You mercurial son of a *****! You promised me!"
"Sit down Mr. Finley."
"I will not sit down!" The room erupted in shouting.
Halwell nudged me and winked. "And this is why I love League meetings."
*******
I later learned that it was Cronin who persuaded Short to stay in Washington and vote for him. How...I don't think I want to know. Probably the same way he swung the Angels into his camp. In the end, Cronin's blunt, direct demeanor outlasted Finley's charm.
Looking at the thinly veiled anger from Kevin, Bud and Charlie....I don't think this is over. Far from it.
*******
"We will now hear reports from the League." Perhaps as a peace offering, he remained quite docile while listening to Kevin's grudging report on the state of Sick's Stadium. For my part, I admitted I hadn't inspected the new stadium yet. "The superstructure should be done by autumn, and in spring they'll plant the turf. Through next summer and fall they'll add seating and other fixtures. We're on track for 1973."
Apparently the Yanks are on track for moving in 1974. It's going to be strange playing baseball without Yankee Stadium.
Selig recovered from Finley's setback and passed out various handwritten documents. "Gentlemen, this proves that the White Sox are not viable in Chicago and I once more implore you to allow a permanent move to Milwaukee."
I studied the attendance ledgers. Bad. Very bad. Chicago's attendance was up to 6,000 this year, while in Milwaukee the ChiSox averaged over 32,000. It seemed pretty decisive.
Suspiciously decisive. The AL West leaders can't get 10,000 people to show up to a game?
Griffith, still looking shaken, nodded. "The Twins drop their objection to a move to Wisconsin."
"Well I do not," Bradley sniffed. "Mr. Selig, Cleveland averages 22,000 per game...and, to be perfectly humble, we are not very good. Are you telling me Chicago is this apathetic towards a potential champion?"
Bud's eyes narrowed. He glanced at Charlie Finley, who'd withdrawn into himself and sat with folded arms. "Apparently so," he said.
"I don't think this is something that needs to be decided today," Cronin said. "I would like to see how attendance - and the White Sox's fortunes - proceeds for the rest of the year. Let us say that if Bud still wants to move when the season ends, we'll conference by telephone. Agreed?"
*******
Calahan wouldn't meet my eyes after the meeting. He stood and gathered his papers.
"Kevin..."
He stuffed his notes in a folder, turned and left.
"A word with you, Mr. Hunter?" Finley smiled, then grabbed my elbow in a vice grip before steering me into a corner.
"Chuck," he said quietly. "I imagine you or Ewing felt the need to make a statement, and that's why you voted against me. Fair enough, but soon it will be my turn to make a statement. Crossing me was a mistake."
"If that's a threat," I began, but Finley was already smiling at Kyle Halwell. He squeezed my elbow once without turning to face me, then walked away.