An Englishman in New York (or, British Invasion:The Second Echelon)

1967 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Red Ruffing - Six times World Series winner with the great Yankees teams of the 30s/40s, Ruffing's career spanned an incredible 23 years. Ruffing missed a couple of seasons during WW2 and, on his return to baseball, looked to be as good a player as ever until breaking an ankle. He retired in 1947 with 273 career wins, 11th in all-time. (Red Sox 1924-30, Yankees 1930-46, White Sox 1947)

Attachment 13610

Lloyd Waner - Hitting .355 for the Pirates in his debut season, outfielder Waner would go on to hit over .300 ten times in his 18 season career. Known as a very disciplined batter he would take 420 walks to only 173 strikeouts. (Pirates 1927-41 1944-45, Braves and Reds (1941), Phillies (1942), Dodgers (1944)

Attachment 13611

1967 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR ROSTER

Code:

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Starters

C        Bill Freehan        DET
1B        Boog Powell        BAL        - *1st All-Star
2B        Davey Johnson        BAL        - *1st All-Star
3B        Eddie Mathews        DET        -10th All Atar
SS        Jim Fregosi        CAL
LF        Mickey Mantle        NYY          -15th All Star
CF        Frank Robinson        BAL
RF        Tony Oliva        MIN


Bench

1B        Joe Pepitone        NYY
1B        George Scott        BOS        -*1st All Star
3B        Ken Boyer        CHW
OF        Chuck Hinton        CLE
C        Elson Howard        NYY        -10th All Star
C        Bob Tillman        BOS        -*1st All Star, Age 30


Pitchers

SP        Catfish Hunter        KCA
SP        Camilo Pascual  WSA
SP        Jim Palmer        BAL        -*1st All Star, age 21
SP        Mel Stottlemyre        NYY       
SP        Denny McLain        DET
SP        Jim Kaat        MIN
SP        Dave McNally        BAL        -*1st All Star

RP        Jack Aker        KCA        -*1st All Star
RP        Stu Miller        BAL
RP        Al Worthington        MIN        -*1st All Star, age 38
RP        Minnie Rojas        CAL        -*1st All Star, age 33

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1967 NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR ROSTER

Code:

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Starters

C        JoeTorre                ATL
1B        Orlando Cepeda                STL
2B        Bill Mazeroski                PIT
3B        Dick Allen                PHI
SS        Leo Cardenas                HOU       
LF        Willie Mays                SFG        - 14th consecutive, injured
CF        Hank Aaron                ATL        - 13th consecutive
RF        Roberto Clemente        PIT        - 8th consec.


Bench

OF        Billy Williams                CHC
1B        Tony Perez                CIN        -*1st All Star
OF        Tony Gonzalez                LAD        -*1st All Star, age 30
C        Johnny Roseboro        LAD
C        Tim McCarver                STL
2B        Pete Rose                CIN


Pitchers

SP        Jack Fisher                NYM        -*1st All Star
SP        Juan Marichal                SFG        - 6th consecutive
SP        Gaylord Perry                SFG       
SP        Ken Holtzman                CHC        -*1st All Star
SP        Bob Gibson                STL       
SP        Mike McCormick                SFG
SP        Phil Niekro                ATL        -*1st All Star

RP        Frank Linzy                SFG        -*1st All Star
RP        Chuck Hartenstein        CHC        -*1st All Star, rookie
RP        Bob Lee                PHI       
RP        Claude Raymond                HOU                                               
RP        Lindy McDaniel                SFG          -*1st All Star

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I generally don't pay attention to the Home Run Derby, but if anybody is interested Phillie's Dick Allen won it.
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1967 ALL STAR GAME

Anaheim Stadium was the host for this season's showpiece game, with 3,000 extra bleacher seats being added in the outfield. The American League team was dominated by the league leading Orioles with six players, including first time appearances for Boog Powell, Davey Johnson and young pitcher Jim Palmer. Of note for the Nationals were no less than six Giants pitchers. The Mets sole representative was pitcher Jack Fisher, making his first All Star appearance.

Attachment 13612

Catfish Hunter was the first to take the mound for the Americans. The A's ace was making his second All-Star appearance and showed why he is regarded as a future great, getting three outs in short order. Our own Jack Fisher was first up for the Nationals. After Jim Fregosi grounded out, Fisher walked Tony Oliva as he struggled to keep his fastball in the strikezone. Boog Powell then hit a single to put two on bases. Frank Robinson struck out next and up stepped Mickey Mantle. With the count at 2-2 The Mick got hold of a fastball and hit it out to rightfield but Roberto Clemente was there to make the catch.

First blood went to the Nationals in the second and it was, not surprisingly, Hank Aaron hitting a triple with a booming drive down the left field line. Clemente was up next. He flied out to rightfield but by the time Tony Oliva got the ball back to Bill Freehan at the plate, Aaron had tagged up and reached home. 1-0 Nationals.

At the bottom of the second Jack Fisher gave up two hits but the Americans could not get anybody home. Fisher was replaced by Bob Gibson in the third who was ruthlessly efficient in despatching the American's batters.

Top of the fourth the first National's batter was Tony Gonzalez, making his debut in the All Star game. He hit a homer into the leftfield stand off of Denny McLain to make it 2-0 Nationals.

Things turned around in the bottom of the sixth with Gaylord Perry pitching his second inning. He took Tony Oliva to 3-2 but then threw one low and outside for a walk. Oliva was out at the next play, forced at second when Boog Powell hit a single. It was a bad day at the office for Perry with Frank Robinson up next. He was going high this time, but much too high. The ball cleared Robinson's head and Joe Torre had no chance with the pitch allowing Powell to make second. He was soon on third when Robinson hit a single. Mickey Mantle flied out but then Eddie Matthew's blasted one into the right field stands to the put the Americans ahead. 3-2 Americans

Joe Pepitone came in to play first base for the Americans in the top of the seventh. With two outs and Leo Cardenas on first, Pete Rose came in for Bill Mazeroski. He hit a weak line drive off a slider from Mel Stottlemyre. Pepitone reached to field the ball but somehow it slipped under his glove and both runners were safe. Tim McCarver was up next but he could only hit one into centerfield that was easy pickings for Mantle.

With the score still 3-2 at the top of the eighth and Jack Aker in for the Americans, he tossed three balls to Dick Allen. The fourth pitch Allen really got hold off, smashing it into the temporary bleachers in centerfield to tie the game. Tony Gonzalez grounded out, then Orlando Cepeda blasted another homer to make it 4-3 Nationals. As if things couldn't get worse for Aker on his All Star debut, Hank Aaron hit a double and then Clemente scored the third home run of the inning. Aker gave up two more singles before being relieved (I bet he was) by Stu Miller of the Orioles who ended the inning with no further hits. Nationals 6-3

Top of the ninth things went awry for Miller too. He gave up a single to Dick Allen then, with the count at 3-1, he tried to sneak one low and inside that hit Tony Gonzalez's knee. Hank Aaron brought both runners home late in the inning after he hit a double through the left field gap. Nationals 8-3

Bottom of the ninth the Americans Eddie Matthews hit his second home run of the game but the game finished 8-4 Nationals.

Hank Aaron was a popular choice for the MVP Award, going 3 for 5, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

Attachment 13613

Good for Hank! Sorry you're having so much trouble with your inaugural season, but it's still a great read!

CatKnight: Thanks for the kinds words. I am not too disheartened with how things are going. This year's target is 67 wins. Still very reachable I think.

July 12-14
New York Mets (38-46) @ Houston Astros (46-35)

July 12: Jack Fisher is soon back in the groove after his All Star experience, holding the Astros to two runs in the ninth. Mets 4-2
W: Jack Fisher (8-4) L: Chris Zachary (7-7) S: Ron Taylor (5)

July 13: It is a nightmare return to Houston for Bo Belinsky. Even I feel slightly nauseous after he gives up six runs in the first inning. He does not return to the game but the damage is done. After the game I hear a rumour that he was seen sneaking back into the team hotel at 4 AM this morning. Unfortunately I am unable to substantiate them but we will need to keep an eye on him. Astros 10-5
W: Don Wilson (9-6) L: Bo Belinsky (4-4)

July 14: An awful second inning sees Ralph Terry throw two wild pitches and give up six runs, two of them courtesy of an error by rightfielder Al Luplow. Astros 8-3
W: Mike Cuellar (9-4) L: Ralph Terry (4-8)

July 15-17
New York Mets (39-48) @ Cincinnati Reds (42-45)

July 15: Bud Harrelson ties the game in the ninth, only for Tony Perez to hit a game winning single off Danny Frisella. Reds 6-5
W: Ted Abernathy (1-1) L: Danny Frisella (1-2)

July 16: Gordy Coleman pinch hits in the eleventh inning for the Reds and brings in Don Pavletich for the winning run. Reds 4-3 (11)
W: Ted Davidson (2-0) L: Dick Selma (2-6)

July 17: Another strong game from Jack Fisher, who gives up just seven hits and a walk. Mets 4-2
W: Jack Fisher (9-4) L: Turk Farrell (3-2) S: Dick Selma (8)


July 18-20
New York Mets (40-50) @ Atlanta Braves (45-45)

July 18: Jerry Buchek ties the game with a three run homer in the ninth. Joe Torre hits the winning run in the eleventh. Braves 5-4 (11)
W: Clay Carroll (1-4) L: Ron Taylor (6-3)

July 19: First inning runs by Ralph Garr and Denis Menke are enough for the Braves to squeak the win. Braves 2-1
W: Tony Cloninger (8-10) L: Ralph Terry (4-9) S: Clay Carroll (10)

July 20: Phil Niekro allows just five hits and three walks and gets the sweep for the Braves. Braves 4-2
W: Phil Niekro (12-7) L: Tom Seaver (5-8) S: Clay Carroll (11)


July 21-23
New York Mets (40-50) @ Chicago Cubs (46-44)

July 21: Johnny Lewis hits a three run homer in the top of the ninth to tie the game, but the Cubs get the win after an error by Tommy Davis lets in Ernie Banks. Cubs 6-5
W: Chuck Hartenstein (2-3) L: Danny Frisella (1-3)

July 22: Our fifth straight loss and we are never in it. Cleon Jones goes 2-2 with two walks but the rest of the offense are impotent against teenager Vida Blue claiming his first win since being drafted in June. Cubs 4-2
W: Vida Blue (1-1) L: Jack Fisher (9-5)

July 23: We struggle to contain the Cubs hitters using five pitchers and give up five doubles as we go down to a second successive sweep. Cubs 11-6
W: Ken Holtzman (12-6) L: Bill Graham (2-2)


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The mood was sombre on the flight back from Chicago. So it should be after going 2-10 on this road trip. The thing with Belinsky was bothering me. It had been a gamble bringing him in and it looked like it was already backfiring. I sank deeper into my seat and pondered what to do next. Just then somebody slid into the empty seat beside me. It was Pete Murphy, the Chronicle man who covered the Mets.
I had stopped reading the sports sections of every other paper, except the Chronicle. Pete was one of the few reporters who did not regard the Mets as a joke. I heard he had covered the Dodgers before they headed west, spent a couple of years covering fringe sports, then volunteered to cover the Mets in the franchise’s first season.

“Don’t be too down Roy.” he said, “Here have a drink.” He handed me a glass of whiskey. Yuck! Soda. I gagged, but downed it anyway. He continued, “There’s still a lot of games to play. You can still get your sixty-seven wins.”

He was right. It had been another bad month, but not a complete disaster. We had lost a lot of games but, on the bright side, the fielding had improved dramatically with far fewer errors and we were starting to generate runs. Now if only we could stop the bloody opposition scoring more than us!

“I’m just glad to be going back to New York. That was terrible.”

“Well, I can tell you I’ve seen worse teams. Like the Mets from 1962 to 1966. They just sucked.” He laughed.

“This team is going to get better. It will just take time that’s all. Patience, my friend, patience. Do you know how long I had to wait for the Dodgers to actually win it all? Let me tell you, it was a long time coming. We moved to the Bronx, the Bronx of all ****ing places, when I was fifteen and that was not a fun place for a teenage Dodgers fan to be in the 1930s. But I always knew our day would come. Yours will too.”

The man was passionate I’ll give him that.

“I know Pete. I just hate it when things don’t work out how I expected.”

“Belinksy? Don’t you worry about him. I heard from a friend of a friend: that thing in Houston... he was just saying goodbye to an old girlfriend. He’s thirty years old. He can have another five years in the majors if he wants it, and he does. I know that ‘cos he told me.”

“That’s good to hear.” I forced a smile. It was the first time in nearly two weeks so it hurt a little bit. “Any other information you want to share?”

“That’s all I’m giving you today. Now, what about that interview you’ve been stalling on?”

The sly dog.

“Alright. Come by my office tomorrow. Eleven o’clock.”

LOL, a reporter knows how to get his story. You can still get 67 if you don't complete bomb these last few months. No pressure :D

LOL! Indeed. Very tricky reporter. On the other hand, he could turn into a pretty good ally if you throw him a bone now and then.

Yea get some more butts in those seats.

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
July 25, 1967

METS BIGWIG GIVES FIRST MAJOR INTERVIEW
"Season Not Over Yet"

In his first major interview since becoming Mets GM, Englishman Roy Crabtree talks exclusively to the Chronicle's Pete Murphy.

Thanks for talking to us today Roy. How are you enjoying life so far as a major league GM?
It's harder work than I expected but very interesting.

English nobles are not usually associated with America's past-time, so the takeover by Lord Fawcliff took a lot of people by surprise. How did it come about?
Well, as you know, Lord Fawcliff is a long time baseball fan. He spends a lot of time over here and just wanted a way to get involved.

And your appointment?
Freddy [Fawcliff] and I have a long history, going back to the war actually, and I've worked with him in various capacities ever since. He wanted somebody he knows involved with the day-to-day things. Saying that , he was very disappointed that Bing [Devine] didn't feel he could work with us.

The club has struggled badly since the franchise was started in 1962. What shape is it in today?
I certainly wouldn't be here if it was a dead duck. Far from it. We have great prospects coming through. George Weiss and Bing Devine left a strong legacy and we're starting to see the fruits of it now with Tom Seaver. We've had debuts for guys like Amos Otis, Ken Singleton, Jerry Koosman and there are a lot of other great prospects in the system. The future is very bright for the Mets.

How long before you have a winning team?
We haven't written off this season yet but I don't think it's over-optimistic to say we can go over .500 next year and be serious contenders in three.

The English connection was widely derided earlier in the year but attendances have risen enormously. It seems New Yorkers are starting to warm to their newest team.
I put it down to the Fish 'n' Chips Night we had back in May. It was a roaring success. The Jellied Eels Night, not so good. But seriously, I think the Mets have filled, or at least are starting to, the huge vacuum left by the Dodgers and Giants. Not every New Yorker wants to root for the Yankees.

Any truth to the rumours the team could be relocating to London, England?
I've heard them but I can state categorically it won't be happening for a thousand and one reasons. Firstly, can you imagine the other National League clubs agreeing to fly across the Atlantic three, four times a season? Second, our own transport costs would be astronomical. Third, there is no call for professional baseball there. The country just won the soccer World Cup last year. That's the sport people want to see over there, not baseball.

What about exhibition games?
Interesting idea, but it's not on the agenda just yet.

Let's talk about players now. Who has impressed most so far?
Tom Seaver, for obvious reasons, is who people are talking about. He's had a few setbacks but so far has bounced back well. Jack Fisher is doing a great job with little fanfare. He's very steady and really deserved his All Star nomination.

Actually, I would say it's Bo Belinsky who people are talking about.
Bo came with baggage. We knew that when we brought him over. We've taken a gamble, now it's up to him whether he wants to be a major league pitcher or not.

What about hitters? That seems to be where the Mets are struggling most.
We have struggled, especially while Ed Kranepool was out. But he's back and hitting well, and guys like Cleon Jones and Bud Harrelson are hitting better too. Everybody is contributing more overall.

And who has been the biggest disappointment so far?
Mr Met. He's just some guy in a costume.

Nice dodge. Finally, can we expect any major moves in the off season?
This season isn't over yet but we have a lot of contracts up in October. We'll be considering all our options.

Roy, thanks for talking with us today.
It's been a pleasure Pete.

I dunno if that was a good idea. Mr. Met might show up in your office demanding a trade now... :)

July 25-27
St Louis Cardinals (48-48) @ New York Mets (40-56)

July 25: Orlando Cepeda leads the rout knocking in six runs. Cardinals 9-0
W: Nelson Briles (8-8) L: Ralph Terry (4-10)

July 26: Tom Seaver gives up two hits and a walk in his second complete game shut-out. Mets 2-0
W: Tom Seaver (6-8) L: Mike Torrez (1-8)

July 27: Bob Gibson dominates the Mets offense. Cardinals 4-2
W: Bob Gibson (13-7) L: Jerry Koosman (1-8)

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We had a couple of days off before another three game set against the Cardinals. Seems like strange scheduling but, I suppose, they have to come back here some time. It doesn't matter too much whether it's two days or two months after the previous set.
Sitting at my desk, I had just gone through the list of players whose contracts were coming up at the end of the season. There were a lot. Now I had time to look at the Chronicle sport section. Poor Chuck Estrada. He broke his arm last night in Cincinnati on only his second start for the Astros. I doubt he will come back from that. I'm quietly glad it's somebody else's problem but I do feel a bit sorry for him. I hope he can pick up a coaching job somewhere.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." I put the paper to one side and in walked manager Wes Westrum. "Wes, come in. Everything alright?" He didn't return my smile as he took a seat.

"Trade deadline day is three days away. Are we bringing anybody in?" He said it as if I had forgotten about it.

"Anybody in mind?"

"Yup, I could use a couple of infielders, an outfielder or two, preferably guys who know one end of a bat from the other. Oh, and a starting pitcher wouldn't hurt either."

The British blood in me is partial to a little sarcasm, but this wasn't exactly constructive.

"Wes, I've been going through these contracts. There are a dozen of them up for renegotiation in October. Two dozen if you count the players with the farm teams. I don't think there's much point in rushing into anything now. "

"So, we're not bringing in anybody?"

I shook my head. Wes exhaled loudly.

"I don't know how the ---- you expect us to win games with this bunch."

He was annoyed but I couldn't be bothered arguing the point.

"Look Wes, we're just going to have to work with what we've got. We can bring in new guys during the off-season if we need to. For now we don't need to."

"Whatever you say, your majesty."

Now I was getting annoyed.

"Another thing Wes. Jerry Koosman. No more starts this year." Wes started to interrupted, but I continued, "He can go in the bullpen, but we don't want to totally destroy his confidence getting mauled every time he starts a game."

"So who am I supposed to use as the fifth starter? Bill Graham?"

"Yes Wes, Bill Graham. And Don Cardwell may be back sooner than we thought. No more starts for Koosman though."

"Alright, I heard you." He got to his feet and walked to the door muttering to himself. Opening it, he turned and said, "Mr Crabtree, you are a clueless --------."

Well done Wes. You just talked yourself out of a job.

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July 30-August 1
St Louis Cardinals (50-49) @ New York Mets (41-58)

July 30: Jack Fisher looked like he was going to get the complete game shutout with the Mets holding a 1-0 lead at the top of the ninth. Orlando Cepeda hit the tying run with a double into the leftfield gap. Fisher then threw a couple of wild pitches but was fortunate to get away with no more scores. We get the win after John Sullivan, of all people, tags up and crosses the plate after Bud Harrelson flies out to right. Mets 2-1 (12)
W: Dick Selma (3-6) L: Ron Willis (6-5)
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After the game infielder Bob Johnson is diagnosed with an ankle stress fracture. Hopefully he won’t be out long. He's hitting .269. On this team that's pretty good!

July 31: A five run second inning sets us on the way to victory with Ron Brand driving in three runs. Mets 8-4
W: Bo Belinsky (5-4) L: Nelson Briles (8-9)

Rockiesfan: That's a big 'if'. :p

Cat: I think Pete Murphy will be a fun character to have around. As for Mr Met... I hope he won't be too hasty. We may need him to bat clean-up if things get a lot worse. :)

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
August 1, 1967

SENATORS TRADE AWAY STARS
Nats Planning For Future

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Washington Senators, 1961 model, has had losing seasons in every one of their existence. This one could be their worst ever as they lie nineteen games behind leaders Baltimore with a 44-60 record. On yesterday’s trade deadline day they traded away two high profile players, outfielder Frank Howard to Atlanta and All Star pitcher Camilo Pascual to Pittsburgh. In return they received a total of seven prospects.
It appears the strategy of buying in stars has failed, both on and off the field, and the Nats will seek to develop their farm system further.

Attachment 13667
Frank Howard

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JULY SUMMARY

Another horrible month for us. If it hadn’t been for the All Star break we would have done a lot worse than 6-16 too.
The Astros had almost as bad a month as we did. Chuck Estrada was not much of a loss, but their ace Mike Cuellar will be out until October with a broken collarbone.


National League Standings

Code:

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                W        L        GB
San Francisco        56        45        --
Houston                53        48        3
Pittsburgh        52        49        4
Los Angeles        53        51        4.5
Atlanta                53        51        4.5
Cincinnati        51        50        5
St Louis        50        51        6
Chicago                50        51        6
Philadelphia        47        54        9
NEW YORK        43        58        13

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The Orioles were on the road all month in the American League. They slipped up a few times enabling the Yankees to gain some ground on them.

MLB Injury News
July 12: Ken Boyer (CHW) - Torn ankle ligaments- 3 months (,297 Avg, 13 HR, 66 RBI, 4 SB)

MLB Milestones
July 15: Whitey Ford (NYY) 2,000 Strikeouts
July 20: Roberto Clemente (PIT) 1,000 Runs
July 24: Jimmie Hall (CAL) 23 Game Hitting Streak
July 29: Mickey Mantle (NYY) 1,500 RBI
July 30: Curt Simmons (CAL) 200 Wins
July 30: Tony Oliva (MIN) 27 Game Hitting Streak

MLB Retirements
July 2 - Just days after Hoyt Wilhelm announced his retirement baseball says farewell to another pioneer of modern pitching with Pittsburgh closer Roy Face announcing his decision to quit the game. Face played his entire thirteen year career with the Pirates and won a World Series ring in 1960 when he saved three games versus the Yankees. (Career Stats ERA 3.60 Saves 165 Strikeouts 776)

AUGUST PREVIEW


Jerry Buchek will at third for a week or two while Johnson is out. Callups for Ron Swoboda and Don Bosch. I considered Tommy Davis as a starter but he made a lot of errors towards the end of the month. He'll be riding the pine for a little longer.
Jim McAndrew is called up to the bullpen in favour of Danny Frisella who has been giving up too many hits in relief.

Code:

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Lineup                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

SS Harrelson                C Sullivan                Fisher                Taylor
1B Kranepool                IF Buchek                Belinsky        Selma
CF Jones                OF Swododa                Terry                Grzenda
LF Stahl                2B Hiller                Seaver                McAndrew
3B Johnson                CF Bosch                Graham                Shaw (Bob)
C Brand                        LF Davis                                Koosman
RF Luplow
2B Collins

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... What version BM are you using? I ask because as of 10.31 it wasn't tracking pitcher milestones due to a bug, and I don't remember it EVER tracking hitting streaks.

Cat: I'm using 10.34.... should I be worried? :confused: The only bugs I've noticed is teams sometimes playing more than 162 games

*hisses softly*

Just keep your eyes open. If you haven't noticed anything, then no big deal.

My problems were twofold: First, the PbP screen is BLACK, and though I don't play my games sometimes I like to watch. Second, a few people (and I) reported runners getting 'lost' - they just vanish.

However it doesn't appear to be happening to you. (I may have been very unlucky to see it in my first game and it's much rarer than I thought) If 10.34 is doing what you ask of it then that's all anyone can ask :)

Cat: I may be having runners disappear and just not noticed. I wasn't aware of that one. I just remembered another one I do have. I get things like this now and then:
"XXXX XXXXXXXX went for an extra base and reached home, scoring a run."
Not too often though and, unless I'm mistaken, is in all versions of BM08.
I get around the teams playing extra games thing by saving to a point, then simming the rest of the season to check everybody only played (or rather has added to it's W-L record) 162 games. That way I know my save is ok and reload.

AUGUST 1967

August 1
St Louis Cardinals (50-51) @ New York Mets (43-58)

August 1: We take a 3-0 lead early on and never look back. Tom Seaver throws a four hitter to sweep the Cardinals. Mets 5-1
W: Tom Seaver (7-8) L: Mike Torrez (1-7)


August 2-4
New York Mets (44-58) @ Cincinnati Reds (52-50)

August 2: Today it's the Reds who get an early lead and hang onto it. Bill Graham struggles through seven innings. Reds 4-2
W: Sammy Ellis (5-7) L: Bill Graham (2-3) S: Ted Abernathy (9)

August 3: Tommy Davis goes 3 for 5 and gets both our runs but it's not enough. Reds 3-2
W: John Tsitouris (6-3) L: Jack Fisher (9-6) S: Ted Abernathy (10)

August 4: Spot start for Koosman. We take an early lead courtesy of a Pete Rose throwing error that lets in Larry Stahl from second, but Milt Pappas gives us only two more hits and gets the complete game win. Rusty Staub and Art Shamsky knock in all the Reds runs and we are swept. Reds 5-1
W: Milt Pappas (9-9) L: Jerry Koosman (1-9)

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Bo Belinsky was scheduled to start the last game against the Reds. He missed the curfew the night before. Nobody knows where he went, but he turned up back at the hotel after 5 AM. Next morning Wes chews him out in front of the whole team. He deserved it too. Privately, I inform him he is suspended for one week and fined $400. He seemed to find it funny. I think maybe he was still drunk. We have some talking to do, but for now he is on the way back to New York.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 5-7
New York Mets (44-61) @ Atlanta Braves (54-54)

August 5: Joe Torre and Mack Jones hit homers but the loss is heavier than we deserve. Braves 5-1
W: Pat Jarvis (3-4) L: Ralph Terry (4-11)

August 6: Mack Jones hits another homer. Today's loss is not as heavy as we deserve as Tom Seaver has a bad day giving up ten hits in seven innings. Braves 3-1
W: Phil Niekro (15-7) L: Tom Seaver (7-9)

August 7: Bill Graham is knocked out in the sixth inning after giving up six runs. We go down to a second consecutive sweep. Braves 10-2
W: Ken Johnson(7-5) L: Bill Graham (2-4)

The "XXXX XXXXX tries to steal..." is part of it, but IIRC it's less severe. That's only a display issue.

Belinsky...needs to get his act together or he's just not going to make it.

Cat: We have a few days off so Belinsky has some time to get his head screwed back on while I decide what to do with him. (In real life too...I'm heading over the water tomorrow so I won't be posting again until Sunday or Monday)

Bump.:)

We had three days off after we returned from Atlanta. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to send Belinsky home from Cincinnati. Bo Belinsky, no baseball and New York City... I hadn't considered the possible ramifications of that scenario.
I had tried talking to Wes Westrum about Belinsky. Was he worth persevering with? Belinsky that is, not Westrum. "He was Whitey's idea," he said with a shrug.
That was true. It had been Whitey Herzog who had suggested bringing him from Houston, and now it seemed to be backfiring.
"Wes. You're the manager. You're responsible for discipline on the team, and it seems to me you're passing the buck."
"So what do you want me to tell him?"
"Explain to him that he's a thirty year old pitcher whose contract is up in October and, the way things stand, won't be getting a new one from this club." I was getting irritated.
"Shame. I think he likes New York. Pretty glamourous city and all."
Now I was angry. "Wes, he's a pretty good pitcher when he wants to be and we need good pitchers. If he can't be professional then he should look for another club for next year."
"Doubt anybody would want him to tell the truth," he mumbled.
"You're probably right about that Wes. Just make sure he understands what's at stake here alright?"
"Yes sir, " he said with a touch of disdain.
"One other thing." It wasn't just the future of the pitching staff that was on my mind. "This club won't be carrying passengers. If there is anybody here who isn't doing their bit to move us forward, and I mean anybody... I don't care if they are a player, coach, front office or even the batboy, they are gone. Is that clear?"
With lips pursed, Wes nodded and walked away.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
August 11-13
Atlanta Braves (57-54) @ New York Mets (44-64)

August 11: Cleon Jones with a walk off solo homer. Mets 4-3
W: Dick Selma (4-6) L: Jay Ritchie (2-5)

August 12: Bo Belinsky pitches eight strong innings, holding the Braves to one run. In the eleventh Clete Boyer hits a single off Dick Selma that gives the Braves the lead but we come back with a single from Larry Stahl. The game goes to thirteen, then Ron Swoboda hits a double down the left field line, bringing in Don Bosch for the winning run. Mets 3-2 (13)
W: Ron Taylor (7-3) L: Dick Kelley (1-1)

August 13: Ken Johnson gives up only six hits. We score two runs early on but are not in it for the rest of the game. Braves 5-2
W: Ken Johnson (8-5) L: Ralph Terry (4-12) S: Clay Carroll (12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rookie second baseman Kevin Collins will miss the rest of the season with a back injury.


August 14-16
New York Mets (46-65) @ Cincinnati Reds (59-55)

August 14: Tom Seaver is pulled after a disastrous four innings, giving up eight earned runs in his worst start ever. Tommy Davis' two homers count for nothing. Reds 8-7
W: Gary Nolan (11-9) L: Tom Seaver (7-10) S: Ted Abernathy (11)

August 15: Sammy Ellis gives up only five hits but our pitching staff is torn apart. Reds 11-1
W: Sammy Ellis (7-8) L: Bill Graham (2-5)

August 16: Milt Pappas once again dominates us, pitching a three hitter. Reds sweep us again! Reds 3-1
W: Milt Pappas (11-9) L: Jack Fisher (9-7)


August 17-19
New York Mets (46-68) @ Philadelphia Phillies (54-60)

August 17: Dick Allen gives up only seven hits and a walk. Belinsky starts for the Mets but gives up five runs in five innings. Phillies 7-2
W: Jim Bunning (10-8) L: Bo Belinsky (5-5)

August 18: Johnny Callison hits two homers for the Phillies. Phillies 7-1
W: Dick Ellsworth (9-4) L: Ralph Terry (4-13)

August 19: A flattering scoreline for us after the Phillies bullpen implodes. Mets 10-1
W: Tom Seaver (8-10) L: Chris Short (10-15)

August 20-22
New York Mets (47-70) @ St Louis Cardinals (58-62)

August 20: Ron Taylor gives up two runs in the ninth but hangs on for the save. Mets 5-4
W: Bill Graham (3-5) L: Jim Cosman (1-3) S: Ron Taylor (6)

August 21: A throwing error by Jerry Buchek in the bottom of the ninth costs us two runs and ties the game. A double from Mike Shannon brings in Dal Maxvill for the winner. Cardinals 5-4 (10)
W: Joe Hoerner (2-3) L: Ron Taylor (7-4)

August 22: Bo Belinsky is lit up, giving up eight earned runs in three and one third innings. Cardinals 10-1
W: Bob Gibson (15-10) L: Bo Belinksky (5-6)


August 23-25
New York Mets (48-72) @ Philadelphia Phillies (57-63)

August 23: Chris Short gives up only five hits for the Phillies. Phillies 3-1
W: Chris Short (11-15) L: Ralph Terry (4-14) S: Dick Hall (7)

August 24: Ed Kranepool goes 3 for 4 but gets little support from the rest of the line-up. Phillies 5-2
W: Rick Wise (5-11) L: Tom Seaver (8-11) S: Bob Lee (11)

August 25: In extra innings we score four in the top of the tenth. The Phillies come back with a three run homer off Dick Selma with two outs. Ron Taylor comes in to get the last out, striking out Bill White. Mets 9-8 (10)
W: Dick Selma (5-6) L: Bob Lee (3-3) S: Ron Taylor (7)


August 26-28
Los Angeles Dodgers (64-62) @ New York Mets (49-74)

August 26: After a shakey start that gives us an early lead after two wild pitches, Don Drysdale gives up only two hits and two walks . Dodgers 2-1
W: Don Drysdale (12-15) L: Jack Fisher (9-8)

August 27: First complete game shutout for Bo Belinsky as a Met. He throws an outstanding three hitter!!! Mets 3-0
W: Bo Belinsky (6-6) L: Don Sutton (16-9)

August 28: Five hour epic battle that went to eighteen innings and saw twelve different pitchers take the mound. Dodgers take it with a one run single and bases loaded walk off Bob Shaw. Dodgers 3-1 (18)
W: Jim Brewer (4-1) L: Bob Shaw (1-2) S: Gary Wagner (1)


August 29-31
Philadelphia Phillies (61-65) @ New York Mets (50-76)

August 29: Phillies ace Jim Bunning gives up just five hits and strikes out ten. Dick Allen goes three for five and drives in three runs. Phillies 6-3
W: Jim Bunning (12-8) L: Tom Seaver (8-12)

August 30: An eighth inning rally sees Jerry Buchek and Bud Harrelson both knock in two run doubles to gives us the lead. Mets 5-4
W: Dick Selma (6-6) L: Dick Ellsworth (9-6) S: Ron Taylor (8)

August 31: Jack Fisher throws a six hitter complete game. Mets 5-1
W: Jack Fisher (10-8) L: Bob Buhl (2-3)

AUGUST SUMMARY

It's looking bad. We went 9-19 in August now it looks like we will struggle to reach the magic 67 (we have 33 games remaining) The Astros are just about keeping pace with the Giants at the top of the league, with the Reds not too far behind.


National League Standings

Code:

---

                W        L        GB
San Francisco        73        56        --
Houston                71        61        3.5
Cincinnati        69        60        4
Los Angeles        69        63        5.5
Pittsburgh        67        62        6
Atlanta                64        65        9
Philadelphia        62        67        11
St Louis        62        70        12.5
Chicago                62        70        12.5
NEW YORK        52        77        21

---

In the American League the Orioles are 4 1/2 games ahead of the Yankees in what seems to be turning into a two horse race.


MLB Injury News
August 17: Harmon Killebrew (MIN) - Broken fibula- 4 months (.278 Avg, 27 HR, 91 RBI)

MLB Milestones
August 16: Frank Robinson (BAL) 400 Home Runs
August 17: Rocky Colavito (SFG) 1,000 Runs
August 31: Lou Brock (STL) 300 Steals

MLB Retirements
August 24: Angels relief pitcher Jim Coates retired today after a season which has seen him struggle with a shoulder injury and be demoted to AAA. The right-hander was a spot starter with the Yankees teams that won the World Series in 1961 and 1962 and went on to have brief spells with the Senators and Reds before joining the Angels in 1965. (Career Stats ERA 3.98, Saves 15, Strikeouts 357)

It's fun reading this. My "dynasty" is just a few years behind yours and many of the players are the same ... only on different teams. I'm glad to see that Frank Robinson has made his way to Baltimore where he belongs. In my sim he was signed to a long-term contract by the Reds.

Bob Johnson was on my team at the start as a good-field no-hit injury-prone SS, so it's funny to see him as a no-hit injury-prone 3B on your Mets. Poor Bob. He had a lot of trade value for me though; maybe not so much in 1967.

3RunHomer: Glad you are enjoying it. It's fun to write too. Bob Johnson has seen a fair bit of playing time this year thanks to Bart Shirley being out for the season and the rest of the infield being terrible :) His health is only 62, so I'm surprised he has only missed two weeks.
I've played through September. Hate to spoil the surprise but it's bad news for Frank Robinson and the Orioles.

SEPTEMBER 1967

September 1-3
New York Mets (52-77) @ Houston Astros (71-61)

September 1: Don Cardwell's first game back. He throws a magnificent three hit complete game shutout. Mets 7-0
W: Don Cardwell (2-0) L: Larry Dierker (9-12)

September 2: Bo Belinsky has a solid start, taking us into the bottom of the sixth with a 3-0 lead. Our former catcher Jerry Grote comes in and starts of a rally that sees us 4-3 down by the end of the inning. We come back with runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth. Mets 6-4
W: Bob Shaw (2-2) L: Danny Coombs (2-1)

September 3: Ralph Terry is unlucky to lose a pitching duel with Mike Cuellar. Astros 3-1
W: Claude Raymond (4-9) L: Ralph Terry (4-15)


September 4-6
Philadelphia Phillies (62-67) @ New York Mets (54-78)

September 4: A one run single from Don Lock in the eighth proves to be the winner for the Phillies. Phillies 5-4
W: Grant Jackson (4-3) L: Tom Seaver (8-13) S: Bob Lee (13)

September 5: The Phillies take a 5-4 lead in the tenth. We come back when a Dick Allen throwing error puts men on second and third. Cleon Jones hits a line drive to right that brings both runners home. Mets 6-5 (10)
W: Joe Grzenda (3-2) L: Bob Lee (3-4)

September 6: Don Cardwell has a solid game and is unlucky to give up two late runs. Phillies 2-0
W: Dick Ellsworth (10-6) L: Don Cardwell (2-1) S: Dick Hall (8)


September 7-9
Cincinnati Reds (71-61) @ New York Mets (55-80)

September 7: We have the game sewn up by the eighth thanks largely to Bud Harrelson's three RBI. Mets 8-5
W: Bo Belinsky (7-6) L: John Tsitouris (6-4) S: Bob Shaw (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our leading batter Ed Kranepool's season is over after he dislocated a hip in yesterday's game. The first baseman finished with a career high .312 average and 70 RBI.


September 8: On a pitcher's night the game went thirteen innings with no runs scored. Tony Perez broke the deadlock in the fourteenth with a solo homer off Bill Graham. The Reds extended their lead when a wild pitch by Graham let in Pete Rose. Wayne Simpson made short work of the Mets line-up to finish the game. Reds 2-0 (14)
W: Jack Baldschun (8-4) L: Bill Graham (3-6) S: Wayne Simpson (1)

September 9: Pete Rose and Jimmie Coker both go 3 for 5 to hand us a crushing defeat. Reds 10-4
W: Gary Nolan (14-10) L: Tom Seaver (8-14)


September 10-12
Los Angeles Dodgers (72-66) @ New York Mets (56-82)

September 10: Jack Fisher has one of his less composed starts, giving up ten hits for six earned runs in five innings. Dodgers 7-2
W: Don Drysdale (13-16) L: Jack Fisher (10-9)

September 11: We are down 2-1 at the bottom of the ninth. Bob Johnson hits a double that brings home Johnny Lewis to tie the game. Johnson cross the plate for the winning run off another double from rookie Mike Jorgensen. Don Cardwell made only his fourth start of the year and pitched a strong eight innings. Mets 3-2
W: Dick Selma (7-6) L: Ron Perranoski (2-9)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the game pitching coach Harvey Haddix informs me that Cardwell was complaining of a sore finger. They had it checked out and it looks like a stress fracture, hopefully nothing worse, and should be fine given a couple of weeks rest. At this stage of the season I think the sensible thing would be to let him sit it out until next year.

September 12: Cleon Jones and Johnny Lewis with a homer apiece. Mets 6-4
W: Bo Belinsky (8-6) L: Claude Osteen (11-13) S: Bob Shaw (3)


September 13-15
New York Mets (58-83) @ Philadelphia Phillies (69-70)

September 13: Amos Otis brings home Mike Jorgensen for our solitary run, but the rookies get no help from the veterans. Phillies 6-1
W: Chris Short (12-15) L: Ralph Terry (4-16)

September 14: Tom Seaver muffs a groundball that puts the deciding run on base but otherwise has a strong game. Phillies 3-2
W: Jim Bunning (14-8) L: Tom Seaver (8-15)

September 15: We should have won this, with Jack Fisher allowing the Phillies only six hits. We leave twelve runners on base to hand the Phillies the sweep. Phillies 4-3
W: Bob Lee (4-4) L: Jack Fisher (10-10)


September 16-18
Chicago Cubs (67-77) @ New York Mets (58-86)

September 16: Bo Belinsky throws a complete game shut-out giving up only three hits. Not only that, but Belinsky also knocks in the only run of the game. Mets 1-0
W: Bo Belinsky (9-6) L: Ken Holtzman (15-13)

September 17: Quite perturbing to see Belinsky starting again. He doesn't do too badly but homers from Ernie Banks and George Altman prove our undoing. Cubs 4-2
W: Fergie Jenkins (13-12) L: Bo Belinsky (9-7) S: Cal Koonce (6)

September 18: I have to feel sorry for Vida Blue. The poor boy was drafted in June and thrown in at the deep end when Roy Culp broke his wrist a couple of weeks later. He has an even worse record than our own Jerry Koosman. Durocher must be some kind of sadist. Mets 6-1
W: Ralph Terry (5-16) L: Vida Blue (1-12)


September 19-21
St Louis Cardinals (68-79) @ New York Mets (60-87)

September 19: The usually reliable Ron Taylor allows three runs in the eleventh. We have no answer. Cardinals 4-1 (11)
W: Joe Hoerner (3-5) L: Ron Taylor (7-5) S: Jim Bibby (1)

September 20: It's not too heart-breaking to lose when it's a loss to Bob Gibson. He gives up only five hits in a masterful display of pitching. Cardinals 4-1
W: Bob Gibson (18-11) L: Jack Fisher (10-11)

September 21: Steve Carlton is not bad either. Cardinals 8-3
W: Steve Carlton (17-8) L: Bill Graham (3-7)

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
September 22, 1967

ORIOLES LOSE ROBINSON FOR PENNANT TILT
Broken Leg Ends Slugger's Season

BALTIMORE, Md. - In a serious blow to their pennant aspirations the Orioles will have to do without Frank Robinson who broke a leg in last night's game. The outfielder was attempting to steal second when he collided with baseman Jerry Lumpe.
The eight times All Star is hitting .297 this year with thirty homers and 103 RBIs and has been the driving force, along with Boog Powell, behind the World Champion's pennant charge. No official announcement has been made but it is expected that Russ Snyder will fill in for Robinson.
Following the 3-2 win over Detroit, the Orioles lie five games ahead of the Yankees.

Attachment 13896

Frank Robinson

Ouch. You have to go 7-5 to reach your goal. Certainly possible....just not very likely.

And Baltimore's going to miss Robinson in the Series.

Cat: I've just about given up on the magic 67. It would be nice though to NOT finish with the worst record in the majors.(Indians are 55-69).
I think the Orioles will take the AL pennant, probably facing the Giants (boo!) in the Series. Without Robinson I think the Giants (boo!) have the edge with Mays, McCovey and Colavito hitting home runs for fun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------


Since taking over as Mets GM I had only made a couple of changes to the playing staff, and none to the non-playing staff. I wanted a season to find my baseball feet rather than jumping in like a bull in a china shop.
The players, aside from the occasional wise-cracks, were fine. The coaches were respectful but cool towards me. As for my manager, Wes Westrum had become downright hostile and, the more we lost, the worse our relationship had been getting. After being swept for the second time in a month I finally decided his position was untenable, but I needed some advice.
Johnny Murphy was officially my assistant, although we had not really developed much of a working relationship. He spent most of his time with the coaches and players. I didn't have a problem with that. Reticent but not unfriendly, he had been helpful on matters to do with administration and so on. Besides, the one time Yankee was very highly respected by the entire staff, especially the younger players who he had nurtured during his time as farm director.
I found him, where I expected, out on the field where he had been shagging fly balls during a workout for the rookies that just finished. I let the coaches and players head for the clubhouse and then beckoned him to take a seat.
"Something I can help with Roy?" he asked, putting his glove at his feet.
"Yes, I hope so." There was no point beating around the bush. "I'm firing Wes."
Johnny sighed. "I kind of expected you would." He paused, gave a few seconds thought to our relative positions in the hierarchy then remembered it was I who had come to him.
"It's not all his fault you know. We've been building a good club here. It's just not quite ready yet."
"I know that Johnny. It's not the results..." I stopped myself. That was a lie. 60-90? Of course it was the results. "It's not only the results. I don't like how he works. He has his favourite players. Then he has the others he just doesn't help at all. You've seen how he talks to Kranepool. He's our best player! Same with Belinsky."
"Wes is a traditional kind of manager. There are a lot worse than him around."
"He talks to me like I'm an idiot. I'm his boss and I'm not going to tolerate it any more."
"Sounds like your mind is made up. What is it you want me for? I'm not going to tell him, if that's it."
"No it's not that Johnny. I can do my own dirty work. I wanted to ask you ... will you take over for the rest of the season?"
"What?" he said, astonished."You're firing him today? Besides the contractual issues, there's only a couple of weeks left of the season. What's the point firing him now?"
He had a point. Perhaps I was being hasty. I didn't think we would make the target of 67 wins now in any case, so I may as well just let Wes limp along for the rest of the season while I started looking for a new manager.
"I think you're right Johnny. It can wait. Thanks for your time."
"Glad to help." He rose, picking up his glove. Just in front of the backstop lay a discarded bat. A grin broke his solemn face. "Hey, want to shag some flies?"

Belinsky did so well on the 16th that your manager decided to just let him continue on the 17th? Ha! What happened to cause such a thing?

Belinsky is far from an "iron man" in my sim. I'm surprised he survived that abuse without an immediate injury.

PS - Russ Snyder was on my team for a while as a good-hit no-field LF. If he's similar in your sim and he takes Robinson's spot, the Os will be hurting on defense the rest of the season.

3RunHomer: That was very strange Belinsky starting on consecutive days. He must be trying to impress me. He went 4-1 in his last six starts. He's another one with low health (60) yet surprisingly injury-free.
Russ Snyder can't hit in my game but his fielding is faultless so far.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 25-27
Los Angeles Dodgers (75-75) @ New York Mets (60-90)

September 25: Ralph Terry pitches eight strong innings giving up four hits and three walks. Mets 3-0
W: Ralph Terry (6-16) L: Don Drysdale (13-19) S: Ron Taylor (9)

September 26: We are shut out with Don Sutton giving up only one hit. a bunt from Bud Harrelson, in eight innings. Dodgers 4-0
W: Don Sutton (17-11) L: Tom Seaver (8-16)

September 27: Claude Osteen gives up a run in the first when he throws a wild pitch to let in Bud Harrelson, then proceeds to dominate for the rest of the game. Dodgers 7-1
W: Claude Osteen (12-14) L: Jerry Koosman (1-10)


That wraps up September for us. We have a three day break, time to start thinking about a replacement skipper.

Wes resigned. Somehow he got wind that I was getting rid of him. I don't think it was Johnny Murphy that told him. Foolishly, I was a little too eager in sounding out a replacement. I asked Whitey Herzog how he felt about becoming a manager. He said he would one day, but for now he just wanted to be removed from his scouting role and re-instated as director of farm operations. After Whitey's rebuff I turned to our first base coach, Yogi Berra. He seemed interested but I'm not so sure he's the right man for the job. He had a succesful stint as skipper of the Yankees but we need a manager with a bit of drill sergeant in him. He's a popular coach here but I often hear the player's making fun of him.
Anyway, Wes burst into my office and told me where I could stick my ballclub. Actually, he said a bit more than that, most of it not repeatable here. Then he walked out.
I'll leave the contractual issues to our legal people while I choose a temporary skipper to see out the season.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SEPTEMBER SUMMARY

After a promising start, the season has just been terrible for us. We've had injuries to key players like Cardwell, Shirley and Kranepool which didn't exactly help. We wouldn't have won the pennant without the injuries but we would be a lot closer to being a .500 team.
With our season all but over, attention turns to the pennant races such as they are. The Giants need only two wins from their final six against closest rivals Houston.
In the AL, Baltimore should wrap things up handily enough, with or without Frank Robinson.


Standings at October 1 (games remaining in parentheses)

Code:

---

American League                                        National League       


                W        L        GB                                W        L        GB
Baltimore        93        60        --  (9)                San Francisco        90        66        --  (6)
New York        90        66        4.5 (6)                Houston                83        70        5.5  (9)       
Minnesota        89        67        5.5 (6)                Cincinnati        82        71        6.5  (9) 
-----------------------------------------------                -----------------------------------------------
Chicago                77        70        13                Pittsburgh        80        73        8.5
Detroit                79        74        14                Los Angeles        79        77        11
Boston                75        78        18                Atlanta                80        49        11.5
Kansas City        75        81        19.5                Philadelphia        75        78        13.5
California        64        86        27.5                St Louis        74        82        16
Washington        64        89        29                Chicago                70        86        20
Cleveland        59        94        34                NEW YORK        61        92        27.5

---

MLB Injury News
September 1: Tony Gonzalez (LAD) - Broken hip- 3 months (.288 Avg, 17 HR, 84 RBI, 10 SB)
September 22: Frank Robinson (BAL) - Broken fibula- 4 months (.297 Avg, 30 HR, 104 RBI, 10 SB)


MLB Milestones
September 1: Hank Aaron (ATL) 1,500 Runs
September 2: Fred Whitfield (CLE) 4 Homers in a Game
September 11: Frank Robinson (BAL) 2,000 Hits
September 18: Rock Colavito (SFG) 400 Home Runs


MLB Retirements
None

OCTOBER PREVIEW

It would have been nice to have reached our target so we could give some of the rookies some big league experience and allow players with contracts expiring a final chance to impress. But we are still six games short, with nine to play. It's a big ask so we'll be putting out as strong a team as we can. Not easy with Kranepool on the DL. Jerry Koosman is brought back into the rotation for another look.

Code:

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Lineup                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

SS Harrelson                C Sullivan                Fisher                Taylor
RF Luplow                2B Hiller                Belinsky        Selma
CF Jones                OF Swoboda                Terry                Grzenda
LF Stahl                OF Singleton                Seaver                McGraw
1B Johnson                CF Bosch                Koosman                Shaw (Bob)
C Brand                        LF Davis                                Graham
3B Pfeil                RF Yates                                Shaw (Don)
2B Buchek                RF Lewis                                Gentry
                        OF Reynolds                                McAndrew
                        C Goossen                                Frisella
                        3B Moock                                Dilauro
                        CF Otis                                        Connors
                        LF Williams
                        IF Boswell
                        1B Jorgensen

---

Yogi Berra will stand in as skipper for the final nine games. Johnny Murphy covers for Berra as first base coach...
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OCTOBER 1967

October 1-3
New York Mets (61-92) @ Atlanta Braves (80-79)

October 1: We are down 9-0 going into the seventh. Joe Torre hits two homers for the Braves. Braves 9-3
W: Bob Bruce (2-6) L: Jack Fisher (10-12)

October 2: Only three runs in the ninth prevent this from being a complete embarassment. Joe Torre hits another home run. Braves 12-3
W: Danny Lemaster (11-9) L: Bo Belinsky (9-8)

October 3: Clete Boyer hits two homers and gets 6 RBI to hand us a third crushing defeat. Ralph Terry is knocked out in four innings. Bill Graham relieves and promptly gives up nine earned runs. Braves 16-1
W: Ken Johnson (13-9) L: Ralph Terry (6-17)


Pennant Races:

AL : The Orioles had three days off enabling the Yankees to close the gap with a three game sweep of the Indians. The Twins slim chances are gone after they went 1-2 against Detroit.

NL: The Astros won two games at the Giants, including a 13-3 hammering. The third game was a pitching duel that the Giants squeaked 3-0. The Reds are eliminated.

October 4-6
Philadelphia Phillies (77-79) @ New York Mets (61-95)

October 4: Bud Harrelson goes 3 for 4 but the rest of the team play like zombies. Phillies 5-4
W: Dick Ellsworth (13-8) L: Tom Seaver (8-17) S: Bob Lee (15)

October 5: Pinch hitter ties the game for the Phillies in the top of the ninth with a 2 RBI double. Cleon Jones comes off the bench to pinch hit for Dick Selma which leads to a flurry of defensive changes by Phillies skipper Gene Mauch. Jones takes the count to 3-0 and then smashes a single to right field. He was advanced to second by a sac bunt from Bud Harrelson. Larry Stahl then hit a line drive into right centre field. Jones reached third and kept going to beat the ball to the plate by two strides. Mets 4-3
W: Dick Selma (8-6) L: Bill Wilson (2-4)

October 6: Nice to get the win but, in fairness, the Phillies were coasting. Mets 5-4
W: Jack Fisher (11-12) L: Bill Wilson (2-5) S: Dick Selma (9)


Pennant Races

AL: The Orioles went 1-2 against the White Sox but still have six games to play.

NL: The Astros won the first two games against the Giants again, meaning the Giants needed to win the final game to win the pennant. The error-filled game went seventeen innings with the score tied at 3-3. The Giants winner came when Vada Pinson made a throwing error that let Ollie Brown take home.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS WIN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE

October 7-9
Houston Astros (87-72) @ New York Mets (63-96)

October 7: Joe Morgan was walked in the first by Bo Belinsky, then stole second. He was brought home by Sonny Jackson. Although Belinsky went on to pitch a strong game the single run was enough for the win. Astros 1-0
W: Larry Dierker (12-15) L: Bo Belinsky (9-9)

October 8: We are holding our own until the fifth inning when starter Ralph Terry has a meltdown giving up seven runs. He is replaced by Bill Graham who gives up another six. Astros 15-2
W: Don Wilson (14-11) L: Ralph Terry (6-18)

October 9: A composed performance from Tom Seaver to wrap up 1967. He pitches eight innings giving up only four hits and three walks. Mets 3-1
W: Tom Seaver (9-17) L: Chris Zacary (13-13) S: Ron Taylor (10)


Pennant Races

AL: The O's secure the AL pennant on October 12th. Despite going down to the White Sox, the Yankees were beaten 10-7 by California which gives the O's an unassailable lead

BALTIMORE ORIOLES WIN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE

OCTOBER SUMMARY


Final Standings

Code:

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American League                                National League       


                W        L        GB                                W        L        GB
Baltimore        98        64        --                  San Francisco        92        70        --   
New York        94        68        4                Houston                89        73        3 
Minnesota        92        70        6                  Cincinnati        87        75        5   
Detroit                86        76        12                Atlanta                83        79        9
Chicago                82        80        16                Pittsburgh        82        80        10
Boston                79        83        19                Los Angeles        82        80        10
Kansas City        78        84        20                Philadelphia        80        82        12
California        72        90        26                St Louis        76        86        16
Washington        68        94        30                Chicago                75        87        17
Cleveland        61        101        37                NEW YORK        64        98        28

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MLB Injury News
None

MLB Milestones
October 6: Luis Aparicio (BAL) 1,000 Runs

MLB Retirements
None