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

1967 League Leaders

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                        American League                National League                Mets               

Home Run Leader:        42 Powell BAL                45 Colavito SFG                14 Kranepool
                        42 Pepitone NYY

Batting Average:        .361 Oliva MIN                .354 Clemente                .312 Kranepool

RBI Leader:                156 Mantle NYY                140 Cepeda STL                70 Kranepool

Stolen Base                70 Campaneris KCA        91 Brock                20 Harrelson
                                                (#4 All Time)                (#8 in NL)


ERA                        2.78 McLain DET              2.73 Sutton LAD                3.38 Fisher
                                                                        (#10 in NL)

Wins                        23 Palmer BAL                21 Niekro ATL                11 Fisher

Strikeouts                232 Tiant CLE                259 Carlton STL                173 Seaver

Saves                        20 Miller BAL                19 Hartenstein CHC        10 Taylor

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Just read through this and that sure was a rough season. Let's hope that your offense gets turned around quickly, possibly a big FA signing? Keep up the good work.

1967 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

Baltimore Orioles (98-64)
Attachment 13956


Last League Pennant: 1966
Last World Championship: 1966 (Reigning Champions)
Manager: Hank Bauer

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C:        Clay Dalrymple        .240        8-51  0               
1B:        Boog Powell        .303        42-138 1       
2B:        Davey Johnson        .282        22-102 3
3B:        Tony Taylor        .289        1-22 12               
SS:        Luis Aparicio        .288        4-54 33               
LF        Curt Blefary        .278        26-99 0               
CF:        Jimmy Wynn        .253        32-118 12       
RF:        Sam Bowens        .186        3-14 0               

S1:        Jim Palmer        23-7        2.90 11 CG       
S2:        Dave McNally        21-11        3.40 7               
S3:        Larry Jackson        14-16        4.00 6                               
S4:        Steve Barber        15-13        3.79 2
CL:        Stu Miller        2-4        3.03 20 SV       

DL:        Frank Robinson        .297        30-104 10

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The Orioles return to defend their World Series crown despite losing the two Robinsons, Frank (to a broken leg in September) and Brooks (traded to the Houston early in the season.
Stalwart Boog Powell tied for first in the league for home runs, while shortstop Luis Aparicio shows no sign that his age is slowing him down any.
Jimmy Wynn was acquired as part of the Robinson trade and has settled in nicely in Baltimore, having his career best homes run and RBI in a season. Surprise stand-in for Frank Robinson at right field is Sam Bowens, with Hank Bauer preferring to keep Russ Snyder available to pinch hit.
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San Francisco Giants (92-70)
Attachment 13957

Last League Pennant: 1962
Last World Championship: 1954 (as New York Giants)
Manager: Herman Franks

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C:        Tom Haller        .256        16-70 0       
1B        Willie McCovey        .276        41-109 2       
2B:        Hal Lanier        .234        2-38 2               
3B:        Jim Ray Hart        .229        2-9-0               
SS:        Tito Fuentes        .270        6-43 14               
LF        Rocky Colavito        .283        45-133 0       
CF:        Willie Mays        .318        40-115 17       
RF:        Ollie Brown        .252        17-64 9               

S1:        Juan Marichal        19-11        2.94 14 CG
S2:        Gaylord Perry        13-10        2.78 10
S3:        Bobby Bolin        14-13        3.88 1
S4:        Mike McCormick11-11        3.73 3               
CL:        Frank Linzy        7-2        1.95 18 SV       

DL:        None

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The Giants make the World Series, despite the surprise challenge from Houston. The acquisition of Rocky Colavito was undeniably a big help to the Giants pennant charge. The veteran has had no problems adapting to National League pitching, leading the league in home runs and driving in 133 runs. Alongside him in the outfield will be Willie Mays, the Say Hey Kid still going at 36, and a much improved Ollie Brown. Jim Ray Hart returns to third base after missing most of the season through injury.

Even11323: It was awful. The 'Lovable Losers' tag is wearing a bit thing. Now we're turning into 'The Big Joke'. Definitely need to bring some people in for '68. Hopefully I can get some good free agents. If not I'll have to trade away some prospects. Thanks for reading.

1967 World Series


Attachment 13975

Even these hippies are excited to see the World Series back in town. Probably.

Game One
Baltimore Orioles at San Francisco Giants

Candlestick Park is packed to capacity, as it has been for much of the season, despite the biting wind swirling in off the Bay.
Juan Marichal got off to an inauspicious start, giving up a hit to Luis Aparicio off his first pitch. Aparicio made it all the way to the third on two ground outs but Boog Powell could not bring him home. Orioles ace Jim Palmer struggled to get to grips with the conditions but got away with just a single for Ollie Brown.
It was the Orioles who opened the scoring in the second inning. Curt Blefary got on base with an infield single off a 90+mph fastball. Marichal reverted to his curveball for Clay Dalrymple. Dalrymple got a hold off it for what looked like a 2 RBI homer but the ball was knocked down by a gust. Blefary had the pace to make it all the way home but Dalrymple only made it to second. The Giants came back when Davey Johnson dropped a flyball from Tom Haller. With Hal Lanier up the Giants put on the hit and run. Lanier hit a hard line drive to bring Haller in from first to tie the game. Pitcher Juan Marichal was up next and he brought home Lanier with a single to make the score 2-1. Another RBI from Tito Fuentes saw the Giants 3-1 ahead and that's how it stayed until the bottom of the fifth.
Then the Giants extended their lead further with two solo shots from Jim Ray Hart and Tom Haller.
The game petered out after that with Marichal only giving up one more hit and Orioles relievers Mike Scott and knuckleballer Eddie Fisher keeping the Giants batters off balance.
Orioles 1, Giants 5


Game Two
Baltimore Orioles at San Francisco Giants
(Giants lead 1-0)

The wind was even gustier than the previous night as Game Two started, Gaylord Perry for the Giants, Dave McNally for the O's .
The first inning was over in quick time. At the top of the second. Perry got two quick outs when Powell and Johnson both popped up. Blefary took the count to 3-0 before unleashing a line drive into the right field gap for a double. Sam Bowens went for 0 for 3 in Game One but he finally got off the mark in the series, hitting Perry's first pitch up the middle allowing Blefary to open the account. A clearly hyped up Bowens was almost caught stealing with Dalrymple at the plate. Dalrymple connected with one up the right field line that stayed fair and Bowens made it all the way home to make it 2-0. Perry was fortunate with a wild pitch to Dave McNally, catcher Dick Dietz managing to recover quickly enough to hold Dalrymple at third, then went on to strike out the opposing pitcher.
The Orioles extended their lead in the sixth with a Boog Powell. The Giants almost had a rally going in the seventh. McNally walked Willie Mays, then got Willie McCovey to pop up to short. Next up was Rocky Colavito. The NL Home Run Leader hammered a two run shot into the left field seats. Dick Dietz got a base hit but that was it for the Giants.
Orioles 3, Giants 2

Attachment 13976

Hank Bauer is hoping his O's can hold on to their crown.

Game Three
San Francisco Giants at Baltimore Orioles
(Series tied 1-1)

The teams head to Baltimore for Game Three with Larry Jackson starting for the Orioles. The veteran makes his first ever appearance in the Series after being traded from the Phillies in June.
Jackson disposed of the Giant's leadoff Tito Fuentes in quick-time, getting him to pop up after fouling off the first pitch. Jackson then switched to the fastball but did not seem to have much control, going behind 3-0 in the count to Ollie Brown before Brown hit a groundball up the middle for a base hit. Willie Mays was next up, again Jackson went behind, then Mays popped up to catcher Tom Haller. Willie McCovey grounded out to end the half inning.
The O's fans were going wild in the bottom of the inning. Sam Bowens came to the plate with bases loaded and Giants starter Bobby Bolin struggling. Bowens hit a single to centre field for 2 RBIs. Clay Dalrymple was unable to extend the lead and grounded to third for the third out.
Things got ugly in the bottom of the second when Bolin hit Curt Blefary with a 90 mph fastball. Blefary went down for a while and a clearly furious Hank Bauer approached the mound, eventually calming down before he was thrown out.
Larry Jackson settled down, giving the Giants very little to hit. McCovey did manage a base hit at the top of the fourth but Rocky Colavito and Mays both struck out. Rick Joseph , starting at third in place of Tony Taylor, got his second hit of the game when he drove one into the left field gap for a double. Larry Jackson was next up, and hit a hard grounder into centre field. He made it safely to first while Joseph continued past third and headed for home. He slid in and scuffle ensued with catcher Haller when he was called out, again bringing Bauer out from the dugout.
Joseph was back in the bottom of the fifth with bases loaded after Bolin had walked two and a Jim Ray Hart error had let Clay Dalrymple reach first. Bolin's first pitch was a ball. The second hit Joseph in the knee to give the O's another run, but Joseph could play no further part and limped off to the clubhouse for treatment, Tony Taylor coming in to play third.
With Bolin out of sorts, Joe Gibbon took the mound for the Giants in the seventh only to give up a solo homer to Davey Johnson making it 4-0 Orioles.
Willie Mays brought in a run in the eighth but the O's made it 5-1 with an RBI by Jimmy Wynn
Giants 1, Orioles 5


Game Four
San Francisco Giants at Baltimore Orioles
(Orioles lead 2-1)

Both teams went back to the #1 starters for the crucial fourth game, with Jim Palmer ready to make amends for his poor first game.
Both started well with the first hit not until the third when Palmer's fastball was hit to left for a single by Hal Lanier. Lanier was advanced to second by a sac bunt by Marichal and opened the scoring courtesy of Tito Fuentes drive deep into right field. It was Palmer himself who came close to tying the game. With two outs, he got on base with a single and made it all the way to third when Marichal made a hash of the throw following a hit by Luis Aparicio. But Curt Blefary flied out to end the half inning.
The Orioles did come back at the bottom of the fourth. Marichal struck out three but gave up a solo homer to Boog Powell.
In the sixth Palmer got two quick outs then walk the next two batters. They both ended up crossing the plate , with one run RBIs from Haller and Lanier to put the Giants 3-1 ahead.
They looked to be coasting toward the win by the ninth but the Orioles weren't killed off yet. Davey Johnson hit what looked like a routine single up the middle but the Giants seemed to already have their minds on Game Five. Johnson went for second and slid in. SAFE! Sam Bowens got himself another base hit with Johnson making third. Dalrymple grounded out for the first out and Russ Snyder came in to pinch hit. Marichal got the first strike but the second pitch Snyder hit to second for a run scored and men on first and third. Tony Taylor came off the bench next, and hit a groundball past first. The game is tied at 3-3!
In the tenth Stu Miller took the mound for the O's and went through his whole repertoire to get three outs, no hits. The Giants brought out their bullpen star Frank Linzy. He struck out Blefary but gave up a double to Jimmy Wynn. Memorial Stadium was jumping when Boog Powell went to the plate, having hit a homer earlier in the game. With the Giants concentrating on Powell, Wynn took a long lead and stole third before the defense realised what the deafening roar was all about. When the pitch came Powell seemed to check his swing. Instead of the blast into the stands everybody was expecting he connected with a firm knock that hit the ground and rolled passed the mound and on past second base into short centre field. Wynn made it home!
Giants 3, Orioles 4 (10)

Game Five
San Francisco Giants at Baltimore Orioles
(Orioles lead 3-1)

The Giants got off to a good start as they looked to rescue the series. Tito Fuentes got a base hit leading off and Willie McCovey was walked by Dave McNally. Rocky Colavito brought the first run of the night in, followed an RBI from Jim Ray Hart to put the Giants 2 ahead.

The Orioles came back quickly with a two-run homer by Boog Powell at the bottom of the first.
Neither team managed a hit in the second, but in the third the visitors went ahead again with another two run shot, this time from Willie Mays. Again the lead did not last. Perry walked Curt Blefary then gave up a double to Jimmy Wynn. Boog Powell was the next hitter but could only hit a pop fly to second. Davey Johnson took the plate next, fouled off the first pitch, then hit the second way back but short of the wall in centre. Two runs scored to tie the game.

In the fourth Gaylord Perry reached first after a throwing error by third baseman Rick Joseph but then Tito Fuentes grounded into what was probably the most crucial double play of the season. The O’s seized the initiative in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases with no outs. Jimmy Wynn flied out to right but Dave McNally tagged up and made home to put the O's ahead for the first time in the game. Next Boog Powell and Davey Johnson drove in another two runs, which was quite enough for Giants skipper Herman Franks. He took out Perry and put in rookie Jim Barr for his first appearance of the series. Barr came in with men on second and third. Both of them were brought home by Sam Bowens with a 2 RBI single to make the score 9-4 Orioles. Before the end of the inning the bases were loaded again but Barr only gave up one more run.

It was all over for the Giants in the sixth with Joe Gibbon on the mound he gave up 4 RBI to give the O's an unassailable lead. Willie Mays hit a three-run homer to close the deficit in the seventh, but the Giants were a broken team.

The final out of the series came at the top of the ninth when Willie Mays hit a fly ball into the waiting glove of Sam Bowens.

Giants 7, Orioles 14


BALTIMORE ORIOLES WIN THE WORLD SERIES



MVP Award: Larry Jackson. The Baltimore pitcher pitched a superb six hitter and completed Game Three to put the Orioles ahead in the series.



My own vote goes to Sam Bowens, the right field replacement for Frank Robinson. Despite little playing time this year the 28 year old had a great series with 5 RBI and faultless defense.

1967 SEASON AWARDS


American League:

Cy Young Award Jim Palmer BAL
MVP Award Mickey Mantle NYY
Rookie of the Year Reggie Jackson KCA

Gold Glove (P) Mel Stottlemyre NYY
Gold Glove (C) Buck Rodgers CAL
Gold Glove (1B) Joe Pepitone NYY
Gold Glove (2B) Davey Johnson BAL
Gold Glove (3B) Don Buford CHW
Gold Glove (SS) Don Kessinger NYY
Gold Glove (OF) Roy White NYY
Gold Glove (OF) Jimmy Wynn BAL
Gold Glove (OF) Frank Robinson BAL



National League

Cy Young Award Juan Marichal SFG
MVP Award Willie Mays SFG
Rookie of the Year Bob Watson HOU

Gold Glove (P) Phil Niekro ATL
Gold Glove (C) Joe Torre ATL
Gold Glove (1B) Wes Parker LAD
Gold Glove (2B) Joe Morgan HOU
Gold Glove (3B) Ron Santo CHC
Gold Glove (SS) Jim Fregosi PIT
Gold Glove (OF) Johnny Callison PHI
Gold Glove (OF) Vada Pinson HOU
Gold Glove (OF) Cleo James LAD

1967 NEW YORK METS FINAL STATS

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1967 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Jones, Cleon              NYM  147  .291  495  144  38  3  11  58  83    7  2  69  56  .446  .367
Harrelson, Bud            NYM  144  .257  556  143  29  4  1  78  84  20  2  79  34  .329  .349
Luplow, Al                NYM  140  .222  487  108  12  1  13  55  82    2  4  47  55  .331  .298
Davis, Tommy              NYM  137  .278  399  111  21  0  12  23  57    2  1  45  56  .421  .318
Stahl, Larry              NYM  135  .228  469  107  13  3  6  38  104    2  8  48  48  .307  .293
Johnson, Bob              NYM  125  .254  437  111  16  1  5  30  83    6  1  40  48  .330  .305
Buchek, Jerry            NYM  117  .210  343  72  7  1  5  23  68    2  1  30  31  .280  .257
Kranepool, Ed            NYM  110  .312  449  140  34  1  14  37  56    0  2  62  70  .486  .367
Brand, Ron                NYM  103  .198  298  59  11  0  0  25  41    4  1  21  15  .235  .258
Collins, Kevin            NYM  94  .166  314  52  15  2  0  17  68    3  0  17  16  .226  .205
Lewis, Johnny            NYM  75  .237  194  46  7  0  8  31  40    1  0  33  19  .397  .341
Selma, Dick              NYM  55  .500    2    1  0  0  0    0    0    0  0    0    1  .500  .500
Grzenda, Joe              NYM  47  .000    7    0  0  0  0    0    5    0  0    0    1  .000  .000
Shaw, Bob                NYM  45  .133    15    2  0  0  0    3    4    0  0    1    3  .133  .278
Swoboda, Ron              NYM  39  .250    80  20  3  1  1    5  22    1  0    7    9  .350  .284
Pfeil, Bobby              NYM  33  .248  121  30  7  0  1    4  23    0  0  10    8  .331  .283
Seaver, Tom              NYM  33  .118    76    9  0  0  0    3  25    0  0    3    1  .118  .152
Sullivan, John            NYM  31  .204    54  11  3  0  0    5  13    0  0    4    2  .259  .271
Fisher, Jack              NYM  31  .117    60    7  0  0  0    3  25    0  0    2    0  .117  .159
Terry, Ralph              NYM  31  .115    61    7  0  0  0    1  15    0  0    0    1  .115  .129
Hiller, Chuck            NYM  28  .200    40    8  1  0  1    4    2    0  0    3    3  .300  .273
Graham, Bill              NYM  25  .103    29    3  0  1  0    1    9    0  0    2    3  .172  .133
Koosman, Jerry            NYM  23  .080    50    4  0  0  0    2  27    0  0    2    1  .080  .115
Belinsky, Bo              NYM  22  .154    39    6  0  0  0    2  14    0  0    0    4  .154  .195
Singleton, Ken            NYM  17  .176    17    3  0  1  0    0    2    0  0    0    2  .294  .167
Otis, Amos                NYM  16  .273    44  12  4  1  0    5    6    2  0    8    3  .409  .347
Frisella, Danny          NYM  16 1.000    1    1  0  0  0    0    0    0  0    1    0 1.000 1.000
Jorgensen, Mike          NYM  15  .250    48  12  1  0  0    8    7    0  2    5    5  .271  .368
Goossen, Greg            NYM  14  .231    13    3  0  0  0    3    4    0  0    1    1  .231  .412
Bosch, Don                NYM  12  .184    38    7  1  0  0    3    8    3  1    2    0  .211  .244
McAndrew, Jim            NYM    5  .000    1    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000
Cardwell, Don            NYM    4  .000    12    0  0  0  0    0    8    0  0    1    0  .000  .000
Shirley, Bart            NYM    2  .333    6    2  1  0  0    1    0    0  0    2    0  .500  .429
Moock, Joe                NYM    1  .000    1    0  0  0  0    0    1    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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1967 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Seaver, Tom              NYM  238.0  4.05  33  33  9  17  0  173  80 11.50
Fisher, Jack              NYM  213.1  3.38  31  31  11  12  0  120  71 11.98
Terry, Ralph              NYM  199.0  3.53  31  31  6  18  0  119  55 12.17
Koosman, Jerry            NYM  150.2  4.30  23  23  1  10  0  100  45 13.20
Belinsky, Bo              NYM  131.1  4.52  22  21  9  9  0  86  66 12.81
Graham, Bill              NYM  96.1  6.73  25  9  3  7  0  65  57 17.00
Shaw, Bob                NYM  93.2  3.56  45  0  2  2  3  51  30 11.53
Selma, Dick              NYM  74.0  2.31  55  0  8  6  9  74  33 10.46
Grzenda, Joe              NYM  67.1  3.21  47  0  3  2  3  38  33 12.56
Taylor, Ron              NYM  49.2  2.36  46  0  7  5  10  32    6  9.97
Cardwell, Don            NYM  35.0  1.54    4  4  2  1  0  16  14  7.97
Frisella, Danny          NYM  22.1  4.84  16  0  1  3  0  13  11 13.70
McGraw, Tug              NYM  12.2  4.97  11  0  0  0  0    8    6 15.63
McAndrew, Jim            NYM  10.2 11.81    5  0  0  0  0    8    7 17.72

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There were a lot of contract negotiations to wade through before we could get down to the serious business of getting the man to lead the Mets next season.

First up was the team's leading hitter Ed Kranepool (.313 14-70). He missed nearly two months playing time but without him we probably would have lost 100 games. Kranepool wanted $315k. We could have gone to arbitration but decided he's worth it. Have to keep the key players happy.

Next was our All Star pitching ace Jack Fisher (11-12, 3.38, 4 CG). At 28 years old he decided he would take a pay cut in return for some job security, asking for $226k for 4 years. Another one I didn't have to think too hard about.

Cleon Jones (.291, 11-56) didn't do as well as I hoped. We offered $80k and told him he might get $100k if he does better next year. We won arbitration.

Larry Stahl (.228, 6-48) and Al Luplow (.222, 13-55) were our other two starting outfielders. Very good gloves but awful hitters. I'll give them another year but I want to see much better batting. Luplow gets $45k, Stahl $18k.

Jerry Buchek (.210, 5-31) was another one who didn't hit at all but, with all the injuries we had, we found his versatility in the infield useful. Buchek gets another year at $80k

Bon viveur Bo Belinsky (9-9, 4.52, 3 CG) had me worried for a while but, once he decided to knuckle down, was impressive toward the end of the season. I was all set to give him another one-year deal and was amazed that he scoffed at it. He wanted $105k!!! Not worth the risk. He can go and find somebody else to give him a break. At 30 years old and with his reputation I'm not sure he will.

In the bullpen, an unsung hero was Bob Shaw (2-2, 3.56, 3 SV). No dramas, no fuss, he just got on with his job. I was delighted he accepted a 2-year $120k deal. He's 34 but has a few good seasons left in him.

Undoubted star of the bullpen though was Ron Taylor (7-5, 2.36, 10 SV). I hate to blow my trumpet but nobody else will. It was my idea to make him our closer and he was fantastic. Glad I got at least one decision right. He gets 1 year at $80k.

Like Shaw, Joe Grzenda (3-2, 3.21, 3 SV) just gets on with things. I offered $20k, which was a bit cheap of me. The arbitrator decided he's worth the $33k he wanted. He probably is to be honest.

I traded away Jerry Grote for Ron Brand (.198, 0-15). Not a great decision but that was Wes Westrum's call. Brand is a great backstop but, even in my most charitable mood, that batting average just stinks. Thanks Ron, and goodbye.

Also released are outfielder Johnny Lewis (.237, 8-19) and second baseman Chuck Hiller (.200 1-3).

Early in the season we signed a lot of rookies after holding open tryouts.

Retained are: Jim Williams, Al Yates, Jerry Bell, Larry Hardy, Lance Clemons and Norm Angelini.

Released are: Danny Walton, Fred Stanley, Pete Koegel, Jerry Terrell, Mike Corkins, Jerry Cram, Garry Lance and Ralph Garcia.

After the teams finish up their contract negotiations here are the top free agents.

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Top 5 Batters

Name                        Age        Team Seeking       
RF Jim Northrup (89)        27        DET        284,000        .315 22-81  5
3B Don Buford (85)        30        CHW        274,000        .281 22-78-29  Gold Glove
1B Ernie Banks        (83)        36        CHC          274,000        .297 27-103 1  ex All Star
SS Rico Petrocelli (85)        24        BOS        260,000        .284 21-73 1
C Bill Freehan (89)        25        DET        257,000        .289 24-85 0    All Star

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Code:

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Top 5 Pitchers

Name                    Age    Team      Seeking
SP Steve Blass        (81/94)        25        PIT        201,000        15-9, 3.61, 3 CG
SP Rick Wise (73/77)        22        PHI        192,000        9-12,4.16, 4 CG
SP Bill Singer        (75/80)        23        LAD        186,000        11-15, 5.19, 0 CG
SP Nelson Briles (82/85)24        STL        181,000        9-14, 4.22,  4 CG
RP Clay Carroll        (77/80)        26        ATL        157,000        3-8, 5.67, 18 SV

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After our disastrous season we need a quick fix for next season. We have decent prospects coming through but can't afford to wait. Top priority is the infield, where we really struggled. I would also really like a catcher who can actually hit. Neither Grote nor Brand did that for us this year. Cleon Jones did fine in the outfield, and I think either Ken Singleton or Amos Otis will be about ready very soon. We still need one more though. Pitching is not a huge concern. Another starter would be nice but I think our prospects are better than the available free agents.

First up is the infield.

Don Buford (.281 22-78 29) had a breakout season with the White Sox, posting career high batting numbers and also winning a Gold Glove. Amazing that he is available and he fits the bill perfectly for us. He can play infield or outfield which is a big bonus. He signs for 3 years at $274k

The other infielders we talk to are Cookie Rojas (265 1-50 10) and Ron Hunt (.259 3-42 5). Both are former All Stars. In fact, Hunt was the first Met All Star, debuting with us in 1963 before being sent to the Dodgers as part of the Tommy Davis deal. He was very keen to come back to Shea but not keen enough to drop his asking price. We go with Rojas for 2 years at $156k.

In the outfield we talk to Don Lock (.160 1-9 1) and Mickey Stanley (.268 5-24 1). Lock struggled last year with the Phillies, apparently unhappy at being traded away by Washington. Stanley is six years younger and still has some upside. Stanley gets $134k for 3 years.

Finally, and the pick of the bunch, is catcher Bill Freehan (.289 24-85 0). Has everything Grote and Brand have behind the plate, exceptional leadership skills and can hit. He gets $283k for 4 years.

Attachment 14074

Parallel paths ... Buford and Cookie are both on my team (in 1965). I've got Buford playing 3B, which I guess you'll do too. Cookie is off to a surprisingly good start as my lead-off hitter this season. Buford seems to love hitting in the 2 spot.

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
November 15, 1967

GIL HODGES UNVEILED AS NEW METS SKIPPER
Crabtree Gets His Man

NEW YORK, N.Y. - After protracted negotiations the Washington Senators have finally released their manager Gil Hodges to take over the struggling New York Mets. The Mets have been without a manager since Wes Westrum resigned in September, leaving the Shea outfit to finish last in the National League with a 64-98 record.
The Senators were first approached about the availability of Hodges after the World Series and, at first, refused permission for the Mets to speak with him. Hodges took over the Nats in 1963 and they had been making steady progress under his tutelage. However, it is thought Hodges was growing increasingly frustrated following the loss of stars Camilo Pascual and Frank Howard, who were both traded away for prospects.
Hodges finished his playing career with the Mets after almost twenty years with the Dodgers and still has a home in Brooklyn. The appointment is sure to be popular with Mets fans. GM Roy Crabtree said, "The Dodgers were one of the teams I loved to watch, and Gil was one of my favourite players. It's absolutely fabulous to have him on board."
No details have been disclosed regarding the deal reached between the two clubs but an insider said it involves sizeable financial compensation for the Senators.

Attachment 14096

I can’t tell you how excited I am to have Gil Hodges as the new manager. I have to confess I’m feeling a bit starstruck around him. As well as being a legend as a player, he is also one of the nicest and most respected baseball people I’ve met so far. I have a good feeling about this appointment.
Gil can’t wait to get started either. First thing he wanted was to go down to Florida and look at our prospects in the Instructional League. I’m sure he’ll like what he sees.
From there it’s off to Mexico City where this year’s winter meetings are being held. Main discussion points will be a possible extra draft taking place involving minor league players. With our extremely healthy farm situation we are obviously against that. Also, Charlie Finley will announce where he will be relocating the A’s to. I expect the owners to ratify his choice if only to shut him up once and for all.
----------------------------------------------------------------------


3RunHomer: Heh :) I noticed you had Rojas and Buford. Quite a coincidence as you are in 1965. Thanks for the tip about putting Buford in the #2 slot. I was going to make him our lead-off man but maybe I'll leave Harrelson there instead.

WINTER MEETINGS 1967

He finally got his wish. Charlie O. Finley got his A’s out of Kansas City and they will be relocating to......

San Diego, California.

The A’s will share their new home, San Diego Stadium, with the AFL Chargers who are in their first season at the city-owned facility.

Attachment 14097

Our main concern was the proposed minor league players re-draft. The idea had a couple of enthusiasts, claiming it would prevent the big city teams from dominating. This completely ignored the fact that the Orioles had won the World Series two years straight.
Most clubs, including the Mets, agreed there is no evidence that clubs ‘stock-pile’ players in their farm systems. The idea is shelved but may be discussed again at a later date.

[What really happened: this seems to be popular now among dynasty writers and I did start to experiment myself (hence the delay in getting the 1968 season going). I was having a distinct lack of fun doing it and decided there was no real need for it. Maybe I will need to do it at some stage in the future but, after simming multiple seasons a few times, I didn’t have any occurrences where the Yankees or Dodgers were invincible.)

I had an interesting chat with Tal Smith, my counterpart with the Astros. We made a trade back in July that involved a catcher and a pitcher for a catcher and a pitcher. We got Brand and Belinsky. They got Grote and Estrada.

Brand: played entire season but disappointed at the plate, released and picked up by Pittsburgh
Belinsky: ‘problem child’, could have been good for us but not worth the trouble, released and surprisingly found his way to the Cubs. Suckers!

Grote: never started a game and disappointed when he did come off the bench, released, now with Cleveland.
Estrada: started two games then missed the rest of the season with a broken elbow, released and expected to retire.

Tal said to me, “I really thought I had one up on you when I fobbed off Belinsky on you.”
I laughed, “I had a feeling Estrada wouldn’t last the season.”
“Not as naive as you make out are you?“ He chuckled. “Well, I guess we’ll call that one even. I’ll get you next time.”

Baseball. It’s fun.

It was a busy off season. Gil Hodges needed to get familiar with his new club and players. He seems particularly interested in our youngsters. We also picked up a couple more free agents.
OF Ty Cline (72): a 28 year old who has been around the majors for a few years. I don't think he'll start for us but may be a useful pinch hitter.
OF Doug Clemens (66): also 28 and may be useful off the bench.

The most difficult task though was rebuilding our radio network. Until last season Mets games had been covered by WHN, a strong New York station. Then the station owner, George Storer, announced they will only be covering the Yankees. It turns out Storer is good friends with former Yankees president Dan Topping. Stiffed or what?
We can't afford to let the Yankees take away what fanbase we have so we decided to create our own network. It was a lot of work, very boring but very important. We are a long way from finished, but in 1968 thirty stations will carry Mets games throughout the northeast from Maine to eastern Pennsylvania. They will even be broadcast on a shortwave so Lord Fawcliff can follow them when he in in England.

Good luck with the radio station venture, sounds like a big undertaking.

Don't worry too much about getting Hodges acclimated. In my dynasty, he's gone from A ball to the Majors in under a year, so he's used to it! :D

Great job so far, despite the losing. So long as you keep moving forward, everything will be alright.

I finally got a break. It was great to get away from freezing New York. As much as I love the place those winters are really harsh. Seven weeks in damp and grey London seemed much more appealing. At least the temperatures were the right side of minus. Besides, London is 'swinging' apparently. Then, it was back in time for spring training in sunny St Petersburg, Florida.
Gil was taking the major league players through their paces for the first time. I'm already thinking this is going to work. Every player, to a man, seems to be working hard and eager to impress.


1968 NEW YORK METS

CATCHERS

Bill Freehan (87) Age: 26 (.289 24-85 0 with Detroit)
CON: $283,000 thru 1971 ACQ: Off season 1968 (Free Agent)
MLB: 1961 Detroit Tigers (7th season)

John Sullivan (74/79) Age 27 (.204 0 HR 2 RBI 0 SB in 54 AB)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 69 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Detroit (Rule 5 draft)
MLB: 1963 Detroit (2nd season)

Last year we used two great catchers in Jerry Grote and Ron Brand, but neither of them could hit. Hopefully we've found somebody who can do both for us in Freehan.


FIRST BASEMEN

Ed Kranepool (85/92) Age 23 (.312 14-70-0)
CON: $315,000 thru 1968 ACQ: June 1962 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1962 New York Mets (7th season)

Kranepool led our offense last year despite missing fifty games through injury. We would surely have done much better if he had been available.


INFIELDERS

Cookie Rojas (77) Age 29 (.265 1-50 10 with Philadelphia)
CON: $156,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1968 (Free Agent)
MLB: 1962 Cincinnati (3rd season)

Don Buford (88) Age 31 (.281 22-78 29 with Chicago White Sox)
CON: $302,000 thru 1970 ACQ: Off season 1968 (Free Agent)
MLB: Chicago White Sox (6th season)

Bud Harrelson (78/83) Age 23 (.257 1-34 20)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 1970 ACQ: June 1963 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (4th season)

Bob Johnson (71) Age 32 (.254 5-48 6)
CON: $124,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Baltimore)
MLB: 1960 Kansas City (9th season)


The infield was our most obvious weak spot in '67. Buford and Rojas should help improve things significantly.


OUTFIELDERS

Larry Stahl (70) Age 26 (.228 6-48-2)
CON: $18,000 thru 1968 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Kansas City
MLB: 1964 Kansas City (5th season)

Mickey Stanley (83/89) Age 25 (.268 5-24 1 with Detroit)
CON: $134,000 thru 1971 ACQ: Off season 1968 (Free Agent)
MLB: 1964 Detroit Tigers (5th season)

Cleon Jones (81) Age 25 (.291 11-56 7)
CON: $80,000 thru 1968 ACQ: July 1962 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1963 New York Mets (5th season)

Ty Cline (72) Age 28 (.273 0-3 0 in 66 AB with Atlanta)
CON: $15,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1968 (Free Agent)
MLB: 1960 Cleveland (9th season)

Don Bosch (68/78) Age 25 (.184 0-0 3 in 38 AB)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 1971 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Pittsburgh
MLB: 1966 Pittsburgh (2nd season)

Ron Swoboda (77/91) Age 23 (.250 1-9 1 in 80 AB)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 1969 ACQ: September 1963 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (4th season)

Tommy Davis (74) Age 29 (.278 12-56 2)
CON: $166,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Dodgers
MLB: 1959 LA Dodgers (10th season)


Jones was one of the few position players to perform adequately last year. Davis did well coming off the bench, but his fielding skills leave something to be desired. Stanley is another new face I have high expectations of. Swoboda has huge potential but is still far from ready for a starting spot.

STARTERS

Tom Seaver (89/93) Age 23 (9-17 4.05 ERA 8 CG)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 70 ACQ: April 1966 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1967 New York Mets (2nd season)

Jack Fisher (85/93) Age 29 (11-12 3.38 4)
CON: $226,000 thru 1971 ACQ: Off season 1964 from San Francisco (special draft)
MLB: 1959 Baltimore (10th season)

Don Cardwell (81) Age 32 (2-1 1.54 3 in 35 IP)
CON: $121,000 thru 1969 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Pittsburgh
MLB: 1957 Philadelphia (12th season)

Ralph Terry (76/77) Age 32 (6-18 3.53 6 )
CON: $101,000 thru 1968 ACQ: August 1966 from Kansas City
MLB: 1956 New York Yankees (13th season)

Jerry Koosman (85/89) Age 25 (1-10 4.30 ERA 0)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 70 ACQ: August 1964 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1967 New York Mets (2nd season)

Last year we got an early blow when our ace Cardwell was involved in a bizarre accident causing him to miss most of the season. In the four starts he did make he was outstanding Fisher did very well in his stead, so I was surprised that Gil preferred to make Seaver our #1 pitcher. He's still a little bit raw. Last year was patchy. Some excellent spells interspersed with terrible ones. I would also have preferred to give Koosman another year in AAA, but Gil seems very impressed with him.


RELIEVERS

Ron Taylor (81) Age 30 (7-5 2.36 10 SV in 49.2 IP)
ON: $80,000 thru 1968 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Houston
MLB: 1962 Cleveland (7th season)

Dick Selma (80/81) Age 24 (8-6 2.31 9)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 69 ACQ: May 1963 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (4th season)

Tug McGraw (81/85) Age 23 (0-0 4.97 0 in 12.2 IP)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 69 ACQ: June 1964 (Amateur Free Agent)
MLB: 1965 New York Mets (4th season)

Joe Grzenda (75/77) Age 30 (3-2 3.21 3)
CON: $33,000 thru 1968 ACQ: Off season 1967 from Kansas City
MLB: 1961 Detroit (5th season)

Bob Shaw (74/75) Age 34 (2-2 3.56 3 )
CON: $120,000 thru 1969 ACQ: June 1966 from San Francisco
MLB: 1957 Detroit (12th season)

Bill Graham (57/62) Age 31 (3-7 6.73 0)
CON: $12,900 until Arb 70 ACQ: Off Season 1967 from Detroit
MLB: 1966 Detroit (2nd season)


Taylor took over as closer and was superb. McGraw steps up from AAA. The only glaring weakness in the bullpen is spot starter Bill Graham. Unless we have another disaster happen to our starters he’ll be sent down to the minors at the earliest opportunity.

DOWN ON THE FARM

AAA-Jacksonville Suns (International League)

Ken Singleton LF/RF


AA-Memphis Blues (Texas League)

Greg Goossen C
Danny Frisella RP


A-Mankato Mets (Northern League)

Amos Otis CF
Joe Moock 3B
Jerry Hinsley RP


R-Marion Mets (Appalachian League)

Mike Jorgensen 1B
Frank Estrada C
Mike Reinbach RF
Danny Fife SP
Bob Babcock RP
Tom Brown RP
Craig Caskey SP

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
March 31, 1968


1968 SEASON PREDICTIONS

AMERICAN LEAGUE
1. Baltimore Orioles (1967- World Champ)
2. Detroit Tigers (4th)
3. New York Yankees (2nd)
4. Chicago White Sox (5th)
5. Boston Red Sox (6th)
6. Minnesota Twins (3rd)
7. San Diego Athletics (7th)
8. Cleveland Indians (9th)
9. California Angels (8th)
10. Washington Senators (9th)

NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. San Francisco Giants (NL Champ)
2. Atlanta Braves (4th)
3. St Louis Cardinals (8th)
4. Pittsburgh Pirates (5th)
5. Philadephia Phillies (7th)
6. Cincinnati Reds (3rd)
7. Houston Astros (2nd)
8. Los Angeles Dodgers (6th)
9. Chicago Cubs (9th)
10. NEW YORK METS (10th)

--------------------------------------------------------------
Hey guys, no big write up this year. I'm keen to get started on the new season. Just curious.... how/when is the projected record calculated? I'm pretty sure I'll do better than tenth place. (I would say that though, wouldn't I? :D )

APRIL PREVIEW

Code:

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Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

SS Harrelson                C Sullivan                Seaver                Taylor
3B Buford                IF Johnson                Fisher                Selma
1B Kranepool                OF Cline                Cardwell        McGraw
C Freehan                CF Bosch                Terry                Grzenda
CF Stanley                LF Swoboda                Koosman                Shaw (Bob)
RF Jones                LF Davis                                Graham
2B Rojas
LF Stahl

---

APRIL 1968


April 1-3
New York Mets (0-0) @ Atlanta Braves (0-0)

April 1: Tom Seaver gives up two earned runs early on but then pitches a fabulous game, giving up only four hits in eight innings. Most impressive of our debutants is Bill Freehan who goes 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Mets 5-2
W: Tom Seaver (1-0) L: Phil Niekro (0-1) S: Joe Grzenda (1)

April 2: We have a 2-0 lead going into the fifth but a 2 RBI homer from Frank Howard inspires the Braves to come back and win. Braves 4-2
W: Denny Lemaster (1-0) L: Jack Fisher (0-1) S: Ron Reed (1)

April 3: Pitcher Don Cardwell gets us into an early lead, knocking in 2 RBI and we hold on in the face of a late rally from the Braves. Mets 6-5
W: Don Cardwell (1-0) L: Ken Johnson (0-1) S: Bob Shaw (1)

April 4-6
New York Mets (2-1) @ St Louis Cardinals (1-2)

April 4: Last year's NL RBI Leader Orlando Cepeda clobbers three homers for 4 RBI. Cardinals 9-6
W: Tom Hilgendorf (1-0) L: Joe Grzenda (0-1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The loss was irrelevant. There had been a strange murmur in the crowd in the ninth inning. Then word came that Martin Luther King was dead, shot by a sniper at a Memphis motel. There was barely a cheer from the Cardinals fans at the final out. The stadium emptied quickly and quietly.
I have never seen such a sombre set of ball players as I did in the clubhouse. Some cried, both black and white. God only knows what this is going to lead to. We consulted with the Cardinals people and agreed it would not be appropriate to play tomorrow. The game is postponed and we will play a double header on the 6th.

Attachment 14172
King on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis

The country has gone crazy with serious riots breaking out nationwide. The worst appear to be in Chicago, Washington and Baltimore. There are some disturbances in St Louis and forcing us to stay inside the hotel all day on the 5th.
The rioting in St Louis dies down pretty quickly but in Chicago things are getting out of hand with the mayor calling in the National Guard and, apparently, issuing a 'shoot to kill' directive.

Attachment 14176

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April 6 (Day Game): Jerry Koosman makes his first start of the year in front of a sparse crowd. He gets the win but nobody feels like celebrating much. Mickey Stanley will be out for a few weeks. He was accidentally spiked by Cards third baseman Ed Spiezio. Mets 6-2
W: Jerry Koosman (1-0) L: Bob Gibson (1-1)

April 6 (Night Game): Don Buford goes 4 for 5 and scores three runs. Mets 6-0
W: Tom Seaver (2-0) L: Steve Carlton (0-2)

April 8-10
New York Mets (4-2) @ St Louis Cardinals (2-4)

April 8: We have a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the 6th but the Cards come back with a 2 RBI double from Roger Maris and a three run homer from Johnny Romano. Cardinals 10-7
W: Nelson Briles (1-0) L: Jack Fisher (0-2) S: Wayne Granger (1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

King's funeral is held in Atlanta on April 9 and all baseball is cancelled. The worst of the rioting has ended with the financial cost running into millions. The human cost is incalculable. These are very dark times in America.

Attachment 14178

The family of Martin Luther King

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
April 10 (Day Game): Don Cardwell pitches a one-hitter. The Cards solitary hit is a solo homer by Ed Spezio. Mets 4-1
W: Don Cardwell (2-0) L: Mike Torrez (0-1)

April 10 (Night Game): Our new look infield is looking good. Ralph Terry gives up nine hits but, thanks to some excellent fielding, we hold the Cards to one run. Mets 5-1
W: Ralph Terry (1-0) L: Ray Washburn (0-1)

After being stuck in St Louis during a crazy week, it was a relief to get back to New York. My boss, and friend, Mets owner Lord Freddy Fawcliff was in town having flown in from London for tomorrow's home opener. He suggested dinner but I just wanted a stiff drink or three. We met in a bar at the Waldorf where he kept a suite.

"Roy, wonderful to see you alive." He grinned and held out his hand.
"Hallo Freddy," I said with a wry smile as we shook hands. "I thought World War Three had kicked off."
"Yes, it's awful. Nothing else in the papers at home all week either. Madness."
He gestured me to take a seat and a waiter appeared.
"What'll it be?" said Freddy. I saw he already had a whisky just about finished. I nodded at it.
"One of those."
"Marvellous." He turned to the waiter. "Make that two please."
The waiter nodded and went off to get the drinks.
"You'll like this. It's Irish. Twelve years old and bloody marvellous!" He continued, "Well, I hear we're off to a good start. How's Gil settling in?"
"So far, so good. The club is really upbeat since he came onboard. The players seem to really respect him."
"That's what I like to hear. And young Tom? How's he?"
Phenom Tom Seaver had had a poor first season, going 9-17. Despite that, manager Gil Hodges had made him our number one starter this season and the young pitcher had responded well to having such faith placed in him.
"Two starts, two wins. He's only given up two runs too."
"Terrific. Will he be starting tomorrow?"
"No, the day after. Tomorrow is Jerry Koosman."
"Ah Koosman." Another phenom who struggled, going 1-10 and flirting with AAA ball in 1967.
"He won his start in St Louis and looked good in Florida. Gil likes him so he's in the rotation."
"No, that's quite alright old chap,” said Freddy, holding up a hand. "I have every faith in you and Gil. If you think he deserves it that's fine."
We discussed the playing and coaching staff for an hour, then the conversation turned to something else of major importance to our club. Expansion. The American League had announced in the winter they would be expanding by two teams. Now the National League was playing catch up.
"There's a meeting in Chicago about this expansion thing." said Freddy.
"I heard that. You'll support it I suppose."
"Why not? There are still swathes of the country with no baseball team. There's even the possibility of a Canadian franchise. Wouldn't that be something?"
I nodded. Both of us had known many Canadians during our wartime service. Fine people, fine country.
"What about the south?" I asked. "Anything down that way?"
"I'm not sure to be honest. Possibly New Orleans. They have a good chance. I'll just go with consensus though. I still feel like a bit of an outsider at these meetings. Better not to rock the boat. They already think we're some kind of a novelty act."
Another couple of whiskies arrived.
"Better make this the last one. It's a big day ahead tomorrow." I said.
"Right you are. One for the road then." Lord Fawcliff raised his glass and offered a toast. "Here's to Gil Hodges and the New York Mets."
I raised my glass and touched it to his. "Gil Hodges and the New York Mets."
We both smiled and downed those whiskies. And he was right. It was bloody marvellous.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 12-14
St Louis Cardinals (3-6) @ New York Mets (6-3)

April 12: A disappointing opening day at Shea. Orlando Cepeda hits two homers including a three run shot in the first to lead the rout. Cardinals 8-2
W: Bob Gibson (2-1) L: Jerry Koosman (1-1)

April 13: Tom Seaver dominates, giving up three hits and three walks. Cardinals starter Steve Carlton is pulled after 1.1 innings with the score already 7-0. Mets 9-1
W: Tom Seaver (3-0) L: Steve Carlton (0-3)

April 14: Larry Stahl hits a double to win the game in extra innings. Mets 2-1 (10)
W: Ron Taylor (1-0) L: Ron Willis (0-1)

Apologies for the long delay updating this. Family bereavement. I've got April and May completed so I hope to get a few more posts up tomorrow. I see 2009 came out while I was away. The forum has gone nuts! :D

Good to see an update. Hope the Mets can finish in the first division this year, good luck.

The National League owners met in Chicago and agreed to a two team expansion for 1969. It was also agreed that the league would be split into two six-team divisions, with the division winners meeting for a best of five play-off to decide the league championship.
Potential bids for the expansion franchises are believed to include Dallas, New Orleans, Louisville, Oakland, Montreal and Vancouver.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 16-18
New York Mets (8-4) @ Atlanta Braves (4-8)

April 16: Phil Niekro gives up only five hits and the Braves infielders give us a lesson in how to field with four double plays. Braves 7-3
W: Phil Niekro (1-2) L: Don Cardwell (2-1)

April 17: We lead 8-5 when Dick Selma comes in for a routine save at the bottom of the eighth. Fielding errors cost us two runs, then the Braves take the lead when Hank Aaron hits a 2 RBI triple. Aaron is brought home by Frank Howard and there is no way back for us. Braves 10-8
W: Cecil Upshaw (1-0) L: Dick Selma (0-1) S: Ramon Hernandez (1)

April 18: Jerry Koosman is pulled after 5.2 innings complaining after a sore finger. Don Buford hits a two run shot in the eighth, but we are already well beaten to finish off a disappointing set in Georgia.Braves 5-2
W: Ken Johnson (1-2) L: Jerry Koosman (1-2) S: Ramon Hernandez (2)


April 19-21
New York Mets (8-7) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (11-4)

April 19: League leaders Pittsburgh take a 1-0 lead in the first and hold onto it until the eighth. With two outs our hitters come to life, scoring four before Don Bosch completes the rout with a three run homer. Mets 7-1
W: Tom Seaver (4-0) L: Camilo Pascual (4-1)

April 20: Dock Ellis was a surprise choice in the Pirates rotation but is off to a great start this year. He gives us only four hits in 8.1 innings. Pirates 7-2
W: Dock Ellis (4-1) L: Jack Fisher (0-3)

April 21: The score is tied at 2-2 after nine innings. In the tenth Tommy Davis pinch hits for Don Bosch. He hits a line drive out to center and Matty Alou makes an astonishing catch, but somehow Ed Kranepool tags up and plods his way to home. Dick Selma then drives in a run to put us 4-2 up. Ron Swoboda pinch hits and gets a walk to load the bases again. We grab two more runs off a Don Buford single through the right side Mets 6-2 (10)
W: Dick Selma (1-1) L: Bruce Dal Canton (1-1)


April 22-24
St Louis Cardinals (9-9) @ New York Mets (10-8)

April 22: We take the lead in the first but the game turns into a rout, led by two homers from Roger Maris. We are deservedly booed off at the end. Cardinals 10-1
W: Steve Carlton (1-4) L: Ralph Terry (1-1)

April 23: With Jerry Koosman still having problems with his finger, Bill Graham makes his first start of the season, and it's an impressive one. He hurls a four hit complete game. Mets 3-1
W: Bill Graham (1-0) L: Nelson Briles (2-1)

April 24: We leave it late but come back from 4-0 down. Mike Torrez pitches great until the eighth then gives up walks and hits like there is no tomorrow. Mets 6-4
W: Tug McGraw (1-0) L: Mike Torrez (0-1)

Gee, Seaver has been unreal so far.

It's too bad the rest of your team is human. Although you are above .500, so I guess that's gotta count for something. Good luck in your second season!

The last couple of days has seen some kind of protest over at Columbia University. I had not been paying too much attention, assuming it was must be something to do with the murder of Dr King or the war in Vietnam. It turns out it's something altogether different, and over two separate issues.
The first issue is over a gym the university is planning to build on city-owned land, the lower level of which will be available for use by the local community. Given that community is mostly black, a lot of the students are making a race issue out of it calling it 'Gym Crow'. The second issue is about the uncovering of the university's role in a Pentagon think-tank.
It's all very complicated to me but seems very serious, with several campus buildings being occupied by students. I've had my fill of mayhem for one month. Let's hope this can be resolved peacefully.

Attachment 14370

Students occupying a campus building

April 26-28
New York Mets (12-9) @ Atlanta Braves (9-12)

April 26: Ron Taylor comes in to close at the bottom of the ninth with a 5-4 lead. First up is Hank Aaron who ties the game with a massive blast into the centre field seats. Gary Geiger pinch hits with one out and the winning run on third. He hits a sac fly to centre field that brings in Frank Howard. Braves 6-5
W: Ramon Hernandez (1-0) L: Ron Taylor (1-1)

April 27: Both teams get plenty of hits but we squeak the win. Bill Freehan goes 4 for 5 with 2 RBI. Mets 7-6
W: Tug McGraw (2-0) L: Don Schwall (1-2) S: Ron Taylor (1)

April 28: We rack up twenty hits which is probably a Mets record. Bill Freehan goes well again, going 5 for 6 with 4 RBI. The game is tied at 7-7 going into extra innings. In the top of the tenth Ed Kranepool hits a three run shot around the foul pole to give us a decisive advantage. Ron Taylor then comes in and gets the Braves out in short order. Mets 10-7 (10)
W: Dick Selma (2-1) L: Skip Guinn (0-1) S: Ron Taylor (2)

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That wraps up April for us and I don't have too many complaints with how we have performed. We now have two days off before facing the Braves again in New York.


April 29 - Shock trade news with the Phillies sending veteran Jim Bunning to Baltimore in exchange for two rookies.

To Orioles:
SP Jim Bunning (88) Age 36 (193-130, 3.26 ERA, 130 CG Career)
$294,000 14th season Former All Star

To Phillies:
SP Jim Hardin (77/90) Age 24 (0-0, 0.00 in 0.1 IP)
$12,900 Rookie

CF Al Bumbry (64/81) Age 21 (Never played in majors)
$500 Rookie


I have no idea what the Phillies were thinking of, but I should think the rest of the AL are quaking in their boots. The O's rotation now includes Bunning, Jim Palmer, Dave McNally and Larry Jackson. Frightening!
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PoC13: You're right. Seaver has been awesome. In April he is 4-0 with 1.66 ERA. Although we are now lying third in the AL I still have some concerns over my new look offense. Some stats:

Don Buford .261, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 4 SB Disappointing start
Ed Kranepool .265, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB Hit .312 last year. What's going on?
Bill Freehan .468, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 0 SB That's more like it!
Mickey Stanley .345, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB Only played 7 games due to injury
Cleon Jones .226, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 0 SB
Cookie Rojas .221, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB
Larry Stahl .310, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 0 SB Wow! Where did he come from?!

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
April 30, 1968

ATHLETICS MAKE CALIFORNIA DEBUT
Full House In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Cal. - The Athletics made their long awaited debut in their new home, coming off the back of a three game sweep of champions Baltimore in Maryland. The 50,000 capacity crowd included state Governor Ronald Reagan as the Charlie Finlay's men made their first appearance in front of their new fans.
Unfortunately for the A's the Orioles did not give them the result they would have liked, taking a 7-0 lead in the fourth inning. The A's could only muster up four in reply, including a solo shot from exciting youngster Reggie Jackson.
Despite the loss there is an air of optimism about the Athletics organisation that is not all bluster from Finlay. In Jackson and last season's AL Stolen Base Leader Bert Campaneris, along with the acquistion of Ron Hunt from the Dodgers, the club has the basis of a very good team. If they can hold onto their prime assets San Diego baseball fans should be in for some good seasons.
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APRIL SUMMARY

National League Standings

Code:

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                W        L        GB
Pittsburgh        17        7        --
Los Angeles        17        10        1.5
NEW YORK        14        10        3
Houston        15        12        3.5
Cincinnati        11        13        6
Philadelphia        14        16        6
Atlanta                10        14        7
San Francisco        10        14        7
Chicago                11        16        7.5
St Louis        10        17        8.5

---

In the American League champions Baltimore are early pace setters. They are 19-6 and have a 4 1/2 game lead over the Yankees.


MLB Injury News
Apr 26: Ron Santo (CHC) - Broken neck vertebra- 6 months (.333 Avg, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 1 SB)
Apr 30: Bill Hands (CHC) - Broken wrist - 7 months (2-1, 3.00 ERA, 15 K in 33 IP)

MLB Milestones
Apr 3: Al Kaline (DET) 300 Home Runs
Apr 4: Vic Davalillo (CLE) 20 Game Hitting Streak
Apr 15: Tony Oliva (MIN) 28 Game Hitting Streak
Apr 18: Billy Williams (CHC) 20 Game Hitting Streak
Apr 29: Willie Mays (SFG) 300 Steals

MLB Retirements
None

MAY PREVIEW

Things on the pitching side are fine for now. Jerry Koosman is our only concern. It turns out his sore finger was due to a stress fracture. He will be treated and rested and should not miss more than a few scheduled starts with Bill Graham covering.

The offense, however, is another matter. Rojas wasn't brought in for his bat, but he is off to a very poor start. He is benched and Bob Johnson is brought in, entailing a little reshuffle in the infield. Gil also wants to try Buford as lead-off hitter with Harrelson moving to the #6 slot.
Mickey Stanley is still not 100% after he was spiked in early April. He will be pinch-hitting until he is full recovered. Ron Swoboda is brought into the outfield.

Code:

---

Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

2B Buford                C Sullivan                Seaver                Taylor
1B Kranepool                IF Buchek                Fisher                Selma
C Freehan                OF Cline                Cardwell        McGraw
RF Swoboda                CF Stanley                Terry                Grzenda
LF Jones                2B Rojas                Koosman                Shaw (Bob)
SS Harrelson                LF Davis                                Graham
3B Johnson
CF Stahl

---

MAY 1968


May 1-3
Atlanta Braves (10-14) @ New York Mets (14-10)

May 1: Both starters give up six hits apiece in a cagey matchup that we just edge. Mets 3-2
W: Tom Seaver (5-0) L: Bob Bruce (1-1)

May 2: We leave it late but come back from 4-1 behind. Mets 5-4
W: Tug McGraw (3-0) L: Phil Niekro (1-4) S: Ron Taylor (3)

May 3: Denny Lemaster strikes out eleven in seven innings and is then pulled with the score 3-1 Braves. In the eighth Mickey Stanley hits a sac fly that allows Ed Kranepool to tag up and score. Then Bob Johnson hits a single that brings in Ron Swoboda for the tying run. The Braves go regain the lead in the ninth with a two run shot from Mr Aaron. We can only manage a one run, knocked in by Bill Freehan, in the bottom of the inning. Braves 5-4
W: Skip Guinn (1-1) L: Tug McGraw (3-1) S: Ramon Hernandez (4)

May 4-6
New York Mets (16-11) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (18-9)

May 4: Bill Mazeroski goes 4 for 4 and scores two runs as the Pirates rally late to take the game. Pirates 7-5
W: Bruce Dal Canton (1-1) L: Joe Grzenda (0-2) S: Pete Mikkelson (4)

May 5: We edge a tough battle, with John Sullivan driving in three runs. Mets 7-6
W: Joe Grzenda (1-2) L: Billy O'Dell (0-1) S: Ron Taylor (4)

May 6: Tom Seaver suffers his first loss of the year to a 20 year old rookie making his first major league start. He is knocked out after four innings with the Pirates 5-0 ahead. Pirates 6-4
W: Bob Moose (1-0) L: Tom Seaver (5-1) S: Pete Mikkelson (5)


May 7-9
Cincinnati Reds (13-17) @ New York Mets (17-13)

May 7: Cleon Jones knocks in six runs. (SIX RUNS! I'm pretty sure that's a record during my tenure). That includes two homers. The gloss is taken off the win when Larry Stahl falls badly chasing down a flyball and injures his shoulder. Luckily Mickey Stanley is now ready to retake his place in the outfield. Mets 9-4
W: Jack Fisher (1-3) L: Jim Maloney (1-4)

May 8: Don Buford goes 2 for 2 with 3 walks and drives in three runs. Mets 6-3
W: Don Cardwell (3-1) L: Gary Nolan (3-1) S: Dick Selma (1)

May 9: Cleon Jones is once again the hero with a homer and 4 RBI to complete a sweep of the Reds. Mets 11-6
W: Ralph Terry (2-1) L: Sammy Ellis (1-3)


May 10-12
Pittsburgh Pirates (23-10) @ New York Mets (20-13)

May 10: We score three home runs and Don Buford goes 3 for 4. Our offense seems to be coming to life. We now lie two games back from Pittsburgh. Mets 7-6
W: Dick Selma (3-1) L: Bruce Dal Canton (1-2)

May 11: We score four in the eighth to tie the game 5-5. Dick Selma gives up two runs in the ninth and Bruce Dal Canton gets three quick outs in the bottom of the inning. Pirates 7-5
W: Bruce Dal Canton (2-2) L: Dick Selma (3-2)

May 12: In the bottom of the eighth we are 6-4 down. Cleon Jones hits a 2-RBI doubl, then he is brought home by pinch hitter Tommy Davis to give us the lead. Ron Taylor ends the game in seven pitches. Mets 7-6
W: Dick Selma (4-2) L: Billy O'Dell (0-2) S: Ron Taylor (5)

We had a couple of days off before flying to Los Angeles for a three game set against the Dodgers. I was puzzled about why Jack Fisher had got off to such a bad start this season. Last year he went 11-12 but had been our best pitcher after Don Cardwell was injured. He had certainly earned the juicy new contract we offered him. This year he had been terrible though. He did not get a win until his seventh start, and that after three losses.
Gil Hodges was sitting across the aisle from me on the plane. He had the window seat so I waited until Yogi Berra got up to stretch his legs and slid into the aisle seat. Gil was just lighting a cigarette [Hey, remember when you could smoke on planes?! :) ]

"Hey Gil."
"Roy." He breathed out a great cloud of smoke through his nostrils and turned toward me.
"Looking forward to this trip? It'll be your first time against the Dodgers as a manager."
"I guess it is." He looked thoughtful. "I never thought of it that way. Well, I don't have much time for sentiment. I want to beat them."
"You think we can?"
He paused again. That's something I liked about Gil. The last manager, Wes Westrum, had a tendency to start mouth before engaging brain. Gil always gave considered responses to questions and never got over-excited. I think that's something the players appreciated about him too.
"I think we can win one, maybe two. Sutton and Drysdale are starting for them in the first two."
"Who are you going with?"
"Cardwell and Terry."
"What about Tom [Seaver] and Jack?"
"No, we'll stick with the schedule. I don't want to give Tom too much work. Jack, well..."
"I wanted to ask. Is everything okay with him? He seems to be... not quite right."
"He's sore. After last year, making All Star and the new contract. He figured he'd be the number one this year."
I thought that might have something to do with it. Gil continued.
"Don't worry though. Jack is a pro. Once he realises he's still an important part of the team he'll be fine." He stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray in the armrest.
"Glad to hear it." Just then a familiar figure came up the aisle and leaned on the seat in front of me. It was Chronicle reporter and former Brooklyn Dodgers fanatic Pete Ryan.
"Hi fellas." He already had the glow of several in-flight whiskeys.
Gil smiled. They went back a long way.
"Hi Pete. You must love these long flights to the west coast."
"Well, I do appreciate the hospitality on these flights. It would be rude not to."
We all laughed. Gil reached for another cigarette.
"Pete, I was just saying to Gil. This is his first time against the Dodgers as a manager. Kind of interesting. He played for them, you were a fan and covered them for the Chronicle."
"They ain't my Dodgers, Roy. No thanks to our friend, Mr O'Malley. Right Gil?"
"I'm saying nothing Pete," said Gil, still smiling as he lit his cigarette.
Just then Pete looked down the aisle.
"Hey fellas. I think the stewardess is coming back around. Talk to you later. And Gil..."
Gil looked up as Pete continued.
"Those things are bad for you you know." Before Gil could reply, Pete was hurrying back to his seat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------


May 16-18
New York Mets (22-14) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (23-16)

May 16: We squeak a very tight game with the game scoreless going into extra innings. Starter Don Cardwell pitched seven strong and only gave up a hit and three walks. In the ninth inning first baseman Ed Kranepool gets his spikes caught in the turf and falls heavily. He leaves the field on a stretcher. In the eleventh Bud Harrelson triples and is brought home by another triple from Don Buford. Buford makes it 2-0 when Bill Freehan hits a grounder to short. The Dodgers only manage a single in the bottom of the inning to give us the win. Mets 2-0 (11)
W: Ron Taylor (2-1) L: Ron Perranoski (3-2)
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Ed Kranepool has ruptured knee ligaments and will be on the Disabled List for at least a month. It's a big blow for us.

May 17: Ralph Terry gives up five earned runs in four innings and is pulled. The bullpen stems the flow a little but we are well beaten. In the ninth Bill Freehan smashes a three run shot over the fence in left-center. He rounds the bases holding his wrist and heads straight into the clubhouse for the trainers to look at. Dodgers 9-4
W: Don Drysdale (4-4) L: Ralph Terry (2-2)
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Bill Freehan joins Kranepool on the DL with a wrist stress fracture. With our catcher and first baseman out I think we are going to have some problems.

May 18: Claude Osteen only gives up seven hits with the Dodgers scores all coming in a disastrous sixth inning. Dodgers 7-2
W: Claude Osteen (5-2) L: Jerry Koosman (1-3)


May 19-21
Atlanta Braves (16-26) @ New York Mets (23-16)

May 19: Tom Seaver takes another loss after a poor six innings. Braves 7-3
W: Phil Niekro (3-5) L: Tom Seaver (5-2) S: Tony Cloninger (1)

May 20: Ron Swoboda hits his second homer of the year, a two run shot in the first and we never look back. Mets 3-2
W: Jack Fisher (2-3) L: Denny Lemaster (4-2) S: Ron Taylor (6)

May 21: A much improved performance from the offense with RBIs from six different batters. Dick Selma holds off a late rally from the Braves. Mets 6-4
W: Don Cardwell (4-1) L: Tony Cloninger (0-1) S: Dick Selma (2)

May 24-26
Atlanta Braves (17-28) @ New York Mets (25-17)

May 24: We see the Ralph Terry of yester-year as he allows the Braves only four hits on his way to his first complete game shutout of 1968. Mets 3-0
W: Ralph Terry (3-2) L: Ken Johnson (2-5)

May 25: We squeak the win when Mickey Stanley blasts a walk off homer in the ninth. Mets 3-2
W: Dick Selma (5-2) L: Cecil Upshaw (1-2)

May 26: Tom Seaver gives up just three hits and a walk in eight super innings to sweep the Braves. Mets 7-3
W: Tom Seaver (6-2) L: Denny Lemaster (4-3)

Owner Lord Falstaff attended a meeting of National League owners to select the two expansion franchises. There was not much point me going along. Freddy had already indicated he would be going along with the majority, preferring not to get involved in the politics of it all.
There had been a dozen bids, some real, some purely speculative. One by one they had fallen by the wayside : ownership syndicates struggled to prove they had the financial backing needed to support a major league team; stadiums were unbuilt and possibly never would be; a very strong bid from Dallas was unceremonially booted out by Astros owner Roy Hofheinz, understandably concerned about a threat to his fledgling club's fanbase.
Perhaps surprisingly, Giants owner Horace Stoneham was supportive of a bid from across the Bay in Oakland. There were three bids from Canadian cities: Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, hoping to take major league baseball outside of the US for the first time.
In the end it came down to four bids:

New Orleans: A group of local businessman want to bring baseball to New Orleans, a city with a rich baseball history. The team would play initially at City Park Stadium awaiting construction of the proposed domed stadium to be shared with the NFL Saints.

Oakland: The Oakland Oaks were an institution in the Pacific Coast League until 1955. In the meantime major league baseall has come to California in a big way. The Giants are just across the Bay but the owners are convinced Oakland can support a team to rival them. They would also be co-tenants with the local NFL team, in the newly constructed Oakland Coliseum.

Toronto: Another city steeped in baseball tradition, the bid is fronted by brewing giants Labatts. The league is very keen to expand into Canada and Labatts promise huge financial backing. A possible stumbling block is a stadium. Exhibition Stadium has the capacity but it's not clear if it would suitable for baseball. Maple Leaf Stadium, former home of the International League franchise, is decrepit and would likely need to be rebuilt entirely.

Vancouver: Local restaurateur Nat Bailey has supported baseball in Vancouver for many years, and is currently part-owner of the Vancouver Mounties of the PCL. Bailey is well known in the baseball world which goes some way to off-set Toronto's financial advantage. Capilano Stadium is on the small side but has plenty of room for expansion.


The meeting went on for ten hours. There had to be one Canadian team so, after it was decided New Orleans would need to have their domed stadium built before it would see major league baseball the first bid to be approved was the Oakland Oaks.
That left Vancouver and Toronto to fight it out. The Toronto bid was good but the stadium issue plus a desire by the league to expand west and south meant Nat Bailey was now a major league owner with Vancouver.

So, 1969 will see four new teams in the major leagues, with the American League already having agreed on their expansion franchises.

AL: Kansas City Royals, Phoenix

NL: Oakland Oaks, Vancouver


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[Hey guys, I need names for Vancouver and Phoenix

Vancouver: Mounties/Maple Leafs/Canadians/something else?

Phoenix: open to suggestions, I was going to call them the Coyotes until I found out that's the name of the hockey team.

I'd appreciate PMs with your ideas. Thanks :)]
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