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

May 28-30
Pittsburgh Pirates (32-16) @ New York Mets (28-17)

May 28: We are humiliated at Shea with Roberto Clemente (6 RBI) and Jim Pagliaroni (4 RBI) doing most of the damage. Our only score is a solo shot from Ron Swoboda. Pirates 15-1
W: Vern Law (6-3) L: Jack Fisher (2-4)

May 29: We lead 7-5 going into the ninth. The Pirates tie the game when Willie Stargell hits a two run double. In the tenth Tug McGraw takes the mound for us. He strikes out two before being relieved by Ron Taylor. He immediately gives up a double to Ron Mazeroski who then scores off a single by pinch hitter Jose Pagan. Pete Mikkelson pitches for the Pirates and only walks one to end the game. Pirates 8-7 (10)
W: John Gelnar (1-0) L: Ron Taylor (2-2) S: Pete Mikkelson (7)

May 30: Ron Swoboda goes 3 for 4 in what should have been a rout. Mets 8-4
W: Ralph Terry (4-2) L: Juan Pizarro (3-2) S: Dick Selma (3)

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In football (alright, soccer if you insist :p) Manchester United become the first English winners of the European Cup since the competition was inaugurated in 1955. About time too considering the game was invented by us!

The English champions are held to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes by Portuguese side Benfica at Wembley. In extra time George Best puts United ahead with a magical goal. A minute later, Brian Kidd puts away a header to make it 3-1. Victory was sealed when Bobby Charlton flicked the ball past the Benfica keeper for his second of the game.

Attachment 14488

Bobby Charlton and his victorious team-mates

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May 31-June 2
New York Mets (29-19) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (29-25)
May 31: Tom Seaver pitches well but Doug Rau is better. He gives up just six hits and two walks. Dodgers 4-2
W: Doug Rau (3-4) L: Tom Seaver (6-3)

Go with the Beavers for Vancouver. There was a minor league team called the Vancouver Beavers from 1908-1922.

As for Phoenix, you may have to go with Coyotes. No one in America cares too much about hockey anymore...

MAY SUMMARY

Pittsburgh extended their lead in the NL with the whole line-up batting well. The standout is Roberto Clemente with a league leading .418 average.

National League Standings

Code:

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        W        L        GB
Pittsburgh        35        17        --
Houston                32        20        3
NEW YORK        29        20        4.5
Los Angeles        30        25        6.5
Philadelphia        26        26        9
San Francisco        25        26        9.5
Chicago                26        29        10.5
Cincinnati        21        31        14
Atlanta                19        33        16
St Louis        19        35        17

---

Baltimore (34-18) go further ahead in the American League with a 5 1/2 game lead over the Yankees. The A's went 11-19 in May and now lie tenth


MLB Injury News
May 1 :Johnny Edwards (SDA) -Torn ankle ligament-5 months (.232 Avg, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 0 SB)
May 6: Jimmy Wynn (BAL) - Broken tibia- 2 months (.229, 7-24-3)
May 21:Gene Alley (CLE) - Broken wrist-8 months (.242, 0-9-2)
May 26:Tony Perez (CIN) - Torn knee ligament-3 months (.321, 9-37-0)

MLB Milestones
May 8: Orlando Cepeda (STL) 1,000 RBI
May 13: Eddie Matthews (DET) 1,500 RBI
May 28: Roberto Clemente (PIT) 1,000 RBI

MLB Retirements
May 24: First baseman Bill 'Moose' Skowron retires after fourteen seasons in the bigs. The 37-year old started his career with the Yankees, making his debut in 1954. He made five All Star appearances as a Yankee but his career highlight is undoubtedly the 1958 World Series when he hit the winner in Game Six and then hit a three run shot in Game Seven. Skowron played single seasons for the Dodgers and Senators in 1963 and 1963, before seeing out his career with the White Sox. (Career Stats .Avg .286, HR 214, RBI 899,

JUNE PREVIEW

Once again we suffer injuries to crucial players. Kranepool and Freehan will both be out for most of June. That means a recall for Cookie Rojas, with Bob Johnson moving to first. Also, Greg Goossen is called up from Williamsport. He can play at first or catcher.
Now Jerry Koosman is a serious concern. He's really struggling (ERA 5.82 ERA) and, ideally, I'd send him down to Jacksonville for a while. The problem is there is nobody to replace him. We may be in the market for a left-handed starter soon.
Joe Grzenda has been struggling out of the bullpen. He is sent down to Jacksonville and Don Shaw is called up. He should make his major league debut this month.

Code:

---

Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

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

Disabled List

1B Kranepool
C Freehan

---

JUNE 1968

June 1-2
New York Mets (29-20) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (30-25)

June 1: We have the lead for most of the game but are unable to kill off the Dodgers. The game goes to extra innings with the scored tied at 4-4. We go ahead in the tenth and eleventh innings, but the Dodgers keep coming back. Tug McGraw takes the mound in the thirteenth and serves up a single to Bill Sudakis. He is moved along to second by a sac bunt. Luis Alcaraz hits a hard groundball down the left field line. It stays fair and Sudakis keeps running. Goossen has the plate covered but Sudakis ploughs straight through him for the winner. Goossen stays down and has to be carried from the field. It's discovered Goossen has a broken collar bone. Great. Just what we needed. Dodgers 7-6 (13)
W: Geoff Zahn (2-1) L: Tug McGraw (3-2)

June 2: We get off to a great start in the first with Cleon Jones hitting solo homer and Ron Swoboda making it 3-0 with two-run shot. The optimism is short-lived, with the Dodgers scoring in every one of the first six innings. Cleon Jones hits another solo shot later in the game but we are deservedly swept. Dodgers 10-4
W: Don Drysdale (5-7) L: Don Cardwell (4-2) S: Gary Wagner (1)


June 3-5
Cincinnati Reds (22-32) @ New York Mets (29-22)

June 3: Lee May hits two homers for the Reds but we are a little unlucky to lose. Reds 5-4
W: Jim Maloney (3-7) L: Tug McGraw (3-3) S: Turk Farrell (4)

June 4: Incredibly tight game with each team only giving up three hits. We squeak it when Larry Stahl reaches second on a fielding error by Rusty Staub in the fifth. Stahl is brought home by John Sullivan. Mets 1-0
W: Tom Seaver (3-1) L: Gary Nolan (4-4) S: Ron Taylor (4)

June 5: Jack Fisher pitches a complete game, giving up just three hits and two walks. Mets 4-2
W: Jack Fisher (3-4) L: Wayne Simpson (2-1)

1968 AMATEUR DRAFT

First Round Picks

Code:

---

Cleveland:        Randy Jones                P        78/96
Mets:                Gary Matthews                LF        66/97
Washington:        John Matlack                P        74/92
California:        John Balaz                LF        62/91
Cubs:                JR Richard                P        79/88
St Louis:        Milt May                C        71/94
San Diego:        Jim Slaton                P        68/95
Boston:                Lynn McGlothen                P        57/92
Philadelphia:        Greg Luzinski                LF        59/94
White Sox:        Brian Downing                LF        66/94
Los Angeles:        Ken Griffey                RF        66/94
Pittsburgh:        Bruce Kison                P        60/82
Atlanta        Gorman Thomas                CF        63/95
Detroit:        Doug DeCinces                3B        66/92
Cincinnati:        Ross Grimsley                P        63/92
Houston:        Otto Velez                LF        62/96
Minnesota:        Glenn Borgmann                C        63/86
NY Yankees:        Wayne Tyrone                LF        61/96
San Francisco:        Ron Guidry                P        68/89
Baltimore:        Jim Fuller                RF        60/88

---

Mets Draft Picks

1. Gary Matthews LF 66/97 hit .430 with good plate discipline, great glove

2. Pete Broberg P 57/93 has a good fastball, can learn control

3. Jim Wright P 54/93

4. Rudy Arroyo P 50/90 clocks 96+ mph

5. Richie Moloney P 49/87

6. Mike Willis P 48/85

Really nice draft class. Nice pickup with the Sarge. Maybe you can get the rights to his offspring too...

Although I might trade with Los Angeles before I do that.... :D

Phoenix Firebirds! ! Or Scorpions.

Vancouver Lumberjacks?

June 6, 1968 - Los Angeles

Robert Kennedy, campaigning in LA for the Democratic Presidential nomination, is shot and later dies from his wounds. The Senator was greeting hotel workers when he was gunned down. The alleged assassin is apparently from Arab stock and, given it is the anniversary of last year's Six Day War, it would appear Bobby's support for Israel was the motive. What a waste. This year just gets worse and worse.

Attachment 14544

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June 6-8
San Francisco Giants (25-29) @ New York Mets (31-23)

June 6: Don Buford hits two solo homers Mets as Don Cardwell dominates the Giants offense, giving up only five hits. Mets 3-2
W: Don Cardwell (5-2) L: Mike McCormick (3-7) S: Ron Taylor (8)

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

Despite the win the players minds were clearly not on baseball. It had been announced that Bobby Kennedy's funeral would take place on June 8 at St Pat's Cathedral in New York. The clubhouse was very solemn when Ed Kranepool approached me.

"Mr Crabtree, I've been asked to speak to you on on behalf of the team."
I had a good idea what was coming next.
"We don't think it's right that we play on the day of the funeral so..."
"You want the game postponed?"
He was taken aback slightly. "Yes, we do. We'll be happy to play a double-header next time the Giants are in town but ...."
"Leave it with me Ed. I'll need to make some calls."

The first person I spoke to was Giants GM Chub Feeney. I explained the situation, that the players felt it was inappropriate to play on the day of the funeral. We had had our ups and downs with the Giants since my arrival but he was supportive.

"Roy, if you can get the Commissioner to reschedule, the Giants will have no problem playing any date he decides."

So I called the Commissioner, William Eckert. He wasn't quite so accomodating.

"The game will go ahead as scheduled. Do you think the Senator would have wanted the whole country to grind to a halt?"
"Well sir, I never met the man but...."
"No buts Mr Crabtree. Baseball will carry on."
He hung up on me.

When I went back to tell the players they were furious. There was a lot of cursing and door slamming. Then I had an idea. My friend at the Chronicle, Pete Murphy. I told him all about my conversation with Eckert and let Pete do his work. Later that night, back at the hotel, I got a phonecall. It was Eckert.

He told me that all games on the 8th would be postponed until the evening. Our game was cancelled, as I had hoped. What I did not expect was his announcement that we would have to play a double-header tomorrow. A little short notice I thought. Still, in the scheme of things, baseball is not the most important thing in the world. Not at the moment anyway.

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

June 7 (Day Game): We lose a heartbreaker. 10-4 down at the bottom of the ninth we load the bases with one out. Don Buford brings in two runs with a line drive to left field. Ron Swoboda pops up behind. Then Mickey Stanley smashes smashes one over the center field wall to put us within one run of tying the game. The Giants bring in ace relieve Frank Linzy to get the final out. He throws two balls to Bob Johnson, then Johnson connects with the third pitch. The ball goes deep into center field, he reaches first and sees Willie Mays hesitate. Johnson goes for an extra base but is easily thrown out at second. Giants 10-9
W: Ron Guidry (1-0) L: Tug McGraw (3-4) S: Frank Linzy (8)

June 7 (Night Game): The playes are clearly jaded. All we can manage is four hits and one run off a strong pitching performance by Juan Marichal. Giants 4-1
W: Juan Marichal (6-5) L: Jerry Koosman (1-4)

The players had been right. There was no way we could have played on the 8th. Instead, we watched TV coverage of the funeral. Bobby's brother, Ted, gave a moving eulogy at the funeral mass. Then the coffin was taken by train to Washington. Hundreds of thousands of people of every creed and colour lined the tracks to pay their respects. I'm not American, but I should think these people have grieved enough for one year.
The crowds had meant the train was delayed getting to Washington and it was late in the evening by the time the coffin arrived at Arlington Cemetery. Bobby was buried there, close to his brother John.

Attachment 14545

We fly to Chicago first thing in the morning after the funeral. Let's try to get things back to normal.

June 9-11
New York Mets (32-25) @ Chicago Cubs (28-32)

June 9: Tom Seaver has a fine game, holding a 2-1 lead up until the eighth. He then gives up five hits that include a two run homer and three doubles and is pulled with the score 5-2 Cubs. Dick Selma finished the inning but we only manage a single and a walk in the ninth. Cubs 5-2
W: Vida Blue (3-8) L: Tom Seaver (7-4) S: Jack Baldschun (7)

June 10: Jack Fisher pitches eight strong, giving up just three hits and a walk. Mets 3-1
W: Jack Fisher (4-4) L: Fergie Jenkins (6-5) S: Ron Taylor (9)

June 11: We take a five run lead in the first but let the Cubs back into the game. In the ninth Larry Stahl blasts a three run triple to put us ahead. Mets 9-6
W: Dick Selma (6-2) L: Chuck Hartenstein (0-3)


June 12-14
New York Mets (34-26) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (35-28)

June 12: Ralph Terry gives up three homers and Jim McAndrew one with the Dodgers handing us a lesson on offense. Dodgers 7-2
W: Don Drysdale (7-7) L: Ralph Terry (4-3)

June 13: Bob Bailey takes the game for the Dodgers. With the scored tied at 7-7 in the ninth he hits a single that brings home Tony Gonzalez for the winner. Dodgers 8-7
W: Ron Perranoski (4-2) L: Dick Selma (6-3)

June 14: Bob Bailey and Ron Fairly hit homeruns. We are pretty well annihilated and deservedly swept by the Dodgers. Again. Dodgers 9-2
W: Claude Osteen (8-4) L: Tom Seaver (7-5)

June 15-17
San Francisco Giants (30-33) @ New York Mets (34-29)

June 15: Don Buford hits a two run homer in the first and John Sullivan scores off a Bud Harrelson double in the second. After that we only manage two more hits, but the three runs prove enough to give Jack Fisher his third straight win. Jack is back! Mets 3-1
W: Jack Fisher (5-4) L: Mike McCormick (3-9) S: Dick Selma (4)

June 16:Juan Marichal dominates us again, completing the game and giving up only seven hits. He is not having a great season so far by his high standards, but he's doing just fine against the Mets. Giants 5-2
W: Juan Marichal (8-5) L: Don Cardwell (5-3)

June 17: Shea Stadium is rocking as we turn it on against the league champs. The Giants take the lead in the first with a two run homer from Willie Mays but we proceed to rack up 21 hits. Standout performances from Bud Harrelson who goes 1 for 2 with four walks, and Ron Swoboda, 3 for 4 with two walks. Incredibly, Mays' shot is the only home run of the game. Mets 15-2
W: Ralph Terry (5-3) L: Gaylord Perry (6-4)


June 18-20
Chicago Cubs (31-38) @ New York Mets (36-30)

June 18: Bud Harrelson strikes out three times as we struggle to get a groove going. Some canny substitutions by Cubs skipper Leo Durocher give them the edge. Cubs 3-2
W: Fergie Jenkins (7-5) L: Jerry Koosman (1-5) S: Chuck Hartenstein (1)

June 19: We come back twice, tying the game in the ninth with a double by John Sullivan. The game goes to eleven with a Billy Williams solo shot off Ron Taylor giving the Cubs the win. Cubs 3-2 (11)
W: Jack Baldschun (3-0) L: Ron Taylor (2-3) S: Chuck Hartenstein (2)

June 20: The fans are treated to a thriller. At one stage we are down 7-3 but stage a remarkable comeback to go into the bottom of the ninth with the score tied at 8-8. Tommy Davis comes in to pinch hit with the bases loaded and two outs. He gets hold of the second pitch and drives it past first baseman John Boccabella bringing in Cleon Jones for the winning run. Mets 9-8
W: Ron Taylor (3-3) L: Carl Koonce (2-3)


June 21-23
San Francisco Giants (31-38) @ New YorkMets (37-32)

June 21: Our third homestand against the Giants this month, yet the Commissioner made us play a double-header earlier in the month??!! Jim McAndrew comes in in the sixth and makes his first career save, pitching four strong innings. Mets 7-5
W: Don Cardwell (6-3) L: Gaylord Perry (6-3) S: Jim McAndrew (1)

June 22: Jim Ray Hart goes 5 for 5, driving in five runs for the Giants. Worse, Ralph Terry cops a line drive from Jim Ray Hart full in the face and is out cold. He is taken to hospital suffering concussion and broken jaw. Giants 7-4
W: Bobby Bolin (9-2) L: Ralph Terry (5-4) S: Jim Barr (1)

June 23: Jerry Koosman is shelled for five runs early on with Rocky Colavito doing most of the damage. Giants 5-3
W: Mike McCormick (4-10) L: Jerry Koosman (1-6) S: Frank Linzy (9)


June 24-26
Pittsburgh Pirates (47-28) @ New York Mets ( 38-34)

June 24: Bob Veale and Pete Mikkelson shut us out as we only manage three hits and three walks. Pirates 3-0
W: Bob Veale (4-1) L: Tom Seaver (7-6) S: Pete Mikkelson (10)

June 25: Jack Fisher is knocked out early while Pirates starter Dock Ellis drives in three runs, going 2 for 3. Pirates 6-3
W: Dock Ellis (7-2) L: Jack Fisher (5-5) S: Pete Mikkelson (11)

June 26: Don Cardwell throws a one hitter, his first complete game shutout of the year. We take the game with late runs batted in by Ed Kranepool, Ron Swoboda and Cleon Jones. Mets 4-0
W: Don Cardwell (7-3) L: Vern Law (8-6)


June 27-29
New York Mets (39-36) @ Chicago Cubs (34-41)

June 27: Bill Graham starts in place of the injured Ralph Terry. He gives up five runs in three innings and is pulled, afterwards complaining of a sore shoulder. We come back with five runs of our own in the fifth but Art Shamsky puts paid to that with two homers late in the game. Cubs 7-6
W: Joe Niekro (5-2) L: Jim McAndrew (0-1) S: Jack Baldschun (9)

June 28: Jerry Koosman goes eight innings and gives up only two hits and a walk in his most assured performance of the year. Mets 7-1
W: Jerry Koosman (2-6) L: Vida Blue (3-12)

June 29: Tom Seaver comes out on top of a pitching duel with Fergie Jenkins. Mets 3-1
W: Tom Seaver (8-6) L: Fergie Jenkins (8-6) S: Ron Taylor (10)


June 30- July 2
New York Mets (41-37) @ St Louis Cardinals (33-45)

June 30: We score ten in an incredible fourth inning which proves just enough to squeak the win. Mets 10-9
W: Tug McGraw (4-4) L: Bob Gibson (10-8) S: Ron Taylor (11)

JUNE SUMMARY

For the Mets it was not a great month. We went 13-17 in June and lost two pitchers to the Disabled List.
In the rest of the league, Bob Bailey is showing the Dodgers the way. They now lie second after going 17-7 in June with Bailey already matching his season record of 18 home runs.


National League Standings

Code:

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                W        L        GB
Pittsburgh        49        32        --
Los Angeles        47        32        1
Houston                46        33        2
NEW YORK        42        37        6
Philadelphia        40        39        8
San Francisco        37        41        10.5
Chicago        36        43        12
Cincinnati        35        47        14.5
St Louis        33        46        15
Atlanta                32        47        16

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In the American League, Baltimore (46-30) still have the lead, five games ahead of the Tigers and six ahead of the Yankees.


MLB Injury News
June 4: Jim Maloney (CIN) - Severe elbow tendonitis-3 months (3-7, 5.18 ERA, 78 K. 0 CG)
June 12: Randy Hundley (CHC) - Broken ankle-2 months (.218, 0-6-0 in 55 AB)
June 26: Roy White (NYY) - Broken fibula-3 months (.274, 11-57-4)


MLB Milestones
June 9: Tony Coniglario (BOS) 25 Game Hitting Streak
June 18: Harmon Killebrew (MIN) 1,000 RBI
June 20: Don Drysdale (LAD) 200 Wins
June 26: Hank Aaron (ATL) 500 Home Runs
June 28: Joe Morgan (HOU) 20 Game Hitting Streak


MLB Retirements
June 21: Shortstop Dick Groat calls it a day after fourteen seasons. Debuting for his local team Pittsburgh in 1952, Groat proved to be an all-round performer - excelling with the glove and at the plate. Eventually becoming team captain, in 1960 he helped the Pirates to a World Series win and also won the National League MVP Award and Batting Title. In 1962 he was traded to the Cardinals and won another World Series Ring with them in 1964. He moved back to Pennsylvania in 1966 with the Phillies where he saw out his career. (Career Stats .Avg .287, HR 40, RBI 767)

JULY PREVIEW


With Kranepool and Freehan now off the DL, the batting lineup is back to full strength. Cleon Jones reclaims his outfield spot with some decent pinch-hitting performances.
The rotation is in tatters. Starter Ralph Terry and long relief man Bill Graham will be out for the month. Jerry Koosman, despite his good game in Chicago, just does not look like a top drawer pitcher at the moment.
With nobody in the minors anywhere near ready for a call-up as a starter we have to turn to the trading block. To start the month though we will go with a 3-man rotation and use Koosman only when we really have to.

Code:

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Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

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


Disabled List


SP Terry
SP Graham

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JULY 1968

July 1-2
New York Mets (42-37) @ St Louis Cardinals (33-46)

July 1: Don Cardwell threw a complete game shutout in his last start and he repeats the feat today, giving up four hits and a walk. The Cards starter, Steve Carlton, is shelled for ten hits in four innings, giving up five earned runs. Mets 5-0
W: Don Cardwell (8-3) L: Steve Carlton (4-10)

July 2: Our pitchers look to be off to a good month with Tom Seaver also throwing a shutout and completing. Our runs were batted in Harrelson, Buford and Freehan to sweep the Cardinals. Mets 3-0
W: Tom Seaver (9-6) L: Nelson Briles (8-5)

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The Yankees bring in Pete Richert from the Senators to add some depth to the rotation. The leftie seems to be quite injury prone, missing four months of last season and six weeks of this one, but when fit performs fairly solidly. The Yanks send three prospects to Washington as part of the deal.

To Yankees:
SPPete Richert (86) Age 28 (2-3, 3.55 ERA, 1 CG)
$115,000 7th season Former All Star


To Senators:
SP Cecil Perkins (61/83) Age 27 (Never played in majors)
$675

SP Ernie McAnally (65/75) Age 21 (Never played in majors)
$33.400 !!!!!

RP Gary Jones (63/75) Age 23 (Never played in majors)
$500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We make a trade of our own. Our pitching rotation lacks depth at full strength. With two players on the DL it is in tatters. So we know what we are looking for, what can we offer as bait? A lot of our prospects aren't developing as well as expected, possibly because we have too many players in the minors system to spend the required time. So we put three of them on the trading block and came up with:


To Mets:
SP Bobby Bolin (84) Age 29 (10-3, 4.13 ERA, 0 CG)
$161,000 8th season

OF Jesus Alou (78/82) Age 26 (.462 Ave, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB in 13 AB)
$19,800 6th season


To Giants:
RP Jerry Hinsley (63/85) Age 23 (2-1, 2.82 ERA, 1 SV in Single-A)
$2,400 2nd season

SP Gary Gentry (70/80) Age 21 (10-3, 2.84 ERA, 0 CG in Single-A)
$12,900 Rookie

SP Billy Wynne (67/79) Age 24 (7-4, 3.35 ERA, 0 CG in Single-A)
$675 Rookie


I'm sorry to see Gentry go as he was a kid I had particularly high hopes for when I took over.
Coming in, Bolin started out as a relief pitcher with the Giants but was converted to a starter. He rarely completes a game but pitches strongly for six or seven innings. Tom Seaver is the only guy we have with a better fastball.
Jay Alou has struggled to get out of the shadows of his older brothers. He can't field but will definitely add some pop to the bench.



July 3-5
Chicago Cubs (37-44) @ New York Mets (44-37)

July 3: The game is scoreless going into the ninth. Art Shamsky breaks the deadlock, bringing in Denis Menke from second. We reply with a solo shot from Bill Freehan, taking the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth, Jesus Alou makes his Mets debut, pinch hitting for Dick Selma. He takes the first pitch and knocks the second one into right field for a single. With Don Buford up next, he steals second with the count at 3 and 1, but that's the end of the amazing debut, with Buford and Kranepool both grounding out. The Cubs go ahead in the twelfth, Ted Savage driving in the run. Cal Koonce strikes out the first two Mets batters, then walks Ed Kranepool. It's all over when Mickey Stanley flies out. Cubs 2-1 (12)
W: Cal Koonce (3-3) L: Ron Taylor (3-4)

July 4: Bobby Bolin makes his first start and gives up four runs in seven innings to leave us 4-1 down. We come back in the eighth with a solo homer from Bob Johnson and a two run bomb from Ron Swoboda. In the ninth Denis Menke hits his second homer, a three run shot, to put the Cubs ahead again. We comeback when Don Buford homers and Tommy Davis brings in Ed Kranepool, but Jack Baldschun holds on for the win. Cubs 7-6
W: Chuck Hartenstein (2-3) L: Jim McAndrew (0-2) S: Jack Baldschun (10)

July 5: Art Shamsky and George Altman hit home runs in a game we deserved to lose by more. Cubs 8-3
W: JR Richard (1-2) L: Don Cardwell (8-4)

Next time ... more thrilling trade news (betcha can't wait :p), current league leaders, Hall of Fame inductions and find out which Mets make the All Star game.

PoC13: It was a nice draft wasn't it ? I've actually heard of some of the players :) It's too late now but I wish I had picked Griffey. Still, I got The Sarge so it could have been worse.

3RunHomer: :D @ the Pythons sketch. How can I call a baseball team the Lumberjacks without thinking of that all the time? :) I like Phoenix Scorpions btw. Now I'm torn between that and the Coyotes (since the hockey team doesn't exist yet I have first dibs on that name).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevarms

July 2: Our pitchers look to be off to a good month

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I read this and immediately thought to myself:

"KNOCK ON WOOD! KNOCK ON WOOD!"

Alas, it wasn't meant to be.

You are keeping yourself above .500, so if you can string a few victories together, you could be right in the thick of things.

Time for the All Star break and we have almost a full week off. Probably just as well given the current state of our pitching rotation.

Here are the current league leaders.

Code:

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                American League                National League                NY Mets

Batting Ave        .346 Carew (MIN)        .388 Clemente (PIT)        .312 Freehan

Home Runs        21 Matthews (DET)        31 Howard  (ATL)        13 Buford
                                                                13 Jones

RBI                70 Mantle (NYY)                78 Howard (ATL)                49 Buford

OBA                .427 Yastrzemski(BOS)        .440 Parker (LAD)        .408 Freehan
               
Steals                29 Campaneris (SDA)        35 Morgan (HOU)                13 Buford (#5 in NL)



ERA                2.30 Jackson (BAL)        2.30 Jenkins (CHC)        2.64 Seaver (#2 in NL)

Wins                12 Palmer (BAL)                12 Sutton (LAD)                10 Bolin (#5 in NL)
                                                                *with Giants

Strikeouts        116 Lolich (DET)        124 Sutton (LAD)        94 Seaver

Saves                13  3-way tie                12 Perranoski (LAD)        11 Taylor (#2 in NL)

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And the current league standings:

Code:

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American League                                        National League

                W        L        GB                                W        L        GB
Baltimore        49        32        --                Houston                51        33        --
New York        45        39        5.5                Pittsburgh        50        34        1
Minnesota        44        40        6.5                Los Angeles        49        35        2
Detroit                44        40        6.5                NEW YORK        44        40        7
Boston                41        40        8                Philadelphia        43        41        8
Cleveland        41        43        9.5                San Francisco        39        42        10.5
California        42        45        10                Chicago                39        45        12
Chicago                43        47        10.5                Atlanta                36        48        15
San Diego        38        46        12.5                Cincinnati        36        51        16.5
Washington        33        48        16                St Louis        33        51        18

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1968 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES


Hal Newhouser - Signed by his hometown club in 1939, Newhouser's breakout season came in 1944 when he led the league in wins (29-9) and strikeouts (187) , which won him the AL MVP Award. He won the Pitching Triple Crown the following year, again picking up the MVP Award, and helped the Tigers to a World Series win. He was won of the top pitchers in the game until an arm injury in 1950 resulted in fewer starts. He saw out his career with Indians where he was a succesful long reliever. (Tigers 1939-53, Indians 1954-55)

Attachment 14687

Early Wynn - One of the most feared pitchers in the game, Wynn was part of the strong Indians rotation that included Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and Mike Garcia. He was the AL Strikeout Champion in his last season with the Indians in 1957 and he repeated the next year with his new team the White Sox. In 1959, at the age of 39, he won the Cy Young Award leading the Sox to the AL pennant with a 22-10 record. He returned to the Indians in 1963 where he picked up his 300th career win (10th All Time) before retiring. (Senators 1939-49, Indians 1949-57, White Sox 1958-62, Indians 1963)

Attachment 14688

Bob Lemon - Playing his entire career in Cleveland, Lemon started out as a third baseman, converting to pitcher at the suggestion of manager Lou Boudreau. In 1948 he went 20-14 to help the Indians to World Series victory. In his twelve year career Lemon posted 20+ win seasons seven times. (Indians 1946-58)

Attachment 14689

Johnny Mize - Nicknamed 'The Big Cat' for his adeptness as a first baseman, Mize won the NL Batting Title and led the league in home runs with the Cardinals in 1939. Traded to the New York Giants in 1941, Mize played one season before serving in the military, returning to baseball in 1946. He came within one of winning the Home Run title that year. In 1947 he tied for the Home Run title, with the Pirates Ralph Kiner also hitting 51. Incredibly, the two tied again for the lead in 1948, this time with 40. He spent the last five years of his career with the Yankees, playing a supporting role as they won the World Series five years straight. (Cardinals 1936-41, Giants 1942-49, Yankees 1949-53)

Attachment 14690

1968 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR ROSTER

Code:

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Starters

C        Earl Battey                MIN       
1B        Fred Whitfield                CLE        - *1st All Star, age 30, injured
2B        Davey Johnson                BAL
3B        Harmon Killebrew        MIN
SS        Dick McAuliffe                DET        -injured
OF        Mickey Mantle                NYY        -16th All Star, injured
OF        Frank Robinson                BAL
OF        Chuck Hinton                CLE


Bench

LF        Carl Yastrzemski        BOS        -
1B        Ernie Banks                CWS        - 10th All Star
RF        Reggie Jackson                SDA        - *1st All Star
C        Buck Rodgers                CAL        - *1st All Star, age 30
C        Tom Haller                NYY
2B        Cesar Tovar                MIN        - *1st All Star


Pitchers

SP        Andy Messersmith        CAL        - *1st All Star
SP        Phil Ortega                WSA        - *1st All Star
SP        Jim Palmer                BAL
SP        Larry Jackson                BAL
SP        Mudcat Grant                MIN
SP        Jim Perry                MIN
SP        Mel Stottlemyre                NYY

RP        Dick Radatz                CLE
RP        Jack Aker                SDA
RP        Clay Carroll                BOS        - *1st All Star
RP        Fred Gladding                DET        - *1st All Star

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1968 NATIONAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR ROSTER

Code:

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Starters

C        Joe Torre                ATL
1B        Wes Parker                LAD        - *1st All Star
2B        Joe Morgan                HOU
3B        Bob Bailey                LAD        - *1st All Star
SS        Jim Fregosi                PIT       
OF        Roberto Clemente        PIT        - 9th consecutive, injured
OF        Frank Howard                ATL        - *1st All Star, age 32, injured
OF        Hank Aaron                ATL        - 14th consecutive


Bench

LF        Willie Stargell                PIT        - 5th consecutive
OF        Billy Williams                CHC       
OF        Tommy Harper                CIN        - *1st All Star
IF        Don Buford                NYM        - *1st All Star, age 31
CF        Willie Davis                PHI        - *1st All Star
CF        Willie Mays                SFG        - 15th consecutive


Pitchers

SP        Bob Gibson                STL       
SP        Fergie Jenkins                CHC        - *1st All Star
SP        Don Sutton                LAD        - *1st All Star
SP        Juan Marichal                SFG        - 7th consecutive
SP        Tom Seaver                NYM        - *1st All Star
SP        Don Wilson                HOU        - *1st All Star
SP        Don Drysdale                LAD       

RP        Dick Hall                PHI        - *1st All Star, age 37
RP        Ron Perranoski                LAD        - *1st All Star, age 32
RP        Pete Mikkelson                PIT        - *1st All Star
RP        Ron Taylor                NYM        - *1st All Star, age 30

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1968 ALL STAR GAME

The Astrodome in Houston was host to this year's All Star game. The event accomplished three firsts: first All Star game in Texas, first time indoors and first All Star game on an artificial surface.
The American League would have to do without Mickey Mantle (replaced by Carl Yastrzemski). However, last year's AL Rookie of the Year Reggie Jackson would be making his first All Star appearance
For the National League Pittsburgh's Jim Fregosi would start at shortstop. He represented the AL in last year's game.
Accompanying me to to Texas for the game were no less than three Mets players: Don Buford and pitchers Tom Seaver and Ron Taylor. I am particularly pleased for Ron who has established himself as one of the top closers in the game since we converted him to the role last year.

Attachment 14847

Starting for the Nationals was the Cardinals Bob Gibson. Although not able to dominate batters this year he is still one of the most feared and respected pitchers in the National League. He takes every game seriously and this one is no exception. The American's first batter, Cesar Tovar, faces a couple of screaming fastballs than are a shade under 100 mph. He takes two balls then hits the third pitch, a flyball to Bob Bailey at third. Davey Johnson gets the same treatment but Gibson is struggling to get his throws on target. Not known for his slugging, Johnson takes the count to 2 and 1 before blasting a shot into the right field seats. Frank Robinson and Harmon Killebrew both grounded out to end the half inning. 1-0 Americans

Andy Messersmith started for the Americans in his first All Star game. This year has seen him rack up an impressive ERA of 2.53 but he seems nervous, throwing ball after ball. Willie Stargell comes up with the bases loaded. He grounds out but brings in a run to tie the game. Next up is Hank Aaron who hits a single that brings in another. Joe Torre is walked to load the bases again. Jim Fregosi blasts a line drive down the right field line that stays fair and brings in two. With two out and men on first and second, Billy Williams comes in to pinch hit for Gibson. He makes the most of what will be his only at bat, smashing a curveball that richochets off the left field wall to bring in another two. Cy Young winner Jim Palmer then comes in to get the final out of the inning. Nationals 6-1

The Americans pulled one back in the fourth but the Nationals cancelled that one out in the sixth. Nationals 7-2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the inning ended Chub Feeney came over and took an empty seat next to me. We had an interesting chat. He is about the same age as me but has been a baseball executive for over twenty years. He knows the game inside out. We both complained about having to play a double-header the day before Bobby Kennedy's funeral. Chub had a few choice words to say about the Commissioner Wiliam Eckert. As delicately as I could I asked him why the reigning champs of the National League were doing so badly this year. His feeling was that the pitching rotation was too reliant on Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry, hence why he picked up a few pitching prospects from the Mets. In fact, he said, he would like to take another couple of minor league players from us. Here's the deal we worked out:


To Mets:
OF Ollie Brown (77/80) Age 24 (.280 Avg. 0 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB in 25 AB)
$12,900 4th season


To Giants:
1B Mike Jorgensen (61/82) Age 20 (.365 Avg, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 1 SB in R-Ball)
$400 Rookie

LF Tommie Reynolds (68/72) Age 27 (.259 Avg, 1-24-2 in Triple-A)
$12,900 4th season
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Back to the game... it was all over in the eighth with the Nationals racking up another five runs off Boston's Clay Carroll. The Americans brought in Fred Gladding, another debutant, to get the final out but his first pitch was wild, past Earl Battey and to the backstop letting in Willie Stargell to make it Nationals 13-2

The Americans scored a consolation run in the ninth but all in all it was a pretty comprehensive win for the Nationals. Nationals 13-3

Pittsburgh's Jim Fregosi won the MVP Award. He went 3 for 5, scored 3 runs and drove in 2. Don Buford was the only Met to get into the game. He pinch hit in the fourth but could only manage a ground out off Larry Jackson.

We weren't the only team to use the All Star game as an opportunity to get some business done. The Astros sent two players to Cincinnati in exchange for pitcher Milt Pappas

To Astros:
SP Milt Pappas (89) Age 29 (8-5, 3.05 ERA, 2 CG in 1968)
$162,000 12th season Former All Star


To Reds:
RP Steve Shea (81/95) Age 25 (3-2, 2.06 ERA, 8 SV in Double-A)
$12,900 Rookie

SP Bruce von Hoff (63/88) Age 24 (0-3, 14.94 ERA !!! in 15.2 IP)
$12,900 2nd season


The move makes sense for both teams. Pappas was famously traded to the Reds by Baltimore in exchange for Frank Robinson but struggled to win over the Cincinnati fans, angry at the loss of a popular player. Von Hoff went 3-0 in 3 starts last year but this year has struggled, going 0-3 as a spot starter and racking up a horrific ERA of 14.94. The Reds pitching options are very limited, with long term injuries to Sammy Ellis and Jim Maloney, so von Hoff is expected to go straight into the rotation. Steve Shea will also be moving up to the bigs, taking up a middle relief spot in the bullpen

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July 12-14
New York Mets (44-40) @ Cincinnati Reds (36-51)

July 12: Tom Seaver gets himself into a jam in the middle of the game and blows a 4-0 lead. A little unfair that McGraw gets the loss. Reds 8-6
W: Ross Grimsley (3-1) L: Tug McGraw (4-5) S: Don Nottebart (7)

July 13: Jack Fisher completes the game giving up seven hits and two walks, with Don Buford hitting his 14th homer of the year. Mets 3-2
W: Jack Fisher (6-5) L: Gary Nolan (5-8)

July 14: Bobby Bolin gets his first win as a Met with homers from Don Buford and Bill Freehan giving us the win. Mets 5-4
W: Bobby Bolin (11-3) L: John Tsitouris (2-3) S: Tug McGraw (1)


July 15-17
Los Angeles Dodgers (49-38) @ New York Mets (46-41)

July 15: Don Cardwell comes out ahead of a pitching duel. Both our runs are sac flies by Mickey Stanley, with Don Buford tagging up and scoring. Mets 2-0
W: Don Cardwell (9-4) L: Doug Rau (4-6) S: Ron Taylor (12)

July 16: Jerry Koosman is shelled. In the first Bob Bailey hits a grandslam, immediately followed by a solo shot by Jim Hickman. In the third Hickman solos again and Koosman is pulled. Dodgers 8-5
W: Don Sutton (13-6) L: Jerry Koosman (2-7)

July 17: Tom Seaver struggles through 4.2 innings as we play catch up for most of the game. We tie the game in the eighth and, in the ninth, Cleon Jones comes up with a walk off home run to give us an unexpected win. Mets 9-8
W: Tug McGraw (5-5) L: Phil Regan (1-3)

July 19-21
St Louis Cardinals (35-52) @ New York Mets (48-42)

July 19: We take an early when Bill Freehan hits a 3 RBI triple in the first and then comes in off a wild pitch. The Cardinals come back but we eke out a couple of singles to get the win. Mets 6-4
W: Jack Fisher (7-5) L: Mike Torrez (0-7) S: Bob Shaw (2)

July 20: Don Buford ties the game in the ninth, hitting a single to bring in Jesus Alou from second. Mickey Stanley can only manage a pop fly that doesn't leave the infield for the final out of the inning. In the tenth Jose Tartabull hits a line drive to right that is booted by Larry Stahl allowing the leadoff man to make second. He comes in off a double by Tim McCarver who also scores. We get two on bases in the bottom of the inning but pinch hitter Ron Swoboda is struck out to end the game. Cardinals 5-3 (10)
W: Bob Gibson (12-8) L: Ron Taylor (3-5) S: Hal Gilson (5)

July 21: Steve Carlton over-powers us, striking out nine and only allowing four hits. Our scores come from a Don Buford 3-RBI double in the fifth. Then, in the ninth, Jesus Alou scores from third when Ed Spezio misfires the throw to home. Cardinals 7-4
W: Steve Carlton (5-12) L: Don Cardwell (9-5)

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NEW YORK CHRONICLE
July 22, 1968

NIGHTMARE FOR REDS DEBUTANTS
Von Hoff Shelled As Astros Run Riot

HOUSTON, Tex. - It was meant to be a fresh start for pitchers Bruce von Hoff and Steve Shea. Struggling to break into the Astros plans they were traded this month for Cincinnati's Milt Pappas. Reds skipper Dave Bristol liked them enough to have them debut against their old team in a first versus last match-up, von Hoff starting with Shea in the bullpen. Neither player could have expected it to be such a humiliating experience.
Taking the mound with a 1-0 lead von Hoff immediately gave up a double to Vada Pinson. The pitcher did not have any of the good stuff we saw briefly last year when he went 3-0 in 3 starts. His pitches had no zip and he struggled to keep them in the strike zone. Pinson scored when Leo Cardenas hit a drive into right field. By the time Bob Allison came up the bases were loaded and he belted a grandslam into the right field seats. Vada Pinson came up again at the end of the inning and hit a three run homer, this time to left. Von Hoff did not pitch again. In one inning he threw 48 pitches and gave up 6 hits for 8 runs.
The other debutant, Steve Shea, was making his major league debut. He came in to mop up in the seventh with the Reds already down and out 14-1. The seventh went well, striking out Joe Morgan and a single the only hit given up. The eighth was not so good. Joe Morgan came up again with the bases loaded. He took three balls and then hit a long shot that ended up at the bottom of the right field wall for two runs. Bob Watson also hit a two run double to make the final score 18-1 Astros.

July 24-26
New York Mets (49-44) @ Cincinnati Reds (38-58)

July 24: Don Buford leads off with a solo home run but then the Reds hand us a lesson in small ball. Reds 8-3
W: John Tsitouris (3-4) L: Jerry Koosman (2-8)

July 25: In the second game we face off against the humbled Bruce von Hoff, making his first start since the Houston debacle. He hurls eight strong innings allowing only eight hits and four walks. Johnny Bench does most of the damage with a 3 RBI homer. Reds 8-3
W: Bruce von Hoff (1-4) L: Ralph Terry (5-5)

July 26: Tom Seaver gives up four hits and four walks and completes the game as we squeak the win. We avoid the sweep against the Reds only decent starter. Mets 3-2
W: Tom Seaver (10-6) L: Gary Nolan (6-10)


July 27-29
New York Mets (50-46) @ Houston Astros (62-37)

July 27: After a disappointing series against last place Cincinnati it's on to Houston to face the league leaders. We rack up sixteen hits, including seven doubles, to cruise to the win. Mets 9-3
W: Jack Fisher (8-5) L: Barry Latman (3-4)

July 28: Bud Harrelson goes 3 for 4 and scores three times. Mets 8-6
W: Bobby Bolin (12-3) L: Scipio Spinks (1-2) S: Ron Taylor (13)

July 29: A good pitching performances from both teams but the Astros take it with a run knocked in by Joe Morgan and a wild pitch by Tug McGraw that lets in Doug Rader. Astros 2-0
W: Milt Pappas (11-5) L: Don Cardwell (9-6) S: Dave Giusti (7)


July 30-August 1
Philadelphia Phillies (50-49) @ New York Mets (52-47)

July 30: Back at Shea it's another pitching duel. Dick Ellsworth edges it with five hits and a walk in eight innings. Phillies 3-2
W: Dick Ellsworth (12-6) L: Dick Selma (6-4) S: Dick Hall (13)
*Three Dicks? There's a joke there somewhere :p

July 31: Tom Seaver hurls a strong eight innings but our offensive is impotent, only managing one hit. Del Bates knocks in the only run of the game. Phillies 1-0
W: Chris Short (8-6) L: Tom Seaver (10-7) S: Bill Laxton (1)

JULY SUMMARY

The Mets went 10-12 in July to fall further off the pace. The pennant seems out of reach now, not that it was ever a serious goal. It would nice if we could stay over .500 though.
The race for the pennant is developing into a two horse race between the Astros and the Pirates. The Reds had a month they will want to forget, going 5-14 as they struggle to contend with injuries to two key pitchers.


National League Standings

Code:

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Houston                65        39        --
Pittsburgh        63        38        0.5
Los Angeles        55        46        8.5
Philadelphia        55        49        11.5
NEW YORK        52        49        11.5
San Francisco        48        53        15.5
Atlanta                43        55        19
St Louis        42        56        20
Chicago        45        59        20       
Cincinnati        40        61        23.5

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The American League is wide open again with Orioles going 12-13 in July but strong showings by the Twins and Yankees seeing them come back to 1.5 and 2.5 games back respectively.




MLB Injury News
None of note


MLB Milestones
July 21: Vada Pinson (HOU) 1,000 Runs
July 26: Whitey Ford (NYY) 250 Wins


MLB Retirements
July 12: Former Met Eddie Broussard hangs up his glove after twelve seasons in the majors. Debuting with the Giants in 1956 he spent six seasons in New York and San Francisco before being selected by Houston in the 1961 expansion draft who then traded him to Boston. With the Red Sox Broussard established himself as first choice at short and was an All Star in 1964. He played single seasons with the Mets (1966) and Cardinals (1967) . The 36 year old will take over as manager of the Cardinals Single-A team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Career Stats Avg . 256, HR 94, RBI 381)

July 22: Closer Al Worthington takes up a new role as head coach at Liberty University, Virginia. He began his career with the Giants in 1953 and hurled shutouts in his first two starts. However, his career did not progress as hoped and he found his way into the bullpen by 1957. After short spells with the Red Sox and White Sox Worthington began to establish himself in the closer role with the Reds. He was traded to Minnesota in 1964 where he became one of the top closers in the game, receiving a well deserved All Star nomination last year at the age of 38. He ranks 9th in Career Saves with 106 (Career Stats 65-75, ERA 3.43, SV 106)

AUGUST PREVIEW


We head into August with both the line-up and rotation at full strength. Bobby Bolin has got off to a good start with two wins in four starts so far. Jesus Alou made a couple of appearances off the bench but will go down to Double-A Williamsport for this month. When their season is over he will be back up here. Ollie Brown is yet to play as a Met and will be on the bench.

Code:

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Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

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

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AUGUST 1968


August 1
Philadelphia Phillies (55-49) @ (New York Mets (52-49)

August 1: Don Buford hits a solo homer and a 3 RBI triple. Mets 8-3
W: Jack Fisher (9-5) L: Pedro Ramos (8-7) S: Tug McGraw (2)


August 2-4
New York Mets (53-49) @ Houston Astros (65-40)

August 2: In the first Bud Harrelson steals second then third. He scores when Mickey Stanley hits a single that bounces out of Joe Morgan's glove. The Astros tie the game in the seventh and the game goes to extra innings. There is no score going into the thirteenth then things explode into life as we score six runs. The win is marred by an injury to Larry Stahl. He pulls a groin muscle sliding into second and is replaced by Ollie Brown, in to make his Mets debut. Mets 7-1 (13)
W: Bob Shaw (1-0) L: Howie Reed (1-2)

August 3: We get ten hits but can't generate any runs as our offense is stifled by a fine pitching performance by Mike Cuellar. The outfield suffers another injury blow with Mickey Stanley suffering from a stretched ankle ligament. Astros 3-2
W: Mike Cuellar (15-8) L: Don Cardwell (9-7)

August 4: Ollie Brown homers on his first Mets start and Ed Kranepool hits a three run shot but the league leaders squeak it. Astros 6-5
W: Dave Giusti (9-5) L: Tug McGraw (5-6) S: Jay Ritchie (5)
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Former Met Gary Gentry makes his major league debut for the Giants in Cincinnati. He comes in in the third inning with the Reds already 8-0 ahead. He gets through the third and fourth innings allowing only one hit. Then, in the fifth, he seems to lose his concentration walking two then giving up hits to the next four batters. He leaves the game after the sixth with the Giants down 13-1.
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August 5-7
New York Mets (54-51) @ San Francisco Giants (49-56)

August 5: Juan Marichal gives Tom Seaver a pitching lesson, allowing only five hits and three walks. Tom Seaver gives up eight earned runs including three homers, and is pulled in the fourth. Giants 12-1
W: Juan Marichal (13-10) L: Tom Seaver (10-8)

August 6: Ed Kranepool drives home five runs including a grand slam. Mets 7-5
W: Don Shaw (1-0) L: Mike Davison (0-1) S: Tug McGraw (3)

August 7: Willie McCovey, Rocky Colavito and Jim Ray Hart grab 3 RBIs apiece as the Giants run riot again. Bobby Bolin is pulled after four innings. He heads for the trainers room complaining of spasms in his back. Giants 11-3
W: Mike McCormick (7-14) L: Bobby Bolin (12-4) S: Steve Stone (2)

We sent Bobby Bolin for x-rays on his back. Apparently he had mentioned to a couple of the players he had been getting some pains but just played through it. It turns out he has a couple of broken vertebrae. That's just our luck. Just when we think we've found a nice fit into our rotation he gets himself a long term injury. It's not even certain the guy will play again. What is certain is he won't be playing baseball for a long time.


August 8-10
Philadelphia Phillies (58-53) @ New York Mets (55-53)

August 8: Don Buford hits his 20th homer of the year and our pitchers and our pitchers hold the Phillies to six hits. Shoddy fielding is what costs us the most runs. Mets 9-5
W: Don Shaw (2-0) L: Doyle Alexander (1-7) S: Tug McGraw (4)

August 9: We can only rustle up three hits as Chris Short and Dick Hall combine for a superb pitching display. Phillies 4-1
W: Chris Short (9-7) L: Ralph Terry (5-6) S: Dick Hall (14)

August 10: An shakey performance from Tom Seaver. He fans eleven but gives up six runs before being pulled in the seventh. A fine performance by Cleon Jones is capped when he hits a walk-off single in the twelve to bring in Ed Kranepool. Jones went 3 for 5 with 4 RBI. Mets 9-8 (12)
W: Ron Taylor (4-5) L: Jerry Johnson (4-2)


August 11-13
Los Angeles Dodgers (59-49) @ New York Mets (57-54)

August 11: Geoff Zahn gets his first complete game in the majors, allowing only six hits in a strong showing. Dodgers 5-2
W: Geoff Zahn (3-1) L: Jack Fisher (9-6)

August 12: We lead by four going into the eighth and Jerry Koosman is on for a shutout but the Dodgers come back to tie the game. In the bottom of the ninth with one out, Ollie Brown comes in from second off a walk off hit by Ty Cline. Mets 5-4
W: Dick Selma (7-4) L: Phil Regan (1-4)

August 13: Ed Kranepool goes 2 for 3 with 2 walks and 5 RBI. The Dodgers come back with a late rally but Bob Shaw holds on for the win. Mets 9-6
W: Don Cardwell (10-7) L: Doug Rau (6-8)


August 14-16
New York Mets (59-55) @ San Francisco Giants (53-61)

August 14: Ed Kranepool hits two homers. Mets 6-2
W: Ralph Terry (6-6) L: Juan Marichal (14-11) S: Ron Taylor (14)

August 15: We are 3-1 down going into the ninth. We come back with a one run single and then Ron Swoboda hits a 3 RBI home run. Ron Taylor makes short work of the final three outs. Mets 5-3
W: Tom Seaver (11-8) L: Gaylord Perry (12-8) S: Ron Taylor (15)


August 16: We sweep the Giants with a good offensive performance from Cleon Jones, Ollie Brown and Bart Shirley. Cleon Jones dislocates a hip sliding into second. It looks pretty bad. Probably he will be out for the season. Mets 6-2
W: Jack Fisher (10-6) L: Mike McCormick (7-15)
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Yet more injury news with Don Buford nursing a knee sprain after twisting it during fielding practice.


What's with all these injuries? I'm ranked first in medical but I checked on the finances page and my medical staff are ranked D+. Is that why I'm getting so many? I'm assuming it takes time for the ranking to increase.

Don't trust the finance page. It lies. Some sort of bug. Go to league editor and that'll show your true current medical rating.

August 17-19
New York Mets (62-55) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (70-47)

August 17: Jerry Koosman is taken out of the game in the second inning after being clobbered for five runs. I'm starting to wonder if he's worth persevering with but Gil likes him. Pirates 7-3
W: Juan Pizarro (8-6) L: Jerry Koosman (2-9)

August 18: Six runs in the second including a 3 RBI homer by Bill Freehan send us on the way to the win. Mets 10-6
W: Don Cardwell (11-6) L: Camilo Pascual (14-5) S: Tug McGraw (5)

August 19: Vern Law throws a complete game and gives up only eight hits and a walk. Pirates 4-2
W: Vern Law (10-9) L: Ralph Terry (6-7)
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Bill Graham had been demoted to Triple-A Jacksonville when Bobby Bolin arrived. With Bolin out for the season Graham wanted to know if he figured in our plans with the 40-man roster coming up. He had received a good job opportunity back home in Kentucky and, with the Suns season about over, he was thinking about life after baseball. I told him I had planned to bring him back but if it was a good offer he should take the job. He understood his career was finished and I wished him well. He was a good guy, serving in the military and only breaking into the big leagues at age 29. Shame he didn't make it but at least he can say he was a major league pitcher. (Career Stats 4-7, 6.73 ERA, 1 CG)


August 20-22
Houston Astros (75-45) @ New York Mets (63-57)

August 20: Tom Seaver completes the game giving up only five hits and three walks. Mets 7-2
W: Tom Seaver (12-8) L: Milt Pappas (11-9)

August 21: We squeak it, coming from 4-2 down with three runs in the eighth. Mets 5-4
W: Tug McGraw (6-6) L: Mike Cuellar (17-9) S: Ron Taylor (16)

August 22: We sweep the league leaders with another dramatic comeback. Bottom of the ninth we are down 5-3. Mickey Stanley comes to the plate with one out and bases loaded. He hits a single to bring in Ty Cline. The Astros take out Larry Dierker and bring in Bob Lee who then walks Ed Kranepool to tie the game. Clean-up hitter Bill Freehan is up next and he takes the count to 3 and 0. One more bad pitch and it's game over. Luck is on Lee's side though. Freehan can only manage a soft grounder back to the mound. Lee throws to Ellie Hendricks at home who then beats a tortoise-like with the throw to first for a 1-2-3 double play and extra innings. Ron Taylor gets three quick outs in the top of the tenth In the bottom of the inning Bob Lee is still struggling. He gets Larry Stahl to ground out but only after taking the count to 3 and 1. He gives Bob Johnson three balls and then throws one down the middle which Johnson belt into the rightfield corner for a single. He is bunted to second by Bart Shirley. Next up is Tommy Davis. Davis has been great this year coming off the bench, hitting .307. Very reliable. Lee throws a couple of heaters high and outside. The third pitch is hit, hit way back. It looks like it's gone but falls just short of the right field fence for a double and a run for the game. Mets 6-5 (10)
W: Ron Taylor (5-5) L: Bob Lee (5-4)


August 23-25
Philadelphia Phillies (62-58) @ New York Mets (66-57)

August 23: We manage just six measly hits and are shutout by the Phillies. Phillies 3-0
W: Dick Ellsworth (14-8) L: Don Cardwell (11-8) S: Dick Hall (16)

August 24: Jake Wood goes 3 for 5 scoring 3 runs for the Phillies. Phillies 9-4
W: Jerry Johnson (5-2) L: Tug McGraw (6-7) S: Dick Hall (17)

August 25: Pedro Ramos and Tom Seaver both pitch nine innings with honours even to take the game into extra innings. The Phillies squeak it with a one run single by Willie Davis. A disappointing series after sweeping the Astros. Phillies 2-1 (10)
W: Pedro Ramos (11-7) L: Ron Taylor (5-6) S: Dick Hall (18)


August 26-28
Houston Astros (77-49) @ New York Mets (66-60)

August 26: The Astros are back in town and Mickey Stanley and Ron Swoboda get things off to a good start with two homers. Mets 7-5
W: Tug McGraw (7-7) L: Dave Giusti (9-6)

August 27: A dour game for the fans with all runs coming in the first inning. Astros 4-2
W: Don Wilson (19-4) L: Jerry Koosman (2-10) S: Bob Lee (13)

August 28: Don Cardwell pitches a complete game giving up six hits but blows it in the ninth when Bob Allison hits a solo shot. Astros 3-2
W: Dave Giusti (10-6) L: Don Cardwell (11-9)

The last three days of August were off days. The first day was spent with the Gil Hodges and the coaching staff finalising who would be on the expanded roster. It had been a headache but a nice to have. Our farm system seemed to working really well. Jacksonville had won the International League handily and Double-A Williamsport had done well in the Eastern. Standout players had been Ken Singleton (.397 Avg) and Amos Otis (.393). The pitchers we would be bringing up included Jack Dilauro, Bob Johnson (not the infielder, another one) and Jerry Bell.
After we had agreed on that, it was off for a round of golf - front office versus coaching staff - at Lord Fawcliff's club in Connecticut.

I was sharing a buggy with Lord Fawcliff as we drove up the eighth fairway.
"I'm really pleased with how the season has gone," he said. "We've progressed much quicker than I dared hope."
I nodded. "Me too. I shouldn't be surprised but I am. Even if we don't go over .500 I think we've done pretty well. "
He was quiet for a moment. "Will we have some of our farm players ready for next year?"
"Maybe Singleton and Otis. No pitchers though."
"I see." He was frowning. "The thing is... I want to invest more in the farm clubs. And we need to get our medical facilities up to scratch. It's going to be a big investment and I'm afraid we may have to let some people go."
I knew the figures too and had been expecting this.
"We've got a lot of the younger players coming up for arbitration. Swoboda, Harrelson, Selma. Tom Seaver too. They've had good seasons but, hopefully, they won't be too greedy. I'll get Gil involved. They should be able to see which direction the club is headed."
"It will be hard holding onto young Tom. How much do you think he'll be looking for?"
"I can tell you what he's worth. Half a million. He won't ask for that though."
We pulled up behind my Lord Fawcliff's ball and dismounted. Just then, Gil and Yogi Berra came racing up on their buggy.
"Hey Roy," called Gil, "You got a light?"
Yogi was grinning. "He dropped his in that pond on the seventh."
"I was fishing out YOUR ball."
I reached into my pockets for my matches just as Lord Fawcliff was swinging. He sliced the ball and cursed.
Gil lit his cigarette, exhaled and said with a smile, "Hey boss. That road over there. That's out of bounds. You know that right?"

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
August 11, 1968

WILLIE MAYS HITS 600TH HOMER
Say Hey Kid Sets Sights On Ruth

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - The ever youthful Say Hey Kid joined the exclusive 600 Home Run Club - only other member: one George Herman Ruth. The historic two-run shot was off of Cardinals pitcher Tom Hilgendorf and was the final score of a 6-0 shutout.
Willie took one strike then drove the second pitch into the left field seats. After crossing the plate to a rapturous welcome by his team mates, he was then presented with an award by Frank Torre of the Adirondack Bat Company.
After the game Willie conceded it had been a thrill. “I don’t care too much for records but seeing all my team-mates at the plate, that was special.”
At 37 years old, but showing few signs of slowing down, Willie needs another 114 home runs to catch all time leader Babe Ruth. Asked if he could catch The Babe he said, “I feel strong and I’m sure I can hit a few more. What’s important to me though is getting the Giants contending again.”
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Frank Howard swatted his 38th homer of the year as he guns for the single season home run record. The Braves have 55 games remaining for him to break Roger Maris’ record of 61.

Attachment 15040

Willie Mays

AUGUST SUMMARY

We are already officially the best Mets team of all-time after passing the previous record of 66 wins in a season. Yahoo! :D We just need another 15 wins to go over .500 for the year which would be excellent.
Aside from the Astros-Pirates pennant race, all eyes are on Frank Howard. The Braves slugger finished August on 43 home runs. He now needs 18 to catch Maris’ record.

National League Standings

Code:

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                W        L        GB
Houston                80        52        --
Pittsburgh        78        54        2
Los Angeles        67        59        10
Philadelphia        67        59        10
NEW YORK        67        62        11.5
St Louis        62        67        16.5
San Francisco        61        68        17.5
Chicago                56        73        22.5
Atlanta                54        72        23
Cincinnati        50        76        27

---

The American League heats up further with the Red Sox entering the fray after going 18-9 in August.



MLB Injury News
August 13: Deron Johnson (HOU)-Broken elbow- 3 months (.264 Avg, 16 HR, 67 RBI, 0 SB)

MLB Milestones
August 8: Jim Bunning (BAL) 200 Wins
August 11: Willie Mays (SFG) 600 Home Runs
August 26: Joe Torre (ATL) 22 Game Hitting Streak

MLB Retirements
None of note

SEPTEMBER PREVIEW

The loss of Bobby Bolin is a huge blow, leaving our rotation in tatters once again. Koosman is still not ready to be in the rotation, so we are going with a 4-man rotation.
It will be interesting to see how our batting prospects fare. Amos Otis, Ken Singleton and Greg Goossen all did well in the minors.

Code:

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Line-up                        Bench                        Rotation        Bullpen

2B Buford                C Sullivan                Seaver                Taylor
1B Kranepool                IF Shirley                Fisher                Selma
CF Stanley                OF Alou                        Cardwell        McGraw
C Freehan                LF Davis                Terry                Frisella
RF Stahl                RF Brown                                Shaw (Bob)
SS Harrelson                LF Swoboda                                Koosman
LF Cline                IF Buchek                MU: McAndrew        Grzenda
3B Johnson                CF Bosch                                Shaw (Don)
                        OF Singleton                                Dilauro
                        2B Rojas                                Johnson
Disabled List                OF Luplow                                Connors
                        C Goossen                                Bell
OF Jones                OF Clemens
SP Bolin                3B Pfeil
                        CF Otis

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September 1-3
New York Mets (67-62) @ Cincinnati Reds (50-76)

September 1: John Tsitouris pitches eight strong innings allowing only five hits and four walks. Reds 5-2
W: John Tsitouris (5-2) L: Ralph Terry (6-8) S: Ted Abernathy (11)

September 2: We come back with a three run rally in the ninth but it's not enough. Reds 5-4
W: Wayne Simpson (4-1) L: Tom Seaver (12-9) S: Ted Abernathy (12)

September 3: Gary Nolan shuts us out , giving up only six hits in nine innings in a sweep for the last place Reds. Reds 4-0
W: Gary Nolan (10-13) L: Jack Fisher (10-7)


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

Frank Howard has hit home runs in every one of the six Braves games in September. He is now on 49 HR for the year.

September 7-9
Los Angeles Dodgers (69-63) @ New York Mets (67-65)

September 7: Our bench players get us back into the game scoring four in the later innings but too late to save the game. Dodgers 6-4
W: Claude Osteen (15-8) L: Don Cardwell (11-10)

Frank Howard goes 2 for 5 striking out twice

September 8: Ralph Terry is pitching well until the seventh when he gives up a grandslam to Jim Lefebvre. Dodgers 5-1
W: Doug Rau (9-11) L: Ralph Terry (6-9)

Frank Howard hits HR #50

September 9: Tom Seavers allows just two hits, walking none in a masterful pitching display. Don Drysdale is also have a good game until the eighth. Holding a 1-0 lead he walks two then gives up a single to Ron Swoboda that brings home Mickey Stanley from second. Next up is Ty Cline. Drysdale throws a wild pitch past catcher Vic Roznovsky letting in Ken Singleton for the decisive run. Mets 2-1
W: Tom Seaver (13-9) L: Don Drysdale (13-15)

Frank Howard hits HR #51

September 10-12
New York Mets (68-67) @ Houston Astros (87-54)

September 10: Mike Cuellar notches up his first 20-win season with 3 RBI for Rookie of the Year candidate Jose Herrera. Astros 5-2
W: Mike Cuellar (20-9) L: Jack Fisher (10-8) S: Jay Ritchie (9)

Frank Howard goes 1 for 4, only managing to hit a single

September 11: Ellie Hendricks hits two homers, only the fourth and fifth of his career. Astros 9-5
W: Scipio Spinks (2-2) L: Don Cardwell (11-11)

Frank Howard goes 1 for 3, hitting a double

September 12: We take a five hour epic battle into the fifteenth, then Bob Watson hits a walk off homer into the left field seats to give Houston the sweep. Astros 2-1 (15)
W: Ted Davidson (1-0) L: Joe Grzenda (1-3)

Frank Howard goes 1 for 5, hitting a single for 2 RBI


September 13-15
New York Mets (68-70) @ Chicago Cubs (60-81)

September 13: A ding-dong battle of a game with the lead changing five times. We lead 2-0 in the first, after the second it's 5-2 Cubs. We make it 9-7 in the eighth then the Cubs go ahead again at the bottom of the inning, 10-9. In the ninth Ollie Brown ties the game, then Jerry Koosman comes in to pitch and gets three quick outs. In the tenth Mickey Stanley scores a run to put us ahead. We change things around defensively with Greg Goossen coming in at first and Al Luplow taking over from Larry Stahl at rightfield. It's Luplow who makes the first out, safely catching a line drive from Jim Qualls. Then Koosman throws a fastball straight down the middle that Glenn Beckert sends deep into right. Stahl can't get the throw away quick enough and Beckert makes it to second. Next up is Billy Williams, with 2 homers and 6 RBI tonight. He can only manage a weak groundball to Bud Harrelson at short. Next up is Art Shamsky. He fouls two away and takes two balls, then Koosman brings out his heater - a 90 mph fastball for a swinging strike. Game over. Mets 11-10 (10)
W: Jerry Koosman (3-10) L: Joe Niekro (5-5)

Frank Howard goes 1 for 3, hitting a double for 2 RBI. In his first at bat Phillies pitcher Pedro Ramos hurls a brushback pitch that hits Howard in the shoulder.



September 14: Danny Frisella comes in in the sixth and blows a 5-4 lead. Cubs 7-5
W: Fred Talbot (1-2) L: Danny Frisella (0-1)

Frank Howard hits HR # 52

September 15: Both offenses have feasted in this three game set. We have managed 39 hits to the Cubs 40. There were five homers scored in this game including one for George Altman who goes 4 for 5 with 4 RBI. Cubs 12-8
W: Joe Niekro (6-5) L: Danny Frisella (0-2)

Frank Howard goes 1 for 4, hitting a triple for 1 RBI. Again he is hit by a pitch, this time by Phillies ace Dick Ellsworth. The Phillies are booed by their own fans for the unsporting play.

Nice job with the Mets, and it's good to see Frank Howard hitting all those dingers for the Braves.

--Pet

Cat: My medical staff are now ranked B- on the finance page, B in the league editor.

Petrel: Thanks. It's a shame we've dropped below .500 but it's still been a great season. Howard is going great with a real shot at the record. I don't think I've come this close before in previous dynasties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

September 16-18
New York Mets (69-72) @ Philadelphia Phillies (73-68)

September 16: It's our turn to play the Phillies and we are 3-0 up in the bottom of the fourth. Don Buford makes a mess of a double-play then Dick Allen steps up to smack a three run homer. Buford boots another in the seventh which costs another two runs. In total, Allen drives in six runs for the Phils. Phillies 10-3
W: Jerry Johnson (6-2) L: Tug McGraw (7-8)

Frank Howard and the Braves had an off day.

September 17: Mickey Stanley and Bill Freehan drive in all five of our runs, hitting a homer apiece. Mets 5-2
W: Tom Seaver (14-9) L: Pedro Ramos (13-8) S: Dick Selma (5)

Frank Howard hits HR #53 and #54

September 18: Phillies start with their second round draft pick Doyle Alexander on the mound. He is 2-10 in 18 starts but pitches a great game taking a 6-0 lead into the ninth. Then, he almost blows it. He gives up two singles then walks Ty Cline to load the bases. Bobby Pfeil hits a double for 2 RBIs then Alexander walks Tommy Davis to load the bases again. With no outs, skipper Bob Skinner has seen enough. He brings out veteran closer Dick Hall to face Mets home run leader Don Buford. Buford takes the first pitch - strike! The second and third pitches he fouls off. Hall brings out his slider for number four and Buford connects. It goes over the head of Dick Allen at third and drops just behind him. Cline scores as Allen gets the throw off to second with Davis bearing down - out! Jake Wood throws to first - out! Double play. That takes the wind out of our sails. Ed Kranepool is the next batter but can only hit a weak groundball to second. Phillies 6-3
W: Doyle Alexander (3-10) L: Jack Fisher (10-9) S: Dick Hall (19)
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Third baseman Bob Johnson was taken out of the game in the fifth after pulling a groin muscle. He will be out for a couple of weeks, meaning his season is probably over.

Frank Howard hits HR #55


September 19-21
Chicago Cubs (64-83) @ New York Mets (70-74)

September 19: Pinch hitter Jesus Alou comes home from second on a Mickey Stanley single. Mets 7-6 (11)
W: Dick Selma (8-4) L: Chuck Hartenstein (4-8)

Frank Howard goes 0 for 4 against the Pirates

September 20: Ralph Terry gets his first win in seven starts and it’s a complete game shutout against the Cubs 1st round draft pick. Mets 5-0
W: Ralph Terry (7-9) L: J.R. Richard (4-10)

Frank Howard hit HR #56 against the Phillies

September 21: We come back and take a 5-4 lead into the ninth but Cubs take it with a two run homer from Denis Menke. Cubs 6-5
W: Jim Ellis (2-2) L: Dick Selma (8-5) S: Chuck Hartenstein (8)

Frank Howard hits HR #57