To Rule in Kansas City

[CatKnight]

Coach: I REALLY don't know. It's frustrating. He does good for a little while. He tears Omaha apart. But he gets up here, and he just dies.

This is in Commish mode.


The 'drop' to 93/93 is simple variance. He's young and I'm A+ in farm, so I'm not worried about that. His contact is superb. In fact, except for being slow he SHOULD be an exceptionally solid player. Maybe it's because he's young?

EDIT: D*** it. I checked his predicted stats in case a bug somehow crept in there. His prediction is (.316 34-114 1) with 468 AB. This version of him is just....unlucky.

[Coach Owens]

*Cries*

[CatKnight]

Coach: *pat* *pat*
*******

Early September 1971

Breakfast with Ewing Kauffman found him in a foul mood. He tossed the Star to me. "Have you read the editorial?"

The End of the Dream

The Royals are struggling. There's no way around that: Since our fantastic April we're precisely one game over .500. It's becoming increasingly obvious that this is our true level of play, and we managed to hold on to the lead so long only through the ineptitude of the White Sox and Athletics. Now that Oakland has awakened from their spring and summer's slumber it's over.

But why? It's the same team. We still have outstanding pitchers and a great outfield. Sure, our infield has some weak spots and we keep playing musical first basemen, but we should at least be able to challenge our division rivals. If not this year, then when? How much longer do we have to wait?

Perhaps we should ask GM Chuck Hunter. Since our fantastic opening he's nosed more and more into the day to day operations of the team. Now, this is his right. However, doesn't he have a coaching staff? Rumors of a growing rift between Hunter and field manager Bob Lemon abound, and it's causing discord in the clubhouse. Discord a young team like ours simply can't afford.

Oh well, sports fans. The Star can't say they didn't try, though it would have been nice to earn some respect and perhaps humble Oakland in the bargain. At least the Chiefs are back: They open Sunday in San Diego against the Chargers...

"So." He stabbed at his egg like it might strike back. "What's between you and Lemon?"

"Nothing that I know of. He's annoyed that I asked Satch to change how he conditioned our pitchers...."

"Did it help?" he asked, waving his knife at me. "Changing their conditioning I mean. Any new injuries?"

"Several."

"So, you were wrong."

"Or the damage was already done."

He grunted. "Mister Hunter, we made an agreement for steady improvement in this team. Now, as far as wins and losses go you have done superbly. No man can claim you haven't made progress. However, since April we've stagnated. I do not like that. I most certainly don't like that in fifteen days we've gone from challenging Chicago for the division to looking up Charlie Finley's a**!"

"I'm sorry, sir. However, I don't think anyone's slacking. They're tired though: We're 40-odd days into an impossible schedule. Thank God Bowie Kuhn's said he's going to personally oversee scheduling next year."

Kauffman shook his head. "A solid month of play is rough. However, Oakland played 30 of 31 days in August. Don't you think they're tired too? What do they have we don't? A certain ... what's the word? Elan?"

Elan. Elitism. Pride. Espirit de corps. "I think you're asking a lot out of men in their early to mid twenties."

His eyes narrowed. "Perhaps. But now that they've shown they can compete, I expect them to do just that: Compete. I realize making up seven games in one month is next to impossible, but I expect you to try. If Finley's b******* can do it, then so can we."
*******

At least the pitchers are happy. When I returned to Municipal Stadium I found several of them lounging in the infield like they owned the place. Blyleven gave me a dreamy smile and a wave.

In Atlanta, LF Rico Carty sued the Atlanta Police Department claiming eye damage after an altercation with three policemen. No comment from Braves doctors, but Carty's still starting for them so the damage can't be too bad.
*******

Washington (74-58) (3rd, -14g) at Kansas City (72-60) (2nd-T, -7g)

1: Fingers pitches the ninth and gets a loss he doesn't deserve. 3B Hart kicks the ball away with two outs in the tenth to load the bases. The rest is history. Senators 6-5 (10)
LP: Fingers (5-6)

2: Blyleven's found "praying to the porcelain gods" but insists on going out anyway and gives us five reasonable, if not excellent innings. It's Cram who nearly blows it giving up 3 ER in 1 IP, but Washington does worse. Oliver hits a PH 3 run double and Rodriguez gets 3 RBI. Royals 10-8
WP: Cram (5-4), SV: Fingers (13)

3: Nothing goes right. Starter? Sucked. Relievers? Even worse. Offense? Did we bring one? The players are exhausted. So am I. Senators 9-1
LP: Butler (4-4)
*******

Oakland goes 1-1 so we lose another half game. Seattle's eliminated. Minnesota looks like they might want to try their luck. Go Twins!?

In Chicago, where the Cubs are flailing and have fallen 2.5g behind the Mets, Philip Wrigley put ads in the paper condemning their lack of team spirit in trying to oust manager Leo Durocher. "If only we still had team players like Ernie Banks," he moans. Well...that's his fault. He didn't renew Ernie's contract over the winter, so he's finishing up his career in Montreal.

Seattle's the first team in the west eliminated. It was only a matter of time, so they've had a chance to prepare for the blow.
*******

Seattle (47-85) (6th, -32g) at Kansas City (73-62) (3rd, -7.5g)

4: Now it's Fitz who's sick. What's going on!? And who does Bob turn to? Short reliever Jerry Cram!! Cram actually does wonderfully: 2 H, 1 ER in 5 IP and relievers Drago and Clemons keep the Pilots shut down. Robinson, Hart and Salmon all get 2 RBIs. Royals 7-1
WP: Cram (6-4)

5: Leading 5-0, a stupid error by Mike Fiore nearly costs us the game as Seattle gets 4 unearned runs. Bob's so furious he yanks Fiore and lets Thompson play. For all his batting woes, Thompson has ZERO errors this year. Royals 5-4
WP: Bunker (3-2), SV: Drago (2), HR: Robinson (20), Oliver (10)

6: Blyleven seems to be better. He duels Jim Bouton and wins, giving up 1 ER in a CG. Ellie Rodriguez went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI. Russell at short went 2 for 3 as well. Royals 3-1
WP: Blyleven (16-8) (CG)
*******

In San Diego, Red infielder Woody Woodward is filling at shortstop when three miles overhead a plane's cargo hatch jars open. A ten pound sack of flour plummets into San Diego Stadium at terminal velocity (approximately 200 mph) There's no warning as the flour slams into the infield fifteen feet from where he was standing, coating Woodward and Padre runner/RF Mickey Stanley in white. Rumor has it he spends the next day in church.

Los Angeles is eliminated. They're not too surprised either.
*******

Los Angeles (56-82) (5th, -27g) at Kansas City (76-62) (3rd, -7g)

7: LA's Aurelio Rodriguez blows the game open in the 11th with a 2 RBI double followed by a Willie Crawford RBI single. Buck Martinez hits an RBI single then comes home on Frank White's double, but we lose. Angels 6-5 (11)
LP: Fingers (5-7), HR: Thompson (6)

8: Hedlund (filling in for Fitz, who's still out) pitches his first career complete game! Robinson gets 3 more RBI. Royals 9-2
HR: Hedlund (3-4), HR: Robinson (21)

9: I'm starting to think I should let my relievers start. Bunker doesn't do...horribly, but when Jim Hart comes in to pinch hit and gets our only runs, one has to wonder. Angels 5-2
LP: Bunker (3-3), HR: Hart (20)
*******

A month ago this was looking to be the pivotal series for control of our division. Now we're both has beens. Frankly it's depressing. Attendance is also dropping off again. The fans, too, know this season is over.
*******

Chicago (73-65) (4th, -10.5g) at Kansas City (77-64) (3rd, -8g)

10: Blyleven only gives up 1 ER in 6 IP before Drago comes in and blows it. Cardenal goes 3 for 5, but they're all singles and 2 RBI aren't enough to turn the tide. White Sox 5-4
LP: Drago (1-1)

11: Tommy John and Bill Butler get in a duel. Neither do all that well...but John does better. Bob's flailing wildly to rest people and give others playing time. Our lineup looked like he pulled it out of a hat. (This isn't a bug. The AI's actually being very smart about using players' secondary positions. I'm pleased!) White Sox 6-4
LP: Butler (4-5)

12: Chicago's pitching is horrible. Then again, so is ours. Fitz should have stayed sick. White Sox 7-5
LP: Cram (6-5)
*******

And finally...FINALLY...we get some time off!


Standings through September 15

Team          W    L    GB
Oakland      86   58    --
Minnesota    81   63     5
Chicago      78   66     8
KANSAS CITY  77   67     9
Los Angeles  60   87    27.5
Seattle      50   93    35.5

AL East: Baltimore (94-53), New York (-9.5g) (Two eliminated)
NL East: Chicago (74-67), New York (-1g), Philadelphia (-3g)
NL West: San Francisco (81-60), Atlanta (-2.5g), Houston (-3g) (One eliminated)

Team Leaders:

AVG: Pat Kelly (.322) (8th)
HR:  Bill Robinson (21)
RBI: Jim Ray Hart (93)
SB:  Pat Kelly (21) (8th)

W:   Bert Blyleven (16) (5th-T)
ERA: Bert Blyleven (3.37)
K:   Bert Blyleven (191) (1st)
SV:  Rollie Fingers (13) (8th-T)

[Imgran]

I promised you a screenie. Here's what is so far the biggest (or at least the most obvious) change from 08 to 09.



Doesn't do much yet, but a neat summary!

Oh wow, this was something I whined very hard for.... looks like Clay did a GREAT job of implementing it!

Kauffman doesn't like that young kids tend to fall apart towards the end of the season, eh? Sounds like your squad needs a dose of veteran presence in the rotation. Talent's all well and good but some signs of leadership would probably be the most important addition.

BTW -- I've dealt with high-profile youngsters before in Mogul and no matter how high their talent is they never quite seem to get up to speed until about age 21 or 22. Thompson should hit like anything next year. In the meantime just throw him into the fire and give him plenty of AB's -- you know the drill. It's about time to air out some of your younger players anyway.

Here's a suggestion too -- go talk with some of the players. Mention how proud you are about how well the team did this year -- first winning record 'n' all. THe ones that just beam at you are followers. The ones that express frustration that they had a playoff bid in their hands and let it go are your leaders. Encourage them to challenge the others. You never know who your real leaders might be. It might be Blyleven, it might be Robinson, or Wil Thompson, or Ellie Rodriguez, or heck, even Jim Ray Hart. Teams have even been led by relief pitchers before. I root for one -- Papelbon was one of the guys who called that meeting to help rally the Sox past the Indians last year in the ALCS.

Also do you have a guy who might be able to play as a LIDR at third? Hart doesn't have to like it but if his defense is a liability close and late he should sit for a better defender.

Oh, and LOL @ Jerry Remy. I hope the RemDawg works out well for you.

[CatKnight]

Imgran: I like your idea of the 'pep talk' and it made my transition into this scene a lot easier. (and longer) Thanks!

The depth chart doesn't really do much yet, but it's a nice bird's eye view of the club. As for finding a LIDR for Hart...maybe in time. To do it immediately I'd have to shift someone's position (and chance lowering their ratings.) Bleh.

As for Remdawg, he was my 4th pick in '70. I don't expect him to do much for me. I think I took him cuz I recognized the name. We'll see if he has a future here or not.
*******

September 14, 1971

Five years ago...My God, has it been so long?...Gary Gregg faced an exhausted, depressed team. Our Cardinals fought hard for the better part of a season, but never really got our act together. Like my Royals (or Finley's A's for that matter) they had one fantastic month (July: 20-10) but couldn't keep it up. We would finish 83-79, 12 games out.

At the time I didn't really pay attention to why he felt the need to go into the clubhouse. To be frank I'm paid moderately well not to develop an attachment to these people, so I can look objectively at scouting reports, stats and what my coaches tell me then make decisions on which direction the team should go.

Now though...well, maybe I'm wiser than I was. Or I am getting attached. These kids - for that's exactly what most of them are - did put up a damned good fight for a third year expansion team. It's worth it to me to tell them so.

Today's was a light practice after a full day off, and they'd have tomorrow off as well. Players eyed me tiredly as I walked in, and a few nodded politely. One who didn't was Thompson: He seemed to be trying to shrink into his locker. He'd changed in the last two years, and not in a good way. When he came to KC he was a bit of a prankster and somewhat cocky. Now he had the hunted look I'd only seen on players who were too old and knew it, or never good enough. I walked up to him as he made a show of straightening his uniforms.

"It'll get better," I said. "We still believe in you. Just try and relax. You're tightening up: That's half of it right there." I had no idea if that was true or not, but it sounded good. I walked away with his eyes boring into my back.

Next I found Jim Ray Hart, who glowered at me.

"It was a good run," I tried. "We'll finish over .500."

He grunted. Then, slowly: "We could have done better."

That was what I hoped to hear: Someone mildly dissatisfied with 'just' going .500, someone with enough experience to spur the pups into...

"The Giants never would have quit like this."

"...Oh. Ah...do you think so?"

He nodded emphatically. "Every team goes through down cycles, but when it's on the line you need to kick it up a notch. The A's did, we didn't, and they're going to the playoffs." He slammed his locker shut. "Excuse me."

You're my team captain!?

"Eh, don't mind him, Mr. Hunter." Ellie Rodriguez said something in Spanish to Chico Salmon, who rolled his eyes and laughed. "He is angry that some of us are tired of kissing his Series ring, yes? He is also angry at Bob for moving him to second base for a game last week and having Oliver at third." I glanced across the locker room, where Oliver gave me a violent glare. He hadn't forgiven me for demoting him.

"Well, I wanted to congratulate everyone on our first winning season."

His eyes widened slightly. "Ah, be careful Mr. Hunter. Do not try fate through..." He searched his vocabulary. "...through presumption. She may find a way to prove you wrong to show she can." Rodriguez smiled. "Thank you though."

"How do you think we did this year?"

"You said it yourself! We did well! I am proud of the pitchers. I didn't think they'd make it through 60 days with no time off, but some time in August they found their second wind. In the end it wasn't enough, but that is life. Perhaps next year we do better. I think we will."

"WHERE ARE THEY!?" screamed someone from down the row of lockers. We both turned to find Bert Blyleven annihilating his locker, scattering contents everywhere.

Fitzmorris crossed the room. "Hey Bert, it's okay! We'll find..." He put his hand on Blyleven's shoulder.

Bert slugged him!

Pat Kelly shoved me (and two September callups) aside like we weren't there. Bench coach McGraw followed in his wake. Blyleven swung. Kelly caught his arm and shoved him against the locker.

This only seemed to drive the pitcher mad. "Let go of me!" he screamed. "I'll kill you!" He kicked, punched and even raked with his fingers.

"Someone help!" Kelly cried, averting his face. By now McGraw was there and wrapped Bert in a bear hug.

"Get him to Doc!" called Lemon at my shoulder. McGraw bodily lifted the pitcher and march stepped him in. Kelly followed.

I figured Bob knew what he was doing, so I went to Fitzmorris. Bill Butler was already there with an icepack. He nodded his gratitude.

"Are you okay?"

He nodded. "Surprised me more than anything."

"What was Bert talking about? What's he looking for?" I glared around. "If this is some prank..."

"Dunno," Al said and walked away.

Wally Bunker started shoveling Blyleven's stuff back into his locker. As he picked up a spare uniform a small pill bottle rolled out. He stopped it with his foot, started to shovel that in as well, saw me and jerked.

I stooped and picked up the bottle. Unmarked. Opened it: Small green pills. "**** it!"

Doc was putting away a needle as I walked in. Whatever he used, it seemed to work for Blyleven was calm, but jittery, sitting in a chair flanked by Kelly and McGraw with Lemon squatting in front of him talking quietly. After a few minutes he stood, saw me and came over.

"Can I talk to you outside?" Once alone, I held up the bottle. "Found these."

"I figured. He's probably been taking high doses for awhile now and building up a tolerance. That's the problem with amphs and kids. They don't think."

Greenies. Amphetamines. Speed. Introduced to baseball in the 1940s, if one was very careful it could heighten alertness and reaction time, hold off fatigue, and deaden the pains associated with a gruelling 162 day schedule. If one wasn't careful: Anxiety, depression, paranoia, trembling, sickness, heart attack. Oh, and addiction. You build up a tolerance to greenies pretty fast if you abuse them. You need more to have the same effect, and if you don't you start going into withdrawl. Greenie withdrawl isn't usually fatal...but it is exceptionally nasty. Until the late 60s no one thought twice about amphetamines. Several studies pointed out the negative side effects and in 1970 the US FDA banned them without a prescription.

"Can you help him?"

"Yeah. I need to get him out of here for awhile though. He can be back by October."

"He needs to go on the DL?"

"Only if you want the league asking questions." Amphs (with a prescription) weren't illegal in baseball, but they were the great elephant in the room of Major League Baseball. No one really wanted any reminders. "I'll just say he's taking a few days off. We can blame the schedule. I wouldn't be surprised if it was responsible."

Pat Kelly stepped outside and turned the corner, saw the pill bottle in my hand and nodded. "His locker?"

I held it up. "What do you know of this?"

"No more than you do," he sighed. "You know a lot of players have their own supplies, but we don't go nuts. I have no idea how Bert got 'em."

"Can you find out?"

"Maybe, but I won't." Kelly grinned. "Can't have a reputation for a snitch now, can I? I'll keep my ears open though, and if it looks like someone else might be getting in trouble I'll let you know." He smiled at both of us and walked back towards the locker room.

"Hey, Kelly!" I called, not even sure why. "Good season."

He didn't turn but gave us a thumbs up. "Next year we're winning this thing!"

[PotatoOfCouch13]

As for Remdawg, he was my 4th pick in '70. I don't expect him to do much for me. I think I took him cuz I recognized the name. We'll see if he has a future here or not.

And if he doesn't work out as a player, at least he's a better color guy than that insufferable Krukow!

Love the confidence of your players. It always helps to have that attitude when chasing a championship.

I wonder how Blyleven got hooked on amphetamines, and if he's going to get unhooked easily...

[Imgran]

I don't know too much about Blyleven. What was it IRL that kept him out of the hall of fame? I mean, there's pitchers today that get in that can't hold a candle to him.

[MyGiants]

And if he doesn't work out as a player, at least he's a better color guy than that insufferable Krukow!

I really hope that's a joke. Krukow's great!

[Coach Owens]

I really hope that's a joke. Krukow's great!

"There's an old saying in baseball: You can't hit the ball without swinging the bat, MEAT!", "You don't get too many chances like that one, big Boyyyyy!".

[CatKnight]

Sorry for the non-update folks. Just wanted to let you know I'm about and reading. I apologize for being slow this week. I had a nasty cold that kept the '71 Royals far from my thoughts.


PotatoofCouch13: Well, I don't think I need to decide on Krukow or Remy for color commentator for a long time yet.

As for Bert's problem, we'll explore that in the next few posts.

Imgran: It's nothing (to my knowledge) to do with amphs. You could buy them over the counter until 1970, and they weren't illegal in baseball until 2006. While they can be considered a performance enhancer in that they stave off fatigue, make you more alert, and increase endurance (for those hours of working out) they're not nearly as powerful as steroids. Plus, Bert's amph use here is plot driven, not based on his real career.

Personally I think the real Bert belongs in the Hall. No question in my mind. If I was to make a case against him, it would be simply that he wasn't the most dominant pitcher of his era. Several - Seaver, Ryan, Niekro, Sutton, Palmer, Hunter, Carlton, Jenkins.... were also present.

Bert never won a Cy, nor MVP, and was an All Star only twice. He only won 20 or more games once, and that year he was SEVENTH in that category.

He never led the League in wins or ERA. Yes, he had 3,701 career strikeouts..but only led the AL once there (1985). He had 242 CG, but only led the AL once (again '85).

As I said, that's a devil's advocate view. I think he deserves it. Bert suffers from small market curse - he was a relative unknown despite his incredible play. He ended his career with 285 wins. He easily makes 300 with 'average' run support. Two injury filled seasons (82-83) and missing 1991 entirely also hurts his case. Still, what Nolan Ryan (and later Clemens) was to fastballs, Bert was to the curve.

MyGiants: Welcome! I wouldn't know. All I know about Krukow's broadcasting comes from Coach's commentary He hasn't even pitched game 1 in the Majors yet so we'll see how he develops.

Coach Owens: Hm...Krukow was a career .193 hitter. Maybe he shouldn't be giving advice on hitting

[Coach Owens]

Pssst. Guys. "Nasty Cold" is really a code for "Crack Cocaine addiction." Don't tell Cat that I know.

[CatKnight]

Guys: Psst. Coach is my dealer. Don't tell him I ratted him out. Or that I told you he has a 2:1 sale on Wednesdays.
*******

Late September 1971

Amphetamines. You know, for veterans who can handle the stuff? Sure, why not? KC doesn't do it (maybe we should) but many clubs keep two pots of coffee: One is regular, the other spiked. In small doses...well, it does no harm.

Giving a bottle to a kid though? That's just trying to screw them up. Especially one who once looked like he'd easily top 20 wins, and even without this 'injury' would almost certainly not make it now. The ups and downs of a season do things to a kid's confidence. If I find out who Bert's dealer is, he and I are going to have a long talk.

I have my latest report from Richie: Disturbing. Early on, when the ChiSox and Royals were fighting for the division, Richie's attendance estimates for Chicago ran a bit higher than the official report. Now that they're out of the race Bud Selig's numbers have dropped even lower... and Richie's appear to match. Maybe I was wrong about the White Sox being able to survive there...

I called Bud on the phone to ask him if he'd join the club for our final homestand.

"Certainly, Chuck! I was coming anyway. You and I have lots to talk about!"
*******

Logic tells me that, even though I'm technically still in the hunt, I should 'air out' some of my younger players and let them show us what they can do... Maybe, but not quite yet. I'd rather not end this season in fourth place.
*******

Kansas City (77-67) (4th, -9g) at Baltimore (94-53) (1st, +9.5g)

16: Oh...well, no one can say Bunker didn't try! He only gives up one run on a Paul Blair single, but that's all the O's need. O's Jim Hardin holds us to 3 hits and a walk. Orioles 1-0
LP: Bunker (3-4)

17: Oh... Did Lemon send our offense home early and not tell me? For being pushed into a starter's role Butler is doing great, but Jim Palmer only gives up TWO hits. Orioles 4-0
LP: Butler (4-6)

18: It's the second inning when our scoreless streak ends. In style. Thompson comes out in style, going 2 for 3 with a double and homer. Robinson hits a 3 RBI double. Royals 6-4
WP: Fitzmorris (8-6), SV: Fingers (14), HR: Thompson (7)
*******

Making it less likely we can catch Chicago. Now to (hopefully) beat on the worst team in the AL.
*******

Cleveland (46-101) (6th, -48.5g) at Kansas City (78-69) (4th, -9g)

19: Our offense isn't clicking: 7 hits, 1 run. Rooker has an iffy performance. Indians 4-1
LP: Rooker (11-8)

20: Bunker gets his first CG and shutout of the year! Kelly gets 3 RBI, Russell and Cardenal 2 as we make up for yesterday in style. Royals 7-0
WP: Bunker (4-4) (CG), HR: Kelly (14)

21: Kelly hits another homer and we have scattered offense through the lineup, but Butler only manages four mediocre innings, while Cram does no better. Indians 6-4
LP: Butler (4-7), HR: Kelly (15)
*******

Just forget I said anything about worst team in the AL.

The Baltimore Orioles have clinched the AL East!
In the NL East, all six teams are theoretically still alive!
*******

Kansas City (79-71) (4th, -11g) at Los Angeles (62-88) (5th, -28g)

22: Fitz gets a CG shutout of his own. It's another beating as this time Thompson's the one with a homer and three RBI. He seems to be waking up just in time for the end. Royals 7-0
WP: Fitzmorris (9-6) (CG), HR: Thompson (8)

23: A big 7th inning for LA costs us. Rooker just couldn't keep it together, giving up 4 hits and NINE walks in that time. Robinson went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Angels 4-3
LP: Rooker (11-9), HR: Robinson (22)

24: LA has one big inning to take a 4-0 lead. We strike back twice, but RBI singles by Russell and Northey don't cut it. Angels 4-2
LP: Bunker (4-5)
*******

We are eliminated from the playoffs.

No big surprise, that. Of course, all six teams in the NLE are STILL alive. Spunky division they have over there. We have 11 games left, and are 3 behind Minnesota for third. We'll try one more time to make up some ground.

RP Les Cain, formerly of the Tigers, retired after the '68 season. (At least in game. He didn't in real life.) He blamed Tiger coaches and managements for forcing him to pitch while sore, thus cutting short his career at the ripe age of 20. The Michigan Department of Workman Compensation ordered the team to pay him $111 per month for life.

Let's see: He pitches 24 innings in the bigs lifetime, and he's being overused and abused? God, I hope MY relievers don't find out!
*******

Detroit (61-92) (5th, -37.5g) at Kansas City (80-73) (4th, -11g)

25: Once more a team that should be substantially worse kicks our tails. I suspect we have overconfidence issues. Jim York pitched the ninth and I swear he was getting ready for softball season. Thompson hits his first career triple.Tigers 9-2
LP: Butler (4-8)

26: That's a little better. Hart and Andrews each get 2 RBI while Fitzmorris continues to prove why he belongs as a starter. Most of the time. This isn't Lance Clemons' first game, but its his strongest: 3 IP, 5 K. Royals 8-3
WP: Fitzmorris (10-6), SV: Clemons (1), HR: Andrews (5)

27: An exciting little slugfest: Winning 3-1, the Tigers get 4 in the 7th as Rooker stumbles. Then we score 5 in the 8th. Generally solid offense from all corners led by Andrews (2 doubles and a triple.) Royals 8-6
WP: Drago (2-1), SV: Fingers (15)
*******

The Oakland A's are the AL West Champions! (D*** it!)

In Cincinnati, Alex Johnson's 50 day suspension mid-season is overturned by an arbitrator, who calls him 'emotionally incapacitated.' The Reds are forced to pay him $30,000 in back wages. Despite Johnson's acceptable HITTING performance (.310 14-54), Cincy's already looking to move him off season. If the man would only get it in his head that left fielders...FIELD! (.919 this year)

For us, we have three days off to get ready for back to back final homestands: Chicago comes here for 3, we go there for 3, then it's time for the playoffs.

Orioles and Athletics. Again. Ugh.
*******

Pennant Races

Baltimore Orioles (101-58) (Clinched)

Oakland Athletics (95-64) (Clinched)

Chicago Cubs (84-72)
St. Louis Cardinals (80-76) (4 GB) (E 3)
Philadelphia Phillies (81-78) (4.5 GB) (E 1)
New York Mets (78-78) (6 GB) (E 1)

San Francisco Giants (89-67)
Atlanta Braves (90-69) (0.5 GB) (E 5)
Houston Astros (82-68) (4 GB) (E 6)
Los Angeles Dodgers (79-71) (7 GB) (E 3)

[Coach Owens]

How dare you let out my secret, Cat! How would you like to wake up dead?

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: Oops...
*******

October 1971


Hereford House served the best steaks in Kansas City, so Andy told me when I told him that's where Bud wanted to meet. He asked me to come for lunch, and from there we could go to the ballpark together.

Hereford looked like something from previous centuries. Actually it reminded me of a fireplace: Irregular stone walls on the outside, with a chimney filling the air with a smoky haze that smelled of beef. My stomach gave an involuntary growl as I pushed opened the door.

"Party of two," I told the attendant. Pretty, though thin and far too young, with blond hair tied back in a tail. "Should be under 'Bud' or 'Allan Selig.'"

Her eyes narrowed at the list, but she gave a small shrug. "Selig. Yes, sir. One of your party has already arrived. Jen will show you the way. Jen?" This to another girl, curly red hair, just as young. "Table 4."

'One of?' echoed through my head as Jen led me through a busy throng of mostly blue collar folk and their managers. The business people in downtown KC didn't come to the Stockyards along the state border. Certainly not for lunch. I saw Selig before he looked up: The same straight, badly parted brown hair, the same beady eyes. He smiled when he saw me.

Selig's a salesman at heart, I reminded myself. He's taking me to lunch to butter me up, then he wants to talk about the White Sox moving again.

I was only half right.

"Chuck!" He stood and shook my hand. "I'm glad you could make it. Have a seat!" We ordered drinks and Jen left.

"I understand we have more company?"

Selig stiffened, then chuckled and leaned forward. "Yes, Chuck. My Director of Security. I hope you don't mind."

"Security!?" Usually they dealt with safety issues at a team's home stadium, or ensured the safety of their personnel. They don't travel with the team, not unless there's a direct... "Is something wrong? Do I need to call mine?"

He waved his hand and smiled. "Oh no, Chuck. Nothing like that. He doesn't deal with just physical security. He's more in to dealing with ... covert threats. Moles and the like."

I swallowed. "Oh." Did he know about Richie?

"Ah! Here he is now!" Selig stood and waved. I turned....and Richie waved back!

"Chuck Hunter? My Director of Security," Selig beamed. "But I understand you already met."

"Richie..." I numbly offered my hand. He flushed, but covered it with a hard expression and sat at Selig's side. He, too, ordered a drink.

Selig watched my face, hands clasped on the table, but spoke to his apparent partner: "Did you bring them?"

"Right here, Mr. Selig." He passed across a manilla envelope. Bud glanced inside and nodded.

"Richie...so." I coughed. "You found yourself a job in baseball at last."

"Yes, sir," he replied coldly. No sign of our former friendship at all.

"But..." How much did Bud know? I couldn't even ask.

"But why?" Perrin returned. "Because you betrayed me, a******! You fired me, and..."

"I tried to save you!"

"You didn't try hard enough! Mary went back home to her family. It's only now that she's talking to me again! After you fired me I couldn't get a f****** job! I ended up working in the stockyards 12 hours a day just to be able to eat!" He clenched his fists and snarled as Jen came for our orders.

"I'm sure this is touching," Bud said once she left again, "but not why we're here. Charlie Finley told me you'd try something like this, Chuck, but really: Spying on me? Trying to infiltrate the White Sox organization? What will the League think?"

"Finley told you!? Finley..." I couldn't move. I could barely breathe.

"It's a good thing we were looking, or I might not have recognized Mr. Perrin and come to an arrangement," Selig added. "I ask again: What will the League think?"

"You're blackmailing me?" I asked flatly.

"I'm suggesting an alternate course of action."

"F*** off!" I stood and turned for the door.

"And what about poor Blyleven's drug addiction?" Selig asked lightly.

I turned again and snarled.

"Show him," Bud ordered, handing the folder back.

"According to the Star, Lemon says Blyleven is in Holland dealing with family issues," Perrin said. He fished a picture out: "Yet, here he is. At Lemon's house."

I glanced at the picture: Undeniably Blyleven, in a heavy sweatsuit despite the recent spurt of hot weather, looking pale and miserable.

"And here he is during happier times."

Another picture. Blyleven, in Royals uniform, receiving a bottle from a shadowed figure.

"And his supplier."

A third picture: The shadowy figure, though now I could see his face:

"Kraft!"

I took my seat to avoid collapsing. Had the entire world decided to betray me at once? "I..."

"I wonder what it would do for the Royals' clean boy All-American image if word came out that your star pitcher was an addict, and that his dealer was your assistant. Ewing would ask questions at that point. Many, many questions."

I stared at the pictures. My heart hurt. Literally. Finley I could understand. Selig...maybe. Richie? Andy?

"I see I have your attention," Bud said quietly. He paused as the waitress dropped our meals off. I wasn't hungry and pushed mine away. Perrin attacked his like a starved wolf. Selig took a bite, nodded approval, then wiped his lips.

"What do you want, Bud?" I simply didn't care anymore.

"The day this season ends, I will ask for an emergency meeting of the American League. I will there produce evidence that the White Sox need to move to Milwaukee. You will support me both in principle and with the attendance figures I produce. If you do so, then we will call this even and I will turn over the negatives. If not, then I will complain to the League about your spying, and the Star gets these photos."
*******

In the face of all this, baseball doesn't seem so important. We make a few substitutions to give younger players a chance to spread their wings. Bert returns to the pitching staff and hopefully offers a little revenge.
*******

Chicago (86-70) (2nd, -7.5g) at Kansas City (82-74) (4th, -11g)

1: Bert is thinner and shakier than I'd like, but he manages six innings. Frank White goes 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Royals 6-5
WP: York (6-6), HR: Hart (21)

2: Chicago evens it up and a small part of me wonders what could have been if this series meant something. Ken Wright's relieved twice now and done bad both times. White Sox 5-2
LP: Bunker (4-6), HR: Northey (2)

3: Our offense comes alive rocking the ChiSox for ten runs. Frank White and Bill Russell could be a killer combination in a year or two: Both go 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs. Royals 10-4
WP: Fitzmorris (11-6), SV: Drago (3)
*******

And to Milwaukee County Stadium to finish it:
*******

Kansas City (84-75) (4th, -11g) at Chicago (87-72) (2nd, -8.5g)

4: Butler's season finale isn't that bad...but it's not that good either. Our offense can't get it together, though Thompson goes 2 for 3 with 2 RBI. White Sox 6-3
LP: York (6-7)

5: Splittorff's return to duty is awesome! 2 ER, 7 IP after months away. Too bad Jim York decides to give up 7 ER in 0.1 IP! Beautiful pitching and solid offense wasted before the lustful cheers of a sellout. White Sox 9-7
LP: York (6-8), HR: Northey (3)

6: Blyleven ends the season with a CG, having regained some form. We survive 4 DPs because Chicago gives up 3 errors. Royals 4-2
WP: Blyleven (17-8)


END REGULAR SEASON (85-77) (4th, -12g)

*******

In the NL East, Chicago (86-73) leads St. Louis by 3 games. Their magic number is 1.

In the NL West, San Francisco (91-68) leads Atlanta by 0.5 games, Houston by 4 games.
*******

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Whoa...