To Rule in Kansas City

[CatKnight]

September 1, 1969

Standings

American League East
Team            W   L   GB
Boston         77  52   --
Baltimore      79  56    1   
Detroit        75  60    5
NY Yankees     65  67   13.5
Washington     61  71   17.5
Cleveland      49  83   29.5

American League West
Team            W   L   GB
Oakland        89  43   --
Minnesota      70  59   17.5
Chi WSox       71  61   18
LA Angels      58  71   29.5
Kansas City    49  83   40   *ELIM* *****
Seattle        46  83   41.5 *ELIM*
  
National League East
Team            W   L   GB
St. Louis      75  54   --
Chi Cubs       74  58    2.5 
NY Mets        71  58    4  
Philadelphia   64  62    9.5
Pittsburgh     57  72   18
Montreal       52  80   24.5

National League West
Team            W   L   GB
San Francisco  92  40   --
Cincinnati     78  57   17.5
Houston        72  63   21.5
Atlanta        62  67   28.5
LA Dodgers     54  78   38   *ELIM*
San Diego      35  97   57   *ELIM*

Expansion Teams
Team            W   L   GB
Montreal       52  80   --
Kansas City    49  83    3   *****
Seattle        46  83    4.5
San Diego      35  97   17

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Rod Carew (MIN) .362, Harmon Killebrew (MIN) .336
HR: Willie Horton (DET) 39, Boog Powell (BAL) 39
RBI: Willie Horton (DET) 116, Boog Powell (BAL) 110
Steals: Bert Campaneris (OAK) 70, Sandy Alomar (CHW) 39

Wins: Jim Nash (OAK) 18, Jim Palmer (BAL) 17
ERA: Jim Nash (OAK) 2.90, Jim Perry (MIN) 3.08
Strikeouts: Mickey Lolich (DET) 182, (Two tied with 165)
Saves: Sparky Lyle (BOS) 23, (Two tied with 21)

National League Leaders
Average: Billy Williams (CHC) .357, Joe Torre (STL) .343
HR: Billy Williams (CHC) 41, Willie McCovey (SF) 34
RBI: Billy Williams (CHC) 145, Willie McCovey (SF) 121
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 53, Joe Morgan (HOU) 38

Wins: Juan Marichal (SF) 22, Gaylord Perry (SF) 19
ERA: Ken Holtzman (CHC) 2.65, Tom Seaver (NYM) 2.74
Strikeouts: Bob Gibson (STL) 220, Don Drysdale (LA) 218
Saves: Clay Carroll (CIN) 18, Frank Linzy (SF) 16

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Ellie Rodriguez .284
HR: Ed Kirkpatrick 14
RBI: Ed Kirkpatrick 60
Steals: Fred Rico 9

Wins: Wally Bunker 11
ERA: Wally Bunker 4.12
Strikeouts: Dave Morehead 154 (6th)
Saves: Eddie Watt 17 (4th)
*******

Trades
None
*******

Milestones (8/21-8/31)
31: SS Bert Campaneris (OAK): 300 steals (including 70 this year!)
*******

Retirements (8/21-8/31)
None notable

[CatKnight]

September 1, 1969

I called Kevin to congratulate him on the draw - we split the series three games to three - and pick his mind about the leak.

"I wouldn't know," he said in a tone that suggested he knew very well. "Terrible thing, the American League's dirty laundry making the press."

"Cronin's furious."

"Yes, he called. It was horrible. I thought he'd cry." He sniffed for emphasis.

"Did...you...?"

"Of course not, Chuck. We wouldn't want to defy League policy, would we?" Kevin paused. "I'm trying to save my job here, you know. Cronin and his people want it to look like I'm the reason the Pilots went bankrupt. Far better to blame an incompetent rookie GM then admit they sold a franchise to a man who couldn't pay the bills."

"And letting the press know about this helps you?"

"Hypothetically? Yes. My only chance is to find some local buyer who I can plead my case to. The League's barely looking in Seattle. Do you want to know who the front runner is? Some car salesman in Milwaukee!"

"Milwaukee!?" I knew the White Sox played some games up there from time to time, but...

"Yeah. Easier on everyone's travel budgets, they say. Milwaukee has a stadium, they say. Well **** them. By next Spring there won't be anything wrong with Sicks, at least nothing we can't handle until we can build a dome. And what about Oakland and L.A.'s travel budget?"

Kansas City lost the Athletics back in 1967. I wasn't there, of course, but over the last year I'd seen a hundred different signs fans were happy baseball had come back. Even a, frankly, **** team like ours. Taking it away from Seattle couldn't be a good thing ... and no team had changed cities after one year since the 1901 Brewers.

"I wish I could help, but there's not much I can do."

"I don't suppose you'd consider letting us pass you?" Calahan joked.

"Baptists."

"Eh?"

"Baptists. About 10 or 12 of them. Descended on my house last Sunday and prayed for my soul."

"Oh, well that's..."

"They say anyone who'd trade away Johnny Podres to let him fade away on Baltimore's A team needs all the help he can get."
*******

My next call was to Merritt Ranew. Ranew (70) [31] (.339 1-5 1 in 57 AB) spent most of the season in Seattle before being released in August. Now, you may say (and you'd be correct) I have far too many catchers coming up...but they're not quite ready. Ranew will make a good backup as we make our final bid to catch the Expos.

I called, and he curtly asked me to speak with his agent. Agent? I wrote down the number.

"Scott Boors."

"Mister Boors, my name is Chuck Hunter. I'm the..."

"General Manager, Kansas City Royals. Yes?"

"I'm interested in Merritt Ranew."

We spoke for awhile, then he cut me off:

"Two years, $16,000 per."

"I was more thinking one ye..."

"He's thirty-one. He's only approaching his peak now. You're getting a bargain. Two years."

"Well..." My catchers might need another year of preparation. Even if they didn't, Ranew could be the third catcher operating out of Omaha. "Alright, but I was thinking closer to minimum. Fifteen thousand sounds..."

"The man hit .339 with a .383 OBP in Seattle. He hit .338 for Chicago with a .380 OBP. Tell me he won't be an instant asset to your team. Sixteen thousand."

Well, I can always release him if it doesn't work out. "Fine."
*******

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
40 MAN ROSTER

(Note: For the following and in the future: AAA club = A, AA = B, A = C, R = D)

Expected Starters
C Ellie Rodriguez (.284 0-29 0)
1B Mike Fiore (.230 6-31 1)
2B Phil Gagliano (.236 1-21 1)
3B Joe Foy (.240 12-55 6)
SS Paul Schaal (.279 3-18 2) (.267 3-35 4 in A)
LF Lou Piniella (.295 5-48 1)
CF Fred Rico (.239 3-29 9)
RF Ed Kirkpatrick (.240 14-60 5)

Bench
C Merritt Ranew (.339 1-5 1) (.249 2-42 0 in A)
1B Bob Oliver (.255 6-39 1)
IF Jackie Hernandez (.286 0-0 0) (.285 0-21 4 in B) (.219 0-19 0 in C)
IF Luis Alcaraz (.206 1-21 1)
OF George Spriggs (.262 3-20 3) (.359 0-17 3 in A) (.245 0-13 0 in B)
OF Scott Northey (.197 2-9 3)

Call Ups
C Dennis Paepke (.239 1-25 0 in A) (.255 0-29 0 in B)
C Buck Martinez (.000 0-0 0 in 2 AB) (.273 3-43 0 in B)
C John Wathan (.323 1-45 8 in C) (.427 0-19 6 in D)
1B Chuck Harrison (.305 1-50 0 in C) (.341 4-17 2 in D)
IF Dave Concepcion (.200 0-0 0) (.360 0-18 0 in A) (.246 0-6 0 in B) (.349 4-61 0 in C)
IF Rich Severson (.188 1-18 3) (.351 0-10 0 in A)
IF Frank White (.235 0-1 0) (.319 1-11 2 in A) (.291 0-10 3 in B) (.328 2-16 4 in C)
IF Juan Rios (.206 0-3 1 in B) (.227 0-9 2 in C) (.278 0-16 3 in D)
OF Joe Keough (.182 0-1 0) (.282 1-40 5 in B)

Starters
Wally Bunker (11-17 4.12 3C)
Bert Blyleven (2-4 4.44 3C) (4-0 2.49 1C in A)
Dave Morehead (6-15 5.24 1C)
Jim Rooker (2-12 6.59 1C) (4-0 1.17 0C in A)
Roger Nelson (3-4 6.46 1S) (4-2 3.19 0 in A)

Bullpen
Eddie Watt (2-5 2.96 17S)
Tom Burgmeier (2-5 3.27 10S)
Bill Butler (5-2 2.78 0S in A) (5-1 2.33 0S in B)
Dick Drago (1-2 4.03 0S)
Ken Wright (3-3 4.32 0S)
Steve Jones (0-1 5.00 0S) (1-2 2.83 1S in A) (1-0 3.78 4S in B)

Call Ups
Al Fitzmorris (2-2 7.29 2S) (4-0 1.45 0S in A)
Chris Zachary (1-1 9.56 0S) (5-2 2.45 0S in A)
Jim York (8-5 2.38 4S in A) (0-0 1.66 2S in B)
Steve Busby (2-1 4.11 0S in A) (12-1 2.60 0S in B)
Don O'Riley (10- 10.45 0S) (1-1 3.18 1S in A) (2-4 3.83 4S in C)
Mike Hedlund (0-0 14.00 0S) (5-0 1.07 0S in A) (5-2 2.06 0S in B)

[Coach Owens]

How about creating another Will Thompson? *Wink*

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: We'll see what we can do.
*******

Early September 1969


If Joe Gordon doesn't want to be here next year, I need to start looking for a new manager. Unfortunately Joe's not at all clear what he wants to do - except find ways to keep the Chiefs off of 'his' field.

Fortunately (at least on that front) we're on the road most of September so don't have to worry about it. True to their agreement, we don't conflict with the AFL schedule once: We're at home only one Sunday (October 5 against the Pilots), and that week they're in Denver.

"Right now I'm focused on one thing, and that's catching the Expos," he said. "After I win that, then we'll see about next season - 'cause if I don't do that, then neither of us have to worry about next year, right?"

Bench coach Charlie Metro's quietly expressed interest, but I don't know. He lacks Gordon's fire. It's not even that he's more laid back, so much as ... indifferent? Perhaps that's not fair, but except for the new ones up from Omaha, most players pretend he's not there ... and they're more or less right.
*******

Kansas City (49-83) (5th, -40g) at Chicago (71-61) (3rd, -18g)
(-3g vs Montreal, +1.5g vs Seattle)

1: A rare solid performance by Rooker as Foy goes 3 for 4, 2 runs, homer, 2 RBI. Royals 5-4

2: Foy gets his 2nd homer in two days. Too bad the 'Sox have Bunker's number. White Sox 6-3

3: Blyleven pitches a complete game 5 hitter. Piniella goes 2 for 3. Royals 2-1
*******

We get another three days off before a six game set at Los Angeles. In the meantime Seattle and Montreal lose. The Expos and Indians are first in their divisions to be eliminated.
*******

Kansas City (51-84) (5th, -40g) at Los Angeles (60-75) (4th, -31g)
(-0.5g vs Montreal, +2g vs Seattle)

7: Morehead goes 8.2 IP 4 H 0 ER in a hard fought shutout. Royals 1-0

8: Kirkpatrick gets a double and homer, and Bill Butler pitches 3 innings of perfect relief for his first save. Royals 5-3

9: It couldn't last: Blyleven struggles, and Angel SP Messersmith holds us to 4 hits. Angels 5-0

10: This time Gagliano manages to single Piniella home, but it comes out the same. Angels 5-1

11: A first inning three run homer by Piniella puts us ahead for good. Royals 7-5

12: LA gives up three errors, and Bunker does great for 8 innings. Royals 5-1

The Oakland Athletics are 1969 AL West Champions!
The San Francisco Giants are 1969 NL West Champions!

*******

Standings (through September 15)

AL East: Baltimore (90-60), Boston (82-62)(5), Detroit (83-64)(5.5)
NL East: St. Louis (84-57), New York (83-61)(2.5), Chicago (78-66)(7.5), Philadelphia (69-72)(15)

All other teams eliminated.

Expansion Teams
Kansas City (55-86)
Montreal (55-92)(3)
Seattle (51-93)(5.5)
San Diego (39-105)(17.5)

Team Leaders
AVG: Ellie Rodriguez (.281)
HR: Joe Foy, Ed Kirkpatrick (15)
RBI: Ed Kirkpatrick (64)
SB: Fred Rico (10)

W: Wally Bunker (13)
ERA: Wally Bunker (4.11)
K: Dave Morehead (163)
SV: Eddie Watt (19)

[CatKnight]

Mid September 1969

Kevin's (for I believe it was him) gamble involving the press in the Pilots' woes seems to have paid off, though not quite in the way he hoped. Up to now I think the American League planned to quietly let this car salesman from Milwaukee buy out the Pilots. Now there are three offers.

This salesman, Allan Selig, was a minority owner in the Milwaukee Braves and tried to prevent their moving to Atlanta. When that failed he devoted his energies to returning a club to his home city calling his group the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, Inc.

Selig's arranged for a few White Sox games to be played in Milwaukee, and they always do well. They do so well, in fact, that ChiSox owner Arthur Allyn hinted he'd be willing to sell out to Selig if he doesn't get the Pilots. The American League's threatened to veto any such deal. Despite possible financial issues, they like the idea of two teams in Chicago.

Selig presents a strong case: A good stadium, good fan support, and many of the eastern teams think going to Milwaukee will help their travel budget better than the other options. Detractors point out this will only put extra pressure on the financially challenged White Sox and Twins.
--------

Oil magnate Steve Dickerson would like to bring the team south. Working with Mayor Walter McAllister, Dickerson proposes that a new stadium can be built in San Antonio within two years. By spring he can have a 25,000 capacity field, with construction going through the warm Texan winter, and up it to 40,000 by 1971.

Dickerson has the money to pull this off, and San Antonio has more than enough room to build a hundred stadiums without affecting any current construction. It's warm (very warm in summer) and dry, so there's really no need for a dome or any worries about weather. San Antonio's already a major tourist location with the Alamo so nearby, and its mixture of Texans and 'Mejicanos' bodes well for baseball's popularity.

The San Antonio Eagles promise a state-of-the-art stadium and credible fan base in a quickly growing city. Some don't like that this doesn't really help their travel budgets, or that the Texan desert can be too warm. Others say that there are enough Hispanics in an American game and there's no sense encouraging them.
--------

Seattle fans have a surprise savior: The Boeing Corporation. Boeing was instrumental in the Apollo project and has just finished work on their 747 jumbo jet. Riding on their success and immense popularity (Boeing is one of the major employers of the Seattle/Everett area), they want to expand into baseball.

Boeing executives promise a two year plan, first to bring Sicks' capacity to 31,000 for 1970 as originally planned, then 38,000 by 1971. They also promise to use their 'influence' to 'help' Kings County officials pick a site for the domed stadium voters agreed to in 1968.

There's no question Boeing has the money to pull this off, and no reason to suspect their chosen industries (jets and Apollo) will dry up in the forseeable future. The biggest argument against Seattle is their fan base: Stung by problems at Sicks Stadium, Seattle's indifferent performance, and news of the bankruptcy scandal many are choosing to stay home rather than invest in a team that might not be there next year. It may not help that Boeing intends to keep the Seattle Pilots name, using it to refer to aircraft rather than ship drivers.

Friends note that Seattle deserves more than one year to get used to having Major League Baseball. Certainly west coast teams like the A's and Angels welcome the company. As noted, Boeing should have the money to do great things with the Pilots. Opponents wonder if having a corporation (vs. an individual or group of investors) running a team is really a good idea. Will they make baseball decisions based on Boeing's needs, which may have nothing to do with the baseball world?
********

Metro Areas, 1970 US Census

Lg: League (? denotes one of the cities above)
Rnk: Rank (US only)

Lg Rnk  Name                       Population  Area     Density
NA  1   New York city, NY *......  7,894,862   299.7    26,343
NA  2   Chicago city, IL.........  3,366,957   222.6    15,126
NA  3   Los Angeles city, CA.....  2,816,061   463.7     6,073
N   4   Philadelphia city, PA....  1,948,609   128.5    15,164
A   5   Detroit city, MI.........  1,511,482   138.0    10,953
N   6   Houston city, TX *.......  1,232,802   433.9     2,841
A   7   Baltimore city, MD.......    905,759    78.3    11,568
A   9   Washington city, DC......    756,510    61.4    12,321
A  10   Cleveland city, OH.......    750,903    75.9     9,893

?  12   Milwaukee city, WI.......    717,099    95.0     7,548
N  13   San Francisco city, CA...    715,674    45.4    15,764
N  14   San Diego city, CA *.....    696,769   316.9     2,199
?  15   San Antonio city, TX.....    654,153   184.0     3,555
A  16   Boston city, MA..........    641,071    46.0    13,936
N  18   St. Louis city, MO.......    622,236    61.2    10,167

?  22   Seattle city, WA.........    530,831    83.6     6,350
N  24   Pittsburgh city, PA......    520,117    55.2     9,422
A  26   Kansas City city, MO *...    507,087   316.3     1,603
N  27   Atlanta city, GA.........    496,973   131.5     3,779
N  29   Cincinnati city, OH......    452,524    78.1     5,794

A  32   Minneapolis city, MN.....    434,400    55.1     7,884
A  38   Oakland city, CA.........    361,561    53.4     6,771

[CatKnight]

Late September 1969


While corporations, cities, the media and AL President Joe Cronin worked out the fate of the Seattle Pilots, we still had baseball to play.

Joe Gordon seems calmer these days. Perhaps it's the fact we're now winning our private duel with the other expansion teams, or he's winding down at the end of a long season. Regardless, he's less apt to bite someone's head off and the clubhouse is notably more serene.

After three days off we now play through until October 6.
*******

Chicago (79-65) (2nd, -19g) at Kansas City (55-86) (5th, -41.5g)
(+3g vs Montreal, +5.5 vs Seattle)

16: Tied 2-2 after 8, Blyleven gives up an RBI double to put Chicago ahead, but singles by Concepcion and Paul Schall give us the win. Royals 4-3

17: Schall goes 2 for 3 with a run and 2 RBI. We score 7 on 8 singles. Royals 7-6

18: White Sox ace Tommy John finally bests us. White Sox 3-1
*******

Nonetheless, we're 8-4 for September and not playing like an expansion team at all. Our future looks hopeful. What's more, Paul Splittorff just came off the disabled list, so we're at full strength (such as it is) for the final stretch.
*******

Kansas City (57-87) (5th, -40.5g) at Seattle (53-94) (6th, -46g)
(+4g vs Montreal, +5.5 vs Seattle)

19: Schall's homer puts us ahead for good. Overall he goes 3 for 3, 2 runs, homer, 2 RBI. Royals 5-3

20: This time it's Mike Fiore's three run blast that allows us to outlast them. Royals 6-5

21: Paul's return isn't exactly triumphant, though more run support would have helped. Pilots 4-2
*******

The Kansas City Star is calling us the 'champion' of the expansion clubs. Perhaps, but there's still some time left on the clock. We're now returning home to a hero's welcome. Let's hope we can live up to it.
*******

Chicago (82-68) (2nd, -18g) at Kansas City (59-88) (5th, -39.5g)
(+4g vs Montreal, +6.5g vs Seattle)

22: The ChiSox attempt a late rally, but not enough. Rodriguez went 3 for 3, 2 doubles, 1 run 2 RBI. Royals 5-4

23: Joe Foy's bases loaded single gives us the win. Royals 4-3 (11)

24: SWEEP! Piniella hit a double and homer for 2 R and 3 RBI. Blyleven pitched a 5 hitter. Royals 7-3
*******

And we left as heroes to standing ovations. October's six games should be pleasant. Yes, we're going to end up in fifth place, but short of an epic level disaster we're going to do what Ewing set out for us to do. Incidentally, our win on the 24th breaks our record for most wins in a month.
*******

Kansas City (62-88) (5th, -37.5g) at Los Angeles (67-86) (4th, -34g)
(+6g vs Montreal)

25: Kirkpatrick and Piniella hit back to back homers to win. Royals 6-4 (11)

26: LA gets five runs in the third, and we don't come back though Piniella hits another homer. Angels 5-2

27: Reliever Bill Butler has his first bad outing raising his ERA to 2.12. LA RF Rick Reichardt goes 5 for 5 with a double, homer and 5 RBI. Angels 6-3
*******

That is the first series we've lost all month. It feels so strange to say that...

Still, a very big series for us. We now have 63 wins: We can't lose 100. Montreal has lost 100 - the only team that could theoretically catch us now is Seattle, and they're 7 back with a 'magic number' of 3.

We really put it together this month. I have really high hopes for 1970.

The Baltimore Orioles are AL East Champions
*******

Kansas City (63-90) (5th, -39.5g) at New York (75-81) (4th, -21g)

28: Foy hit his 16th homer as Blyleven kept them shut down. Royals 4-2

29: Two big errors by 3B Foy and SS Schall result in 4 unearned runs. Yankees 5-1

30: Yankee ace Mel Stottlemyre pitches a 4 hit CG. Yankees 4-1
*******

Seattle's out of our race. For that matter, so is Cleveland. We're going to finish 20th of 24 in our first year. Not bad. I think I'll ask Ewing for a raise.

Incidentally, we finish September 15-9 (.625) - by far our best performance.
*******

Chicago (84-75) (2nd, -21g) at Kansas City (64-92) (5th, -39.5g)

10/1: Eddie Watt couldn't hold on in extra innings. White Sox 6-4 (11)

2: Uhm...see above. At least Bob Oliver had a homer and 3 RBI. White Sox 9-6 (11)

3: Joe Keough surprises everyone going 3 for 4, but he's pretty much the only performer. White Sox 6-3
*******

We've now lost 5 straight. Ugh. I'd hate to go out on a losing streak just on general principle.

At least we end with the Pilots, who I hope to build a rivalry with here in the West.

The St. Louis Cardinals are (finally) NL East Champions
*******

Seattle (58-101) (6th, -47.5g) at Kansas City (64-95) (-41.5g)

4: I kept Morehead in the rotation all year because of his strikeouts, but sometimes he really just can't get it together. Pilots 7-3

5: FINALLY! Rooker pitched a CG, and Schall singled with two on in the ninth to win. Royals 3-2
*******

October 6, 1969

Perhaps it meant something poetic that a flash from the past, Johnny Podres, began our season and our rising young star, Bert Blyleven, would end it.

With all the races decided, only 20,000 or so came on Monday afternoon to watch our final battle with the Seattle Pilots. Ed Kirkpatrick asked for and already received permission to just not bother with this game and go home. Joe Foy simply didn't want to start, and so we didn't make him putting Luis Alcaraz at second.

Blyleven (7-5) gave up a single in the first, but also struck out two batters to quiet the Pilots early. They answered with Marty Pattin (5-13), their ace. He didn't deserve half his losses - his defense was just that bad. Pattin proved it by shutting us down in order.

Alcaraz bobbled a routine grounder to start the second, and Gordy Lund walked to put two on, but again Bert remained in control. In the bottom half Piniella doubled, then scored on Fiore's single to give us a 1-0 lead.

After that..nothing. Between the third and sixth Seattle hit two singles and had a walk, while we only managed a single of our own.

Gordy Lund opened the Pilot seventh with a single, stole second, and scored on a sacrifice to tie the game. Next inning Tommy Harper doubled, then scored on Gary Goosen's single to put them up 2-1.

In the bottom of the eighth Joe Foy finally came in as a pinch hitter and walked. Then Rodriguez made it to second when Goosen threw the ball away. Rich Severson laid a sacrifice bunt to first for the second out, tying the game, then Bob Oliver slapped a two-run blast to right. We led 4-2.

Eddie Watt pitched the Pilot ninth, striking out two and allowing no one on base.

Kansas City Royals 4, Seattle Pilots 2

END REGULAR SEASON (66-96)

[Overbay17]

Congratulations on meeting Ewing's expectations, that was an amazing last month for an expansion club! Wouldn't mind seeing Seattle try to make a go of it at Sick's until the dome is built! But can no one save poor Kevin Callahan??

[royalblue5]

Perhaps, the dust will settle a bit in a few years, and Mr Callahan could be a candidate for another AL West foe. It is rumored that the Senators will relocate yet again, to a mosquito infested facility near Dallas.

Great job

[CatKnight]

Overbay17: Calahan's not out of it yet. We'll see what happens with the Pilots over the winter.

royalsblue: The Senators? Relocate? Why on earth would they do that?
*******
Final Standings

American League East
Team            W   L   GB
Baltimore      99  63   --
Boston         94  68    5   
Detroit        93  69    6
NY Yankees     80  82   19  
Washington     76  86   23  
Cleveland      54 108   45  

American League West
Team            W   L   GB
Oakland       106  56   --
Chi WSox       87  75   19
Minnesota      84  78   22
LA Angels      74  88   32
Kansas City    66  96   40   *****
Seattle        59 103   47

National League East
Team            W   L   GB
St. Louis      96  66   --
NY Mets        92  70    4 
Chi Cubs       91  71    5  
Philadelphia   77  85   19
Pittsburgh     74  88   22
Montreal       59 103   37

National League West
Team            W   L   GB
San Francisco 111  51   --
Houston        89  73   22
Cincinnati     86  76   25
Atlanta        80  82   31
LA Dodgers     71  91   40
San Diego      46 116   65

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Rod Carew (MIN) .363, Tony Oliva (MIN) .324
HR: Willie Horton (DET) 48, Boog Powell (BAL) 47
RBI: Boog Powell (BAL) 136, Willie Horton (DET) 135
Steals: Bert Campaneris (OAK) 82, Sandy Alomar (CHW) 52

Wins: Jim Nash (OAK) 22, Jim Palmer (BAL) 21
ERA: Jim Nash (OAK) 2.80, Jim Perry (MIN) 3.06
Strikeouts: Mickey Lolich (DET) 223, Luis Tiant (CLE) 220
Saves: Sparky Lyle (BOS) 30, John Wyatt (OAK) 25

National League Leaders
Average: Billy Williams (CHC) .358, Joe Torre (STL) .332
HR: Billy Williams (CHC) 47, Willie McCovey (SF) 43
RBI: Billy Williams (CHC) 173*, Willie McCovey (SF) 137
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 67, Joe Morgan (HOU) 51
(* 7th, All Time)

Wins: Juan Marichal (SF) 24, Gaylord Perry (SF) 24
ERA: Tom Seaver (NYM) 2.48, Ken Holtzman (CHC) 2.57
Strikeouts: Don Drysdale (LA) 265, Bob Gibson (STL) 253
Saves: Clay Carroll (CIN) 23, Frank Linzy (SF) 21

Records

Record		Career				Career/Active
Batting		Ty Cobb (.366) (05-28)		Hank Aaron (.315) (54-)
Home Runs	Babe Ruth (714) (14-35)		Willie Mays (629) (51-) (2nd)
RBI		Babe Ruth (2213) (14-35)	Willie Mays (1782) (51-) (9th)
Stolen Bases	Billy Hamilton (912) (88-01)	Maury Wills (535) (59-)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Batting		Nap Lajoie (.426) (01 PHA)	None in Top 25
Home Runs	Roger Maris (61) (61 NYY)	Willie Mays (52) (65 SF)
RBI		Hack Wilson (191) (30 CHC)	Billy Williams (173) (69 CHC) (7th)
Stolen Bases	Maury Wills (104) (62 LAD)	Maury Wills (104) (62 LAD) (1st)

Record		Career				Career/Active
Wins		Cy Young (511) (90-11)		Don Drysdale (222) (56-)
ERA		Ed Walsh (1.82) (04-17)		Juan Marichal (2.70) (60-)
Strikeouts	Walter Johnson (3509) (07-27)	Don Drysdale (2727) (56-)
Saves		Hoyt Wilhelm (206) (52-69)	Dick Radatz (137) (62-)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Wins		Jack Chesbro (41) (04 NYY)	Denny McLain (31) (68 DET)
ERA		Dutch Leonard (0.96) (14 BOS)	Bob Gibson (1.12) (68 STL) (3rd)
Strikeouts	Sandy Koufax (382) (65 LAD)	Sam McDowell (325) (65 CLE) (4th)
Saves		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA)		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA) (1st)

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Ellie Rodriguez .277
HR: Joe Foy, Ed Kirkpatrick 16
RBI: Ed Kirkpatrick 72
Steals: Fred Rico 11

Wins: Wally Bunker 14
ERA: Wally Bunker 4.10
Strikeouts: Dave Morehead 180 (8th)
Saves: Eddie Watt 22 (3rd)
*******

Milestones
9/6: Ernie Banks (CHC): 2500 hits
10/4: Lou Brock (STL): 400 steals
*******

Retirements
None

[royalblue5]

The friendly confines host a triple crown winner, very nice

[CatKnight]

royalsblue: Very nice! Williams was a very dangerous hitter last year, and with a 92 rating and only 31 years old he's going to remain so for awhile yet.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS

1969 NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

St. Louis Cardinals (96-66)

Last Divisional Championship: None
Last League Pennant: 1968 (2nd consecutive, 12 overall)
Last World Championship: 1967 (8 overall)

C: Joe Torre (.332 22-113 0)
1B: Ron Allen (.212 1-8 2)
2B: Steve Huntz (.234 3-27 0)
3B: Bob Bailey (.279 20-75 8)
SS: Dal Maxvill (.185 2-32 3)
LF: Lou Brock (.327 12-64 67)
CF: Vada Pinson (.325 26-115 27)
RF: Byron Browne (.299 2-15 1)

S1: Mike Torrez (16-10 4.19 9 CG)
CL: Joe Hoerner (8-4 3.73 9 SV)

DL: SP Bob Gibson, SP Steve Carlton

Two September injuries decimated their pitching staff and could spell big trouble for the defending NL champions. Don't count them out, though: Joe Torre had the second highest batting average in the National League, and both he and Vada Pinson offer enough bang to keep the Cardinal offense alive. Lou Brock led the Nationals in steals. If the second echelon of St. Louis pitching can keep it close, they have a chance.
*******

San Francisco Giants (111-51)

Last Divisional Championship: None
Last League Pennant: 1962 (18 overall)
Last World Championship: 1954 (as New York Giants) (5 overall)

C: Dick Dietz (.285 18-64 0)
1B: Willie McCovey (.303 43-137 2)
2B: Ron Hunt (.290 4-70 5)
3B: Jim Ray Hart (.288 33-95 2)
SS: Hal Lanier (.246 0-34 2)
LF: George Foster (.253 27-110 4)
CF: Willie Mays (.308 42-128 14)
RF: Bobby Bonds (.275 31-98 35)

S1: Juan Marichal (24-5 3.25 13 CG)
CL: Frank Linzy (5-0 3.00 21 SV)

DL: None

The Giants dominated the National League this year with two players hitting forty homers. McCovey was second in HR and RBI, while Willie Mays is second all time in home runs. Bonds is also a dangerous player. God forbid he has a son who does something like represent an entire dark age of baseball that will put question marks (if not asterisks) on records for years.

Marichal and S2 Gaylord Perry were the most dangerous pitchers in baseball, tying each other for most wins, while S3 Bobby Bolin was right behind with 21. On the few occasions they faltered, Linzy finished second in the league for most saves blowing only 6 opportunities.
*******

1969 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Baltimore Orioles (99-63)

Last Divisional Championship: None
Last League Pennant: 1966 (2 overall)
Last World Championship: 1966 (1 overall)

C: Clay Dalrymple (.207 3-30 0)
1B: Boog Powell (.316 47-136 1)
2B: Davey Johnson (.264 14-80 2)
3B: Brooks Robinson (.278 18-94 1)
SS: Mark Belanger (.275 0-34 22)
LF: Frank Robinson (.314 32-110 8)
CF: Tony Gonzalez (.306 14-66 9)
RF: Dave May (.249 20-73 4)

S1: Dave McNally (16-11 3.94 8 CG)
CL: Dick Hall (4-7 2.40 18 SV)

DL: None

Boog Powell is a dangerous hitter, coming in second in AL homers behind Detroit's Willie Horton and first in RBI. Frank Robinson also exhibited decent power, while Brooks shouldn't be underestimated either. S2 Jim Palmer finished second in the AL with 21 wins. Baltimore had a fairly intense battle with the Red Sox and Tigers just to get here. Whether that will hurt them or help remains to be seen.
*******

Oakland Athletics (106-56)

Last Divisional Championship: None
Last League Pennant: 1931 (as Philadelphia Athletics) (9 overall)
Last World Championship: 1930 (as Philadelphia Athletics) (5 overall)

C: Jim Pagliaroni (.239 15-71 1)
1B: Gonzalo Marquez (.259 1-13 1)
2B: Dick Green (.293 5-45 3)
3B: Sal Bando (.312 19-111 6)
SS: Bert Campaneris (.296 7-46 82)
LF: Joe Rudi (.246 3-21 0)
CF: Rick Monday (.286 27-103 7)
RF: Reggie Jackson (.281 33-110 13)

S1: Catfish Hunter (19-11 3.34 12 CG)
CL: John Wyatt (7-2 1.59 25 SV)

DL: 1B Danny Cater, SP Blue Moon Odom

The Athletics won their division easily, partially due to the mediocrity of the rest of the division, and partially due to 100 RBI performances by Bando, Monday and Jackson making up for a lack of production elsewhere. Campaneris' 82 steals is good enough for sixth all-time.

S3 Jim Nash led the league in wins and ERA, but losing Odom hurts their depth. Oakland cannot afford another injury. Wyatt finished second in the AL in saves.

[CatKnight]

October 15-16, 1969


"Hel-LO?" asked a high pitched voice doing a Chinese accent that would have made Charlie Chan flinch. "This is Royals Office?"

I didn't need this. I have seven players to look at by the end of the Series, decide if I want to make offers to them, and how high I will go. As an expansion club I fully expect our payroll to rise over the next few years, but our financial reserve isn't huge and if I want to keep funding my farm system like it needs, then I can't make too many mistakes.

"Who is this?"

"I have trade for you! You give me all your players, and I give you eggroll. Maybe it play better?"

"**** it Kyle, I'll report you to the League myself if you keep this **** up!" I slammed the phone down. I knew Detroit had renewed his contract. Of course he wanted a little...

The phone rang. I didn't wait for what passed as my secretary. "Royals!"

Laughter on the other end. "Chuck, it's me! Gary!"

I groaned. "Hello. Oh, congratulations."

The Cardinals general manager gave an amused thank you.

"I should have called. I've just been swamped with the off season paperwork."

"Is that why you're so snappish? What's there to do? Your season is over."

"I have seven players to renew or release for one thing."

Gregg chuckled. "I have nine. And the playoffs. I win."

"I suppose." I glanced at a clock. "Look, Gary, it's been great and good luck, but..."

"Whoa! Don't you want to know why I called?"

I smiled. "It wasn't to practice your bad accents?"

"****, no. I can do that anytime! I just want to know where to reserve your seat for the games here at Busch!"

"I....I can't go."

"Why the **** not?"

I sighed. "Gary, wouldn't it look a little strange, going to watch my old team play?"

"No, it would look like you liked baseball and the Cards happen to be close. What's the matter with you, Chuck? You're not letting the business end of this get to you are you? What, do I need to get Billy Williams in Chicago to beat up Joe Cronin for you? He owes me a favor and he'd probably enjoy it."

I chuckled. "Joe might surprise you."

"Look. Come to St. Louis and watch a few damned games. You've forgotten that baseball is just a bunch of guys hitting and throwing a ball around. A few days off will do you some good."
*******

NLCS Game 1:

Cardinal SP Mike Torrez pitched a complete game, giving up seven hits and three walks but only one earned run on the way to a Game 1 victory over the favored San Francisco Giants.

Giant SP Juan Marichal had some trouble in six innings, giving up RBI doubles to Bob Bailey and Dal Maxvill, and a homer to Steve Huntz. Lou Brock added a homer of his own off reliever Gary Lavelle.

San Francisco consistently had trouble getting their offense going, hitting into two double plays and stranding runners on second and third all evening.

Vada Pinson blew the game open with a bases loaded 2 RBI double off reliever Al McBean. McBean then threw away a routine grounder to allow the third run of the inning to cross.

Willie McCovey homered to start the Giant ninth, but by then it was far too late.

Cardinals 7, Giants 1 (Cardinals lead series 1-0)
*******

ALCS Game 1:

Baltimore's Dave McNally matched Torrez, giving up 8 hits and 1 walk in a complete game, one earned run victory over the equally favored Oakland Athletics.

Oakland's only run came in the first, when Bert Campaneris singled, advanced on a ground out, then scored on a Rick Monday single.

Baltimore struck back immediately off Catfish Hunter, and identically: Dave May singled, advanced on a grounder, and scored on Frank Robinson's single.

Like in the National game, this settled for awhile until Tony Gonzalez hit an RBI grounder in the fourth. Boog Powell then blew the game open with a fifth inning 3 RBI homer. Catfish gave up yet another run in the sixth, retiring none before Jim Roland came in to save the inning.

Roland had his own problems though, giving up two singles, and an RBI double to Frank Robinson. Two outs later Davey Johnson hit a 2-RBI single to complete the disaster.

Powell's 3 for 5, 3 run, 3 RBI performance led the team. Frank Robinson and Dave May also had three hits as the Orioles dominated the competition.

Orioles 9, Athletics 1 (Orioles lead series 1-0)
*******

NLCS Game 2:

With two starters on the DL, St. Louis had to rely on Ray Washburn. At thirty-one, you'd expect Washburn to be over any jitters, but I don't remember him as someone I'd necessarily want in a playoff game ... certainly not against Gaylord Perry.

He proved it in the first giving up a double to Ron Hunt and RBI single to Bobby Bonds. Bonds scored minutes later when LF Lou Brock kicked away a grounder. Two innings later Willie McCovey hit a three-run blast, and Jim Ray Hart hit a solo shot of his own. Manager Red Schoendienst sent Washburn to the showers after the third.

We...they...we - who am I kidding? - couldn't do anything. Perry threw a wild pitch putting our man on third in the bottom half, but then struck out Bill White. Like the Giants yesterday, our offense couldn't capitalize on opportunities and stranded numerous runners.

Our one bright spot came in the fourth when Pinson, Bailey and Byron Browne all singled (scoring Pinson.) Bailey advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored when Steve Huntz hit a sacrifice fly to deep left.

Giant reliever Al McBean tried to put in another bad performance in the ninth giving up two walks and a single to load the bases. Bill White then hit a routine grounder to second that turned into a game ending double play.

For Perry (8 IP 6 H 3 BB 2 ER) it allowed the Giants to get back in the series and go home with a statistical advantage. Ron Hunt helped going 3 for 4, but it was McCovey's three run shot that broke our backs.

Washburn...sucked. Cardinal relievers Tom Hilgendorf and Dave Giusti only gave up three hits over the last six innings.

Giants 6, Cardinals 2 (Series tied 1-1)
*******

ALCS Game 2:

Baltimore's Jim Palmer and Oakland's Chuck Dobson put on a pitching clinic in game two. Palmer seemed slightly stronger, giving up only a walk in his first three innings work. Mark Belanger doubled, then scored on Dave May's single in the third to give Baltimore an early lead.

Again the pitchers settled. Baltimore wasted an opportunity in the fifth to expand their lead, stranding runners on second and third after a Frank Robinson double. Then, slowly, the tide turned as Palmer tired.

After striking out two, Palmer gave up a single to Bert Campaneris who promptly stole second and scored on a Joe Rudi single in the sixth. The Orioles again stranded a runner on third. Reggie Jackson walked, advanced on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on Gonzalo Marquez's single to give Oakland a 2-1 advantage.

Again the game settled, though in the seventh Frank Robinson received the honor of an intentional walk with no men on base.

Then potential disaster: Brooks Robinson opened the Oriole eighth with a screaming liner that struck Dobson in the wrist. At the time it only went down as an unlucky single, but as the inning passed Dobson kept shaking his wrist, and his pitches grew weaker and weaker. He struck out Merv Rettenmund to end the inning by pitching so slow it threw off his timing.

After the game, we learned Chuck fractured his wrist. Oakland still has two good pitchers - enough for games 3 and 4 at any rate - but like the Cards they're now in deep kimshee.

Pete Richert pitched the Athletic ninth. With one out he gave up a single to Jackson and walked Sal Bando, then threw a wild pitch to put them in scoring position. Jim Pagliaroni hit a sacrifice bunt to give Oakland a two run advantage.

John Wyatt came in to shut down the Orioles in their half. Boog Powell walked, then took second on indifference. Once more they intentionally walked Frank Robinson, but this time paid for it somewhat with a Tony Gonzalez RBI single.

Brooks Robinson came to the plate with runners on first and third, one run down. He slipped under a 1-0 forkball, hitting a towering popup that landed in 3B Sal Bando's outstretched glove.

Athletics 3, Orioles 2 (Series tied 1-1)

[CatKnight]

October 18-19, 1969


Baseball hit the Bay Area of California hard.

Never before was their even a hint of an all California World Series. In the American League, this was only the Athletics' second year in Oakland, while the Angels never did better than third. Los Angeles and San Francisco enjoyed more success, with the Dodgers' most recent appearance in 1966.

Now both championship series would be finished within twenty-five miles of each other. Both Oakland and San Francisco had the advantage: Best 2 of 3 series at home against their rivals.

Meanwhile I received a polite letter from Joe Gordon. He'd returned to California for the off-season and planned to watch the Athletics-Orioles series. Afterwards he wanted to talk about the Royals future.
*******

NLCS Game 3

The Cardinals turned to Nelson Briles, who went 8-4 3.08 ERA in 19 starts and 23 games. Pushed into a starting role after Carlton and Gibson were injured, he doesn't really have the endurance for the position..but he managed, going 8 innings. San Francisco's Bobby Bolin, a 21 game winner, wouldn't make it out of the fourth.

This was butchery: It wouldn't be until the sixth inning when the Cardinals failed to score. In the first Vada Pinson singled to score Lou Brock, then Bill White scored on a sac fly. White homered in the second. Joe Torre scored on a Bob Bailey single in the third. White hit an RBI single in the fourth, followed by Bailey's 2 RBI double. Steve Huntz scored on a Briles sacrifice fly in the fifth.

As the Giant defense flailed, so their offense followed. They didn't seriously threaten until the fifth when Hal Lanier and Dave Kingman singled, but Ron Hunt popped out. Willie McCovey and George Foster got on base in the sixth, but again a pop out killed.

A clearly exhausted, but still game Nelson Briles struck out the side in the eighth. Dennis Ribant finished the game for St. Louis with a 1-2-3 ninth. Unfortunately Giant catcher Dick Dietz bounced a foul ball off his ankle, cracking it and taking him out of the series.

Bob Bailey was brilliant, going 2 for 4 with a double and four RBI. Bill White went 3 for 4 with a walk, 3 runs and 2 RBI. Briles gave up only 4 hits in his performance.

Cardinals 8, Giants 0 (Cardinals lead series 2-1)
*******

ALCS Game 3

Oakland's Jim Nash, the pitcher with most wins and the best ERA in the American League, finally had a chance to shine against Baltimore's Mike Cuellar in a classic pitching duel. Cuellar did better, giving up only four hits, three walks and ten strikeouts in eight innings pitched.

Baltimore opened the game in the third when Cuellar singled, then scored on Dave May's double. In the fourth Baltimore's Davey Johnson homered with one on (due to an error by 3B Sal Bando) to make it 3-0.

Oakland never really threatened until Rick Monday tripled with two outs in the fourth. Reggie Jackson struck out to end the inning. In the fifth they had runners on first and second when it was Nash's turn to strike out.

The Athletics wouldn't seriously threaten again until the ninth with Dick Hall pitching for the O's. Jackson and Bando walked, but Jim Pagliaroni killed their momentum by grounding into a 5-4-3 double play. Gonzalo Marquez flew to short left ending the game.

Orioles 3, Athletics 0 (Orioles lead series 2-1)
*******

NLCS Game 4

Game 4 was a repeat of 1. With their playoff lives on the line, the Giants turned to Juan Marichal to once more battle Mike Torrez. Marichal pitched an eight inning three hitter, while Torrez allowed six hits and walked six more in seven innings.

Despite that, though, this was a very competitive game. Bobby Bonds homered after a Mays walk to give the Giants a 2-0 lead after one. They offered to open the game further with two on and one out in the second, but Ron Hunt hit into a double play to end that. Similarly they put two more on base in the third, but again couldn't turn those into runs.

St. Louis struggled. Joe Torre singled in the second, Torrez in the third. Dal Maxvill walked in the fifth. No one even reached second.

Once more the Giants threatened in the fifth when Bonds walked, stole second and advanced on a ground out. Not enough though, as George Foster's grounder ended the inning.

St. Louis' last hit was a single by Ron Allen, PH for Torrez, in the eighth. The Cards would never get a man on second, and while an error by C Joe Torre allowed runners on second and third in the Giant eighth, they too wouldn't capitalize.

One game left, series tied, advantage San Francisco's...or was it? After the game they learned Gaylord Perry had some sort of nasty infection in his shoulder and would miss the rest of the playoffs. This left them scrambling for a pitcher for tomorrow's finale.

Giants 2, Cardinals 0 (Series tied 2-2)
*******

ALCS Game 4

Stripped of their better pitchers, Oakland turned to Vida Blue while Baltimore made the curious choice of giving the ball to relative unknown Tom Phoebus. Manager Earl Weaver said he wanted to save Dave McNally for the Series (or game 5).

Despite the relatively low score through much of the game, there was plenty of excitement with many threats. Boog Powell hit an RBI single to score Dave May and give Baltimore a first inning lead. In the bottom half, Bert Campaneris singled, then stole second and third..but in vain as Phoebus struck out two.

Both teams put runners on first and second the next inning. In the fourth, Andy Etchebarren doubled to score Davey Johnson and put the Os up 2-0. In the bottom half Sal Bando walked, then advanced on a wild pitch and a balk but Gonzalo Marquez hit into a double play to leave Oakland with nothing.

In the fifth Baltimore's Frank Robinson and Oakland's Dick Green both got on base, and both were caught stealing second. Robinson notably limped after his play but stayed in the game.

Paul Blair started the Oriole sixth with a homer, and Boog Powell hit a 2 RBI homer to right in the seventh. The game seemed to be in the bag and Oakland-Alameda Stadium had turned very quiet.

In the bottom of the seventh Jim Pagliaroni reached on an error by RF Dave May. Gonzalo Marquez singled, sending him to third, then Dick Green doubled for the first Oakland run. Marquez was caught in a run-down between third and home, but Bert Campaneris singled to score Green.

One inning later Pagliaroni returned to the plate and hit a two run blast to left off reliever Pete Richert. Marquez doubled afterwards, but Richert settled and retired the next two batters.

Dick Hall pitched the Athletic ninth: Campaneris singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt, but was caught stealing third. Rick Monday grounded out to end the series.

After the game Orioles doctors examined Frank Robinson's leg. He cracked his shin during his failed steal attempt and will miss the Series.

Orioles 5, Athletics 4 (Orioles win series 3-1)

MVP: SP Mike Cuellar (1-0, 0.00 ERA in 8 IP 4 H 0 ER 10 K)
*******

NLCS Game 5

Deprived of Gaylord Perry, the Giants turned to Mike McCormick to bring them to the series. The thirty one year old had been in the Majors since 1956 and possessed a brutal screwball that Cardinal batters had trouble with all day. St. Louis returned to Ray Washburn for the final push.

One had to immediately doubt whether Washburn was up to the task. Ron Hunt doubled, Willie Mays singled, then Bobby Bonds hit a three-run homer in the first to put the Giants on top before the first out.

He settled after that and wouldn't give up another hit until Willie McCovey's solo shot in the sixth. In the meantime, the Cardinals couldn't figure McCormick out. They managed a handful of hits, but as often as not the next batter would hit into a double play.

Washburn's day ended after giving up two singles and a walk in the seventh with no outs. Dave Giusti came in and walked George Foster for the fifth Giant run. Giusti escaped further trouble when Jim Ray Hart hit into a double play.

St. Louis finally struck back in the eighth: Dal Maxvill walked and Curt Flood singled, though he was forced at second by Bob Bailey...who promptly stole second on his own. Pinson singled scoring Maxvill, then Joe Torre singled to score Bailey.

Frank Linzy took over for McCormick int he ninth and faced three pinch hitters including Tim McCarver (walk) and Mike Shannon (RBI double). Brock grounded to second however, ending the game and series.

Giants 5, Cardinals 3 (Giants win series 3-2)

MVP: SP Juan Marichal (1-1, 1.93 ERA in 14 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 13 K)

[CatKnight]

October 26-27, 1969


After several days off following the end of the NLCS, Baltimore flew into town to visit the Giants.

Back home, the Kansas City Star printed an editorial asking if I missed the Cardinals, and where my true loyalties lie. Apparently I'd been spotted at games 1 and 2 cheering for them.

"One can understand Mister Hunter's loyalties to the team that employed him for several years, but can a man in his position afford it? In a time he should be working with his staff to sign contracts, acquire released players and so begin preparing for the 1970 season, he is in fact at the National League Championship. Perhaps if he'd traveled to Oakland and Baltimore to see the best our own league had to offer it might be different, but there is little a Royals General Manager can learn from the Cardinals or Giants.

Ewing called and asked if I was done traveling for awhile. Technically we don't have a contract for new year, though I did as he asked and he's made no move to sign someone else.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. I would like to meet with you before the Series ends to discuss the terms of your contract. How about Monday? Good. Do you know the Crown Center area, where Hallmark is buying up all the properties for renovation?" Intricate directions to a place they could talk privately.

"And Chuck? Bring a short list of potential managers. Joe Gordon hasn't said anything formal yet, but it's my understanding he wants to stay in California permanently, and he's looking for a buyer for his house."
*******

WS: Game 1

With both teams rested as much as one could reasonably hope, the World Series opened at Candlestick Park on a cold, autumn evening. Commissioner Kuhn is experimenting with the Series this late in the year to put more pressure on the National and American Football Leagues.

I don't know: By the time this is over it'll be seven months since Opening Day, eight since Spring Training, 8 1/2 since the pitchers and catchers reported. The players are going to start demanding raises soon, or a substantial softening of the reserve clause. There are already signs of discontent...

Baltimore had only one man out for the Series: Frank Robinson. San Francisco wouldn't be able to count on Gaylord Perry or catcher Dick Dietz, though Dietz could come back for a potential game 6 or 7.

Tonight the O's relied on ace Dave McNally, while the Giants surprised everyone by ignoring Marichal and going with Bobby Bolin.

Bolin proved himself worthy of their faith, pitching seven strong innings. McNally didn't make it out of the fourth as the Giants hammered him.

The Orioles started things off when Tony Gonzalez hit a two-run blast in the first. Willie McCovey struck back immediately however with a two-run shot of his own.

Baltimore managed two singles in the second, but Mark Belanger stranded them by striking out. The Giants went down in order.

So did the Orioles in the third. Bobby Bonds doubled for two RBI however, then stole third and came home on Willie McCovey's grounder to third. That wasn't all however, for after Baltimore fell in the fourth, Bonds singled with the bases loaded for two RBI. This left two runners on, who came home with McCovey when he sent his second homer of the night over left. 10-2.

Gonzalez struck back for the Orioles in the sixth, hitting his second blast over left. The Giants threatened in their half, putting men on second and third with one out, but two grounders ended the inning.

In the seventh Bobby Bolin finally left the game, pinch hit for by Leon Wagner. Wagner hit a 2-2 curve over center field to extend the Giants lead. In the eighth they put runners on first and third with one out, but Jim Ray Hart grounded to short, and Jack Hiatt struck out.

Reliever Ed Halicki retired the O's in order in the ninth, giving the Giants the series lead.

Giants 11, Orioles 3 (Giants lead Series 1-0)
*******

Game 2:

Game Two would see Mike McCormick come back from his game 5 win over St. Louis to face twenty game winner Jim Palmer.

Again, Baltimore took the quick lead: Mark Belanger singled, stole second, then scored on Paul Blair's single in the first.

No one else would get on base until Belanger again came to the plate in the third and walked. He advanced on a Dave May single, and again scored when Blair chopped the ball down the left field line.

San Francisco loaded the bases with two outs in the third and Willie McCovey at the plate. Weaver and C Andy Etchebarren went to the mound to discuss an intentional walk, but Palmer chose to risk it. He won, striking McCovey out.

San Francisco finally scored in the fourth when George Foster tripled, then scored on a Jim Ray Hart single.

In the fifth Baltimore had runners on first and third, but Boog Powell struck out to end the inning. Then Palmer finally faltered:

Ron Hunt walked, but was forced on Willie Mays' grounder. Mays stole second, then scored on Bobby Bonds' single. McCovey walked to put runners on first and second, and George Foster singled Bonds home. Giants 3-2.

Half an inning later Curt Motton hit a solo shot to tie the game.

Half an inning after that, Jack Hiatt doubled, and Leon Wagner (PH for McCormick) singled to restore the Giants' lead.

Giant reliever Al McBean and Oriole reliever Pete Richert took over in the seventh, neither man allowing a hit or walk. In the bottom of the eighth San Francisco extended their lead when Jim Davenport (PH for McBean) walked, advanced on a sacrifice and scored on Mays' single.

This proved decisive: In the top of the ninth Frank Linzy pitched to Davey Johnson, who popped out. Curt Motton hit a double, however. PH Tony Gonzalez (for Etchebarren) ground out, but PH Merv Rettenmund (for Richert) singled to bring Motton home. Mark Belanger chased a 3-2 slider six inches outside, and so the game ended.

Giants 4, Orioles 3 (Giants lead Series 2-0)
*******

Giant fans celebrated long into the night. Some hoped the Orioles would actually win 2 at home, so the Series could end back here in San Francisco, but most agreed a win there was just as good as one here. The San Francisco ne' New York Giants hadn't won the Series since 1954. Most thought fifteen years long enough.

[CatKnight]

October 29-31, 1969


"Chuck!" Ewing Kauffman stood and waved me to his booth. His choice of restaurant turned out to be a family diner. It was actually fairly nice, with a sort of cowboy motif (lots of license plates, lots of 10-gallon hats) but certainly not 4 or 5 star either.

"How was St. Louis?" he asked when I sat. A waitress came by and took our orders. He spread his napkin across his lap, folded his hands and regarded me intently.

"St. Louis was fine. I don't know what the problem is, here. I went to watch a few ballgames, and now I'm suddenly disloyal? I don't recall favoring St. Louis during the season, nor do I..."

"Relax, Chuck. The reporters are looking for something to complain about. You know that. The Chiefs look like they're going to win their division, and they want to know when we'll win ours. That's all."

My eyes widened and I shrugged. "Not for quite some time, Ewing. Our club is going to take time to develop, and the Athletics aren't to be underestimated. They lost the championship this year, yes, but they won 106 games and they're only getting stronger."

"You sound pessimistic," Ewing replied gravely. "I realize we're looking at a rebuilding project, and you did well for your first year. I asked you to have a better record than the other expansion clubs and you complied. That brings us to your contract." He paused as the waitress returned with our drinks. "I believe you told me 1972 for a .500 record. Is that right?"

I swallowed. .500 in the fourth year of a team's existence was...hopeful. Los Angeles managed it in just their second year, but the Mets, Astros and Senators were still waiting after 8 and 9 years. "That's what I said."

"Do you believe it?"

I grunted. "It can be done."

"No, sir. Do you believe it?"

I looked up at him. "Our field needs work...desperately, but our pitching's coming along. Three years...if I have a free hand to acquire who we need, then yes." I hope.

Kauffman nodded, but he didn't smile. "Chuck, I hired you because you made a fairly optimistic prediction. However, sometimes you let yourself be weighed down by what you see in front of you. I know **** well the 1969 Royals weren't a good team. All I want is for you to make them better, to see the possibilities instead of what's in front of your face. I'm not asking you to be a dreamer, but I want you to dream. Do you understand the distinction?"

"Before I came here, I was in charge of player development," I told him. "My job was to look at what was in front of me..."

"...and to extrapolate," he finished. "Use what you see to estimate how they'll develop. That's what I want you to do. Find out who can help you, get rid of who can't, and build our future."
*******

Game 3

Crunch time. Earl Weaver said Baltimore needed to win all three at home, because winning two at Candlestick would be ...difficult.

Then Baltimore received some good, albeit sobering, news. Willie McCovey, the terror who hit 5 homers in the playoffs so far, was out. He'd been in an automobile accident and would watch the rest of the Series from his hospital room.

Aces and CS MVPs Mike Cuellar and Juan Marichal battled long into the Maryland night, putting on a show for their nationwide audience and a possible preview of game 6 or 7.

Tony Gonzalez homered with two outs in the Oriole first to give them a 1-0 lead. He thought this such a good idea he did it again to open the fourth for the second Oriole run and hit.

San Francisco struggled even worse: Ron Hunt walked to start the game, then Bobby Bonds walked in the fourth. Jack Hiatt earned the team's first hit in the fifth but was promptly stranded.

Davey Johnson singled to open the Oriole fifth and advanced to second on a sacrifice, but likewise failed to score. No one else reached base until Bonds singled in the Giant seventh. George Foster then hit into a double play killing their chances.

In the eighth Hiatt singled with one out, advanced on a sacrifice, then Ken Henderson walked to put runners on first and second. Ron Hunt popped out though.

Baltimore added to their lead when Dave May singled off reliever Al McBean, advanced on an error by CF Willie Mays, then scored on Boog Powell's single. Cuellar retired the Giants in order in the ninth.

For Mike Cuellar (9 IP 3 H 3 BB 0 ER 5 K) this made 17 shutout playoff innings. Gonzalez had now hit four homers in the playoffs, all against Giants pitching.

Orioles 3, Giants 0 (Giants lead Series 2-1)
*******

Game 4

In a rematch of Game 1, Dave McNally squared off against Bobby Bolin. Like in game 1, the Giants hammered McNally early on a 2-RBI double by George Foster, and another RBI double by Dave Kingman.

This isn't to say Bolin had it easy: After allowing two men on with no outs, he threw two consecutive wild pitchers for Baltimore's first run, then Dave May tagged up and went home on Tony Gonzalez's fly to make it 3-2.

In the third Foster walked, then Willie Mays doubled to extend the Giant lead. Baltimore struck back when Brooks Robinson singled home Boog Powell.

The fourth inning saw both pitchers get their first 1-2-3 innings. Only Boog Powell's walk prevented the same in the fifth.

Mays walked to open the Giant sixth, and Kingman homered to extend the Giant lead. This time Baltimore couldn't retaliate despite a new pitcher: Joe Gibbon. Gibbon loaded the bases with two outs, but Dave May grounded to short to end the inning.

The Giant seventh ended in a double play with two on. The Orioles also put two people on base, but Davey Johnson grounded out.

San Francisco extended their lead in the eighth when Kingman singled, went to third on Hal Lanier's single, and scored on PH Leon Wagner's hit. Giants 7-3.

This time Baltimore struck back off reliever Al McBean: Clay Dalrymple singled and went to third on PH Curt Motton's single. Two outs later Gonzalez and Powell hit back to back singles bringing both men home.

In the ninth, George Foster reached first on an error by 1B Powell. He reached second on a walk, and scored on Kingman's single. The O's went down in order in their half.

Giants 8, Orioles 5 (Giants lead Series 3-1)
*******

Game 5

Five hits. The entire game. Both teams. Five hits.

Jim Palmer and Mike McCormick made Cuellar and Marichal look like amateurs as they dominated each other's offenses through Halloween night. They were brilliant. There's no way around it.

Palmer didn't look so brilliant in the first inning. Ron Hunt singled, but Jim Ray Hart grounded to Palmer for the force out. He went to third on Bobby Bonds' single and came home on George Foster's sacrifice fly. That's two of the five hits in the game.

McCormick didn't look so wonderful either, giving up back to back walks to Dave May and Paul Blair, but Boog Powell grounded into a double play to end the inning.

No Giant reached base in the second. Curt Motton walked with two outs, but didn't score in the Oriole half. Nothing more until the bottom of the fourth, when Brooks Robinson killed McCormick's no hitter with a single but wound up stranded. Three of five hits.

No more baserunners until the seventh, when 1B Powell threw away the ball on a simple 3-1 groundout, allowing George Foster on. He stole second, then Dave Kingman walked to put runners on first and second. PH Leon Wagner came in for Jack Hiatt, but lined out to end the inning. Nothing in the Oriole half.

Hal Lanier opened the Giant eighth with a single and advanced on a grounder, but was stranded by Hart's strikeout. Nothing again in the Oriole half, despite Tony Gonzalez PH for Palmer.

Al Severinsen pitched the Giant ninth - perfectly. In the bottom half Dave May singled with one out then advanced on a sacrifice, but Boog Powell struck out to end the Orioles' dreams.

Jim Palmer: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, 6 K
Mike McCormick: 9 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 0 ER, 7 K

Giants 1, Orioles 0 (Giants win Series 4-1)
MVP: 1B Willie McCovey (2 G, 5 hits in 8 AB, 2 HR, 6 RBI)