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

[kevarms]

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

April 8: We have a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the 6th but the Cards come back with a 2 RBI double from Roger Maris and a three run homer from Johnny Romano. Cardinals 10-7
W: Nelson Briles (1-0) L: Jack Fisher (0-2) S: Wayne Granger (1)
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King's funeral is held in Atlanta on April 9 and all baseball is cancelled. The worst of the rioting has ended with the financial cost running into millions. The human cost is incalculable. These are very dark times in America.

The family of Martin Luther King

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

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

[kevarms]

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

"Roy, wonderful to see you alive." He grinned and held out his hand.
"Hallo Freddy," I said with a wry smile as we shook hands. "I thought World War Three had kicked off."
"Yes, it's awful. Nothing else in the papers at home all week either. Madness."
He gestured me to take a seat and a waiter appeared.
"What'll it be?" said Freddy. I saw he already had a whisky just about finished. I nodded at it.
"One of those."
"Marvellous." He turned to the waiter. "Make that two please."
The waiter nodded and went off to get the drinks.
"You'll like this. It's Irish. Twelve years old and bloody marvellous!" He continued, "Well, I hear we're off to a good start. How's Gil settling in?"
"So far, so good. The club is really upbeat since he came onboard. The players seem to really respect him."
"That's what I like to hear. And young Tom? How's he?"
Phenom Tom Seaver had had a poor first season, going 9-17. Despite that, manager Gil Hodges had made him our number one starter this season and the young pitcher had responded well to having such faith placed in him.
"Two starts, two wins. He's only given up two runs too."
"Terrific. Will he be starting tomorrow?"
"No, the day after. Tomorrow is Jerry Koosman."
"Ah Koosman." Another phenom who struggled, going 1-10 and flirting with AAA ball in 1967.
"He won his start in St Louis and looked good in Florida. Gil likes him so he's in the rotation."
"No, that's quite alright old chap,” said Freddy, holding up a hand. "I have every faith in you and Gil. If you think he deserves it that's fine."
We discussed the playing and coaching staff for an hour, then the conversation turned to something else of major importance to our club. Expansion. The American League had announced in the winter they would be expanding by two teams. Now the National League was playing catch up.
"There's a meeting in Chicago about this expansion thing." said Freddy.
"I heard that. You'll support it I suppose."
"Why not? There are still swathes of the country with no baseball team. There's even the possibility of a Canadian franchise. Wouldn't that be something?"
I nodded. Both of us had known many Canadians during our wartime service. Fine people, fine country.
"What about the south?" I asked. "Anything down that way?"
"I'm not sure to be honest. Possibly New Orleans. They have a good chance. I'll just go with consensus though. I still feel like a bit of an outsider at these meetings. Better not to rock the boat. They already think we're some kind of a novelty act."
Another couple of whiskies arrived.
"Better make this the last one. It's a big day ahead tomorrow." I said.
"Right you are. One for the road then." Lord Fawcliff raised his glass and offered a toast. "Here's to Gil Hodges and the New York Mets."
I raised my glass and touched it to his. "Gil Hodges and the New York Mets."
We both smiled and downed those whiskies. And he was right. It was bloody marvellous.
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April 12-14
St Louis Cardinals (3-6) @ New York Mets (6-3)

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

[EVEN11323]

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

[kevarms]

The National League owners met in Chicago and agreed to a two team expansion for 1969. It was also agreed that the league would be split into two six-team divisions, with the division winners meeting for a best of five play-off to decide the league championship.
Potential bids for the expansion franchises are believed to include Dallas, New Orleans, Louisville, Oakland, Montreal and Vancouver.
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April 16-18
New York Mets (8-4) @ Atlanta Braves (4-8)

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Gee, Seaver has been unreal so far.

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

[kevarms]

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

Students occupying a campus building

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

[kevarms]

NEW YORK CHRONICLE
April 30, 1968

ATHLETICS MAKE CALIFORNIA DEBUT
Full House In San Diego

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

National League Standings

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

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


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

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

MLB Retirements
None

[kevarms]

MAY PREVIEW

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

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

Line-up			Bench			Rotation	Bullpen

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

[kevarms]

MAY 1968


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

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

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

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

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

[kevarms]

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

AL: Kansas City Royals, Phoenix

NL: Oakland Oaks, Vancouver


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[Hey guys, I need names for Vancouver and Phoenix

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

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

I'd appreciate PMs with your ideas. Thanks ]
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