FOOL-X 1973 Regular Season

[spleen1015]

I knew this already, but once again Spring Training means nothing.

[Alan T]

Flores Takes CL's Best Bat Award
Wednesday, August 1st, 1973: Ricardo Flores has been the model of consistency over the past month and has been a tough out, claiming the Continental League Batter of the Month trophy for July.

The Balzac right fielder hit .341 with 8 home runs, 33 RBIs and 29 runs scored. He was also walked 16 times and posted a .421 on-base percentage.

Presently Flores is batting .312 with 23 home runs and 119 RBIs. He has played in 111 games and scored 80 times.

[Alan T]

Meilaart Earns RL Rookie of Month
Wednesday, August 1st, 1973: Joachim Meilaart earned July's Rookie of the Month honors in the Republic League for last month's performance. The boyish New York first baseman might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level.

Meilaart hit .344 with 7 home runs, 18 RBIs and 25 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

This season Meilaart is batting .285 with 134 hits, 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, 11 walks, .302 OBP and has scored 63 runs. He has played in 111 games.

Third Baseman Honored by CL
Wednesday, August 1st, 1973: Gustavo Molina was toddling around on his tricycle when some of the guys he's playing against were in their prime, but the 25-year-old third baseman definitely knows how to get to first, second or beyond. Today he was chosen July's Continental League Rookie of the Month for his remarkable month of hitting.

In 29 games Molina batted .331 for Balzac, slapping 39 hits in 118 at-bats with 4 home runs, drove in 23 runs and scored 20 times.

Currently Molina is batting .269 with 12 home runs and 72 RBIs.

[Alan T]

August 1st, 1973:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 London Bishops 70 41 .631 - 69-42 1 38-19 32-22 7-5 24-21 42 W1 7-3 Mexico City Aztecs 60 51 .541 10.0 63-48 -3 34-23 26-28 4-6 13-18 W1 4-6 Washington Freedom 59 52 .532 11.0 59-52 0 32-22 27-30 8-7 20-17 L3 3-7 Boston Resettlers 57 54 .514 13.0 51-60 6 29-28 28-26 6-7 22-9 L1 5-5 Balzac Ticklers 47 64 .423 23.0 49-62 -2 24-30 23-34 4-4 13-22 W3 6-4 Indianapolis Clowns 40 71 .360 30.0 45-66 -5 15-39 25-32 5-5 14-19 L1 5-5

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Portland Grocers 63 48 .568 - 62-49 1 33-21 30-27 6-4 17-14 51 L1 5-5 Ann Arbor Wolverines 62 49 .559 1.0 64-47 -2 34-23 28-26 5-3 17-13 W1 5-5 Spring Lions 59 52 .532 4.0 62-49 -3 31-23 28-29 2-7 12-20 W1 5-5 Virginia Beach Surf 55 56 .495 8.0 52-59 3 29-28 26-28 3-4 14-18 L1 3-7 Cleveland Naps 48 63 .432 15.0 52-59 -4 33-24 15-39 6-4 14-16 L1 5-5 New York Legends 46 65 .414 17.0 42-69 4 22-32 24-33 5-5 19-12 W1 7-3

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG I. Pérez - NY .346 2 N. Mboya WAS .336 3 B. Carney VIR .335 4 J. Pegán ANN .331 4 J. Sosa WAS .331	League Leaders HR J. Pegán - ANN 40 2 C. Estrada ANN 35 3 G. Wiegel MEX 32 4 R. Cook ANN 30 5 2 tied with 29	League Leaders RBI R. Flores - BAL 119 2 J. Pegán ANN 115 3 R. Cook ANN 110 4 M. Boulanger NY 97 5 G. Wiegel MEX 91
League Leaders W Y. Bujold - LON 18 2 M. Morales SPG 15 3 H. Arai MEX 14 3 Ú. Moiteiro SPG 14 5 2 tied with 13	League Leaders ERA Y. Bujold - LON 1.62 2 H. Arai MEX 2.52 3 M. Morales SPG 3.05 4 Á. Reyes POR 3.27 5 R. Gabriel BOS 3.32	League Leaders K J. Ríos - ANN 230 2 Y. Bujold LON 200 3 M. Morales SPG 173 4 I. Ordóñez NY 164 5 T. White LON 139

[Alan T]

First Perfect Game in FOOL-X History!

Hansen Retires 27 Straight Batters
Monday, August 6th, 1973: "I'm still completely stunned," Allen Hansen told reporters as they sat next to Hansen's locker after today's 2-0 win by Virginia Beach. "Throwing a perfect game. It just doesn't seem real! I got all 27 outs in a row."

Hansen was an unstoppable force on the hill today as he fanned 8 New York hitters and walked none en route to perfection.

"I had the best control of my life today," Hansen said. "The whole game was effortless." He quipped, "I never knew throwing a perfect game would be so easy."

On the year Hansen has compiled a 11-8 mark with a 4.72 ERA.

[Alan T]

Forbes Whacks 3 out of the Park for Portland
Thursday, August 16th, 1973: Joseph Forbes, the Portland left fielder, blasted three homers today at Legends Ballpark in the Grocers 22-3 victory against the New York Legends.

For the game, Joseph Forbes scored 3 times and knocked in 3 runs. When he hit his last home run, his teammates, hearing the crack of the bat, leaped off the bench and rushed on the field to greet the jubilant Forbes, when he reached home plate.

In the clubhouse after the game, he gleefully said to the press, "It was just one game, but it sure was a lot of fun -- 3-for-5, three roundtrippers and a win. What a day!"

Forbes is batting at a .310 pace this season, picking up 153 hits in 494 at-bats with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 90 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Ann Arbor's Estrada Gets 2000th Hit
Sunday, August 19th, 1973: "It would have been a lot nicer if my 2000th hit had won the game," said Claudio Estrada after the Ann Arbor Wolverines had been tripped up by the Portland Grocers, 11-10, spoiling his big day. The Wolverines left fielder gained access to the exclusive 2000-hit club by going 1-for-5 in the game played at Ann Arbor Grounds.

"The standing ovation by the fans is not something I will ever forget," Estrada said to the press after the game. "I think even the Grocers fans were cheering me."

In his career Estrada has hit .275 with 2000 hits, 368 doubles, 29 triples and 463 home runs. His totals also include 1481 RBIs and 1255 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Surf Whitewash Naps, Ortíz Winner
Sunday, August 19th, 1973: The Virginia Beach Surf breezed to victory today behind the shutout pitching of Alfredo Ortíz. He surrendered no runs, gave up 2 hits and finished the game with 5 walks and 8 strikeouts. The Surf won the game 8-0.

Presently Ortíz has a 8-9 mark in 26 starts with a 5.56 ERA. He has given up 156 hits in 144 innings, struck out 93 and issued 79 walks. Opposing clubs have compiled a .279 batting average against him.

[Alan T]

Ríos Tames Grocers 3-1, 15 Ks
Monday, August 20th, 1973: Today at Ann Arbor Grounds José Ríos was on target and in command. The Ann Arbor hurler racked up 15 strikeouts in a 3-1 triumph over Portland. Ríos had no walks and gave up 5 hits in knocking off the Grocers.

To date this year, Ríos shows a 16-9 record, 33 starts, 225.1 innings, 266 strikeouts and a 3.59 ERA.

[Alan T]

Neal Collects Cycle
Thursday, August 23rd, 1973: Balzac's Carl Neal went 5-for-6 in today's game and hit for the cycle, collecting all four types of hits and 5 RBIs. But his effort could not overcome the Mexico City Aztecs, who won the game 20-13.

"I didn't really think about it at the time, although after the third hit, it snuck into my mind," Neal told reporters. "The crowd certainly let me know in that last at-bat, that I was going for the cycle... and I was able to make solid contact and get it. In the end the only thing that matters is that we lost," Neal added.

C. Neal grounded out in the 1st, hit an RBI double in the 2nd, hit an RBI single in the 4th, tripled in the 6th, hit a solo-shot off S. Myo in the 7th and hit a two-run single in the 8th.

Neal is currently hitting at a .310 pace with 10 home runs, 62 RBIs and has scored 102 times.

[cgould43]

Originally Posted by Alan T

"I had the best control of my life today," Hansen said. "The whole game was effortless." He quipped, "I never knew throwing a perfect game would be so easy."

On the year Hansen has compiled a 11-8 mark with a 4.72 ERA.

Pretty cocky there for someone not playing to his potential this season.

[Alan T]

Ann Arbor Starter Named RL's Best Pitcher
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: José Ríos's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-1 in August, the 28-year-old Ann Arbor hurler has been named Republic League Pitcher of the Month.

He fanned 52 in 45.2 innings, logged an ERA of 2.96 and allowed opponents to hit .263 against him.

In 35 starts this season Ríos has rung up a 18-9 record and a 3.43 ERA.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by cgould43

Pretty cocky there for someone not playing to his potential this season.

hey, at least give him the day to celebrate!

[Alan T]

London Starter Selected Best Pitcher
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: Yann Bujold of London excelled on the mound in August with a 5-1 record and was named the Pitcher of the Month in the Continental League.

Bujold restricted opposing batters to 32 base hits and a .177 batting average. He rang up 49 strikeouts in 52 innings of work, surrendered 6 walks, and fashioned a 1.38 ERA.

Season-to-date Bujold has rung up 23 wins and 4 losses in 35 appearances. He has an ERA of 1.57 and has fanned 249 batters in 252 innings.

[Alan T]

Pegán Awarded August's RL Top Bat Prize
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: José Pegán capped off a fine August by being named the Republic League Batter of the Month today.

Ann Arbor's first baseman hit .342 while collecting 11 home runs, 29 RBIs and scoring 25 runs. He also drew 14 walks to post an OBP of .417.

Thus far this year Pegán is batting .333 with 51 home runs, 144 RBIs and 108 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Sosa Captures CL Batter of Month Award
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: The most recent Continental League Batter of the Month trophy was awarded to left fielder José Sosa of the Washington Freedom.

In August he stood head and shoulders above all other batters by hitting .354 with 10 home runs, 20 RBIs and 24 runs scored.

This year Sosa has collected a .336 batting average to date with 181 hits in 539 at-bats, 93 RBIs, 28 home runs and scored 97 times. He has played in 139 games.

[Alan T]

Santos Voted August's Rookie Award
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: Francisco Santos of the Spring Lions nabbed the Rookie of the Month honors for August in the Republic League.

Posting a .289 average last month, he collected 24 hits, 5 home runs, 20 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

This season Santos is batting .225 with 14 home runs.

Rookie Reels In Continental League Award
Saturday, September 1st, 1973: Vicente González is still a bit shy, but then, who could blame the newest Continental League Rookie of the Month honoree? He hasn't been around the league long enough to fully know the ropes yet, despite the fact that he's putting up veteran-like numbers.

In August the Indianapolis hitter tagged opposing pitching for a .352 average with 38 hits, 3 home runs and 18 RBIs.

Looking at his stats this year, González has compiled a .288 batting average, while hitting 11 home runs and driving in 61 runs. He has played in 139 games and scored 84 runs.

[Alan T]

September 1st, 1973:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 London Bishops 83 56 .597 - 82-57 1 48-24 35-32 8-6 28-27 18 L2 4-6 Mexico City Aztecs 77 62 .554 6.0 79-60 -2 41-29 36-33 6-7 18-21 L1 7-3 Washington Freedom 73 66 .525 10.0 72-67 1 40-27 33-39 9-8 24-21 L1 5-5 Boston Resettlers 67 72 .482 16.0 63-76 4 36-34 31-38 7-12 24-15 W1 4-6 Balzac Ticklers 61 78 .439 22.0 63-76 -2 32-37 29-41 5-4 17-25 W2 5-5 Indianapolis Clowns 56 83 .403 27.0 60-79 -4 25-44 31-39 7-5 19-21 W1 5-5

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Ann Arbor Wolverines 81 58 .583 - 80-59 1 42-28 39-30 6-4 19-15 21 W3 6-4 Spring Lions 78 61 .561 3.0 80-59 -2 41-28 37-33 5-9 16-24 W2 5-5 Portland Grocers 76 63 .547 5.0 78-61 -2 37-30 39-33 7-7 22-20 W1 8-2 Virginia Beach Surf 69 70 .496 12.0 68-71 1 34-36 35-34 4-4 19-20 L3 4-6 Cleveland Naps 59 80 .424 22.0 64-75 -5 41-31 18-49 7-5 18-19 L2 5-5 New York Legends 54 85 .388 27.0 49-90 5 27-42 27-43 6-6 22-18 L1 2-8

London has a magic number of 14

Mexico City has a magic number of 20

Ann Arbor has a magic number of 19

Spring has a magic number of 22

[Young Drachma]

Son of a crack ho.

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG I. Pérez - NY .344 2 J. Sosa WAS .336 3 J. Pegán ANN .333 4 N. Mboya WAS .330 5 J. Reyes BAL .319	League Leaders HR J. Pegán - ANN 51 2 G. Wiegel MEX 40 3 C. Estrada ANN 39 4 P. Rosebotham POR 36 5 B. Clark VIR 34	League Leaders RBI R. Flores - BAL 148 2 J. Pegán ANN 144 3 G. Wiegel MEX 127 4 R. Cook ANN 125 4 T. Tizzard ANN 125
League Leaders W Y. Bujold - LON 23 2 Ú. Moiteiro SPG 19 3 J. Ríos ANN 18 4 H. Arai MEX 17 4 M. Morales SPG 17	League Leaders ERA Y. Bujold - LON 1.57 2 H. Arai MEX 2.49 3 M. Morales SPG 3.24 4 Á. Reyes POR 3.34 5 J. Ríos ANN 3.43	League Leaders K J. Ríos - ANN 282 2 Y. Bujold LON 249 3 I. Ordóñez NY 213 4 M. Morales SPG 212 5 T. White LON 184

[Alan T]

Blast Off! 3 HR for Baker
Thursday, September 6th, 1973: Paul Baker of the Ticklers brutalized Mexico City pitching, parking three home runs into the bleachers in today's 10-8 victory. The Balzac right fielder was red-hot, the ball just exploded off his bat all day long.

"I don't try to hit homers," he said. "I try to go out there and have good at-bats. If I put a good swing on the ball, then it is going to go out of the park. I didn't try to hit the first one or the second one or the third one. I just try to have good at-bats."

For the game he went 3 for 4 with 5 RBIs and 4 runs scored.

"Too much Paul Baker today," Aztecs manager said. "That's simply what the game boils down to."
"Phenomenal!" said one impressed spectator.
That one word says it all.

P. Baker flied out in the 3rd, hit a three-run home run off A. Román in the 4th, walked in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off S. Myo in the 7th and hit a solo-shot off J. Sizemore in the 9th.

This year Baker has socked 132 hits in 556 at-bats for a .237 average with 18 home runs. He is getting on base at a .313 pace and his totals also include 77 RBIs and 90 runs scored.

[Alan T]

September 10th, 1973:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 London Bishops 87 60 .592 - 87-60 0 51-27 36-33 8-6 28-28 9 W1 4-6 Mexico City Aztecs 80 67 .544 7.0 83-64 -3 43-32 37-35 6-7 18-21 W1 4-6 Washington Freedom 79 68 .537 8.0 77-70 2 44-28 35-40 9-8 25-21 L1 7-3 Boston Resettlers 70 77 .476 17.0 66-81 4 37-35 33-42 7-12 25-17 L1 4-6 Balzac Ticklers 64 83 .435 23.0 67-80 -3 33-39 31-44 5-4 17-26 L1 5-5 Indianapolis Clowns 61 86 .415 26.0 63-84 -2 27-45 34-41 7-5 21-21 W1 6-4

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Ann Arbor Wolverines 85 62 .578 - 85-62 0 44-28 41-34 6-4 20-16 14 L1 6-4 Spring Lions 83 64 .565 2.0 85-62 -2 43-29 40-35 5-9 16-26 W1 7-3 Portland Grocers 81 66 .551 4.0 82-65 -1 40-32 41-34 7-8 25-22 W1 6-4 Virginia Beach Surf 72 75 .490 13.0 71-76 1 36-39 36-36 4-6 21-21 L2 3-7 Cleveland Naps 62 85 .422 23.0 68-79 -6 44-34 18-51 9-5 20-21 L1 3-7 New York Legends 58 89 .395 27.0 52-95 6 28-44 30-45 7-6 23-19 W2 5-5

London has a magic number of 8

Mexico City has a magic number of 15

Ann Arbor has a magic number of 12

Spring has a magic number of 14

[Young Drachma]

I guess I was due one nail biter. It's been a while since I'd been in one of those. I didn't miss them. But I guess it's better than being out of it.

[Alan T]

Ríos Dominates, Whitewashes Legends
Tuesday, September 11th, 1973: José Ríos dominated the day, pitching shutout ball against the Legends and holding them to 5 hits. He fanned 13 and walked 1 in spinning his 10-0 win.

"I can't take all the credit for this one," Ríos said. "I had some great defense behind me."

This season Ríos has 20 wins and 9 losses and a 3.19 ERA.

[Alan T]

2500th Hit for Reyes
Sunday, September 16th, 1973: By going 4-for-4 in the Balzac 12-6 win over Washington, José Reyes reached the 2500-hit mark. The The Tickle Trunk fans, friend and foe, burst into applause and Reyes's teammates hugged and congratulated him on his achievement.

"The guys began the countdown weeks ago," said the newest member of the 2500 Club. "I don't know who was more excited -- them or me."

In his career Reyes is batting .339 with 2501 hits, 86 home runs, 1571 runs scored and 959 RBIs.

[Alan T]

Grocers Bardino Dominates Legends
Sunday, September 16th, 1973: It was a dismal game for the Legends with Carlos Bardino on the hill. The Portland starter was in top form and made it a long day for New York with a 14-0 shutout. He surrendered a total of 1 hit and piled up 6 strikeouts to pick up the win in a route-going effort.

In 31 starts this year Bardino has fashioned a 13-10 record and a 4.48 ERA.

[spleen1015]

Another season where I have the worst record the whole year only to lose the #1 pick in the last month.

I'm good at sucking at this game.

[CleBrownsfan]

Alan - what's the longest drought in FOOL for not making the playoffs? I really don't want to break that record

[Alan T]

September 17, 1973:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 London Bishops 89 65 .578 - 90-64 -1 52-27 37-38 8-6 29-29 4 W1 3-7 Washington Freedom 84 70 .545 5.0 80-74 4 49-29 35-41 9-8 27-21 L2 7-3 Mexico City Aztecs 83 71 .539 6.0 87-67 -4 46-32 37-39 7-8 19-23 L1 4-6 Boston Resettlers 73 81 .474 16.0 69-85 4 40-35 33-46 7-13 26-19 L4 4-6 Balzac Ticklers 68 86 .442 21.0 71-83 -3 37-39 31-47 5-4 17-27 W4 6-4 Indianapolis Clowns 65 89 .422 24.0 67-87 -2 30-46 35-43 8-5 23-22 W2 6-4

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Ann Arbor Wolverines 91 63 .591 - 90-64 1 47-28 44-35 6-4 21-16 5 L1 7-3 Spring Lions 87 67 .565 4.0 89-65 -2 46-30 41-37 6-9 18-27 W2 6-4 Portland Grocers 84 70 .545 7.0 85-69 -1 42-36 42-34 7-8 26-22 W1 5-5 Virginia Beach Surf 75 79 .487 16.0 75-79 0 36-42 39-37 4-6 21-22 L4 4-6 Cleveland Naps 65 89 .422 26.0 72-82 -7 45-34 20-55 9-6 20-24 W1 4-6 New York Legends 60 94 .390 31.0 53-101 7 30-46 30-48 7-6 24-19 L1 4-6

London has a magic number of 3

Washington has a magic number of 8

Ann Arbor has a magic number of 2

Spring has a magic number of 6

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

Alan - what's the longest drought in FOOL for not making the playoffs? I really don't want to break that record

You mean the longest a team has gone without making the playoffs or the longest before they made it the first time (In the original FOOL league I presume?)

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Alan T

You mean the longest a team has gone without making the playoffs or the longest before they made it the first time (In the original FOOL league I presume?)

It took Boston 36 years to make the playoffs, 47 years to make the Classic.

[Alan T]

9/17:

London 5, Boston 1
Indianapolis 12, Mexico City 10
Washington 7, Balzac 1

London 90-65 (M# 1 / M# 3 for homefield)
Washington 85-70 (5 GB / M# 6)
Mexico City 83-72 (7 GB)

Ann Arbor 10, Cleveland 4
Virginia Beach 7, Spring 4
Portland 10, New York 5

Ann Arbor 92-63 (M# 1 / M# 3 for homefield)
Spring 87-68 (5 GB / M# 6)
Portland 85-70 (7 GB)

[CleBrownsfan]

47 years?! I should be okay then - at least I hope!

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

It took Boston 36 years to make the playoffs, 47 years to make the Classic.

Which one was longer? I don't have it in front of me right now.. Did the Boston/Long Island get to the playoffs first or the New Orleans/El Paso/Boston/St.Louis one?

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by CleBrownsfan

47 years?! I should be okay then - at least I hope!

I was wrong. It was 36 years to make the playoffs. 47 to make a FOOL Classic for the first time (and 50 years before they finally won it.)

But for a good part of that time, we only allowed the top team from each league into the post-season. (Playoffs were gone from 1964-1982 and returned in 1983.)

And one of those seasons, they tied for the league title and lost a five-game playoff to make the FOOL Classic, so...tortured history all around.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Which one was longer? I don't have it in front of me right now.. Did the Boston/Long Island get to the playoffs first or the New Orleans/El Paso/Boston/St.Louis one?

The Settlers didn't make the playoffs until '99 during the dark period. El Paso/New Orleans/Boston/St. Louis made the playoffs during the St. Louis portion during the dark period and won a few Classics before being shut down in '99.

[Alan T]

9/18:

London 4, Boston 1
Mexico City 5, Indianapolis 1
Washington 3, Balzac 2

London clinches a playoff spot!

London 91-65 (M# 2 for homefield advantage)
Washington 86-70 (5 GB / M# 5)
Mexico City 84-72 (7 GB)

Cleveland 8, Ann Arbor 2
Spring 5, Virginia Beach 4
New York 5, Portland 4

Ann Arbor clinches a playoff spot!!

Ann Arbor 92-64 (M# 3 for homefield advantage)
Spring 88-68 (4 GB / m# 4)
Portland 85-71 (7 GB)

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

I was wrong. It was 36 years to make the playoffs. 47 to make a FOOL Classic for the first time (and 50 years before they finally won it.)

But for a good part of that time, we only allowed the top team from each league into the post-season. (Playoffs were gone from 1964-1982 and returned in 1983.)

And one of those seasons, they tied for the league title and lost a five-game playoff to make the FOOL Classic, so...tortured history all around.

Good times! I remember somewhere along the way even though I was a diehard CL guy, I was rooting for him to beat I think it was Atlanta in their first FOOL Classic?

[Young Drachma]

I made no improvements this off-season, so I suppose this fate is deserved. So it goes.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Good times! I remember somewhere along the way even though I was a diehard CL guy, I was rooting for him to beat I think it was Atlanta in their first FOOL Classic?

Yup. The whole league was, I think. That was a hard Classic (2007) to watch. And I believe it went 9 games too, to add insult to injury.

[Alan T]

9/19:

Washington 7, Boston 0
London 2, Mexico City 1

London 92-65 (M# 1 for homefield advantage)
Washington 87-70 (5 GB / M# 3)
Mexico City 84-73 (8 GB)

Ann Arbor 11, Portland 10
Spring 4, New York 0

Ann Arbor 93-64 (M# 2 for homefield advantage)
Spring 89-68 (4 GB / M# 2)
Portland 85-72 (8 GB)


Both Portland and Mexico City look to have a long road ahead of them as they fight for their lives against the team with the best record in their respective leagues.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Yup. The whole league was, I think. That was a hard Classic (2007) to watch. And I believe it went 9 games too, to add insult to injury.

Poor Chief ended up being the bad guy there too when he hadn't had the best luck in the playoffs himself too.

[Young Drachma]

Oh well. Good work for the RL teams that managed to come back, as they earned it. No reward for the complacent this season.

[Alan T]

Freedom Sánchez Tosses Masterpiece
Wednesday, September 19th, 1973: Miguel Sánchez was stingy with runs in his latest outing against the Resettlers. He shut them out 7-0 on 4 hits with 8 strikeouts and 4 walks.

The Washington manager said, "Miguel was very aggressive tonight. He threw everything he had with a lot of confidence."

The losing manager had praise, too. "He was throwing strikes with all his pitches and mixing it up well. Sánchez has a sneaky fastball, and whatever that offspeed pitch was, it was keeping our timing off."

This season Sánchez has compiled a 15-12 mark with a 4.15 ERA.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Alan T

Poor Chief ended up being the bad guy there too when he hadn't had the best luck in the playoffs himself too.

Exactly. And the Atlanta franchise had NEVER won a Classic, despite the relative success the franchise had over the years. So it was a funny year that was a great story for FOOL, even though there was a real "fan favorite" if you will.

[Alan T]

New York Whitewashed by Morales
Wednesday, September 19th, 1973: Mauro Morales proved to be just what the Lions needed to silence the New York bats. He allowed only 4 hits and led Spring to an impressive 4-0 victory. For the game, Morales registered 9 strikeouts and no walks.

This season Morales has crafted a 21-12 mark with a 3.22 ERA in 296 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .249 against him and he has 244 strikeouts.

[Alan T]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Exactly. And the Atlanta franchise had NEVER won a Classic, despite the relative success the franchise had over the years.

I feel partially to blame

[Alan T]

9/20:

Mexico City 5, London 4
Washington 5, Boston 3

London 92-66 (M# 1 for homefield)
Washington 88-70 (4 GB / M# 2)
Mexico City 85-73 (7 GB)


Portland 3, Ann Arbor 2
New York 9, Spring 3

Ann Arbor 93-65 (M# 1 for homefield)
Spring 89-69 (4 GB / m# 2)
Portland 86-72 (7 GB)

[Alan T]

9/21:

London 4, Mexico City 2
Washington 6, Boston 4 (15 innings)

The London Bishops are the 1973 CL regular season champs!
With the extra innings win, Washington also clinches a playoff spot!


Portland 5, Ann Arbor 0
Spring 7, New York 2

Ann Arbor 93-66 (M# 1 for homefield)
Spring 90-69 (3 GB / M# 1)
Portland 87-72 (6 GB)