FOOL-X 1979 Regular Season

[Alan T]

Our 19th season of FOOL-X kicks off soon! I've been asked for a little more time from one owner, so probably about 25 minutes we will start up the season!

[Alan T]

Ok, getting exports now!

[Alan T]

Sunday, April 1st, 1979

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent MR D. Desjardins to a 1-year contract worth a total of $6,000,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent MR P. Tatum to a 1-year contract worth a total of $3,100,000.

New York Legends: Signed free agent SP M. Enríquez to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,500,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent SP K. Andersen to a 4-year contract worth a total of $36,028,000.

Indianapolis Clowns: Signed CL S. Trent to a 2-year contract extension worth a total of $550,000.

[Alan T]

Sosa becomes the 5th player in FOOL-X history with 2500 hits

Sosa Collects Hit Number 2500
Wednesday, April 4th, 1979: By going 3-for-4 in the Washington 9-4 win over Boston, José Sosa reached the 2500-hit mark. The Memorial Stadium fans, friend and foe, burst into applause and Sosa'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."

His career numbers show Sosa is currently carrying a .326 lifetime batting average with 485 home runs and 1521 RBIs.

[Alan T]

Carney Gets Number 2000
Saturday, April 7th, 1979: Bill Carney's bat made good contact with the ball as he has many times in his career, but this time it added his name to an elite list of players with 2000 hits. The Virginia Beach shortstop went to the plate 4 times and racked up 2 hits to gain the honor. But the Surf couldn't pull off a win -- they fell to the Spring Lions, 12-3.

In a career spanning 1628 games, Carney has batted .302 with 2001 hits, 53 home runs, 742 RBIs, and 1124 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Hitting streak carried over from last season

Surf Chill LaVergne's Hot Streak
Sunday, April 8th, 1979: It was the best of both worlds for the Virginia Beach Surf today at Lions Ballpark as they defeated the Spring Lions 6-3 and also ended Robby LaVergne's 28-game hitting streak. The 30-year-old Spring shortstop failed to get a hit in 4 at-bats.

"Nothing personal against Robby, we just wanted to win the game," said the victorious Surf skipper. "We did a great job keeping him off-balance and guessing."

When asked by reporters about his streak coming to an end, LaVergne frowned and said, "I won't lie and say that I'm not disappointed about my streak ending, but I would feel much better about things if we had won the game."

Thus far this season in 8 games LaVergne is batting .267 with no home runs, 2 RBIs and 7 runs scored. He has 8 hits in 30 at-bats.

[Alan T]

Gehringer Reaches 2000
Sunday, April 29th, 1979: London's Mark Gehringer collected his 2000th career base hit, but Mexico City collected the win. The Aztecs ruined his special day by knocking off the Bishops 7-4. The 34-year-old catcher reached the milestone by going 1-for-3 in the game.

In his career Gehringer has played in 1901 games, totaling 2000 hits, 486 doubles, 25 triples and 121 homers. He has hit .282 with 911 RBIs and scored 882 times.

[Alan T]

Lions Morales Named RL's Best Pitcher
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Mauro Morales still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in April. The 37-year-old starter for Spring was named Republic League Pitcher of the Month earlier today.

He collected 5 wins and 1 loss with 45 strikeouts in his 7 starts, putting up a fine 1.97 ERA in 50.1 innings of work.

[Alan T]

April's Best Hurler in CL is Bardino
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: As Carlos Bardino hoisted up the Continental League Pitcher of the Month trophy for April, rumors have already begun to swirl about whether he will leave Washington once his contract is up at the end of the season.

Bardino put pressure on the Freedom to keep him around by posting a 5-0 record and an ERA of 2.35 over 53.2 innings last month. He also rolled up 51 strikeouts, increasing his value both to Washington and to every other team in the league.

[Alan T]

Sorry, have a semi-emergency at work here. Give me another 5 minutes or so to continue

[Alan T]

Super Month Nets Harris #1 Batter Prize in RL
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: When Gary Harris stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Republic League Batter of the Month award.

The young New York left fielder posted a .409 batting average with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs and scored 30 runs. Harris also worked pitchers for 27 walks to post a .522 on-base percentage.

[Alan T]

Maganda Brings Home CL Batter of Month Honor
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: Pedro Maganda hit the baseball with consistency all month long and was voted the Continental League's Batter of the Month for April.

The Indianapolis right fielder batted .339 and posted 11 home runs, 24 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He also drew 12 walks for a .406 OBP.

[Alan T]

RL Selects Rookie Star of the Month
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: A veritable toddler to the Republic League, Alberto Díaz just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for April.

Over the past month the 24-year-old third baseman for Portland hit .369 with 38 hits, 3 home runs and 22 RBI. He also logged 8 walks and compiled a .412 on-base percentage.

Continental League Names Rookie of Month
Tuesday, May 1st, 1979: José López earned April's Rookie of the Month honors in the Continental League for last month's performance. The boyish Balzac second baseman might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level.

López hit .320 with 1 home run, 13 RBIs and 14 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

[Alan T]

May 1st, 1979:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Boston Resettlers 16 12 .571 - 15-13 1 9-6 7-6 2-0 4-3 134 L1 4-6 London Bishops 15 13 .536 1.0 15-13 0 10-3 5-10 1-2 7-2 W1 6-4 Mexico City Aztecs 15 13 .536 1.0 14-14 1 8-5 7-8 1-1 4-3 W2 6-4 Washington Freedom 15 13 .536 1.0 15-13 0 9-3 6-10 0-2 1-2 L2 6-4 Indianapolis Clowns 14 14 .500 2.0 14-14 0 9-4 5-10 1-1 2-6 W1 5-5 Balzac Ticklers 9 19 .321 7.0 12-16 -3 6-12 3-7 2-1 1-3 L1 3-7

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Cleveland Naps 16 12 .571 - 15-13 1 9-4 7-8 2-3 9-5 134 W1 8-2 New York Legends 15 13 .536 1.0 16-12 -1 8-5 7-8 3-1 4-4 L2 3-7 Spring Lions 15 13 .536 1.0 17-11 -2 7-8 8-5 1-2 3-6 L3 5-5 Ann Arbor Wolverines 14 14 .500 2.0 13-15 1 7-6 7-8 0-1 4-4 W2 5-5 Portland Grocers 13 15 .464 3.0 13-15 0 6-6 7-9 3-2 7-7 L1 4-6 Virginia Beach Surf 11 17 .393 5.0 10-18 1 6-12 5-5 2-2 4-5 W3 5-5

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG G. Harris - NY .409 2 J. Forbes BAL .385 3 R. LeClerc ANN .379 4 J. Sosa WAS .376 5 A. Díaz POR .369	League Leaders HR P. Maganda - IND 11 2 T. Yamashita IND 9 3 R. Cook CLE 8 3 M. Guerrero ANN 8 3 3 more tied with 8	League Leaders RBI R. Stariczack - CLE 30 2 T. Yamashita IND 28 3 J. Silver SPG 27 4 D. Gamblin SPG 26 4 M. Ohayashi WAS 26
League Leaders W 4 tied with 5 1 C. Bardino WAS 5 1 A. De Jesús ANN 5 1 M. Morales SPG 5 1 S. Myo MEX 5	League Leaders ERA P. Contreras - BOS 1.24 2 M. Morales SPG 1.97 3 C. Bardino WAS 2.35 4 J. Urbina BOS 2.52 5 L. Hernández BAL 2.67	League Leaders K C. Bardino - WAS 51 2 M. Morales SPG 45 3 E. Alonso BAL 44 4 H. Arai MEX 40 5 K. Cho SPG 36

[Alan T]

Stariczack Rocks Wolverines for 3 HRs
Friday, May 11th, 1979: It was a good day for Cleveland and an exceptional day for Ryzard Stariczack. The 27-year-old third baseman sent three bombs out of the park to help the Naps beat the Ann Arbor Wolverines 8-6 at Ann Arbor Grounds.

Following the game, he was asked about his performance. "When you're in the zone, the game really slows down," Stariczack commented, "I couldn't even tell you what pitches were thrown. Today feels great, but it is a long season and tomorrow is another day."

For the day he scored 3 times, drove in 5 runs and smacked 3 hits in 4 at-bats.

R. Stariczack hit a two-run home run off J. Ríos in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off J. Ríos in the 3rd, hit a solo-shot off J. Cannell in the 6th, walked in the 7th and struck out in the 9th.

This year Stariczack has hit at a .361 pace and produced 49 RBIs, 13 home runs and scored 30 runs.

[Alan T]

Guerrero Jacks 3 into the Stands
Thursday, May 31st, 1979: It wasn't your average day at the ballpark. The fans witnessed Máximo Guerrero power his way into the record book with three home runs and propel the Ann Arbor Wolverines to a 21-9 win over the New York Legends.

He spoke with reporters after his historic day. "I've always loved hitting in Legends Ballpark. You can see the ball so well."

For the day he collected 4 hits in 5 at-bats, scored 4 runs and had 4 RBIs.

M. Guerrero hit a solo-shot off I. Ordóñez in the 1st, hit a solo-shot off I. Ordóñez in the 3rd, grounded out in the 5th, doubled in the 7th, walked in the 7th and hit a two-run home run off J. Webster in the 9th.

To date this season Guerrero is hitting .230 with 19 home runs.

[Alan T]

Naps Tanguay May's Top Hurler
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Jérôme Tanguay's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-1 in May, the 27-year-old Cleveland hurler has been named Republic League Pitcher of the Month.

He fanned 33 in 46 innings, logged an ERA of 2.54 and allowed opponents to hit .260 against him.

This season Tanguay has gone 7-2 with an ERA of 3.07, posting 59 strikeouts in 91 innings

[Alan T]

May's Pitcher of the Month Goes to Bardino
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Veteran Carlos Bardino put together quite a successful stretch in May for the Washington Freedom, earning himself the Continental League Pitcher of the Month award.

Bardino racked up a 4-2 record in 8 starts, posting a 2.58 ERA over 52.1 innings and striking out 44.

So far this year Bardino has 9 wins and 2 losses and a 2.46 ERA.

[Alan T]

RL Best Hitter Award to New York's Ignacio Guerrero
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Ignacio Guerrero of the New York Legends stood out in May with a .349 batting average against Republic League pitchers to land him the Batter of the Month award.

The 29-year-old center fielder totaled 16 home runs, 41 RBIs and 27 runs scored. He also chipped in 7 walks for a .382 on-base percentage.

Looking at his stats this year, Guerrero has compiled a .304 batting average, while hitting 23 home runs and driving in 66 runs. He has played in 57 games and scored 46 runs.

[Alan T]

Juan Ortíz Winner in May
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Juan Ortíz of the Ticklers hit .387 in May with 5 home runs, 20 RBIs and 21 runs scored to capture a majority of votes for the Continental League Batter of the Month trophy.

The 29-year-old is in the last year of his contract and will undoubtedly use these numbers to try and bring in a huge pay raise.

Ortíz's current batting average stands at .332 and he has chalked up 8 home runs and 36 RBIs.

[Alan T]

Best Republic League Newcomer Named
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Rudy Elliott's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Portland left fielder has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month.

In May he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award.

During the month he hit .403 with 11 doubles, no triples and 3 home runs. Elliott also scored 27 times and drove in 25 runs.

This year Elliott is batting .371 with 92 hits, 4 home runs, 35 RBIs, 24 walks, .425 OBP and has scored 47 runs.

May's Top Rookie Named by CL
Friday, June 1st, 1979: Youngster Bob Didkowsky emerged as the latest Continental League Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Indianapolis deserved the honor, batting .337 with 1 home run and 15 RBI. Is the month of May a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Didkowsky enjoy the limelight.

Thus far this year Didkowsky has hit .282 with 3 home runs and 26 RBIs.

[Alan T]

June 1st, 1979:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Indianapolis Clowns 31 26 .544 - 32-25 -1 18-9 13-17 2-1 4-9 105 L1 5-5 London Bishops 30 27 .526 1.0 30-27 0 17-10 13-17 2-5 10-5 W2 5-5 Washington Freedom 30 27 .526 1.0 27-30 3 16-11 14-16 0-3 1-3 W1 7-3 Mexico City Aztecs 29 28 .509 2.0 29-28 0 17-10 12-18 3-2 8-6 L2 7-3 Boston Resettlers 28 29 .491 3.0 30-27 -2 15-15 13-14 3-1 7-5 W1 3-7 Balzac Ticklers 23 34 .404 8.0 25-32 -2 12-21 11-13 4-2 5-7 L1 3-7

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Cleveland Naps 33 24 .579 - 32-25 1 17-10 16-14 2-3 12-9 104 W3 6-4 New York Legends 31 26 .544 2.0 31-26 0 15-12 16-14 3-1 7-6 L1 6-4 Spring Lions 31 26 .544 2.0 32-25 -1 14-16 17-10 3-3 9-10 W1 6-4 Portland Grocers 28 29 .491 5.0 27-30 1 14-13 14-16 4-3 12-9 L1 5-5 Ann Arbor Wolverines 26 31 .456 7.0 25-32 1 12-15 14-16 2-3 7-8 W1 5-5 Virginia Beach Surf 22 35 .386 11.0 24-33 -2 10-23 12-12 2-3 6-11 L8 2-8

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG B. Fields - ANN .379 2 T. Tizzard ANN .377 3 R. Elliott POR .371 4 D. Anderson CLE .363 5 A. Díaz POR .358	League Leaders HR I. Guerrero - NY 23 2 M. Guerrero ANN 19 2 R. Stariczack CLE 19 4 R. Cook CLE 18 5 3 tied with 16	League Leaders RBI I. Guerrero - NY 66 2 R. Stariczack CLE 65 3 M. Boulanger NY 58 4 M. Guerrero ANN 54 5 D. Gamblin SPG 50
League Leaders W C. Bardino - WAS 9 2 G. Sánchez POR 8 3 J. Figueroa IND 7 3 M. Morales SPG 7 3 2 more tied with 7	League Leaders ERA C. Bardino - WAS 2.46 2 J. Tanguay CLE 3.07 3 A. Ortíz BOS 3.30 4 J. Urbina BOS 3.43 5 A. Héroux BOS 3.52	League Leaders K C. Bardino - WAS 95 2 M. Morales SPG 88 3 H. Arai MEX 82 4 E. Alonso BAL 77 5 B. Kuhn MEX 74

[CleBrownsfan]

Team is looking pretty solid so far. I just hope to keep the 1 run games over .500 and I'll be okay.

[Alan T]

Tommy Tizzard Gets Hit Number 2000
Friday, June 1st, 1979: The box score from yesterday's game will show that Ann Arbor beat the Portland Grocers, 9-8. It will also show that right fielder Tommy Tizzard went 1-for-4 for the Wolverines. It will not show, however, that Tizzard reached the 2000-hit mark for his career.

The 33-year-old Tizzard reflected on the achievement after the game. He mused: "In one respect, it's a real milestone, I guess. Yet, it's just a base hit like any other base hit."

Tizzard has a lifetime average of .301, has played in 1671 games, and has collected 389 home runs and 1335 RBIs.

[Alan T]

3 Boomers for Shelton
Saturday, June 9th, 1979: Washington first baseman Keith Shelton led the Freedom to a 8-4 triumph over the Boston Resettlers, crushing three home runs.

"He's scary good when he's swinging the bat like that," said the Washington skipper.

Indeed, Shelton put up some "scary good" numbers: three homers, 4 hits in 4 at-bats with 4 runs and 5 RBIs.

"Guys like that," said the manager, "make my job ten times easier."

So far this year Shelton is batting .316 with 17 home runs, 58 RBIs and 51 runs scored.

[Alan T]

O'Farrell Goes Downtown 3 Times Against Grocers
Tuesday, June 12th, 1979: Today was a special one for Nathaniel O'Farrell of the New York Legends as he slammed three home runs in the 16-7 win over the Portland Grocers.

"Lately, I been uppercutting the ball too much. I would hit it hard, but they just went sky high and stayed in the ballpark," he said to sportswriters after the game. "No big long outs for me in this game... I leveled out my swing and connected on the sweet spot three times. I knew they were gone the minute I hit 'em."

The New York right fielder had quite a game at Legends Ballpark as he collected 3 hits in 4 at-bats, drove in 5 and scored 3 runs.

N. O'Farrell hit a two-run home run off G. Spaan in the 2nd, hit a two-run home run off G. Spaan in the 3rd, grounded out in the 4th, hit a solo-shot off R. Ramos in the 6th and walked in the 7th.

Hitting .384 to date, O'Farrell has 15 home runs and 35 RBIs. He has played in 42 games.

[Montreal_GM]

I expected MC to be a bit better off this far along. Even with the loss of Armando Alicata and Ken Andersen I thought this was the most balanced team I've put on the field.

We're always good for a late push.

[Alan T]

FOOLX News: The All-Star Game Rosters Have Been Announced

How would you like to manage a team with more star players than you can play? It wouldn't be an easy chore. That's the dilemma facing the two managers at the annual FOOL-X All-Star classic -- how to get all the talented All-Stars in the game? But it's a joy for the fans -- to see all of their favorite stars on one field at the same time.

Here are the official All-Star rosters:

Continental League:


SP C. Bardino (WAS)
SP J. Urbina (BOS)
SP E. (WAS)
SP A. Ortíz (BOS)
SP H. Arai (MEX)
SP R. Gabriel (MEX)
MR I. Nakanishi (BAL)
CL I. Sosa (MEX)
MR B. Barber (BAL)
CL K. Sun (LON)
CL J. LaRochelle (WAS)
MR L. Hernández (BAL)
RF P. Maganda (IND)
LF J. Sosa (WAS)
1B K. Shelton (WAS)
CF A. Méndez (IND)
C J. Guevara (IND)
2B S. Iwamoto (WAS)
SS J. Salas (LON)
C F. González (BOS)
3B T. Yamashita (IND)
LF V. De Jesús (MEX)
CF M. Ohayashi (WAS)
LF B. Alderdice (WAS)
2B A. Gutiérrez (BOS)
CF J. Medrano (LON)
SS J. Ortíz (BAL)
SS A. Daktari (MEX)


Republic League:


SP M. Morales (SPG)
SP J. Tanguay (CLE)
SP M. Vera (NY)
SP J. Morrow (NY)
SP G. Sánchez (POR)
SP M. Salas (CLE)
CL A. Gilbert (SPG)
MR W. Hall (CLE)
CL A. Morales (POR)
CL G. Pajetta (NY)
MR C. Hoffe (SPG)
MR G. Bowers (ANN)
3B B. Fields (ANN)
2B R. Cook (CLE)
RF T. Tizzard (ANN)
CF I. Guerrero (NY)
1B R. Sosa (SPG)
C F. Navarro (ANN)
SS R. LaVergne (SPG)
LF D. Anderson (CLE)
C M. Gómez (SPG)
3B R. Stariczack (CLE)
CF C. Hammerich (CLE)
2B K. Bailey (POR)
RF N. O'Farrell (NY)
LF G. Harris (NY)
SS Z. Sa (NY)
2B R. LeClerc (ANN)

[Alan T]

2000 Hits for Flores
Tuesday, June 26th, 1979: Ricardo Flores, welcome to the club -- the 2000-hit club.

The Balzac right fielder gained membership in that elite group in a 9-8 victory over the Boston Resettlers at The Tickle Trunk.

2 hits in 4 at-bats today enabled the Ticklers star to reach the milestone.

In his career Flores has hit .299 with 2000 hits, 509 doubles, 73 triples and 206 home runs. His totals also include 1120 RBIs and 1090 runs scored.

[Alan T]

RL Selects Rodríguez June's #1 Pitcher
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: June's elite pitcher was Tony Rodríguez of Ann Arbor. He silenced Republic League hitters the entire month and claimed the Pitcher of the Month award with 4 wins and 1 loss in 6 starts.

Rodríguez restricted opposing hitters to a .237 batting average. He rang up 26 strikeouts in 39.2 innings of work, surrendered 12 walks and crafted a 1.82 ERA.

In 21 starts this season Rodríguez has registered a 7-7 record and a 5.53 ERA.

[Alan T]

Continental League Premier Pitcher is Sun
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: "The kid had it all working last month," a veteran teammate told reporters. "He keeps up those kind of numbers, we may have to start inviting him out with us after the games."

Kien-lung Sun put together a very solid month to take home the Continental League's top pitching honor in June.

The 25-year-old reliever threw like a veteran. In 14 relief appearances he raked in 7 saves and 16 strikeouts in 15.2 innings as he put together his 2-0 record and 1.15 ERA.

In 1979 Sun has totaled 40 relief appearances, worked 42 innings, struck out 49 and issued 17 walks. He has 19 saves and fashioned a 2.79 ERA and a 3-3 won-lost mark.

[Alan T]

June's #1 Batter Announced
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: June was a very productive month for Gary Harris and today the New York left fielder was awarded the Republic League Batter of the Month trophy.

He clobbered enemy hurlers for a .353 average, 3 home runs, 17 RBIs and scored 27 runs.

Presently Harris is batting .345 and has collected 9 home runs, 47 RBIs, .480 OBP and scored 80 runs.

[Alan T]

CL Honors Shelton, #1 Batter in June
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: Keith Shelton picked up the top batter prize in the Continental League for June.

The Washington first baseman hit .352 with 8 home runs, 28 RBIs and 25 runs scored. He also drew 18 walks to post an OBP of .473.

This year Shelton has socked 98 hits in 307 at-bats for a .319 average with 21 home runs. He is getting on base at a .425 pace and his totals also include 73 RBIs and 65 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Rookie Center Fielder Honored by RL
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: Allan Thurlby certainly had a lot to crow about in the Republic League in June. The rookie center fielder for Virginia Beach tagged opposing pitchers for a .344 batting average and was the top votegetter for the Rookie of the Month trophy.

He won it by going 22-64 in 23 games with 4 home runs, 6 RBIs and 14 runs scored.

This year Thurlby is hitting at a .301 pace with 7 home runs and 23 RBIs. He has played in 63 games and scored 31 times.

Porter Hauls in June's Best Rookie Award
Sunday, July 1st, 1979: Paul Porter was toddling around on his tricycle when some of the guys he's playing against were in their prime, but the 24-year-old second baseman definitely knows how to get to first, second or beyond. Today he was chosen June's Continental League Rookie of the Month for his remarkable month of hitting.

In 23 games Porter batted .260 for Boston, slapping 19 hits in 73 at-bats with 5 home runs, drove in 10 runs and scored 11 times.

In his season totals Porter has 12 home runs and a .260 batting average.

[Alan T]

July 1st, 1979:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Washington Freedom 47 35 .573 - 41-41 6 26-14 21-21 0-3 4-3 79 W4 6-4 Mexico City Aztecs 45 37 .549 2.0 44-38 1 25-15 20-22 5-4 11-8 W2 7-3 London Bishops 43 39 .524 4.0 43-39 0 23-16 20-23 4-6 14-9 W3 8-2 Indianapolis Clowns 39 43 .476 8.0 43-39 -4 22-20 17-23 3-3 6-13 L3 2-8 Boston Resettlers 38 44 .463 9.0 40-42 -2 19-23 19-21 4-2 10-8 L5 3-7 Balzac Ticklers 34 48 .415 13.0 35-47 -1 15-28 19-20 5-3 8-12 L2 4-6

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 New York Legends 49 33 .598 - 47-35 2 23-16 26-17 6-1 12-7 75 W7 9-1 Cleveland Naps 43 39 .524 6.0 45-37 -2 22-18 21-21 3-4 13-13 L2 3-7 Spring Lions 43 39 .524 6.0 43-39 0 18-24 25-15 3-4 15-12 W1 4-6 Ann Arbor Wolverines 41 41 .500 8.0 39-43 2 21-21 20-20 3-6 10-11 W2 6-4 Portland Grocers 35 47 .427 14.0 36-46 -1 17-23 18-24 5-5 14-14 L1 4-6 Virginia Beach Surf 35 47 .427 14.0 36-46 -1 14-29 21-18 4-4 8-15 L2 4-6

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG B. Fields - ANN .390 2 T. Tizzard ANN .368 3 D. Anderson CLE .365 4 J. Sosa WAS .349 5 G. Harris NY .345	League Leaders HR I. Guerrero - NY 33 2 R. Cook CLE 23 2 M. Guerrero ANN 23 4 K. Shelton WAS 21 5 6 tied with 20	League Leaders RBI R. Stariczack - CLE 87 2 I. Guerrero NY 85 3 M. Boulanger NY 83 4 D. Gamblin SPG 74 5 K. Shelton WAS 73
League Leaders W C. Bardino - WAS 14 2 M. Morales SPG 10 2 G. Sánchez POR 10 2 T. White LON 10 5 H. Arai MEX 9	League Leaders ERA C. Bardino - WAS 2.93 2 M. Morales SPG 3.16 3 T. White LON 3.34 4 M. Vera NY 3.51 5 E. Miller WAS 3.72	League Leaders K C. Bardino - WAS 127 2 M. Morales SPG 122 3 B. Kuhn MEX 121 4 H. Arai MEX 105 5 T. White LON 104

[Montreal_GM]

We've had 3 different ROM winners in each league so far. Jorge Bonuz better be next!

[gstelmack]

The curse of the good spring training strikes again!

[Alan T]

Zero Hour: Suárez Blanks Resettlers
Thursday, July 5th, 1979: Indianapolis pitcher Gabriel Suárez put on a show today and walked away with a 9-0 shutout victory over the Boston Resettlers, throttling them on 4 hits. He just cruised through their lineup, fanning 7 and walking 0 in a strong outing.

"He was very efficient and he hit his spots," his manager said. "He stayed down in the zone and stayed away from the middle of the plate."

So far this season Suárez has a 7-6 record with a 4.35 ERA.

[Montreal_GM]

Oh man, Guerrero must be right on pace to break the HR record.

[Alan T]

Going, Going, Gone! Meilaart Hits 3 Homers
Monday, July 9th, 1979: Fans from London are still buzzing after London whipped the Resettlers 11-3 today at Bishops Ballpark. Joachim Meilaart smashed three home runs in the game. This is a feat that few players ever achieve and few fans ever see.

In a tremendous performance the first baseman bashed out 4 hits in 5 at-bats, had 7 RBIs and scored 3 times.

At the postgame press conference, he was asked what it felt like to hit three home runs in one game. Meilaart answered, "To get one homer is special... two is great... three is just unbelievable!"

J. Meilaart hit a three-run home run off A. Héroux in the 1st, hit a solo-shot off A. Héroux in the 3rd, hit a three-run home run off R. Rosado in the 4th, flied out in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

Currently Meilaart has 18 home runs and a .326 batting average.

[Alan T]

No Hits for Fields, String Runs out at 31
Wednesday, July 11th, 1979: The 31-game hitting streak of Bill Fields has come to an end. The Ann Arbor third baseman went 0-for-4 today in the 5-2 loss to the Spring Lions at Lions Ballpark.

This year Fields has hit at a .405 clip with 72 RBIs, 12 home runs and 85 runs scored.

[Alan T]

And we have the 6th player in FOOL-X history with 2500 hits

Spring's Zaragoza Reaches 2500 Hits
Monday, July 16th, 1979: It was a banner day for Manuel Zaragoza, who collected his 2500th hit in the Spring 3-2 win over Virginia Beach. Zaragoza went 1-3 in the game as both Lions and Surf fans cheered Zaragoza, when he reached base after his hit.

"It feels great to get #2500," Zaragoza said afterward, "especially since we won the game."

During his career Zaragoza has notched 2500 hits and a .299 average with 354 home runs and 1564 RBIs.

[Alan T]

In the same season that Sosa became the 5th player in history with 2500 hits, he also becomes the third player in FOOL-X history with 500 Home Runs. Sosa is the first player in FOOL-X history with both 2500 hits AND 500 Home Runs. He is currently the active home run leader, only 65 home runs behind the all time record.

Sosa Smashes 500th Homer
Saturday, July 21st, 1979: The Washington Freedom defeated the Balzac Ticklers 9-5 yesterday in a game that featured José Sosa's 500th career home run.

In the clubhouse, the Freedom left fielder spoke about the milestone achievement. "To be honest, I don't even remember my first home run," he said. "But this one I don't think I'll forget. Who knows if I'll hit another hundred, or fifty, or even ten?"

On his historic day, Sosa banged out 4 hits in 4 at-bats and scored 3 runs with 4 RBI.

In his 2047-game career Sosa is hitting .326 with 2626 hits, 545 doubles, 96 triples and 500 home runs. He has scored 1605 runs and driven in 1596.

[Alan T]

Pérez Tags 3 HR Against Wolverines
Sunday, July 22nd, 1979: Bigger paychecks may be in the offing, if Iván Pérez continues to hit like he did today against the Wolverines. The New York catcher crushed three into the stands at Ann Arbor Grounds in a remarkable performance, propelling the Legends to a 11-10 win over Ann Arbor.

He tagged 3 hits in 5 at-bats, drove in 4 runs and scored 3 times.

Speaking to writers after the game, he said, "It was just one of those days when you got something to hit and did something with it." The Ann Arbor skipper agreed with him. "We made three mistakes and he made us pay each time."

I. Pérez hit a two-run home run off J. Ríos in the 2nd, grounded out in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off J. Ríos in the 7th, struck out in the 7th and hit a solo-shot off G. Bowers in the 9th.

This season Pérez is swinging the bat at a .311 pace. He has hit 15 home runs and scored 76 times, while driving in 59. His on-base percentage is .386 and he has played in 98 games.

[Montreal_GM]

Sosa and Zaragoza were taken in the same draft, Sosa first, Zaragoza fourth, in 1963.

The Indy Clowns drafted a 4 year big leaguer in C Gonzalo Hernandez at #3, while the New York Legends got good usage from current big leaguer SP Ivan Ordonez at #2. I'm sure both guys would love to have Zaragoza instead.

[hyde4us11]

Originally Posted by Alan T

In the same season that Sosa became the 5th player in history with 2500 hits, he also becomes the third player in FOOL-X history with 500 Home Runs. Sosa is the first player in FOOL-X history with both 2500 hits AND 500 Home Runs. He is currently the active home run leader, only 65 home runs behind the all time record.

Sosa Smashes 500th Homer
Saturday, July 21st, 1979: The Washington Freedom defeated the Balzac Ticklers 9-5 yesterday in a game that featured José Sosa's 500th career home run.

In the clubhouse, the Freedom left fielder spoke about the milestone achievement. "To be honest, I don't even remember my first home run," he said. "But this one I don't think I'll forget. Who knows if I'll hit another hundred, or fifty, or even ten?"

On his historic day, Sosa banged out 4 hits in 4 at-bats and scored 3 runs with 4 RBI.

In his 2047-game career Sosa is hitting .326 with 2626 hits, 545 doubles, 96 triples and 500 home runs. He has scored 1605 runs and driven in 1596.

Sosa sure has been fun to watch over his career. Week in week out nothing but great. To bad I have to choose Bardino or him to keep after this season. Many wonderful memories I will have of him. 50 seasons from now he will still be on my leaderboards prominently. Thanks Jose Sosa.

[Alan T]

... and we have the 7th 2500 hit player in FOOL-X history. Three players cross the 2500 hit mark in the same season!

Cook Reaches 2500 Milestone
Thursday, July 26th, 1979: New York beat Cleveland 13-2 yesterday at Legends Ballpark, but it still was a good game for Naps second baseman Ryan Cook, who went 2-for-4 and reached the 2500-hit mark.

Career-to-date Cook has rung up a .307 average, played in 2041 games and collected 556 doubles, 100 triples and 371 home runs.