Code:
MATHEWSON W L PCT GB
Reading 90 70 .563 --
Bethlehem 89 71 .556 1
Lancaster 87 73 .544 3
Pottsville 79 81 .494 11
Lewisburg 72 88 .450 18
York 69 91 .431 21
WAGNER W L PCT GB
Williamsport 92 68 .575 --
State College 90 70 .563 2
Altoona 81 79 .506 11
Gettysburg 71 89 .444 21
Washington 71 89 .444 21
Johnstown 69 91 .431 23
With a week to go in the season, it looked like the Governor's Cup champion Reading Coal Heavers were going to be able to cruise into the Series once again; they held a five-game lead over the Bethlehem Steelers in the Mathewson Division race. However, the Coal Heavers' engine began to stall just as the Steelers poured on the gas, and Bethlehem nearly stole the division crown away from them.
In the Wagner Division, Williamsport got a much tougher fight from State College this time around, but the Millionaires managed to hang on for a two-game victory and, like the Heavers, defend their playoff spot.
Many observers believed Williamsport, who roared into the Series on a roll that saw them win nine of their last 11 games, would take care of the slumping Reading club with ease. However, it was the Coal Heavers who swept the Series in four games. They became the first team to win two straight Governor's Cup Series.
Outstanding Batter Award: Roger Collins, RF, Pottsville Brewers
A few years ago, Roger was hailed as the best prospect in the league, and it looks like he's begun to fulfill his potential. The former #1 overall pick (1965) hit .339/.491/.659, with 31 home runs, 89 extra base hits, 142 walks, and 102 RBI. He also stole 45 bases and played solid defense, proving he's a true five-tool player.
Outstanding Pitcher Award: John Campbell, RHP, Williamsport Millionaires
For some strange reason, the "experts" didn't list Campbell among the league's ten best pitchers, even though he posted an 18-10 record, a 2.69 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 207 strikeouts. Nevertheless, John won his second consecutive OPA.
Rookie of the Year: Javier Fajardo, P, Pottsville Brewers
Javier, a 24-year-old southpaw, went 15-14 for the last-place Brewers and struck out 212 batters in 250 innings. He was Pottsville's first round pick in 1966.
Code:
Top Ten Players: AVG HR RBI
1 Chris Blackett, LF, Williamsport .345 27 96
2 Dave Kennedy, 3B, Reading .384 12 89
3 Roger Collins, RF, Pottsville .339 31 102
4 Don Fields, SS, Lancaster .335 13 69
5 Andy Henderson, CF, Bethlehem .317 27 96
6 Vincent Croteau, C, Williamsport .269 27 121
7 John O'Connor, C, Bethlehem .342 10 74
8 Bob Sanders, 3B, Lancaster .304 31 128
9 Bill Stanford, 1B, Williamsport .320 21 138
10 Wilton Adams, 1B, Lancaster .350 12 116
Top Ten Pitchers: W-L ERA K/IP
1 Millard Skinner, Gettysburg 16-12 2.30 214/266
2 Stanley Edmonds, York 16-13 3.74 148/224
3 Troy Patterson, Johnstown 5-21 3.97 205/231
4 Luke Campbell, Johnstown 14-5 2.58 153/160
5 Paul Miller, Bethlehem 18-14 3.01 199/251
6 Kenny Smith, York 13-10 3.49 128/211
7 Alex Montoya, Gettysburg 13-9 3.27 223/234
8 Denny Williams, Lewisburg 13-11 4.45 142/222
9 Myron Cain, Altoona 15-14 4.17 149/238
10 Jonathan Doyle, Washington 15-13 4.46 223/238
Top Ten Prospects:
1 Carlos Alvarez, 18, P, Altoona
2 Ray McFadden, 18, P, Gettysburg
3 Reginald Saint, 19, CF, Lewisburg
4 Matthew Lane, 20, RF, Bethlehem
5 William Riley, 24, RF, State College
Next up: the Keystone League Team of the 1960s.