It's now July 27th, 1961 in
the Continental League. Some highlights to this point of the season:
-A number of MLB players held out of spring training seeking better contracts. The two biggest names were
Maury Wills and
Juan Marichal. Wills returned to the Dodgers for more money, while Marichal jumped to the
Toronto Canadians of the Continental League.
Earl Francis of the
Pittsburgh Pirates also joined him, jumping to the
Dallas Outlaws. The Canadians made Marichal the Continental League's highest paid player with a $150,000 contract. Marichal is 8-8 with a 2.68 ERA.
-The
San Francisco Giants sued the Continental League, Toronto Canadians, and Marichal in an attempt to enforce their contract with Marichal. After winning a preliminary injuction banning Marichal from playing pending the lawsuit's outcome (which resulted in Marichal being able to pitch in home games in Toronto, Canada, where the court's order could not be enforced), the Giants lost their lawsuit. The Giants intend to appeal.
-For a time,
Willie McCovey was tearing the cover off the ball and was a sure threat to obliterate Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs in a single season. Through 58 games, McCovey slugged an amazing 31 home runs. Unfortunately, he badly fractured a finger on June 14, and will likely miss around three months. Despite not playing for a month and a half, he is still third in MLB in home runs.
Roger Maris leads with 33, and
Leon Wagner is second with 32.
In case you are interested, the Buffalo franchise is seeking an owner. Please check out
the forum and let me know if you would like to take the reins!