SJL:
Let's give some love to 27-year old rookie starting pitcher Joe Harmon of San Antonio. After being selected in the 6th round of the 1968 draft, this durable and likable, but not tremendously talented, has methodically worked his way up through the San Antonio farm system, with little fanfare, never finding himself listed on any top prospects lists.
But here he is, getting his first chance at the bigs, and he has a 2-2 record with an impressive 2.27 ERA in a good hitting season. And on the last day of April he hurled a gem against the power-hitting Boston Berserkers, shutting them out on just 2-hits in a complete game victory, striking out 8 while walking 3. This might be his one moment in the sun, but he has earned it.
Around the league: The month of April concludes with the Washington Night Train on top of the SJL standings at 15-4. The reigning champs, Columbus, are 8-2 in their last 10 and climb to 2nd with a 10-7 record. San Antonio and Jacksonville follow at 11-8. Houston and Seattle pull up the rear at 5-13 each.
MGL:
I had to resist the urge to pick another Jaime Schardein (3-0, 2.00) gem for the MGL GOTW.
Instead we will look at the surprising Baltimore Lords led by the rejuvenated Chris Tobin. At age 30 and having finally escaped Portland, the power hitting shortstop has slugged 8 homers and has 20 RBI and he hit 2 of those homers in Friday's 4-3 win over Charlotte. Baltimore's offense and bullpen are the keys to their early lead in the MGL and their 31 home runs are second only to the Phoenix Speed Devils (who are perennially the HR leaders but also sport an horrific team ERA of 7.84).
Around the league: As mentioned above, Baltimore leads the MGL heading into May with a 14-5 record. Oklahoma City is next at 13-6, followed by both the Portland Wild Things and the Denver Brewers at 12-7.