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Imperialism32 · 06-03-2020, 08:36 AM

September 17, 1960

OPINION: Sad Day For Detroit
Ted Itro, Detroit Gazette

It was five months ago, nearly to the day, that the World Baseball Association kicked off, and optimism reigned supreme in the Motor City. Detroit had been awarded an upper-level team, a point of pride. Take that, St. Louis. Can't hear you from down there, Minneapolis. The Chargers jumped up early on the New York Empire -- chew on THAT, east coast elite! -- and never looked back. Stephen Morris threw nine brilliant innings and the hometown crowd, 57,000 strong, rejoiced as one.

The Great Lakes Rivalry, with Detroit smack dab between Toronto and Chicago, should have been an epicenter of the sport. Instead, the dream died in Detroit last night. A crowd announced at just over 30,000, barely half of Opening Day's total, witnessed it. The lifeless Chargers managed three hits all game long. The Atlanta Razorbacks topped that in the 7th inning alone. This time it was Detroit on the losing side of a 9-0 affair, one that officially confirmed they will be relegated to the Silver League next season.

And Chicago? They've had barely a better run of things than Detroit. If the Chargers were going to survive, they'd have to overtake the Crusaders. Playing for their own lives, A.J. Flair shut down the juggernaut Toronto Giants. They scored twice early and cruised to a 3-0 victory, ensuring their presence in the North American League for another year. Folks in the Windy City can't brag on much, but they'll lean on a favorite crutch: "At least we're not Detroit."

Now the Chargers faithful, the ones who didn't let this miserable season shake their fandom, will slide down to the Silver League. So long, Chicago and Toronto. Hello, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. Not quite the same, is it?

I hope Stephen Morris can find his way out. His brilliant starting pitching was just about the only reason to tune in these past two months. It looks like he's going to end up second in the NAL in ERA. He's got just a 13-8 record to show for it, a testament to the offense that all too often let the team down.

Is there hope for a quick return? Well, the Chargers top minor league affiliate, the Providence Hivers, are sitting at 41-76. Help, it appears, is not on the way. The Chargers made it quick and painless at the end, so this eulogy will follow suit. Rest in peace, Detroit baseball. Born, 1960. Dead, 1960.

06-03-2020, 08:36 AM	#57
Imperialism32 Major Leagues Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 341	September 17, 1960 OPINION: Sad Day For Detroit Ted Itro, Detroit Gazette It was five months ago, nearly to the day, that the World Baseball Association kicked off, and optimism reigned supreme in the Motor City. Detroit had been awarded an upper-level team, a point of pride. Take that, St. Louis. Can't hear you from down there, Minneapolis. The Chargers jumped up early on the New York Empire -- chew on THAT, east coast elite! -- and never looked back. Stephen Morris threw nine brilliant innings and the hometown crowd, 57,000 strong, rejoiced as one. The Great Lakes Rivalry, with Detroit smack dab between Toronto and Chicago, should have been an epicenter of the sport. Instead, the dream died in Detroit last night. A crowd announced at just over 30,000, barely half of Opening Day's total, witnessed it. The lifeless Chargers managed three hits all game long. The Atlanta Razorbacks topped that in the 7th inning alone. This time it was Detroit on the losing side of a 9-0 affair, one that officially confirmed they will be relegated to the Silver League next season. And Chicago? They've had barely a better run of things than Detroit. If the Chargers were going to survive, they'd have to overtake the Crusaders. Playing for their own lives, A.J. Flair shut down the juggernaut Toronto Giants. They scored twice early and cruised to a 3-0 victory, ensuring their presence in the North American League for another year. Folks in the Windy City can't brag on much, but they'll lean on a favorite crutch: "At least we're not Detroit." Now the Chargers faithful, the ones who didn't let this miserable season shake their fandom, will slide down to the Silver League. So long, Chicago and Toronto. Hello, Minneapolis and Cincinnati. Not quite the same, is it? I hope Stephen Morris can find his way out. His brilliant starting pitching was just about the only reason to tune in these past two months. It looks like he's going to end up second in the NAL in ERA. He's got just a 13-8 record to show for it, a testament to the offense that all too often let the team down. Is there hope for a quick return? Well, the Chargers top minor league affiliate, the Providence Hivers, are sitting at 41-76. Help, it appears, is not on the way. The Chargers made it quick and painless at the end, so this eulogy will follow suit. Rest in peace, Detroit baseball. Born, 1960. Dead, 1960.