A fascinating and highly-competitive 1962 season comes to an end with the Dodgers and Twins getting home in, if not decisive, then at least
uncomplicated fashion. While a horrid first part of August kills us off quick smart, the lads hang in there and keep our amazing streak of winning seasons alive (none since 1945, just six in total), finishing at 86-76. The two noobs each lose 100, although the Mets are slightly less pathetic than their IRL counterparts with "only" 107 losses.
I've not got much to add for once. We play well, albeit neither as well as we have in recent years nor as well as we need to in order to challenge. A near-constant run of injuries doesn't help, nor does a regression in our run scoring.
We are in a transition phase and I see some more downside before we get to turn things around. With a few of our NL rivals in the ascendancy, that likely means mid-standings finishes for the next few years. While good pitching remains the basis of our game strategy, there's no doubt we need to add some lumber to the group.
Very even across the board, with only Sullivan providing less than replacement value. Groat's sectional is superb as once again he punches above his apparent weight. Only one more year for him, and Freese will walk now, so it is around the diamond we need reinforcing. Our outfield is looking fantastic.
An "off" year for Patata, but 305 BABIP may mean bad luck played a part - 56 points up on the previous season and well above his usual. Another stellar season by the BP, led again by Joe Gibbon.
Mickey Mantle wins another batting title, while Vada Pinson hits 350 to nab his first. Jerry Lynch tails right off and in the end only Henry Aaron even hits 40 HR, and him on the dot. Lynch's 124 RBI also lead either league.
Fair to say Sandy Koufax has hit his peak, or taking a massive step toward it at any rate, with an MLB-best 2.26 ERA and 291 strikeouts. Joe Nuxhall's 22 wins are well ahead of his nearest rival - nobody else wins 20 - and Yankee Bill Henry leads both leagues with 32 Saves.
Final Top 20s and Leaders
Monthly Award Winners
August
American League
- Batter – George Altman (Athletics): 381 / 6 HR / 26 RBI
- Pitcher – Jim Kaat (Twins): 4-0 / 1.50 / 38 K / 42 IP
- Rookie – Denny Lemaster (Red Sox): 4-2 / 1.73 / 45 K / 52 IP
National League
- Batter – Vada Pinson (Reds): 348 / 6 HR / 19 RBI
- Pitcher – Tom Sturdivant (Giants): 6-0 / 1.63 / 28 K / 49.2 IP
- Rookie – Bo Belinsky (Reds): 3-2 / 2.93 / 24 K / 46 IP
September
American League
- Batter – John Romano (Athletics): 395 / 8 HR / 23 RBI
- Pitcher – Larry Jackson (Twins): 4-1 / 1.13 / 29 K / 47.2 IP
- Rookie – Don Lock (Angels): 337 / 6 HR / 19 RBI
National League
- Batter – Ken Boyer (Cardinals): 362 / 9 HR / 15 RBI
- Pitcher – Don Drysdale (Dodgers): 4-0 / 2.05 / 35 K / 44 IP
- Rookie – Denis Menke (Mets): 410 / 6 HR / 13 RBI
Milestones and Observations of Note
- A herniated disc puts Washington tyro Dean Chance out of action for a month or so, while Minnesota loses Barry Latman until next year with a ruptured one and Al Downing of the Cubs suffers a similar fate to have his season curtailed.
- It happens well after they have dropped from calculations for another year, but the Yanks are without Mickey Mantle for the final few weeks after he suffers torn ankle ligaments.
- A bunch of milestones reached:
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