A solid start by the lads who seem up for the challenge yet again, as shown by a number of dogged comeback wins over the early stages. But then the pitching gets the wobbles and runs dry up, with Pops in particular struggling to get it together, and we come back to earth with a bit of a thud.
Matters are further complicated when we lose Hendrick, up to that point one of our best (300 / 6 HR / 22 RBI), in mid-May to an oblique strain that will sideline him for at least a month. Johnny Jeter is recalled to replace him.
An untidy dismount with 6 losses from our last 7 games sees us close out the sectional at 25-21.
Just a bit all over the shop, really. More than a third of our games to this point have been decided by one run.
Dave Parker has really stepped up again so far this season.
Jerry Reuss wins the April award, but like a few others struggles in May. Ellis is having another unimpressive season and if the right deal for him is tabled, we'll likely move him on.
One gets the feeling there is plenty of drama in store come the stretch run.
Monthly Award Winners
April
American League
- Batter – Rusty Staub (Twins): 350 / 6 HR / 20 RBI
- Pitcher – Bill Travers (Angels): 5-0 / 2.23 / 20 K / 40.1 IP
- Rookie – Ellis Valentine (Angels): 354 / 3 HR / 17 RBI
National League
- Batter – Willie McCovey (Giants): 275 / 6 HR / 21 RBI
- Pitcher – Jerry Reuss (Pirates): 4-0 / 1.73 / 21 K / 36.1 IP
- Rookie – Lyman Bostock (Padres): 370 / 1 HR / 15 RBI
May
American League
- Batter – Reggie Smith (Red Sox): 311 / 5 HR / 23 RBI
- Pitcher – Frank Tanana (Tigers): 6-0 / 1.91 / 28 K / 33 IP
- Rookie – Pete Falcone (Red Sox): 5-1 / 2.66 / 25 K / 47.1 IP
National League
- Batter – Oscar Gamble (Mets): 278 / 9 HR / 22 RBI
- Pitcher – Sandy Koufax (Dodgers): 5-0 / 1.02 / 48 K / 44.1 IP
- Rookie – Mike Norris (Cubs): 5-1 / 2.42 / 23 K / 48.1 IP
News and Leaders
Milestones and Observations of Note
- 2000 Hits: Joe Torre, Lou Brock, Ron Fairly
- The White Sox lose SS Sonny Jackson for the entire season after he ruptures his medial ligament.
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