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Tiger Fan · 12-04-2023, 12:37 PM

JUNE 13, 1949

NEAR PERFECT WEEK EXTENDS GOTHAMS LEAD BACK TO 3.5 GAMES

They may have dropped the second game of the double header to the now third place Washington Eagles, but it snapped a six-game win streak that allowed the first place New York Gothams to extend their lead to 3.5 games. No offense seems to be as intimidating as the once in the Big Apple, as the Gothams lead the Fed in average (.290), OBP (.367), slugging (.441), WAR (10.3), wOBA (.363), runs (301), hits (537), extra baes hits (147), and even base running (+4.4). They're best when at home, an absurd 24-9 at a Gotham Stadium that is drawing over 30,000 fans a game -- almost 5,000 more per game than any other FABL team.

The Gothams are known for their star power, as a lineup led by 31-year-old veteran Red Johnson is as good as it gets. The 3-Time Whitney Winner has been more then twice as effective as a league average hitter, slashing a robust .353/.462/.712 (207 OPS+) with 20 homers, 54 RBIs, and 36 walks. Johnson leads his circuit in homers, RBIs, OBP, slugging, WAR (3.9), runs (47), total bases (131), extra base hits (25), ISO (.359), OPS+, WPA (3.34), and wOBA (.516), which will lead "Big Timber" to his seventh All-Star game and third consecutive selection.

But it's far from a one-man wrecking crew, as they've recently added a now healthy Mahlon Strong (.269,2,6) who may be sixth option this season. Veteran catcher George Cleaves (.319,8,23) is sporting a 169 WRC+ powered by 8 homers and 35 walks and Walt Messer (.294,12,39) is putting together another stellar season, on pace for his ninth consecutive above average offensive season. Still, excellent offense was expected from them. What's really helped the Gothams win games this season is their young left side of the infield.

Taken 8th Overall just under two seasons ago, Cecil LaBonte has already blossomed into one of the best shortstops in FABL, and he's off to an impressive 1949 season as well. "Smiley" is fast, even if he sucks at stealing bases (9-for-28), but the Gothams leadoff man is hitting .332/.381/.452 (119 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers, and 26 RBIs with more walks (17) then strikeouts (11). Batting above George Cleaves and Red Johnson will get you a lot of pitches to hit, and when he's on base it really allows the Gothams veterans to excel. LaBonte is also aided by his third basemen, 25-year-old Tom Jeffries, who bats eighth and is hitting .330/.425/.409 (121 OPS+) with a microscopic 2.9 K% which has helped him maintain a stellar 29-to-6 walk-to-strikeout ratio. When Jeffries is on, one of the Gothams starters can bunt him over, something Lefty Allen (8-1,3.76,20) has done a league leading ten times. What makes this Gothams team so good, as well as a common preseason pick for the pennant, is that they've been able to surround their stars well with a very deep supporting cast.

In the other association, the Foresters continue to lead the pack, holding an identical 3.5 game lead over the New York Stars. Two months into the season they're doing their best St. Louis Pioneers impression, making a legitimate run at going worst-to-first despite their last .500 season coming the last time the calendar year ended in nine. The Foresters have the first ten game winner, Adrian Czerwinski (10-2,3.07,24), which seems almost impossible after he went 4-11 with a 6.04 ERA (65 ERA+) in 19 starts as a rookie last year. He's one of the many Foresters to take a huge leap forward, as the years of futility are seemingly paying off all at once.

They'll be getting some competition from the Montreal Saints, another team who has struggled in recent years, but is currently riding a five game win streak that has elevated them to third in the Continental Association. Montreal is coming off a sweep of the last place Sailors, who will now be without young outfielder Billy Forbes (.246,0,11) for the rest of the season. The Saints will be in Cleveland to start the week in a huge series for both teams, as a lopsided showing could either give the rest of the CA a chance, or allow the upstart Foresters to create even more cushion in what could be a stroll to the finish.

SAILORS LOSE OUTFIELDER FORBES FOR SEASON

The news just keeps getting worse for the Philadelphia Sailors. Already in the midst of a nigtmarish 16-36 start the two-time defending Continental Association champs were dealt another blow with the news that centerfielder Billy Forbes will miss the rest of the season. The 23-year-old badly damaged his knee while making a play in the outfield during Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the New York Stars in what was the Sailors only win in the last 8 outings.

Forbes was a 1946 first round pick out of Miami State, where he was a two-time first team All-American. He made his big league debut that summer and become the Sailors everyday starting centerfielder last season, hitting .285 with 6 homers in 153 games. He was off to a slow start this season, like most of the Sailors, and was batting just .246 through 48 games at the time of his injury.

LANE STATE WINS COLLEGIATE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Led by junior shortstop Tom Perkins, the Lane State Emeralds were crowned the champion of collegiate baseball after sweeping the Huntington State Miners two-straight in the finals of the AIAA Collegiate World Championship Series. The victory gives the Emeralds their second national title in the four years since the collegiate baseball championship went from a standard playoff to a 16-team single elimination tournament.

Lane State has qualified for the tournament all four years, winning it all in 1946 and reaching the semi-finals a year ago. The Emeralds, who entered this years event as the #15 seed, started strong by doubling Maryland State 6-3 in the opening game last Tuesday at Dyckman Stadium, home of FABL's New York Stars. Perkins had a dominant game in Thursday's quarterfinal, rapping out 3 hits including a pair of doubles and driving in 4 runs in a 7-4 victory against Deep South power Opelika State. A day later they reached the finals but only after an 11-inning battle against another Deep South Conference school. This was Noble Jones College and the Colonels rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th on a Charlie Barrell sacrifice fly but the Emeralds eventually prevailed 5-4 when catcher Bill Stewart hit a 2-out walkoff rbi single.

There was extra-inning drama in the opener of the best of three final Saturday against Huntington State but the Emeralds prevailed 6-4 thanks to an rbi triple from Perkins in the top of the 10th inning. On Sunday, junior Lane State righthander Clarence McCabe went the distance on the mound, holding the Miners to just 5 hits in a 6-2 series clinching victory for the Emeralds.

FINALIST NAMED FOR ADWELL AWARD

High School All-Americans Revealed

The five finalists have been announced for high school baseball's most prestigous individual trophy. The Adwell Award, named after legendary high school pitched Red Adwell, has been presented annually since 1934 and its list of winners reads like a who's who of FABL superstars, including Walt Messer, Bill Barrett, Deuce Barrell and Hiram Steinberg.

Here are this year's five finalists, listed in alphabetical order as well as the High School All-Americans.

PAUL BURTON SR, Valparaiso (IN) HS: The righthander posted the lowest ERA and FIP among all qualified High School pitchers. He went 10-0 with a 0.43 era (0.14 FIP) while finishing second in the nation in strikeouts with 199 and third in K/9. He was a second round selection of the Montreal Saints in January.

EARL HOWE JR, Cardinal Hayes HS, Bronx, NY: Only Rick Masters had a higher homerun total, rbi total and slugging percentage than Howe, a junior centerfielder. He slashed .504/.562/1.104 with 14 homers and 49 rbi's in 27 games.

RICK MASTERS SR, Prospect Heights HS, Brooklyn, NY: The Brooklyn born outfielder led the nation in homers (15) and rbi's (52) while finishing fourth in the batting race, slashing .573/.615/1.019. He was ranked #1 on the latest OSA mock draft and was selected second overall by the Boston Minutemen in January.

JOHN SAMUEL FR, Monrovia (CA) HS: The Los Angeles born freshman outfielder is still just 14 years old but his .604 batting average was the best in the nation. He compiled a slash line of .604/.645/.906 and was second in the nation in on-base percentage behind only fellow nominee John Wells.

JOHN WELLS SR, Northwest Catholic HS, Philadelphia, Pa: The shortstop was a finalist for the Adwell Award last season, and was drafted first overall by the Toronto Wolves in January. He had an outstanding senior season, slashing .591/.657/1.073 with 8 homers and 47 rbi's to lead the nation in on-base percentage while finishing third in batting average, rbi's and slugging percentage.

PLENTY OF FUTURE FABL DRAFT PICKS WITH FAMILY TIES TO THE SPORT

Thinking about Boston Minutemen second overall draft pick Rick Masters (whose grandfather played pro baseball, topping out in AAA) made me make up a list of guys in the 1950-52 draft classes with relatives who are in the database as players:
1950:

Steve Williams - Brother of Foresters SP prospect Paul (drafted 4th rd, 1947), "Steamboat" Steve is also a pitcher, though not quite as highly regarded as his big brother.
Mike Colman - Great-Grandson of 19th century catcher Michael Colman, Mike is a fringe 1B prospect who was drafted, but unsigned by the Miners in '47- the same team his ancestor played for back in the 1880s.
Les Miller - Grandson of Butch Brown, a cup of coffee OF who failed to get an AB in his one game with the 1913 Dynamos. Les, a 2B, has the potential to make FABL & stick. Drafted by the Kings (rd 24) in 1947, he's now playing in college for Georgia Baptist.
Bryan Jeffress - Nephew of former Minutemen pitcher Joe Dorsainvil, Jeffress is one of the most exciting CF prospects in his class. Currently playing for Smithfield College in Rhode Island.
Bob Powers - Son of George Powers, a pitcher drafted by the Cougars in 1918, who didn't have much of a career. Bob, a CF prospect playing for Cache Valley in Utah, is a decent prospect whom OSA considers to be "on the bubble" for a big league spot down the line.

1951:

Freddy Barrell - Son of current Wolves manager Fred Barrell, Freddy is a catcher like his father, though he's not currently touted very highly by scouts. Also plays football, which may end up being his best career option if he wants to play professionally.
Buddy Perkins - Brother of current Saints SS Gordie, Buddy is a catching prospect with a middling outlook. Still young, it remains to be seen if he'll develop into a legitimate prospect.
Charlie Barrell - Son of former AFA star (and one-time Tarzan actor) Joe Barrell and actress Dorothy Bates, "The Heartbreak Kid" might be the best athlete to come out of the large Barrell brood, which is saying something. A blue-chipper in baseball, basketball AND football, Charlie's star is bright and the biggest question is where will he take his talents when he finishes his collegiate career at Noble Jones?
Joel Spencer - Son of former Cougars/Dynamos SP Hank Spencer, Joel is a scrappy & speedy 2B prospect currently playing at Grange College.
Hugh Ferebee - Grandson of former Stars & Miners OF Ray Moore, Hugh is a highly-touted CF prospect with an outstanding eye and plus contact tool out of Waxahachie HS in Texas.

1952:

Bill May Jr. - Son of veteran Chiefs CF Bill May, Junior is a catcher, born in Rochester during his father's stint there while in the Kings' system, attends Chicago's Lake View HS.
Eddie Black - Son of Duke Black, who never played professionally but has been a longtime amateur coach, and coaches his son at Richmond VA's Jefferson HS. Eddie is a 1B with intriguing power potential.
Mike Barrell - The latest scion of the famous Barrell family, Mike is the son of current OSA President Dan Barrell and attends Capital Academy in DC, the same school his father attended. Mike is a corner infielder and a solid, all-around prospect, unsurprising given his bloodlines. Like his cousin Charlie, Mike also plays basketball (his mother heads up OSA's basketball department) and football (his father starred at Chicago Poly).
Jack Day - Son of Hall of Fame pitcher Rabbit Day, "Jackrabbit" Day is not a hurler, but is an excellent all-around 3B prospect possessing all five tools - including speed, fittingly for a youngster nicknamed Jackrabbit.
Stew Manning - Son of former Miners & Foresters OF Cal Manning, Stew is also an outfielder, but is likely to be a high first-round pick come 1952 with OSA very high on his potential impact as a big leaguer.
Bob Stuart - Grandson of long-time AAA pitcher Jim Stuart, who spent his entire career in Buffalo fashioning a 154-149 record. Bob's an outfielder, and unlike his grandfather who never made it to FABL, Bob has the talent to make it the Show.
Bill Wall - Nephew of Toronto Wolves star Fred McCormick, Bill's the son of Fred's sister Constance (McCormick) Wall. Great hit tool - he won't hit many HRs, but his stroke is every bit as sweet as his future-HOFer uncle.

TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN

Wolves Stumble Home After A 5-8 Road Trip -- Fred Barrell says he knew something was up after being decimated by his brother's Brooklyn Kings 11-3 Monday afternoon. "The pitching was not sharp in any games except for Jimmy Gibbs' start on Saturday and George Garrison's opening game of the two on Sunday after both had been beat up early in the week. The starters struggled and going to the 'pen, with the exception of Harry Phillips, just added gasoline to the blazing fire. Changes have to be made, this is unacceptable for the team."

In 8 games the opposition scored 56 runs on the Wolves, including two games in which there were back-to-back 8-2 losses to the Stars at Dyckman Stadium. Brett cautions reader not to blame the defense as has been part of the runs allowed problem this season. Only one of the 56 was unearned of the week. The staff now has an ERA 4.23. 7th in the CA. Fans would expect that number to be, at worst, 3.50 for the team to have any success. Anything over 4 spells disaster for the Wolves in 1949. Hopefully spending the next couple of weeks at home will allow the pitching to return to form.

At the plate Toronto remains either slightly above or slightly below CA average in all offensive categories. During the past week the scored 45 runs in 8 games. Scoring an average of a little more than 5 times per game should yield a winning record, certainly not a 3-5 week.

There are some positives:

Lloyd McGowan's extra work coaching the infield defense seems to have the fielding turning a corner as the team only misplayed 4 balls in the field last week.
Last week Wally Boyer had a line of .529/.636/.765 in 22 PA, Hal Wood .500/.581/.667 in 32 PA.
John Fast in a backup role was .400/.455/.700 in 23 PA as Barrell is starting to find more opportunities for him.
catcher Randy Hendrix is finally hitting over .200, he is constantly working with Dick Dennis, with Barrell usually close, on his footwork, release in an attempt to cut down would be base stealers. He has only thrown out 6 of 18 thus far in the season.

On the farm Ray Hatch is pitching well at Buffalo for the hapless 18-33 Nickels. The 24 year old is 5-3 with a 1.71 ERA in 10 starts. Les Leadbetter tossed a CG shutout before being roughed up in next outing for Davenport. There are few players in the system that will benefit from a planned adjustment at levels in the system when this year's class starts to arrive to their assignments in two weeks. Brett has learned that more than a few players time in the Wolves organization will come an end before month ends. Insiders have told him a tentative list has already been put together subject to almost daily revisions, updates from the scouting department.

The New York Gothams are the hottest team in baseball of late, winning 11 of the their last 13 games and extending their lead on the second place Chicago Chiefs to 3.5 games. While New York's pitching, especially its bullpen, has seen some struggles, the Gothams powerful offense is simply overwhelming teams. The Gotham have scored 301 runs already this season -42 more than any other club in FABL- and are on a pace to score 858 times this season. No other Federal Association club this decade has reached even 800 runs in a season.
Somehow, some way, the Cleveland Foresters continue to lead the way in the Continental Association. Like their Fed counterparts from New York, the Foresters have opened a 3.5 game lead atop the CA thanks to a strong June that has seen them go 8-3 so far this month. 24-year-old second year righthander Adrian Czerwinski continues to be the biggest surprise in baseball as a year after going 4-11 with a 6.04 era as a rookie, the 1946 second round pick out of Whitney College won his 10th game of the season in his hometown yesterday, topping the Chicago Cougars 5-4 to run his record to 10-2 with a 3.07 era.
Dealt away to make room for youth by the Keystones in 1940 and again by Detroit in 1946, Rip Curry is still going strong at the age of 39. The veteran Boston Minutemen outfielder may be a liability with his glove, but certainly not his bat as Curry is leading the Federal Association in hitting, with a .385 average. If it holds up that would be a career best for the 14-year veteran who missed two full years due to the war. Curry might even return to the all-star games, an event he has not participated in since 1934, which was just the second year the mid-season classic was held.
Toronto Wolves second round pick Ike Brennan has reportedly told the club he is going to play college ball instead of signing a pro contract. The 18-year-old lefthander from Jacobus, PA. has committed to Burleson College, a small school in Texas but the Wolves will likely try to see if the can throw enough money at him to change his mind.
Brennan is not the only drafted high schooler leaning towards the college ranks. Catcher Andy Joiner, a Brownsville, Tn. native selected in the third round by the Cincinnati Cannons is adamant he is going to Alda College in Oklahoma instead of turning pro. New York City area high school pitcher Larry Rush was Detroit's fourth round selection but Rush says his mind is made up and he will attend De Sota College in Memphis rather than signing with the Dynamos.
Quite an accomplishment in the Japanese League where Yo****omo Ishimoto had seven hits in a gae for the the Nagoya Hosho Reliables. Ishimoto went 7-for-7 as his club routed the Tokyo Denki Dynamics 23-6 to set a new single game hit record for the Far East loop. Only twice in FABL history has a player enjoyed a 7-hit game. Andy Stoddard did it for the old Baltimore Cannons in 1926 and Detroit's Bob Montgomery duplicated the feat three years ago.

LUDWICK TOPS OSA DRAFT RANKINGS

Western Iowa Canaries forward Willy Ludwick tops what looks like a strong top half of the Federal Basketball League draft in the latest rankings of college cage seniors released by the OSA. Ludwick, a third team All-American selection, averaged 13.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game to help lead the Canaries to a school record 30-2 season and the number one ranking during the regular season. They lost to Noble Jones College in overtime in the national quarterfinals despite the fact Ludwick had 24 points in what proved to be his final collegiate contest. Ludwick is one of two Western Iowa players that cracked the OSA top twenty as he was joined by Canaries center Dalton Cassidy.

The first pick in the July draft belongs to the Syracuse Titans, assuming the club will be around next season. There are rumours that the Titans are folding, which would move the Toronto Falcons up to the number one draft slot.

UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS

Jun 13-Buffalo, NY" MW Bill Boggs (18-2) vs John Baker (22-5-1)
Jun 25- Gothams Stadium, New York: World Heavyweight Champ Hector Sawyer (60-3-1) vs Roy Crawford (29-3)
Jun 25- Boston Denny Arena: HW Cannon Cooper (26-4-1) vs Dan Miller (38-10)
Jun 30- Thompson Arena Detroit: HW Scott Baker (19-3-3) vs Max Bradley (14-0)
Jul 30- Chesapeake Arena, Baltimore: World Welterweight Champ Mac Erickson (19-0) vs Danny Rutledge (17-0)

The Week That Was
Current events from the week ending 6/12/1949

A witness has told the House Committee on Un-American Activities that Algier Hiss was not his only source in the State Department for supplying information for his Communist "apparatus."
A Republican Senator says the man who drafts top secret atomic reports to Congress once was suspended because the FBI questioned his loyalty.
Sources say Soviet Deputy Prime Minister Molotov has been placed in charge of Russia's policies on China and elsewhere in the Orient. The source indicated that will lead to an abrupt change in Russia's attitude of diplomatic aloofness toward the Chinese Communists.
A Soviet-American agreement signalled the end of the Berlin rail strike after 22 days. The document included the first draft of a trade treaty for all of Germany.
The US Court of Appeals upheld the contempt of court conviction of John L Lewis and the United Mine Workers for failure to call off a strike last year. The court ordered the UMW chief and the union to pay fines totaling more than $1.4 million.

12-04-2023, 12:37 PM	#840
Tiger Fan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 9,867	June 13, 1949 JUNE 13, 1949 NEAR PERFECT WEEK EXTENDS GOTHAMS LEAD BACK TO 3.5 GAMES They may have dropped the second game of the double header to the now third place Washington Eagles, but it snapped a six-game win streak that allowed the first place New York Gothams to extend their lead to 3.5 games. No offense seems to be as intimidating as the once in the Big Apple, as the Gothams lead the Fed in average (.290), OBP (.367), slugging (.441), WAR (10.3), wOBA (.363), runs (301), hits (537), extra baes hits (147), and even base running (+4.4). They're best when at home, an absurd 24-9 at a Gotham Stadium that is drawing over 30,000 fans a game -- almost 5,000 more per game than any other FABL team. The Gothams are known for their star power, as a lineup led by 31-year-old veteran Red Johnson is as good as it gets. The 3-Time Whitney Winner has been more then twice as effective as a league average hitter, slashing a robust .353/.462/.712 (207 OPS+) with 20 homers, 54 RBIs, and 36 walks. Johnson leads his circuit in homers, RBIs, OBP, slugging, WAR (3.9), runs (47), total bases (131), extra base hits (25), ISO (.359), OPS+, WPA (3.34), and wOBA (.516), which will lead "Big Timber" to his seventh All-Star game and third consecutive selection. But it's far from a one-man wrecking crew, as they've recently added a now healthy Mahlon Strong (.269,2,6) who may be sixth option this season. Veteran catcher George Cleaves (.319,8,23) is sporting a 169 WRC+ powered by 8 homers and 35 walks and Walt Messer (.294,12,39) is putting together another stellar season, on pace for his ninth consecutive above average offensive season. Still, excellent offense was expected from them. What's really helped the Gothams win games this season is their young left side of the infield. Taken 8th Overall just under two seasons ago, Cecil LaBonte has already blossomed into one of the best shortstops in FABL, and he's off to an impressive 1949 season as well. "Smiley" is fast, even if he sucks at stealing bases (9-for-28), but the Gothams leadoff man is hitting .332/.381/.452 (119 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 3 triples, 3 homers, and 26 RBIs with more walks (17) then strikeouts (11). Batting above George Cleaves and Red Johnson will get you a lot of pitches to hit, and when he's on base it really allows the Gothams veterans to excel. LaBonte is also aided by his third basemen, 25-year-old Tom Jeffries, who bats eighth and is hitting .330/.425/.409 (121 OPS+) with a microscopic 2.9 K% which has helped him maintain a stellar 29-to-6 walk-to-strikeout ratio. When Jeffries is on, one of the Gothams starters can bunt him over, something Lefty Allen (8-1,3.76,20) has done a league leading ten times. What makes this Gothams team so good, as well as a common preseason pick for the pennant, is that they've been able to surround their stars well with a very deep supporting cast. In the other association, the Foresters continue to lead the pack, holding an identical 3.5 game lead over the New York Stars. Two months into the season they're doing their best St. Louis Pioneers impression, making a legitimate run at going worst-to-first despite their last .500 season coming the last time the calendar year ended in nine. The Foresters have the first ten game winner, Adrian Czerwinski (10-2,3.07,24), which seems almost impossible after he went 4-11 with a 6.04 ERA (65 ERA+) in 19 starts as a rookie last year. He's one of the many Foresters to take a huge leap forward, as the years of futility are seemingly paying off all at once. They'll be getting some competition from the Montreal Saints, another team who has struggled in recent years, but is currently riding a five game win streak that has elevated them to third in the Continental Association. Montreal is coming off a sweep of the last place Sailors, who will now be without young outfielder Billy Forbes (.246,0,11) for the rest of the season. The Saints will be in Cleveland to start the week in a huge series for both teams, as a lopsided showing could either give the rest of the CA a chance, or allow the upstart Foresters to create even more cushion in what could be a stroll to the finish. SAILORS LOSE OUTFIELDER FORBES FOR SEASON The news just keeps getting worse for the Philadelphia Sailors. Already in the midst of a nigtmarish 16-36 start the two-time defending Continental Association champs were dealt another blow with the news that centerfielder Billy Forbes will miss the rest of the season. The 23-year-old badly damaged his knee while making a play in the outfield during Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the New York Stars in what was the Sailors only win in the last 8 outings. Forbes was a 1946 first round pick out of Miami State, where he was a two-time first team All-American. He made his big league debut that summer and become the Sailors everyday starting centerfielder last season, hitting .285 with 6 homers in 153 games. He was off to a slow start this season, like most of the Sailors, and was batting just .246 through 48 games at the time of his injury. LANE STATE WINS COLLEGIATE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Led by junior shortstop Tom Perkins, the Lane State Emeralds were crowned the champion of collegiate baseball after sweeping the Huntington State Miners two-straight in the finals of the AIAA Collegiate World Championship Series. The victory gives the Emeralds their second national title in the four years since the collegiate baseball championship went from a standard playoff to a 16-team single elimination tournament. Lane State has qualified for the tournament all four years, winning it all in 1946 and reaching the semi-finals a year ago. The Emeralds, who entered this years event as the #15 seed, started strong by doubling Maryland State 6-3 in the opening game last Tuesday at Dyckman Stadium, home of FABL's New York Stars. Perkins had a dominant game in Thursday's quarterfinal, rapping out 3 hits including a pair of doubles and driving in 4 runs in a 7-4 victory against Deep South power Opelika State. A day later they reached the finals but only after an 11-inning battle against another Deep South Conference school. This was Noble Jones College and the Colonels rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th on a Charlie Barrell sacrifice fly but the Emeralds eventually prevailed 5-4 when catcher Bill Stewart hit a 2-out walkoff rbi single. There was extra-inning drama in the opener of the best of three final Saturday against Huntington State but the Emeralds prevailed 6-4 thanks to an rbi triple from Perkins in the top of the 10th inning. On Sunday, junior Lane State righthander Clarence McCabe went the distance on the mound, holding the Miners to just 5 hits in a 6-2 series clinching victory for the Emeralds. FINALIST NAMED FOR ADWELL AWARD High School All-Americans Revealed The five finalists have been announced for high school baseball's most prestigous individual trophy. The Adwell Award, named after legendary high school pitched Red Adwell, has been presented annually since 1934 and its list of winners reads like a who's who of FABL superstars, including Walt Messer, Bill Barrett, Deuce Barrell and Hiram Steinberg. Here are this year's five finalists, listed in alphabetical order as well as the High School All-Americans. PAUL BURTON SR, Valparaiso (IN) HS: The righthander posted the lowest ERA and FIP among all qualified High School pitchers. He went 10-0 with a 0.43 era (0.14 FIP) while finishing second in the nation in strikeouts with 199 and third in K/9. He was a second round selection of the Montreal Saints in January. EARL HOWE JR, Cardinal Hayes HS, Bronx, NY: Only Rick Masters had a higher homerun total, rbi total and slugging percentage than Howe, a junior centerfielder. He slashed .504/.562/1.104 with 14 homers and 49 rbi's in 27 games. RICK MASTERS SR, Prospect Heights HS, Brooklyn, NY: The Brooklyn born outfielder led the nation in homers (15) and rbi's (52) while finishing fourth in the batting race, slashing .573/.615/1.019. He was ranked #1 on the latest OSA mock draft and was selected second overall by the Boston Minutemen in January. JOHN SAMUEL FR, Monrovia (CA) HS: The Los Angeles born freshman outfielder is still just 14 years old but his .604 batting average was the best in the nation. He compiled a slash line of .604/.645/.906 and was second in the nation in on-base percentage behind only fellow nominee John Wells. JOHN WELLS SR, Northwest Catholic HS, Philadelphia, Pa: The shortstop was a finalist for the Adwell Award last season, and was drafted first overall by the Toronto Wolves in January. He had an outstanding senior season, slashing .591/.657/1.073 with 8 homers and 47 rbi's to lead the nation in on-base percentage while finishing third in batting average, rbi's and slugging percentage. PLENTY OF FUTURE FABL DRAFT PICKS WITH FAMILY TIES TO THE SPORT Thinking about Boston Minutemen second overall draft pick Rick Masters (whose grandfather played pro baseball, topping out in AAA) made me make up a list of guys in the 1950-52 draft classes with relatives who are in the database as players: 1950: Steve Williams - Brother of Foresters SP prospect Paul (drafted 4th rd, 1947), "Steamboat" Steve is also a pitcher, though not quite as highly regarded as his big brother. Mike Colman - Great-Grandson of 19th century catcher Michael Colman, Mike is a fringe 1B prospect who was drafted, but unsigned by the Miners in '47- the same team his ancestor played for back in the 1880s. Les Miller - Grandson of Butch Brown, a cup of coffee OF who failed to get an AB in his one game with the 1913 Dynamos. Les, a 2B, has the potential to make FABL & stick. Drafted by the Kings (rd 24) in 1947, he's now playing in college for Georgia Baptist. Bryan Jeffress - Nephew of former Minutemen pitcher Joe Dorsainvil, Jeffress is one of the most exciting CF prospects in his class. Currently playing for Smithfield College in Rhode Island. Bob Powers - Son of George Powers, a pitcher drafted by the Cougars in 1918, who didn't have much of a career. Bob, a CF prospect playing for Cache Valley in Utah, is a decent prospect whom OSA considers to be "on the bubble" for a big league spot down the line. 1951: Freddy Barrell - Son of current Wolves manager Fred Barrell, Freddy is a catcher like his father, though he's not currently touted very highly by scouts. Also plays football, which may end up being his best career option if he wants to play professionally. Buddy Perkins - Brother of current Saints SS Gordie, Buddy is a catching prospect with a middling outlook. Still young, it remains to be seen if he'll develop into a legitimate prospect. Charlie Barrell - Son of former AFA star (and one-time Tarzan actor) Joe Barrell and actress Dorothy Bates, "The Heartbreak Kid" might be the best athlete to come out of the large Barrell brood, which is saying something. A blue-chipper in baseball, basketball AND football, Charlie's star is bright and the biggest question is where will he take his talents when he finishes his collegiate career at Noble Jones? Joel Spencer - Son of former Cougars/Dynamos SP Hank Spencer, Joel is a scrappy & speedy 2B prospect currently playing at Grange College. Hugh Ferebee - Grandson of former Stars & Miners OF Ray Moore, Hugh is a highly-touted CF prospect with an outstanding eye and plus contact tool out of Waxahachie HS in Texas. 1952: Bill May Jr. - Son of veteran Chiefs CF Bill May, Junior is a catcher, born in Rochester during his father's stint there while in the Kings' system, attends Chicago's Lake View HS. Eddie Black - Son of Duke Black, who never played professionally but has been a longtime amateur coach, and coaches his son at Richmond VA's Jefferson HS. Eddie is a 1B with intriguing power potential. Mike Barrell - The latest scion of the famous Barrell family, Mike is the son of current OSA President Dan Barrell and attends Capital Academy in DC, the same school his father attended. Mike is a corner infielder and a solid, all-around prospect, unsurprising given his bloodlines. Like his cousin Charlie, Mike also plays basketball (his mother heads up OSA's basketball department) and football (his father starred at Chicago Poly). Jack Day - Son of Hall of Fame pitcher Rabbit Day, "Jackrabbit" Day is not a hurler, but is an excellent all-around 3B prospect possessing all five tools - including speed, fittingly for a youngster nicknamed Jackrabbit. Stew Manning - Son of former Miners & Foresters OF Cal Manning, Stew is also an outfielder, but is likely to be a high first-round pick come 1952 with OSA very high on his potential impact as a big leaguer. Bob Stuart - Grandson of long-time AAA pitcher Jim Stuart, who spent his entire career in Buffalo fashioning a 154-149 record. Bob's an outfielder, and unlike his grandfather who never made it to FABL, Bob has the talent to make it the Show. Bill Wall - Nephew of Toronto Wolves star Fred McCormick, Bill's the son of Fred's sister Constance (McCormick) Wall. Great hit tool - he won't hit many HRs, but his stroke is every bit as sweet as his future-HOFer uncle. TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN Wolves Stumble Home After A 5-8 Road Trip -- Fred Barrell says he knew something was up after being decimated by his brother's Brooklyn Kings 11-3 Monday afternoon. "The pitching was not sharp in any games except for Jimmy Gibbs' start on Saturday and George Garrison's opening game of the two on Sunday after both had been beat up early in the week. The starters struggled and going to the 'pen, with the exception of Harry Phillips, just added gasoline to the blazing fire. Changes have to be made, this is unacceptable for the team." In 8 games the opposition scored 56 runs on the Wolves, including two games in which there were back-to-back 8-2 losses to the Stars at Dyckman Stadium. Brett cautions reader not to blame the defense as has been part of the runs allowed problem this season. Only one of the 56 was unearned of the week. The staff now has an ERA 4.23. 7th in the CA. Fans would expect that number to be, at worst, 3.50 for the team to have any success. Anything over 4 spells disaster for the Wolves in 1949. Hopefully spending the next couple of weeks at home will allow the pitching to return to form. At the plate Toronto remains either slightly above or slightly below CA average in all offensive categories. During the past week the scored 45 runs in 8 games. Scoring an average of a little more than 5 times per game should yield a winning record, certainly not a 3-5 week. There are some positives: Lloyd McGowan's extra work coaching the infield defense seems to have the fielding turning a corner as the team only misplayed 4 balls in the field last week. Last week Wally Boyer had a line of .529/.636/.765 in 22 PA, Hal Wood .500/.581/.667 in 32 PA. John Fast in a backup role was .400/.455/.700 in 23 PA as Barrell is starting to find more opportunities for him. catcher Randy Hendrix is finally hitting over .200, he is constantly working with Dick Dennis, with Barrell usually close, on his footwork, release in an attempt to cut down would be base stealers. He has only thrown out 6 of 18 thus far in the season. On the farm Ray Hatch is pitching well at Buffalo for the hapless 18-33 Nickels. The 24 year old is 5-3 with a 1.71 ERA in 10 starts. Les Leadbetter tossed a CG shutout before being roughed up in next outing for Davenport. There are few players in the system that will benefit from a planned adjustment at levels in the system when this year's class starts to arrive to their assignments in two weeks. Brett has learned that more than a few players time in the Wolves organization will come an end before month ends. Insiders have told him a tentative list has already been put together subject to almost daily revisions, updates from the scouting department. The New York Gothams are the hottest team in baseball of late, winning 11 of the their last 13 games and extending their lead on the second place Chicago Chiefs to 3.5 games. While New York's pitching, especially its bullpen, has seen some struggles, the Gothams powerful offense is simply overwhelming teams. The Gotham have scored 301 runs already this season -42 more than any other club in FABL- and are on a pace to score 858 times this season. No other Federal Association club this decade has reached even 800 runs in a season. Somehow, some way, the Cleveland Foresters continue to lead the way in the Continental Association. Like their Fed counterparts from New York, the Foresters have opened a 3.5 game lead atop the CA thanks to a strong June that has seen them go 8-3 so far this month. 24-year-old second year righthander Adrian Czerwinski continues to be the biggest surprise in baseball as a year after going 4-11 with a 6.04 era as a rookie, the 1946 second round pick out of Whitney College won his 10th game of the season in his hometown yesterday, topping the Chicago Cougars 5-4 to run his record to 10-2 with a 3.07 era. Dealt away to make room for youth by the Keystones in 1940 and again by Detroit in 1946, Rip Curry is still going strong at the age of 39. The veteran Boston Minutemen outfielder may be a liability with his glove, but certainly not his bat as Curry is leading the Federal Association in hitting, with a .385 average. If it holds up that would be a career best for the 14-year veteran who missed two full years due to the war. Curry might even return to the all-star games, an event he has not participated in since 1934, which was just the second year the mid-season classic was held. Toronto Wolves second round pick Ike Brennan has reportedly told the club he is going to play college ball instead of signing a pro contract. The 18-year-old lefthander from Jacobus, PA. has committed to Burleson College, a small school in Texas but the Wolves will likely try to see if the can throw enough money at him to change his mind. Brennan is not the only drafted high schooler leaning towards the college ranks. Catcher Andy Joiner, a Brownsville, Tn. native selected in the third round by the Cincinnati Cannons is adamant he is going to Alda College in Oklahoma instead of turning pro. New York City area high school pitcher Larry Rush was Detroit's fourth round selection but Rush says his mind is made up and he will attend De Sota College in Memphis rather than signing with the Dynamos. Quite an accomplishment in the Japanese League where Yo**omo Ishimoto had seven hits in a gae for the the Nagoya Hosho Reliables. Ishimoto went 7-for-7 as his club routed the Tokyo Denki Dynamics 23-6 to set a new single game hit record for the Far East loop. Only twice in FABL history has a player enjoyed a 7-hit game. Andy Stoddard did it for the old Baltimore Cannons in 1926 and Detroit's Bob Montgomery duplicated the feat three years ago. LUDWICK TOPS OSA DRAFT RANKINGS Western Iowa Canaries forward Willy Ludwick tops what looks like a strong top half of the Federal Basketball League draft in the latest rankings of college cage seniors released by the OSA. Ludwick, a third team All-American selection, averaged 13.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game to help lead the Canaries to a school record 30-2 season and the number one ranking during the regular season. They lost to Noble Jones College in overtime in the national quarterfinals despite the fact Ludwick had 24 points in what proved to be his final collegiate contest. Ludwick is one of two Western Iowa players that cracked the OSA top twenty as he was joined by Canaries center Dalton Cassidy. The first pick in the July draft belongs to the Syracuse Titans, assuming the club will be around next season. There are rumours that the Titans are folding, which would move the Toronto Falcons up to the number one draft slot. UPCOMING MAJOR FIGHTS Jun 13-Buffalo, NY" MW Bill Boggs (18-2) vs John Baker (22-5-1) Jun 25- Gothams Stadium, New York: World Heavyweight Champ Hector Sawyer (60-3-1) vs Roy Crawford (29-3) Jun 25- Boston Denny Arena: HW Cannon Cooper (26-4-1) vs Dan Miller (38-10) Jun 30- Thompson Arena Detroit: HW Scott Baker (19-3-3) vs Max Bradley (14-0) Jul 30- Chesapeake Arena, Baltimore: World Welterweight Champ Mac Erickson (19-0) vs Danny Rutledge (17-0) The Week That Was** Current events from the week ending 6/12/1949 A witness has told the House Committee on Un-American Activities that Algier Hiss was not his only source in the State Department for supplying information for his Communist "apparatus." A Republican Senator says the man who drafts top secret atomic reports to Congress once was suspended because the FBI questioned his loyalty. Sources say Soviet Deputy Prime Minister Molotov has been placed in charge of Russia's policies on China and elsewhere in the Orient. The source indicated that will lead to an abrupt change in Russia's attitude of diplomatic aloofness toward the Chinese Communists. A Soviet-American agreement signalled the end of the Berlin rail strike after 22 days. The document included the first draft of a trade treaty for all of Germany. The US Court of Appeals upheld the contempt of court conviction of John L Lewis and the United Mine Workers for failure to call off a strike last year. The court ordered the UMW chief and the union to pay fines totaling more than $1.4 million. __________________ Cliff Markle HOB1 greatest pitcher 360-160, 9 Welch Awards, 11 WS titles