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1930
The 1930 season signifies a third complete decade of major league baseball. Much of the sport, and the country, has changed recently. As home runs and scoring is on the rise, criticism of a livelier ball increases. On the political front, the country continues to struggle through a growing economic depression.
The Athletics were foiled again in yet another attempt at winning a World Championship. They have now lost three World Series over the past five years. One must wonder how they will react and if their team psyche is intact. Detroit had a tough season last year, but they appear ready to once again compete for the pennant. Boston and Chicago are teams that have come close over the past few seasons but have not had enough talent to get the job done. Once again, they look to be strong. The Yankees seem to be declining, while Cleveland is quickly on the rise. Add 17-year-old
George "The Joker" Bowers to the list of young and impressive pitchers on this staff. After these six teams, there is a big drop-off to St. Louis and Washington. The Senators, however, seem to be slowly improving as they groom young players.
In the NL, The Phillies still reign supreme. Their offense seems to be sliding slightly, but their pitching staff is too dominant for them to fall out of contention. After a terrible season, the Braves are out to prove that they can once again claim the pennant. They need consistency from their pitching staff, especially
Whiskey Allen Jr., but their offense is solid from top to bottom. The Cubs are improving every year, and they should be in contention once again. Brooklyn, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and St. Louis could each make some noise this season, but none of them has a team as wholly talented as the Phillies or Braves. Meanwhile, the Giants are in for another long year, but they could soon be joined at the bottom by the aging Cardinals.
Ancestors Added:
George "The Joker" Bowers, SP, Cleveland Indians
The Indians have once again added a potential ace to their rotation, and they are quickly moving up the ranks of AL contenders. Bowers will begin the season as the team's #3 starter, and if the team's youngsters can perform, they can shoot for a winning season.
Blake "Hitman" Crocitto, SS, Washington Senators
Crocitto is an excellent hitter with plenty of power, which is unusual for a shortstop. He has decent speed, but struggles sometimes in the field. He will begin the season on the Senators' bench, but he has a big future ahead of him. He is one of many talented young players with which Washington hopes to build a brighter future.
David "Harlequin" Hunter, 2B, Boston Braves
Hunter is a good hitter with an impressive eye at the plate. He will get on base often and use his great speed and baserunning instincts to frustrate opposing defenses. Second base was a weakness for the Braves last season, and Hunter should start immediately and leadoff.
Bill "Red" Finley, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Red is also a talented pitcher who is known for striking out a lot of opposing batters. He will begin the season in the majors as the lone lefty in the Pirates' bullpen. However, he will be in the rotation before long, and he is a big key to the Pirates' future.
Jimmy "The Schnozz" Ditty, RF, New York Yankees
Jimmy is the son of Campbell Ditty, a great hitting outfielder who played for the cross-town Giants. Jimmy hopes he will become a great slugger in Yankees' history as his dad was for the Giants. He will begin the season in AAA, but he should be in the majors before long, likely on the bench where he can learn the ropes.
Al "Flaky II" Arsenault, LF, Boston Red Sox
Al, the son of White Sox shortstop "Flaky" Arsenault, has been nicknamed "Flaky the Second" for his grace at the plate, which is reminiscent of his father. He will never hit for as high an average as his dad, but he will hit for much more power. He begins the season on the Red Sox bench, but he will soon be the starter in left field, because his abilities, including good speed and defense, are too great to keep out of the lineup for long.