August 2, 1926
It was another strong week for the Kings, who won 6 of 7 games including a key matchup with Philadelphia at the beginning of the week to salvage a split of their 6 game series. Brooklyn widened it's cushion atop the Continental Association to 3 games on the Sailors and 5.5 ahead of the third place New York Stars.
Centerfielder Lou Cox claimed a pair of individual honours this week as he was named both the Player of the week and the Batter of the Month for August. The 28 year old Cox leads both leagues with 35 stolen bases and is hitting .327 on the season. Cox's big effort may be inspired in part by the showing of 21 year old Ab Thomas. Thomas was called up from Houston where he hit .358 with 44 stolen bases in 80 games, when Doug Lightbody suffered his season ending injury. Since the promotion the rookie has hit .466 (27-58) and has been forcing manager Powell Slocum to find a spot for him in the line-up. A tough task for the skipper with reigning CA batting champ Bud Rogers (.345/7/70) and Clarence Hall (.315,2,27), who had lost his starting job to Lightbody, both playing well so it makes for a crowded outfield.
Our pitchers had a strong week, especially Leon Campbell. Last report I talked about bumping Campbell to the top of the rotation because I wanted the lefthander to start the final game of the series with Philadelphia. It paid off as Campbell allowed just 1 run on 6 hits in going the distance in a 13-1 win. The 24 year old got another win at the end of the week as we thumped Chicago 9-4 to run his record to 9-0 on the season. The run support Campbell has received is nothing short of incredible. The Kings have averaged 8.5 runs a game started by the young southpaw.
Topsy Moran, the rookie who tossed a no-hitter earlier in the season but has struggled off late, is back from his trip to AAA Houston. He had been in a terrible slump so a couple of strong starts for the Bulls, which he had, will hopefully get him back on track. Art Carlson was returned to Houston to make room. Another lefthander, Karl Mallek, who started the season in Brooklyn but got hurt is now back from his injury but he was sent to Houston because there is no room in Brooklyn with the pitching upgrades. Speaking of those upgrades both newcomers had a good week as Mose Smith won both his starts and Del Plummer was the winner in his only start of the week. And Cal Williams, who was exiled to the pen after some rough outings, got back in the rotation and pitched a gem - a complete game 5-1 win over Chicago to improve to 13-5 on the season.