Field of Dreams

[Nick Soulis]

[Nick Soulis]

FIELD OF DREAMS PROJECT

I am sure if every baseball player who ever played the game, alive or gone, could get another chance at an atbat, a defensive play, or a season, they would jump at the chance. The game gives us a special feeling of youth and hope, and that’s a great part of the joy of OOTP, bringing the names and the teams back to try again.

Every baseball team is unique in its own way. There have been almost 2556 major league baseball teams between 1903 and 2020. My objective is to help relive each and every one even for a moment. This is completely separate from my Excellence project, that's where the elite play, this is for the forgotten team, as well as every era played of this grand game.

So in my mind I see the baseball Gods picking two teams out of many and giving them the chance to play again. Kind of a field of dreams that I am sure every player would jump at the chance at.

The winner moves on the loser is eliminated. One champion. Every team.

The Preliminary round will be 508 clubs best of 7 game series.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series 1
1988 Cincinnati Reds (87-74) vs 1980 Oakland Athletics (83-79)



In the opening matchup it is none other than Pete Rose vs Billy Martin. Two baseball men who see the game in the same light which should make for an exciting series. The 1980 A’s are led by 21 year old leadoff man Rickey Henderson who stole 100 bases and had an OBP at .420. Tony Armas adds 35 home runs and the A’s as a team have to like their chances.

A stacked lineup for the Reds with Eric Davis and Paul O’neill really making pitchers worry. Cincy also has the young talent of Barry Larkin who could also play a big role in this series. Lefty Danny Jackson won 23 game in 1988 and leads a competent rotation with the likes of Rob Dibble and John Franco closing things out.
Two winning teams with hell fire managers, what a way to start. Ultimately I think the Reds pitching staff should prove to be a little too strong.

Game 1
1988 Reds 5
1980 Athletics 3
Reds take the lead in the series behind Danny Jackson on a rainy night. Kal Daniels went 3-3 including a an RBI while John Franco closed the game out preserving the lead in the ninth. Barry Larkin went 3-5 with 2 runs scored.

Game 2 -
1988 Reds........6
1980 Athetics....1
Dennis Rasmussen throws a complete game victory as Cincinnati wins game two with ease and looks confident heading west. Rasmussen allowed 12 hits but struck out 12 batters while Nick Esasky went 3-4 with a home run to pace the offense.

Game 3
1980 Athletics...............5
1988 Reds....................3
Oakland responds well at home behind Rick Langford who goes 8 strong while Wayne Gross drives in three RBI. The Reds made two errors and couldnt really support Mario Soto.

Game 4
1980 Athletics............5
1988 Reds................10
Nick Esasky and Bo Diaz each go deep and combine for 5 runs as Jose Rijo gets the sun support he needs and the Reds take full control of this series. Ace Danny Jackson will go in game five to try and close out the series.

Game 5
1980 Athletics............5
1988 Reds.................4
Mike Norris pitches 8 strong innings and Rickey Henderson shows up going 2-4 with 2 RBI and his first stolen base. After falling behind 3-0, the A's came back and take the series back to Cincinnati.

Game 6
1988 Reds..............4
1980 Athletics..........3
Dennis Rasmussen comes through for a second time as the Reds win another at home and close out the series. Chris Sabo and Eric Davis both went deep and John Franco closed out the ninth in what has to be a satisfyingly end for Pete Rose and his side.

1988 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4-2

Series MVP:

Nick Esasky
(.542, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 2B)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #2
1916 Chicago Cubs (67-86) vs 1972 Milwaukee Brewers (65-91)

From two winning teams we go to two teams with wins in the 60's for series two. The 1916 Chicago Cubs are lead by Joe Tinker playing in their state of the art new ballfield, Weeghmam Park. Lefty Hippo Vaugh leads a good Chicago pitching staff that had a 2.65 ERA and kept games close. The Cubs hitting was where the muscle was lacking scoring only 520 runs and not a man over .300. It was a team in between eras for Chicago and Tinker will have his hands full in generating runs in this series.

The opponent is the 1972 Milwaukee Brewers who also in these early days lacked some offensive punch of their own. George Scott and John Briggs each hit over 20 home runs put this club scored a paltry 493 runs on the season, even less then the Cubbies. Jim Lonborg won 14 games and completed 11. Bill Parsons also started 30 games but allowed 27 home runs on the season. Look for this matchup to be a series with a lack of offense, strategy and situational baseball may be the key to victory for these clubs at close proximity but very different eras.

Game 1 At Weegham Park
1916 Cubs..............0
1972 Brewers.........2
Game one to the Brewers and Jim Lonborg who goes the distance and allowed no runs on seven hits and two strikeouts. Briggs and May drive in the only runs against the Cubs and Hippo Vaugh, but the shutout stands in the opening game.

Game 2 At Weegham Park
1916 Cubs............4
1972 Brewers.......0
The Cubs turn the tables of game one and throw a shutout of their own to even the series. This time the master on the hill was George McConnell who did allow 9 hits but struck out seven and didnt walk a man. Gary Reyson was good for the Brewers but Vic Saier had two doubles and were able to touch him up for four runs.

Game 3 At County Stadium
1972 Brewers..................3
1916 Cubs.......................4
Tempers flared at County Stadium and in the 2nd inning, Cubs second baseman Alex McCarthy started a bench clearing ball after he was hit by a pitch from Bill Parsons. The Cubs play outschool baseball, and the intensity of the series is high. Frank Schulte hit a two run home run off Parsons before he departed and the Cubs held off the home Brewers to take the advantage in the series. The Brewers hit into 4 double plays in this one.

Game 4 At County Stadium
1972 Brewers...............2
1916 Cubs...................1 (10 inn)
Replacement second baseman Rollie Zeider misplayed an easy double play ball in the 10th inning allowing the winning run to score in what was a tight contest. Hippo Vaughn and Jon Lonborg battled for the full 10 innings each allowing only one earned run. The series now is all even and becomes a best of three as the teams wrap up action at County Stadium.

Game 5 At County Stadium
1972 Brewers..............2
1916 Cubs...................8 (10 inn)
The Cubs score 6 runs in the 10th inning to pull away from the Brewers and head back home with a 3-2 series lead. Cy Williams and pinch hitter Les Man both had two run doubles in the extra frame as reliever Ken Brett was hit hard. Cubs starter George McConnell won his second game of the series and the Cubs now look to avoid a game seven by closing it out at home in game 6.

Game 6 At Weegham Park
1916 Cubs...................6
1972 Brewers..............4
Claude Hendrix battles through nine innings and watches his team fight back from a three run deficit to win the game and take the series. Frank Schulte hammered a two run double to tie the game at 4 in the third inning. Alex McCarthy, got ultimate revenge against Bill Parsons when his RBI single in the 5th gave the Cubs the lead for good. Old era ball celebrate as they have a point to prove that their style is better or as good as any.

1916 Chicago Cubs win series 4-2

Series MVP:

George McConnell (19 IP, 2-0, 0.95 ERA, 0 BB, 13 K)

Noteworthy - Jim Lonborg of the 1972 Brewers pitched 19 innings of shutout baseball in his two starts.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #3
1933 Boston Red Sox (63-86) vs 2015 Cincinnati Reds (64-98)

Two even sides set to face off close to 80 years apart. The 1933 Boston Red Sox were in a period of their history where they were the post Ruth forgotten team that no one expected mush from. Boston manager Marty McManus was also a player and leaned on a lineup lead by Roy Johnson who hit .312 on the season with little support. The pitching staff was even thinner at Fenway Park with only one arm, Gordon Rhodes winning more then 10 games.

The Reds of 2015 were a little past their best also and suffered a difficult season. Joey Votto however was in his prime with a .459 OBP. Todd Frazier had one of his best seasons with 35 home runs as the club depended on the long ball and not on rallies hitting only .248 as a team. Johnny Cueto still had some of his best stuff but alot of inexperience behind him. When games did become close, Ardolis Chapman was still the blazing arm out of the pen that closed most games out.

Game 1 At Fenway Park
1933 Red Sox.................5
2015 Reds......................9
WP: J. Cueto LP: G. Rhodes
The Reds claim the first game of the series at Fenway behind Johnny Cueto who went the distance. Joey Votto hit a two run home run and Brandon Phillips went 3-5 with a triple and two runs scored. The Reds scored three runs in the very first inning and kept the pressure on the Red Sox and Gordon Rhodes who took the loss.

Game 2 At Fenway Park
1933 Red Sox...............0
2015 Reds....................4
WP: M. Leake LP: B. Weiland
Mike Leake was brilliant on 113 pitches at Fenway to throw a shutout walking only one and allowing 6 hits. Eugenio Suarez went 2-4 and scored two runs as the Reds put together 13 hits after having 15 in game one. Cincy wins both games on the road and bring the big advantage to Great American Ball Park where Boston needs to turn things around to avoid a short series.

Game 3 At Great American Ballpark
2015 Reds...................3
1933 Red Sox..............8
WP: J. Welch LP: A. Desclafani
Road club wins again as Boston behind Jack Welch win their first game of the series. Welch went 8 scoreless innings before running into trouble but the 14 hits from the lineup was enough. Roy Johnson went 4-5 with an RBI and 2 R scored.

Game 4 At Great American Ballpark
2015 Reds..................1
1933 Red Sox.............6
WP: H. Johnson LP: M. Lorenzen
Hank Johnson and the Red Sox win again as neither side seem to want to win at home. The Reds were held to one run while The Sox had 10 hits and Rabbit Wrastler scored two runs with an RBI. The series now wraps up in Cincy as the game one starters matchup again in game five.

Game 5 At Great American Ballpark
2015 Reds...............2
1933 Red Sox..........3
WP: G. Rhodes LP: J. Cueto
The Red Sox sweep all three games on the road to take the lead in the series. Gordon Rhodes got his revenge from a game one loss to beat Johhny Cueto preserving a one run win. The Reds made two costly errors in the game as Roy Johnson continued his big series going 3/5 and now hitting .524 in the series.

Game 6 At Fenway Park
1933 Red Sox.............1
2015 Reds...................0
WP: M. Leake LP: B. Weiland
In an outstanding pitchers duel, the Red Sox walk off the game in the bottom of the ninth to win their fourth game in a row and end the series. Mike Leake and Weiland pitched their hearts out and dueled late into the game. Leake in fact had a no hitter after six innings. In the 9th however with the bases loaded and one out, Mel Almada won the game with a walk off hit to end the series.

1933 Red Sox win Series 4-2

Series MVP:

Roy Johnson (11/25, 4 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #4
1935 St. Louis Cardinals (96-58) vs 1989 Montreal Expos (81-81)

The famous Gashouse gang, basically a year removed from their glory take the field. This team will always be known for their hard play and disregard for style or grace. Dizzy Dean and his brother Paul could really confuse hitters and will expect to carry the load. The offense is lead by Joe Medwick, Leo Durocher, and Ripper Collins and will be the outright favorites in this series.

The 1989 Montreal Expos finished right at .500 and Buck Rogers has to like the depth of talent on the roster. Tim Raines is not quite in his prime anymore but Andres Gallaraga, Tim Wallach, and a young Dave Martinez will make for an interesting mix. The staff is headed by El Presidente Dennis Martinez but there is also a 6 foot 10 young arm on the staff that they are calling the Big Unit.

Game 1 At Sportsmans Park
1935 Cardinals.................2
1989 Expos......................1
WP: E. Heusser LP: P.Perez
Pascal Perez had it all working and a 1-0 lead over Dizzy Dean and the Cardinals when he ran into trouble in the 8th inning. With two outs Frankie Frisch, the player manager, hit a game tying double and the momentum carried to the 9th. Jack Rothrock walked off the win over the Expos with a single scoring Joe Medwick. Dean went 8 innings striking out six and allowing only 4 hits.

Game 2 At Sportsmans Park
1935 Cardinals............7
1989 Expos.................5 (13 inn)
WP: T. Burke LP: E. Heusser S: A. McGaffigan
The 1989 Expos are able to steal a game in St. Louis with a 13 inning win to tie the series. Catcher Mike Fitzgerald had a big game driving in three runs but it was his 8th inning home run that tied the game off Paul Dean and sent it into extras. In the 13th Otis Nixon tripled and drove in the go ahead run before he scored on a Nelson Sontovenia sacrifice fly. Dean pitched 11 innings in the loss but allowed 14 hits and labored in the end.

Game 3 At Olympic Stadium
1989 Expos...............10
1935 Cardinals...........6
WP: D. Martinez LP: B. Hallahan
The 89 Expos put up seven runs in the 8th inning to turn the game and the series in their favor. Mike Fitzgerald continues his hot hitting with a bases clearing triple in the frame while Tom Foley drove in 2. Pepper Martine had homered earlier to give the Cardinals the edge, but their starter Bill Hallahan had far fromm his good stuff through nine. The Expos are beginning to smell upset.

Game 4 At Olympic Stadium
1989 Expos....................3
1935 Cardinals...............9
WP: B. Walker LP: R. Johnson
The 35 Cardinals roughed up left hander Randy Johnson to the tune of 8 runs in 4.2 innings. Joey Medwick hit a three run home run in the 3rd as St. Louis had 14 hits behind Bill Walker who walked 5 but kept the ship steady through 9 innings. Series even.

Game 5 At Olympic Stadium
1989 Expos..............10
1935 Cardinals...........4
WP: P. Perez LP: D. Dean
The 1989 Expos scored seven runs in the 6th inning shocking Dizzy Dean and the Cardinals and taking an important three games to two lead in the series. Tim Wallach had 4 RBI and Dave Martinez went deep with a man on as Dean just didnt have his best stuff. Pascal Perez took advantage of the lead and and despite allowing 12 hits, went the distance to the delight of the capacity crowd. The Expos one game away from the upset.

Game 6 At Sportsmans Park
1935 Cardinals................1
1989 Expos.....................8
WP: B. Smith LP: P. Smith
In a decisive win, the 89 Expos put away the Gashouse gang. Bryn Smith allowed only one earned run while Paul Dean, like his brother ran into numerous jams. Dave Martinez drove in three more runs while Tim Raines ended the series hitting .360. Its a monumental series win for Montreal and baseball in the 1980's, who beat truly a legendary team of the depression era.

1989 Expos Win Series 4-2

Series MVP:

Mike Fitzgerald (.421, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #5
1959 Los Angeles Dodgers (88-68) vs 1989 Los Angeles Dodgers (77-83)

A battle of Dodger Nation between two good teams from two very different eras. The 1959 club is our first entrant as World Champions and the surprise club lead by Walter Alston seemed to find ways to win the big games. Don Drysdale and Johnny Podres will be facing off against Orel Hershiser and the 1989 Dodger staff that is coming off of its own championship a year earlier.

Tommy LaSorda will lean on his leaders like Kirk Gibson to get his offense going. Both teams seem to perform better then what their rosters would indicate, and Dodger fans will surely eat it all up in this great matchup.

Game 1 At LA Coliseum
1959 Dodgers..............2
1989 Dodgers..............1
WP: D. Drysdale LP: O. Hershiser
In a classic pitching battle between two legendary Dodgers, the home side rode the one run lead they earned through a Johnny Roseboro single in the 6th. Drysdale matched Hersisher pitch for pitch striking out 10 and walking only one. Kirk Gibson hit a home run for the visiting side but that is all the visitors would get on this day.

Game 2 At LA Coliseum
1959 Dodgers.............13
1989 Dodgers..............4
WP: J. Podres LP: T. Belcher
The 59 Dodgers put up 19 hits and Gil Hodges has a historic day. The first baseman goes 5-5 with 2 HR and seven RBI. It was a day the 35 year old will not soon forget. Johnny Podres carried his team the rest of the way for an easy win, and the 59 club has really got a leg up in this series as it moved to Dodger Stadium.

Game 3 At Dodger Stadium
1989 Dodgers.................6
1959 Dodgers.................4
WP: T. Leary LP: R. Craig
Down by three runs and hope dwindling in the series, Mike Scioscia hit a three run triple to tie the game and turn fortunes around. Even winning pitcher Tim Leary got into the act hitting a solo home run off of Roger Craig. Leary went the distance and the 89 team has life.

Game 4 At Dodger Stadium
1989 Dodgers................4
1959 Dodgers................0
WP: M. Morgan LP: D. McDevitt
Mike Morgan may not have the best stuff on the mound, but his command was awesome in this game as he shutsout the 1959 club and evens the series at 2. Mike Scioscia did it again with a 2 run double this time making it 5 RBI in two games. Morgan struck out six and allowed only 5 hits.

Game 5 At Dodger Stadium
1989 Dodgers.................5
1959 Dodgers.................7
WP: D. Drysdale LP: O. Hershiser S: C. Labine
Jeff Hamilton hit an early grand slam off of Don Drysdale but the 1959 were not phased and fought back against Orel Hershiser to win game five. Gil Hodges continues his excellent series going 3-5 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. The visitors scored four runs in the 7th helped by a big error by Jose Gonzalez in center.

Game 6 At LA Coliseum
1959 Dodgers...............9
1989 Dodgers...............3
WP: J. Podres LP: T. Belcher
Charlie Neal hits a home run and a triple to drive in four runs behind Johnny Podres to end this best of seven series. Podres took the game into the 9th after the home team piled it on beleaguered starter Tim Belcher. Aging Duke Snider went 4-5 and hit .381 in the series as the 59 Dodgers hammered 15 hits and proved they are indeed championship caliber.

1959 LA Dodgers Win Series 4-2

Series MVP:

Gil Hodges (.440, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .760 SLG, 7 R)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #6
1937 Boston Bees (79-73) vs 1964 Kansas City Athletics (57-105)

Two twenty game winners and throw a Dimaggio on the roster and the 1933 Boston Bees were a decent bunch. Long time skipper Bill McCechnie and his side only finished in 5th in the NL but did have a winning record. Lou Fette and Jim Turner were quite good at the top of the order and the Bees were actually considered the best thing going in Boston as the Red Sox continued to flounder. Vince DiMaggio helped a good defensive team but the Bees as a whole really lacked the punch they needed with the bats.

No doubt the 1964 Athletics had a number of issues losing 105 games. The pitching side was really tough for this team and even finsing a consistent rotation became an issue. Rocky Colavito was the only bat you may have heard of on offense but add Jim Gentile and the home run totals in this lineup isnt bad. If the A's could get anyone to produce outs, it definately could be an interesting series.

Game 1 At Braves Field
1937 Bees.................10
1964 Athletics............12 (15 inn)
WP: J. Grzenda LP: B. Wier S: D.Segui
A five hour 15 inning marathon opens the series with the Athletics winning after scoring 5 times in the final inning. Nelsen Matthews drove in four runs on 8 at bats while Bert Campeneris drove in two and scored two after coming to the plate nine times. Thirteen pitchers were used in the game and it will be interesting to see what kind of a toll such a game takes in a seven game series.

Game 2 At Braves Field
1937 Bees...............4
1964 Athletics..........7
WP: L. Karause LP: J. Turner
For a 105 loss club the A's come up big again on the road in game 2. Dick Green hit a two run single in the 5th inning to break a 4-4 tie this after Vince Dimaggio had hit a grand slam. Lew Krause Jr did enough to carry his team through and a stunned Bees club now head west with all the work to do.

Game 3 At Municipal Stadium
1964 Athletics.............1
1937 Bees..................7
WP: G. Bush LP: O. Pena
The Bees score five runs late to run away with game three to get back into the series. Tony Cuccinello hit a two run home run and scored two runs while Guy Bush was impressive allowing only the one earned run in the 9 innings worked.

Game 4 At Municipal Stadium
1964 Athletics............1
1937 Bees..................0
WP: D. Segui LP: L. Fette
Diego Segui may have lost 17 games in 1964, but today he looked like one of the greats. Segui pitched nine shutout innings to preserve a tense 1-0 win and set the Athletics up for the shocking upset. Segui out dueled Lou Fette who deserved better and took the loss after allowing one run over 8. Dick Green provided the only run of the game with an RBI double in the 3rd inning.

Game 5 At Municipal Stadium
1964 Ahtletics..................7
1937 Bees.......................5
WP: L. Krause Jr LP: D. MacFayden S:. T. Bowsfield
Momentum is a hard thing to stop, and the 1964 Athletics put all their pundits behind them and ended this series in 5. The Athletics hit 4 home runs in this one and after a three run third inning never trailed. Lew Krause gets his second win of the series and the Bees are left wondering what hit them. Most will say the 15 inning 5 hour classic that the A's took in game one, was the defining moment of this series.

1964 Kansas City Athletics Win Series 4 to 1

Series MVP:

Dick Green (.292, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, .929 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #7
1911 Cincinnati Reds (70-83) vs 1998 Detroit Tigers (65-97)

Clark Griffith and his Reds struggled during the early years in the National league. The Reds finished 6th in 1911 and lacked any real star power to make them a memorable side. They do represent the period well with 290 steals and a team ERA of 3.26. Dick Hoblitzell may be a name you never heard of but the first baseman did drive in 91 runs while Johnny Bates hit 13 triples and Bob Bescher stole 81 bases. Griffith interchanged pitchers and five different arms won over 10 games; George Suggs lead with 15 wins.

The 1998 Tigers had some bats that could make some noise even as they lost 97 games. Luis Gonzalez was on his way to becoming an All Star and Damion Easley drove in 100 runs to match his teammate Tony Clark who hit 34 home runs. The pitching was very tough to watch at Tiger Stadium during this year, and the Reds may well overachieve in this series.

Game 1 At Palace of The Fans
1911 Reds...............7
1998 Tigers.............5
WP: B. Keefe LP: B. Moehler
The Tigers make two costly errors and allow the Reds to score five times in the 4th, a lead that would hold up to win game one. Bob Bescher drove in two runs from the leadoff spot and starter Bill Keefe went the the distance striking out five.

Game 2 At Palace of The Fans
1911 Reds..............7
1998 Tigers............6
WP: A. Fromme LP: J. Thompson S: H. Gaspar
Bobby Higginson went 4-4 with two runs as the Tigers tried to even the series but not on this day. The Reds came through again as two more errors and more bad defense cost the Tigers. Johnny Bates had a big 2 run single and finished with 3 RBI while starting pitcher Art Fromme scored two runs on his own. It was nothing fancy but the Reds played well enough and now hold the lead in the series.

Game 3 At Tiger Stadium
1998 Tigers..............0
1911 Reds................5
WP: G. Suggs LP: S. Greisinger 0-1
George Suggs was brilliant in game three at Tiger Stadium and completely shut down the home side allowing only 5 hits and striking out four. Tom Downey had two RBI and the Reds appear poised to take this series easily and look for a clean sweep in game 4.

Game 4 At Tiger Stadium
1998 Tigers.................2
1911 Reds...................5
WP: B. Keefe LP: B. Moehler
Tom Downey had two triples and two RBI as the 1911 Reds did exactly what Clark Griffith could have asked of them winning this series in four straight. Bobby Keefe wanted the ball all the way and went the full nine allowing 11 hits but never trailing in this one. In the end the 1998 Tigers really played like kittens, and ran and hid for the duration being outscored 24-13.

1911 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4-0

Series MVP:

Dick Hobitzell (.467, 2 RBI, .500 OBP, 1 3B, 4 R)

[The Game]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #7
1911 Cincinnati Reds (70-83) vs 1998 Detroit Tigers (65-97)

Clark Griffith and his Reds struggled during the early years in the National league. The Reds finished 6th in 1911 and lacked any real star power to make them a memorable side. They do represent the period well with 290 steals and a team ERA of 3.26. Dick Hoblitzell may be a name you never heard of but the first baseman did drive in 91 runs while Johnny Bates hit 13 triples and Bob Bescher stole 81 bases. Griffith interchanged pitchers and five different arms won over 10 games; George Suggs lead with 15 wins.

The 1998 Tigers had some bats that could make some noise even as they lost 97 games. Luis Gonzalez was on his way to becoming an All Star and Damion Easley drove in 100 runs to match his teammate Tony Clark who hit 34 home runs. The pitching was very tough to watch at Tiger Stadium during this year, and the Reds may well overachieve in this series.

Game 1 At Palace of The Fans
1911 Reds...............7
1998 Tigers.............5
WP: B. Keefe LP: B. Moehler
The Tigers make two costly errors and allow the Reds to score five times in the 4th, a lead that would hold up to win game one. Bob Bescher drove in two runs from the leadoff spot and starter Bill Keefe went the the distance striking out five.

Game 2 At Palace of The Fans
1911 Reds..............7
1998 Tigers............6
WP: A. Fromme LP: J. Thompson S: H. Gaspar
Bobby Higginson went 4-4 with two runs as the Tigers tried to even the series but not on this day. The Reds came through again as two more errors and more bad defense cost the Tigers. Johnny Bates had a big 2 run single and finished with 3 RBI while starting pitcher Art Fromme scored two runs on his own. It was nothing fancy but the Reds played well enough and now hold the lead in the series.

Game 3 At Tiger Stadium
1998 Tigers..............0
1911 Reds................5
WP: G. Suggs LP: S. Greisinger 0-1
George Suggs was brilliant in game three at Tiger Stadium and completely shut down the home side allowing only 5 hits and striking out four. Tom Downey had two RBI and the Reds appear poised to take this series easily and look for a clean sweep in game 4.

Game 4 At Tiger Stadium
1998 Tigers.................2
1911 Reds...................5
WP: B. Keefe LP: B. Moehler
Tom Downey had two triples and two RBI as the 1911 Reds did exactly what Clark Griffith could have asked of them winning this series in four straight. Bobby Keefe wanted the ball all the way and went the full nine allowing 11 hits but never trailing in this one. In the end the 1998 Tigers really played like kittens, and ran and hid for the duration being outscored 24-13.

1911 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4-0

Series MVP:
Attachment 791253
Dick Hobitzell (.467, 2 RBI, .500 OBP, 1 3B, 4 R)

I thought that Tigers team was on the verge of greatness. My Delgado Tigers were originally based off of that team.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #8
2002 Florida Marlins (79-83) vs 1923 Chicago White Sox (69-85)

Quite an interesting battle between two clubs that were good but not quite at their best given the year and generation. The 1923 White Sox of course were still devastated by the great scandel that marred them and the game only 3 years earlier. Gone is their biggest star in Joe Jackson and obviously the embarrassment of the entire incident had to impact the feel of the club under Kid Gleason. Still Eddie Collins at 36 years old still hit .360 and Ray Schalk is a great presence behind the plate. The team quite truly could be much better then their record. Red Faber proudly leads a staff that is looking to redeem its name.

The 2002 Florida Marlins are one season away from winning it all. AJ Burnett and even more so Josh Beckett are poised to be stars and even for this team the potential for a great series is there. Miggy Cabrera is a season away but the Marlins still have alot of talent with Cliff Floyd, Luis Castillo, and Derek Lee all big factors. Kevin Millar is a name most will also recognize with even the likes of Tim Raines on the roster. A very intriguing matchup here.

Game 1 At Sunlife Stadium
2002 Marlins..................2
1923 White Sox.............7
WP: R. Faber LP: A. Burnett
HR: E. Collins, D. Lee
The White Sox come our strong in the opener tagging AJ Burnett 4 runs in the first two innings. The star at the plate was Eddie Collins who went yard with a man on and ended the game with 4 RBI. Faber struck out 5 before Frank Woodward closed out the last two innings. Chicago seemed determined.

Game 2 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins.................2
1923 White Sox............10
WP: C. Robertson LP: J. Beckett
HR: E. Sheely, H. Hooper, M. Lowell
White Sox all over Josh Beckett as the Marlins end two nightmare games at their park. Beckett was knocked out of the game in the third as Bibb Falk went 4-4 with 3 runs scored. Home runs for Harry Hooper and Earl Sheely did the damage as the Sox had 15 hits for the second consecutive game. Charlie Robertson pitched 8 strong for the win and Kid Gleason has to be brimming as the series now heads to ChiTown.

Game 3 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox..............5
2002 Marlins...................6
WP: B. Looper LP: F. Mack S: V. Nunez
HR: H. Hooper
A Mike Lowell single in the 9th turned out to be the difference in this game as the 02 Marlins show life in a come from behind win. Lowell drove in three on the day with a 2 run double before his ninth inning hit, he is hitting .308 for the series. Harry Hooper had hit a grand slam in the third inning for Chicago and ended with 5 RBI. Florida didnt quit however and now really look to make a series out of this. Derek Lee went 4-4 with 5 runs scored.

Game 4 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox............9
2002 Marlins.................1
WP: M. Cvengros LP: B. Penny
HR: R. Schalk
Willie Kamm went 4-4 with 3 RBI as the 23 White Sox hammered the Marlins 9-1. A close game turned to a laugher when the Sox put up 5 runs in the seventh as Mike Cvengros had it all going allowing only one run in 7 innings. Ray Schalk had a two run home run in the game and Johnny Mostil continues his hot hitting batting .450 in the series. Chicago looks to wrap things up at home.

Game 5 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox..............5
2002 Marlins..................10
WP: A. Burnett LP: R. Faber
HR: D. Lee, J. Mostil
Red Faber ran into a buzzsaw early in game five as the 02 Marlins stay alive in the series and move it back to Miami. Derek Lee hit a grand slam as part of a six run 2nd inning that did in the Chicago starter, Lee has played stellar both with bat and glove. Although not great, AJ Burnett held on to the lead through six innings striking out 10 and walking 6.

Game 6 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins................6
1923 White Sox...........5
WP: V. Nunez LP: F. Mack
HR: W. Kamm 2 , P. Wilson 2, K. Millar, C. Floyd
Catcher Mike Redmond delivered a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth to complete a comeback win by the 02 Marlins and set up a dramatic game seven. Willie Kamm had hit two home runs, including a 3 run bomb, and the Sox held a one run lead going into the 8th. Kevin Millar hit a tying solo home run off of Ted Blankenship and in the ninth the game was won. The Marlins refused to quit on this series in what has by far been our best.

Game 7 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins...................5
1923 White Sox..............2
WP: R. Dempster LP: D. Leverett
HR: M. Lowell, H. Hooper
The comeback complete, the 02 Marlins come all the way back from a 3 games to 1 hole to take the series. In this one Mike Lowell hit a three run home run to cap a 4 run first inning and the home team would not trail again as Ryan Dempster and friends brought the game home. Dixie Leverett lasted only the one inning for Chicago, and in an effort to prove that they could win without their Black Sox stars, Kid Gleason's men lacked the closing confidence to win this series.

2002 Florida Marlins Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Derek Lee
(.345, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 2B, 8 R)

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by The Game

I thought that Tigers team was on the verge of greatness. My Delgado Tigers were originally based off of that team.

Not even competetive against a dead ball Reds team that they should have done better against.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #9
1964 Philadelphia Phillies (92-70) vs 2014 Chicago White Sox (73-89)

One of the greatest fails in baseball history will take the field in series 9. Gene Mauch and his men of course "Pholded" in September leading the National League by 6.5 games it would all evaporate away. It will be interesting to see if some of that curse comes across in this tournament or will the Phills start to make amends right awat against the White Sox. Either way this team is very talented with Dick Allen having one of the greatest rookie seasons anyone ever saw with an 8.8 WAR, 13 triples, and 91 driven in. Jim Bunning won 19 games including throwing a perfect game in 64, Chris Short won 17 games with a 2.20 ERA. So many Phillies fans would love to finally but ghosts to bed and see redemption for this team.

Robin Ventura was another manager who could never get the most of his team. The 2014 White Sox had high expectations but fell flat. Leading the way was starter Chris Sale who struck out 208 in just over 170 innings. Jose Abreu hit 36 home runs and hit .317 but the offense underwhelmed overall with the likes of Adam Dunn hitting .220. The Sox were also a very poor defensive club and will need to play much better if they are to compete in this series. Another very interesting matchup where the clubs records may be tossed aside.

Game 1 At Connie Mack Stadium
Partly cloudy 64 Wind blowing out right 11mph
1964 Phillies...............2
2014 White Sox..........1
WP: C. Short LP: C. Sale S: J. Baldshun
The type of pitching matchup we imagined in game one as the Phillies scored twice in the first two innings and Chris Short and his closer made it all hold up. Alejandro De Aza made a big error in left field to allow the opening run to score and Short himself drove in the second on an infield single. Chris Sale settled down after the start but the Sox bats couldnt get going. Tyler Flowers did cut the lead in the sixth, but it wouldnt be enough. A major hurdle passed for Philly as they beat the Sox and their ace.

Game 2 At Connie Mack Stadium
Clear 74 Wind blowing left to right 10mph
1964 Phillies...............1
2014 White Sox..........0
WP: J. Bunning LP: J. Quintana
HR: None
For the second consecutive game, Phillies pitching carried the day and White Sox bats looked overwhelmed as Philadelphia takes a 2 game lead in the series. Jim Bunning went the distance and struck out 12 men while allowing only four hits, he had it all working. Even Jose Abreu boiled over when he was ejected in this once for arguing a called third strike. Jose Quintana was also very good for the losing side, but Ruben Amaro had the only big hit of the day, an RBI double in the 6th.

Game 3 At US Cellular Field
Rain Wind blowing out to right 11mph
2014 White Sox...............7
1964 Phillies....................3
WP: J. Danks LP: D. Bennett S: R. Belisario
HR: J. Callison, J. Abreu, M. Semien, G. Beckham, A. Ramirez, A.Dunn
The White Sox hammer 5 home runs as the wind was blowing out in Chicago and the home side took advantage. Adam Dunn went 3-4 with 2 runs and Mark Semien added a two run bomb as Dennis Bennett didnt have much. Tony Taylor went 3-5 for the losing side but John Danks avoided the big mistakes and kept the ball down in a happy day for Sox fans.

Game 4 At US Cellular Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 8mph
2014 White Sox.................4
1964 Phillies......................5
WP: R. Culp LP: S. Carroll
HR: A. Dunn 2; W. Covington, J. Callison
Johnny Callison hit a solo shot in the top of the 7th that would hold up as the Phillies win their 3rd and close in on the series. The game was tight as Adam Dun n hit two out for the home team but Bobby Wine had two RBI and along with Callison, Wes Covington went deep in this one. Chris Sale will now take the mound for the Sox in hopes of extending the series back to Philadelphia.

Game 5 At US Cellular Field
Clear skies Wind blowing in 15 mph
2014 White Sox.................6
1964 Phillies......................3
WP: C. Sale LP: C. Short
HR: C. Darylmple; A. Dunn 2
The wind blowing in still couldnt slow down the power stroke of Adam Dunn who hit two more home runs, thats 4 in two games as the Sox stayed alive and push the series to 6. Chicago was down in this one but the big blow from Dunn came in the 7th with 2 men on off of Chris Short. Chris Sale struck out 8 and got the win as somehow everyone knew that things were never going to be easy for this particular Phillies club.

Game 6 At Connie Mack Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing left to right 11mph
1964 Phillies.................7
2014 White Sox............2
WP: J. Bunning LP: J. Quintana
HR: J. Callison, D. Allen, T. Flowers
Jim Bunning was dominant again this time striking out 13 White Sox over 9 innings to clinch the series for Philly in front of their home fans. Johnny Callison hit his third home run of the series and Dick Allen hit his first at an opportune time as Jose Quintana did not have his best stuff. A six run third inning eased the pressure in this one and few could argue the Phillies had the better club, especially pitching, throughout.

1964 Philadelphia Phillies win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Jim Bunning
(2-0, 2 CG, 3 BB, 25 K, 0.50 ERA, 0.78 WHIP)

[The Game]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #8
2002 Florida Marlins (79-83) vs 1923 Chicago White Sox (69-85)

Quite an interesting battle between two clubs that were good but not quite at their best given the year and generation. The 1923 White Sox of course were still devastated by the great scandel that marred them and the game only 3 years earlier. Gone is their biggest star in Joe Jackson and obviously the embarrassment of the entire incident had to impact the feel of the club under Kid Gleason. Still Eddie Collins at 36 years old still hit .360 and Ray Schalk is a great presence behind the plate. The team quite truly could be much better then their record. Red Faber proudly leads a staff that is looking to redeem its name.

The 2002 Florida Marlins are one season away from winning it all. AJ Burnett and even more so Josh Beckett are poised to be stars and even for this team the potential for a great series is there. Miggy Cabrera is a season away but the Marlins still have alot of talent with Cliff Floyd, Luis Castillo, and Derek Lee all big factors. Kevin Millar is a name most will also recognize with even the likes of Tim Raines on the roster. A very intriguing matchup here.

Game 1 At Sunlife Stadium
2002 Marlins..................2
1923 White Sox.............7
WP: R. Faber LP: A. Burnett
HR: E. Collins, D. Lee
The White Sox come our strong in the opener tagging AJ Burnett 4 runs in the first two innings. The star at the plate was Eddie Collins who went yard with a man on and ended the game with 4 RBI. Faber struck out 5 before Frank Woodward closed out the last two innings. Chicago seemed determined.

Game 2 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins.................2
1923 White Sox............10
WP: C. Robertson LP: J. Beckett
HR: E. Sheely, H. Hooper, M. Lowell
White Sox all over Josh Beckett as the Marlins end two nightmare games at their park. Beckett was knocked out of the game in the third as Bibb Falk went 4-4 with 3 runs scored. Home runs for Harry Hooper and Earl Sheely did the damage as the Sox had 15 hits for the second consecutive game. Charlie Robertson pitched 8 strong for the win and Kid Gleason has to be brimming as the series now heads to ChiTown.

Game 3 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox..............5
2002 Marlins...................6
WP: B. Looper LP: F. Mack S: V. Nunez
HR: H. Hooper
A Mike Lowell single in the 9th turned out to be the difference in this game as the 02 Marlins show life in a come from behind win. Lowell drove in three on the day with a 2 run double before his ninth inning hit, he is hitting .308 for the series. Harry Hooper had hit a grand slam in the third inning for Chicago and ended with 5 RBI. Florida didnt quit however and now really look to make a series out of this. Derek Lee went 4-4 with 5 runs scored.

Game 4 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox............9
2002 Marlins.................1
WP: M. Cvengros LP: B. Penny
HR: R. Schalk
Willie Kamm went 4-4 with 3 RBI as the 23 White Sox hammered the Marlins 9-1. A close game turned to a laugher when the Sox put up 5 runs in the seventh as Mike Cvengros had it all going allowing only one run in 7 innings. Ray Schalk had a two run home run in the game and Johnny Mostil continues his hot hitting batting .450 in the series. Chicago looks to wrap things up at home.

Game 5 At Comiskey Park
1923 White Sox..............5
2002 Marlins..................10
WP: A. Burnett LP: R. Faber
HR: D. Lee, J. Mostil
Red Faber ran into a buzzsaw early in game five as the 02 Marlins stay alive in the series and move it back to Miami. Derek Lee hit a grand slam as part of a six run 2nd inning that did in the Chicago starter, Lee has played stellar both with bat and glove. Although not great, AJ Burnett held on to the lead through six innings striking out 10 and walking 6.

Game 6 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins................6
1923 White Sox...........5
WP: V. Nunez LP: F. Mack
HR: W. Kamm 2 , P. Wilson 2, K. Millar, C. Floyd
Catcher Mike Redmond delivered a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth to complete a comeback win by the 02 Marlins and set up a dramatic game seven. Willie Kamm had hit two home runs, including a 3 run bomb, and the Sox held a one run lead going into the 8th. Kevin Millar hit a tying solo home run off of Ted Blankenship and in the ninth the game was won. The Marlins refused to quit on this series in what has by far been our best.

Game 7 At Sunlife Park
2002 Marlins...................5
1923 White Sox..............2
WP: R. Dempster LP: D. Leverett
HR: M. Lowell, H. Hooper
The comeback complete, the 02 Marlins come all the way back from a 3 games to 1 hole to take the series. In this one Mike Lowell hit a three run home run to cap a 4 run first inning and the home team would not trail again as Ryan Dempster and friends brought the game home. Dixie Leverett lasted only the one inning for Chicago, and in an effort to prove that they could win without their Black Sox stars, Kid Gleason's men lacked the closing confidence to win this series.

2002 Florida Marlins Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:
Attachment 791877
Derek Lee
(.345, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 2B, 8 R)

Dang. Sox choked. Willie Kamm is an underrated very good to great Sox player. i have him on one of my teams and he's solid through 90 G.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #10
1943 Pittsburgh Pirates (80-74) vs 2016 San Diego Padres (68-94)

In a dark era for the Pirates, they actually fielded a competitive club in the war year of 1943. Frankie Frisch brought his vast experience to the side leading them to a winning record with 80 wins. The ace of the staff Rip Sewell had a resurgence to his career at 36 years old winning 21 games and heading a good pitching rotation. Bob Elliott hit .315 and drove in over 100 runs while Vince DiMaggio lead the team in home runs with 15 and patrolled a typical DiMaggio center field. The average age of the team was 28 years old, a sign of the times in pro baseball.

This 2016 Padres club is still a team prior to the big upgrades that would come just a few years later. San Diego under Andy green lost 94 games and lacked any real kick in their lineup to threaten the opposition. Will Myers when healthy is a decent player while Matt Kemp still brought something to the table at the age of 31. Names like Travis Jankowski and BJ Upton may now be long forgotten, but did provide some promise for this club at the time. The pitching staff was a complete firestorm with Drew Pomeranz and Andrew Cashner trying to be the only respectable arms in the rotation. The pen wasnt much better for this team, their ability to hold down offenses will be a big challenge in pulling an upset in this series.

Game 1 At Forbes Field
Clear wind blowing 7 mph left to right
1943 Pirates..................4
2016 Padres..................3
WP: H. Gornicki LP: D. Pomeranz
HR: None
Tommy O'Brien hits a sacrafice fly scoring Al Lopez and the 1943 Pirates open the series with a walk off win at Forbes FIeld. San Diego scored three in the first inning to set up Drew Pomeranz with a cushion but the Padres would get no more and Pittsburgh fought back the to very end. Wally Herbert settled down after the rough start striking out five and throwing up zeros after the first.

Game 2 At Forbes Field
partly cloudy win blowing left to right 8mph
1943 Pirates...................7
2016 Padres...................5
WP: M. Butcher LP: C. Freidrich
HR: None
Clinging to a one run lead, the Padres hoped starter Christian Fiedrich would have enough to finish but it wasnt meant to be. The Pirates scored 5 times in the frame with singles from Jim Russell and Al Lopez. Pinch hitter Maurice Van Robays got two back with a double in the 9th but Max Butcher closed the door despite allowing 13 hits and 3 walks. The Pirates won both opening games late and now are in command heading to the visitors park. Yangervis Solarte has been on fire for San Diego going 7 for 10 thus far.

Game 3 At Petco Park
clear wind blowing out to center 8mph
2016 Padres................5
1943 Pirates................4
WP: C. Rea LP: R. Sewell
HR: W. Myers
Colin Rea drove in a run and pitched nine complete innings to earn a tight win for the 2016 Padres as they rebound playing at home. The Padres scored three runs in the 3rd inning and WIll Myers went deep in the fourth as they built a 5-1 lead. The Pirates came back in the 7th when they scored three times and had the tying run thrown out at 3rd. A nifty game of just over two hours in the pitcher friendly park, and the Padres feel they are back in the series.

Game 4 At Petco Park
Clear Wind blowing out to right 7mph
2016 Padres..................4
1943 Pirates..................0
WP: A. Cashner LP: B. Clinger
HR: None
A masterful effort by Padre starter Andrew Cashner who tosses a shutout striking out two and allowing only five hits. The game was dead even into the 8th as Pirate starter Bob Klinger had matched Cashner pitch by pitch. In the 8th San Diego scored 4 times including a two out, two RBI single by catcher Derek Norris. It appears the Pirates may be melting out in the California sun as the series now is all even at 2 games each.

Game 5 At Petco Park
partly cloudy wind blowing right to left 6mph
2016 Padres.................0
1943 Pirates.................2
WP: W. Hebert LP: D. Pomeranz
HR: None
With only four hits the 1943 Pirates get a pinitol win before heading back home as Wally Hebert throws a nine inning shutout despite allowing 11 hits. Drew Pomeranz avoided hard contact but did walk 8 batters over nine innings and threw 141 pitches. An error by Alexi Ramirez set up a run in the first inning and Al Lopez drove in an insurance run in the 8th. Back to Forbes Field as the Bucs look to wrap things up.

Game 6 At Forbes Field
partly cloudy wind left to right 9 mph
1943 Pirates.................3
2016 PAdres.................2
WP: M. Butcher LP: C. Friedrich
HR: None
Looking to force a game seven with a one run lead heading into the 9th, Christian Fiedrich took the mound but was out of gas. He had worked through the fray allowing only one run despite walking seven. Once in trouble reliever Brandon Maurer but a double by pinch hitter Jimmy Wasdell tied the game and then after waling the bases loaded, catcher Derek Norris let one get past him and the series clinching run crossed the plate. The Pirates prove their winning record was not a fluke, and move on at the cost of San Diego.

1943 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Wally Hebert
(1-0, 17.1 IP, 3 BB, 7 K, 1.56 ERA, 3 ER, 0 HR)

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report

Every 10 series I will give a progress report on the competition including stats.

Leaders (single series)
Hits...................Bibb Falk (1923 White Sox) 13
Home Runs.......Adam Dunn (2014 White Sox) 5
RBI...................Eddie Collins (1923 White Sox) 10
Strikeouts.........Jim Bunning (1964 Phillies) 25

Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Frankie Frisch 6
Winning %..........Clark Griffith 1.00

Hall of Famers
Cumlitative leaders for all Hall of Famers for every series they play (includes Pujols, Rose, Bonds, Joe Jackson, Clemens)
Avg..................Frankie Frisch (.462)
HR...................Harry Hooper (4)
RBI..................Eddie Collins (10)
Runs...............Al Lopez (8)
Hits.................Frankie Frisch (12)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (5)
2B...................Barry Larkin (3)
3B...................4 tied with 1
Wins...............Don Drysdale (2)
IP....................Jim Bunning (18)
K.....................Jim Bunning (25)
ERA................Jim Bunning (0.50)
K/9..................Jim Bunning (12.50)
Saves..............None

Championship Clubs
1. 1959 Dodgers (defeated 1989 Dodgers 4-2 in prelim) Still Alive

Franchise Records
Cincinnati Reds...............2-1
Boston Red Sox..............1-0
Chicago Cubs..................1-0
Philadelphia Phillies.........1-0
Florida Marlins.................1-0
Montreal Expos................1-0
Oakland/KC A's................1-1
LA Dodgers.......................1-1
Detroit Tigers.....................0-1
Boston Braves..................0-1
San Diego Padres.............0-1
Milwaukee Brewers...........0-1
St. Louis Cardinals............0-1
Chicago White Sox...........0-2

Achievements
Series 2 - Jim Longborg 19 scoreless innings pitched
Series 5 - Gil Hodges 5-5, 2 HR, 7 RBI in game 2 of series
Series 6 - Tony Cuccinello Hit .500 for series going 10 for 20
Series 9 - Adam Dunn 10 for 18 in series with 5 HR and 1.444 OPS

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #11
1969 Baltimore Orioles (109-53) vs 2019 Cincinnati Reds (75-87)

Because of the 1969 Miracle Mets, the 1969 Baltimore Orioles could almost be forgotten along with one of the most dominant seasons ever. Earl Weaver lead a club that ran away with the pennant and will be fun to watch in this competition. Boog Powell and the 33 year old Frank Robinson both hit over 30 home runs and drove in 100 batters was balance but that is only where the story starts. The Orioles had the best defense in the league lead by the golden Brooks Robinson who sets the all time standard at the position. Twenty three year old Jim Palmer came on the scene with 16 wins but it was Mike Cuellar and Dave McNally that make the Orioles one of the best. Simply an excellent baseball team all around.

The hard luck given to face the Orioles falls to the 2019 Reds. An unspectacular bunch that still had some good arms lead by Luis Castillo and Sonny Grey. Even Trevor Bauer links on the roster making 10 stars although its doubtful manager David Bell will use him. The offense could hammer the long ball with Eugenio Suarez having a career year with 49 bombs while Joey Votto is slowing down but still a factor. Even Yasiel Puig is on the roster making the Reds more intriguing still. Doubtful they can compete with the Orioles but an early upset in the series and things as always could get interesting.

Game 1 At Memorial Stadium
Clear Wind blowing left to right 8 mph
1969 Orioles...............0
2019 Reds..................4
WP: S. Grey LP: M. Cuellar
HR: T. Branhart
Opening game stunner is just what the Reds needed as Sonny Grey completely shuts down the Orioles for a complete game win. Grey strikes out seven and was in complete command allowing only six hits. Cincinnati scored three in the sixth thanks in part to a two run single by Joey Votto, Tucker Barnhart also hit a solo bomb. The pressure now all turns to the Orioles who have slipped early.

Game 2 At Memorial Stadium
Clear Wind blowing out to right 11mph
1969 Orioles...............3
2019 Reds..................2
WP: J. Palmer LP: L. Castillo S: E. Watt
HR: None
A tight game goes to the late innings before Frank Robinson singles in a run with two out in the 7th inning to give the Orioles and Jim Palmer the lead they would need. Palmer and Luis Castllo had battled all game as the Reds came back from an early 2 run deficit to tie the game on a Yasiel Puig single in the 7th. In the ninth up a run and with the tying run on, Phil Ervin hit a line drive to center that was caught brilliantly by a diving Paul Blair. Series even.

Game 3 At Great American Ballpark
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from center 10mph
2019 Reds......................3
1969 Orioles...................6
WP: E. Watt LP: R. Iglesias
HR: None
The Reds and Anthony Desclafani looked like they were headed to another win as they held a 3-1 lead against the Orioles heading into the 6th. Brooks Robinson broke the ice with a 2 run single in the inning to tie the game. On to the ninth and the Orioles plated three in the ninth, two scoring on a Boog Powell triple, of all things, as the Orioles wrestle back expected control of the series.

Game 4 At Great American Ballpark
Clear Wind blowing out to right 9mph
2019 Reds....................1
1969 Orioles.................6
WP: T. Phoebus LP: T. Roark
HR: N. Senzel
Tom Phoebus may not have the resume of some of the other arms in the rotation, but he was just as worrisome for Cincinnati arms on this day as he completed nine innings in a win allowing only one earned run on 120 pitches. Boog Powell drove in two runs and is hitting .385 in the series while Frank Robinson continues to struggle but did drive in a run in this one. The Reds bats have really gone to bed in this series and surely the hole they face down 3 games to 1 is much too steep to dig out of.

Game 5 At Great American Ballpark
Clear Wind blowing out to right 9mph
2019 Reds...................5
1969 Orioles................4 (17 innings)
WP: D. Hernandez LP: D. Leonhard
HR: S. Schebler
Over six hours of tense baseball as the Reds fought for 17 innings to stay alive in the series. Scott Schebler hit a walk off home run off Dave Leonhard to end the battle of attrition. The Orioles held a three run lead heading into the 9th and looked poised to pop the bubbly. The Reds however down to their last out scored three times in dramatic fashion to tie the game at 4. Then their pen did a spectacular job in holding off Baltimore. Thirteen pitchers were used in this one and many stretched beyond their comfort level, luckily there is a day off before game 6 back in Baltimore.

Game 6 At Memorial Stadium
Clear Wind blowing out to right 8mph
1969 Orioles..................4
2019 Reds.....................1
WP: J. Palmer LP: L. Castillo
HR: B. Robinson, P. Blair
Reds starter Luis Castillo had a no hitter into the 5th inning in this one and was nursing a one run lead against an in command Jim Palmer. Brooks Robinson hit his first and probably most important home run tying the game and breaking the no no. Frank Robinson an inning later gave his team the lead for good with a laced RBI double. The Orioles added some insurance but the ball from there was taken and the the door closed by Jim Palmer who won his second game of the series. The Reds bats just didnt have enough in this series and as expected, the Orioles move on.

1969 Baltimore Orioles Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Jim Palmer
(2-0, 2 ER, 16 IP, 8 K, 1.00 WHIP, 10 A)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #12
2011 Cleveland Indians (80-82) vs 1985 Milwaukee Brewers (71-90)

A team that if they got any pitching whatsoever could have been much better. The 2011 Indians have a good base to their lineup and a strong outfield with young Michael Brantley and a still capable Grady Sizemore. The Cabrera's up the middle in Orlando and Asdrubel are a slick double play combo while catcher Carlos Santana and DH Travis Hafner provide the power. Manny Acta just couldnt get anything out of the pitching staff with a 4.23 ERA and Justin Masterson the only arm with a ERA+ over 100. Chris Perez had over 30 saves and the bullpen was good if they were given the lead.

The 1985 Brew Crew still had the core of players that lead them to the pennant a few years ago. The talent is older and less reliable but Paul Molitor and Robin Yount still could propel any offense they are in.In truth the lineup lacked much power but Cecil Cooper still drove in 99 and lead the lienup with a .293 average and 185 hits. Ted Simmons still had something in the tank but spent most his games as the DH, while Ben Oglive had to be stretched as there was limited talent to roam the outfield. Rollie Fingers did his best to close but was nearing the end of his career while the rotation saw Danny Darwin lose 18 games. Moose Haas and Pete Vukovich did make 48 starts between them but the glory days were still well past them and the rest of the team as a whole.

Game 1 From Progressive Field
Clear Wind blowing left to right 10mph
2011 Indians................1
1985 Brewers..............3
WP: T. Higuera LP: L. Masterson
HR: R. Yount; J. Kipinis
The Brewers score two runs in the 6th inning capped by a two out single by Ben Oglive to set up a very strong Tedy Higuera for the duration. Higuera was on his game in the opener going 8 strong innings and allowing only a home run to Jason Kipinis in his 8 innings of work. Justin Masterson deserved better but the lack of runs in this one was a bit of a suprise. Oglive went 4-4 on the night.

Game 2 At Progressive Field
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to left 10mph
2011 Indians.................6
1985 Brewers...............2
WP: J. Tomlin LP: M. Haas
HR: T. Simmons; T. Santana
Cleveland bounces back to even the series with 6 runs in the 5th inning capped by a Grady Sizemore RBI double and a Carlos Santana home run. The Indians pushed out 14 hits off Moose Hass and the Brewers in their response to the game one pitching fest. Josh Tomlin gets the win going into the 8th inning and Chris Perez gets out of a jam in the 9th for the save.

Game 3 At County Stadium
Cloudy Wind blowing out left to right 12 mph
1985 Brewers................4
2011 Indians..................14
WP: C. Carrasco LP: D. Darwin
HR: J. Kipinis, G. Sizemore, C. Santana
The 2011 Indians made County Stadium their own with an 18 hit barrage including three home runs. Carlos Santana had four RBI emphasized by his three run home run in the 5 run 6th inning; Cleveland would add five more in the top of the ninth. It was a night to forget for Danny Darwin as the Brewer fans barely got up off of their feet in this runaway loss. Jason Kipinis is 5 for 11 in the series thus far with two home runs.

Game 4 At County Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from right 13mph
1985 Brewers................2
2011 Indians..................1
WP: R. Burris LP: F. Carmona
HR: R. Yount, B. Oglive S; R. Searage
Two solo home runs were all the offense the Brewers would need as they even the series with a 2-1 win behind Ray Burris and a fine job by the Milwaukee pen. The Robin Yount home run in the 6th broke a 1-1 tie. Ray Searage closed things down in the ninth for his second save of the series. The Indians had their chances throughout this game most notably was Travis Hafner striking out with the bases loaded late in the 8th. A good series has come to fruition.

Game 5 At County Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing left to right 12mph
1985 Brewers.................5
2011 Indians...................4 (10 innings)
WP: R. Searage LP: C. Perez
HR: A. Cabrera: R. Yount
The best game of the series so far as Milwaukee behind a rockous crowd came from behind and then walked the game off to take a lead in this series, The Indians built a 4-2 lead in the 8th inning thanks to a 3 run home run from Asdrubal Cabrera. In the bottom of the frame Milwaukee fought back when Robin Young doubled in two runs to the the game and prove his mettle. It would be that man again in the 10th, with the game even, Yount took Chris Perez over the left field wall for a walk off classic at County Stadium.

Game 6 At Progressive Field
Clear Wind blowing out to center 10mph
2011 Indians.................13
1985 Brewers................16
WP: M. Haas LP: J. Tomlin
HR: T. Simmons, R. Manning; C. Santana, M. Brantley, A. Cabrera, S. Duncan
Determined not to go seven, the 85 Brewers came out on fire in this ballgame scoring 8 times in the first inning and holding on to close the Indians out. Twenty hits for the Crew as Ted Simmons banged a three run home run with 5 RBI on the night while hero and MVP Robin Yount went 4-5 with 3 RBI and 3 R scored. as part of the barrage. The Indians did not go quietly, fighting back with 4 home runs and 13 total runs closing the gap but never overcoming the deficit. A minor upset in this series.

1985 Milwaukee Brewers Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Robin Yount
(12/23, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 1.000 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #13
1914 Detroit Tigers (80-73) vs 1987 Texas Rangers (75-87)

In his competition debut, Ty Cobb will come onto the scene with the 1914 Tigers. Cobb only played in 98 games due to the suspensions etc. but still is in his prime hitting .368 with 39 steals and a .979 OPS. The Tigers also showcase Hall of Famer Sam Crawford at 34 still drove in 104 runs and hit .314. Bobby Veach is also an above average player and 19 year old Harry Heilman only hit .225, but the future star will look the make an impact. Harry Coveleski and Hooks Dauss are going to be two tough arms to beat in a seven game series where they each will likely start twice; both men threw over 300 innings. Still make no mistake, this club revolves and feeds of the manic play of their star in center field. Welcome to the Field of Dreams Mr. Cobb.

Bobby Valentine will bring his enthusiasm to a Rangers team that could swing the bat a bit. Twenty one year old star Ruben Sierra slugged .470 with over 30 bombs while Larry Parrish played mostly DH and loved the Texas heat with 32 home runs and 100 RBI. Odibe McDowell and Pete Incaviglia are two more young stars that will make this team fun to watch. The pitching in this pre Nolan Ryan era has some challanges. Knuckelball ace Charlie Hough will try to throw off the Tigers with his stuff while Jose Guzman and Bobby Witt each had a tendency to get hit hard in 1987. The pen is a bit of a nightmare as well with future closer Jeff Russell not quite ripe yet to make an impact. Texas needs to score alot of runs to give the Tigers a run in this series.

Game 1 At Navin Field
Partly Cloudy Wind blowing right to left 11mph
1914 Tigers...................3
1987 Rangers...............7
WP: C. Hough LP: H. Dauss
Hooks Dauss ran into control issues walking five batters including two with the bases loaded as the Rangers open the series with a nice road win. Jerry Browne went 3-5 and Scottie Fletcher 2 for 4 as Texas played small ball that was perfect for the era. Ty Cobb went 2-2 with an RBI and three walks reaching base 5 times in his debut game of the competition. The Tigers will look to rebound behind Harry Coveleski.

Game 2 At Navin Field
Rain Wind blowing out at 9mph
1914 Tigers.................8
1987 Rangers.............3
WP: H. Coveleski LP: J. Guzman
HR: None
After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning the Tigers got down to business and knocked Jose Guzman around for 7 runs in three innings. Th game was played in a drizzle and the conditions far from ideal at Navin Field; the Rangers made four errors while Bobby Veach and Ty Cobb each drove in two runs. Conditions will get better but hotter now as the series heads to Texas all even.

Game 3 In Arlington
Clear Wind blowing out to right 11mph
1987 Rangers..................12
1914 Tigers.......................2
WP: B. Witt LP: J. Dubuc
HR: D. Porter
Just the homecoming the Rangers were looking for as they whack the Tigers by 10 runs to take the series lead. Darrell Porter hit a three run home run while Pete O'Brien drove in another three as Texas hammered 16 hits and made it known they mean business in this series. An 8 run bottom of the first inning left starter Jean Dubuc stunned before he was pulled. Ty Cobb went hitless for the first time in the series.

Game 4 At Arlington
Clear Wind blowing in from right 12mph
1987 Rangers...............4
1914 Tigers...................1
WP: C. Hough LP: H. Dauss
HR: None
Charlie Hough goes the expected distance in a 129 pitch effort allowing only a single run to put the Rangers on the verge of ending this series early. Bob Browner hit a two run single in the second inning as the home side out up three in the first two off Hook Dauss. The Tiger offense just couldnt get going as Sam Crawford went 3-4 with an RBI but the rest of the club combined for only 2 hits. Detroit with their backs to the wall.

Game 5 At Arlington
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in at 10mph
1987 Rangers............5
1914 Tigers................4
WP: J. Guzman LP: H. Coveleski
HR: None
Scottie Fletcher ripped a double in the bottom of the ninth scoring the walk off run and in a whirlwind the 1987 Rangers skip past the Tigers in five. Pete O'Brien drove in another two runs as the Rangers never let up in tis series and seemed to want it more then the Tigers. It was really the Tiger pitching that let them down, and the Rangers arms that really looked sharp. Ty Cobb hit .333 but slowed down later in the series, while Sam Crawford hit a strong .421 to no avail. The Rangers played small ball like they came straight out of that era.

1987 Texas Rangers Win Series 4 Games to 1

Series MVP:

Scott Fletcher
(.478 AVG, 11 H, 7 R, 1 SB, .500 OBP, walk off game 5)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #14
1966 San Francisco Giants (93-68) vs 2010 Detroit Tigers (81-81)

Another of the all time greats ready to make his debut as the one and only Willie Mays appears with his 1966 Giants. The Giants of this era were great but just couldnt get over the hump losing in this particular season by only 1.5 games. Mays is joined by some true stars of the game as Willie McCovey joins Mays in the lineup and Juan Marichal teamed with Gaylord Perry lead the rotation. Other less known contributors like Jimmy Ray Hart who hit 33 home runs and catcher Tom Haller who could swing the bat with the best of them. This Giants team just really needs to get over the hump and most of the weight will fall on their star, the Say Hey Kid, who is still at the top of his game.

The 2010 Tigers and Jim Leyland are going through a very good era of baseball with some surefire future Hall of Famers. Miguel Cabrera is in his prime leading the league in OBP with .420 while hitting 38 home runs and a .328 average. Veterans Magglio Ordonez and Johnny Damon are two clutch players that no one would be surprised at if they came through in a series like this. As for the rotation, how does Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer sound combining for close to 400 strikeouts. The Tigers pen is somewhat of a worry with Joel Zumaya and even Dontrelle Willis trying to find a role. Anyway you slice it, this series is filled with stars and personality. Some think the Tigers do have the talent to do more then scare the favored Giants.

Game 1 At Candlestick Park
Clear Wind blowing out to left 12mph
1966 Giants.................2
2010 Tigers..................1
WP: G. Perry LP: J. Verlander
HR: W. McCovey
The opening game of the series was exactly what we expected as Gaylord Perry and Justin Verlander battled in a low scoring tight game. Stretch Willie McCovey hit a two run home run in the bottom of the first inning. The blow erased a Magglio Ordonez run scoring triple in the top frame of the inning and neither club would scratch a run for the rest of the afternoon. Willie Mays went 0-4 with a strikeout and could not figure out Verlander but the Giants get the win. Perry struck out 11.

Game 2 At Candlestick Park
Clear Wind blowing left to right 11mph
1966 Giants..................1
2010 Tigers...................2
WP: M. Scherzer LP: J. Marichal
HR: J. Davenport
Taking the script from game one, the Tigers flipped the identical score this time to tie the series. Matt Scherzer showed his laser focus in this one going seven innings and allowing only one run. Juan Marichal struck out nine on the other side but two RBI singles in the third inning, one by Ordonez and one by Cabrera proved to be the difference. Willie Mays went 4-4 in the loss but did make an unsightly error in center field.

Game 3 At Comerica Park
Clear Wind blowing i from right 10mph
2010 Tigers...................10
1966 Giants....................9
WP: P. Coke LP: B. Priddy
HR: M. Ordonez, B. Inge
The bats broke out at the most unlikely of places for game three and the Tigers hang on for a crucial 10-9 win. Detroit was down early in this one 6-1 before they turned things completely around and culminating in a game winning hit by Johhny Damon in the 7th. Austin Jackson went 4-5 with 3 runs while Magglio Ordonez with a bomb as did Brandon Inge. There were 37 hits in this game and the Giants are best to put this one behind them quickly as the momentum now lies with the Tigers.

Game 4 At Comerica Park
Clear Wind blowing right to left 11mph
2010 Tigers...............11
1966 Giants...............4
WP: D. Willis LP: B. Bolin
HR: R. Raburn 2, M. Cabrera
The Tigers have taken control of this series and do so with another big offensive day of 11 runs and 16 hits. Ryan Raburn hit two home runs and Miggy Cabrera put his stamp on a 3 RBI game as Dontrelle Willis got all the support he needed in the complete game win. Willie Mays was walked four times and came around to score twice but the Giant bats were nowhere near as load as their opponents. The Tigers look for the series upset behin Verlander in game 5.

Game 5 at Comerica Park
2010 Tigers..................6
1966 Giants.................8
WP: G. Perry LP: J. Verlander
HR: None
Batting lead off, Orlando Cepeda lead the charge going 4-5 and helping his stay alive for another day. The Tigers had 17 hits in this one but did not do enough damage in the end as both Justine Verlander and Gaylord Perry did not have much in this game. The Giants scored six times in the 3rd inning aided by some shotty defense by the home team. Miguel Cabrera is living up to the billing in this series also going 4-5 as he and Mays continue to shine.

Game 6 At Candlestick Park
partly cloudy wind blowing out to centrer 19mph
1966 Giants..................4
2010 Tigers...................3
WP: J. Marichal LP: M. Scherzer
HR: T. Haller, R. Raburn
In a tight must win game, Tim Haller hit a three run home run off Matt Scherzer to break a scoreless game open in the 5th. The Giants leaned on Juan Marichal who struck out nine but the ace did run into trouble in the 6th when Ryan Raburn went deep to cut the lead to one. The Giants bore down until Lindy McDanial got out of a jam in the 8th and held on for his third save of the series. In what has become a great series, it will come down to game seven.

Game 6 At Candlestick Park
Clear Wind blowing out to center 10mph
1968 Giants....................6
2010 Tigers.....................2
WP: B. Shaw LP: J. Bonderman
HR: W. Rhymes, J. Davenport
The 1966 Giants showed true resolve coming all the way back in this series down 3 games to 1 to take it from underneath the Tigers. Starter Bob Shaw gave his side a solid 8 innings in the dramatic seventh game no hitting the Tigers for five innings. The Giants broke out early with single runs in the first 3 innings inclding another home run by Tim Haller. Jim Davenport went 3-4 and Willie Mays drove in a run ending his impressive series hitting .471. Quite a good series.

1966 San Francisco Giants win 4 games to 3

Series MVP

Lindy McDaniel
(3 saves, 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 1.00 WHIP)