New Excellence Project

[Nick Soulis]

Introduction

The project has been expanded and simplified, but the same concept and introduction remains.

We all have them, our favorites. Whether it is because we saw them in person as a child or because we heard of their legends from others, we all have the preconceived theory of who the greatest baseball team is of all time.

In the only sport that spans the generations of your great grandfathers, the debate is deep rooted and comes from all corners of our nation. Passion of generations and their heroes are held more tightly then a sacred family recipe as their era, those they rooted for, are their own definition and identity of greatness.

Somewhere or someday when we are all gone; when that meteor finally hits us and we are in our Einstein youth picking up sticks again, will there be peace. Maybe at that time in a place loosely called heaven, the greatest of this old game can assemble together again, and have it out for one last fight to really see who was the best. Whose legend was the most valid and real.

It does little good to debate who the best player of all time was as it could never be fair or sensible to compare a pitcher to a right fielder, or a closer to a base stealer. The point to all of these greats and what they are made of comes down to wining, winning the greatest prize of them all which is that pennant and a chance at World Series glory. All great players had them, even Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg, that one team that may have not won it all, but is still considered legendary and good enough to be in consideration. It is all about team and not about records, stats, or comparisons. It is in the end about the win, about the winning side that for 150 or more games reached their goal. No one but no one can argue with a winner.

So the winners need to take their place, need to play things out and prove their greatness against others like them, others just as keen and confident. A legend versus legends is the only way to solve this ultimate test. The quest is to prove to you and to myself that there is a measuring stick and there are moments that can be tested to see the definition of greatness. It can not be found in the stats or the theories, it can only be found on the field of play, with a wooden bat and a ball, the same rules that have been for 120 years, this is the only judge that everyone will accept, the only mechanism to determine our answers. For on the diamond there can be no debate, a winner wins but a legend keeps winning.

This will be an analysis as well. This process is all too important to rush through or to get instant gratification from. It has to be enjoyed, like a fine wine or a long tale that can be unfolded in layers before the ultimate answer. All great things need to be worked at and this endeavor is definitely great and deserves all the focus we can give to it.

[majormet]

This should be very interesting. I think with all the eras and different variables it will be very interesting to compare the 1927 Yankees to the 1984 Tigers or that Mariners team that won 114 games. Or do those pitching strong Atlanta Braves teams measure up more and can neutralize the 1927 Yankees... Will be fascinating

[Nick Soulis]

Format of Finding the Greatest

Baseball is a different type of game; it is a game of longevity and patience. Baseball is a game of seasons that lead up to a moment rather then immediate matchups and results. A season is so important in an undertaking like this because it keeps things the way the participants know it and excel in, a pennant race. A pennant race for all of 162 games will determine the best team every time, there is no room for flukes or hot streaks, this is about the cream rising to the top, this is the way baseball has always been.

The format for the season will also help provide a very intriguing side of things. We will be able to track and compare all the teams in a 162 game schedule and will be able to create our won leader boards and record book. The hallowed numbers of .400 or 56 straight games can be chased by the greatest. Batting titles will be played out and records in direct competition by the likes of Ty Cobb vs. Pete Rose and Barry Bonds vs. Babe Ruth will create themselves. So in an inadvertent way, we are able to measure individual greatness under a familiar measuring stick while keeping the overall focus on the ultimate finding of the greatest team.

So each and every team will be inserted into a pennant race. There are a total of 2400 major league baseball clubs between the year 1903 and 2020.

Every major league team will be included. These teams will be divided into six tiers, tier one including the strongest teams in history and tier 9 the weakest. Each tier will have 400 teams.

Round 1. One Hundred seasons will be played out. The rules to the seasons will be as follows:

- 162 game schedule
- 1986 settings
- 6 divisions of 4 teams.
- Three division winners and 2 wild card teams make the post season.
- Wild card game will be best of one
- Injuries will be low

100 seasons means 100 champions. These 100 teams will receive a bye to the round 4. The other three teams from each season that make the League Championship Series will advance to to round 2 (300 teams)

Round 2 will be 10 seasons (30 teams each season). 10 championship teams will joint the 100 previous champions and advance to the final round.

Round 3 the top 36 teams from Round 2 (non champions) will play a best of five play off with the 18 winners will joint the winners of round 1 and round 2.

Round 4 will be 4 seasons of 32 teams. The four champions will advance.

Final Round will be the four Round 4 winners playing off in best of seven serie suntil there is one champion.


One issue that came forth was rather to use injuries of not. There are two sides to this debate; one is that injuries shouldn’t play a role in a perfect world where you are trying to find the best team based on skill and merit alone. I would argue however that we are not trying to find the best team on skill alone, but rather on everything else that incorporates a champion including endurance, stamina, and conditioning in a long season. So for this reason injuries will be included, I will however curtail them a bit in hopes that they won’t be too frequent. But make it known from now; at some point the engine will create an injury that greatly impacts a team and a season or pennant race.

On a final note of course the process isn’t perfect, but I can not think of a better way then to play out seasons to determine greatness. Will luck have a part of things? Surely to some extent, but with the marathon of the process the hope is that the standard deviation for any outliners will be greatly reduced and we will have a conclusive champion of all time. For what would baseball be without a little intervention from the baseball Gods?

[Nick Soulis]

Excellnace.xlsx

Database of all clubs included and tiers.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASONS BEST

Batting Average
1. Lou Gehrig (27 Yankees) .373
2. Matty Alou (69 Pirates)......372
3. Del Ennis (50 Phillies)........363

Home Runs
1. Lou Gehrig (27 Yankees)......63
2. Bob Meusel (27 Yankees).....49

RBI
1. Bob Meusal (27 Yankees).....203
2. Gary Sheffield (98 Padres)....162

Stolen Bases
1. Rickey Henderson (82 A's)......133
2. Eddie Collins (12 A's)...............112

Wins
1. Juan Marichal (64 Giants),,,,29
2. Chief Bender (12 A's)..........27
3. Eddie Plank (12 A's)............27

Strikeouts
1. Bob Feller (46 Indians)..............376
2. Lefty Grove (12 A's_..................321
3. Melido Perez (93 Yankees)........315

Team Wins
1. 1969 Pirates................111
2. 2009 Rockies...............110

Runs Scored
1. 1927 Yankees.............1060

Home Runs
1. 1927 Yankees..............261
2. 2009 Rockies...............228

Runs Against
1. 1912 Athletics.............529
2. 1964 Giants................561

Defensive Efficiency
1. 2001 Blue Jays............716
2. 1993 Yankees..............716
3. 1912 Athletics..............713

Earned Run Average
1. 1912 Athletics..............2.42
2. 1964 Giants.................3.04

[majormet]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Format of Finding the Greatest

Baseball is a different type of game; it is a game of longevity and patience. Baseball is a game of seasons that lead up to a moment rather then immediate matchups and results. A season is so important in an undertaking like this because it keeps things the way the participants know it and excel in, a pennant race. A pennant race for all of 162 games will determine the best team every time, there is no room for flukes or hot streaks, this is about the cream rising to the top, this is the way baseball has always been.

The format for the season will also help provide a very intriguing side of things. We will be able to track and compare all the teams in a 162 game schedule and will be able to create our won leader boards and record book. The hallowed numbers of .400 or 56 straight games can be chased by the greatest. Batting titles will be played out and records in direct competition by the likes of Ty Cobb vs. Pete Rose and Barry Bonds vs. Babe Ruth will create themselves. So in an inadvertent way, we are able to measure individual greatness under a familiar measuring stick while keeping the overall focus on the ultimate finding of the greatest team.

So each and every team will be inserted into a pennant race. There are a total of 2400 major league baseball clubs between the year 1903 and 2020.

Every major league team will be included. These teams will be divided into six tiers, tier one including the strongest teams in history and tier 9 the weakest. Each tier will have 400 teams.

Round 1. One Hundred seasons will be played out. The rules to the seasons will be as follows:

- 162 game schedule
- 1986 settings
- 6 divisions of 4 teams.
- Three division winners and 2 wild card teams make the post season.
- Wild card game will be best of one
- Injuries will be low

100 seasons means 100 champions. These 100 teams will receive a bye to the round 4. The other three teams from each season that make the League Championship Series will advance to to round 2 (150 teams)

Round 2 will be 10 seasons (30 teams each season). 10 championship teams will joint the 100 previous champions and advance to the final round.

Round 3 the top 36 teams from Round 2 (non champions) will play a best of five play off with the 18 winners will joint the winners of round 1 and round 2.

Round 4 will be 4 seasons of 32 teams. The four champions will advance.

Final Round will be the four Round 4 winners playing off in best of seven serie suntil there is one champion.


One issue that came forth was rather to use injuries of not. There are two sides to this debate; one is that injuries shouldn’t play a role in a perfect world where you are trying to find the best team based on skill and merit alone. I would argue however that we are not trying to find the best team on skill alone, but rather on everything else that incorporates a champion including endurance, stamina, and conditioning in a long season. So for this reason injuries will be included, I will however curtail them a bit in hopes that they won’t be too frequent. But make it known from now; at some point the engine will create an injury that greatly impacts a team and a season or pennant race.

On a final note of course the process isn’t perfect, but I can not think of a better way then to play out seasons to determine greatness. Will luck have a part of things? Surely to some extent, but with the marathon of the process the hope is that the standard deviation for any outliners will be greatly reduced and we will have a conclusive champion of all time. For what would baseball be without a little intervention from the baseball Gods?

I think injuries probably should play some role. You have to think that when you get to the 32 top teams, that a team with an injury prone player should behave as he is. If the 1975 Red Sox somehow breakthrough Fred Lynn would more than likely get injured in an alternate season. I think it makes the luck more interesting and realistic. If Yoenis Cespedes gets hit by a pitch he could miss 20 games, where Cal Ripken won't miss any. Personally, like the "what ifs"

Looking forward to this whatever injury rules are employed. Wonder if Babe Ruth will demand that Barry Bonds pee into a cup before gametime.

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by majormet

I think injuries probably should play some role. You have to think that when you get to the 32 top teams, that a team with an injury prone player should behave as he is. If the 1975 Red Sox somehow breakthrough Fred Lynn would more than likely get injured in an alternate season. I think it makes the luck more interesting and realistic. If Yoenis Cespedes gets hit by a pitch he could miss 20 games, where Cal Ripken won't miss any. Personally, like the "what ifs"

Looking forward to this whatever injury rules are employed. Wonder if Babe Ruth will demand that Barry Bonds pee into a cup before gametime.

Hahaha......yes I agree, durability is part of greatness isnt it?

As is of course luck,

so yes injuries will be turned on as well as suspensions. Maybe Cobb gets a few games for beating up a pitcher, , maybe John Rocker or Kyle Farnswort...lol

1986 settings so if you hit 50 home runs or more, you will truly earn it..

[majormet]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Hahaha......yes I agree, durability is part of greatness isnt it?

As is of course luck,

so yes injuries will be turned on as well as suspensions. Maybe Cobb gets a few games for beating up a pitcher, , maybe John Rocker or Kyle Farnswort...lol

1986 settings so if you hit 50 home runs or more, you will truly earn it..

haha.. John Rocker and Ty Cobb are on the same page with a lot of their ideas, that would be a lovefest... With 1986 settings, that is a good median, guys like Strawberry and Schmidt earned their homers and I felt that their homer titles meant a lot more than players winning titles in the Brady Anderson/Kevin Elster steroid era. When I play with modern times settings, it turns every pre-1960 homer hitter into a 60 homer player.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

American League Division 1

1. 2013 St. Louis Cardinals

Record: 97-65,
Finished 1st in NL_Central
Manager: Mike Matheny (97-65)
Ball Park: Busch Stadium
WAR Leader: Matt Carpenter (6.6)

In the post Tony LaRussa and Albert Pujols ear, this Cardinal team was still typically good. matt carpenter had the biggest season of his career while Yadier Molina hit .319 and as always was among the best in the game. Adam Wainwright won 19 games while Edward Mujica had a dream season with 37 saves.

2. 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers

Record: 82-80
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Grady Little
Ball Park: Dodger Stadium
WAR Leader:
Brad Penny (5.9)

Dodger team surely had some age to it with Nomar garicaparra and Jeff kent well past their prime. Matt Kemp was coming into his own at 22 years old and Juan Pierre had 64 stolen bases. Brad Penny was outstanding going 16-4 and Chad billingsly was 12-5. Could this Dodger team compete with the Cards?

3. 1997 Texas Rangers

Record: 77-85
Finish: 3rd in AL west
Manager: Johnny Oates
Ball Park; Arlington Park
WAR Leader: Ivan Rodriguez (6.5)

In the middle of the power era Juan Gonzalez was mashing the baseball and drove in 131 runs. Ivan Rodriguez at 25 years old was as good as it gets while Will Clark at 33 was still hitting .326.The issue for this team was its pitchinhg, a team ERA of 4.69 as Darren Oliver lead them in wins with only 13.

4. 2006 Milwaukee Brewers

Record: 75-87
Finish: 4th in NL Central
Manager: Ned Yost
Ball Park: Miller Park
WAR Leader: Bill Hall (5.8)


Young Prince Fielder was the talk of this team even if he did whiff 125 times. Carlos Lee and Bill hall showed muscle but no one in the line up could drive in even 90 runs. The pitching was even weaker and it was a good trick by Ned Yost to win 75 games with this club.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

American League Division 2

1. 1953 New York Yankees

Record: 99-52
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Casey Stengel
Ball Park: Yankee Stadium
WAR Leader: Mickey Mantle (5.8)

In the midst of their greatest dynasty run, the Yankees were lead by their legends Mantle and Berra and took out the Dodgers for the 1953 title in six. Whitey Ford won 18 games while Stengel used Allie Reynolds whenever he needed a big out. Mantle did start to battle injuries in 53, can he stay healthy for 162?

2. 2006 Cleveland Indians

Record: 78-84
Finish: 4th in AL Central
Manager: Eric Wedge
Ball Park: Jacobs Field
WAR :Leader: Grady Sizemore (6.6)

A young 23 year old outfielder named Sizemore took this team by storm but the wins didnt come. Travis Hafner is a big bat at DHand Victor Martinez made up with the bat what he didnt have with the glove. The starting pitching isnt bad with CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee in the rotation. Thirty seven year old bob Wickman will hope to get numerous chances as closer.

3. 1990 San Diego Padres

Record: 75-87
Finish: 4th in NL West
Manager: Jack McKeon
Ball Park: Jack Murphy Stadium
WAR Leader: ED Whitson (7.0)

Jack Clark and Joe Carter are two power bats in this lineup working around the complete hitter that is Tony Gwynn. The club has speed too with Bip Roberts swiping 46 bases. The pitching was inconsistent but 22 year old Andy Benes complimented veteran Ed Whitson pretty well.The San Diego pen had major issues. It will be fun to see if Gwynn can win the batting title.

4. 2004 Detroit Tigers

Record: 72-90
Finish: 4th in AL Central
Manager: Alan Trammell
Ball Park: Comerica Park
WAR Leader: Carlos Guillen (4.6)

A decent offensive Tigers team with Carlos Guillen and Rondell White plugging away for the doubles oriented offense. Ivan Rodriguez makes another appearance with this team and may be even better batting .334. The pitching however was a nightmare on this team and in a league like this, it could get ugly.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

American League Division 3

1. 1912 Philadelphia Athletics

Record: 90-62
Finish: 3rd in AL
Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Shibe Park
WAR Leader: Home Run Baker (9.3)

An outstanding A's team will surely be a threat for the pennant. Lead by Connie Mack who was at his tactical best with this club, small ball will surely have its day. Eddie Plank won 26 games while Chief Bender and jack Coombs will be hard to score on. Eddie Collins is the heart and onfield leader of this club.

2. 1914 New York Giants

Record: 84-70
Finish: 2nd in NL
Manager: John McGraw
Ball Park: Polo Grounds
WAR Leader: George Burns (6.5)

Any division that has both Connie Mack and John McGraw in it should be fascinating to watch. The Giants only hit .265 as a team but when they did get on base they could run and score, George Burns stole 62 bases. Christy Mathewson at 33 may be past his best, but he still had enough to win 24 games with a 3.00 ERA. Mcgraw doesnt tolerate mistakes, and this club doesnt make many.

3. 1984 Chicago White Sox

Record: 74-88
Finish: 5th in AL West
Manager: Tony LaRussa
Ball Park: Comiskey Park
WAR Leader: Richard Dotson (4.3)

A tough division for sure for Larussa and his Sox. Carlton Fisk and Greg Luzinski were past their best by Harold Baines was still doing it all for this team and Greg Walker at first base was also a nice player .294/24/76. The pitching fell apart a bit and even 39 year old Tom Seaver started 34 games and had 4 shutouts.

4. 2001 Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Record: 62-100
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Hal McRae
Ball Park: Tropicana Field
WAR Leader: Tanyon Sturtze (3.3)

Filler for the division and leage the 100 loss Rays will do their best not to lose more than that. Greg Vaugh brings his big bat to the lineup but the run production is poor all the way around. Look for Hal McRae to have a rough ride as manager. The team ERA of 4.94 could balloon even more in this division.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

National League Division 1

1. 1927 New York Yankees

Record: 110-44
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Miller Huggins
Ball Park: Yankee Stadium
WAR Leader: Babe Ruth (12.5)

What better way to start any project with the legendary 27 yankees. Yes Murderer's Row is lead by the dynamic duo of Ruth and Gehrig and overall an offense that beats you in batting practice. Waite Hoyt, Urban Shocker and others also carry an underrated pitching staff and maybe the most impressive number, the yanks used only 25 players during the entire season. Can they be as dominant in season 1? Can Ruth hit over 60?

2. 2012 Arizona Diamondbacks

Record: 81-81
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Kirk Gibson
Ball Park: Chase Field
WAR Leader: Aaron Hill (5.1)

The Dbacks are a talented bunch but were not hoping to have the 27 Yankees in their path. Paul Goldschmidt and Justin Upton lead a good lineup and Aaron Hill is an underated player to watch. The Arizona pitching staff will have to be at their best and the likes of Patrick Corbin and Wade Miley will try not to embarrass themselves.

3. 1992 San Diego Padres

Record: 82-80
Finish: 3rd in NL West
Manager: Greg Riddoch
Ball Park: Jack Murphy Stadium
WAR Leader: Gary Sheffield (6.2)

A very good lineup in San Diego as Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield will show off their power with a combined 66 home runs and near Hall of Famer credentials. Closer Randy Myers is a good one but the pitching staff could be thin. Expect high scoring games with this Padres team as offense will rule the division.

4. 2006 Chicago Cubs


Record: 66-96
Finish: 6th in NL Central
Manager: Dusty Baker
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Carlos Zambrano (5.7)

A Zambrano vs Ruth matchup should be worth its price in gold but of course the 96 loss Cubs will have a long season. Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are nice players and an aging Greg Maddux will be fun to watch trying to locate his stuff. Still the Cubs pen is in shambles as is their defense, Dusty Baker will indeed need some antacids going forward.

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

National League Division 2

1. 1980 Baltimore Orioles

Record: 100-62
Finish: 2nd in AL East
Manager: Earl Weaver
Ball Park: Memorial Stadium
WAR Leader: Al Bumbry (6.1)

A team built around pitching won 100 games and came in second place. Jim Palmer is the veteran and Steve Stone came through while Scott McGregor won 20 games. Earl Weaver also has a stellar pen and few worked them better then him. Eddie Murry leads an opportunisitic offence in the days before Cal Ripken.

2. 1962 Los Angeles Angels

Record: 86-76
Finish: 3rd in AL
Manager: Bill Rigney
Ball Park: Dodger Stadium
WAR Leader: Dean Chance (3.5)

One wouldnt expect this team to be this good but the new Angels won 86 games. Leon Wagner was a monster with 37 bombs and 107 RBI while Lee Thomas and Billy Moran also had career years under the California sun. If there ever was a team that played well with a bunch of little known forgotten players, this would be it.

3. 1981 Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 46-56
Finish: 4th in NL East
Manager: Chuck Tanner
Ball Park: Three Rivers Stadium
WAR Leader: Bill Madlock (3.5)

Embers of their glory days, this Pirates team began to slip in the early 80's. Bill Madlock still hit .341 and should be a dark horse for a batting title while Dave Parker and Omar Moreno made up quite a talented outfield.The pitching was really one of a committee for Chuck Tanner with Kent Tekulve as good as it gets to close things out.

4. 1943 Philadelphia Phillies

Record: 64-90
Finish: 7th in NL
Manager: Bucky Harris
Ball Park: Shibe Park
WAR Leader: Schoolboy Rowe (5.8)

The Phillies were known as the Blue Jays during these war years but anyway you cut it the wins were not there. A lineup made up of castoffs saw no one hit .300 or hit over 16 home runs for this offense. Schoolboy Roy was no kid anymore but he did win 14 games but the majority of this roster was weak and long forgotten as most of the best league talent was overseas.

[jasg224]

This is going to be great!

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1

National League Division 3

1. 1925 Philadelphia Athletics

Record: 88-64
Finish: 2nd in AL
Manager: Connie Mack
Ball Park: Shibe Park
WAR Leader: Al Simmons (6.6)

The Athletics were just rebuilding their legacy with young stars like 22 year old Mickey Cochrane and 23 year old Al Simmons. Simmons especially hit .387 with 122 runs scored, keep an eye on his this season.Eddie Rommell lead the staff with 21 wins for a rotation that should produce for Mack.

2. 1969 Pittsburgh Pirates

Record: 88-74
Finish: 3rd in NL East
Manager: Larry Shepard
Ball Park: Forbes Field
WAR Leader: Roberto Clemente (7.5)

Will be loads of fun to see Clemente play in his prime as this Pirates club has a chance to win this division. Willie Stargell and Al Oliver also pace this offense while the pitching has some very seasoned arms in Jim Bunning and Bob Veale. Still look for this club to play well.

3. 1946 Cleveland Indians

Record: 68-86
Finish: 6th in AL
Manager: Lou Boudreau
Ball Park: Cleveland Stadium
WAR Leader: Bob Feller (9.7)

Feller is in his prime and no one throws harder. He won 26 games with a 2.18 ERA and is a prime candidate to win the Cy Young. Lou Boudreau leads the club on and off the field and this particular club just didnt hit and couldnt win without their ace on the mound.

4. 1911 St. Louis Browns

Record: 45-107
Finish: 8th in AL
Manager: Bobby Wallace
Ball Park: Sportsmans Park
WAR Leader: Frank Laporte (3.8)

One of the worst teams of the deadball era this Browns team could set some records of futility. Player manager Bobby Wallace will try to lead by example but his .232 average wont go a long way. The club hit a total of 17 home runs; Ruth may have that in a month.

[Nick Soulis]

Feller Fans 16 To Open Season

Bob Feller opened Season One in the most dominant of performances. The big hard throwing right hander threw a shutout against the 1911 St. Louis Browns at Cleveland Stadium in the cool April air.

Feller not only threw his shutout, but struck out 16 Browns in the 9 inning effort, something that isnt exactly easy to do against an dead ball team.

Billy Martin Goes 6-6

"That was fun" were the words of Billy Martin who helped his club, the 1953 Yankees, destroy the 2004 Tigers 16-3 but added a historic achievement. Martin went 6 for 6 in the win and had almost a perfect game hitting five singles and capping the game with a triple in the ninth.

The 1953 Yankees were 17-6 and in first place in April and Martin his the heart of the team, he hit .277 with 20 RBI for the month.

Gehrig Leads Dominant Yankees

Sometimes legends live up to the hype. In the National League Division 1 the 2012 Arizona Diamondbacks opened the season with 10 straight wins and still found themselves in second place by the end of the month.

The 1927 Yankees made a clear statement in April going 21-3 and dominating their opposition just like they are suppose to do. The Babe hit six home runs but it was Lou Gehrig who lead the charge winning batter of the month honors.

Gehrig has hit in all 24 games so far this season with nine home runs and a .404 batting average. he scored 34 runs and drove in 26 in a month of work.

The 27 Yanks really are ridiculous.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitters of the month

AL - Milt Stock (1914 Giants)
.425, 5 HR, 22 RBI

NL - Lou Gehrig (1927 Yankees)
.404, 9 HR, 26 RBI

Pitchers of the month

AL - Randy Wolf (2007 Dodgers)
1.69 ERA, 32 K, 42.2 IP

NL - Wade Miley (2012 Diamondbacks)
49.2 IP, 0.72 ERA, 36 K)

[Nick Soulis]

Four No Hitters In May!

What a month for pitchers in season number one. In an incredible achievement, four different pitchers threw no hitters in the colander month of May.

Andy Benes of the 1992 Padres came the closest to perfection walking only one batter and striking out 11 against a strong 1980 Orioles club. Rich Hill for the 2006 Cubs was the first pitcher to get it done no hitting the 1925 Athletics and while walking 8 batters in the process.

Bob Feller continues his dominant season when he held the 1943 Athletics to no hits in a precise dominant effort. Feller struck out 12 in what has been a great start to the season.

Finally not to be forgotten Bob Moose of the 1969 Pirates threw a no no against Fellers 1946 Indians. The Pirates have the best record in the National League and Moose had his day in the sun.

Gehrig Streak Peaks At 32

Lou Gehrig as many know started the season on fire for the 1927 Yankees. The Yankees themselves slipped a bit into a pennant race but the Iron Horse did his part, His streak of 32 straight games with a hit sets a standard and Lou has 19 home runs and 50 RBI as we head into the hot summer.

Babe Ruth for his part seems to have changed his strategy as Ruth 'only' has 15 home runs but is leading the league with a .373 average.

"Did anyone really think I could win the batting crown?" said Ruth who still has 4 months to play.

Major Arms Have Season End

The doctor came calling for some very big names in May and some teams will be without their ace for the duration of the season.

The 2006 Indians have already been hit with the injury big but nothing compare to the loss of CC Sabathia who has a bad shoulder.

A team from the same year, the Cubs also lost their dynamic ace when Carlos Zambrano went down with a bad elbow leaving a gaping hole in the Chicago rotation.

Finally the 2012 Diamondbacks who have become the darling of the season as they fight for first with the 1927 Yankees now have it harder. Their big arm Wade Miley was also lost for the season with an arm injury, Miley was 6-3 with a 1.70 ERA on the season thus far.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitters of the Month

AL - Ivan Rodriguez (1997 Rangers)
.443, 7 HR, 20 RBI

NL - Babe Ruth (1927 Yankees)
.380, 9 HR, 25 R

Pitchers of the Month

AL - Allie Reynolds (1953 Yankees)
1.95 ERA, 54 K, 55.1 IP

NL - Bob Feller (1946 Indians)
6-0, 1.38 ERA, 58 K

[Nick Soulis]

Two Cycles Within 10 Days

The cycle remains one of the most rare of baseball feats, but in a matter of the 10 days the league saw it done twice. Bill Hall of the 2008 Brewers went 4-4 with 4 RBI against the 1990 Padres. Hall hit for the cycle in his final at bat when he doubled to drive in a run in the Brewers win.

Ten days later, Bill Lamar of the 1925 Athletics did one better and went 5 for 5 against the 2012 Astros. Lamar is hitting .295 on the season and was at his best on this night also driving in 5 runs.

Pirates Destroying Competition

In the second division of the National League no club is having it better than the 1969 Pirates lead by Danny Murtaugh. The Bucs went 25-4 in May and won another 17 games in June. The club went on a torrid 13 game winning streak and now have an incredible 19 game lead in the division.

Matty Alou is leading the league with an eye opening .386 average and has high dreams of flirting with .400. Dock Ellis has won 11 games and has struck out 105 men, the exact amount of Bob Moose. The Pirates are 27-9 at home and are looking forward to a comfortable summer wrapping up the division with ease.

White Ford Looking At Long Shelf Time

Young Whitey Ford is a big part of the 1953 Yankee team, but this month a sore shoulder became to big of an issue and the left hander. Ford was hoping to rest and take the mound again but the strain was too much and now he is looking a prolonged recovery.

"I still hope to get back on the mound by the postseason" says Ford, "I have always been an optimist, Yogi told me its the most positive way to be"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitters of the Month

AL - Greg Walker (1984 White Sox)
.368, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 20 R

NL - Lou Gehrig (1927 Yankees)
.404, 14 HR, 31 RBI, 26 R)

Pitchers of the Month

AL - Chief Bender (1912 Athletics)
5-1, 46.2 IP, 47 K, 8 BB, 1.54 ERA

NL - Scott McGregor (1980 Orioles)
6-0, 2.64 ERA, 35 K

[Nick Soulis]

SEASON 1 ALL STAR BREAK

The All Star Teams were announced for the Season 1 All Star game to be held at Yankee Stadium.



Home Run Derby To The Iron Horse



Lou Gehrig to no ones surprise won the Home Run Derby defeating suprise finalist Harold Baines of the White Sox. The big shock was that within the competitors the marquee name of Babe Ruth was not included. All the fans were looking forward to a Gehrig vs Ruth showdown that just wasnt meant to be. Ruth, for reasons that are not exactly clear, declined to participate.

"Let another bloke hit them out when they dont count" said Ruth when he was asked about it.

Fans had a differing view, "He should get his big butt out here. What is a derby without the Babe?" Said one drisgruntled specatator.

[Nick Soulis]

Lazzeri MVP In AL Win





At Yankee Stadium a three run 6th inning carried the American League over the Nationals in the season one All Star Game. Amos Strunk and Juan Gonzalez both had RBI hits as the home team swung the game and would hold on as Jonothon Broxton closed out the ninth inning for the winning side.

Chief Bender and Bob Feller had the honor of the start for the game while Vinny Castilla and Tony Lazerri hit the only home runs. Babe Ruth went 2-3 in the game.

Speaking of Lazerri, at the end of the day he was awarded the MVP award as he went 2-3 with his home run and looked very good in the field. Vic Raschi gets the win and Waite Hoyt is hung with the loss in front of 67,000 fans at the stadium.