The Keystone League

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by marc

Looks like another long season for Lancaster.

There are a few encouraging signs out there, Marc. I just finished the games of May 17, and the Reds have moved past Lewisburg into fifth place. Johnny Cormier, who began the season on the DL with a pulled biceps muscle, made his first start of the season today, and he was dominant. He threw seven shutout innings, gave up only four hits, didn't walk anyone, and struck out 12.

Cormier will be called upon to bring some order to the KL's worst pitching staff. Lancaster ranks no higher than 10th among the twelve Keystone League teams in any meaningful pitching category. Their bullpen has been awful, and Orville Davis (3-6, 5.38 ERA) is off to the worst start of his career.

The offense has, for the most part, been fine. First baseman Larry Nichol (.381-9-28) is the league's leading hitter, and he has a 1.100 OPS. Andrew Crafts (.293-7-22, .989 OPS) is also off to a good start, and Bryce Nicol (.267, 4 homers) is trying his best to demonstrate there's some life left in his bat. Wayne Kitchens and George MacFater, two talented youngsters, are now playing more often in the outfield, so things are looking up.

One more bit of good news for the Reds, who hold the fourth pick in next month's draft: There are at least five guys in this year's draft class who should be able to flat-out mash. One or two of them could be fairly close to contributing at the Keystone League level, and one of them should end up in a Red Roses uniform.

[Big Six]

June 1, 1971

MATHEWSON       W  L  PCT   GB
Bethlehem      37 17 .685   -- 
York           31 23 .574  6.0 
Pottsville     27 27 .500 10.0 
Reading        27 27 .500 10.0 
Lancaster      21 33 .389 16.0 
Lewisburg      19 35 .352 18.0 

WAGNER          W  L  PCT   GB
Altoona        31 23 .574   -- 
Gettysburg     30 24 .556  1.0 
Williamsport   29 25 .537  2.0 
Washington     28 26 .519  3.0 
State College  24 30 .444  7.0 
Johnstown      20 34 .370 11.0

As the weather gets nice and warm in the Keystone State, so does the Wagner Division pennant race. Four of the division's six teams are battling for the lead, and all four of them spent at least three days in first place during a wild and woolly May.


Right now, the Altoona Mountaineers occupy the top spot. Their heroes have familiar names: Steven Davis (.261-13-38), Willie Coachman (.274-9-27), Warren Price (.317, 27 steals), Mark Storer (7-13, 2.39 ERA). The Mountaineers received good news when Kevin Hermosillo, who hadn't pitched at all in 1971 because of back problems, got a clean bill of health. With Hermosillo back in the rotation, look for Altoona to stay in the race alll season long.


The Gettysburg Cannons continue to roll on, led by their three outstanding starting pitchers. Dan Blackstock, Bobby Fite, and Dan Wimmer have won 20 games between them, and all have ERA's lower than 3.00. Blackstock and Fite are striking out a batter per inning, too. The Cannons' hitters have not been quite as productive as Altoona's have; among Gettysburg hitters, only Fernando Albacete (.353-16-38) is enjoying a big year so far.


A game behind the Cannons, we find the surprising Williamsport Millionaires. Once again, the Millionaires are getting great production from unsung hero Randy Ong (.283-12-50), who leads all Keystone Leaguers in RBI. With Gerard Truman, now the KL's all-time batting leader, contributing another typical season (.330, .425 OBP) and key hits coming from players like John Francis (10 homers), John McCraney (.298) and Jason Canales (.292), the Williamsport lineup is full of tough outs. James Greer (8-5, 2.37) and Leo Pulaski (7-5) are as solid as ever, and this year, they're receiving outstanding support from Marion Johnson (7-5). The Millionaires feature a nice balance between hitting and pitching and they, too, look like they're in the race for keeps.


And, you can never count out the Washington Generals. They're three games off the pace right now, as stars like Paul Kaczmarek (.254) and Patrick Mill (.235) struggle to get their swings in the groove. Glen Huntley (.278-14-37) has been hot lately, and John Merriam (.356-7-28) has raked all spring long. Ronny Greenwell (11-3, 2.24) leads the Wagner Division in wins, but Larry Portwood has suffered more than his share of hard luck. Larry has a losing record at 5-6, despite a 2.88 ERA.


Meanwhile, the Bethlehem Steelers appear to be running away with the Mathewson Division race. Jack Parker won his second straight Pitcher of the Month award; he's now 12-2 with a 1.86 ERA. The real story of the Steelers' season, however, is their home run hitting. Five Steelers have hit at least 12 bombs, led by Eddie Muth with 16. Bradley Foster, Andre Privette, Eddie Reams, and Roberto Marquez each have a dozen homers. With Jeff Nimmons (.317, .391 OBP) and Billy Buckingham (.320) setting the table, Parker and his mound mates usually have all the runs they need.

Bradley Foster achieved an interesting milestone early last month, when he took the all-time home run lead away from Bryce Nicol. Foster has hit 355 career home runs, and currently leads Nicol by two. Both players are, of course, still active, so the lead could change hands several more times this summer. Foster also holds a narrow lead over his Lancaster rival in the RBI column, with 1112 to Nicol's 1101. Randy Ong is close behind them at 1080, and he's three years younger than Bradley and Bryce.

And, finally, the Keystone League says goodbye to one of its greatest pitchers ever. Gettysburg ace Clarence Flippen retired this month, just short of his 40th birthday.

Flippen leaves the game with a career record of 186-127, and is the winningest pitcher in Keystone League history. His career total of 2739 strikeouts also ranks first all-time. Clarence won four Most Outstanding Pitcher awards (1961, 1963, 1965, 1967), threw a no-hitter in 1963, and won a Governor's Cup ring with the '67 Cannons. "Flip" posted a lifetime ERA of 3.25, despite pitching through the hitter-friendly early years of the League. He'll be forever remembered in Gettysburg--and throughout the Keystone League--as a class act and a fierce competitor.

[ifspuds]

Farewell, Flip. You were a great one!

Have Foster's numbers rebounded any? I see he's got the homers, but what about his other stats?

[CatKnight]

BigSix: Just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I'm enjoying reading about your league. I only found your dynasty today, and it's great!

One question: Are you GMing any of the teams, or are you in commissioner mode letting the AIs slug it out?

[marc]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

Farewell, Flip. You were a great one!

"

[AZTarHeel]

That is a sweet logo, Big Six... nice job all-around with this one ...

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

Farewell, Flip. You were a great one!

Have Foster's numbers rebounded any? I see he's got the homers, but what about his other stats?

The rest of the picture isn't nearly as pretty. Foster's hitting .216/.320/.423 right now, although his ratings indicate he ought to be able to do better than that. Guys with similar Contact ratings are hitting in the .260s.

Bradley is still drawing walks, but he's also striking out a ton: 52 whiffs in 53 games. He's a threat to set a new single-season record for strikeouts. I'll confess I had no idea who the record holder in that category is, and I was somewhat surprised to see that the guy who holds that dubious distinction set the record the same year he won an MOB.

It's Jerome Patel, who whiffed 144 times last season!

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

BigSix: Just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I'm enjoying reading about your league. I only found your dynasty today, and it's great!

One question: Are you GMing any of the teams, or are you in commissioner mode letting the AIs slug it out?

Thanks, CatKnight. It's good to have you among the fans of the Keystone League.

I'm strictly the commissioner here. I've so far resisted the temptation to play any other role, as frustrating as it can be sometimes to watch the AI do things I don't agree with. I'll find myself thinking "Why did the idiot computer make THAT trade?" or "What is he doing on the bench, when he's WAY more talented than that other guy?"--and then I realize I think the same things about some of the moves "real" GMs and managers make.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by AZTarHeel

That is a sweet logo, Big Six... nice job all-around with this one ...

Thanks, TarHeel. Good to have you on board.

Knuckler deserves the props for the logos; I believe he made all of the ones I'm using here.

(If I'm wrong, and someone else contributed one, I apologize for not giving you the credit you deserve.)

[Big Six]

June 1, 1971

The 1971 first-year player draft features a crop of hitters that might be the best the Keystone League has ever seen. Nine position players had been taken off the board before a single pitcher was chosen, and ten hitters were drafted in the first round as a whole.

Here's a look at each team's first round pick. And, as always, we'll also review the progress of last year's first rounders.

1. Lewisburg Profs: OF PARKER SONNIER
The Profs were tempted to use the first overall pick on a player who might be able to step in and help out at the Keystone League level, but decided to take this talented 18-year-old outfielder with a huge upside. Sonnier is big (6’5”, 220) and strong, and although he has a long, sweeping lefthanded swing, he makes reliable contact. He can drive the ball out of any part of any ballpark with ease. Unlike the Profs’ first round pick from last year, Barton Kiddler, Sonnier projects to hit for a high average, too. Like almost all teenaged hitters, Parker needs to work on his pitch recognition, but most scouts believe he’ll develop a sharp eye. He is an average fielder with a good arm, and profiles best as a right fielder. The Lewisburg front office assures everyone that Sonnier’s nickname, “Weed,” does not refer to a substance he enjoys smoking. He’ll attempt to smoke opposing pitchers at Class A Danville

Let’s catch up with Barton Kiddler, the KL’s #4-ranked prospect. He’s hit 38 home runs in his first 482 professional at-bats, and this year he’s raised his average from .193 to .274. He’ll form a powerful one-two punch with Sonnier at Danville, for now.

2. Johnstown Johnnies: OF GRANT HOLMES
Four years older than Sonnier and more polished, Holmes can do it all on the baseball field. He has the speed and range to play center field, and some scouts believe he will hit for more power than Sonnier. Holmes walks often, rarely strikes out, and puts pressure on opposing defenses with his baserunning. The Johnnies need outfielders badly, so they won’t hesitate to advance Grant as quickly as he can. He’ll break in with Class A Somerset, but don’t expect him to be there long.

Let’s catch up with Ben Turnage, who is developing slowly, but steadily. He pitched well at Class A last year, winning nine games, but he’s repeating that level this season while he works on some secondary pitches. The Johnnies remain convinced he’ll be a good one.

3. State College Hillclimbers: 1B DAN DORSEY
Dorsey, 20, was working the night shift in a bakery and playing fast-pitch softball when he heard about a Keystone League tryout camp. Although Dorsey hadn’t played baseball since his junior year in high school—he dropped out without graduating—he impressed everyone with his ability to hit the ball hard and consistently from both sides of the plate. Dan, like the players drafted ahead of him, also demonstrates the ability to tell a ball from a strike. He’s nothing special defensively, but his bat should take him a long way. That road begins for him at Class A Boalsburg.

Let’s catch up with Floyd Humphries, who’s been rushed to the Keystone League because of a season-ending ankle injury to Keith Clear. Only 20, Humphries is hitting .241, but has stolen 13 bases. He’s only drawn one walk in 84 plate appearances, but he remains a top prospect.


4. Lancaster Red Roses: OF DAVID YURIA
The Red Roses made it three outfielders in the first four picks when they selected this 17-year-old, whom they think will be a future batting champion. Yuria, a switch-hitter, has a smooth, balanced stroke that is, in the words of one scout, “the best I’ve seen from a Keystone League hitter his age.” Yuria should develop good power as he matures. David won’t dazzle anybody with his glove and arm, and he’s only a fair baserunner. In other words, all he can do is hit, but he does that well enough to make him a top-flight prospect. The Reds will challenge him with an assignment to Class AAA Elizabethtown.

Let’s catch up with Roano Chambergo, who struggled last year (.237) with Class A Ephrata. In his second shot at this level, he’s raking (.319/.447/.613, 14 homers). Chambergo is 24 years old, so he’ll need to progress quickly.

5. Pottsville Brewers: OF ZACHARY HUDSON
The Brewers couldn’t believe their luck when Hudson was still available for them to select with the fifth overall pick. Hudson was a true student-athlete at Emory University in Atlanta, setting eleven hitting records and graduating Phi Beta Kappa. Zachary has a picture-perfect, classic left-handed swing that generates line drive after line drive. The Brewers expect him to hit 20 homers and 40 doubles a year in his prime, and some scouts predict he’ll hit .350 some day. Hudson can play any outfield position, but his strong arm might fit best in right. He’ll make his professional debut one step below the Keystone League, with the Brewers’ Class AAA affiliate at Franklin.

Let’s catch up with Gaspar Gonzales, who is making the Brewers’ decision to draft him Number One overall look like a stroke of genius. GG has hit 37 homers in 492 Class AA at bats, and has drawn 116 walks. Even more amazingly, he’s struck out only 23 times! If he keeps mashing like he has so far, Gonzales might force the Brewers to move Jim Tobin to the outfield to make room for his big bat.

6. Gettysburg Cannons: 3B PAUL ROSSER
When he wasn’t playing baseball, Rosser, a 6’1”, 220-pound powerhouse, was a three-year starter at linebacker for the University of Pennsylvania. He broke his ankle in the last game of Penn’s gridiron season, and that injury convinced him that his future might be more secure on the diamond. Nevertheless, four NFL teams offered him free agent tryouts. Rosser whips the bat through the strike zone as aggressively as he charged into opposing backfields. His sharp reflexes and outstanding athleticism make him a good fielder, and he’ll impress his managers with his hardnosed style of play. Paul will report to AA Waynesboro.

Let’s catch up with Dave Vanlandingham, another two-sport star who made his Keystone League debut late last season and, in two at bats, singled and doubled. He Back at AAA this season, he’s hitting .300 with power.


7. Williamsport Millionaires: 1B SPIRO SEMA
Only eighteen, this Puerto Rican prospect stands 6’6” and is still growing. As you might expect from a player his size, Sema possesses big-time power, the equal of any player in a draft class studded with long ball hitters. Although his strike zone is immense, Spiro is a selective hitter whose approach at the plate is remarkably advanced for a teenager. He needs a lot of work on his defense; his footwork is awkward and his hands are a bit stiff. His bat will be his calling card, and the Millionaires believe he’ll be a .280-35-100 man in another ten years. Spiro will debut with the Class A Montoursville club.

Let’s catch up with Bob Colquitt, who is hitting .181 for Montoursville after posting a .167 mark there last year. No matter how slick defensively he might be—and Bob’s as good as they come—he’ll never make the Keystone League with averages like those.

8. Reading Coal Heavers: C STEPHEN HUFNAGEL, JR.
Hufnagel, 18, is only the third catcher selected in the first round of the Keystone League draft; the others were Victor Garrow in 1962 and Mike Naughton in 1965. He’s also unique for another reason. His father pitched for the Gettysburg Cannons from 1960-1968, appearing in 320 games in relief and collecting 60 career saves. Stephen, Jr. should develop into a solid hitter with some pop, as his 6’0”, 185-pound frame fills out. However, it’s his defensive ability that makes him extra-special. Hufnagel has a howitzer for an arm, “better than anybody in the league right now,” according to at least one scout. He’s agile behind the plate, and his fundamentals are solid. Stephen will report to Class AA Lebanon.

Let’s catch up with Don Kelly, for whom the Heavers acquired Bernard Sherrard at last year’s trading deadline. Kelly is one of the top ten prospects in the league, currently hitting .284 with a .394 OBP for Uniontown, the Generals’ AAA affiliate. Sherrard, 28, has a .297 average and 10 homers for Reading. Let’s look at this trade in 1980, and see who got the better end of the deal.

9. Altoona Mountaineers: C DAN RIDGEWAY
After eleven years in which only two teams drafted backstops in the first round, two catchers were picked consecutively this year. Ridgeway is three years older than Hufnagel. He projects to hit for a higher average than Stephen, but with somewhat less power. Dan doesn’t throw quite as well, but in any other year, his arm would be all the rage. He has also demonstrated the ability to play both first and third base, giving him additional value to a team that has the best catcher in the league on its roster. Ridgeway will begin his career at Class A Tyrone, and might be ready for full-time action for the Mountaineers as Steven Davis’ skills begin to decline.

Let’s catch up with Mark Freke, who recently took the Altoona shortstop job away from veteran Chris Carrico. Freke has given pitchers migraines since then, with 36 hits in 89 AB for a .404 average. He’s as good a reason as any for the Mounties’ surge to the top of the Wagner Division standings.

10. York White Roses: RHP MITCH MOUNTFORD
Everybody expected Mountford, 23, to be the first pitcher selected in the 1971 draft, but most were surprised that it took this long. He’s the second member of his family to be selected in the first round of a Keystone League draft; his brother John, who is two years older, was chosen fifth overall by the Gettysburg Cannons in 1965 and currently pitches for Chambersburg, the Cannons’ AAA affiliate. Mitch doesn’t throw as hard as his brother, with a fastball that sits in the high 80s, but his smooth, repeatable delivery enables him to command the strike zone effectively. He also throws a forkball which dives low in the zone, causing batters to hit lots of ground balls. The White Roses believe he’ll be a solid Keystone League starter who works lots of better-than-average innings.

Let’s catch up with David Nance, who went 9-5 in AA ball last year, but was traded to the Millionaires for outfielder Spencer Howard. Since then, Nance has struggled with an elbow injury, and he was hit hard in each of his first three AAA starts. Howard hasn’t done much either; hitting only .239 and stealing only 12 bases—both well below his average production levels.

11. Bethlehem Steelers: 2B COLIN SHANE
The Governor’s Cup champions selected a 20-year-old infielder with a solid all-around game. He can play both second and third base well, displaying plus-plus range at second and a powerful, accurate arm at third. He should continue the Steelers tradition of good-hitting infielders too, as his compact, quick swing should enable him to hit .275 with lots of doubles. He’s a smart player who enjoys the game, and should be a fan favorite wherever he plays. For now, he’ll entertain the fans at the Steelers’ AA affiliate in Lehighton.

Let’s catch up with Dan Mullock, who pitched very well last year at A and AA. He’s been promoted quickly to Class AAA but has been hit hard (9.56 ERA, 28 hits allowed in 16 innings). He’s still only 19, so he has plenty of time to correct his problems and earn a spot on the Steelers staff.

12. Washington Generals: RHP ANDREO CABILDO
Cabildo is a slender righthander from the Dominican Republic with an electric arm. Only 18, Cabildo can dial up 94 MPH fastballs, and works consistently in the low 90s. His next best pitch is a changeup which he throws with the same arm motion as his fastball, a feat few teenagers can master. His curve and slider are average pitches, and he’ll probably be advised to drop one and concentrate on developing the other. The Generals believe he’ll be a key member of their rotation one day, and will challenge him with an assignment to AA Greensburg.

Let’s catch up with Bill McNiven, who is steadily climbing through the Generals system. Recently promoted to AAA Uniontown, he’s pitching out of the bullpen and doing it well, with a 2.16 ERA. The Generals still project McNiven as a starter, but his ability to fill various roles might make him a candidate for a KL callup sometime in 1971.

[ifspuds]

Only two pitchers in the first round? That's amazing.

From your writeup, it sounds like Holmes is a better bet than Sonnier. What's the big difference? Power?

Always fun to read the draft report.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

Only two pitchers in the first round? That's amazing.

From your writeup, it sounds like Holmes is a better bet than Sonnier. What's the big difference? Power?

Always fun to read the draft report.

Thanks, Jeff. You wouldn't be so surprised about the hitter/pitcher breakdown if you saw how unexciting most of the pitchers in this year's class are.

Here's a comparison of the talent ratings of Sonnier and Holmes:

Player          Age  Con  Pwr  Eye  Sp
Parker Sonnier   18   65   80  109  55
Grant Holmes     22   56   89  114  64

Holmes actually projects to hit for a little more power, while Sonnier should hit for a higher average. Both will draw lots of walks, while Holmes is a slightly better baserunner.

I think both of them will be very good Keystone Leaguers one day. Holmes is closer to his potential than Sonnier is, which you'd expect because he's four years older. I think I might also rate Holmes a little higher than Sonnier...but I once thought Luis Paquin (1963 first overall pick; .244/.358/.355 lifetime) would be a star, too.

[Big Six]

July 4, 1971

MATHEWSON       W  L  PCT   GB
Bethlehem      59 21 .738   -- 
York           44 36 .550 15.0 
Pottsville     37 43 .463 22.0 
Reading        37 43 .463 22.0 
Lancaster      33 47 .412 26.0 
Lewisburg      30 50 .375 29.0 

WAGNER          W  L  PCT   GB
Gettysburg     45 35 .563   --
Washington     45 35 .563   --
Williamsport   44 36 .550  1.0 
Altoona        43 37 .537  2.0   
Johnstown      32 48 .400 13.0 
State College  31 49 .388 14.0

Keystone League fans are forgiven if they're paying the vast majority of their attention to the Wagner Division this season.



While the Bethlehem Steelers are rolling over their Mathewson Division rivals and looking more and more like they'll have a chance to defend the Governor's Cup, four Wagner Division clubs are within two games of the lead.

The Gettysburg Cannons and Washington Generals currently share the top spot, while the Altoona Mountaineers--who were atop the standings a month ago--have slid down to fourth. The Williamsport Millionaires have edged past them into the third slot, after spending two days in first last week.



The Millionaires' surge can be largely credited to their consistently productive offense. Four W-port batters hit better than .310 during June: Jason Canales, Randy Ong, John McCraney, and John Francis. Canales and Ong drove in 24 and 23 runs respectively. Ace James Greer was dominant during June as well (6-0, 1.22 ERA, 6 walks in 59 innings).



The return to form of veteran slugger Fernando Albacete has powered the Cannons back to the top of the standings. Albacete is hitting .329/.382/.612, and leads the Wagner Division with 24 home runs.

Gettysburg made a pair of trades that were designed to bolster the team's offense even further. Hard-hitting Mark Stier was obtained from Reading for a pair of minor leaguers. Stier can play first base and the outfield corners, and he's taken over the Cannons' left field job.

Then, the Cannons rolled the dice and traded a good pitcher for a good hitter, both of whom are in their prime. Gettysburg sent righthander Dan Blackstock to the State College Hillclimbers in exchange for first baseman Danny Shaw. The Cannons lead the division in ERA at 3.66, with Bobby Fite (11.6, 2.71) and Dan Wimmer (11-6, 2.88) leading the way, so they figured Blackstock (8-4, 2.83) was expendable. Shaw and Stier have combined for six homers since changing uniforms, so the deal looks good at this stage. Whether or not it will seem so good in September is yet to be seen.

Pitching might be at a premium this year, as Keystone League sluggers are taking aim at the fences with a regularity not seen in a decade. Seven men have hit at least 20 homers at the season's halfway point, led by Bethlehem duo Eddie Muth and Roberto Marquez with 26 apiece. Andre Privette (21) gives the Steelers a third 20-homer man, while Eddie Reams is one long fly behind them with 19.



Speaking of the Steelers, they're running away with the Mathewson Division. Jeff Nimmons (.341, .429 OBP, 30 steals) continues to set the table for the Steelers' big hitters. Pitchers Mark McKernan (12-6, 3.99, 164 K in 128.2 IP) and Donovan Wagner (11-5, 3.35) are both having big years, and 20-year-old Christian Santry has won his first four KL starts.

However, it's Jack Parker who, once again, is demonstrating why he's the best pitcher in the Keystone League right now. Parker has a gaudy 18-2 record and a 1.84 ERA, and he's already struck out 218 batters. Jack has also thrown 176 innings, but he's demonstrated he can handle a heavy workload without breaking down. "His stuff has never been better," says one opposing hitter.

Attendance is up all over the league, as fans thrill to the exploits of stars like these. They'll undoubtedly have many exciting stories to follow throughout the second half of the season.

[canadiancreed]

This is awesome that I can now say I've been to five of these cities

[John P. Yuda]

Originally Posted by canadiancreed

This is awesome that I can now say I've been to five of these cities

Only five? You clearly didn't grow up in Pennsylvania.

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by John P. Yuda

Only five? You clearly didn't grow up in Pennsylvania.

Not only didn't grow up in the country that it is situated in, but until two years ago had barely skirted through the state.

[Big Six]

I've been to every one of the cities in the league except Johnstown and Pottsville, and I'd never been to Oil City, either. My wife and I drive through (or past) Gettysburg, Lewisburg, and Williamsport on our way to visit family, so we're there fairly often. We've spent more time in State College than anywhere else, visiting Penn State.

The only city I first visited after I created the Keystone League was Washington. I confess, I caught myself thinking things like "I wonder if Larry Portwood would still live in town, if he were real."

[Big Six]

August 1, 1971

MATHEWSON       W  L  PCT   GB
Bethlehem      75 27 .735   -- 
York           56 46 .549 19.0 
Lancaster      47 55 .461 28.0 
Reading        46 56 .451 29.0 
Pottsville     44 58 .431 31.0 
Lewisburg      38 64 .373 37.0 

WAGNER          W  L  PCT   GB
Altoona        59 43 .578   -- 
Williamsport   56 46 .549  3.0 
Gettysburg     55 47 .539  4.0 
Washington     55 47 .539  4.0 
Johnstown      42 60 .412 17.0 
State College  39 63 .382 20.0

The Keystone League All-Star game was played in Williamsport on July 3. Here are the rosters for the Mathewson and Wagner Division All-Stars:

Mathewson Division Starters           Wagner Division Starters
Tim Gibson, SS, Reading               Warren Price, CF, Altoona
John Merriam, 2B, Reading             Randy Ong, LF, Williamsport
Jerome Patel, 1B, York                Steven Davis, C, Altoona
Andrew Crafts, CF, Lancaster          Glen Huntley, 3B, Washington
Andre Privette, RF, Bethlehem         Fernando Albacete, RF, Gettysburg
Eddie Reams, LF, Bethlehem            Willie Coachman, 1B, Altoona
Roberto Marquez, 3B, Bethlehem        John Francis, 2B, Williamsport
Henry Rothrock, C, York               Kenny Wiseman, SS, Washington
Jack Parker, P, Bethlehem             Mark Storer, P, Altoona

Reserves                              Reserves
Mark McKernan, P, Bethlehem           Leonard Sorrentino, 3B, Altoona
Donovan Wagner, P, Bethlehem          Bobby Fite, P, Gettysburg
Steven Pinder, P, Bethlehem           Dan Wimmer, P, Gettysburg
Norm Kisner, P, Bethlehem             Damien Hartline, P, Johnstown
Eddie Muth, 2B, Bethlehem             Lewis Pohl, C, Johnstown
Billy Buckingham, 1B, Bethlehem       Calvin Maag, OF, Johnstown
Jeff Nimmons, OF, Bethlehem           Hobert Tafoya, 2B, Johnstown
Bob Mortensen, P, Lancaster           Ezra Numbers, P, State College
Leandro Zavaleta, OF, Lewisburg       Ronny Greenwell, P, Washington
John Sullivan, P, Pottsville          Larry Portwood, P, Washington
Ron Hodnett, P, Pottsville            Brandon Keener, P, Washington
Ed Stinson, C, Pottsville             Patrick Mill, OF, Washington
Chuck Kohn, P, Reading                James Greer, P, Williamsport
Michael Borgen, OF, Reading           Oro Escarcaga, P, Williamsport
John Long, P, York                    Jason Canales, 1B, Williamsport
Al Sparks, 3B, York                   John McCraney, OF, Williamsport

The Matties defeated the Honuses, 7-1. As they've done all season long, Bethlehem sluggers found the fences; Andre Privette and Eddie Reams connected for homers. Steeler ace Jack Parker threw three scoreless innings, and his teammate Mark McKernan picked up the win for the Matties. Steven Davis homered for the Honuses.

Almost immediately, the Keystone League clubs began wheeling and dealing. Five All-Stars, including a player who had been the face of his team for a decade, changed uniforms during the next four weeks.

On July 6, the Washington Generals sent Glen Huntley to Pottsville, picking up pitcher John Sullivan in return. The Generals wanted to make room for hot prospect Mike Heatley, and in Sullivan, they added a good young arm.

The Bethlehem Steelers might be running away with the Mathewson Division race, but that doesn't mean they were going to stand pat. In a bold move intended to add youth to its pitching staff, they traded Mark McKernan to Johnstown for Kent Bouffard. The Steelers' new acquisition has gone 3-1 since arriving in Bethlehem. McKernan, on the other hand, tore a ligament in his elbow on July 30. He'll miss the rest of the 1971 season, and his career may be in jeopardy.

Pitcher Danilo Velez and first baseman George Davis hope that new surroundings will revive their careers. Both players are 29 years old, and neither has recently produced the results we've come to expect from them. Velez has won two of his first three starts for Lancaster, while Davis has delivered four pinch hits while he seeks to establish himself in State College.

Ernesto Gutierrez has long impressed Keystone League scouts with his immense power, but with Paul Kaczmarek entrenched at first base in Washington, Gutierrez has never had a real opportunity to show his stuff. He'll get that chance now, as the Generals traded him to Lewisburg for young pitcher Charlie Davis. The Profs have shifted Dan McKinney to the outfield to make room for Gutierrez. The Generals think Davis, a 1967 first round draft choice with a live arm, might develop into a formidable reliever.

The Reading Coal Heavers aren't going anywhere this year, and with an eye to the future, they traded their best player for a very talented young pitcher. Centerfielder Michael Borgen, the Keystone League's leading hitter, has taken his .354 average and 46 stolen bases to Johnstown. In return, the Heavers have acquired 22-year-old righthander Chris McComas. This 1966 fourth round draft choice has progressed well, and has already moved into the Johnnies' starting rotation.

Finally, the Williamsport Millionaires shocked almost everyone by trading away the greatest player in the history of their franchise...while they're sitting in second place, only three games off the pace.

Randy Ong, who stands third on the all-time lists for career home runs, runs batted in, runs scored, and hits, was traded on July 30 to the Reading Coal Heavers. The Millionaires received pitcher Ed Gilchrist and two prospects, third baseman Rick Gilkes and pitcher Rick Hicken, in return. Ong, tears in his eyes, wished his former teammates the best of luck in the Wagner Division race; he joins a Reading club that is 29 games out of first.

The Millionaires traded another established player, second baseman John Faulk, picking up blue-chip catching prospect Dan Ridgeway and young righthander Mark Conway in a trade with Altoona--the team they're trying to catch in the Wagner Division race. "Why would they give the Mountaineers a player they can use to beat them out of the pennant this year?" asked one Wagner Division executive. "They must think Ridgeway is going to be the next Steven Davis."

Over the next two months, we'll see if this flurry of deadline deals has any effect on the Wagner Division race.

[ifspuds]

75-27?!? Wow. That's one heck of a record. What's the Keystone League record for wins by a team?

And that's a whole lot of Steel on the All-Star team. Was Bradley Foster the only Steeler who didn't go to the game?

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

75-27?!? Wow. That's one heck of a record. What's the Keystone League record for wins by a team?

And that's a whole lot of Steel on the All-Star team. Was Bradley Foster the only Steeler who didn't go to the game?

Three Keystone League teams have won at least 100 games in a season. The 1962 State College Hillclimbers and 1965 Gettysburg Cannons both went 101-59. The all-time record was set by the 1967 Cannons, with a 104-56 mark.

The Steelers are on pace to win an astounding 118 games. A 30-28 record over the season's final two months will give them 105 wins and a new all-time record.

The '62 Hillclimbers lost the Governor's Cup to Reading, while both Cannons juggernauts were also Series champions.

Only two Steelers regulars didn't make the All-Star team, and Foster was indeed one of them. Bradley's .227/.336/.401 line indicates that his glory days are probably over. He's still hitting an occasional home run--he has 19 homers this season--but that's just about all he's contributing anymore.

The Steelers also didn't place a catcher on the All-Star team. Victor Garrow (.181/.226/.284) is a Gold Glove defender, but can't hit his weight. Mark Fitzgerald (.278/.324/.396) has been playing more than Garrow recently. Fitzgerald can't throw at all, but the Steelers pitchers allow so few baserunners that it's not really a problem. Mark's offense more than compensates for his defensive shortcomings.