The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Looks like those questionable Hitmen trades didn't matter too much.

It's amazing...Dunn and Hamilton are all-stars, and Pujols would have been had he not gotten hurt. Sanders, of course, made the NL squad. Remember, had he not gotten hurt right after the Hamilton trade last season, the Hitmen probably win the division.

The Hitmen had 8 all-stars, including the silly choice of Troy Tulowitzski...he's had only 77 ABs, all at second base, yet made the team because he's been so torrid he's arguably outperformed all NL shortstops - the position listed as his primary. His 16.9 VORP in those 77 ABs tops all NL shortstops. Pretty amazing, though still an absurd choice for an all-star. But when you're hot, you're hot. Everyone loves the Hitmen!

[EMSoccerCoach]

whoops...double posted...kept next one as it formatted better.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 14-July 20, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	56	36	.609	-
Philadelphia Ringers	44	48	.478	12.0
Louisville Racers	42	50	.457	14.0
Charlotte Cougars	41	51	.446	15.0
Boston Riders	36	56	.391	20.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	63	29	.685	-
Wichita Brigade	51	41	.554	12.0
Indianapolis Engines	46	46	.500	17.0
Sacramento Stingers	45	47	.489	18.0
Milwaukee Bangers	29	63	.315	34.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	59	33	.641	-
Alabama Airmen	51	41	.554	8.0
Memphis Strummers	49	43	.533	10.0
Orlando Orcas	47	45	.511	12.0
St. Louis Tides	42	50	.457	17.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	57	35	.620	-
Los Angeles Idols	48	44	.522	9.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	48	44	.522	9.0
Las Vegas Bosses	40	52	.435	17.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	26	66	.283	31.0

Ringers Oliva Injured Friday, July 18th, 2014: Watching Tony Oliva getting helped off the field today at Liberty Field, fans of the Philadelphia Ringers feared the worst. They were right, as Oliva has been diagnosed with a broken leg that will end his season. For the year Oliva is hitting .283 with 4 home runs and 31 RBI. Heavy Johnson will be given a chance at the rightfield job for the remainder of the season.

Sandmen Cory Sullivan Hurt Friday, July 18th, 2014: The collision between Arizona Sandmen outfielders Cory Sullivan and Josh Hamilton looked bad and it was. Hamilton got up and stayed in the game, but Sullivan wasn't so lucky. The Sandmen have disabled Sullivan, diagnosing him with a concussion that will sideline him indefinitely. One of the PBL's most surprising players since the league's inception six years ago, Sullivan is batting .325 with 2 home runs, 34 RBIs and 37 runs scored. He has a .397 OBP.

Zero Hour: Killen Outduels Hughes, Blanks Ringers Saturday, July 19th, 2014: Frank Killen of the New York Heroes was lights out in a 2-hit whitewash of the Philadelphia Ringers. He told BNN reporters, "I had my good stuff and it went where I wanted it to go." He registered 4 strikeouts and 1 walk in shutting out Philadelphia 1-0. A two-out RBI single from Terry Kennedy in the first scored Joe Morgan for the game's only run as Killen outdueled the red-hot Jay Hughes (9-10, 3.48). Killen improved to 6-7 with a 3.36 ERA.

Bosses Lose Another Catcher - Daly Done For Year Saturday, July 19th, 2014: Catchers will never come to Las Vegas after this season. Tom Daly became the third Bosses catcher to go down for the year, a torn labrum requiring surgery ending his season. Daly follows Ed McFarland (broken leg) and Ray Schalk (torn ACL) to the sidelines. The defensive specialist reserve has hit .189 with 1 home run a 3 RBIs this season. Harry Bemis is next in line to back up King Kelly.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Swisher Honored by Northern League Monday, July 21st, 2014: Charlotte rightfielder Nick Swisher posted a .583 batting average on the short week and was named Northern League Player of the Week. He racked up 7 hits in 12 at-bats, 1 home run and 2 RBIs last week in 3 games. Swisher is batting .248 with 7 homers and 33 RBIs.

Whitt Named Southern League POW Monday, July 21st, 2014: There's nothing like being in the prime of your baseball career -- and playing like it. Just ask Ernie Whitt, the San Antonio catcher, who swung a sweet bat all week to not only aid his team, but also pick up the Southern League Player of the Week honors. Whitt piled up 7 hits in 13 at-bats, 2 home runs and 5 RBIs while hitting .538. An All-Star, Whitt is hitting .313 with 9 homers and 32 RBI.

[EMSoccerCoach]

EXTENDED TRADE DEADLINE EDITION
June 21-July 31, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	63	39	.618	-
Philadelphia Ringers	49	53	.480	14.0
Charlotte Cougars	48	54	.471	15.0
Louisville Racers	47	55	.461	16.0
Boston Riders	41	61	.402	22.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	69	33	.676	-
Wichita Brigade	57	45	.559	12.0
Sacramento Stingers	52	50	.510	17.0
Indianapolis Engines	51	51	.500	18.0
Milwaukee Bangers	33	69	.324	36.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	66	36	.647	-
Memphis Strummers	56	46	.549	10.0
Alabama Airmen	55	47	.539	11.0
Orlando Orcas	51	51	.500	15.0
St. Louis Tides	44	58	.431	22.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	60	42	.588	-
Los Angeles Idols	52	50	.510	8.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	51	51	.500	9.0
Las Vegas Bosses	45	57	.441	15.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	30	72	.294	30.0

TRADE DEADLINE DEALS

Memphis Swaps Wigginton to San Antonio for Gantner Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014: It's a what have you done for me lately business, at least in Memphis, where Ty Wigginton - the Southern League RBI champ the past two seasons - has been dealt to San Antonio for second baseman Jim Gantner. "I'm shocked," Wigginton said. "I certainly didn't expect this. But I maybe should have seen the writing on the wall." There's been a lot of speculation that Wigginton fell out of favor with the team after batting .182 in last season's failed postseason run, hitting only one homer as Memphis was upset by Sacramento in the PBL Championship Series. Wigginton was relegated to part-time status this season as Otto Krueger's surprising power got him more and more playing time. Still, the trade of Wigginton is stunning. As the player who has surprassed expectations more than any player in PBL history, it seems safe to say, to see Wigginton traded is surprising. Currently Wigginton has 7 home runs and a .257 batting average. Wigginton will play first for San Antonio and provide some backup in the lineup to Adam Dunn. This year Gantner is hitting .294, produced 30 RBIs and 2 home runs, scored 28 times and gotten on base at a .317 rate. He will take over the every day second base job for Memphis.

Engines Deal Beckley For Bedard Friday, July 25th, 2014: Another trade deadline, another trade of Erik Bedard. "Last time, I won a championship," Bedard said with a smile. It won't be so easy this time, as he heads to Indianapolis, which trails the juggernaut Chicago Hitmen by 18 games. Which makes the trade a confusing one from Indianapolis' perspective, as they deal perennial .300 hitter Jake Beckley - the face of the franchise since its inception. Beckley has mixed emotions about the deal. "It's the only place I've ever played," an emotional Beckley said. "But at the same time, I go to the two-time champions with a real chance to contribute to a championship this season, so I'm excited about that." Beckley is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, but isn't focused on that. "I'm a Knight now, and winning a title is all I'm focused on." To date Beckley has chalked up a .301 average with 17 home runs, driven in 59 runs and scored 56 times. For the season Bedard has compiled a 7-8 record with a 2.95 ERA.

Heroes Deal Sanderson To Charlotte Friday, July 25th, 2014: In a deal nobody can make any sense of, the New York Heroes have traded the newly recovered Scott Sanderson to Charlotte for 26-year-old shortstop Jhonny Peralta. This season in 25 games, Peralta has hit at a .197 clip with 15 hits, no home runs, 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Since joining the league, Sanderson has compiled an ERA of 3.67 with a career record of 22-13. He has 139 strikeouts in 289.2 innings and has held opponents to a .258 batting average. Sanderson was out with a shoulder injury suffered during spring training and came back to hurl a complete game five-hit, 1-run effort. If healthy, Sanderson is a top-of-the-rotation starter, which makes this trade incredibly puzzling.

Racers, Heroes Close Deal Friday, July 25th, 2014: The Baseball News Network is reporting that the Racers and Heroes have consummated a trade. New York will receive 25-year-old center fielder Billy Southworth in a swap for 27-year-old starting pitcher "Nobody's quite sure what New York is doing here," the analyst said. "Why deal two strong starters for two players you don't need?" Southworth is currently hitting at a .136 pace with 1 home run, 3 RBIs and has scored 3 times. A defensive wizard, the only argument that makes sense is strengthening the defense. But for someone playing as little as Southworth has for Louisville, it should have cost less than Coleman, who is 8-6 with a 3.90 ERA.

Memphis, Philadelphia Confirm Trade Friday, July 25th, 2014: The Strummers and Ringers pulled the trigger on a deal that will see 25-year-old second baseman Ron Oester head to Philadelphia in exchange for 26-year-old starting pitcher Bill Donovan. A source close to Memphis officials said "The teams spent long hours coming to the agreement and in the end, both agreed the deal should help both clubs." This season Oester has hit at a .143 clip with 11 RBIs, 1 home runs and 4 runs scored. He has played in 55 games. Donovan has fashioned a 5-10 mark for the season, 4.28 ERA and thrown 103 innings in 17 starts. Opposing clubs are batting .256 against him.

Airmen Trade Sabathia For Gordon Saturday, July 26th, 2014: BNN has learned the Philadelphia Ringers have reportedly worked out a deal with the Alabama Airmen. Sources close to the Ringers indicated that a trade has been reached in principle where 26-year-old starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia will be swapped to Philadelphia with 28-year-old third baseman Sid Gordon heading to Alabama. Neither organization would comment on the report, saying it was club policy not to speak about a trade until it was finalized. An inaugural draft choice of the Airmen, Sabathia posted a career best 3.07 ERA last season split between the bullpen and the rotation, earning a slot as a starter this year. He's gone 7-8 with a 4.04 ERA this season, and the injury to ace Dan Haren makes this trade all the more confusing - a seemingly common trait this deadline. Thus far this year Gordon is hitting .221 with 2 home runs, 15 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

Charlotte Sends LaRoche to Las Vegas Saturday, July 26th, 2014: Done deal! The Charlotte Cougars have agreed to send 29-year-old first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Las Vegas Bosses for 28-year-old reliever Danys Baez. The trade, rumored for days, was completed in the wee hours this morning. On the season, LaRoche is batting .232 with 8 home runs and 26 RBIs. He has played in 72 games. This season Danys Baez has made 19 relief appearances, saving 0. His record is 0-0 with 18 strikeouts in 29.2 innings and a 6.67 ERA.

San Antonio-Las Vegas Trade: O'Neill for Bruney Wednesday, July 30th, 2014: San Antonio and Las Vegas announced today in a joint press conference that 29-year-old first baseman Buck O'Neill and $1,670,345 in cash will be going to the Bosses in exchange for 27-year-old reliever Brian Bruney. "It'll be exciting to join a new organization," one player said. "Some of us could use a fresh start." The players have each passed physicals and are expected to report by day's end. Presently O'Neill is hitting .252 with 7 home runs and 32 RBIs. He has played in 99 games and scored 29 times. On the year Bruney has no saves in 37 relief appearances with a 2-1 record and 3.84 ERA.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 21-July 31, 2014

Sacramento's Shawkey Shuts out Memphis Monday, July 21st, 2014: Today at Pathfinders Ballpark Bob Shawkey really had his stuff working. The Sacramento hurler mystified the Memphis Strummers and shut them out 2-0. Shawkey allowed a total of 1 hit in the ballgame. So far this season, Shawkey has logged a 9-5 record with a 3.54 ERA. He has started 18 games, hurled 137.1 innings and registered 62 strikeouts and 44 walks.

Jim McGlothlin Done For Year Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014: Scorpions starting pitcher Jim McGlothlin is expected to miss 4-5 months with a torn back muscle. The team did not announce any roster moves today related to this injury. The Oklahoma City skipper told BNN that personnel decisions would be announced as early as tomorrow. In 18 starts this year McGlothlin has crafted a 4-8 record and a 4.26 ERA.

San Antonio's Singer Blanks Chicago Thursday, July 24th, 2014: Bill Singer of the San Antonio Sheriffs was firing on all cylinders against the Chicago Hitmen. He blanked them 1-0 on 5 hits and posted 2 strikeouts and 2 walks. To date this season, Singer has registered 21 starts, 11-7 won-lost mark, 3.25 ERA, 168.2 IP, 107 strikeouts and 58 walks. Opposing teams have hit .251 against him.

Sacramento's Veale Holds Knights Scoreless Thursday, July 24th, 2014: Bob Veale made it look easy today. The Stingers pitcher shut down New Orleans 3-0 on 5 hits. For the game, Veale recorded 6 strikeouts and no walks. In 21 starts this year Veale has recorded a 11-6 record and a 2.79 ERA.

Ruth on a Tear, Hits for Cycle Saturday, July 26th, 2014: Four hits is a great day for any player, but when they come in four different denominations, that's a cycle -- a rarity by baseball's standards. Babe Ruth had a single, double, triple and home run for the Chicago Hitmen and led them to a 6-3 decision over Sacramento at Pathfinders Ballpark with 1 run scored and 5 runs batted in. Ruth singled in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off Bob Shawkey in the 3rd, hit an RBI double in the 5th and hit a two-run triple in the 7th. For the season Ruth is currently batting .269 with 22 home runs and 77 RBIs. In 97 games he has reached base at a .343 rate and scored 71 runs to date.

St. Louis Loses Rookie Star Speaker For Year Saturday, July 26th, 2014: The St. Louis Tides were dealt a severe blow when Tris Speaker was hurt making a defensive play recently in a game against the Alabama Airmen. After the game, the team trainer reported Speaker might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 20-year-old center fielder out for the rest of the season with a hamstring strain. They indicated it would take Speaker at least three months to heal. So far this year Speaker is batting .360 with 3 home runs.

Louisville's Hands Blanks Boston Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: How good was Bill Hands today? Just ask the Boston Riders, who were blanked 2-0. The Riders could muster just 1 hit against the 27-year-old Louisville hurler. In a fine showing Hands had 7 strikeouts and walked 2. This year Hands has worked 162.2 innings with 59 strikeouts en route to a 8-8 record and 3.65 ERA.

Chicago's Pollet Blanks Charlotte Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: Howie Pollet was in command in his outing against the Charlotte Cougars. He hurled the Chicago Hitmen to a 1-0 shutout victory, yielded 4 hits and chalked up 7 strikeouts and no walks. "A complete-game shutout. That's fun territory for me," he told reporters in the postgame interview. "I had good balance and mechanics and was able to keep the ball down. When I do that, good things happen." Thus far this season Pollet has posted a 13-7 record, started 22 games, struck out 100 batters in 184.2 innings and compiled a 2.58 ERA.

Alabama Shuts out Knights, Rixey Winner Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: It was not a good day at the plate for Knights hitters. Most of them came up empty against Eppa Rixey of the Alabama Airmen. He held them to 6 hits and blanked New Orleans 7-0. Rixey also chalked up 6 strikeouts and no walks in the game at The Air Field. Thus far this season, Rixey has tossed 154 innings in 19 starts, fanned 83 batters, walked 26 and put up a 3.21 ERA with 11 wins and 7 losses.

Memphis' Frank Dwyer Blanks Arizona Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: Memphis hurler Frank Dwyer was at his best as he whitewashed the Arizona Sandmen 4-0 today. "He just kept the ball down, did a good job, made his pitches," said the Arizona manager. "We didn't do a good job making adjustments, so we helped him out a little bit." Dwyer fired a 3-hitter and totaled 8 strikeouts and no walks in the shutout performance. This season Dwyer has gone 9-6 with an ERA of 3.88, posting 97 strikeouts in 148.1 innings.

Scorpions' Johnson Holds Idols Scoreless Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: Oklahoma City pitcher Walter Johnson gave the Los Angeles Idols fits today as he blanked them 4-0 on 6 hits. He registered 7 strikeouts and 2 walks in the shutout. His manager said, "When he's locating his pitches, he becomes unpredictable. He had Los Angeles guessing the entire game." This season Johnson has worked 176 innings with 108 strikeouts en route to a 7-14 record and a 3.73 ERA.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 21-July 31, 2014

AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK (Ended July 27)

Northern League Names Ruth Best Batter Monday, July 28th, 2014: Babe Ruth demonstrated his potential to be a star in the game last week and today he took home the Northern League Player of the Week Award. The Chicago right fielder wreaked havoc on opposing pitchers last week, pounding them for a .414 average (12-29) with 1 home run and 7 RBIs on his way to claiming the honor. Ruth is hitting .266 this year with 22 home runs, 77 RBIs and 71 runs scored. He has 101 hits in 379 at-bats, 46 walks and a .340 on-base percentage. Ruth has played in 98 games.

Week's Premier Player: Las Vegas's Davis Monday, July 28th, 2014: There's nothing like being in the prime of your baseball career -- and playing like it. Just ask Harry Davis, the Las Vegas first baseman, who swung a sweet bat all week to not only aid his team, but also pick up the Southern League Player of the Week honors. Davis piled up 13 hits in 26 at-bats, 2 home runs and 3 RBIs while hitting .500. This season Davis is batting .194 with 13 home runs.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 21-July 31, 2014

AWARDS
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Northern League Names Gibbons July's Best Batter Friday, August 1st, 2014: Only one person can take home the Northern League Batter of the Month trophy for July and that person is Jay Gibbons. During the month the Wichita first baseman collected 29 hits in 92 at-bats. Gibbons put up a .315 average, hit 7 home runs, drove in 33 and scored 18 runs. A look at his season totals shows Gibbons with 26 home runs, .277 BA, .350 OBP, 104 RBIs and 62 runs scored.

Sheets Gets NL #1 Pitcher Trophy For July Friday, August 1st, 2014: Ben Sheets of the Charlotte Cougars outdistanced his peers on the mound this month. He fashioned a fine 4-2 won-lost mark and 1.38 ERA in 6 starts to get the Northern League Pitcher of the Month honors. Sheets had a very impressive July, finishing with 38 strikeouts in 52 innings and holding opposing hitters to a .202 average. On the season Sheets has a 10-9 record with a 3.47 ERA.

Rookie Left Fielder Stone Honored by NL Friday, August 1st, 2014: George Stone earned top rookie honors in the Northern League with a solid performance last month. In July the Wichita left fielder posted a .351 average while racking up 34 hits, no home runs and 15 RBIs. This season-to-date Stone has 1 home run and a .351 batting average.

Tiernan Wins Best Bat Trophy in July Friday, August 1st, 2014: When Mike Tiernan stepped up to the plate in July, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Southern League Batter of the Month award. The young Alabama right fielder posted a .354 batting average with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs and scored 18 runs. Tiernan also worked pitchers for 17 walks to post a .470 on-base percentage. Tiernan is currently hitting at a .300 pace with 25 home runs and 68 RBIs.

Javery July's Best Hurler in SL Friday, August 1st, 2014: Al Javery hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning Southern League Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice. In July the Orlando starter earned a 4-1 mark in 5 starts. He threw 42 innings, struck out 19 and compiled a solid 1.29 ERA. Javery has a 10-8 season record so far. In 22 starts, he has fanned 85 batters in 164 innings with a 3.07 ERA.

Southern League Names Rookie of Month Friday, August 1st, 2014: Tris Speaker earned July's Rookie of the Month honors in the Southern League for last month's performance. The boyish St. Louis center fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Speaker hit .400 with 2 home runs, 10 RBIs and 19 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. Speaker is presently hitting at a .360 pace with 3 home runs, 38 RBIs and has scored 49 times.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Sorry for the break and lack of polish on the above news items. Just wanted to get moving ahead, and was slowed the past week and change. Will be back in rythym from here on.

[PWillisTheMan]

I hadn't been on for a while and figured you were to the playoffs by now. That Sabathia trade was madness.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 21-July 31, 2014

LEADERS

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 21-July 31, 2014

LEADERS

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

I hadn't been on for a while and figured you were to the playoffs by now. That Sabathia trade was madness.

Yeah, I got hit with a ton of real-life stuff at once and just had zero time. Finally I just figured I'd throw up the game-written news items instead of worrying about editing them for detail as I usually do. Should be back on pace, and we'll hit the playoffs within the next week to 10 days. No pennant races to speak of it seems, so September should go quickly as I won't be doing the daily pennant race recaps.

Alabama sank like a stone after a strong start. They'll be 15-20 games out by the time it's all said and done.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 4-August 10, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	66	46	.589	-
Charlotte Cougars	55	57	.491	11.0
Louisville Racers	54	58	.482	12.0
Philadelphia Ringers	52	60	.464	14.0
Boston Riders	48	64	.429	18.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	75	37	.670	-
Wichita Brigade	62	50	.554	13.0
Sacramento Stingers	60	52	.536	15.0
Indianapolis Engines	53	59	.473	22.0
Milwaukee Bangers	34	78	.304	41.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	71	41	.634	-
Memphis Strummers	65	47	.580	6.0
Alabama Airmen	59	53	.527	12.0
Orlando Orcas	58	54	.518	13.0
St. Louis Tides	49	63	.438	22.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	68	44	.607	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	56	56	.500	12.0
Los Angeles Idols	55	57	.491	13.0
Las Vegas Bosses	49	63	.438	19.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	31	81	.277	37.0

Orlando's Harang Shuts out Milwaukee Monday, August 4th, 2014: The final score was 5-0 in favor of Orlando. Leading the way to victory was Aaron Harang, who shackled the Milwaukee Bangers and held them scoreless on a 5-hitter. In 23 starts this year Harang has posted 9 wins while suffering 7 losses. He has pitched 177.1 innings, allowed 142 hits, struck out 127 and has a 2.89 ERA.

Southworth 5-8 for Heroes Tuesday, August 5th, 2014: Today the Heroes downed the Sheriffs 5-4 as Billy Southworth sprayed hits all over Judges Ballpark in a 5-hit explosion, finishing with 5 hits in 8 at-bats. The New York center fielder said to reporters in the postgame interview, "It makes it easier if you get a good pitch. The odds are in your favor then, not the pitcher's. I got a bunch of very pretty pitches to hit today and I didn't miss any of them." Southworth hit an RBI triple in the 2nd, grounded out in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, walked in the 7th, struck out in the 9th, singled in the 11th, grounded out in the 13th, singled in the 16th and singled in the 18th. To date this year Southworth is batting .261 with 1 home run.

Whitey Kurowski Out For Season Wednesday, August 6th, 2014: Sandmen third baseman Whitey Kurowski has been diagnosed with a concussion after suffering a collision in the field against Sacramento. The Arizona GM told BNN no decision had been made on his replacement. He said an announcement was forthcoming, probably tomorrow. In his 2014 season totals, Kurowski has 4 home runs, .248 BA, .280 OBP, 16 RBIs and 12 runs scored.

Stingers Stewart Blanks Sandmen Wednesday, August 6th, 2014: The Sandmen were no match for Dave Stewart of the Sacramento Stingers. He totally shut down Arizona at Pathfinders Ballpark. In the 5-0 win, Stewart tossed a 6-hitter, struck out 4, and walked 0. So far in 25 appearances this season, Stewart has recorded 9 wins and sustained 8 losses. He has pitched 131.2 innings, yielded 121 hits, fanned 63 and has a 2.53 ERA.

Memphis First Baseman Johnson Hurt Thursday, August 7th, 2014: Memphis fans will be disappointed to learn that Nick Johnson suffered a strained posterior cruciate ligament while running the bases in today's game. After the doctor informed the Memphis Strummers manager that Johnson was expected to miss 3-4 weeks, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the first baseman could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper. Johnson is swinging at a .273 pace on the year with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs and 65 runs scored. He has played in 94 games.

Stargell Bangs Out 5 Base Hits Thursday, August 7th, 2014: Willie Stargell really did a number on the Ringers in the Memphis 10-9 victory. Not just anyone can get 5 hits in 5 at-bats. But Willie Stargell did just that today for the Strummers and gave his batting average a healthy boost and sparked his club in the win. "I felt real good in the batter's box today. I had confidence in my swing and knew that it was there and that I could get the job done," the 24-year-old left fielder said. Stargell hit an RBI single in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, doubled in the 6th and hit a three-run home run off Will Whyte in the 8th. Stargell is hitting .323 in 2014 with 83 RBIs and 22 home runs.

Memphis Blanks New Orleans Behind Dwyer Friday, August 8th, 2014: The Memphis Strummers breezed to victory today behind the shutout pitching of Frank Dwyer. He surrendered no runs, gave up 4 hits and finished the game with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. The Strummers won the game 12-0. Currently Dwyer has a record of 11-6 with 103 strikeouts and 35 walks in 165.2 innings and a 3.64 ERA.

Voiselle Cruises to Shutout Friday, August 8th, 2014: St. Louis pitcher Bill Voiselle blanked the Alabama Airmen 11-0, tossing a 2-hitter while issuing 3 walks and collecting 2 strikeouts. After his sharp shutout performance, he said that he gives a lot of the credit to his batterymate. "Me and him are just locked in out there. He's so great at having a feel for hitters. I couldn't do what I'm doing without him." On his stats sheet for the year Voiselle shows a 6-6 record, 9 starts, 102.2 innings, 47 strikeouts and a 3.16 ERA.

Injury Takes Toll, Walter Johnson Out Friday, August 8th, 2014: Oklahoma City fans held their breath as Walter Johnson left yesterday's Orcas-Scorpions contest with an injury. After the game, the team's medical staff said that the 20-year-old starting pitcher had suffered an elbow strain and will be on the shelf indefinitely. With no reason to risk their crown jewel, it's considered likely Johnson is done for the season. This season Johnson has compiled a 8-14 mark with a 3.56 ERA.

Hitmen Sign Beckett For 1 year Sunday, August 10th, 2014: The Chicago Hitmen have finished a deal with All Star-caliber reliever Josh Beckett that will extend his stay in Chicago at least 1 year and will pay out $2,340,000. Beckett has 3 saves this season with a won-lost record of 5-7 and 4.07 ERA.

McLain Shuts out Scorpions Sunday, August 10th, 2014: Denny McLain of the Orlando Orcas really strutted his stuff on the mound today with a 7-0 victory. He was almost untouchable, bewildering the Oklahoma City Scorpions with a 4-hit shutout in which he struck out 10 and gave up 2 walks. Checking out his stats for the season, McLain has racked up 10 wins and 8 losses in 23 starts, 3.86 ERA and struck out 105 batters in 177.1 innings.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Jackson Bags NL Best Player Award Monday, August 11th, 2014: One of the league's most exciting young players, Joe Jackson of the Louisville Racers earned himself Northern League Player of the Week honors with a standout performance in last week's games. For the week the 20-year-old right fielder had a lofty .542 average (13-24), collecting no home runs, 3 RBIs and 4 runs scored. This season Jackson is batting .307 with 2 home runs. He has scored 57 runs and driven in 40.

Charleston Named SL Player of Week Monday, August 11th, 2014: There's nothing like being in the prime of your baseball career -- and playing like it. Just ask Oscar Charleston, the Memphis center fielder, who swung a sweet bat all week to not only aid his team, but also pick up the Southern League Player of the Week honors. Charleston piled up 15 hits in 22 at-bats, 2 home runs and 8 RBIs while hitting .682. This year Charleston has 11 home runs and a .359 batting average.

[NYY #23]

Good to see you back, and Chicago rolling along.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 11-August 17, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	70	47	.598	-
Charlotte Cougars	58	59	.496	12.0
Louisville Racers	55	62	.470	15.0
Philadelphia Ringers	53	64	.453	17.0
Boston Riders	51	66	.436	19.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	79	38	.675	-
Wichita Brigade	65	52	.556	14.0
Sacramento Stingers	64	53	.547	15.0
Indianapolis Engines	54	63	.462	25.0
Milwaukee Bangers	35	82	.299	44.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	76	41	.650	-
Memphis Strummers	66	51	.564	10.0
Orlando Orcas	62	55	.530	14.0
Alabama Airmen	60	57	.513	16.0
St. Louis Tides	50	67	.427	26.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	69	48	.590	-
Los Angeles Idols	60	57	.513	9.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	60	57	.513	9.0
Las Vegas Bosses	51	66	.436	18.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	32	85	.274	37.0

Memphis Signs Dwyer To 2-Year Extension Monday, August 11th, 2014: The Memphis Strummers announced that they have locked up starter Frank Dwyer to a two-year extension worth $5.72 million. This year Dwyer is 11-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 23 starts.

Bad News for Hitmen, Pollet Injured Wednesday, August 13th, 2014: Chicago may be running away with the Northern League west, but they suffered a damaging blow today as starter Howie Pollet, a favorite for Outstanding Pitcher this season, has been diagnosed with a herniated disc and has been put on the disabled list. "Howie's been great," fellow starter Johan Santana said. "Our hope is just that he can get his rest and be back for the postseason, if we make it." Pollet is 15-7 with a 2.46 ERA in 25 starts.

Benjamin Boyd Out for 6 Weeks Wednesday, August 13th, 2014: Benjamin Boyd and the Los Angeles Idols got a bad break in today's game against the Tides as the team confirmed he has suffered a groin strange and will be out until late September. So far this year in 108 games Boyd is hitting .301 with 11 home runs, 61 RBIs and 57 runs scored.

Charleston's Hit Streak Reaches 20 Wednesday, August 13th, 2014: Memphis center fielder Oscar Charleston has extended his hitting streak to 20 straight games with a 1-for-3 day. However, San Antonio got a 8-6 victory over the Strummers at Ballpark of San Antonio. Charleston flied out in the 1st, grounded out in the 4th and hit an RBI double in the 6th. To date Charleston has chalked up a .361 average with 11 home runs, driven in 51 runs and scored 59 times.

Veale Spins Shutout Against Milwaukee Friday, August 15th, 2014: "My pitching coach told me before the game just to bear down and focus. He said no one was going to hit me if I'm throwing a good breaking ball with good location." And that's what Bob Veale did as he led the Stingers to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Bangers. "I thought he put the ball where he wanted to," Milwaukee manager Ken Macha said. "And that's just about the whole secret to pitching." Veale yielded 5 hits and had 10 strikeouts and 2 walks in a standout performance. On the year Veale has been brilliant, going 14-6 with a 2.49 ERA for the defending champion Stingers.

Hunt Gets 5 Hits Against Memphis Friday, August 15th, 2014: Ron Hunt really sizzled at the plate in today's 8-2 win over Strummers. The Las Vegas second baseman blistered Memphis for 5 hits in 5 at-bats. "Hunt was too tough to get out today," Memphis skipper Harry Wright said in the postgame interview. "No matter what we threw him, he hit it. And he hit some good pitches, too." Hunt singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, singled in the 6th and hit a two-run triple in the 8th. Hunt is hitting .314 this season with 32 RBIs and 4 home runs.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Leonard Wins NL Player of the Week Honors Monday, August 18th, 2014: After a slow start to the season, Buck Leonard has gotten rolling and today took home the Northern League Player of the Week Award. The Boston first baseman wreaked havoc on opposing pitchers last week, pounding them for a .500 average (9-18) with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs on his way to claiming the honor. This season Leonard has hit at a .311 clip with 56 RBIs, 14 home runs and 44 runs scored.

Idols' Manning Named SL Player of the Week Monday, August 18th, 2014: Jack Manning has the tools to stick in this league for many years. The 24-year-old right fielder of the Los Angeles Idols had a pretty fair bat in the Southern League over the past seven days and won the Player of the Week honors. Manning batted .667 with 8 hits in 12 at-bats, no home runs and 5 RBIs. This year Manning has hit at a .314 clip with 36 RBIs, 2 home runs and 18 runs scored.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Good to see you back, and Chicago rolling along.

Thanks. Yeah, they are looking very formidable. The playoff series against New York, going for it's sixth straight division crown but yet to win the PBL Championship Series, will be very interesting.

Also of interest is that, should Chicago knock off New York and Arizona upset New Orleans, Chicago would play against former stars Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, dealt in the purge of 2013.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 18-August 24, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	75	49	.605	-
Charlotte Cougars	62	62	.500	13.0
Louisville Racers	60	64	.484	15.0
Boston Riders	56	68	.452	19.0
Philadelphia Ringers	54	70	.435	21.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	82	42	.661	-
Sacramento Stingers	69	55	.556	13.0
Wichita Brigade	69	55	.556	13.0
Indianapolis Engines	55	69	.444	27.0
Milwaukee Bangers	36	88	.290	46.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	81	43	.653	-
Memphis Strummers	69	55	.556	12.0
Orlando Orcas	68	56	.548	13.0
Alabama Airmen	65	59	.524	16.0
St. Louis Tides	53	71	.427	28.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	73	51	.589	-
Los Angeles Idols	63	61	.508	10.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	62	62	.500	11.0
Las Vegas Bosses	54	70	.435	19.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	34	90	.274	39.0

Charleston Has 25-Game Hitting Streak Tuesday, August 19th, 2014: Oscar Charleston's consecutive-game hitting streak has now climbed to 25 games. The Memphis center fielder smacked 2 hits against Chicago in today's game at Hard Rock Stadium to extend it, but he has mixed emotions about it. After losing to the Chicago Hitmen, Charleston told reporters, "I feel good about the streak, but don't feel good when we lose." Charleston singled in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, walked in the 5th, flied out in the 7th and walked in the 9th. This season Charleston is batting .364 with 11 home runs.

San Antonio No Match for Peavy Wednesday, August 20th, 2014: In an excellent mound performance, Jake Peavy of the Charlotte Cougars whitewashed the San Antonio Sheriffs 8-0 on a 2-hitter. He said after the game, "I had my best stuff and did a good job of mixing up my pitches." The San Antonio manager said, "We just didn't swing the bats well today. Peavy did a good job keeping us guessing." In all, the Charlotte hurler rang up 6 strikeouts and 3 walks in the shutout win. So far this season Peavy has a 9-9 record with a 3.27 ERA.

Heroes Chill Charleston's Hot Streak Thursday, August 21st, 2014: There was double misery today for the Strummers Oscar Charleston as he saw his 26-game hitting streak end and his team lose 10-3 to New York at Hard Rock Stadium. The 27-year-old center fielder was held hitless in 4 at-bats by the Heroes. This season Charleston is swinging the bat at a .357 pace. He has hit 11 home runs and scored 63 times, while driving in 58. His on-base percentage is .470 and he has played in 75 games.

Racers Blank Charlotte, Chacon Winner Friday, August 22nd, 2014: In an impressive outing, Shawn Chacon whitewashed the Charlotte Cougars 4-0. "I'm getting a lot more downward movement instead of side to side. That side-to-side stuff can get hit a long way," said Chacon, who is throwing with more of an overhand motion. "It's not rocket science. It was just a little adjustment, but that's all it took." The Louisville hurler held Charlotte scoreless, allowed 4 hits, chalked up 3 strikeouts and yielded 2 walks. This season Chacon has compiled a 10-10 mark, 4.25 ERA and made 25 starts.

Lackey Mystifies New Orleans Saturday, August 23rd, 2014: Sometimes even John Lackey of Memphis isn't sure which pitcher will show up when he takes the mound. "I've been good sometimes and bad sometimes," he said. This time he looked good and made the New Orleans Knights look bad, blanking them by the score of 6-0. Lackey tossed a 3-hit shutout against them, totaling 7 strikeouts and giving up 1 walk. This year in 24 starts, Lackey has recorded 8 wins and absorbed 11 losses. He has pitched 180 innings, allowed 209 hits, struck out 92 and has a 4.50 ERA.

Marquard Hurls Masterpiece Saturday, August 23rd, 2014: Sacramento starter Rube Marquard really did a number on the Bangers today, shutting them out 5-0 on 5 hits in a complete game victory. He issued no walks and had 4 strikeouts. In his postgame comments, the Milwaukee manager said, "We didn't have good at-bats. I don't make excuses, but when we were playing the game, our energy didn't show. That comes from either extremely good pitching or extremely lousy hitting... seeing as our team has a bunch of pretty good hitters, I have to tip my cap to Rube... he did an outstanding job today." To date this year in 11 starts, Marquard has crafted a 6-4 mark with a 3.05 ERA.

Maddox Razor-Sharp, Shuts out San Antonio Sunday, August 24th, 2014: "I hope we miss him next time," the San Antonio manager said. "Maddox certainly pitched a strong game against us today. He was in a groove, throwing everything for strikes. Throwing hard. Changing speeds." Las Vegas starter Nick Maddox tamed the San Antonio Sheriffs 4-0 with a 3-hit shutout, finishing the game with 1 strikeout and 1 walk in a sharp outing. "I enjoy facing a team like that where I can get an out on one, two or three pitches," Maddox said. "It gives me a chance to be a lot more aggressive." To this point in the season Maddox has 4 wins and 4 losses and a 4.50 ERA.

Bad News for New York, Meusel Injured Friday, August 22nd, 2014: The New York Heroes will have to make do without Irish Meusel for 5 weeks. He suffered a torn quad while running the bases in the game today against the Philadelphia Ringers. His teammates, understandably, were upset about losing the left fielder. "That's a tough break for him," one of them said. "But this team is resilient. We will just fill in until he gets back." Currently Meusel has 7 home runs and a .259 batting average.

Star MR Okajima Signs for 1 year Saturday, August 23rd, 2014: Happy times in San Antonio as the Sheriffs and star reliever Hideki Okajima put the finishing touches on a $1,865,000 contract extension that will keep the 36-year-old in town 1 year longer. The signing is great news for San Antonio because players of this caliber are hard to come by. Okajima has 1 save this season with a won-lost record of 2-3 and 3.14 ERA.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

McGraw Wins NL Player of the Week Trophy Monday, August 25th, 2014: It's always a thrill for fans of the team and students of the game alike when a superstar in the making shows what he's got. John McGraw, the Charlotte Cougars 24-year-old third baseman, put himself in the spotlight last week making him the clear-cut choice for Northern League Player of the Week honors. He ripped 12 hits in 27 at-bats, compiling a .444 average with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. This year McGraw has 6 home runs and a .266 batting average.

Rose Honored by Southern League Monday, August 25th, 2014: So far in his young career, Pete Rose has kept a low profile, but after his performance at the plate last week, he attracted the notice of the rest of the Southern League in a big way as he was named the Player of the Week today for his efforts. The 24-year-old New Orleans Knights second baseman hit at a torrid .520 clip as he collected 13 hits in 25 at-bats, 2 home runs, 5 RBIs and 9 runs scored. Rose is presently hitting at a .325 pace with 4 home runs and 34 RBIs. He has played in 94 games and scored 62 times.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 25-August 31, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	79	51	.608	-
Charlotte Cougars	65	65	.500	14.0
Louisville Racers	62	68	.477	17.0
Boston Riders	59	71	.454	20.0
Philadelphia Ringers	58	72	.446	21.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	86	44	.662	-
Sacramento Stingers	72	58	.554	14.0
Wichita Brigade	71	59	.546	15.0
Indianapolis Engines	60	70	.462	26.0
Milwaukee Bangers	36	94	.277	50.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	84	46	.646	-
Orlando Orcas	74	56	.569	10.0
Memphis Strummers	73	57	.562	11.0
Alabama Airmen	69	61	.531	15.0
St. Louis Tides	53	77	.408	31.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	76	54	.585	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	65	65	.500	11.0
Los Angeles Idols	63	67	.485	13.0
Las Vegas Bosses	58	72	.446	18.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	37	93	.285	39.0

Injury Forces Fielder Jones Out
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014: The postseason must be approaching, because bad things are happening to the New York Heroes. Rightfielder Fielder Jones sustained a severely sprained ankle while making a defensive play in today's game against the Louisville Racers, a day after reserve Jesse Burkett crumpled to the ground with an oblique strain. "I'll get through it," Jones said. "The key now is to stay positive."

For the season Jones is hitting .230, batted in 41 runs with 9 home runs and 62 runs scored.

San Antonio Blanks Airmen, Singer Wins
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014: The Alabama Airmen struggled at the plate today against Sheriffs hurler Bill Singer, who shackled them on 4 hits while hurling a complete game 2-0 shutout.

"What can you say? We didn't hit well," said the Airmen skipper in his postgame comments.

"Hopefully we shake this off and bounce back tomorrow."

Singer finished the game with 7 strikeouts and 2 walks in an excellent mound performance. Ty Wigginton hit an RBI single and Adam Dunn hit his 26th homer of the year for San Antonio.

"[Singer] pitched real well," his manager said. "Bill made pitches when he had to. He hit his spots and did a great job of mixing in his changeup and using his fastball effectively."

Singer improved to 15-8 with a 3.39 ERA.

New Orleans' Sutter Out 4-5 Months
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014: Division-leading New Orleans suffered a devastating blow today as reliever Bruce Sutter has been diagnosed with a partially torn labrum and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

"Bruce has been remarkable," manager Walter Alston said. "This is going to be a tough one to deal with."

Sutter has notched 2 wins and 6 saves while allowing only 1 run in 35 1/3 innings this season, a sparkling 0.25 ERA.

McLain Shuts out New Orleans
Wednesday, August 27th, 2014: It was a dazzling performance by Denny McLain of the Orlando Orcas. He shut out the New Orleans Knights 5-0 on a well-pitched 5-hitter, ringing up 4 strikeouts and issuing 1 walk.

Cap Anson drove in a pair and Honus Wagner added two hits and an RBI in the win for Orlando.

In 26 starts this season, McLain has gone 11-9 with a 3.83 ERA.

Weilman at His Best, Whips Bangers
Wednesday, August 27th, 2014: Carl Weilman of the Indianapolis Engines shut down the Milwaukee Bangers 8-0 on a 5-hitter, holding them scoreless while ringing up 5 strikeouts and allowing 4 walks.

After the game Weilman said, "Guys have been fouling off a lot of pitches lately and I've been getting into too many deep pitch counts, but I'm pleased with the way things went today. I went right after them and stayed ahead in the count."

Abner Dalrymple hit a 3-run homer off Eddie Ciccotte in the third to lead the offense, which also got three RBI from Harry Steinfeldt.

This year Weilman has gone 13-9 with an ERA of 3.54 and has 101 strikeouts in 206 innings.

Louisville Bats Silenced by Francis
Friday, August 29th, 2014: The Ringers whipped the Racers in a 7-0 whitewash today at Liberty Field. It was a masterful outing for Jeff Francis, who shut out Louisville on 2 hits.

Charley Jones had three hits and 4 RBI for Philadelphia.

Thus far this season, Francis has tossed 196 innings in 26 starts, fanned 84 batters, walked 46 and put up a 4.09 ERA with 10 wins and 12 losses.

Eddie Collins Gets 5 Hits Friday, August 29th, 2014: Brigade second baseman Eddie Collins went ballistic today with the bat. He smoked the Engines for 5 hits and sparked Wichita to a 11-6 win over Indianapolis at Sounders Ballpark. Collins doubled in the 1st, flied out in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, doubled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and singled in the 9th. To date this season Collins is hitting .351 with 1 home run.

Heroes' Bill Drake Hurls Shutout Friday, August 29th, 2014: The New York Heroes breezed to victory today behind the shutout pitching of Bill Drake. He surrendered no runs, gave up 2 hits and finished the game with 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. The Heroes won the game 7-0. John Cassidy had three hits and three RBI for New York, which also got three hits from Hy Myers. Drake improved to 10-6. In 14 starts he has fanned 80 batters in 128.2 innings with a 3.15 ERA.

Blass at His Best, Blanks Memphis
Friday, August 29th, 2014: Steve Blass went the distance at Hard Rock Stadium today. The Alabama hurler yielded 3 hits, walked 5 and had no strikeouts in the Airmen 4-0 triumph over the Memphis Strummers.

Stingers' Walker Suffers Injury
Friday, August 29th, 2014: The Sacramento Stingers got some bad news when the team learned that Harry Walker suffered a fractured foot after being struck by a pitch hurled by Chicago's Len Barker.

This season Walker is hitting at a .276 pace with 8 home runs, 52 RBIs and has scored 72 times.

Zero Hour: Alexander Blanks Idols
Saturday, August 30th, 2014: In a knockout performance, Pete Alexander beat the Idols 1-0 with an impressive 2-hit shutout.

The Orcas hurler finished with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk. He showed pinpoint control and a sharp fastball.

Alexander told reporters after the game, "My arm felt good, mechanics were good and my stuff was working... it don't get any better than this."

The Idols manager said, "It was a rough one for my guys. We weren't at our best... and their guy was."

On the year Alexander has worked 160 innings with 84 strikeouts en route to a 9-9 record and 3.94 ERA.

Hughes Injured in Freak Off-Field Accident
Saturday, August 30th, 2014: The Philadelphia Ringers have lost starting pitcher Jay Hughes after he suffered a torn hamstring while playing with his son. Hughes could well miss the rest of the season.

So far this season Hughes has 12 wins and 14 losses and a 3.60 ERA.

Louisville's Richardson Injured, Out of Lineup
Sunday, August 31st, 2014: Louisville Racers second baseman Hardy Richardson is suffering knee tendinitis and has been placed on the disabled list. Richardson told BNN, "I hurt it running the bases. I'm optimistic that I will be back quicker than they say."

Thus far this season in 125 games Richardson is batting .286 with 21 home runs, 63 RBIs and 63 runs scored. He has 133 hits in 465 at-bats.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

NL Names Brouthers Tops For Week
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Dan Brouthers, the Louisville first baseman, swung a sweet bat all week to pick up Northern League Player of the Week honors.

Brouthers piled up 9 hits in 23 at-bats, 3 home runs and 6 RBIs while hitting .391.

Currently Brouthers is hitting .308 and has collected 28 home runs, 96 RBIs and scored 88 times, while playing in 130 games.

SL Trophy Goes to Anson of Orlando
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Orlando first baseman Cap Anson put up some exceptional numbers the past seven days with a .520 batting average. For his efforts Anson collected the Southern League Player of the Week Award.

He racked up 13 hits in 25 at-bats, 1 home run and 11 RBIs last week in 6 games.

This year Anson is batting .326 with 17 home runs. He has scored 82 runs and driven in 89.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 25-August 31, 2014

AWARDS
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Leonard Top Hitter in NL in August
Monday, September 1st, 2014: When Buck Leonard stepped up to the plate in August, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Northern League Batter of the Month award.

The young Boston first baseman posted a .368 batting average with 8 home runs, 32 RBIs and scored 19 runs. Leonard also worked pitchers for 15 walks to post a .447 on-base percentage.

This year Leonard has hit 18 home runs and posted a .311 batting average.

Spalding Top NL Starter in August
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Al Spalding will be bringing August's Northern League Pitcher of the Month trophy home to Boston. He excelled all month long as he kept opposing hitters guessing, reaching and hoping.

Spalding started 6 games, going 5-1 with 18 strikeouts in 52 innings as he compiled his 1.90 ERA.

So far this season Spalding has compiled a 11-11 record with a 3.66 ERA.

Chicago Left Fielder August's Premier Rookie
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Patsy Dougherty of the Chicago Hitmen has been voted the top Rookie in the Northern League.

In August he collected 32 hits, 1 home run, 14 RBIs and 17 runs scored. He batted .344 with a .384 OBP.

Batting .305 to date, Dougherty has 2 home runs and 53 RBIs.

Charleston Earns August's Top Batter Prize in SL
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Oscar Charleston capped off a fine August by being named the Southern League Batter of the Month today.

Memphis's center fielder hit .419 while collecting 4 home runs, 27 RBIs and scoring 23 runs. He also drew 28 walks to post an OBP of .554.

This year Charleston is batting .354 with 109 hits and 12 home runs. He has scored 69 times and has batted in 64 runs.

Lackey Best SL Starter
Monday, September 1st, 2014: The Pitcher of the Month Award has been announced and the Southern League winner is Memphis hurler, John Lackey. For his standout performances in August he has been named the league's best pitcher.

During the month, Lackey excelled with a 1.74 ERA and 4 wins and no losses. In 41.1 innings he struck out 25 and gave up 27 hits and 8 walks.

In 25 starts this season Lackey has fashioned a 9-11 record and a 4.36 ERA.

Southern League Names Rookie of Month
Monday, September 1st, 2014: A veritable toddler to the Southern League, Ty Cobb just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for August.

Over the past month the 19-year-old right fielder for Los Angeles hit .365 with 38 hits, 1 home run and 12 runs batted in. He also logged 13 walks and compiled a .436 on-base percentage.

This season Cobb has hit at a .375 clip with 59 RBIs, 3 home runs and 76 runs scored.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 25-August 31, 2014

LEADERS