The Old Line League

[Big Six]

Here are the stats from the fourth place team, the Columbia Oaks:

• Neither Wally Jacobs nor Liam Holmes lived up to their preseason expectations.
• Rick Vaughn, who was not highly touted, emerged as one of the OLL's best power hitters. Kevin Jones, also not considered a star, played like one.
• Veteran Sergio Gutierrez is a team leader, and he might have won the batting title if he hadn't hit below .200 in August.

• Mikulas Kajer's nickname was "Prince," but now it's "King." He's not the heir apparent to anyone in the Old Line League; he's the boss.
• For some inexplicable reason, the Oaks demoted Bob Smith to Class AAA Easton in late July. He went 4-4 for the Fireflies with a 2.87 ERA, and he struck out more than a batter an inning. He's 29, so it's hard to argue he needs more seasoning.

[Big Six]

The Hagerstown Shelties finished a close third.

• The Shelties had the league's second-best offense, featuring three of the top 10 players in the league: Nicolae Bucur (1), James Pryor (2) and Chris Hurt (9). Hurt would probably win a league-wide vote for the most popular OLL player.
• Even better for Hagerstown supporters: Hurt is 26, Bucur 25, Pryor 24.

• On the other hand, Brett Kemp might be the league's most widely disliked player, except in the Shelties clubhouse. He's considered a team leader, despite his arrogant personality.
• Curt Lippincott, not Kemp, is the team's best pitcher. He's 23, eight years younger than Kemp.

[Big Six]

The Frederick Colts will travel to Salisbury tomorrow for Game One of the Calvert Cup Series.

• Chris Myers might be the league's most irreplaceable player. He's a great defensive catcher with the best arm in the league, he contributes a 122 OPS+, and he's 27 years old.
• Injuries partially spoiled Roberto Aranda's season, but he's healthy and ready to go for the Series.

• The Colts' bullpen is their Achilles heel. Their bullpen ERA was the worst in the league.
• Frederick has a very young team; none of their key players or pitchers is in his 30s.

[Big Six]

And here are your Old Line League regular season champions for 1980, the Salisbury Emeralds:

• Seth Myers didn't set the league on fire like the experts thought he might, but the tools are all there. I'd be surprised to see him hit .268 again next season.
• Look how stable the Emeralds' lineup was. None of their key players missed more than a few days with injuries.
• Colby Lilly couldn't find a way to win a regular job, despite that .901 OPS. He was traded to the Oaks in July, where he got a chance to play every day. His OPS promptly dropped to .661.

• Rickey Francis is a legitimate ace, but he's not the only big gun in the Emeralds arsenal. Roy Stover or Tony Thompson would be a #1 guy on a lot of pitching staffs.
• No other Old Line League team has guys like Shane Lewis and Wynn Baker in the back of their rotation. They're both 24, and even if they never develop into more than they are right now, they'll help the Emeralds win a lot of ballgames.

[dynaboyj]

Go Columbia!!!

[StLee]

Originally Posted by Big Six

June 15, 1980


5. Hagerstown Shelties: LHP Sam Weikel

Weikel grew up in Adelphi, and played his college ball at LSU. There, he went 10-3, posted a 2.75 ERA, and struck out a batter per inning. Sam's fastball isn't going to break radar guns, but everything he throws has tremendous movement, and he induces ground balls galore.

Sam made Phi Beta Kappa at LSU, so it makes sense that he enjoys the mental aspect of pitching, keeping batters off balance. He'll celebrate his 22nd birthday next week with his new teammates at Class A Emmitsburg.

Geaux Tigers!!! I'm rooting for Weikel's HOF career. I may not stick with the Shelties, but I'll be their biggest fan as soon as Weikel is called up.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by StLee

Geaux Tigers!!! I'm rooting for Weikel's HOF career. I may not stick with the Shelties, but I'll be their biggest fan as soon as Weikel is called up.

Sam Weikel had the misfortune of beginning his pro career with a truly terrible team, the Shelties' Class A affiliate in Emmitsburg. I described the Saints' legendary badness in a previous post, and things didn't get much better for them during the season's final weeks. Sam lost two more decisions for the Saints, dropping his record to 1-11 despite a 3.58 ERA, a 1.39 WHIP, and over one strikeout per inning. When your team averages 1.19 runs per 9 innings when you're on the mound, you have to be nearly perfect to win.

The Shelties liberated Sam from this pitchers' purgatory, promoting him to Class AA Frostburg. He started one game for the Frosties and lost it, too, despite allowing only two earned runs in 5.2 innings.

Nevertheless, Sam remains one of the league's most promising young players. He finishes the season ranked #12 among the OLL's top prospects, and he's sixth among pitchers. I'd say there's a good chance you'll be able to follow Sam's career for quite some time.

Thanks for following along! I'm sorry I hadn't posted here in such a long time.

[Big Six]

I'm thinking I'd like to get this one going again, too. It's fun to play Great Baseball Deity and watch your creation unfold before your eyes, and it's fun to record the exploits of its great (and not-so-great) teams and players.

I was wondering what kind of format you readers would like to see. I write dynasty stories partially for my own enjoyment, but if I didn't also enjoy having other people read them, I'd keep them in a bunch of Word files on my computer. "Publishing" them here is a big part of the fun, too.

What do people like to see the most? Screenshots with lots of statistics, or posts that are light on the graphics and feature more writing? I've been writing for the boards for 10 years, and I've watched lots and lots of posters come and go; I sense that people's tastes have changed somewhat over the last few years.

Any kind of suggestions you might give would be much appreciated.

[Tyke]

I've said elsewhere that, being born and brought up in the UK, I came to baseball very late and so don't have the instinctive appreciation of, and reaction to, statistics that most of you guys do. For that reason, I always tend to follow the dynasties that are based on characters and stories, rather than statistics [which is why I have enjoyed much of your work, Big Six] - but I guess I'm probably in a minority

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by Tyke

I've said elsewhere that, being born and brought up in the UK, I came to baseball very late and so don't have the instinctive appreciation of, and reaction to, statistics that most of you guys do. For that reason, I always tend to follow the dynasties that are based on characters and stories, rather than statistics [which is why I have enjoyed much of your work, Big Six] - but I guess I'm probably in a minority

Tyke, thanks for your kind words. I don't think you're as "different" in that regard as you might think. I found a thread from last month (November, now that it's December 1) where this very topic was discussed, and several of the posters expressed opinions similar to yours. I'll probably do more writing than screen grabbing, because I like to write, and I'll use the grabs when I want to post standings, etc., because it's so much quicker than typing everything out. And, if people want more stats, all they have to do is ask.

[Tyke]

Looking at it from another point of view, I suppose anyone can do screen captures with tables and stats, but what sets a dynasty apart is the imagination of its creator to devise an interesting backstory and then the writing talent to create characters and develop storylines.

[Big Six]

September 13, 1980

The Calvert Cup Series began on September 11, with the Frederick Colts taking on the regular season champion Salisbury Emeralds at Emeralds Park.

The visitors struck fast and hard in Game One, putting five runs on the scoreboard in the first two innings and chasing Salisbury starter Roy Stover in the fourth. The Emeralds tightened the game back up with four runs in the fifth, including a three-run homer by Pedro Viera, but the Colts held on for a 6-5 victory. Jesus Moreno got the win, and Robert Tucker picked up a save.

The next night, it was the Emeralds' turn to take the early lead; they led 3-1 after one inning and, with 19-game-winner Rickey Francis on the mound, they felt good about their chances. Four frames later, the Colts fashioned three runs from two singles, a Salisbury error, an RBI ground out, and a Roberto Aranda double and took a lead they never relinquished. The final score: Colts 6, Emeralds 4. Frederick leadoff man Jose Nuñez went 3-5 with three runs scored, and Ken DeWitt allowed three runs in seven innings to pick up the win. Tucker gave up a run to the Emeralds in the ninth, but he squeaked out the save anyway. Francis took the loss for Salisbury.

The Colts take a 2-0 Series lead back with them to Frederick, where they hope to win twice more and secure the Calvert Cup in front of their home crowd. Game Three will be played tomorrow night.

See you in Frederick!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Big Six

Tyke, thanks for your kind words. I don't think you're as "different" in that regard as you might think. I found a thread from last month (November, now that it's December 1) where this very topic was discussed, and several of the posters expressed opinions similar to yours. I'll probably do more writing than screen grabbing, because I like to write, and I'll use the grabs when I want to post standings, etc., because it's so much quicker than typing everything out. And, if people want more stats, all they have to do is ask.

That would be a good option in my mind. I always enjoy your dynasties and like your writing style, and you have a way of bringing characters to life that is hard to do with screenshots.

[Big Six]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

That would be a good option in my mind. I always enjoy your dynasties and like your writing style, and you have a way of bringing characters to life that is hard to do with screenshots.

Thanks very much, NYY #23. I've always had a lot of fun writing for the forum here, which is one reason why, if I've counted correctly, I've started 27 dynasty threads here over the past 10-plus years--most of which I didn't follow through with for very long, for one reason or another. Right now, I have three active dynasties of different kinds, all of which I'm enjoying, and all of which I hope will have nice, long runs. And, while I do write for my own enjoyment, it's even more fun when I realize someone else is reading along and enjoying it, too.

[Big Six]

September 14, 1980



The Frederick Colts are now one game away from the Calvert Cup.

Tonight, Brian Bones was spectacular, holding the Salisbury Emeralds to two hits and a single run, ensuring a 7-1 victory that gives the Colts a 3-0 Series lead.

The Emeralds got both their hits--a double by Alfred Rambelschi and a single by Joe Wood--in the third inning. Otherwise Bones basically went unscathed, walking two and striking out six. Meanwhile, his teammates roughed up two good young pitchers, Shane Lewis and Wynn Baker, getting 12 hits and drawing four walks. Colts catcher Chris Myers had three singles, and RF Roberto Aranda hit a two-run homer.

Tomorrow night, Denis Arnold will get the start for the Colts, while Tony "Hangover" Thompson will attempt to keep the Emeralds' season alive.

[Big Six]

September 15, 1980



Tony Thompson knew the task awaiting him would be as tough as anything he'd ever faced in baseball. Tonight, he took the mound for the Salisbury Emeralds to pitch an elimination game in front of hostile Frederick fans. Thompson didn't make it look easy--it took him 86 pitches to complete 5⅓ innings, but he left the game with his Emeralds ahead 3-1.

By the time the bottom of the eighth rolled around, Salisbury had run the score to 5-1, so when Frederick slugger Angel DeLeon hit a two-run homer, it did little more than make Emeralds fans temporarily nervous. The Emeralds held on for a 5-3 win, keeping their hopes for a Calvert Cup alive.

Thompson earned the win, with a save going to Marvin Bowers. Denis Arnold, who allowed three runs in 7⅓ frames, took a tough loss.

Shortstop Salvador Bermudez smacked three singles in five trips for the Emeralds. Center fielder Seth Myers and catcher Angel Perez both drove in two runs.

The Colts might have lost more than tonight's game. One of the heroes of Frederick's Game Two victory, CF Jose Nuñez, was injured, and his availability for tomorrow night's contest is questionable.

The pitchers who squared off in Game One--Salisbury's Roy Stover and Frederick's Jesus Moreno--will return to the mound for tomorrow night's game.

[Big Six]

September 19, 1980



On September 16, the Salisbury Emeralds won another game they had to win. Roy Stover, who was clearly disappointed with his short, unsuccessful effort in Game One of the Calvert Cup Series, bounced back with seven innings of stellar pitching. Stover allowed only six hits and a single run, pitching the Emeralds to a 6-1 victory over the Frederick Colts.

Salvador Bermudez cracked a two-run homer off losing pitcher Jesus Moreno. Angel Perez had three more hits, as did first baseman Vince Blevins. Their victory guaranteed the Emeralds a chance to play one more game in Salisbury, trailing 3-2 in the Series.

After a day off, the teams faced each other last night at Emeralds Park. Brian Bones, who pitched brilliantly in Game Three, returned to the hill for the Colts to face Emeralds ace Rickey Francis.

Bones had a 4-0 lead before he threw his first pitch of the game. His Colts teammates scored three more runs off Francis before he left the game with two outs in the sixth inning. The Emeralds did not go down quietly; they rallied back with five late runs and forced the Colts to go to their bullpen. Robert Tucker set the Emeralds down in order in the bottom of the ninth, the Colts held on to win, 7-5, and in the process they captured the Calvert Cup.

Bones, with his two victories, deserved consideration for Series MVP honors, but Colts outfielder Roberto Aranda, who hit .348 with a home run, 6 RBI, and a 1.015 OPS, was given the nod.

Congratulations to the 1980 Calvert Cup Champion
Frederick Colts!!

[Big Six]

October 5, 1980



Over the past few days, the Old Line League announced the winners of its yearly awards for the 1980 season.

Outstanding Fielder Awards:
P: Curt Lippincott, Hagerstown
C: Dan Johnson, Bowie
1B: Frank Everhart, Annapolis
2B: Joe Wood, Salisbury
3B: Alfred Rambelschi, Salisbury
SS: Salvador Bermudez, Salisbury
LF: Dennis Johnston, Bowie
CF: Liam Holmes, Columbia
RF: Angel DeLeon, Frederick

Rookie of the Year: Nicolae Bucur, Hagerstown Shelties. Bucur, 25, won the batting title with a .335 average, and drew 102 walks for a .438 OBP. He led the league with 108 runs and 67 stolen bases, making him a consummate leadoff man. His 7.0 WAR was also best in the league.

Manager of the Year: Elliot Foreman, Frederick Colts. Foreman led the Colts to a 82-68 record and a second place finish, and the Colts beat the Salisbury Emeralds in six games to win the Calvert Cup.

Outstanding Pitcher Award: Mikulas Kajer, Columbia Oaks. Kajer won the Triple Crown for pitchers, leading the Old Line League with a miniscule 1.76 ERA and 226 strikeouts, and sharing the league lead in wins with 19. His 0.92 WHIP and 7.9 WAR were also tops in the league. OLL observers aren't sure if he has a better 'stache than Bucur, however.

Outstanding Hitter Award: Chris Hurt, Hagerstown Shelties. The 26-year-old first baseman of the Shelties hit .315 with 24 homers and 99 RBI. He posted a .425 OBP and slugged .508. While he didn't lead the league in any single category, Chris's all-round excellence, combined with his tireless work ethic and winning personality, make him one of the league's most personable stars.

[Big Six]

October 31, 1980

Minor League Matters


Congratulations to the following minor league clubs for winning their respective league championships:


Class AAA: Westminster Merry Men
Like their parent club, the Colts, the Merry Men finished second in the regular season standings (79-65) before defeating regular season champion Cumberland Barons (82-62) in the championship series.


Class AA: New Carrolton Bluebirds
The Blue Sox' AA farm club won the regular season title with an 84-60 mark, and captured the championship series by defeating the Havre de Grace Gulls.


Class A: Crisfield Blue Claws
The Admirals' affiliate dominated the league all year long, finishing with an 89-51 (.636) mark. They disposed of the La Plata Clams in the league championship series.

Only one of the minor league Outstanding Pitcher or Hitter Award winners could truly be considered an Old Line League prospect. The AA Outstanding Pitcher of the year was Aberdeen Jets righthander Alex Cook. He's 21, and he's listed as the #17 prospect in the league. Cook went 12-6 with a 3.40 ERA, and he struck out 99 batters in 159 innings. He's a four-star prospect with a very good sinker, but he needs to sharpen his control before he can retire Old Line League hitters.

[Big Six]

January 7, 1981



The off-season had been a quiet one until today, when the Annapolis Admirals and Hagerstown Shelties made a trade that involved two of the hottest pitching prospects in the Old Line League, along with one of the League's marquee stars.

Annapolis sent 3B Donovan O'Donnell, minor league reliever Robert Hess, first base prospect Al Stephenson, and the #1 overall pick in last June's rookie draft, pitcher Bill Bullis to Hagerstown for SS James Pryor and the Shelties' #1 pick in the recent draft, pitcher Sam Weikel.

O'Donnell hit .283 with 13 homers and 60 RBI for Annapolis last year. Pryor batted .303 with 124 walks, good for a .451 OBP, adding 15 homers and 90 RBI. At age 25, Pryor is a year younger than O'Donnell.

Bullis pitched like a #1 draft pick after he signed with the Admirals last June. After striking out 102 batters and walking only 17 in 86 innings for Class A Crisfield, the Admirals promoted him to Class AA Havre de Grace, where he made two solid starts.

Weikel's struggles in his first pro season have been documented here already, but he remains a top prospect. Some scouts doubt he'll ever develop a good enough feel for his pitches to become more than a back-end starter, but the Admirals think he'll be much better than that.