Field of Dreams

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #15
1992 Oakland Athletics (96-66) vs 1951 Boston Braves (76-78)

Maybe not at their best, but still extremely good, this 1992 Oakland team had a good 5 year run where they ran ragged on the American League. The core of the championship team still in tact with Rickey Henderson getting it done at 33 years old with 48 steals and Mark McGwire coming on to strong slugging .585 with 42 home runs. Jose Cansesco still can mash it although he was begginning to fall a bit out of favor and was hampered by injuries. Tony Larussa had his pitching in line and at the anchor was Dennis Eckersley who saved 51 games and had a sub 2 ERA. The rotation is a bit long in the tooth with everyone over 30 and Ron Darling along with Dave Stewart trying to find their form of old. A fun deep club, the A's should be much too strong for the Braves in this series but we have seen the A's falter when they wernt suppose to.

Close to a .500 club, the Braves were not that bad of a club and had some inklings of what would come later in the decade. The pitching staff was very good and should be fun to watch against Oakland; Warren Spahn is a dominant lefty with a 2.98 ERA and 22 wins. Names like Vern Bickford and and Chet Nichols will look to step of their performance to support Spahn. Sid Gordon had a very good season at the plate driving in 109 and hitting .287 while Earl Torgeson had an .812 OPS; catcher Walker Cooper hit .313 in 109 games. In the pre henry Aaron years, it will be interesting if this team could compete and put more then a scare for Oakland to deal with.

Game 1 At Oakland Coliseum
Clear Wind blowing left to right 8 mph
1992 Athletics...................0
1951 Braves......................8
WP: W. Spahn LP: R. Darling
HR: S. Jethroe
1951 Braves lead series 1-0
Leave it to an ace to set the tone of any series. Warren Spahn handcuffed the 1992 Athletics in game one shutting them out and striking out 11 while allowing six hits on 137 pitches. A perfect debut for Spahn who was locked in a tight game with Ron Darling but Roy Hartsfield broke the tie in the sixth and in the 9th, Sam Jethroe hit a grand slam off Jim Corsi to empty the Coliseum.

Game 2 At Oakland Coliseum
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from left 11mph
1992 Athletics...............8
1951 Braves.................7
WP: G. Nelson LP: B. Hogue S: D. Eckersley
HR: J. Canseco, M. Bordick; S. Gordon
Series tied at 1
Sid Gordon drives in 5 runs but it wouldnt be enough as Dennis Eckersley closes out a one run win for the A's to even this series. Jose Canseco hit a long three run home run as Oakland poured 5 runs home in the 5th to answer their imept showing in game one. The Braves fought back but came up one run short and a lead heading into games late against Oakland is a lethal fate.

Game 3 At Braves Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 13 mph
1951 Braves.......................7
1992 Athletics....................10 (17 innings)
WP: J. Corsi LP: J. Wilson
HR: W. Marshall, W. Cooper 2, S. Jethroe, D. Stewart, M. McGwire 3
1992 Athletics lead series 2-1
One of those classic games that you will not forget at Braves Field that went 17 innings strong. Twice the A's took the lead in extras only to have the Braves come back and tie the game including a dramatic home run by Walker Cooper in the bottom of the 13th. It was the A's bats however that prevailed thanks to Big Mark McGwire who hit three moon shots out of Braves field, the back breaker in the 17th with a man on. The Braves in truth were running out of arms, and Jim Wilson had probably lost it by his 3rd inning of work. Exciting stuff for almost 6 hours at Braves Field.

Game 4 At Braves Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 10mph
1951 Braves...............10
1992 Athletics.............13 (10 innings)
WP: B. Walton LP: B. Chipman
HR: E. Torgeson; J. Canseco, M. McGwire
1992 Athletics lead series 3-1
Down by seven runs early after Bob Welch was roughed up and a Earl Torgeson grand slam, the Braves thought they had the game in hand. The A's bats however were far from done scoring 4 in the seventh and 2 in the 8th to tie the game. In the 10th Jose Canseco hit a three run home run to break Boston hearts and really move Oakland close to the clincher.

Game 5 At Braves Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 11mph
1951 Braves...................1
1992 Athletics.................0
WP: W. Spahn LP: R. Darling
HR: B. Elliott
1992 Athletics lead series 3-2
He did it again. Just as in game one, Warren Spahn threw a shutout, now going 18 innings of dominant baseball on the mound. Spahn was given the slightest of leads in the second inning when Bob Elliott hit a solo home run but he would make it stand. Ron Darling also pitched well but the A's managed only 5 hits for him. Spahn struck out six and remained determined to make sure the series wouldnt end on the Braves field. Hats off the the Hall of Fame lefty in this one.

Game 6 At Oakland Coliseum
Clear Wind blowing left to right 9mph
1992 Athletics...................5
1951 Braves.....................14
WP: V. Bickford LP: M. Moore
HR: M. McGwire; E. Torgeson. S. Jethroe, S. Gordon, B. Elliott
Series Tied at 3
Sid Gordon has a night to remember going 5-6 with 5 runs scored and 5 RBI as Boston scored 14 times to emphatically send this series to game seven. Boston hit 5 home runs and jumped all over Mike Moore who only lasted 4 innings. Vern Bickford picks up the win and now the stage is set as Dave Stewart takes to mound to try and win the series against Max Surkont.

Game 7 At Oakland Coliseum
Clear Wind blowing left to right
1992 Athletics...................4
1951 Braves......................5
WP: M. Surkont LP: D. Stewart S: C. Nichols Jr
HR: E. Torgeson, B. Elliott
The Braves found a way to fight back late and eliminate the Athletics in a great series. Oakland had a 3-0 lead late into the 8th inning in this one thanks to a Willie Wilson two run double and some great work by a determined Dave Stewart. Stewart however got into trouble in the 8th and with two on and two out, manager Tony LaRussa decided to stay with Stewart and forgo going to the closer Eckersley at that moment. The Braves and Earl Torgeson made him pay hitting a three run home run to tie the score and later Boston would add to the lead. The A's fought back but could not tie the game in their final two atbats, series over and another great comeback by what seemed to be a more determined team. Oakland and their prepotency to lose the big one, shows up in a big way again.

1951 Boston Braves Win Series 4 games to 3


Series MVP:

Sid Gordon
(.406, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 8 R, 3 2B, 1.160 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #16
1992 Pittsburgh Pirates (96-66) vs 2003 St. Louis Cardinals (85-77)

Three straight times division champions but nothing to show for it, the 1992 Pirates were lead by a 27 year old star with the world at his feet. Barry Bonds broke his career wide open with a 9.0 WAR season in 1992 cementing himself as one of the true stars of the game. Along with Bonds, Andy Van Slyke hit .324 and helped stabilize a lineup that gets weak fast after the top two. Doug Drabek won 15 games and was a legit Cy Young candidate with a 2.77 ERA. The overall pitching was excellent with Danny Jackson, Randy Tomlin, and even Bob Walk keeping offenses on their heels. This Pirate club also played solid defense and manager Jim Leyland seemed to get the most from this club. Still it is the debut of Bonds, in his prime, before the controversies.

On the other side will be another incredible star, as 23 year old Albert Pujols was taking the league by storm on the 2003 Cardinals. Pujols slammed 43 home runs and hit .359 in what may have been his best season ever. Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds not only supported this lineup with their consistent slugging, both these players were among the very best with their gloves in center and at the hot corner. The reason the Cards didnt win in 03 was their pitching, leading the staff was the 36 year old Woody Williams who won 18 games. Jason Isrinhausen was good as the closer but the remainder of the rotation had a hard time staying consistent and dependable. Still the Cards have alot of talent, and Tony LaRussa is sure to enjoy his chess match with Leyland. This series has the makings of a very good one.

Game 1 At Three Rivers Stadium
Rain Wind blowing out to left 9mph
2003 Cardinals......................3
1992 Pirates..........................6
WP: D. Drabek LP: W. Williams S: S. Belinda
HR: J. King
1992 Pirates lead series 1-0
The Cardinals jumped up to a 3-0 lead in the opener against Doug Drabek and the Pirates. Albert Pujols drove in a run in the first and JD Drew helped build that lead in the 4th. In a 3-1 games in the 6th however, first baseman Jeff King hit a moonshot with two men on for a three run home run and a Pirate lead. Jay Bell and Andy Van Slyke added insurance in the 8th before Stan Belinda closed the opening game out.

Game 2 At Three Rivers Stadium
Clear Wind blowing out to center 10mph
2003 Cardinals.........................10
1992 Pirates..............................8 (10 innings)
WP: J. Isrinhausen LP: B. Walk
HR: J. Wehner; A. Pujols, S. Rolen, E. Renteria 2
Series tied at 1
The 2003 Cardinals put up seven runs in the 5th inning and batted around thanks to home runs for Edgar Renteria and Albert Pujols. The Pirates fought back however and in the 7th John Wehner, a pinch hitter slammed a home run to tie the contest at 8. The wind blowing out was having a big impact at Three Rivers. In the extra frame, the man who is always known for his clutch hits, Edgar Renteria, homered off Bob Walk and in the bottom of the frame Jason Isrinhausen closed things out to tie the series.

Game 3 At Busch Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from right 9 mph
2003 Cardinals.................6
1992 Pirates.....................9
WP: T. Wakefield LP: B. Tomko S; S. Belinda
HR: J. King, S. Buechele, B. Bonds; J. Drew, A. Pujols
1992 Pirates lead series 2-1
A tight game was broken open in the 8th inning when Jeff King hit a three run home run, King went 4-4 on the day with 4 RBI proving that tge protection he gets from Barry Bonds in the lineup if real. Both Pujols and Bonds went deep in this one, Bonds went 2-2 and walked 2 times while crossing the plate 4 times. Pujols went 4-5 and is scorching hot in this series and like Bonds, soon might just as well be pitched around. Great to see two stars play so well.

Game 4 at Busch Stadium
Rain Wind blowing out to right 10 mph
2003 Cardinals...................6
1992 Pirates.......................1
WP: G. Stephenson LP: Z. Smith
HR: None
Series Tied at 2
Garrett Stepehenson had his game face on and pitched a gem of a game to help even this series at 2. The unheralded right hander went the full 9 striking out five and not allowing a run until the 9th. The Cardinals offense found a way and Bo Hart along with Jim Edmonds had two RBI each as the Cards compiled 12 hits against Zane Smith and Pirate pitching. Now the series becomes a best of three as both these teams looked poised for the finish.

Game 5 At Busch Stadium
Rain Wind blowing in from right 10mph
1992 Pirates................3
2003 Cardinals............6
WP: W. Williams LP: D. Drabek
HR: J. Drew; B. Bonds
2003 Cardinals lead series 3-2
Barry Bands hit a two run home run in the very first inning of this pivitol game, but following that blow, it was all Cardinals behind their winner Woody Williams. St. Louis had 13 hits and the biggest of them was a 3 run shot by JD Drew that gave the Cards the lead for good. Tony LaRussa and his club now need one more, with two to play in Pittsburgh.

Game 6 At Three Rivers Stadium
Clear Wind blowing out to right 10mph
1992 Pirates........................2
2003 Cardinals....................5
WP: M. Morris LP: R. Tomlin S; J. Iaringhausen
HR: B. Bonds
Matt Morris seemed determined to get the Cardinals over the finish line. Morris nursed a one run lead in a battle against Randy Tomlin when his mates helped him out in the 8th with more insurance. Scott Rolen slashed a two run double what turned out to be a three run inning and a 5-0 lead. In the bottom of the frame Barry Bonds hit his third home run of the series with a man on to cut the lead to three. In the end it was Jason Isringhausen who closed the door and broke Pirate hearts again with this generation of talent.

2003 St. Louis Cardinals Win Series 4-2

Series MVP:

Albert Pujols
(15/25, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, .643 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #17
1946 Cleveland Indians (68-86) vs 1953 Chicago Cubs (65-89)

Two years prior to winning a championship, the Cleveland Indians were still trying to find themselves after the war years. The pitching was adequate for Lou Boudreau and his club, but the offense certainly had not found their groove yet. At the top of the rotation was the very best, Bob Feller was in his prime and won 26 games while throwing 371 innings with 36 complete games. He had a 2.18 ERA in all those innings with 348 strikeouts; an amazing season from Rapid Bob. Allie Reynolds and Bob Lemon are some farther recognizable names in the rotation but things do get a bit thin if this rotation is pushed. The lineup had major issue scoring runs with Pat Seerey leading the club with 62 paltry RBI. Future stars Ken Kelter and Jim Hegan had down years and the club average was .245. Can Feller almost singlehandedly carry this Indians club to the next round? Dont bet against him.

Not great days for the Cubs and aging player manager Phil Cavaretta. A fast fall from grace for a club that competed for most of the first decade of the game, now the attention and consistency at Wrigley Field went missing. The biggest holes were in the pitching staff as 19 game loser Warren Hacker lead the team in WAR but had little to no luck. Seven additional arms got double digit starts and none really came through, showing the lack of production from off the mound. Some age in the lineup with Ralph Kiner and Hank Sauer having their moments in the middle of the order. Real hope comes from the 23 year old short stop with the enthusiasm of a kid, Ernie Banks was making a name for himself debuting in 53 but mostly coming off the bench. Chicago will have its work cut out for them in this series, but one could argue they provide more upside on offense then their opponents from Cleveland.

Game 1 At Cleveland Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to center 10mph
1953 Cubs.........................4
1946 Indians......................5
WP: B. Feller LP: P. Minner
HR: H. Sauer
1946 Indians lead series 1-0
Bob Feller did not have his best stuff but still found a way to get the win as he struck out 12 Cubs over nine innings in the opening win. Control issues allowed the Cubs to score three times in the 5th and in the 6th Chicago took the lead on a Hank Sauer solo home run. Feller helped his own cause tying the game with an RBI single in the same inning and in the 7th, the Indians get the win on a wild pitch by Paul Minner who could have done better in his nine inning loss.

Game 2 At Cleveland Stadium
Partly Cloudy Wind blowing out to left 10mph
1953 Cubs............................4
1946 Indians.........................2
WP: W. Hacker LP: R. Embree
HR: P. Seerey
Series tied at 1
Warren Hacker was the right man for the Cubs in game two in front of a full house in Cleveland. Hacker held the Indians to only one run before allowing another in the ninth to go the distance for the win striking out 5 batters with no walks. Chicago first baseman Dee Fondy went 2-4 with 2 RBI in the win while once again the Indians pitcher came through at the plate as Hacker scored and drove in a run. Cleveland were frustrated this afternoon and despite a Pat Seerey solo home run and a Les Fleming triple in the first, had no significant rallies in this one.

Game 3 At Wrigley Field
Partly cloudy wind blowing out to center 10mph
1946 Indians........................6
1953 Cubs...........................1
WP: M. Harder LP: B. Rush
HR: L. Fleming
1946 Indians Lead Series 2-1
The Cubs were holding on until the 6th inning to a one run lead but in the top of the frame the Indians plated 4 runs to turn the tide. Four hits and an error in the inning contributed to the turnaround and the lead would prove true as Mel Harder would go the full nine striking out four and walking five. Frank Baumholtz went 4-5 in the game and is 7 for 14 in the series.

Game 4 At Wrigley Field
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to left 10mph
1946 Indians.........................2
1953 Cubs............................7
WP: T. Lown LP: B. Lemon
HR: H. Sauer; P. Seerey
Series Tied At 2
Frank Baumholtz did it again going 4 for 5 for the second consecutive game and this time the Cubs made it pay off as they drub the Indians and even the series. Hank Sauer took Bob Lemon deep for a three run home run in the sixth inning that was a back breaker while Cleveland made three errors on the afternoon and making the Cubs task much easier. Turk Lown pitched good enough before Jim Willis closed things out. All is even now in what is becoming a very good series.

Game 5 At Wrigley Field
Clear Wind blowing out to center 11mph
1946 Indians...................1
1953 Cubs......................5
WP: P. Minner LP: B. Feller
HR: K. Kelter (1)
1953 Cubs Lead Series 3-2
Bob Feller did not have his best stuff when his club needed it walking six men and allowing 5 earned runs including a bases loaded walk in the first. Feller did strike out 10 but his work was patchy and lacked command in the loss. The Cubs only had one extra base hit and it came from Dee Fondy who hit a two run triple in the 7th to put the Cubs up by 4. Paul Minner in his complete game was quite good, only walking one and allowing only to solo shot by Ken Kelter in the 2nd. Chicago looks to close out the series on the road with Feller behind them.

Game 6 At Cleveland Stadium
Clear Wind blowing in from right 12 mph
1953 Cubs......................4
1946 Indians...................3
WP: W. Hacker LP: R. Embree
HR: H. Sauer
Warren Hacker put on his role as ace for the Cubs and lead them to a one run clinching win to celebrate the series win. Hacker won his second game of the series despite not having his best stuff, and throwing 151 pitches. Chicago had 15 hits in support and opened up a three run lead with Hank Sauer continuing his strong series with a home run in the 7th. Hank Edwards hit a two run double in the bottom of the 8th to cut the lead to one and in the 9th had 2 men on before Lou Boudreau, the Indians manager, flew out to left field. Cubs take it in six.

1953 Chicago Cubs Win Series 4 Games to 2


Series MVP:

Frank Baumholtz
(16 hits, 2 2B, 3 RBI, .621 OBP, 5 R)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #18
1998 Chicago White Sox (80-82) vs 2009 Baltimore Orioles (64-98)

Not a group of players you would want to start a street fight with (well maybe Robin Ventura) , the 1998 White Sox were hard hitting club in the heart of the steroids era who usually made pitchers pay. Albert Belle had an incredible year hitting 49 home runs and driving in 152 runs while the consistent Frank Thomas walked 110 times and drove in 109. Very good defense from the likes of Mike Cameron and Robin Ventura gave the Sox a good chance to win on any given day while the club also had speed with 127 steals lead by Ray Durham. Pitching was another story altogether for the southsiders, and the story wasn't very good. A 5.22 team ERA saw alot of pitchers battered around. Mike Sirotka and Jaimie Navarro were innings eaters but not up to par, Bob Howry was the best the pen could give but too often arms were overused because games were so high scoring. If the Sox could get any pitching, they would be quite dangerous.

A very young core of players makes this Orioles team interesting. Matt Wieters is joined by Adam Jones and Nick Markakis as potential stars under the game of 24. Markakis drove in over 100 runs while Wieters hit a lofty .288 for a catcher. Melvin Mora and Brian Roberts are good influences on the team that could even run when it needed to. Much like the Sox, the Orioles just had a mess on the pitching side and in many ways this series will be which pitching staff doesnt stink the most. Only one 10 game winner on the entire staff in Jeremy Guthrie while little known brad Bergesen lead the entire club in WAR. There is even a 29 year old Rich Hill on this team as Dave Trembley will likely look for help on the mound anywhere he can get it. It should be a series full of offense and hard contact which could make for some fun baseball to watch.

Game 1 At New Comiskey Park
Clear wind blowing right to left 18 mph
2009 Orioles...................1
1998 White Sox..............6
WP: M. Sirotka LP: K. Uehara S: K. Foulke
HR: R. Durham
1998 White Sox Lead Series 1-0
Baltimore broke a scoreless game in the 5th with a Melvin Mora RBI single but the lead would not last as the White Sox in the six scored two thanks to a Robin Ventura RBI single. With the lead, Sox starter Mike Sirotka settled in handing duties over to Keith Foulke who closed out the final two frames. Ray Durham added a solo shot in a 4 run 8th inning as the Sox look convincing in their opening win.

Game 2 At New Comiskey Park
Partly cloudy wind blowibg out to center 11mph
2009 Orioles.....................7
1998 White Sox................8 (10 inn)
WP: B. Simas LP: G. Sherrill
HR: N. Reimold, N. Markakis 2, A. Jones
1998 White Sox Lead Series 2-0
A thrilling ball game on the south side of Chicago and a dramatic two run single in the bottom of the 10th by Greg Norton giving Chicago a two game lead. The Orioles came out determined in this one building a 6-0 lead as Nick Markakis hit a two run home run in the first and Adam Jones a 3 rung dong in the 3rd. Chicago roared back and tied the game in the 8th with clutch doubles by Albert Bell and Frank Thomas. The tense game went into extras where Baltimore took the lead in the 10th on another Markakis home run. George Sherrill could not hold things in the bottom of the 10th, as Chicago loaded the bases, and with two out the dramatic hit up the middle by Norton scored the tying and winning runs. Super game.

Game 3 At Camden Yards
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from right 9 mph
1998 White Sox.....................11
2009 Orioles...........................9 (12 innings)
WP: B. Simas LP: D. Baez
HR: N. Reimold, A. Jones; R. Durham
1998 White Sox Lead Series 3-0
As expected another wild offensive game in this series but it is once again the White Sox that persevere. A seven run 3rd inning for Chicago set the tone but the Orioles kept fight back in this one. Down a run in the bottom of the ninth, Adam Jones hit a home run off Billy Simas to toe the game. The game lingered to the 12th when Ray Durham launched a three run home run, part of 18 hits on the night for the visitors, to take the heart out of the Orioles again. Chicago in complete control as Jim Parque will go for the series sweep.

Game 4 At Camden Yards
Clear skies Wind blowing in from right 12 mph
1998 White Sox...................4
2009 Orioles........................5
WP: J. Johnson LP: B. Howry
HR: N. Markakis, M. Ordonez, A. Belle
1998 White Sox Lead Series 3-1
Bob Howry imploded in the 9th inning and could not end this series as the Orioles rallied and walked off a one run win. Magglio Ordonez hit what seemed like a back breaking three run home run in the 8th inning to put Chicago up 4-1. Baltimore scored 2 in the bottom of the frame and in the 9th rallied until Matt Wieters singled in the winning run to the delight of the home crowd. Baltimore has one more at home to stay alive.

Game 5 At Camden Yards
Partly cloudy wind blowing in from right 9mph
1998 White Sox................6
2009 Orioles.....................8
WP: K. Mickolio LP: M. Karchner
HR: N. Reimond, N. Markakis, B. Roperts; F. Thomas, R. Durham, M. Caruso
1998 White Sox Lead Series 3-2
In what is becoming a memorable series to say the least, the 2009 Orioles again facing elimination scored 7 runs in the final two innings and walked off the win on a Nolan Reimold three run home run while being down to his last strike. Chicago was rolling up 6-1 after hitting three home runs in what was the first big game for Frank Thomas. Mike Sirotka could not hold the lead in the 8th and reliever Matt Karchner really let it get away as Charlie Manuel has a pen that is flat tired. The Orioles are full of life now and feel they cant be closed out, as the series shifts to Chitown.

Game 6 At New Comiskey Park
Clear win blowing out to right 13mph
2009 Orioles...........................5
1998 White Sox......................10
WP: B. Ward LP: C. Ray
HR: F. Tjomas, M. Ordonez, R. Durham; L. Scott
Chicago enjoys their return home and puts an end to this series with another big offensive night. The Orioles put four runs on the board in the 5th inning to take a 5-4 lead as Luke Scott homered off of James Baldwin with 2 men on. Chicago however wasnt going to let this one go, the Big Hurt hit a two run home run in the bottom of the fifth to give the Sox the lead and Magglio Ordonez hit the biggest blow with a three run home run in the 7th inning. The White Sox showed off their power and after some very dramatic games, it is their series to take winning it in six.

1998 Chicago White Sox Win Series 4 games to 2


Series MVP:

Ray Durham
(.414, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 1 SB, 2 2B, 1.000 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #19
1994 Cincinnati Reds (66-48) vs 1962 Detroit Tigers (85-76)

Like so many other clubs, it is what might have been in 1994 for the Reds who were 18 games over .500 and thinking post season. Davey Johnson had the magic touch with these boys who were lead by 5 tool talent short stop Barry Larkin who was playing some of his best baseball. Kevin Mitchell had 30 home runs in the short season while Reggie Sanders had 21 steals and 17 home runs of his own. Hal Morris and Bret Boone were very good talents while Roberto Kelly brought just the glove the team needed in centerfield. Even look for Deion Sanders on this roster as he makes his first appearance in this competition. Jose Rijo and John Smiley lead the rotation that after them became a little thin. The Reds did as it seemed always sport a strong pen with Jeff Brantley the primary closer. A very well rounded club that looks to make it mark.

The Tigers were building something good in the early 60's and would see their efforts pay off soon enough. No one gets more consistent then Al Kaline who is in his prime with this team hitting over .300 with 94 RBI in only 100 games. The combination of Norm Cash and Rocky Colavito would put a scare in any pitcher as the two hit close to 40 home runs and many of them tape measure. Dick McAuliffe was a 22 year old up and coming player that should be taken notice of. Jim Bunning was the true ace of the staff with 19 wins while Hank Aguire lead the club in WAR and sported a 2.21 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Terry Fox had 16 saves for the club and was a revelation as well as the season went on. Two winning clubs face off in what should be a good series with some real sluggers on both sides.

Game 1 At Riverfront Stadium
Clear wind blowing out to center 9mph
1962 Tigers.....................4
1994 Reds.......................5
WP: J. Rijo LP: H. Aguirre S: J. Brantley
HR: B. Bruton, A. Kaline, R. Colavito
1994 Reds lead series 1-0
The Reds jumped all over Hank Aguire scoring 4 times in the first inning and left the remainder of the work to starter Jose Rijo. Rijo would go 8 strong striking out 12 and walkng only one. The Tigers would chip away at the lead and an Al Kaline home run in the 8th cut the lead to one. Jeff Brantley however struck out the side in the 9th and Cincinnati gets first blood in this series.

Game 2 At Riverfront Stadium
Clear wind blowing out to center 9pmp
1962 Tigers....................5
1994 Reds......................2
WP: J. Bunning LP: E. Hanson S: T. Fox
HR: R. Colavito 2, D. Mcauliffe
Series tied at 1
Jim Bunning had his game face on and went 8 strong innings striking out nine and walking none as the Tigers even this series. Rocky Colavito hit a long home run with a man on in the first inning and would later add a solo shot in the 5th to provide the needed muscle. Thirteen Reds hits went wasted as the series now moves off the turf and over to Tiger Stadium.

Game 3 At Tiger Stadium
Clear wind blowing right to left 9mph
1994 Reds........................1
1962 Tigers.......................7
WP: D. Mossi LP: J. Smiley
HR: K. Mitchell, C. Fernandez, R. Colavito, N. Cash
1962 Tigers lead series 2-1
More dominat Tiger pitching and doing so in a very hitter friendly park, Don Mossi had an impressive outing indeed. Mossi was one out away from completing the outing but tired late after 132 pitches but still allowed only two hits and struck out nine; in fact he had a one hitter heading into the 9th. Detroit hammered three long balls as Reds starter John Smiley only lasted four. The Tigers seem to be flying high now with two more home games and a chance to really put the Reds in a hole.

Game 4 At Tiger Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing right to left 10mph
1994 Reds......................3
1962 Tigers.....................5
WP: P. Regan LP: J. Ruffin S: T. Fox
HR: N. Cash
1962 Tigers lead series 3-1
Norm Cash went 3-4 with 3 RBI and a solo home run as he lead the charge to win number three for Detroit. Cash drove in 2 with a double in the 5th that gave the Tigers the lead before Reds pinch hitter Thomas Howard tied the game in the 6th. The Cash home run was enough to restore the lead and the Tigers pen of Ron Kline and Terry Fox closed the door on the pressing Reds. Now the underdog Tigers have a chance to close it all out and seem to have the Reds reeling for good.

Game 5 at Tiger Stadium
partly cloudy wind blowing out to left 9mph
1994 Reds......................1
1962 Tigers.....................3
WP: H. Aguirre LP: J. Rijo S: T. Fox
HR: D. McAullife, A. Kaline
Al Kaline set the tone in the first inning with a two run home run as the Tigers set themselves up for the series win. Detroit played behind Hank Aguirre who went seven plus and allowed only one earned run striking out six. Terry Fox closed out the ninth for his third save of the series. A grand disapointment for Davey Johnson and his men as they won the opener but went on to lose four games in a row.

1962 Detroit Tigers Win Series 4 games to 1

Series MVP:

Rocky Colavito
(.421, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 1.581 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #20
1908 Chicago Cubs (99-55) vs 1919 New York Giants (87-53)

Until the 2016 Cubs, 1908 was all that the fanbase had to look back to as far as champions came. The storied Cubs team under Frank Chance won 99 games and were repeat champions of baseball. The pitching staff wad elite written all over it with Three Finger Brown winning 29 games with a 1.47 ERA while Ed Ruelbach and Orval Overall also incredible seasons for a team ERA mark of 2.14. Surely a sign of the era, the Cubs stole 212 bases with only 19 home runs but too often this club needed only one or two runs to win. Their defense was ahead of its time with Joe Tinker and Johnny Evers making a name for themselves. A smart but very hard nosed team perfect for the era, the matchup with the Giants of the same era should be a perfect lesson and science of the best of the deadball era.

John McGraw knows Frank Chance and the Cubs of the era very well and one could easily say they were his biggest nemesis. Now the old rivalry continues and the Giants like the club they will be fielding. George Burns leads a speedy outfield with the star leading the way with 40 steals and 30 doubles, while Larry Doyle had 10 triples along with a team leading seven home runs. Hal Chase is a true star of the era and even at 36 years old will be very intriguing to watch, some refer to him still as the best defensive first baseman ever to play. Twenty one year old Frankie Frisch also could have an impact stealing 15 bases and playing the type of ball McGraw likes. Jesse Barnes leads the staff with 25 wins while Rube Benton and Art Nehf are two more names to keep and eye on. The Giants arms will have to be at the top of their game, to match the legends on the Chicago staff. This should be a perfect matchup between two clubs that are very good, and know each other very well.

Game 1 At West Side Grounds
Partly cloudy Wind blowing in from center 7mph
1919 Giants.....................3
1908 Cubs.......................1
WP: J. Barnes LP: O. Overall
HR: None
1919 Giants lead series 1-0
The Giants put two on the board in the first inning thanks to a Hal Chase double and Larry Doyle triple. The two runs proved to be too much for the Cubs to overcome as Jesse Barnes went 9 innings allowing only 3 hits and one earned run. The Giants also played error free ball and for Chicago Frank Schulte had the only extra base hit. This is the type of game and series we could expect.

Game 2 At West Side Grounds
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to center 12mph
1919 Giants.....................1
1908 Cubs.......................4
WP: M. Brown LP: R. Benton
HR: None
Series tied at 1
Three Finger Brown took his turn on the mound and made no mistake in helping Chicago even this series. Mordecai struck out five while allowing five hits and one earned run after only 113 pitches. Harry Steinfeldt went 3-4 for the home team while Joe Tinker and Frank Chance each drove in a run. The Cubs also turned two double plays, making the famous phrase of Tinker to Evers to Chance sound legit. Series moves to the Polo Grounds.

Game 3 At Polo Grounds
Partly cloudy wind blowing out to right 9mph
1908 Cubs............................2
1919 Giants..........................0
WP: J. Pfiester LP: F. Schupp
HR: None
1908 Cubs lead series 2-1
Jack Pfiester with maybe the best pitching performance we have seen thus far, throws a one hit shutout and retires 27 of 29 batters. George Burns in fact lead the game off with a single to left and that would be all for the Giants who were completely baffled proving how dominant the Chicago pitching is. The Cubs defense also continues to play well and on offense Solly Hoffman tripled in a run and scored the other. The Cubs wrestle away the lead in the series.

Game 4 At Polo Grounds
Clear Wind blowing out to right 12mph
1908 Cubs..........................2
1919 Giants........................6
WP: J. Barnes LP: O. Overall
HR: B. Kauff
Series tied at 2
Jesse Barnes appears to be the stopper for John McGraw and the Giants as the 27 year old right hander tossed a complete game win at the Polo Grounds beating Orval Overall and the Cubs again. Chicago tallied runs in the first two innings but that would be all as they proceeded to stand 10 runners on base. New York came back and took the lead on a George Burns single in the 5th and in the 8th for good measure, Benny Kauff sailed a two run home run for the first dinger of the series.

Game 5 At Polo Grounds
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to right 9mph
1908 Cubs.....................2
1919 Giants...................3
WP: R. Benton LP: M. Brown
HR: None
1919 Giants lead series 3-2
Wrapping up play at the Polo Grounds, the 1919 Giants are on the cusp of eliminating the champion Cubs. Rube Benton added to dominant New York pitching holding Chicago to only 6 hits and two runs getting the better of Three Finger Brown. Joe Tinker drove in both runs for the Cubs but in the bottom of the 8th with two down, Art Fletcher singled in the go ahead run scoring Hal Chase. Jack Pfeister tries to keep Chicago alive in game 6.

Game 6 At West Side Grounds
Clear Wind blowing right to left 15mph
1919 Giants.......................6
1908 Cubs.........................1
WP: F. Schupp LP: J. Pfeister
HR: None
The first world series champion to fall, the 1908 Cubs are silenced in three straight games and in this one it was Fredie Schupp who had his command working holding Chicago to one run on 115 pitches. Jack Pfeister did not get the usual help from his defense and the offense hit into three double plays in what seemed to be nerves for the home team. In the 6th inning the Giants broke the game and the series open with 4 runs with Hal Chase going 3-5 and Benny Kauff stealing two bases. The Giants beat the Cubs at their own game, and John McGraw could not be happier in beating one of his keenest of rivals.

1919 New York Giants Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Jesse Barnes
(2-0, 0.50 ERA, 1 ER, 18 IP, 7 K, 0 BB, 0.72 WHIP)

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report

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

Leaders (single series)
Hits...................Frank Baumholtz (1953 Cubs) 15
Home Runs.......Adam Dunn (2014 White Sox) 5
RBI...................Earl Torgeson (1951 Braves) 12
Strikeouts.........Jim Bunning (1964 Phillies) 25
Longest HR.......Norm Cash (1962 Tigers) 484 FT

Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Tony LaRussa.....7
Winning %...........Clark Griffith 1.00

Hall of Famers
Cumlitative leaders for all Hall of Famers for every series they play (includes Pujols, Rose, Bonds, Joe Jackson, Clemens)
Avg..................Albert Pujols (.600)
HR...................Harry Hooper (4)
RBI..................Eddie Collins (10)
Runs...............Rickey Henderson (11)
Hits.................Albert Pujols (15)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (8)
2B...................Barry Larkin (3)
3B...................4 tied with 1
SLG................Albert Pujols (.960)
Wins...............Jim Bunning (3)
IP....................Jim Bunning (26)
K.....................Jim Bunning (34)
ERA................Jim Bunning (1.04)
K/9..................Jim Bunning (11.77)
BB/9................Dennis Eckersley (0.00)
Saves..............Dennis Eckersley (1)

Championship Clubs
1. 1959 Dodgers (defeated 1989 Dodgers 4-2 in prelim) Still Alive
2. 1908 Chicago Cubs (Lost to 1919 Giants 2-4 in prelim) ELIMINATED

Franchise Records
Chicago Cubs.................2-1
NY/SF Giants..................2-0
Cincinnati Reds................2-3
Pittsburgh Pirates.............1-1
Milwaukee Brewers...........1-1
Baltimore Orioles.............1-1
Chicago White Sox..........1-2
St. Louis Cardinals...........1-1
Boston/Atl Braves............1-1
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers.......1-1
Montreal Expos................1-0
Texas Rangers..................1-0
Boston Red Sox................1-0
Philly/Oakland A's.............1-2
Philadelphia Phillies..........1-0
Florida Marlins...................1-0
Detroit Tigers.....................1-3
Cleveland Indians..............0-2
San Diego Padres.............0-1


Achievements
Series 2 - Jim Longborg 19 scoreless innings pitched
Series 5 - Gil Hodges 5-5, 2 HR, 7 RBI in game 2 of series
Series 9 - Adam Dunn 10 for 18 in series with 5 HR and 1.444 OPS
Series 15 - Mark McGwire hits 3 HR in one game at Braves Field.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #21
1985 Kansas City Royals (91-71) vs 1995 San Diego Padres (70-74)

A second consecutive championship club makes its appearance and the 1985 Royals were a title winning aquad that liked to do things the hard way. The Royals defeated the Blue Jays in seven games to win the pennant and then in a very memorable fight back, defeated the Cardinals in seven games of the World Series after losing the first two games at home. Emerging star was the young 20 year old Bret Saberhagen who won 20 games and was even better in the post season. Charlie Liebrandt brings the veteran feel to the rotation, while Danny Jackson and Bud Black round a good set of arms. Dan Quissenberry still had his best stuff as the closer with 37 saves and a deadly side arm delivery. The one and only George Brett hit .335 and carried the offense again while Willie Wilson and Frank White surely knew alot about winning baseball; Wilson swiped 42 bases. Dick Howser seemed to get the most of this team when he needed them the most whether is was Dan Iorg or 39 year old Hal McRae. Somewhow this Royals team finds a way.

Much like Howser, Bruce Bochy seemed to always have a team playing better then they were suppose to. The 1995 Padres were still finding themselves but at the heart of the clubhouse and lineup was Tony Gwynn, who hit .368 and managed fifteen strikeouts all season. Steve Finley is a dynamic center field talent stealing 46 bases and getting on base at a .366 pace. Ken Caminiti had the muscle with 26 home runs while Bip Roberts was a utility talent that impacted games. The Padres couldnt get a consistent effort from anyone out of their rotation, even the likes of Fernando Valenzuela were used in hopes for success. Joey Hamilton was the most successfull starter and Andy Ashby made the most starts. Whatever can be said about the starters, Bochy did have Trevor Hoffman to come in and close games for him although Hoffman didnt have one of his best years in 95 with a 3.88 ERA and only 31 saves. The Royals are the favorites but some feel that KC isnt as good as their credentials show. Whatever the case, it will be a joy to watch Tony Gwynn and George Brett hit in this series.

Game 1 At Royals Stadium
Rain wind blowing in from left 12 mph
1995 Padres....................4
1985 Royals.....................3
WP: A. Benes LP: B. Saberhagen S: T. Hoffman
HR: P. Sheridan
1995 Padres lead series 1-0
Andy Benes made a strong opening start as the Padres go into Royals Stadium and escape with a game one win. Tony Gwynn went 2-4 and drove in two runs including the hit that put San Diego ahead in the 4th. Trevor Hoffman allowed a home run in the 9th but did secure the final outs as Brett Saberhagen was not as sharp as he needed to be and it appears the champion Royals have their work cut out for them.

Game 2 At Royals Stadium
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to right 12 mph
1995 Padres.......................4
1985 Royals........................0
WP: A. Ashby LP: D. Jackson
HR: None
1995 Padres lead series 2-0
Picking up right where his teamate left off, Andy Ashby threw a five hit shutout to completely frustrate the Royals and help the Padres take a commanding lead in this series. The game was scoreless until the 6th when Brad Ausmus hit a two run single and would later come around to score on a Tony Gwynn hit. Ken Caminiti went 3-4 as did Andujar Cedeno. Honestly the Royals look well over matched and will need a dramatic turnaround in San Diego.

Game 3 At Jack Murphy Stadium
Clear Wind blowing out to left 8mph
1985 Royals......................5
1995 Padres......................1
WP: C. Liebrandt LP: J. Hamilton
HR: J. Sundberg
1995 Padres lead series 2-1
The calm of veteran Charlie Liebrandt was needed as the determined Royals pulled away to beat the Padres in game three. Charlie went nine allowing no earned runs and walking no-one; he was in complete command from his first pitch forward. Jim Dundberg drove in three runs inclduding launching a home run in the second while Tony Gwynn went hitless. The Royals now try to tie the series in a role they are very familiar with.

Game 4 At Jack Murphy Stadium
Partly cloudy win blowing in from left 7 mph
1985 Royals............................2
1995 Padres...........................3
WP: S. Sanders LP: B. Black S: T. Hoffman
HR: F. White; B. Ausmus
1995 Padres lead series 3-1
A nailbiter comes down to the last out and Trevor Hoffman strikes out Darryl Motley to end the game. The Royals were trying to tie the game and had Steve Balboni thrown out at the plate by Melvin Nieves on a great throw. San Diego had taken the lead when Brad Ausmus hit a two run home run in the 6th, this after Frank White had given the Royals the lead with a 2 run home run of his own in the 4th. Scott Sanders went seven for the win and Hoffman had to pitch two innings to earn his second save. Now the Padres look to close things out as Andy Benes will once again face Brett Saberhagen.

Game 5 At Jack Murphy Stadium
Clear Wind blowing right to left 7mph
1985 Royals..................2
1995 Padres.................3 (12 inn)
WP: A. Berumen LP: M. Jones
HR: F. White; T. Gwynn
Another champion club falls and in truth the Padres deserved their win. It was outstanding pitching throughout the series but also in this clinching game that was the differance. After a 2 run home run by Frank White in the first, Andy Benes shut down KC through 8 innings before the Padre pen took over including quelling two bases loaded jams by the Royals. In the end it was Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn who walked the game off with a solo shot in the 12th. Gwynn hit .318 for the series while George Brett hit only .158

1995 San Diego Padres Win Series 4 games to 1

Series MVP:

Andy Benes
(16 IP, 1.12 ERA, 2 ER, 12 K, 0 BB, 0.81 WHIP, 6.8 K/9)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #22
1930 New York Giants (87-67) vs 1941 Chicago Cubs (70-84)

Bursting onto the scene with a 21 year old outfielder who hit .349 and is named Mel Ott, John McGraw and his 1930 Giants can come into this series as a confident bunch. Ott also drove in 119 runs while getting on base at a .419 clip, joining him is more seasoned slugger Bill Terry who did the incredible in 1930 hitting .401 with 254 hits. Add Freddie Lindstom and Travis Jackson and the star studded lineup at the Polo Grounds will be tough to keep your eyes off of. On the mound there is power Bill Walker and especially Carl Hubbell come from the left side with some extra heat, bot men had over 100 strikeouts. Freddie Fitsimmons also won 19 games and this Giants team really is well to do all the way around. An excellent representation of the era they played in with some real classic stars, the players John McGraw leads should have little trouble with the less then impressive Cubs.

Speaking of those Cubs, they were in between a couple of good runs that included pennants but manager Jimmie Wilson didnt really have things go his way in the prewar year of 1941. The staff is lead by Claude Passeau who could drive fans crazy with his inconsistent efforts, he finished the year 14-14. Lefty Vern Olsen at 23 years of age sported a 3.15 ERA. Forty three year old Charlie Root made 19 starts for this team, although he struggled and wont likely be seen in this series. The Chicago offense showed some like with Bill Nicholson driving in 98 and Stan Hack still getting the job done with a .417 OBP. Twenty three year old Phil Cavaretta hit .286 and is a versatile player. Unfortunately the Cubbies couldnt run much, and too often left the bags stranded in close ballgames. The work for this team is very steep with a multi talented Giants team awaiting them. Can the 1941 club make amends for the failure of the 1908 team? Chicago would love nothing better then the be able to stick it right back at John McGraw.

Game 1 From Polo Grounds
Clear Wind blowing out 11 mph
1941 Cubs....................7
1930 Giants..................10
WP: P. Donohue LP: J. Mooty S: J. Heving
HR: E. Allen, T. Jackson, A. Galan, B. Herman
1930 Giants lead series 1-0
Travis Jackson matched a 2 run home run hit by Billy Herman as both club starting pitchers didnt have much in game one. Augue Galen then hit a grand slam in the to put the Cubs up 7-3 but the final tally was far from scored. Ethan Allen hit a three run home run in the 6th and the Giants tied the game at 7. In the bottom of the 7th Mel Ott and Bill Terry added RBI singles to put the Giants up for good. A bit of a wild opening game to what could be a offensive filled series.

Game 2 At Polo Grounds
Clear win blowing out to center 12mph
1941 Cubs....................7
1930 Giants..................10
WP: C. Mitchell LP: J. Mooty
HR: T. Jackson, S. Hogan
1930 Giants lead series 2-0
In an identical score as game one, the 1930 Giants continue to punish Chicago pitching for a two game series lead. Shanty Hogan goes 3-5 with 5 RBI including a walk off three run home run in the bottom of the ninth. Dom Dellassandro went 3-3 for Chicago with 2 RBI while Clyde McCullough drove in three. A five run 6th inning tied the game as Chicago looked to have the momentum, but the big swing by Hogan and some great pen work by Joe Heving and Clarence Mitchell set up the win.

Game 3 At Wrigley Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 9mph
1930 Giants................2
1941 Cubs..................5
WP: V. Olsen LP: F. Fitsimmons
HR: None
1930 Giants lead series 2-1
The Cubs jump all over Giant starter Fteddie Fitsimmons in the first inning with three runs and that would prove to be enough. Bill Nicholson goes 3 for 4 wth an RBI while Billy Herman goes 2 for 2 and drives in two. Vern Olsen didnt have his best stuff for the Cubs but worked out of some tough spots and lasted the full nine innings while allowing 9 hits. The Cubs have life and will look to tie the series behind their savvy veteran Charlie Root who takes the mound in game 4.

Game 4 At Wrigley Field
Clear wind blowing out to left 9mph
1930 Giants.....................5
1941 Cubs.......................8
WP: C. Root LP: C. Hubbell S: J. Mooty
HR: T. Jackson, S. Hogan
Series Tied at 2
A big five run fifth inning knocked Carl Hubbell out of the game and put the Cubs in position to tie this series. Billy Herman continued his big series with a 2 run triple in the inning while Dom Dellasandro had a two run double. Dom is hitting .500 for the series. The Giants had broken out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning when Travis Jackson hit a two run home run off Charlie Root. Root didnt have his best stuff but Hubbell really struggled for the Giants and lost command walking four and hitting two along with a wild pitch. Series reset to a best of three.

Game 5 At Wrigley Field
Clear Wind blowing out to left 10mph
1930 Giants......................11
1941 Cubs.........................2
WP: P. Donohue LP: C. Passeau
HR: E. Allen
1930 Giants lead series 3-2
A sixteen hit effort see the Giants leave Chicago with the series lead and all the mojo heading back east. Pete Donohue won his second game of the series going the distance but the right hander had a ton of run support along the way. Ethan Allen drove in three runs including a home run while Freddie Lindrstom scored three from the leadoff spot and Mel Ott went 3 for 5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. The Cubbies made three error along the way and didn't have a prayer in this one.

Game 6 At Polo Grounds
Partly cloudy Wind blowing out to center 15 mph
1941 Cubs..................2
1930 Giants................6
WP: B. Walker LP: B. Lee
HR: M. Ott
Series clincher for the Giants who put up 14 hits and concluded a consistent harassment of Chicago pitching throughout the series. Mel Ott opened the scoring with a 2 run home run in the 3rd inning while in the 6th four Chicago hits produced two more runs. Lefthander Bill Walker had two hits of his own but of course kept the game on course from the mound getting the win on 121 pitches and seven strikeouts. The series did go six, but the Giants really never looked troubled.

1930 New York Giants Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Travis Jackson
(.444, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, .815 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #23
1973 Chicago White Sox (77-85) vs 1999 Milwaukee Brewers (74-87)

The south side of Chicago in the 70's was an interesting decade for baseball and the 1973 club gets a chance to show what they can do. Speaking of doing, Wilber Wood threw 359 innings and won 24 games while losing 20 in what was an incredible year of durability and consistently. Steve Bahnsen lost 21 games and Steve Stone was just putting his career together and made 22 starts with 11 losses. Dick Allen played an abbreviated season but is sure to be in the middle of the order for Chuck Tanner. Along with Allen, Bill Melton and Carlos May both hit over 20 home runs in an era when that meant something. Young Jerry hairston, Jorge Orta, and even Bucky Dent all look to fill the role in the middle of the infield. There is also a 21 year old pitcher in the pen who had an ERA over 7 by the name of Goose Gossage. Many questions arise for the Sox, but they have a chance to put it all together against a suspect 1999 Brewers club.

The Brew Crew had some bashers who could take the ball out of County Stadium, none more then Jeremy Burnitz who slugged .561 with 33 home runs. Jeff Cirrillo played a good third base and had his best season hitting .326 and leading the club in WAR. Marquis Grissom at 32 years old still stole 24 bases while Mark Loretta was getting his feet wet hitting .290 as a first baseman. Milwaukee as a club had a .353 OBP and a balanced lineup that could give fits to Chicago pitching. The pitching as you might expect was atrocious for the team, Scott Karl was the only arm to get over 30 starts with the likes of Hideo Nomo also getting some work but well past his best days. Bob Wickman is a dependable closer who tallied 37 saves but after him the relievers were very sketchy. Phil garner will have his hands full just trying to get men out, but the games against Chicago could be open offensive games with some crooked numbers.

Game 1 At Comiskey Park
Partly Cloudy 51
1999 Brewers...................0
1973 White Sox................1
WP: W. Wood LP: S. Woodard
HR: None
1973 White Sox Lead Series 1-0
Dick Allen singled in the only run of the game scoring Ed Herrmann in the 3rd inning and to everyone suprise, the run would hold up. Wilber Wood was on his game and then some against Steve Woodard as both arms would go the distance. Wood struck out four and the defense behind him was positioned well and played without flaw. Milwaukee managed only six hits and only one for extra bases. Tony Muser went 2-4 on the night.

Game 2 At Comiskey Park
Clear skies 57
1999 Brewers..................5
1973 White Sox...............7
WP: C. Acosta LP: K. Peterson S: T. Forster
HR: T. Muser
1973 White Sox Lead Series 2-0
Tony Muser and Ken Henderson both drove in two runs as the White Sox with 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th to overtake the Brewers again. Chicago had the lead after Muser hit a 2 run home run in the first off Kyle Peterson. Milwaukee had their big inning in the 5th when they scored three thanks to a two run double by Jeremy Burnitz knocking out Steve Stone. The Brewer pen however had nothing and Chicago asserts itself and is in complete control heading north for game three.

Game 3 At County Stadium
Partly cloudy 55
1973 White Sox................5
1999 Brewers...................7 (11 inn)
WP: M. Myers LP: C. Acosta
HR: J. Cirillo
1973 White Sox Lead Series 2-1
Jeff Cirillo ends an exciting evening at County stadium with a walk off two run home run in the bottom of the 11th. Both clubs blew saves in fantastic fashion at the end of this one. First Terry Forster allowed three runs in the ninth to let slip a one run lead before Bob Wickman let go of the two run lead go away after a two run double by Ed Herrmann. Reliever Mike Myers was especially good for the Brewers in the end earning the win while holding the Sox at bay in the 10th and 11th. A nicely contested series is growing between these two midwestern clubs.

Game 4 At County Stadium
Rain 46
1973 White Sox..................5
1999 Brewers.....................4
WP: B. Johnson LP: J. Abbott S; T. Forster
HR: D. Allen, J. Orta, B. Melton
1973 White Sox Lead Series 3-1
Young Jorge Orta went 4 for 5 with a two run home run as the White Sox jumped on Jim Abbott and the Brewers to bounce back from a tough loss and take a 3-1 lead in the series. Bill Melton also went deep in the 5th and Chicago extended its lead to 5-1. The home team were pushed on to make a comeback and cut the lead to one run in the 9th when a Ronnie Belliard single plated one run home but the winning run was thrown out by Ken Henderson in a dramatic play. Jeremy Burnitz then hit into a fielders choice and Terry Foster escaped. It was the third outfield assist of the game for the White Sox.

Game 5 At County Stadium
Partly cloudy 47
1973 White Sox...................2
1999 Brewers......................6
WP: S. Woodard LP: W. Wood
HR: D. Nilsson
1973 White Sox Lead Series 3-2
The Brewers stave off elimination defeating the White Sox best pitcher in front of their willing fans to send the series back to Chicago. Steve Woodard spun a 99 pitch complete game keeping a shutout until the 8th inning and never looking overly stressed. Ronnie Belliard drove in three runs for the winning side while catcher Dave Nilsson hammered an opposite field home run in the 7th to cap the lead. The Brewers have played well in stretches and want to keep the pressure on the Sox.

Game 6 At Comiskey Park
Partly cloudy 42
1999 Brewers.....................3
1973 White Sox..................5
WP: S. Stone LP: K. Peterson S: T. Forster
HR: J. Valentin, M. Grissom
It looked as if Kyle Peterson and the Brewers were going to force a game seven and continue their fight back in the series as they held a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the 6th in this one. The Sox however woke up and scored 5 runs in two innings to flip the script and put and end to the series. A Marquis Grissom two run home run off Steve Stone had put Milwaukee up but a two run single by Ken Henderson tied the game. Dick Allen gave the Sox the lead for good with his own 2 run double off the wall and Terry Forster closed the door with his third save of the series. Chuck Tanner's Sox deserved winners.

1973 Chicago White Sox Win Series 4 game to 2


Series MVP:

Ken Henderson
(.450, 6 RBI, .480 OBP, 3 R, .980 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #24
1921 Brooklyn Robins (77-75) vs 1907 St. Louis Browns (69-83)

Still referred to as the Bums in most circles, this Brooklyn club actually took its name from its long tenured manager Wilbert Robinson. Robinson was a fixture in Brooklyn and the team had a nice new ballpark to play in to try and rival the very good Yankees and Giants. There was definitely name recognition in the roster as well starting with the very popular Zach Wheat who made a legend of himself in many ways. In 1921 Wheat hit .320 with 14 home runs while outfield mates Hi Myers and Tommy Griffith made the Robins exciting. The clear choice for ace on the team was Burleigh Grimes who won 22 games with a 2.83 ERA and excellent control. The rotation behind him was the weak point of the club and a lack of depth on the mound kept the club back. Leon Cadore and Dutch Ruether will have to pitch well in this series and beyond for this team to grab some attention. The Brooklyn offense is fluid, their ace is excellent, but somehow they find a way not to win very much.

Small ball continues to try to make its mark in this competition and the 1907 Browns lead by Jimmy McAleer will be the latest participant. Outfield ace George Stone is someone you may not have heard of but he put together a 5.4 WAR season and hit .320 in the middle of the order. Bobby Wallace lead the team with 70 RBI while Ollie Pickering stole 19 bases and hit 15 triples. Fiver pitchers had almost all the work for the entire season with many of them starting and working out of the pen. Keep an eye on Harry Howell who had a 1.93 ERA and 118 strikeouts; keep in mind the spitter was still legal. Bill Dinneen had seen better days at 31 years old but could get a turn in the series while Jack Powell and Fred Glade each won 13 games. Not much is expected from the Browns and surely history is ready to bury them away, a good series against Brooklyn however may not be out of the question and the series could prove intriguing. Deadball era clubs are 3-2 in the competition thus far.

Game 1 At Ebbets Field
Partly cloudy 60
1907 Browns.................3
1921 Robins.................7
WP: B. Grimes LP: F. Glade
HR: H. Niles, E. Konetchy
1921 Robins lead series 1-0
Burleigh Grimes opened the scoring with a two run double before he went 9 complete innings as the Robins open with a win against the Browns. Grimes allowed 10 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out two but the Robins had enough offense today. Hi Myers and Ed Konetchy each drove in two runs with the latter smacking a solo home run.

Game 2 At Ebbets Field
Rain 58
1907 Browns..................5
1921 Robins...................6 (10 inn)
WP: D. Ruether LP: B. Pelty
HR: None
1921 Robins lead series 2-0
Jimmy Johnston doubled in the bottom of the tenth and would come around to score on a sacrifice fly by Pete Kilduff when the ball got away and he came all the way around from second. The Robins take a tight one to take a two game lead in the series making the big plays when they needed to. Zach Wheat went 3-5 while ed Konetchy drove in two more runs as the Robins scored three times in the bottom of the 7th to tie the game. George Stone had 2 hits and is hitting .444 in two games, but the Browns will need much more.

Game 3 At Sportsmans Park
62 partly cloudy
1921 Robins......................11
1907 Browns.....................14
WP: H. Howell LP: L. Cadore
HR: H. Howell 2, T. Spencer, J. Johnston
1921 Robins lead series 2-1
Harry Howell had quite a day at Sportmans Park as the 1907 Browns win their first game of the series in a wild one. Howell had it all working on the mound up until the 9th inning. Howell in fact had a 14-1 lead and helped build it himself with two home runs on the day. In the ninth however the Robins rallied in a huge way and knocked Howell out of the game before scoring 10 runs. Brooklyn ended with 18 hits on the day but the Browns bettered them with 21. Jimmy Johnston had 5 RBI for the visitors while Ollie Pickering went 4-5 with 3 RBI and 3 R for the winning side.

Game 4 At Sportsmans Park
Partly cloudy 64
1921 Robins....................5
1907 Browns...................8
WP: B. Bailey LP: J. Pfeffer
HR: G. Stone
Series tied at 2
The Browns jump all over Jeff Pfeffer and the Browns with 6 runs in the first inning to set the tone for a series tying win. George Stone made you remember his name in this one scoring 4 times and launching a home run with a man on in the 6th. Hi Myers was 3-3 with 2 RBI for the losing side and is now 11 for 16 in the series. Great turnaround for St. Louis.

Game 5 At Sportsmans Park
Rain 59
1921 Robins....................9
1907 Browns...................3
WP: B. Grimes LP: F. Glade
HR: Z. Wheat 2
1921 Robins lead series 3-2
Burleigh Grimes and Fred Glade battled into the 6th inning with this pivitol ballgame tied at 1. The Robins however exploded in the inning scoring six times thanks to a bases clearing double by Tommy Griffin and a clearing triple by Bernie Neis. Zack Wheat hit an early solo home run and added another late for two in the game and three RBI as the Brooklyn offense allowed Grimes to win his second game of the series and put Brooklyn back on track. Olie Pickering had 3 RBI in the loss but the ability for St. Louis to avoid the big inning now puts them in a very tough spot needing to win two in a row at Ebbets Field.

Game 6 At Ebbets Field
partly cloudy 58
1907 Browns....................8
1921 Robins....................7 (10 inn)
WP: C. Morgan LP: S. Smith S: B. McGill
HR: None
Series tied at 3
Indicative of this series, another back and forth battle played itself out at Ebbets Field and a 10th inning RBI single from Ollie Pickering proved to be the difference. Brooklyn lead 4-1 until the 5th when they put four runs on Dutch Ruether on five hits. Jimmy Johnston restored a one run lead in the 7th with an RBI triple but the Browns wouldnt quit and rallied in the ninth, down to their last out, on a Joe Yeager RBI hit. The Robins tied the game in the 9th after a big error from Charlie Hemphill, but in the 10th the Browns proved they wouldnt quit. Game seven now poised to decide it all.

Game 7 at Ebbets Field
Clear 63
1907 Browns.....................9
1921 Robins......................6
WP: B. Jacobson LP: L. Cadore
HR: B. Neis
Brooklyn looked in good shape with a 4-0 lead playing at home and Leon Cadore throwing well on the mound. A sloppy game however turned sloppier as the Browns came back with a 5 spot in the 5th, batting around and getting seven hits before they were retired. Now down one, pinch hitter Bernie Neis hit a two run home run in the bottom of the frame to put the home side back up. In the 7th however, Ollie Pickering did it again and the Browns took the lead for good, adding two more in the 9th for a comfortable finish. St. Louis win the final two games in Brooklyn to stun the home town and keep Brooklyn wondering if things will ever change.

1907 St. Louis Browns Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Ollie Pickering
(.406, 3 3B, 12 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB, .955 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #25
1912 Washington Senators (91-61) vs 1939 Cleveland Indians (87-67)

A very good matchup in the draw for series 25. The 1912 Senators who are 30 game over .500 play the 1939 Indians who played their season 20 games over. The Senators are lead by the enormous star Walter Johnson. In 1912 Johnson had one of the best seasons any pitcher ever did with a 14.3 WAR. He struck out 303 batters in 369 innings and by most accounts had a fastball in the upper 90's. Along with that, Johnson allowed 57 earned runs all season and two home runs. Bob Groom also won 24 games while 24 year old Hippo Vaughn threw in 81 innings. Clyde Milan and Chick Gandil lead the offense that was of course in the heart of the deadball era and played in such a way that scoring any amount of runs would be good enough to win. This team finished 14 games out of the pennant to a dominate Red Sox team but in a best of seven series, with Johnson going possibly three times, they could be very difficult to beat.

Any team drawn against the Senators would need a worthy ace of their own to battle Johnson. The 1939 Indians have exactly that in 20 year old Bob Feller. Feller went 24-9 striking out 246 batters and also instilled fear in opposing hitters. So two of the hardest and best throwing right handed arms of all time will be facing off against each other. The corners were also hot for Cleveland with Hal Trosky at first and young Ken Kelter at third each at or around 100 RBI. Twenty one year old Lou Boudreau was just starting off his career while thirty eight year old Earl Averill was winding his down. The Indians also played good defense and should have the edge with the gloves over Washington. The other arms in the Indians rotation and pen were more suspect, and with Johnson and Feller likely cancelling eachother out, players like Al Milnar and Mel Harder could turn out to be key. Looking forward to an excellent series between two very good baseball clubs with some of the greatest aces of all time taking the mound.

Game 1 At Griffith Stadium
Partly cloudy 63
1939 Indians...................2
1912 Senators................6
WP: W. Johnson LP: B. Feller
HR: None
1912 Senators Lead Series 1-0
The dream matchup between two of the best of all-time didn't quite live up to dominance but Walter Johnson did strike out 10 over 9 innings allowing only 2 runs to get the win for Washington. Johnson himself helped inflict some damage to Bob Feller as he singled in two runs in the second and Danny Moeller would add another two run hit as the home team dashed six runs past Rapid Robert. Both clubs seemed to short up on their swings to get solid contact and no surprise the deadball era club had more success.

Game 2 At Griffith Stadium
Partly cloudy 62
1939 Indians....................3
1912 Senators.................10
WP: B. Groom LP: M. Harder
HR: None
1912 Senators Lead Series 2-0
Eddie Foster went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles and Rip Williams drove in three runs as the 1912 Senators tallied 17 hits and 10 runs against Mel Harder and the overwhelmed Indians. Cleveland went up 2-0 in the very first inning but a three run fifth and three more in the seventh pulled the Senators after Bob Groom settled down and eventually delivered a quality start.

Game 3 At League Park
Partly Cloudy 52
1912 Senators....................3
1939 Indians.......................1
T. Hughes LP: J. Allen
HR: J. Heath
1912 Senators Lead Series 3-0
A tight game and a good pitchers duel in game three but some clutch hitting late by Washington give them a commanding 3 games no none lead with Walter Johnson set close things out in game four. Tied at one, a wild pitch scored a run for Washington in the 8th and George McBride added an insurance run in the ninth. Tom Hughes went the distance with an excellent performance allowing one earned run and six hits over the complete nine.

Game 4 At League Park
Clear 66
1912 Senators.................1
1939 Indians....................4
WP: B. Feller LP: W. Johnson
HR: None
1912 Senators lead series 3-1
Bob Feller and his Indians were determined not to go down as victims of a sweep and dug down to defeat Walter Johnson and extend the series. Feller went the distance allowing 6 hits and striking out 8. Ken Kelter and Jeff Heath each had run scoring hits as the Big Train again had lapses of dominance in his start. Having beat Johnson, look for the Tribe to play with confidence.

Game 5 At League Park
Partly cloudy 49
1912 Senators..................4
1939 Indians.....................3
WP: B. Groom LP: M. Harder
HR: E. Averill
Chalk up another win for the dead ball era as the 1912 Senators knock off the Indians in 5 games with a one run win. Washington scored three runs in the top of the 4th off Mel Harder fueled by a Ken Kelter double. Cleveland brought the game back to life in the 7th with a home run by veteran and fan favorite Earl Averill to tie the score. With the bases loaded in the 8th however, Rip Williams hit a go ahead sacrafice fly and the stage was set for Buddy Groom to bring the series home. Groom struck out five and went the distance holding on to the one run lead.

1912 Washington Senators Win Series 4 games to 1

Series MVP:

Rip Williams
(.400, .550 SLG, 6 RBI, 3 SB, 3 R, .931 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #26
1976 Baltimore Orioles (88-74) vs 1956 Pittsburgh Pirates (66-88)

It is pretty amazing that the Orioles of the 70's only won two pennants and one championship. The Oriole way that Earl Weaver instilled played winning baseball season after season with an anchor of a pitching staff that had Hall of Famer Jim Palmer at the top of. In 1976 Palmer won 22 games and pitched six shutouts while Wayne Garland was also a 20 game winner. Lefty Tippy Martinez was just coming into his own as a closer for the team but the 3.32 team ERA was a testament to how the Orioles won games. None other then Reggie Jackson was the anchor of the lineup for this one season and is sure to play a big part in this series. Reggie hit 28 home runs while striking out over 100 times. Mark Belanger was a dynamic talent with the glove and also could run the bases stealing 27 bases to help him lead the club in WAR. Hard hitting Lee May shouldnt be overlooked as the lead the team with 109 RBI while Bobby Grich was the type of hard nosed player that Weaver loves. The Orioles are a fine baseball club with so much to offer and should be dominant in this series with Pittsburgh.

At this point in Pirate history, there was little hope or optimism for a franchise that hadn't won in over 30 years. It will be great to watch the legend of Roberto Clemente come to life as he brings his youthful talent at 21 years old to the team where he had 169 hits and seven triples. Bill Mazeroski is even younger as the starting keystone at only 19 years old while Dale Long and Frank Thomas bring much more offensive clout and experience as the middle of the Bucs offense, Bill Virdon at the top of the order hit .336 to lead the team. Bob Friend went 17-17 but certainly deserved better leading the club in WAR and pitching 314 innings, Roy Face and Ron Kline also were eating eaters that wouldn't surprise if they could put together a strong start from time to time. Pittsburgh was just beginning to build the foundation of an eventual championship team and will be playing with house money against the much more established and favored Orioles. Baltimore however, does know a thing or two about being upset.

Game 1 At Memorial Stadium
Clear Skies 61
1956 Pirates....................1
1976 Orioles....................3
WP: W. Garland LP: B. Friend S: F. Holdsworth
HR: None
1976 Orioles lead series 1-0
Perfect night for the opener in Baltimore as both starting pitchers allowed a run in the second inning and took a 1-1 tie deep into the game. Bob Friend and Wayne Garland were mowing down hitters until the 7th when veteran Paul Blair singled in the go ahead run with two out. In the 8th Al Bumbry added an insurance run and in perfect Oriole style, they did just enough to win and almost completely shut out the Pirates on six hits. Clean start to this series.

Game 2 At Memorial Stadium
Clear 52
1956 Pirates................4
1976 Orioles................6
WP: J. Palmer LP: R. Kline S: F. Holdsworth
HR: P. Ward, A. Bumbry
1976 Orioles lead series 2-0
The Orioles make it two in a row collecting 14 hits but the game remained tied and competitive until the 7th inning. Al Bumbry broke a scoreless tie with a three run home run off of Ron Kline in the 6th. In the top of the 7th, after an error, the Pirates came right back and tied the score as Preston Ward lofted a three run home run, Pittsburgh would eventually take a one run lead in the inning off of Jim Palmer. Baltimore would put the game away soon enough after Bobby Grich gave the team the lead with an RBI double and two more runs would score as Al Bumbry ended the game 2-3 with 4 RBI. Palmer gets the win and now Earl Weaver takes his team to Forbes Field looking fully in control.

Game 3 At Forbes Field
Partly cloudy 46
1976 Orioles..................4
1956 Pirates..................5 (13 inn)
WP: F. Waters LP: K. Holtzman
HR: P. Ward, L. May
1976 Orioles lead series 2-1
A well played 4 and a half hour ballgame where the walk off hit came in the 13th when utility man Curt Roberts became the hero. Lee May had answered a Preton Ward home run early as the game was tied at 4 after three innings. Both teams then played the chess game each using five pitchers and both going 8 scoreless innings. Pittsburgh had the better chances with their 14 hits and did not play this game like a team that has thrown in the towel.

Game 4 At Forbes Field
Overcast 55
1976 Orioles...................5
1956 Pirates...................2
WP: R. Grimsley Jr LP: D. Littlefield
HR: D. Long, G. Freese, K.Singleton
1976 Orioles lead series 3-1
Ross Grimsley had the home Pirates on their heels all afternoon going 8 innings of four hit ball with no walks for the win. Baltimore scored 4 runs in the 4th inning as Ken Singleton went 3-4 with a home run and Paul Blair drove in two.

Game 5 at Forbes Field
clear skies 48
1976 Orioles..................0
1956 Pirates..................1
WP: B. Friend LP: W. Garland
HR: None
1976 Orioles lead series 3-2
It is always something special to see a pitcher throw everything he has to keep his team alive in a series. Bob Friend throws a shutout in game five beating the Orioles and Wayne Garland by one run. Friend also had the only RBI of the game, drawing a bases loaded walk in the 4th to plate a run. Friend struck out seven and also leaned on some great defense from his mates, a dramatic catch by Roberto Clemente in the 8th was key. The Orioles will have tp regroup and hope Jim Palmer could end the series at home. Reggie Jackson was 3-4 in the loss.

Game 6 At Memorial Stadium
Rain 47
1956 Pirates..........................3
1976 Orioles..........................2
WP: R. Kline LP: J. Palmer S: R. Face
HR: None
Series tied at 3
Pittsburgh goes into Memorial Stadium confident and behind another strong pitching effort, find a way to win again and tie this series. Ron Kline allowed only one run in 7 innings of work before he handed the ball over to Roy Face who closed out the final 6 outs. The game was tied at 1 in the 7th when Roberto Clemente singled in the go-ahead run. Clemente added a crucial sacrifice fly in the 9th to put the Bucs up three in the bottom of the inning. Baltimore scored once and had runners on the corners with only one out. Paul Blair hit a hard ball on the ground to short that was turned into two outs on a close play to end it. Now the underdog Pirates have all the mojo as we play it all out in game seven.

Game 7 At Memorial Stadium
Clear skies 47
1956 Pirates..................4
1976 Orioles..................1
WP: V. Law LP: D. Alexander S: R. Face
HR: None
We have seen momentum can carry a club a long way, and the Pirates proved it coming back from a 3 games to 1 hole to stun and defeat the Orioles. It was all pitching for the Pirates who allowed 3 runs in the final three games, all spurred on by the Friend shutout in game 5. In this deciding game it was Vern Law who put the cuffs on the Orioles going 8 innings of one run ball and striking out three. Pittsburgh put up three runs off Doyle Alexander in the very first inning with four hits including a Dale Long RBI double. Reggie Jackson went 1-4, and amazingly failed to hit a single home run or drive in a single run for the entire series. Roy Face closed out the game once again and the unheralded Pirates celebrate their series victory.

1956 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Bob Friend
(1-1, 17 IP, 2 ER, 1.06 ERA, 5 BB, 10 K, 1.06 WHIP, 1 Shutout)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #27
1973 Oakland Athletics (94-68) vs 1920 Boston Braves (62-90)

In one of the most overlooked dynasties in baseball history, the champion 1973 Oakland Athletics come to prove their worth and remind us just how good they are winning three titles in a row. The roster overflows with talent, and Reggie Jackson likely the biggest star of them all leading the team in WAR and driving in 117 runs while stealing 22 bases. Sal Bando and Gene Tenace may not be household stars, but each man hit over 20 home runs and drove in 90 bases and few bats seem more reliable when a game is on the line. Bert Campenaris is the soul of the club, stealing 32 bases and playing excellent defense. The big three in the starting rotation make this team legendary with 3 20 game winners lead by Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter. Hunter and Ken Holtzman won 21 games while Vida Blue may have had the best stuff of them all with a 3.20 ERA, but he did lose 20 games. In the pen is the great Rollie Fingers who often made it look easy, Fingers threw in 127 innings in relief. In the end this team just knows how to win and always seemed to save their best on the big stage. No issues foreseen in their battle with the Browns.

George Stallings had an ability to get the most out of his teams and win ballgames he wasn't suppose to. The manager and his club struggled in 20 season losing 90 game and depending too much on veteran talent. Rabbit Marranville is one of the biggest characters of his day and will be the anchor in the middle of the infield while Walter Holke lead the club with only 64 RBI. Eddie Eayers hit .328 off the bench for the team lead and just may be the best pure hitter the club has. Scoring any real rallies against the Oakland pitching staff should be a real challenge for these men. The pitching was decent with Jack Scott leading the team in innings and Jack Oeschger with the most wins at 15. Dana Fillingim sported a 3.11 ERA and for the series Stallings is likely to go with the three man rotation. A mismatch on paper, surely the Browns will give it their best effort and as we have seen many times thus far, baseball indeed could be an unpredictable funny game.

Game 1 At Oakland Coliseum
Partly Cloudy 52
1920 Braves...................1
1973 Athletics................2
WP: K. Holtzman LP: J. Scott S: R. Fingers
HR: None
1973 Athletics lead series 1-0
A very tight game in the opener as Ken Holtzman and Jack Scott really wanted to give their clubs the opening win of the series. A sacrifice fly by Joe Rudi and yet another clutch hit by Sal Bando, a home run in the 6th, gave Holtzman all he needed. The Braves were on their toes the entire day only making noise in the 9th and forcing Dick Williams to go to Rollie Fingers. With the tying run on second, Fingers struck out pinch hitter Walter Holke to end this competitive game.

Game 2 At Oakland Coliseum
Clear 64
1920 Braves..................2
1973 Athletics...............3
WP: R. Fingers LP: D. Fillingim
HR: L. Mann; S. Bando 2
1973 Athletics Lead Series 2-0
Vida Blue continued to dominant Oakland pitching and allowed only 3 three hits in his 7.2 inning effort but this ballgame was still tight throughout. Sal Bando tied the game with a solo shot in the 2nd and in the 4th Joe Rudi gave the home side the lead with a 2 out single. In the 7th the Braves tied the game and set the A's up exactly where they like it, in a clutch spot late. Sal Bando did exactly what you would expect and again hit another home run, his second of the game. Fingers closed out the game again but this time gets the win instead of the save. Two close games and the better team wins both times.

Game 3 at Braves Field
Rain 46
1973 Athletics................2
1920 Braves...................0
WP: B. Odom LP: J. Oeschger
HR: None
1973 Athletics lead series 3-0
Blue Moon Odom continued the dominance of the Oakland pitching in this series putting a huge damper on the Boston home base. Odom allowed 6 hits in his complete game shutout striking out six. Sal Bando drove in another run in the 6th and the A's added insurance in the 8th in a game they wouldn't need much. Braves bats have been handcuffed all series and now may face an inevitable fate. Reggie Jackson went 2-3 with 2 doubles in this one.

Game 4 At Braves Field
Clear 59
1973 Athletics..................2
1920 Braves.....................5
WP: D. Rudolph LP: C. Hunter
HR: None
1973 Athletics lead series 3-1
Avoiding a sweep, the 1920 Braves played some good ball in game four throwing 3 men out at the plate on outfield assists and breaking the game open in the 5th. With the game tied at 1, Charlie Pick doubled in a run followed by Les Mann who had a two run single. Dick Rudolph allowed 13 hits and seemed to be in trouble every inning but found a way to win. Catfish Hunter takes the loss and Oakland for once were not clutch.

Game 5 At Braves Field
Partly Cloudy 50
1973 Athletics...............5
1920 Braves..................2 (11 inn)
WP: D.Knowles LP: A. Pierotti S: P. Lindblad
HR: None
An intense game goes 11 innings before Dick WIlliams and his club can pull away and put this series away in five. Walton Cruise tied this ballgame in the 6th inning as Boston would have 14 hits in this game but did not make the most of their chances. The pens battled and the game went to the 11th where with the bases loaded Joe Rudi and Bert Campeneris had RBI singles off Al Pierotti to break the back of the Braves. Boston wasted a good start by Jack Scott and submit in a series where it seemed they just couldn't not match Oakland when it mattered.

1973 Oakland Athletics Win Series 4-1

Series MVP:

Sal Bando
(9/16, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, .600 OBP, 1.663 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #28
1944 Boston Red Sox (77-77) vs 1955 Baltimore Orioles (57-97)

The war time years in Boston slowed down the maturation process of a great Red Sox team. With Ted Williams and the regulars fighting overseas, the Red Sox team as did everyone, depended on talent that was far less then star-studded. One Hall of Famer remained however in the center of it all, and that was Bobby Doerr who hit .325 and anchored the middle of the infield. Bob Johnson at 38 years old had a resurgent season to say the least with 106 RBI and a .959 OPS. Even manager Joe Cronin reactivated himself for a few games to play first base in a pinch signifying the signs of the time. The ace without question was Tex Hughson who won 18 games with a 2.26 ERA and only 41 walks without a single wild pitch. Twelve pitchers had more then 2 starts for the roster and behind Hughson, manager Joe Cronin can go a number of ways to lineup his staff for the series. Forty one year old Mike Ryba appeared in the most games and was used in almost any role with a respectable 3.33 ERA. The Red Sox got a good draw against the lowly Orioles, however, there is no mistaking that some of the Red Sox roster are players that in a normal season, would not be wearing a major league uniform.

The 1955 Orioles were still a semi expansion team getting their feet wet in Baltimore. The batting order was alot of moving parts with only 540 runs scored and a team average of .240. There was no speed or power on the roster as Gus Triandos lead the team with 12 home runs and 65 RBI. Hal Smith is a decent backstop while Jim Dyck did get on base with a .379 OBP. Even 18 year old Wayne Causey started the most games at 3rd base and was overmatched, managing only a ,194 average. The pitching staff could be considered equally challenged but did have a couple of bright spots. Lefty Bill Wright had a 2.45 ERA while Jim Wilson threw 4 shutouts despite losing 18 games. Ray Moore was a jack of all trades for manager Paul Richards and added 8 saves. There is no real way around it, this is not a good baseball club, but playing a club from the wartime years could make for an unexpected series.

Game 1 At Fenway Park
Partly Cloudy 64
1955 Orioles..................6
1944 Red Sox................12
WP: P. Woods LP: E.Palica
HR: G. Woodling, G. Metkovich
1944 Red Sox Lead Series 1-0
Boston overwhelmed Erv Palica and the Orioles in the opening game of this series with 15 hits and 12 runs. The Red Sox scored 4 runs in the 7th and 4 more in the 8th to bust open a one run Baltimore lead. Pinch hitter Eddie Lake hit a two run double and Ford Garrison followed with a two run single. Oriole pitcher Don Johnson then lost all his control in the 8th as the Red Sox paraded 4 more around the bases. A nice late rally to start the series for Boston.

Game 2 At Fenway Park
Clear skies 64
1955 Orioles................0
1944 Red Sox..............2
WP: R. Cecil LP: S. Rogovin
HR: None
1944 Red Sox Lead Series 2-0
A very different type of game at Fenway Park but the same team came out on top. It seemed like nothing could touch the righthander who went the distance on 119 pitches allowing only six hits two of them doubles. Bob Johnson ripped a double off the green monster in the very first inning and Boston would cruise after adding another in the second. The game was just over 2 hours with the defense behind Cecil having another fine game. Joe Cronin's men look like they dont want this to make it back to Fenway.

Game 3 At Memorial Stadium
Clear 61
1944 Red Sox..................2
1955 Orioles....................8
WP: H.Byrd LP: J. Bowman
HR: G. Woodling
1944 Red Sox Lead Series 2-1
Happy to be home, the Orioles jumped all over Boston starter Joe Bowman who allowed seven runs in just over 2 innings of work. Everyone of the Orioles regulars had a hit except Chuck Diering in a 13 hit barrage. Harry Byrd a good comple game quality start to get Baltimore back on track.

Game 4 At Memorial Stadium
Partly cloudy 60
1944 Red Sox....................10
1955 Orioles........................0
WP: C. Hausmann LP: R. Moore
HR: G. Metkovich, B. Doerr
1944 Red Sox Lead Series 3-1
Bobby Doerr went 2-3 with an HR and three RBI while Lou Finney drove in two more as the Red Sox got back on track in a big way mauling the Orioles 10-0. Clem Hausmann took a shutout into the 8th inning but tired a bit with the game well in hand. Now Baltimore will do all that it can to move the series back to Boston and avoid ending things on their home field.

Game 5 At Memorial Stadium
53 Overcast
1944 Red Sox..................5
1955 Orioles.....................2
WP: T. Hughson LP: E. Palica
HR: C. Abrams
Once again failing to get the big hit when they needed it, the 1955 Orioles bow out against Boston in five. Tex Hughson pitched much better this time out finishing what he started striking out six and holding Baltimore scoreless for the first six innings. Bobby Doerr caps his excellent series going 3-5 with an RBI while Bob Johnson drove in two in this one. Lou Finney Will take away the MVP of the series that could have gone to a number of players. Boston and Joe Cronin can be very satisfied in how well they played.

1944 Boston Red Sox Win Series 4-1

Series MVP:

Lou Finney
(10/20, 4 RBI, 4 R, 1.095 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #29
1929 Pittsburgh Pirates (88-65) vs 1981 Baltimore Orioles (59-46)

Playing excellent baseball throughout the decade, the Pittsburgh Pirates of 1929 won 88 games and were still lead by a number of great stars. The young Waner brothers, Paul and Lloyd were playing almost flawless in the outfield as Paul Drove in 100 runs while Lloyd hit .353. Pie Traynor rounds off the excellent lineup having hit .356 with 108 RBI and 94 runs in 130 games. The club average was .303 with other names like George Grantham and Adam Comorosky proving in an era of power, that a well balanced lineup could win in any era. The pitching was not as formidable but Burleigh Grimes at 35 years old still demanded respect as an ace posting a 3.13 ERA in only 18 starts. Ray Kremer won 18 games but seemed to be losing a bit of command, Erv Brame and Jesse Petty may be names to look for in this series. The Pirates are a very good club, and in some senses represent the best days this organization ever had.

The Orioles just like every other club in 1981 had a weird year with a season cut in two. Earl Weaver and his team played well but not good enough to get past the Yankees. Eddie Murray was in his prime and hit .294 with .534 slugging percentage putting him among the leaders in the league. Weaver however may have been too loyal to an aging group with Mark Belanger at 37 years old and a 21 year old named Ripken on his heels. Also Ken Singleton and John Lowenstein were well over 30 and the lineup lacked some real pop; Al Bumbry did steal 15 bases. The rotation was still strong with Dennis Martinez winning 14 games while Scott McGregor and Jim Palmer still effective as veterans. Steve Stone ran into serious arm trouble in the process. Baltimore was really going from one great Oriole team to another, and just in a couple of seasons would find themselves champions again. This series with Pittsburgh has all the makings of a very good one.

Game 1 At Forbes Field
Clear skies 60
1981 Orioles...................6
1929 Pirates...................2
WP: S. McGregor LP: B. Grimes
HR: None
1981 Orioles lead series 1-0
Benny Ayala hit a two run single in the 5th inning to put the Orioles up and ended the game with 4 RBI as Baltimore go into Forbes field and defeat Burleigh Grimes and the Pirates. Grimes wasnt helped by his defense as a big error set up the Ayala hit but the right hander still did not have his best command and allowed 4 walks and 9 hits in his 8 innings of work. Scott McGregor on the other hand went the distance preserving the win and throwing with purpose as the visitors steal the opener.

Game 2 At Forbes Field
Clear skies 66
1981 Orioles...................5
1929 Pirates...................16
WP: J. Petty LP: D. Martinez
HR: K. Singleton 2, G. Grantham
Series tied at 1
Showing their capabilities, the Pirates murdered Dennis Martinez and the Orioles with 19 hits and 16 runs to emphatically tie the series. Martinez didnt last 2 innings allowing 8 earned runs with George Grantham driving in six runs including a three run home run and Adam Comoroskey going 4-5 with 3 runs scored. Pittsburgh added 8 runs in the 8th inning not wanted to relent as if to send a message to the Orioles. Jesse Petty had an easy day for the win, as he didnt have to do much with all the run support. Where does the series go from here?

Game 3 At Memorial Stadium
Partly Cloudy 59
1929 Pirates...................4
1981 Orioles...................3
WP: E. Brame LP: M. Flanagan
HR: D. Decinces
1929 Pirates lead series 2-1
Baltimore held all the cards in this one leading 3-1 heading into the 8th inning behind a very good start from Mike Flanagan. Earl Weaver opted not to go to his pen and it cost him. Paul Waner and George Grantham drove in runs to tie it and Earl Sheely had the go ahead single as the Bucs put up three. Erv Brame would close out the ninth and the Pirates take control back of the series.

Game 4 At Memorial Stadium
Partly cloudy 66
1929 Pirates....................1
1981 Orioles....................6
WP: S. McGregor LP: R. Kremer
HR: K. Singleton, M. Belanger, P. Waner
Scott McGregor did it again and seems to be the sole hope thus far for the Orioles in this series. The left hander allowed only 4 hits in his complete game in complete command, his only mistake was a solo home run by Paul Waner. The Orioles hit two home runs on 13 hits and Al Bumbry had three hits and scored three times from the top of the order. The series is up in the air and could be heading for the full seven.

Game 5 At Memorial Stadium
Partly cloudy 60
1929 Pirates.......................2
1981 Orioles.......................10
WP: D. Martinez LP: B. Grimes
HR: K. Singleton, E. Murray, R. Dempsey, D. Decinces, G. Grantham
1981 Orioles lead series 3-2
Leaving their home fans with confidence, the 1981 Orioles easily handled the 1929 Pirates are Forbes Field and headed to Baltimore one game away from ending it. Dennis Martinez picked up from his bad start in game two and went the distance allowing only two runs. El Presidente had all kinds of offensive support as the O's hit 4 home runs in this one including a grand slam by Rick Dempsey in a five run 3rd inning. Pittsburgh must now win two in a row at home and will need to see much better pitching.

Game 6 At Forbes Field
Partly cloudy 51
1981 Orioles.....................4
1929 Pirates.....................5
WP: J. Petty LP: S. Stone
HR: E. Murray 2
Series tied at 2
Eddie Murray did his best to try and put the Orioles over the top to win the series but Pittsburgh rallied and showed their poise to force a game seven. With the game tied at 2 in the 7th, the Pirates scored three runs off a tired Steve Stone, the big blow was a two run triple by Lloyd Waner. Up three runs, Murray launched a two run home run in the 8th to cut the lead to one. Jesse Petty however closed what he started himself, and this series as seemed to be the most likely outcome, goes down to one final deciding game.

Game 7 At Forbes Field
Clear skies 63
1981 Orioles.................10
1929 Pirates..................11
WP: S. Swetonic LP: M. Flanagan S: H. Meine
HR: D. Decinces (inside the park), R. Dempsey, P. Waner
A truly wild game and finish to this series. The clubs combined for 36 hits and 21 runs but in the end it was the Pirates who hung on and celebrate the win. Pittsburgh built a 4-0 lead when the Orioles putup 6 runs in the 4th inning. Pie Traynor and his mates answered with a bases clearing triple in the same inning to put the home team back up 8-6. In the bottom of the 5th the Pirates scored three more times on the wings of a Paul Waner 2 run home run. Up 11-6, the Pirates had some tough innings as Baltimore fought back with 2 in the 7th and 2 in the eight. Up one run in the ninth, with two men on and two out, Doug Decinces flied out to center to end the game and the series. Adam Comoroskey went 4-5 in the win and Rick Dempsey was also 4-5 in the loss. The Orioles had 20 hits but go home defeated. What a game seven this was.

1929 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Adam Comoroskey
(17 hits, .576 OBP, 9 R, 1 3B, 2 RBI, 1.253 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #30
2001 Cleveland Indians (91-71) vs 2008 Detroit Tigers (74-88)

We move past the 20th century for the next matchup, and the headliners are the 91 win Indians. Cleveland is older and past their pennant days but still have the same talented names. Jim Thome slugged .624 with 49 home runs and 111 walks to intimidate pitchers. The club hit 212 home runs and Juan Gonzalez drove in 140 runs while Ellis Burks settled well at DH with a .911 OPS. Kenny Lofton at 34 did not run as much as he used too, but still scored 91 runs. The infield combination of Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar was as flashy and dynamic as any in history and Alomar added 193 hits and a .415 OBP. Bartolo Colon lead the staff but it was a young 20 year old flame thrower named CC Sabathia who had untapped potential. The pitching from there on was not very good, Bob Wickman however was still dependable with 32 saves and a 2.39 ERA. The offense is explosive in the power ball era, and in a seven game series could be hot enough to beat anyone.

Jim Leyland and the Tigers still had a ways to go before they built a winner. The big talent of Miguel Cabrera is the sure centerpiece of the offense. Miggy had 127 RBI and hit 37 out although he was still striking out too much. Gary Sheffield was holding on at DH closing in on 40 while Magglio Ordonez hit .317 and seems to have found himself. The middle of the infield is interesting as Placido Polanco lead the team in WAR and is a better contributor then most give him credit for. Then all Indian fans should shudder, Edgar Renteria is the starting shortstop and 13 years after his game seven hit, will look to do damage again. Justin Verlander was not who you know him as yet, he had a 4.84 ERA and didnt have near the control needed win regularly. Armando Gallaraga had a fine year while 43 year old Kenny Rogers made 30 starts and they were not very good. The pen was also a worry for Jim Leyland and all pitching on this team was fragile to say the least. Alot of recognizable veterans on both sides of the dugout in this series, but the Indians should have the edge in this battle of the midwest between rivals.

Game 1 At Jacobs Field
Partly Cloudy 54
2008 Tigers....................5
2001 Indians..................4
WP: T. Byrdak LP: B. Wickman S: T. Jones
HR: G. Sheffield
2007 Tigers lead series 1-0
Einar Diaz grounded out with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth against Todd Jones to surrender an opening game win to the Tigers. Detroit scored three times in the 1st however Cleveland came back to tie the game. In the ninth Ellis Burks singled in a run off of Bob Wickman that would prove to be the difference. Gary Sheffield went 2-4 with an HR in the win.

Game 2 At Jacobs Field
Rain 53
2008 Tigers....................1
2001 Indians..................2
WP: C. Sabathia LP: J. Bonderman S: B. Wickman
HR: J. Gonzalez
Series tied at 1
The 20 year old looked like a confident veteran as CC Sabathia stole the night at Jacobs Field going 8 innings of two hit ball and striking out seven; Bob Wickman came in saved a tense ninth. The game was tied at one into the 8th when Juan Gonzalez hit a home run on a rope over the left field wall. Tough luck loser was Jeremy Bonderman, as the series now heads to Comerica Park.

Game 3 At Comerica Park
Rain 53
2001 Indians...................4
2008 Tigers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,8
WP: N. Robertson LP: D. Burba
HR: None
2007 Tigers lead series 2-1
Jumping all over Cleveland starter Dave Burba, the Tigers made the most of their home field and scored five times in the first three innings. Curtis Granderson and Carlos Guillen both drove in three runs on a 14 hit effort by the winning side. The winning pitcher Nate Robertson had some rough spots and allowed 10 hits, but did enough to earn the win as the Tigers get their noses in front in the series.

Game 4 At Comerica Park
Clear skies 52
2001 Indians.....................4
2008 Tigers.......................5
WP: B. Seay LP: C. Finley S: T. Jones
HR: I. Rodriguez, M. Ordonez 2, R. Branyan
2007 Tigers lead series 3-1
Living up to his reputation as a clutch player, Magglio Ordonez hit a game changing three run home run, his second of the game, in the 8th inning off of Chuck Finley to set up Detroit for their third win of the series. The big blow ruined a good outing by Finley who may have been asked to do too much, and the fatigue was obvious. Russel Branyan had gone 3-4 for Cleveland with his own home run, as Kenny Rogers wasnt sharp but kept his team in the game. The dramatic win now puts Jim Leylands men one win away from putting away the Tribe.

Game 5 At Comerica Park
Clear skies 45
2001 Indians.......................14
2008 Tigers..........................4
WP: R. Rincon LP: J. Verlander
HR: J. Gonzalez, E. Burks, R. Alomar
2001 Tigers lead series 3-2
Refusing to go down quietly, the 2001 Indians ambushed the Tigers and humbled Justin Verlander to stay alive in the series. Cleveland was lead by an Ellis Burks grand slam in a 6 run 6th inning while Roberto Alomar scored three runs and drove in another three. Now the series heads back to Cleveland where the Tribe has to like the momentum they are carrying with them and CC Sabathia on the mound.

Game 6 at Jacobs Field
Partly Cloudy 50
2008 Tigers..................4
2001 Indians................5 (11 inn)
WP: B. Wickman LP: T. Jones
HR: M. Cordova
Series tied at 3
Roberto Alomar singled on a line to right field scoring his buddy Omar Vizquel to take a dramatic game six and forced a deciding game seven. Gary Sheffield had given the visitors a one run lead by doubling home two runs in the 6th, but Einar Diaz tied the game in the 7th with double off the wall. Steve Reed blew the save and Todd Jones took the loss in the 11th,wasting a good start by Sabathia. The walk off win now creates the highest of drama, as Dave Burba will face Nate Robertson in game seven.

Game 7 From Jacobs Field
Partly cloudy 45
2008 Tigers......................5
2001 Indians....................4 (10 inn)
WP: B. Seay LP: S. Karsay
HR: G. Sheffield
With all the momentum from game six, the Indians came out in game seven and continued that trend opening up a 4-0 lead off Nate Robertson. Dave Burba took the lead into the 5th but ran into trouble losing his control and actually walking in two runs as Detroit cut the lead to one. With Burba still in the game in the 7th, Gary Sheffield walloped a solo shot to tie the game. The Tigers pen was great, especially Jason Grilli who went 2.1 scoreless and gave his team a chance. In the 10th, with two out, Brandon Inge singled in the go ahead run for the precarious lead. The Tribe went down in order in the 9th to end a very competitive series.

2008 Detroit Tigers Win Series 4 game to 3

Series MVP:

Curtis Granderson
(.333, 7 RBI, 2 2B, 1 3B, .822 OPS)

[fuzzy_patters]

That 1929 Pittsburgh vs 1981 Baltimore series was a classic!

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by fuzzy_patters

That 1929 Pittsburgh vs 1981 Baltimore series was a classic!

It sure was, especially game seven! That was likely the best series of the 29 that have been played so far.

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report

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

Leaders (single series)
Hits...................George Stone (1907 Browns) 17
Home Runs.......Adam Dunn (2014 White Sox) 5
RBI...................Earl Torgeson (1951 Braves) 12
Strikeouts.........Jim Bunning (1964 Phillies) 25
Longest HR.......Norm Cash (1962 Tigers) 484 FT

Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Earl Weaver 10
Winning %...........Clark Griffith .889

Hall of Famers
Cumlitative leaders for all Hall of Famers for every series they play (includes Pujols, Rose, Bonds, Joe Jackson, Clemens, Trout, Verlander, Cabrera)
Avg..................Earl Averill (.667)
HR...................Harry Hooper (3)
RBI..................Eddie Collins (10)
Runs...............Rickey Henderson (11)
Hits.................Albert Pujols (15)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (8)
2B...................Roberto Alomar (4)
3B...................Pie Traynor (2)
SLG................Earl Averill (1.167)
Wins...............Jim Bunning (3)
IP....................Jim Palmer (36)
K.....................Bob Feller (36)
ERA................Warren Spahn (0.00)
K/9..................Jim Bunning (11.77)
BB/9................Dennis Eckersley (0.00)
Saves..............Trevor Hoffman (2)

Championship Clubs
1. 1959 Dodgers (defeated 1989 Dodgers 4-2 in prelim) Still Alive
2. 1908 Chicago Cubs (Lost to 1919 Giants 2-4 in prelim) ELIMINATED
3. 1985 Kansas City Royals (Lost to 1995 Padres 1-4 in Prelim) ELIMINATED
4. 1973 Oakland Athletics (defeated 1920 Braves in Prelim) Still Alive


Franchise Records
Texas Rangers..................1-0
Philadelphia Phillies..........1-0
NY/SF Giants....................3-0
Boston Red Sox................2-0
St. Louis Browns...............1-0
Washington Senators........1-0
Montreal Expos.................1-0
Florida Marlins...................1-0
Pittsburgh Pirates..............3-1
St. Louis Cardinals............1-1
San Diego Padres.............1-1
Chicago Cubs....................2-2
Philly/Oakland A's..............2-2
Detroit Tigers.....................2-3
Cincinnati Reds.................2-3
Boston Braves/Beans........1-2
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers.........1-2
Milwuakee Brewers............1-2
Baltimore Orioles................1-4
Claveland Indians...............0-4
Kansas City Royals............0-1

Records By Decade
1900's.............................1-1
1910's.............................4-1
1920's.............................1-3
1930's.............................2-3
1940's.............................2-2
1950's.............................4-1
1960's.............................5-0
1970's.............................2-2
1980's.............................4-4
1990's.............................2-5
2000's.............................3-2
2010's.............................0-6


Achievements
Series 2 - Jim Longborg 19 scoreless innings pitched
Series 5 - Gil Hodges 5-5, 2 HR, 7 RBI in game 2 of series
Series 15 - Mark McGwire hits 3 HR in one game at Braves Field.