Westward Ho - Kings on the move to KC (FABL)

[DD Martin]

Kings Trade for Journeyman Outfield Tony Mullis
October 19, 1951
By Percy Pringle Sr

The Kings made another small trade this week trading for OF Tony Mullis. A 33-year-old journeyman who never has been given an opportunity to start. I call him a journeyman despite him only having appear in the big leagues with Detroit. The was a 5th round draft pick out of high school in 1936 by the Philadelphia Sailors. He was traded by the Sailors to the Chicago Cougars 8 months later for LF Marty Robert’s at the 1937 trade deadline. After knocking around with the Cougars minor league system and winning the 1938 class A Heartland League championship he was dealt to Detroit along with Cy Sullivan and a 4th round pick for OF Leon Drake (now there was a bad del that I did) in 1940. He reached the prospect charts after 4 years and peaked at #53. His career FABL stats line is 289/352/743 with 7 career home runs and 117 career RBI’s.

For the Dynamos the deal was basically a salary dump, while for the Iings he provides a veteran right handed bench bat. The Kings dealt minor league scrub P Don Lewis.

[DD Martin]

Kings Have Two Great Candidates for the Whitney Award
Oct 20th 1951
By Percy Pringle Sr

The season awards voting is about to take place and the Kings have a couple of young outfielders who should easily place in the top 5 and one of them might just win it. We are talking about the CA Whitney Award and the players are CF Charlie Rogers (22) and LF/RF Freddy Miller (24). Rogers was voted to the All-Star game this year while Miller was snubbed for the honor. A snubbing that likely help propel him to a fantastic 2nd half of the season finishing first in the FABL in batting average with a 345 average nosing out Rogers by .0013.

My pick for the CA Whitney Award is Freddy Miller. Miller hit 345/407/969 with 30 doubles, 18 triples, 19 home runs while driving in 105 and scoring 112. He also emerged this season as a base stealing threat swiping 19 bags out of 25 attempts. While he doesn’t possess the sheer power of Cleveland Sherry Doyal who hit 30 home runs, he has the combination of speed and power that most clubs are aching for. His season WAR was 7.4 while was second only to Philadelphia CF Billy Forbes. My guess is that Doyal’s power numbers and rep with the Foresters will secure him the title. But for my money, I’m on Miller for this one.

Next up is CF Charlie Rogers, who I don’t think will be in the mix for the top spot, but looking at his stats maybe he should be. Rogers hit 344/362/869 on the season hitting 6 home runs and driving in 49 from the leadoff spot in the Kings lineup. Power is not Rogers game as much as speed and defense. For the 2nd straight year he led the FABL in hits, collecting 230 this season (213 last) and also led the FABL in doubles with 53 and triples with 19. He was 2nd to Forbes in runs scored with 121 and stole 25 bases in 31 attempts as he greatly improved his success rate (last year he stole 18 in 39 attempts). His WAR this season was 6.4 which put him squarely in the top 5 and his only real knock is he is not a power hitter. Fans and writers love the power hitters, but for Rogers he should place no worse than 5th in the final balloting. Anything less is an embarrassment to the voters.

Former King SP Joe Potts (27)will likely gain some votes for the CA Allen Award. This award is given to the best pitcher in the Association. While heavy favorite is once again Adrian Czerwinski (26) who went 22-7 with a 3.26 ERA, my favorite is Chicago Cougar SP Don Bybee. Bybee was outstanding this season going 16-9 with a 2.82 ERA which is almost a full ½ run better than the Mad Professor’s number. Besides Bybee’s ERA being better, so was his WHIP 1.13 compared to 1.36, his K/9 was 4.1 compared to 3.9. Bybee’s ERA plus was 146 compared to Czerwinski’s 131 and both batting average (218 vs 282) against and BABIP (231 vs 303) were in Bybee’s favor as well. Basically Bybee was the tougher pitcher to hit against, Czerwinski just had a better offense who consistently performed around him.

Potts was 16-11 with a 3.34 ERA and will likely finish either 3rd or 4th in the balloting.

[DD Martin]

The Season Awards are Announced

The Continental Association has heralded Adrian Czerwinski of the Cleveland Foresters as the #1 man on the mound for the 1951 campaign.

This year's Allen Award winner stood out by running up an impressive 22-7 record, holding opposing hitters to a .282 batting average and posting a 3.26 ERA. The 26-year-old hurler tossed 292.2 innings, gave up 321 hits, fanned 127 and issued 78 walks.

He received 14 first place votes out of a possible 16. Duke Bybee of the Chicago Cougars finished second in voting with 2 first place votes, while John Thomas Johnson of the Philadelphia Sailors finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Adrian Czerwinski - Cleveland Foresters - 14 - 111
Duke Bybee - Chicago Cougars - 2 - 56
John Thomas Johnson - Philadelphia Sailors - 0 - 36
Joe Potts - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 24
Johnnie Jones - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 20
Rufus Barrell II - Cincinnati Cannons - 0 - 11
Wally Doyle - Montreal Saints - 0 - 9
Ted Coffin - Montreal Saints - 0 - 7
Lloyd Stevens - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 7
Eli Panneton - New York Stars - 0 - 5
Lou Robertson - Philadelphia Sailors - 0 - 4
Donnie Jones - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 2

The votes have been tabulated for the 1951 Federal Association Allen Award. It has been given to Hal Hackney of the St. Louis Pioneers, who piled up 18 wins this season with an impressive 2.76 ERA.

In 32 starts Hackney had a 18-11 mark with 127 strikeouts in 264.1 innings.

He received 10 first place votes out of a possible 16. Ed Bowman of the New York Gothams finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while John Stallings of the Chicago Chiefs finished third with 3 first place votes.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Hal Hackney - St. Louis Pioneers - 10 - 97
Ed Bowman - New York Gothams - 3 - 69
John Stallings - Chicago Chiefs - 3 - 59
Jack Miller - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 22
Buddy Long - New York Gothams - 0 - 20
Wally Hunter - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 12
Joe Hancock - Toronto Wolves - 0 - 7
Juan Tostado - Washington Eagles - 0 - 6
Lloyd Stevens - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 5
Bob Arman - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 4
Sam Ivey - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 2
Charlie Bingham - Chicago Chiefs - 0 - 1
Sid Moulton - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 1


The manager of the Cleveland Foresters said he thinks Sherry Doyal is only going to get better as he gets older.

He may only be 23, but it will be hard to top the right fielder's 1951 campaign, as he has been named the winner of the Continental Association Whitney Award.

His winning campaign featured a .326 batting average and a .429 on-base percentage this year. In 153 games he piled up 191 hits, 38 doubles, 1 triple, 30 home runs, 117 RBIs and 111 runs scored.

He received 8 first place votes out of a possible 16. Fred Miller of the Brooklyn Kings finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while Al Farmer of the Philadelphia Sailors finished third with 3 first place votes.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Sherry Doyal - Cleveland Foresters - 8 - 182
Fred Miller - Brooklyn Kings - 3 - 139
Al Farmer - Philadelphia Sailors - 3 - 137
Billy Forbes - Philadelphia Sailors - 2 - 120
Frenchy Sonntag - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 119
Charlie Rogers - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 95
George Rutter - Philadelphia Sailors - 0 - 50
Mike T Taylor - Cincinnati Cannons - 0 - 43
Larry McClure - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 33
Joe Wood - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 27
Otis O'Keefe - Montreal Saints - 0 - 14
Red Bond - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 9
Ken Newman - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 8
Chuck Adams - Cincinnati Cannons - 0 - 6
Bill Barnett - New York Stars - 0 - 6
Leo Mitchell - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 5
Lloyd Coulter - Cleveland Foresters - 0 - 4
Ralph Hanson - New York Stars - 0 - 4
Skipper Schneider - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 3
Chuck Collins - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 2


St. Louis's Larry Gregory put the wraps on a fine campaign today by winning the 1951 Federal Association Whitney Award.

The 28-year-old veteran scorched the opposition with a .320 average, picking up 187 hits, 47 doubles, 8 triples, 20 home runs and 115 RBIs, while scoring 118 runs.

He received 7 first place votes out of a possible 16. Red Johnson of the New York Gothams finished second in voting with 4 first place votes, while Jesse Alvardo of the Washington Eagles finished third with 3 first place votes.

Note that Gregory and New York 1B Red Johnson were tied with 167 points, but Gregory was declared the winner based on having earned 7 first place votes compared to Johnson's 4.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Larry Gregory - St. Louis Pioneers - 7 - 167
Red Johnson - New York Gothams - 4 - 167
Jesse Alvardo - Washington Eagles - 3 - 132
Rats McGonigle - Washington Eagles - 0 - 70
Paul Williams - Pittsburgh Miners - 0 - 67
George Cleaves - New York Gothams - 1 - 62
Stan Kleminski - Detroit Dynamos - 1 - 62
Irv Clifford - Pittsburgh Miners - 0 - 47
Del Johnson - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 37
Rod Shearer - Chicago Chiefs - 0 - 37
Ernie Campbell - Pittsburgh Miners - 0 - 34
Mack Sutton - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 31
Ray Bates - St. Louis Pioneers - 0 - 20
Ralph Johnson - Detroit Dynamos - 0 - 19
Ed Bloom - Chicago Chiefs - 0 - 13
Ben McCarty - Boston Minutemen - 0 - 11
Don Berry - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 10
Walt Messer - New York Gothams - 0 - 6
Rudy Minton - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 4
Joe Rutherford - Chicago Chiefs - 0 - 2

He's the toast of the town in Chicago -- the brand-new 1951 Federal Association Kellogg Award winner -- right fielder Rod Shearer.

In his debut season he compiled some good stats, hitting .290, batting in 104 runs and scoring 79 times, while playing in 144 games. The 23-year-old newcomer also had 33 doubles, 12 triples and 21 home runs.

He received 15 first place votes out of a possible 16. Sam Ivey of the Philadelphia Keystones finished second in voting, while Danny Taylor of the Boston Minutemen finished third with 1 first place vote.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Rod Shearer - Chicago Chiefs - 15 - 82
Sam Ivey - Philadelphia Keystones - 0 - 38
Danny Taylor - Boston Minutemen - 1 - 24
George Atkins - St. Louis Pioneers - 0 - 9
Hank Estill - New York Gothams - 0 - 5
Claude Kade - St. Louis Pioneers - 0 - 4
Rex Pilcher - St. Louis Pioneers - 0 - 2


Joe Wood, left fielder for the Cleveland Foresters, had a good freshman year, highlighted today by his selection for the Continental Association Kellogg Award for 1951.

The standout Foresters left fielder took the honor by hitting .315 in 118 games this season and finishing with 138 hits, 14 home runs, 71 RBIs and 67 runs scored.

He received 12 first place votes out of a possible 16. Ted Coffin of the Montreal Saints finished second in voting with 4 first place votes, while Paul Anderson of the New York Stars finished third.

Personally I felt hat Montreal Saint SP Ted Coffin should have been announced the winner. Coffin was 14-9 in 30 starts for the 3rd place Saints compling a 3.18 ERA in over 226 innings pitched. Wood had a nice season, but a rookie pitcher was once again overlooked by a Cleveland outfielder that only played in 115 games and ended the season on the DL. For a league that sure values pitching in the off-season and in trades (and drafting) the writers sure have blinders on when they vote.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Joe Wood - Cleveland Foresters - 12 - 76
Ted Coffin - Montreal Saints - 4 - 63
Paul Anderson - New York Stars - 0 - 15
Walt Staton - Brooklyn Kings - 0 - 4
Tony Ballinger - Toronto Wolves - 0 - 3
Elmer Grace - Chicago Cougars - 0 - 3

Manager Dick York was speaking before a Detroit fan luncheon when word came down that he'd been awarded the Federal Association Manager of the Year. York's face turned to surprise as the club's owner made the hasty announcement.

"Wow... how lucky can a guy be? Manage a great bunch of guys... have great fans... have a great season... and now this... life don't get any better than this."

Detroit fans applauded, recognizing how fortunate they were to have York at the helm. Both fans and players in attendance toasted their skipper as they truly enjoyed the day.

1951 was an extra-special season for York as he piloted the Detroit Dynamos to a 90-65 record and a second place spot in the Federal Association standings. A record good enough to win the 1951 Manager of the Year Award.

Philadelphia manager Billy Rose was selected as the 1951 Continental Association Manager of the Year today.

He was somewhat of a dark horse next to some of the more flashy managers up for the award. Rose, who prefers that everyone call him "Cap" or "Skip," tries to shy away from the limelight in a media-driven world.

"It's really unfair to the guys that busted their humps all year long to put all the focus on me now. They showed up early, put in extra time in the cage, worked on their fielding, consulted with our coaching staff and really made 1951 a highlight in my career."

In fairness to this year's Manager of the Year, Rose certainly played an important part in the Sailors success as he guided them to a first place finish in the Continental Association and a 95-59 record.

[DD Martin]

Several Days ago in the Kings Temporary Office in KC

A closed door meeting was being held between the club GM DD Martin and the Manager Tom Barrell

Martin - Well Tom it’s clear something has been on your mind while we were at the World Series and touring the facilities here. Are you ready to discuss whatever it is?

Barrell - I think so. You know my wife Marla is expecting a baby next year.

Martin - Well that is great news Tom, congrats to you both.

Barrel - The thing is, this is our first baby. I have been on the road all my life and now at 43 we are having our first child. I really want to be a family man.

Martin - Yes this is very exciting news. Trust me, I have 4 and of course they have all grown up now, but it's great being a Dad and raising a family.

Barrel - I guess the thing is and what I have been struggling with is with this baby coming…..I…I am not sure I want to be on the road anymore.

Martin - What are you saying Tom?

Barrel - Marla and I are talking about me stepping back and well retiring as a baseball manager. At least stepping away off the road day in and day out. It’s not easy and with the club moving to Kansas City and it seems like a great city, the road trips will be farther distance wise, and thus likely longer. I am not sure I am ready to do that with a child on the way.

Martin - Tom are you saying you want to resign? If it’s about money….

Barrel - No it’s definitely not about money, or the staff, or the city or you or Mr. Coleman. This is a decision that if I make it, is all about being a family man and home to see this child and any others we might be blessed with grow up. I don’t want to miss those special events and just being there.

Martin - You said if? Is your mind not made up yet?

Barrel - It’s probably 75% made up, but I didn’t want to leave you in the lurch searching for a new manager if I do step away. What I would like to do is go back to Brooklyn and talk with Marla and my family one more time and then let you know. If I do step away, I’d like to hold the press conference back there in Brooklyn.

Martin - I understand Tom. I just want to say, really make sure this is what is right for you. Baseball has been your whole life, your family's life from Rufus on down. Are you sure you can just step away? I mean of course I want you to stay, but more importantly I want you to do what is right for you, Marla and your child.

Barrel - I appreciated that DD, I really do. Being a part of the Kings has been most of my career and adult life. The organization means a lot to me and while I wish the club didn’t move, the fans of Kansas City sure seem to be very supportive and things look bright for the future. It looks like a great situation, with a great new ballpark and we have some real talent on this team.

If I do step away, can I suggest that you give Dud (Jim Dudkiewicz) the shot at managing the club? He is a good baseball man and at 65 this might be his last chance.

Martin - I know what you mean about Dud, he almost didn’t make the trip out to KC. I will need to talk with Mr. Coleman about this, but I will certainly put in a good word for Dud. The key will be finding perhaps a long term successor that can step in when he decides to call it a career. He told me this 2-year deal was likely his last baseball contract. I would need to find someone that could maybe be his bench coach and sit under that learning tree. I will talk with Coleman and get his feelings. He might jump at the chance to find someone with local ties. He really wants to make that “Big Splash” you know. But Tom, don’t worry about that. I want you to go talk to Marla and make the right decision for you. Whatever that is, I will support it and abide by it. Just remember down the road, if you ever want a front office job or a New York area scouting assignment, just let me know. You will always be a King.



With that Tom stood up, shook the GM’s hand and walked out of the Kings new office for maybe the last time……

After Tom left, DD grabbed the phone and dialed a number.

DD - Pringle, I know you are busy with moving stuff, but there might be a press conference out there while you are finishing things up. I can’t tell you what it is about but it will be something where I can see you writing a story both from a Brooklyn perspective and a Kansas City one. Needless to say, when you get back I will sit down and talk to you and answer any questions you might have………I know but I can’t say what it’s about. Just keep your ears listening while you are out there. If this happens, it is going to be big and you will want to cover it.

Now to tell team owner Chester Coleman

[DD Martin]

Shortly after the meeting with Tom Barrell

Knocking on the door of Chester Coleman's office

Coleman - Come in, come in. I will sure be glad when our office buidling is ready.

Martin - Still looking like next week.

Coleman - Yes thankfully, now what is on your mind. I can see that something is up.

Martin - Well its about Tom. He is thinking of stepping down. His wife and him are expecting their first child and....

Coleman - His wife has convinced hiim he wants to be a family man.

Martin - Well I think he wants to just be off the road when they have kids. I expect that they will have more than one, but Tom is 43 so they are getting a late start.

Coleman - So is this a definite deal, him leaving?

Martin - No not definite but I'd say the odds are running 1-10 that he retires. He is headed back to Brooklyn to have a final discussion with his wife, but I would expect that he will step down.

Coleman - Any ideas about a replacement?

Martin - Well, I am thinking Dud.

Coleman - Dudkiewicz? He's kind of old don't you think? I mean what is he 75. Not that him being that old doesn't mean he couldn't do the job.

Martin - Jim is 65 and yes that is a bit older, but he is well respected by the players. I am thinking of naming him the new manager for the next 2 years. He likely doesn't want to stay on the road much longer than that.

Coleman - You sure he will stay? Wasn't he thinking of not coming down to Kansas City.

Martin - He did think about it, but he wanted to help Tom with all this young talent we have.

Coleman - Any thoughts on a succession plan after Dud calls it quits?

Martin - I haven't really thought about it much since this all just happend less than an hour ago.

Coleman - DD, I have an idea. There is a local guy who just retired last after the 1950 season. If Dud hadn't made the trip down here to join us I was going to suggest that he might be someone to consider for a new bench coach. With Tom leaving, and Dud just likely around for 2 years. This might be the perfect situation to train our future manager. One that has ties to Kansas City and is somewhat of a local celebrity from his youth playing days.

Martin - Who is it?

Coleman - Let me set up a meeting with him and you. Let's say next week. That will give Barrell enough time to make up his mind.

Martin - And if Tom does decide to retire, your ok with me naming Dud the new manager?

Coleman - Yes that is fine. Seems like a nice enough fellow.

Martin - Ok well then we will see what Tom decides. I gave him permission to hold the press conference up there in Brooklyn.

Coleman - Yes that works. He is one of Brooklyn's favorites. Oh one more thing DD, just got word Prescott passed away.

Martin - Daniel Prescott?

Coleman - I guess the family kept it quiet, but I got word that he has passed away......

Daniel Prescott was the King's former owner who sold the team last spring to Chester Coleman

[DD Martin]

Today's story focuses on Tom Barrell and his decision.

The following 2 links are from LegendSports Ballad of the Barrell Brothers. I would encourage you to read these to get a behind the scenes look at Tom Barrell and what he is going through.

https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=364

https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=365

The second of the links above is the full press conference. I have included just a small bit here below.....

Kings Shocker!!!!
Manager Dan Barrell Announces his Retirement

October 29th, 1951

In a press conference held in Brooklyn today, now former King’s Manager Tom Barrell took to the podium and announced his retirement. I happened to be in attendance because I was in the area making arrangements to move to Kansas City. To say I was shocked is an understatement.

Here is a brief look at a protion of the press conference

October 29, 1951: Brooklyn, NY:

Press Conference Partial Transcript: Tom Barrell Announces Retirement

Kings PR Manager: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. Without further ado, I present to you a man who needs no introduction here in Brooklyn, Hall of Fame pitcher and Kings manager Tom Barrell, who has an important announcement to make.

Tom Barrell: Thank you all for coming. First, I want to thank the fans of the Brooklyn Kings for their unwavering support over the years. Playing for the Kings has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I also want to thank the late Daniel Prescott, the owner who brought me to Brooklyn, and my longtime manager Powell Slocum, who believed in me and helped shape my career. I had nine fantastic years as a player here, winning three Allen Awards as the Continental Association's best pitcher, and I will always cherish those memories.

I also want to express my gratitude to my brothers—Dan, Fred, and Harry—whom I had the privilege of playing alongside on the Kings. It was a rare and special experience that I will always hold dear.

I'm very happy to announce that my bench coach, Jim Dudkiewicz, is being promoted to manager of the Kings. Dud is one of the best men in the sport, and I'm thrilled he is finally getting a chance to run an FABL ballclub. I remember when Dud started his coaching career as a roving pitching instructor for the Cannons, where he mentored a young pitcher named Deuce Barrell—my nephew, who was then just a cocky kid with a head three sizes too big and is now a star pitcher, and Dud played a big part in that. It just goes to show the impact Dud has had on so many players, and I know he will do an incredible job as manager.

I also want to thank my wife, Marla, for putting up with my crazy schedule while managing. I'm looking forward to spending more time with her and our child, who is due in January. It's time for me to focus on my family, and I'm excited about this new chapter in our lives.

Lastly, I want to wish the Kings the best as they start their next chapter in Kansas City. I know they will continue to be a great team and will have a bright future ahead.

Percy Pringle, Brooklyn Eagle: Tom, why are you retiring at just 43 years old?

Tom Barrell: It's a tough decision Percy, but it's the right one for me and my family. With a baby on the way, I want to be there for my wife, Marla, and our child. Family has always been important to me, and this is the right time to focus on them.


Clearly this was not expected and as you can see GM DD Martin was not in Brooklyn for the press conference today. I had seen Barrell and Martin talking a lot as the group toured Kansas City and nothing out of the ordinary seemed to be going on. I will be back in Kansas City tomorrow and I have an interview scheduled with the Kings GM. We will find out exactly what happened from the King's standpoint and if there was some sort of tension between the two. Also we will discuss the Kings which will officially announce their new manager tomorrow as well, but according to the outgoing manager that man is Jim Dudkiewicz.

Tom Barrell managed the Kings for 6 seasons from 1946 through the just completed 1951 season. The first season was a tough one as the Kings were in transition with a new GM, a rookie manager and a poor organization set up to work with. Barrel managed just to have a 63-91 record that first season and there were whispers if he was capable of being a big league manager. His career record as the Kings manager stood at 445-479.

[DD Martin]

Percy Pringle Sr interview with DD Martin

Pringle - I certainly didn't expect for us to be talking about this.

GM Martin - One thing about King's baseball, we always try to keep it exciting (laughs). Honestly I didn't either, I truly felt we had everyone in place. For awhile I wasn't sure who was going to be coming to Kansas City with us, but once we had made the trip out, I figured we were done with personnel moves.

Pringle - So the obvious question is why did Tom Barrell decide to not continue on as the Chief's manager? Was it he didn't like Kansas City?

Martin - Tom stated it very well at his press conference and he told me the same thing when we spoke here a few days before. Tom Barrell is a straight shooter. I haven't met a Barrell yet who isn't. Tom has decided that at this point in his life, at 43 and with his wife expecting their first child next year that this was the right decision for him and his family. I totally support that decision and understand it. And before you ask I will answer this question as wtll. No there was no bad blood between Tom and me or anyone in the organization with Tom. Was he personally torn by the club's sale and subsequent move, yes but he realized it is just part of the growing baseball business here in the 50's.

Pringle - But there were comments that you and Tom would have animated discussions.

Martin - Discussions yes. Did we agree on everything, no. I won't lie to you and say we never had discussions about players or moves. That is just the nature of the game at this level. But respect is the word I think that isn't used enough. Tom and I could disagree on something, but we had respect for each other and we would listen. Sometimes I would "win", sometimes he would. At the end of the day, our goal was to make this the best baseball we could. We have been growing this club and we continue to grow and we will be a serious contender for the CA crown in the very near future. Tom believed that, and so do I.

Pringle - So where does this leave things with the field staff? Clearly Jim "Dud" Dudkiewicz will be the new manager. He signed a two year contract prior to the move here to Kansas City. Are you pleased with that choice?

Martin - Absolutely. Dud has done a tremendous job with this club being that man in the dugout that Tom relied on. That veteran presence because as you know Tom didn't have any experience before he took the job. It was felt we needed to have a man like Dud with him on that bench, helping out. Mentoring and believe that veteran voice of reason.

Pringle - How long do you envision Dudkiewicz staying on as manager?

Martin - He wanted to coach 2 more years, so he signed a 2 year deal. When it is appropriate, Dud and I will sit down and see if he wants to continue. If things are going well and if he likes what he is doing, then maybe he will stay a few more seasons. Dud has earned the right to wait and see.

Pringle - So who will be his new bench coach? Will you bring someone up from the organization?

Martin - Well since you asked, you can be the first to know and break the news here. We are going to hire a young man who was an FABL pitcher during his playing career. He is from Kansas City and he will join us as our new bench coach. That man is Kansas City native, Bunny Edwards. Bunny will sit under the learning tree of Dud and will learn the managerial aspects of the big league game.

Pringle - So do you view this as a succession plan?

Martin - Perhaps, it could be. No time table has been set. While Bunny has the desire to someday manager in the big leagues and would love to do it in his hometown. There are no guarantees. No promises have been made as to timeline or anything like that. But the opportunity is there for Bunny, and if he applies himself, then yes I could someday see him being our manager here in Kansas City.

Pringle - Certainly a lot going on. What's next on the agenda?

Martin - Well the Winter Meetings are next and we are always preparing for the amatuer draft and the rule 5 draft. A lot of people don't take much notice of the Rule 5 but you never know when you are going to find someone that has been overlooked. Take Walt Staton for instance. Detroit picked him up in the Rule 5 just one year ago, then he was part of a blockbuster trade 7 months later and now is one of the top arms in our rotation for next season.

Pringle - Well enjoy the winter meetings.

Martin - I am sure I will see you there. You never know when a deal might come together.

[DD Martin]

The Cuban Winter League - 1951/1952 Season

As the weather here in the US turns towards winter, baseball is getting ready to be played in Cuba for 160 FABL clubs prospects. Yes the Cuban Winter League (CWL) is set to begin play. For the recently arrived Kansas City Kings, their affiliate club in Cuba is the Camaguey Coyotes. The Kings will share 10 players with the Coyotes roster along with the FA”s recent World Series club the St. Louis Pioneers. Will these two titans of Missouri be able to win the Eastern Division of the CWL?

Below we will outline the King’s organization representatives on the Coyotes team. Of the King’s 10 players, 4 will be pitchers and 2 of them are big name players that the Kings will be counting on most likely at some point in the 1952 season. The club will also send 2 middle infielders, a catcher and 3 outfielders down to Cuba.

SP Fred “Boom Boom” Washington Age -23 T-R 5’9 155 lbs
1951 Stats - Kings 1-2 4.22 ERA 4 GS (0-0 3.00 ERA in 3IP in Detroit prior to trade
How Acquired - July 16th, 1951 trade that sent RF Ralph Johnson, C Dan Smith and SP Bob Arman to Detroit

Washington was most recently rated by the OSA as the #51 prospect in baseball in July prior to his trade to the Kings. The Kings have high hopes for Washington to be in their starting rotation for the 1952 season so this will be a good tune up to see how ready he is. Washington has a 3-pitch mix featuring a plus curveball with nice shape and has a good opportunity to limit home runs with his command and movement.

SP Beau McClellan Age-19 T-L 5’11 165 lbs Prospect Ranking #71
1951 Kings Stats 3-1 4.62 ERA 39 IP 5 GS
1951 Jersey City (AAA) 4-4 3.77 ERA 62 IP 8GS 7-7 3.77ERA 16GS 133IP (AAA Newark)
How Acquired - July 16th, 1951 trade that sent RF Ralph Johnson, C Dan Smith and SP Bob Arman to Detroit

McClellan was one of the 3 top prospect pitchers (along with Washington and Staton) that was received from Detroit in the blockbuster summer trade deadline deal. While scouts are sometimes mixed on him, at only 19 he has shown flashes that make some feel he will be a top end starting pitcher in the FABL. He is noted for having “Good” Stuff that should play well with his command and presence on the mound. The King’s brass are leaning towards letting him start the season at AAA Jersey City, but the expectation is that he will be up before the All-Star break.

SP Alex Vaughan Age-23 T-R 6’1 170 lbs Prospect Ranking #235
1951 minor league Stats (AAA Jersey City) 4-2 2.96 ERA 48IP 6GS
(AA) Knoxville 4-11 3.74 ERA 15GS 120IP
How Acquired - 1947 16th round pick from Uniontown HS

Vaughan was a bit of a surprise pick who wasn’t really on the King’s radar, but pitched well enough despite his won-loss record to get promoted to AAA where he seemed to pitch much better. He is still not in the King’s 1952 season plans, but with a great effort in the CWL and an outstanding spring, he could change some minds. Most expect a return for a full season of AAA ball, but he made enough of an impression in the 1951 season to be added to the 40-man roster and protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

P Chick Trillman Age-23 T-L 6’2 175 lbs
1951 Minor League Stats (AA) Knoxville 3-7 5.81 ERA 9GS/19G 70IP
How acquired - 1947 2nd round draft pick 25th overall

Trillman came out of high school with a load of what many thought was potential but he has never quite figured it out in the minors. He is currently the 63rd ranked King’s prospect and looks to be added to the Coyotes staff for relief work and to serve as a filler role. He was not protected for the Rule 5 Draft and isn’t expected to be drafted.

C Bob “Gator” Burge Age-24 B-R 5’10 190 lbs Prospect Rank #37
1951 Stats (AAA - St. Paul) 297/336/738 8HR 37RBI 109 G
1951 Stats (FABL - Pittsburgh) 387/387/806 0-1 31PA 12G 5GS
How Acquired - October 11, 1951 trade with the Pittsburgh Miners sending SP Roy Schaub to the Miners.

Here is a player that King’s fans should be taking a good look at in this winter league season. Burge is expected to be named the King’s starting catcher for the 1952 season. Burge projects to be an elite hitter. He has an above average power ceiling and should develop into a productive regular on a contending team.

2B/SS Chet Harris Age-25 B-S 6’0 165 lbs Prospect #209
1951 (AAA Jersey City) 296/374/776 3HR 22 RBI’s
1951 (AAA Newark) 317/394/864 8HR 37 RBI’s
How Acquired - July 16th, 1951 trade that sent RF Ralph Johnson, C Dan Smith and SP Bob Arman to Detroit

Harris is probably looking to fill a utility role with the Kings for the 1952 season with 2B currently his best position. If the Kings were to move SS Billy Bryant which has been rumored several times, that could open the door for Harris at 2B with Chuck Lewis sliding over to SS. Here in Cuba, Harris is being asked to play SS which is probably a good thing for his future development.

SS Dale Carroll Age-23 B-R 6’0 165 lbs Kings prospect #65
1951 AA Knoxville Stats 272/352/694 1HR 9 RBI’s
How acquired - 1946 11th round draft pick

Caroll was promoted at the end of the season to AAA Jersey City where he appeared in 7 games and hit 316. He spent most of his time at 2B but did spend some time at SS and 3B. His best hope to make the Kings big league club is as a utility player.

OF Joe Cahill Age-23 B-L 6’3 200 lbs Prospect #486 (Kings #34)
1951 AA Stats 296/437/921 7HR 41 RBI’s
1951 A Stats 370/603/1146 1HR 6 RBI’s
1951 B Stats 348/514/1198 13 HR 30 RBI’s
How Acquired - 1950 Draft 13th Round

Cahill was a college OF with Central Kentucky who started out at Class B and obviously overmatched the pitchers there. He quickly spent a couple of weeks with the class A club before moving to class AA for the last 2+ months of the season. He hit a combined 21 home runs with 77 RBI’s last season and walked 137 times, so he shows a good eye at the plate. With the King’s riches in OF talent, Cahill wasn’t much thought about but a solid showing in Cuba could turn some heads. Scouts say he could be big league ready this upcoming season.

RF Red Hinton Age-25 B-L 5’10 175 lbs Prospect Ranking #54 (Kings #7)
1951 stats AAA Oakland 290/402/877 6HR 36 RBI’s 11 SB’s
1951 stats AA Dallas 305/435/1016 10HR 32 RBI’s 8 SB
How acquired - Trade from St. Louis 10/11/51 with RF King Bruker, 2BLes Sasson, P Ed Owens and P Ed Wingerter for P Joe Potts.

While Sasson and Brucker, the latter of which was immediately traded to the New York Stars for 1B Bill Barnett, Hinton was considered a key piece in the deal to become either the starting RF or the 4th OF based on how Chuck Collins adapts to full time OF duty. Hinton has an excellent eye and good speed that shows above average power potential. A solid season in the CWL will cement his role with the big league club this spring and potentially for even more.

OF Ralph Capriotti Age-19 B-R 6’5 195 lbs Prospect #17 (Kings #2)
1951 AA Knoxville stats 294/324/749 9 HR 34 RBI’s
1951 AA Arkansas stats 330/343/756 3HR 26 RBI’s
How Acquired - July 16th, 1951 trade that sent RF Ralph Johnson, C Dan Smith and SP Bob Arman to Detroit

Capriotti is the huge position center piece of the trade the Kings made in July with Detroit. Many feel he will make people someday forget Ralph Johnson and be the new King of Kings someday soon. Having just turned 19 at the end of October, Capriotti is the one of if not the youngest player in the Cuban Winter league this year. While the older players most likely getting more playing time, this will be a time for Capriotti to continue to work on his craft and continue to learn at the professional level. Most feel that the sky's the limit for his potential.

These 10 players make up the Kings who were selected to make the trek to Cuba for the CWL. Some were surprised that an invitation was not extended to 1B/OF John Morrison, who is the King’s #6 prospect and #46 overall. Most felt he would get the call over the much lower ranked Cahill.

The King’s players on this club certainly have to make them one of the CWL favorites this season, but the Coyotes might be even more dangerous next year when OF Ralph Capriotti will probably get another run out and significant playing time, along with King’s #1 overall prospect (#12 overall) 1B Charlie Ham, RF Hank Williams (Kings #3 and #18 overall), 2B Les Sasson (Kings #5 prospect and #45 overall) along with perhaps P Elmer Sullivan (King’s top pitching prospect and #8 in the system, overall #58 and P Larry Rush (King’s #10 and overall #152).

[DD Martin]

Camaguey Coyotes dominated the Eastern Division of the CWL and finished with a 25-17 record. With that they have secured a berth in the CWL Cuban Winter Cup. The Coyotes will be facing the Matanzas Buccaneers who won the West with a 25-17 record, which was tied with Havana but the Bucs advance to the finale based on a 4-2 season series record against Havana.

Matanzas won the season series against Camaguey 4-2.

As for how our King’s players did in the fall league, the surprise of the whole season was a very unexpected one. This player broke the CWL record winning 9 games going 9-1 with a 2.25 ERA. No it wasn’t Fred Washington or Beau McClellan. It was the often never thought of SP Alex Vaughan. With a total of just 21 games above Class A and not really high up on the prospect rankings, Vaughan maybe has been overlooked. He pitched brilliantly here in Cuba and was very effective at both AA and AAA this past season. So for those who don’t think sending players to the winter league can be eye opening, it has worked out well for Vaughan.

For the Kings other 2 main pitchers sent down to the CWL, Fred Washington had the better success of it going 5-3 in 90IP with a 3.87 ERA. He still needs to work on his control, but walks always seem to be a bit higher in Cuba and when we get to the offensive players you will see that a lot in some very inflated OBP. Washington still appears on track to become a regular member of the King’s starting rotation this spring. The other highly thought of prospect was the youngster Beau McClellan (19 year and 3 months old). McClellan has a high ceiling but struggled here some, allowing 11 home runs in 81 IP. He was 3-7 with a 5.11 ERA and his ERA+ was 92. He will get a long look this spring, but the money is that he will start the year in AAA.

P Chick Trillman was mainly just the long man out of the bullpen for the Coyotes. He pitched solidly when called upon appearing in 11 games and pitching 29.2 IP to a tune of an 1.82 ERA. The lefty could be some use out of the bullpen perhaps, but end up starting the spring at either AA or AAA. But we will see how he does perhaps in the pen going forward as well.

On the offensive side of the diamond, the Coyotes were 2nd in the league in walks with 255 and also second in home runs with 55 and led the circuit in stolen bases with 55. Here are the Kings CWL performances.

C Bob Burge had what we would call a break out showing for most of the CWL campaign as his average hovered around 400 for the first ⅔ of the schedule. He ended up with a 349/396/1033 batting line with a league leading 12 home runs and 28 RBI’s. He certainly gave the Kings fans something to look forward to this spring!

2B Chet Harris really enjoyed his time in Cuba as well. Playing SS he hit 310/394/854 with 6 home runs, 34 RBI’s and 32 runs scored. He was solid in the field playing SS in 384IP, he had a range of 5.32, a ZR of 5.6 and 1.068 def eff rating. He did make 12 errors but has shown enough that he will likely get some extension work this spring at SS.

OF Red Hinton who played exclusively in LF this winter also had a solid campaign, but tailed off towards the end of the schedule. He hit 264/431/978 with 11 home runs, 28 RBI’s and 38 runs scored. He was 10-17 on stolen base attempts. He showed that he could get on base and hit for power and could be a base stealing threat, but would probably benefit from a stint in the development lab next off-season working on his stolen base success rate.

RF Joe Cahill who many felt would not have warranted a spot here, played extremely well early but also tailed off towards the end. He hit 238/400/876, smashed 10 home runs and drove in 32 RBI’s. He also scored 10 runs.

OF Ralph Capriotti and MI Dale Carroll did not see a lot of game action. Neither started a game and Capriotti appeared as a pinch hitter 7 times going 2-7 with a run scored. Carroll appeared in 14 games and received 17 plate appearances. He was 4-13 with a double and 4 walks for a CWL line of 308/471/855.

The King’s prospects certainly provided the power to the Coyotes, while the Pioneers hitters added more of the speed element to the club.

Tomorrow will be the Cuban Winter Cup game and the Coyotes will send to the mound the King’s (and my vote for pitching MVP) P Alex Vaughan to the hill.

[DD Martin]

The CWL Cuban Cup Final

In a thrilling game, the Camaguey Coyotes hung on to win the CWL Cuban Cup 7-6 over Matanzas Buccaneers. For the Coyotes it was their first CWL title and also the first for any team the Kings have been associated with. Alex Vaughan got the win to improve to a CWL best ever 10 wins going 10-1, but this one was not easy. With the Coyotes up 7-2 heading into the bottom of the 6th, Ralph Hughes came up with the bases loaded and smash a grand slam home run to cut the deficit to one. Thankfully for Vaughan and the Coyotes, RP Willis Barth slammed the door shut to perserve the victory.

Whether the record campaign by Vaughan will be enough for him to earn a spot on the Kings staff for the 1952 season, will be a question decided in spring training. But after his performance down here in Cuba, Vaughan is hoping to hear these words from Kings Manager Jim Dudkiewicz " Get me Vaughan".

[DD Martin]

Update -

So some changes are coming to the FABL as some might have seen if they read This Week in Figment Sports. The league has been running as an online league for 26 seasons (26-51) and with that some multiple versions of OOTP (19-25) have seemed to cause issues with the behind the scences issues in the league rating (not seen by the GM's) and statistical outputs for the future. I agree we are not ready to see 80 home run seasons.

So we are having our commish realign things and also doing a series of sims that will take us from 1951, to the start of the 1969 season. You can get more details on this in the TWIFS article which I will pin below. So what I will be doing is more recap style of the season that past at year end. The current GM's are not running their clubs so things will be done thru the AI (oh heaven help us). I will likely do a season recap (maybe in 2 parts if the season is interesting), a draft recap, a prospect recap and just how things are going with the move to KC.

In the future there is a plot twist with the franchise, but that is way down the road, but the bluest skies you ever scene are not in KC.

For those of us in the league this is quite the adjustment as when we come out of the "fast forward cycle" the teams makeup will be completely different. The Kings were loaded with some young talent like CF Charlie Rogers, 3B Ken Newman, up and coming hopefuls like OF Al Capriotti, P Beau McClellan and several others. Most players will be retired, but maybe a few of these 22 and younger guys might be hanging around (in the league anyway) for their age 37-40 seasons. It should be an interesting ride and a little weird for me.

[DD Martin]

The First Home Game in Kansas City

A crowd of 28,771 came out to Prairie Park to see their new team, the Kansas City Kings take on the powerhouse Cleveland Foresters. Although by looking at the pre-season predictions some in the media are questioning the strength of the Foresters and based on their less than stellar attendance the town doesn't seem to caught up in the former World Series champs.

Taking the mound for the Kings in the home opener is 2nd year man Walt Staton who was 7-4 on the season with the Kings last year and 9-4 with 6 saves with a 2.06 ERA if you count his time in Detroit prior to the trade. Taking the hill for the Foresters is the Mad Professor Adrian Czerwinski who has won the last 3 CA Allen Awards.

Unfortunately for the hometown faithful looking to get a good look of the Kings, instead they got a real good look at the team I think is the pre-season favorite in the CA. The strong arm of Adrian Czerwinski dealt a lot of misery to the Kings. He tossed a complete-game shutout to spark the Cleveland Foresters to a 7-0 win. In today's contest at Prairie Park, Czerwinski limited Kansas City to 6 hits and had 3 strikeouts and 1 walk.

The Kings will try again tomorrow to score that first run and get their first win in Kansas City as they will battle the Foresters once again.