Field of Dreams

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #47
2017 Seattle Mariners (78-84) vs 1973 Philadelphia Phillies (71-91)

Playing hard on a regular basis but lacking the depth in pitching to really compete, Scott Servais had a talented batting order that could be dangerous on any given day. At the helm of the attack is Nelson Cruz who is often overlooked for accolades but is a consistent as they come. Cruz drove in 119 runs with an OPS .924 with 39 home runs. Robinson Cano enjoyed a brief spell in Seattle and drove in 97 runs with 33 doubles. Other offensive talent like Kyle Seager should not be overlooked and Mike Zunhino hit 25 home runs to provide unexpected power. With 24 starts and most of them good ones, James Paxton was the best the Mariners had to offer as the lefty had a 2.98 ERA. Yovanni Gallardo had seen his best days pass and couldnt really last the season with his lack of velocity. Felix Hernandez made 16 starts and could show flashes but his arm issues were just starting to act up. Ariel Miranda also made 29 starts but was not very impressive. The Mariners pen was decent with Edwin Diaz at only 23 flashing some good stuff at closer while Nick Vincent appeared in 69 games with only 13 walks allowed. Seattle is a decent team with some veteran talent that should give the Phillies trouble in this series.

Steve Carlton threw almost 300 innings in 1973 and struck out 223 batters with some truly nasty stuff. The lefty is truly dynamic but did lose 20 games while being touched up for 29 home runs along the way. Wayne Twitchell had an outstanding season with a 2.50 ERA in 28 starts while Ken Brett provided support as another lefty who won as many games as Carlton. Twenty two year old Dick Ruthven was given some chances and pitched well for his limited work as most Phillies startes had to go the distance or deep into games because of the pen issues. The Phlly pen was very shaky with Mac Scarce going 1-8 but did have 12 saves and a 2.42 ERA. Mike Schmidt played in 132 games but couldn't make enough contact and hit .194. The young Schmidt was still learning to hit while Greg Luzonski who was actually a year younger had figured it out blasting 29 home runs while slugging .484 and earning the nickname Bull. Denny Doyle and Larry Bowa are a hardnosed double play tandem that can turn games while catcher Bob Boone was quickly becoming respected for his arm and impressive pop at the plate. The Phillies did lose 91 games under Danny Ozark, but with Carlton in a seven game series one can not dismiss their chances.

Game 1 At Safeco Field
Indoors
1973 Phillies..................4
2017 Mariners...............8
WP: J. Paxton (1-0) LP: W. Twitchell (0-1)
HR: J. Segura (1), M. Zunino (1), T. Motter (1), N. Cruz (1), M. Schmidt 2 (2), D. Johnson (1)
POG: Mike Schmidt
2017 Mariners lead series 1-0
Mike Schmidt powered two home runs but Seattle as a club hit four of them as he Mariners come out on top in game one. The game was tied until the bottom of the 4th when Mike Zunino hit a home run to restore he lead and 2 more home runs including one by Nelson Cruz late. Steve Carlton takes the hill to try and tie the series for Philly in game 2.

Game 2 at Safeco Field
Indoors
1973 Phillies..................3
2017 Mariners................4
WP: A. Miranda (1-0) LP: S. Carlton (0-1) S: E. Diaz (1)
HR: N. Cruz (2), M. Anderson (1)
POG: Ariel Miranda
2017 Mariners lead series 2-0
Nelson Cruz hit a two run home run off of Steve Carlton in the 3rd inning of this game and the Mariners would hang on to take a two game lead in the series. Ariel Miranda struck out 8 and kept hold of the lead before the pen closed the door with Edwin Diaz getting the save. Mike Anderson had cut the lead to one with a two run home run but the Phils could not push another one across. Carlton struck out 8 in just over 4 innings of work in the loss.

Game 3 At Veterans Stadium
Partly cloudy 56
2017 Mariners........................4
1973 Phillies..........................5 (10 inn)
WP: M. Scarce (1-0) LP: E. Diaz (0-1)
HR: G. Luzinski (1), B. Boone (1), M. Anderson (2), D. Valencia (1), M. Zunino (2)
POG: Ken Brett
2017 Mariners lead series 2-1
The 1973 Phillies behind their fans came out ready in game two and built a 4-1 lead with Ken Brett looking good on the mound. Mike Zunino however smashed a two run home run in the 6th to cut the lead to one and in the 8th the Mariners loaded the bases and scored on a walk by Mike Wallace to tie the score. Wallace then struck out Kyle Seager with the bases loaded. The game moved to the 10th, where Mike Anderson closed the book on the evening with a walk off home run off Edwin Diaz down the left field line. Life again in Philly.

Game 4 At Veterans Stadium
Clear 63
2017 Mariners.....................6
1973 Phillies.......................0
WP: A. Moore (1-0) LP: J. Lonborg (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Andrew Moore
2017 Mariners lead series 3-1
A super bounce back game for the Mariners who take back complete control of the series thanks to a great outing by Andrew Moore. Moore went seven allowing no runs and two hits while Emilio Pagan struck out 5 to close it out. Jean Segura went 4-5 in the win and Jerrod Dyson drove in 2.

Game 5 At Veterans Stadium
Clear 50
2017 Mariners...................4
1973 Phillies.....................5
WP: D. Ruthven (1-0) LP: J. Paxton (1-1) S: M. Scarce (1)
HR: None
POG: Mike Scmidt
2017 Mariners lead series 3-2
Wayne Twitchell once again did not have his best stuff on the mound but helped his own cause at the plate with a bases clearing triple in the 4th inning to break a 1-1 tie. The Mariners would gradually fight back and chip away and it took 4 arms out of the Philly pen to close the door and move the series back to Seattle. Larry Bowa is hitting only .095 at the top of the order but is providing some crucial defensive plays. The Mariners look to their home fans to help them close out the series against Steve Carlton.

Game 6 At Safeco Field
Indoors
1973 Phillies....................5
2017 Mariners..................4
WP: S. Carlton (1-1) LP: A. Miranda (1-1) S: B. Wilson (1)
HR: N. Cruz (3), M. Zunino (3), B. Robinson (1), M. Schmidt 2 (4), D. Johnson (2)
POG: Mike Schmidt
Series tied at 3
The 1973 Phillies behind Steve Carlton and a two home run effort by Mike Schmidt survive against the Mariners by one run and force a game seven. Carlton only struck out three but held the early lead he was given through 6 innings of work. Along with Schmidt, Deron Johnson hit a crucial two run home run to put the visitors in place and in the end Bill Wilson closed out the ninth with the tying run on.

Game 7 At Safeco Field
Indoors
1973 Phillies......................4
2017 Mariners...................3
WP: K. Brett (1-0) LP: A. Albers (0-1) S: D. Ruthven (1)
HR: G. Luzinski (2)
POG: Andrew Albers
Ben Gamel put the home side up by 2 in the second inning on a hit off Ken Brett but the Phillies were not to be denied on this night. In the 5th Larry Bowa laced a two run double as the visitors put 3 on the board to take the lead for good. The Bull Luzinski hit a solo home run in the 6th and the Phillies did it all with the backing of only 3 hits. The Phillies pen bent but did not break and Dick Ruthven worked a perfect ninth to clinch the series. A great comeback by Philly who won the last 3 games of this series.

1973 Philadelphia Phillies Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Mike Schmidt
(.333, 4 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, .952 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #48
1930 Detroit Tigers (75-79) vs 1977 Toronto Blue Jays (54-107)

Still years away from their first championship, Bucky Harris was in the process of changing a culture at this club but the lack of pitching especially kept his team mediocre at best. The 4.70 team ERA was an eye sore and 31 year old George Uhle did his best to impersonate an ace. He went 12-12 with a 3.65 ERA that would lead the club; he was also first in WAR which should tell you more about the rest of the team. Lefty Earl Whitehill lead the club in wins with 17 while Vic Sorrell was right behind him with 16 but walked 106 batters while Whitehill had a WHIP up near 1.50. Thirty year old Waite Hoyt could also make a difference with his experience but the pen or any spot starter of dependability is hard to find on the roster. The is a sparkplug in the clubhouse and the middle of the diamond in Charlie Gehringer who hit .330 with 201 hits and will be a staple for years to come. Dale Alexander had a monster season driving in 135 runs with a 118 OPS+. Marty McManus is another good player stealing 23 bases and hitting an eye opening 40 doubles. Fellow outfielder John Stone also hit .311 while Mark Koenig brings experience from his time with the mighty Yankees including the 27 bombers. A far from perfect team gets a draw one would think could have them sigh a bit, but we have seen enough so far to no that no team from the history of the game is to be taken lightly.

In their very first season of existence of course the 77 Blue Jays had alot to learn and wernt much more then a novelty act. The club lost 107 games under Ray Hartsfield and were a club trying to pick up the pieces from all the other league clubs and their castoffs. Third baseman Ray Howell was the only regular to hit over .300 at .316 and he played in only 96 games. Thirty eight year old Ron Fairly played mostly DH but managed to lead the club with 19 home runs, the club only hit 100 of them combined. Catcher Alan Ashby and young outfielder Gary Woods tried to get their careers going but seemed stuck only under expectations and didn't perform. Otto Velez and and first baseman Doug Ault were two more names to keep an eye on, but in truth the position players here couldn't really run at all and had some glaring defenses gaps. As expected the pitching story is not much better at all. Three players make 33 starts or more as Dave Lemanczvk lead with 13 wins and an ERA+ of 99. Jerry Garvin just couldnt keep the ball in the park allowing 33 home runs and Jesse Jefferson in his 33 turns lost 17 games although be pitched better then that. Promise may come from 24 year old Pete Vukovich out of the pen who showed promise while 20 year old prospect Jeff Byrd went 2-13 in his 17 starts and would carry much of that the rest of his career. So now lets see just how much magic another 100 loss club can muster together, or will the Tigers do to the Jays exactly what everyone expects them to?

Game 1 At Navin Field
Rain 62
1977 Blue Jays......................4
1930 Tigers...........................10
WP: G. Uhle (1-0) LP: D. Lemanczyk (0-1)
HR: C. Gehringer (1)
POG: Charlie Gehringer
1930 Tigers lead series 1-0
Al Woods hit a two run double in the top of the first inning off George Uhle as the Blue Jays jumped on their hosts for three runs in the first. The visitors held the lead even as the Tigers began to chip away. In the 7th the home favorites broke out as Dale Alexander had a two run hit and an error opened up a five run frame. Detroit would end the game with 16 hits and Charlie Gehringer also going deep in the 8th. First blood to the Tigers.

Game 2 At Navin Field
Clear 66
1977 Blue Jays.......................6
1930 Tigers.............................5
WP: J. Jefferson (1-0) LP: E. Whitehill (0-1)
HR: O. Velez (1), M. McManus (1)
POG: Jesse Jefferson
Series tied at 1
Otto Velez hit a three run home run in the 8th inning with two outs to turn game two on its head as the Jays scored 4 runs in the inning and held on to tie the series. Earl Whitehill appeared to have it all working as the starter for the Tigers but a loss of control and some big hits see the Tigers let this one slip away. Marty McManus had hit a three run home run in the 5th to establish the lead in the 5th, but it would not hold up.

Game 3 At Exhibition Stadium
Clear 53
1930 Tigers.......................2
1977 Blue Jays.................3
WP: J. Garvin (1-0) LP: V. Sorrell (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Jerry Garvin
1977 Blue Jays lead series 2-1
Another big hit, this time late, brings the Jays one step closer to an upset. Doug Ault came up with the bases loaded and his team down 2 runs when he tripled to right field off of Vic Sorrell who had been so good, clearing the bases and giving the home team the lead. Jerry Garvin would close it out in the 9th winning despite allowing 11 hits and walking five. The Tigers took the early lead but sat on it, costing them late once again.

Game 4 At Exhibition Stadium
Partly cloudy 49
1930 Tigers.......................11
1977 Blue Jays..................13
WP: J. Byrd (1-0) LP: E. Hogsett (0-1) S: P. Vuckovich (1)
HR: R. Hayworth (1), M. Koenig (1)
Player of the game: Ron Fairly
1977 Blue Jays lead series 3-1
Sometimes desire means more then anything and with the wind blowing out at Exhibition Stadium, the 1977 Blue Jays come back to win again. This time they were down 9-0 but scored 12 runs in two innings and ended with 18 hits stunning Detroit. Ron Fairley went 5-6 with 3 RBI while hitting three doubles. The Blue Jays had seven doubles in the game offset a 17 hit effort by Detroit. Now one win away, the expansion Jays look to close things out after an incredible win.

Game 5 At Exhibition Stadium
Clear 51
1930 Tigers......................10
1977 Blue Jays.................7
WP: G. Uhle (2-0) LP: D. Lemanczyk (0-2) S: W. Hoyt (1)
HR: R. Fairly (1), R. Johnson (1), B. Akers (1), C. Gehringer (2)
POG: Bill Akers
1977 Blue Jays lead series 3-2
The 1930 Tigers get off the big lead early again and this time hang on to force the series back to Detroit. Bill Akers goes 3-5 with a home run and three RBI while ROy Johnson and Charlie Gehringer also go deep. The game saw 5 errors and wasnt played well, Ron Fairly made a game of it late with a three run home run. Waite Hoyt closed out the win and now the Tigers look to extend the series to seven games.

Game 6 At Navin Field
Partly cloudy 53
1977 Blue Jays.....................10
1930 Tigers............................4
WP: J. Jefferson (2-0) LP: E. Whitehill (0-2)
HR: O. Velez (2), D. McKay (1)
POG: Otto Velez
Sometimes you can see things coming, and this entire series the Blue Jays have poured on runs late in ballgames, and a seven run 7th inning in this one was the final nail in the major upset victory. Otto Velez hit a grand slam off of Earl Whitehill who wilted allowing 8 earned runs and 10 hits. Steve Staggs went 4-5 with 2 runs while Jesse Jefferson wins his second game of the series. Another 100 loss team is moving on.

1977 Toronto Blue Jays Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Ron Fairly
(.391, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 4 R, .444 OPB, .696 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #49
2018 Minnesota Twins (78-84) vs 1936 Boston Bees (71-83)

Paul Molitor, definitely a players manager, fell short in 2018 falling below expectations. The Twins looked for steady pitching and acquired the likes of Lance Lynn who did not pan out while Fernando Rodney had his ups and downs closing out 25 games. Young arm Jose Berrios made a good impact starting 32 games and winning 12 games but he did lose concentration at times allowing 25 home runs. Jose Odorizzi and Kyle Gibson rounded off the rotation but neither were world beaters. Eddie Rosario and Max Kepler did their best to provide some pop in an order that tended to play a small ball mentality that Molitor preferred; they were the only two batters with more then 20 homers. Brian Dozier really had a fall back year as the league caught up to him and 35 year old Joe Mauer wound down his Hall of Fame career at first base and still managed 27 doubles. Byron Buxton and Manuel Sano were to other names you may know on the roster, but neither could do much or ever hit over .200. This Twins team could be difficult to predict in a seven game series because they tend to be quite inconsistent and streaky.

The 36 Boston Bees were a franchise sinking fast in results and in reputation. Manager Bill McKechnie was a long time baseball man and did well to get 71 wins and has always had a reputation of getting the most from his players. If you are looking for a star, outfielder Wally Berger is the closest thing you will find. The 30 year old slugged .483 with 25 home runs to lead the team while first baseman Buck Jordan had 179 hits and hit an impressive .323. Tony Cuccinello had 86 RBI and an OPS of .776 also making him a key contributor in this lineup. Al Lopez is a competent defensive catcher while Gene Moore is another left sided bat that produced 38 doubles and an impressive 12 triples. Danny Macfayden is the ace of the staff and a good one at that winning 17 games with a 2.87 ERA and 1.2 WHIP. A lack of soutpaws in the rotation could pose some matchup problems as little known Tiny Chaplin and Johnny Lanning will look to make an impact as the nest best starters. Bob Smith starter 11 games and also ended with 8 saves being the rubber arm for the club when needed. Hard to predict how the Bees will fare against the Twins, as two imperfect clubs from two very different eras fight it out.

Game 1 at Target Field
Partly cloudy 50
1936 Bees.......................3
2018 Twins....................2 (14 inn)
WP: R. Benge (1-0) LP: T. Rogers (0-1)
HR: W. Berger (1), A. Lopez (1), J. Cave (1)
POG: Danny MacFayden
1936 Bees lead series 1-0
Wally Berger opened the first inning with a two run home run but the Bees would no score again for 13 more innings. Danny MacFayden and Jose Berrios each went 8 innings strong and a Jake Cave home run tied this game at 2 in the 7th. Great pitching continued into the late hours as Target Field before Al Lopez in his 6th at bat. homered in the 14th off Taylor Rogers for the difference in game one.

Game 2 At Target Field
Rain 50
1936 Bees............................2
2018 Twins.........................9
WP: J. Odorizzi (1-0) LP: T. Chaplin S: R. Pressly
HR: A. Lopez (2)
POG: Jake Odorizzi
Series tied at 1
Al Lopez hit another home run for the Bees but the Twins were in no mood for extra innings as they poured 6 runs on the board in the 8th inning to pull away and tie this series. Max Kepler went 3-4 and scored 3 runs while Joe Mauer and Mitch Garver both had big RBI hits with the bases loaded. Jake Odorizzi struck out five for the win working into the seventh as the Twins look for momentum heading to Braves field.

Game 3 At Braves Field
Clear 56
2018 Twins................1
1936 Bees.................2 (12 inn)
WP: R. Benge (2-0) LP: A. Reed (0-1)
HR: P. Whitney (1)
POG: Kyle Gibson
1936 Bees lead series 2-1
Another tight and tense extra inning game and this one ends with a walk off home run. Bill Weir and Kyle Gibson battled it out before the pens took over as the Twins used 7 pitchers in this one. In the end Pnky Whitney lofted a ball over the wall off of Addison Reed to give the Bees the lead in the series.

Game 4 At Braves Field
Clear 51
2018 Twins.......................11
1936 Bees.........................9 (11 inn)
WP: G. Moya (1-0) LP: B. Brown (0-1)
HR: E. Escobar 2 (2), B. Dozier (1), A. Lopez (3), W. Berger (2), G. Moore (1)
POG: Eduardo Escobar
Series tied at 2
The third extra inning game of the series and a wild one at that with 20 runs scored. Al Lopez hit a grand slam in the first inning as the Bees had a 5-2 lead all the way to the 7th inning. The Twins broke it open with 7 runs in the frame as Eduardo Escobar had a day, driving in 6 runs with 2 home runs. The Bees tied the game in dramatic fashion in the ninth when Gene Moore hit a two out home run. In the 11th however Brian Dozier made the differance with a 2 run home run off of Bob Brown.

Game 5 At Braves Field
Partly cloudy 45
2018 Twins.......................6
1936 Bees........................2
WP: J. Berrios (1-0) LP: D. MacFayden (0-1) S: T. May (1)
HR: J. Polanco (1)
POG: Jose Berrios
2018 Twins lead series 3-2
Boston held a slim 2-1 lead behind Danny MacFayden but as the starters arm tired, the Twins took control of the game. That man again Eduardo Escobar hit a two run double in the 8th to give the Twins the lead for good, they would add two more in the 9th as shortstop Jose Polanco hit a homer with a man on. Jose Berrios went seven strong in the win and the Twins now look to close it out, heading back to Minnesota.

Game 6 At Target Field
Clear 50
1936 Bees........................10
2018 Twins........................9
WP: A. Blanche (1-0) LP: F. Rodney (0-1) S: B. Smith (1)
HR: J. Polanco (2), J. Mauer (1), R. Grossman (1), B. Dozier (2), E. Escobar (3); T. Thompson (1), A. Lopez 2 (5), G. Moore (2)
POG: Al Lopez
Series tied at 3
A great series keeps getting better. Down to their last strike and Francisco Rodney on the mound, the Boston Bees looked to their little third baseman Pinky Whitlney with the bases loaded. A double scored two and gave the Bee's the lead they would hold on to, to force a game seven. Boston had the lead before the Twins put 5 runs up in the as Eduardo Escobar hit a three run home run, he has an astounding 12 RBI in the series. Al Lopez has hit 5 home runs, two more in this one. Neither club seems to want to blink, but a winning side will be decided one way or another in game seven.

Game 7 At Target Field
Clear 47
1936 Bees....................2
2018 Twins...................3
WP: T. Rogers (1-1) LP: B. Reis (0-1)
HR: E. Escobar (4)
POG: Eduardo Escobar
Every time the Boston Bees would score a run this series, it seemed like Eduardo Escobar had an answer. Twice the Bees took the lead in game seven and twice Escobar answered including his 4th home run of the series, the thrid baseman had 14 RBI in the seven games. The game remained tied and tense until the 8th, where Jorge Polanco hit a drive to the outfield that was caught, and Joe Mauer tagged and beat the throw. Al Lopez went 2-4 and ended with 10 RBI in the series for the losing side. Minnesota would hang on to close the door and win a very well played and tight series.

2018 Minnesota Twins Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Eduardo Escobar
(.419, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 5 2B, 1.032 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #50
1958 Washington Senators (61-93) vs 1969 San Diego Padres (51-110)

Baseball was already dying in Washington as this Senators club finished last in the AL again and was also dead last in interest and attendance. manager Cookie Lavengetto tried his best to field a competitive team, but the tail winds were blowing and Griffith Stadium would soon be left behind. The club hit only .240 without a single man over .300; Roy Sievers hit .295 and really had an unbelievable season hitting 39 home runs with a .900 OPS. Jim Lemon struck out 120 times, a massive number for the era, but still hit 25 long ones and 75 RBI. Eddie Yost walked 81 times for a .361 OBP while catcher Clint Courtney hit 18 doubles while driving in 62 runs, very good production for the position. At only 23 years old Cuban Pedro Ramos lead the rotation in innings and had some impressive outings throwing four shutouts. Ramos was aided by 24 year old Camilo Pascual who had a 3.15 ERA with some nasty command. It was hard to find light beyond the the young arms but in the pen the Senators had an excellent option in Dick Hyde. Hyde pitched in over 100 innings going 10-3 with a glittering 1.75 ERA. There is some good individual success on this club and some young talent to take in, the fact they are playing a 110 loss team in the prelims should make them look even better then what they are.

As one franchise was dying, another was being born out in San Diego. Yes the expansion Padres did lose 110 games but the region was bolstered by their first professional sports team and the young Padres will surely have nothing to lose in this series. Talent like 25 year old Ollie Brown was fun to watch as the outfielder made some nice plays and hit 20 home runs wiht 150 hits. First baseman Nate Colbert had some people talking as at only 23 years old, he slugged .482 and ripped over 20 doubles and home runs. The middle of the infield was very poor and another young player, outfielder Cito Gaston wasnt really panning out at the plate but did have good range in centerfield. A 36 year old Johnny Podres was closing out his career and must have had a good influence on a young rotation. Clay Kirby lost 20 games but kept his team in games with a 3.80 ERA while Joe Niekro started using the knuckleball and pitched three shutouts. Al Santorini was another kid at 21 years old that started in 30 games with some expected bumps while the pen was made mostly of throwaway journey men who were just trying to hang on. I am not going to keep harping on how well 100 loss clubs have done so far in this competition but it is a glaring highlight thus far, lets see what the baby Padres can do.

Game 1 At Griffith Stadium
Cloudy 70
1969 Padres.....................8
1958 Senators.................10
WP: C. Pascual (1-0) LP: D. Selma (0-1) S: D. Hyde (1)
HR: E. Yost (1), J. Lemon (1), N. Colbert (1)
POG: Eddie Yost
1958 Senators lead series 1-0
Coming out with fire in their eyes, the 1958 Senators put 9 runs on the board in the very first inning knocking Dick Selma way out of the game and setting up their opening win. Eddie Yost hit a three run home run to start the parade and later Jim Lemon would add a homer with 3 RBI and and 2 runs. The Padres didnt quit and made a game of it late but the deficit was just too much to overcome. Camilo Pascual struck out 11 in the win.

Game 2 At Griffith Stadium
Rain 68
1969 Padres....................3
1958 Senators.................6
WP: WP: R. Kemmerer (1-0) LP: A. Santorini (0-1)
HR: A. Ferrara (1), N. Zauchin (1)
POG: Russ Kemmerer
1958 Senators lead series 2-0
Russ Kremmender not only pithed a good game to win, but took things into his own hands and broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning with an RBI single. Kemmerer would go the distance striking out five and allowing 3 earned runs on seven hits. Norm Zauchin also hit a two run home run for the winning side as the Senators look to be in control as the series heads to San Diego.

Game 3 At San Diego Stadium
Partly cloudy 69
1958 Senators....................1
1969 Padres.......................6
WP: D. Kelley (1-0) LP: P. Ramos (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dick Kelley
1958 Senators lead series 2-1
Playing back at home the Padres got exactly the start they were hoping for as Dick Kelley goes nine complete allowing 4 hits and striking out 8. Ollie Brown came to life going 2-3 and driving in three runs while Ivan Murrell scored two from the leadoff spot. A comfortable win for the Padres in front of 41,408 fans.

Game 4 At San Diego Stadium
Partly cloudy 73
1958 Senators.......................11
1969 Padres...........................0
WP: J. Romonosky (1-0) LP: C. Kirby (0-1)
HR: J. Lemon (2)
POG: Joe Romonosky
1958 Senators lead series 3-1
Jim Lemon hit a home run in the very first inning with a man on and the Senators scored 5 runs off Clay Kirby in the opening 2 innings to set up an easy win in game four. Behind the effort was also Joe Romonosky who relaxed after all the run support and worked into the 9th inning allowing only four hits and no runs. The Senators now in control, look to win it in 5.

Game 5 At San Diego Stadium
Partly cloudy 64
1958 Senators....................0
1969 Padres.......................5
WP: D. Selma (1-1) LP: C. Pascual (1-1)
HR: R. Pena (1)
POG: Dick Selma
1958 Senators lead series 3-2
Dick Selma made a determined effort to keep the Padres in the series and threw a gem of a game allowing only two hits in a shutout effort, while striking out seven. Roberto Pena went 3-3 with 3 runs scored and a two run home run while Tony Gonzalez went 3-4 with 3 RBI on the evening. The local fans gave Selma and their club appreciation as they won 2 out of 3 at home and now head back the Griffith Stadium.

Game 6 At Griffith Stadium
Rain 63
1969 Padres...............0
1958 Senators............3
WP: A. Santorini (1-1) LP: R. Kemmerer (1-1)
HR: T. Gonzalez (1), O. Brown (1)
POG: Al Santorini
Series tied at 3
Now shut out two games in a row, the 1958 Senators are forced to play a game seven to avoid the upset. This time it was Al Santorini who followed the footsteps of Dick Selma and threw a shutout. Two solo home runs in the third inning were enough as the Padre starter tore through the Washington lineup. Now the series comes down to one winner take all matchup, Pedro Ramos for the Senators will face off against Dick Kelley.

Game 7 At Griffith Stadium
Partly cloudy 57
1969 Padres......................6
1958 Senators...................1
WP: D. Kelley (2-0) LP: P. Ramos (0-2)
HR: O. Brown (2), N. Colbert (2)
POG: Dick Kelley
The 110 loss Padres completed their comeback with another outstanding start behind Dick Kelley. Kelley went the distance and makes it three games in which the Senators totaled one run. Ollie Brown and Nate Colbert went deep in this one and an error in the ninth by Jerry Davanon really opened up the lead. The Padres once again showing that losing over 100 games mean nothing when playing OOTP.

1969 San Diego Padres Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Ollie Brown
(.345, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1 SB, .621 LG, 5 R)

[igor7111]

I love this.

[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...................Eduardo Escobar (2018 Twins) 14
Strikeouts.........Jim Bunning (1964 Phillies) 25
Longest HR.......Billy Herman (1941 Cubs) 504 FT

Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Davey Johnson 15
Winning %...........Clark Griffith .889

Hall of Famers
Culminative 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...................Al Lopez (5)
RBI..................Al Lopez (12)
Runs...............Tim Raines (15)
Hits.................Barry Larkin (21)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (8)
2B...................Roberto Alomar (5)
3B...................Pie Traynor (2)
AB..................Barry Larkin (69)
SLG................Earl Averill (1.167)
Wins...............Jim Bunning (4)
IP....................Jim Bunning (41)
K.....................Jim Bunning (43)
ERA................Warren Spahn (0.00)
K/9..................Gaylor Perry (11.41)
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
Arizona Dbacks....................0-0
Atlanta/Mil Braves................1-0
Baltimore Orioles..................1-5
Boston Braves/Beans...........1-3
Boston Red Sox...................3-0
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers...........3-3
Chicago Cubs......................2-3
Chicago White Sox..............2-2
Cincinnati Reds...................3-5
Cleveland Indians/Naps......0-4
Colorado Rockies................0-0
Detroit Tigers......................4-5
Florida/Miami Marlins......... 1-0
Houston Astros....................0-0
KC Royals...........................1-1
Los Angeles Angels.............0-3
Milwaukee Brewers.............1-2
Minnesota Twins..................1-2
Montreal Expos...................2-0
New York Mets....................1-0
New York Yankees...............1-0
New York/SF Giants.............3-0
Philadelphia Phillies.............3-0
Philadelphia/Oak A's............3-2
Pittsburgh Pirates.................3-2
San Diego Padres................3-3
Seattle Mariners...................0-1
St. Louis Browns..................1-0
St. Louis Cardinals...............1-2
Tampa Bay Rays..................1-0
Texas Rangers.....................1-1
Toronto Blue Jays.................2-0
Washingtion Nationals..........0-0
Washington Senators...........1-1

Records By Decade
1900's.............................1-2
1910's.............................7-2
1920's.............................1-3
1930's.............................2-5
1940's.............................2-3
1950's.............................6-2
1960's.............................7-1
1970's.............................5-6
1980's.............................5-5
1990's.............................6-8
2000's.............................6-4
2010's.............................2-10


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.
Series 31 - Glendon Rusch throws a Maddux. A two hit shutout on only 95 pitches without a walk.
Series 48 - Ron Fairly goes 5-6 with 3 doubles and a home run in 13-10 win.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #51
1978 San Diego Padres (84-78) vs 2011 Los Angeles Dodgers (82-79)

Quite a good team in 1978 in San Diego, maybe not a post season winner but a club that left alot of Hall of Fame talent on the field. The marquee names are Dave Winfield and Ozzie Smith who first of all were tow of the very best defensively at their positions. Of course Smith may have been the best player ever to put on a glove, and his 40 stolen bases make him a dynamic player in the lineup. Winfield showed off all his tools hitting .308 with 97 RBI and a 151 OPS+. Of all these stars, it was Gene Tenace who lead the team in WAR and walked over 100 times with a .392 OBP. Oscar Gamble added to the depth of the outfield as did Gene Richards who scored 90 runs to lead the team. The Padres as a unit were fabulous on defense and that asset helped the pitching staff. Gaylord Perry went 21-6 with a 2.73 ERA with an ERA plus of 121. Randy Jones didnt have the same luck but was also very solid in his outings with a 2.88 ERA and seven complete games. Helping establish the team ERA of 3.28 were Bob Owchinko and Eric Rasmussen who complete the rotation. In the pen was the dominant presence of Rollie Fingers who didnt deserve to lose 13 games but still managed 37 saves and a 2.52 ERA. Anyway you look at it, including their winning record, proves that this Padres club was quite good and could beat you in a number of ways.

Just a little north lie the Dodgers who also had a winning record in 2011. Twenty one year old Cleyton Kersahw won 21 games and was a prodigy at work from the left side striking out 248 batters with a 0.977 WHIP. Hiroki Kuroda and Ted Lilly were not quite that good, but helped maintain a good Dodger rotation although they combined for 30 losses and Lilly allowed 28 home runs, Chad Billingsly also made over 30 starts with a 4.21 ERA but he did have his bouts with wildness. Mike Macdougal and Kenly Jansen were both in set up roles begging off to the closer Javy Guerra who notched 21 saves. Matt Kemp was the star of the show and in some circles considered the best player in the game at this point. Kemp hit .324 with a .399 OBP and 39 home runs, not to mention his 40 stolen bases. Kemp could also go get it with the glove proving that all of his tools are legit. The remainder of the lineup was rather weak to be honest with Andre Eithier and James Loney some other bats that will try to support Kemp. Dee Grodon and Tony Gwynn Jr both stole over 20 bases but the team as a whole had an OBP of only .322. An evern matchup between two California teams in a series that most would say could go either way, but on strickly a talent basis, one would have to consider the Padres as the favorites.

Game 1 At San Diego Stadium
Clear 71
2011 Dodgers...................4
1978 Padres.....................3
WP: C. Kershaw (1-0) LP: G. Perry (0-1) S: J. Guerra (1)
HR: None
POG: Clayton Kershaw
2011 Dodgers lead series 1-0
A good opening win for the Dodgers who saw Clayton Kershaw strike out seven and not allow a hit until the 6th inning in his win. The Dodgers built a 4-0 lead thanks to four errors by the Padres but the home team did score 3 in the 8th to make the game interesting. Javy Guerra closed things out while Jamey Carroll and James Loney both had three hits in the win.

Game 2 At San Diego Stadium
Clear 70
2011 Dodgers.................7
1978 Padres...................2
WP: H. Kuroda (1-0) LP: R. Jones (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Hiroki Kuroda
2011 Dodgers lead series 2-0
The 78 Padres took an early first inning lead against the Dodgers and Hiroki Kuroda but Los Angeles stayed patient before they stormed back. In the 6th inning down one, James Loney and AJ Ellis both drove in runs with singles and a wild pitch by Randy Jones made it a 3 run inning. The Dodgers would add 3 more and Kiroda would settle down to go 8 innings walking none and allowing 4 hits in the win. LA is in complete control heading to their home park.

At Dodger Stadium
Clear 64
1978 Padres...................7
2011 Dodgers.................5
WP: B. Shirley (1-0) LP: C. Billingsly (0-1)
HR: M. Kemp (1)
POG: Bob Shirley
2011 Dodgers lead series 2-1
The 78 Padres were determined to make this a series and pull off the win in LA as starter Bob Shirley not only pitched 7 quality innings for the win but cleared the bases with a double in the 2nd. Gene Tenace and Dave Winfield each drove in two more and despite a late Dodger rally, the game was at hand for San Diego early in this one.

Game 4 At Dodger Stadium
Clear 70
1978 Padres.....................6
2011 Dodgers...................0
WP: B. Owchinko (1-0) LP: T. Lilly (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Owchinko
Series tied at 2
The Dodgers this time played sloppy baseball with two errors capped by some silent bats as the road club wins again to even this series. Bob Owchinko was the man of the night throwing 8 innings of shutout ball striking out 10 batters on seven hits. Now Clayton Kershaw and Gaylord Perry face off in an even series game five.

At Dodger Stadium
Clear 64
1978 Padres......................4
2011 Dodgers....................1 (12 inn)
WP: D. Spillner (1-0) LP: M. Guerrier (0-1)
HR: D. Winfield (2), T. Ashford (1), R. Furcal (1)
POG: Gaylord Perry
1978 Padres lead series 3-2
It was all the game you would expect as Kershaw and Perry battled into the late innings with a 1-1 score. Rollie Fingers came on for the Padres and pitched 3 perfect innings while the Dodger pen held on as well in what became a tense affair. Into the 12th with two outs and two on, pinch hitter Tucker Ashford launched a 3-2 pitch over the left field wall for three runs and the Padres broke Dodger hearts again winning all three games in LA. Can San Diego close out the series?

Game 6 At San Diego Stadium
64 clear
2011 Dodgers.....................5
1978 Padres.......................0
WP: H. Kuroda (2-0) LP: R. Jones (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Hiroki Kuroda
Series tied at 3
No celebrations tonight in San Diego as the Dodgers lead by Hiroki Kuroda shut out the Padres and force a game seven. It was the second great start by Kuroda who walked only one and struck out seven in the complete nine. In 17 innings Kuroda has allowed only 2 earned runs. Tony Gwynn went 2-4 and Andre Eithier drove in two runs as LA didnt need much to secure this win. The even series now comes down to one dramatic game.

Game 7 At San Diego Stadium
Clear 63
2011 Dodgers........................0
1978 Padres..........................1 (10 inn)
WP: D. Spillner (2-0) LP: J. Guerra (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Shirley
Seems as if nothing could seperate these two teams, and as Dave Winfield stepped up in the 10th inning, a wonderful scoreless game seven had played itself out. Winfield lined a drive down the right field line and Gene Richards raced all the way around third and beat the relay throw at the plate on a close play to close out the series. A great finish to a great game where Chad Billingsley and Bob Shirley were excellent in keeping their teams in it and San Diego especially left 9 men on the bases. One of the best series we have seen so far, hard to think one could get more tight.

1978 San Diego Padres Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Dave Winfield
(.290, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 SB, 5 R, 2 outfield assists, walk off game seven)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #52
1906 New York Highlanders (90-61) vs 2017 Milwaukee Brewers (86-76)

The great Yankee dynasty in its infancy was a small club that played on a hill outside of Manhattan and was a shadow of the real team in the big apple which were the Giants. Still this New York team was lead by a very competent manager in Clark Griffith who also pitched a little but was primarily the general of this club that finished an upstart second in the AL. Al Orth and Jack Chesbro made an awesome duo in the starting rotation logging 650 innings and 60 complete games. Orth won 27 games while Chesbro struck out 154 batters, the team ERA sparkled even for the era at 2.78. Bill Hogg had most the rest of the starts and Walter Clarkson worked 151 innings in numerous roles holding his ERA firm at 2.32. The great Willie Keeler makes his first appearance at the age of 34 and out of his 180 hits, 167 of them were singles; he still scored 96 runs. Hal Chase at first base was also a star of his day hitting .323 but also having one of the smoothest gloves ever at first; there were real questions about his character however, Wid Conroy was the team leader in steals while Kid Elberfeld was a Cobb type player who owned the middle of the diamond whether you liked it or not. A great character team of the deadball era with some real talent, the New York American League club will be something to watch against a club over 100 years older.

Not an overly talented roster or offense, the 17 Brewers still managed to win 86 games and much of that was due to the dominant pen that they had. It will be interesting to see what role the pen plays in this series against a deadball era team and settings. Ryan Braun still sits in the middle of the batting order slugging ,487 but did miss almost 60 games. Travis Shaw was the most consistent bat hitting 31 bombs and driving in 101 runs while Eric Thames matched Shaw in home runs but did his damaged mostly without men on base. Twenty two year old Orlando Arcia 140 hits and 15 home runs in what was a decent season while Jonathan Villar stole 23 bases and brought some good glove work to the keystone when he was healthy. In the pen is the dominant Josh Hader who was 23 years old and just coming into his own while closer Corey Knebel was difficult to hit saving 39 games with a 1.78 ERA. The Brewers pen was really something special but it wasn't matched by a rotation that didnt have the stellar ace, something the Brewers can say for most of their history. Zach Davis had the most starts but had an ERA at 3.90 and was likely better suited as a number 3 in a rotation. Jimmy Nelson and Matt Garza didnt stay healthy for the entire season and could not be depended on. In fact 13 different pitchers had starts in 2017 for Milwaukee, of course the Highlanders do not even field that many arms in a complete season. The contrasts are great between to totally different universes of the game, but that is what could make it so much fun to watch.

Game 1 At Hilltop Park
Rain 57 (Delay 55 min)
2017 Brewers......................2
1906 Highlanders..............4
WP: L. Leroy (1-0) LP: C. Knebel (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Al Orth
1906 Highlanders lead series 1-0
In an expected pitchers duel, Al Orth and Jimmy Nelson battled into the late innings with the visiting Brewers holding a 2-1 lead into the 8th. Reliever Corey Knebel came on and saw the lead evaporate as Kid Elberfield tied the game with an RBI double and Jimmy Williams gave his side the win with a 2 run single. Orth struck out 6 in his effort and it was clear that the Brewers were off balance, especially when dealing with what may have been a splitter. Advantage New York.

Game 2 At Hilltop Stadium
Partly cloudy 66
2017 Brewers.....................0
1906 Highlanders.............3
WP: J. Chesbro (1-0) LP: Z. Davies (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Jack Chesbro
1906 Highlanders lead series 2-0
It is clear that the Highlanders are quite comfortable playing at home with their dominant arms doing their thing. In this one, Jack Chesbro made the Brewers look foolish again going nine innings in a shutout without walking a batter and striking out seven. Willie Keeler went 2-4 with an RBI on a rare double while Jimmy Wlliams drove in another run. Milwaukee desperately hopes fortunes will change as the series heads to Miller Park.

Game 3 at Miller Park
Partly cloudy 62
1906 Highlanders...............2
2017 Brewers.......................3
WP: C. Anderson (1-0) LP: B. Hogg (0-1) S: C. Knebel (1)
HR: None
POG: Chase Anderson
1906 Highlanders lead series 2-1
Chase Anderson not only pitched a nice game, he also broke the ice with a 2 run single in the 2nd inning that gave the Brewers their first lead of the series. Milwuakee would hang on as Anderson walked none while Corey Knebel bounced back to close out the one run win. Domingo Santana went 3-5 in this win.

Game 4 At Miller Park
Roof closed
1906 Highlanders.................4
2017 Brewers.........................5
WP: J. Nelson (1-0) LP: A. Orth (0-1) S: C. Knebel (2)
HR: None
POG: Jimmy Nelson
Series tied at 2
At tight game at Miller Park but the home team wins again as the Brew Crew have now tied this series. Ryan Braun drove in two important runs as Al Orth was not as good as he was in game one. Domingo Santana broke a 4-4 tie in the 5th inning and the pens would keep the game scoreless the rest of the way. Corey Knebel gets his second game of the series as Jimmy Nelson gets the win going seven innings and allowing 4 runs on 4 K's and no walks.

Game 5 At Miller Park
Roof closed
1906 Highlanders....................2
2017 Brewers............................1
WP: J. Chesbro (2-0) LP: Z. Davies (0-2) S: L. LeRoy (1)
HR: W. Conroy (1)
POG: Jack Chesbro
1906 Highlanders lead series 3-2
Another dramatic game as the Brewers had the tying run on third base in the 9th with only one out and Clark Griffith decided to remove Jack Chesbro and go to Louis LeRoy who worked out of the jam with a pop out and flyout. Orth had battled Zach Davies and the visitors hung on to the slim lead thanks to a solo home run by Wid Conroy. Chesbro again walked no one while striking out six while Davies allowed only 2 earned runs in 9 innings. Now the New Yorkers look to end the series at home.

Game 6 At Hilltop Park
56 partly cloudy
2017 Brewers.......................6
1906 Highlanders...............1
WP: C. Anderson (2-0) LP: B. Hogg (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Chase Anderson
Series tied at 3
Chase Anderson allowed 10 hits but kept the Highlanders down to a single run in 8 innings and also helped his own cause with a 2 run single. Domingo Santana added two more RBI and a 4 run second inning did most of the damage. This very even series now comes down to a single game as Al Orth tries to win it for New York against Jimmy Nelson.

Game 7 At Hilltop Park
Partly cloudy 56
2017 Brewers.............................4
1906 Highlanders.....................1
WP: J. Nelson (2-0) LP: A. Orth (0-2) S: J. Barnes (1)
HR: J. Aguilar (1)
POG: Jimmy Nelson
Jimmy Nelson brought his best stuff in game seven going 8 strong innings while allowing only 4 hits on 112 pitches. The game was tied at one when Ryan Braun singled in the go ahead run in the 6th inning. The biggest blow came in the 7th when Jesus Aguilar took Al Orth out of the park with a man on to increase the Brewer lead to 3. Jacob Barnes would close it out and Milwuakee defeats the deadball Highlanders in a tight seven game series by winning the last two games on the road.

2017 Milwaukee Brewers Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Jimmy Nelson
(2-0, 2.05 ERA, 7 K, 2 BB, 0.82 WHIP, .213 OBA)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #53
2004 St. Louis Cardinals (105-57) vs 1981 California Angels (51-59)

One of the best regular season Cardinal clubs of any era, the 2004 team rolled through the National League before losing to the storybook Red Sox. Tony LaRussa had a wonderful roster and at the head of it was Albert Pujols who at 24 years old had an OPS of 1.072. His 46 home runs and 51 doubles sparkled next to his .331 average as King Albert was truly at the height of his powers. Scott Rolen actually lead the club in WAR driving in 124 runs while playing his all world defense at third base. Jim Edmonds hit 42 home runs and walked over 100 times while also being a generational talent in centerfield. Reggie Sanders stole 21 bases at 36 years of age while 21 year old Yadier Molina was just breaking in behind Mike Matheny. The Cardinal defense as mentioned was stellar, and the Cardinal arms took full advantage, Matt Morris won 15 games but did get knocked around at times in his 200 innings of work while Jason Marquis made the most of his stuff also winning 15 games and throwing well in some big games. Woody Williams and the popular Chris Carpenter did their best to provide depth as the rotation worked off of each other without an established ace. Jason Isringhausen saved 47 games and was a closer with all the stuff for this winning team. The Cardinals are an excellent ballclub and should be very tough to beat in a seven game series.

Jim Fregosi didnt last the entire 1981 season but then again not much was normal at all the strike shortened season for baseball. The Angels had a nice first half winning 51 games but struggled as the year went on and finished well under .500. Bobby Grich was at the heart of the team in the middle of the infield with a long track record with the club and a .921 OPS. Thirty five year old Rod Carew still had one on the prettiest swings in the game and managed 111 hits in a shortened season while still stealing 16 bases. Fred Lynn had quite a down year hitting only .219 while Don Baylor did his part as the team DH showing the occasional flash of power. Ken Forsch had a very nice season in 20 starts with a 2.88 ERA and 4 memorable shutouts. Mike Witt made 21 starts and showed great poise for a 21 year old starter Geoff Zahn who made the most starts at 25, was hit quite hard. The Angels pen did a fine job with Don Aase finding his form again and filling in well as the clubs closer. The Angels were actually a year away from winning 90 games and becoming a consistent winner, but their hands will be more then full facing off against a 105 win Cardinal team.

Game 1 At Busch Stadium
Rain 62
1981 Angels...................2
2004 Cardinals...............3
WP: C. Carpenter (1-0) LP: K. Forsch (0-1) S: J. Isringhausen (1)
HR: B. Downing (1), R. Sanders (1)
POG: Chris Carpenter
2004 Cardinals lead series 1-0
A Reggie Sanders solo home run in the 7th inning broke a 1-1 tie and allowed Jason Isringhausen to close out the game late as the 04 Cardinals took the opening game of the series. Brian Downing had tied the game on a 417 foot 2 run home run off Chris Carpenter in the 6th inning but the Cards stood their ground and got the big hit when they needed it. Scott Rolen and Fred Lynn both went 3-4 in the contest.

Game 2 At Busch Stadium
Partly cloudy 60
1981 Angels..........................2
2004 Cardinals.....................11
WP: W. Williams (1-0) LP: M. Witt (0-1)
HR: B. Grich (1), S. Riolen (1), J. Edmonds (1), M. Matheny (1)
POG: Woody Williams
2004 Cardinals lead series 2-0
The floodgates opened up in the 6th inning of a 1-1 tie as St. Louis batted around and plated 8 runs to knock Mike Witt and the Angels out of the game. Jim Edmonds provided the big blow with a 3 run home run but Reggie Sanders and Mike Matheny also drove in 2 in the inning. The irony was that King Albert Pujols did nothing and remains hitless in the series. The Cards look to be in cruise control as the series heads to Anaheim.

Game 3 At Anaheim Stadium
71 clear
2004 Cardinals......................7
1981 Angels..........................4
WP: J. Suppan (1-0) LP: S. Renko (0-1) S: J. Isringhausen (2)
HR: D. Baylor (1), J. Mabry (1), S. Rolen (2), E. Renteria (1)
POG: Edgar Renteria
2004 Cardinals lead series 3-0
Don Baylor gave the home fans an early cheer with a 2 run home run in the second inning and California held a two run lead into the 6th behind Steve Renko. St. Louis was able to tie the game behind hits from Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen but in the 7th it was Edgar Renteria who homered to put the visitors up by two. The Angels were held to 4 hits and couldnt muster another rally as Jeff Suppan gets the win after a rocky start and Jason Isringhausen his second game. St. Louis now looking for a sweep.

Game 4 At Anaheim Stadium
Partly Cloudy 61
2004 Cardinals...................8
1981 Angels.......................5
WP: M. Morris (1-0) LP: J. Jefferson (0-1) S: J. Isringhausen (3)
HR: S. Rolen 2 (4), D. Baylor (2), D. Clark (1)
POG: Scott Rolen
After a three run third inning, Don Baylor brought the home team back with a two run home run but it was not to be. The Cards put up 4 runs in the sixth as Scott Rolen had another big game with 2 home runs while Albert Pujols drove in three and scored three times. Matt Morris works the win throwing into the 9th and the Tony LaRussa's club shows it strength is a nifty sweep.

2004 St. Louis Cardinals Win Series 4 games to 0

Series MVP:

Scott Rolen
(9/17, 4 HR, 6 RBI, .556 OBP, 5 R, 1.235 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #54
1984 California Angels (81-81) vs 1961 Washington Senators (61-100)

A veteran club to say the least, the best the 1984 Angels could do was finish at .500 however in this matchup with the Senators, they will be heavy favorites. Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, and Bob Boone had all seen their best days past them by, and now closing in on 40, they look to find a spark and produce. Boone can still call an excellent game but his average was down to .202 and was a liability in the order. Carew was also winding down his career as he couldnt hit .300 anymore and had an OPS of .720. As for Reggie, he struck out 141 times hitting 25 home runs and playing solely as the DH. Fred Lynn and Brian Downing were the two bats that teams really had to worry about while Doug Decinces drove in 82 runs and was doing his best to help along a struggling 21 year old second baseman in Dick Schofield. Mike Witt had quickly become the ace of the team and pulled off 15 wins while lefty Geoff Zahn won 13 games and lead the team with a 3.12 ERA. Forty one year old Tommy John did his best to contribute but overall the California pitching staff was quite thin. If you just look at the names on paper the Angels roster would impress you, and in a short series their experience surely will be of value, but any consistency could be an issue.

Trying to bring baseball back to prominence in Washington was not an easy task. In 1961 they finished last not only in wins but also in league attendance as the team just didnt have the investment or scouting it needed to compete. Gene Woodling was likely the teams best player hitting .313 with a .403 OBP. Dale Long had his moments as a powerful first baseman hitting 17 home runs while catcher Gene Green had a good season hitting 18 home runs and batting .280. Chuck Hinton stole 22 bases and there were also a couple of nice pieces on the Senators bench in Marty Keough and Jim King. who each drove in over 40 runs. Still it is obvious to see, no slugging power or star power for that matter in the lineup. The rotation had some bring spots even if Joe McLain lost 18 games and the pen could barely get anyone out making it a tough go for the club in close games and late innings. Dick Donovan pitched very well with 22 starts and a 2.40 ERA with two shutouts and Bernie Daniels won 12 games. The Senators do have their work cut out for them this series but if they can get a good starting performance or two, they can give give the Angels a potential battle in this best of seven.

Game 1 At Anaheim Stadium
Cloudy 63
1961 Senators...................9
1984 Angels......................1
WP: D. Donovan (1-0) LP: M. Witt (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dick Donovan
1961 Senators lead series 1-0
A six run ninth inning broke wide open a close game as the Senators whacked 14 hits including three by Danny O'Connell including two doubles. Dick Donovan was in complete control going nine innings for the complete game win and striking out five. Loser Mike Witt on the other hand walked 8 men in this one.

Game 2 At Anaheim Stadium
Cloudy 57
1961 Senators....................1
1984 Angels.......................4
WP: G. Zahn (1-0) LP: T. Sturdivant (0-1)
HR: G. Pettis (1), G. Woodling (1)
POG: Geoff Zahn
Series tied at 1
Gary Pettis had a great overall game driving in 3 of the four runs for the Angels and patrolling a good centerfield. Pettis opened the scoring with a 2 run single in the third and would add a solo home run later in the game as California never trailed in this one. Geoff Zahn threw 9 quality innings walking only one and allowing only a solo home run for Gene Woodling for the win. Series all even heading to DC.

Game 3 At Griffith Stadium
Rain 58
1984 Angels.......................3
1961 Senators...................4
WP: B. Daniels (1-0) LP: R. Romanick (0-1) S: M. Kutyna (1)
HR: D. Decinces (1)
POG: Doug DeCinces
1961 Senators lead series 2-1
With the tying run on third, Bobby Grich lined out to the left fielder and Marty Kutyna escaped for the save and a one run Senators win. Washington took the lead on a 2 run single by Danny O'Connell in the 6th inning overcoming a 4-4 day from Doug Decinces that including a home run. Bennie Daniels goes 6 innings for the win. The Angels have decided not to use Reggie Jackson in games where there is no DH.

Game 4 At Griffith Stadium
Rain 62
1984 Angels.......................6
1961 Senators...................5
WP: B. Kison (1-0) LP: J. McClain (0-1)
HR: G. Green 2 (2)
POG: Gene Green
Series tied at 2
Rod Carew is defying his age by having an excellent series going 3-5 in this one and driving in 2 runs. The 84 Angels built a nice lead behind Bruce Kison who went into the 7th inning before Tommy John came on for some good relief work. In the 9th, the home Senators made some noise when Gene Green hit a towering 3 run home run, his second of the game, to cut the lead to one. Luis Sanchez was able to hang on however and now the series is all even and anyone's guess.

Game 5 At Griffith Stadium
Cloudy 56
1984 Angels...................3
1961 Senators...............8
WP: D. Donovan (2-0) LP: M. Witt (0-2)
HR: D. Decinces (2), B. Grich (1)
POG: Dick Donovan
1961 Senators lead series 3-2
Gene Woodling and Jim King each drove in three runs off Mike Witt to take a crucial game and an edge in the series. The King bases clearing double was part of a 7 run 8th inning in which the game was turned around. Dick Donovan gets his second win of the series as the teams now head west.

Game 6 At Anaheim Stadium
Clear 59
1961 Senators....................4
1984 Angels.......................7 (11 inn)
WP: D. Corbett (1-0) LP: M. Kutyna (0-1)
HR: G. Pettis (2), F. Lynn (1)
POG: Fred Lynn
Series Tied at 3
The Angels glad to be back home built a 4-0 lead thanks to a Gary Pettis 2 run home run in the 2nd. The Senators came back hoping to close out the series as Danny O'Connell ripped a two run double in the third and in the 6th they tied the game at 4 on a sac fly by Jim King. In the 11th, with everything in the balance, Fred Lynn took a Marty Kutyna 3-2 pitch over the right field wall for a walk off three run home run. This excellent series now comes down to one final game.

Game 7 At Anaheim Stadium
Clear 71
1961 Senators....................2
1984 Angels.......................4
WP: R. Romanick (1-1) LP: B. Daniels (1-1) S; D. Corbett (2)
HR: B. Klaus (1)
POG: Ron Romanick
Billy Klaus hit a solo home run in the first inning but Ron Romanick would settle down after the early run by the Senators and help the Angels clinch the win. Brian Downing and a hot Fred Lynn came through in a big 5th inning where the Angels plated three runs. The 9th would be interesting with the tying run at the plate. but Doug Corbett induced a ground out to second by Jim King and the home team could celebrate. Gary Pettis stole three bases in the game and had 5 for the series. The Lynn home run in game 6 is the highlight, in what turned out to be quite a competitive series.

1984 California Angels win series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Gary Pettis
(.464, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 5 SB, 1 3B, .516 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #55
1977 Boston Red Sox (97-64) vs 1952 St. Louis Browns (64-90)

It is really unfortunate that the Red Sox of the late seventy's did not end up with a championship, a similar story played out in 1977 where the club won 97 games under Don Zimmer but still missed the postseason by a game and a half. The club had age on it but the experience worked in their favor as Fergie Jenkins headlined the staff along with Luis Tiant, but eight total pitchers started games in double digits and not one man reached 200 innings. Young arms like Don Aase and Bob Stanley bring depth while Bill Campbell saved 31 games and struck out 114 batters for a 7.3 K per 9. Zimmer was not one too wait and would makes changes often and uncustomary. It truly all worked for Boston because their lineup really was super talented. Twenty four year old Jim Rice took the lead on notice with a .320 average and .593 SLG. Butch Hobsen drove in 112 runs while 40 year old Carl Yastrzemski still had it driving in 102 with an .877 OPS. Fred Lynm had a bit of a down year but was still a fan favorite as was Dwight Evans who only played in 73 games.The WAR leader and along with Yaz the leader of the team had to be their allstar catcher Carlton Fisk. Fisk hit .315 with a .402 OBP while displaying power at the plate, but even more so, Fisk had developed into one of the most dependable defensive catchers in the game. Anyway you slice it, this is a very good club and are no doubt runaway favorites in this series with St. Louis.

In likely his very best season in the majors at 41 years old, the legend of Satchel Paige will enter our tournament and it is what the field of dreams is all about. Paige won 12 games in 62 and was used in a variety of roles including 10 saves and 2 shutouts. Good old Satch made the all star game and even garnered some MVP votes, how he is used by Marty Marion should be interesting. Duane Pillette made 30 starts and could have been alot worse with a 109 ERA+. Tommy Byre lost 14 games and struggled while Bob Cain and Ned Garver usually did a good enough job to keep their club in the game. The weak hitting lineup was really where the problem was with this club as no one scored over 70 runs or hit over 20 home runs. Bob Nieman slugged .466 with 18 bombs but had almost no support. Clint Courtney was a good hitting catcher driving in 50 runs while hitting .286. Marty Marion himself played in over 60 games but only hit .247 and the player manager used a big number of position players to try to find a formula to generate runs. The opposition for the Browns is not an easy one, and even if their pitching staff can hold water, and everyone expects Paige to perform on the big stage, the lack of offense and power just can not be overlooked.

Game 1 At Fenway Park
Rain 49
1952 Browns..................0
1977 Red Sox................4
WP: L. Tiant (1-0) LP: S. Paige (0-1)
HR: B. Hobson (1)
POG: Luis Tiant
1977 Red Sox Lead Series 1-0
Luis Tiant stole the show against the legend Satchel Paige as the as the Cuban star threw an 8 hit shutout striking out four on 132 pitches. Forty one year old Paige ran into trouble early when Jim Rice tripled in a run and after allowing three in the first two innings, Paige settled down but was given no support from his offense. Butch Hobson also went 2-3 with a solo home run. The Red Sox open on the right foot.

Game 2 At Fenway Park
Cloudy 53
1952 Browns................6
1977 Red Sox..............7
WP: F. Jenkins (1-0) LP: D. Pillette (0-1) S: B. Campbell (1)
HR: D. Evans (1), D. Kryhoski (1)
POG: Jim Rivera
1977 Red Sox Lead Series 2-0
The Red Sox continued where they left off and a Dwight Evans 2 run home run in the 4th gave them an early 4-0 lead behind Fergie Jenkins. The Browns did rally with 5 runs late and Bill Campbell had to work an inning plus to close the door and send the Browns back home down 2. Jim Rivera went 4-5 with 3 doubles.

Game 3 At Sportsmans Park
Partly cloudy 56
1977 Red Sox....................0
1952 Browns......................1
WP: B. Cain (1-0) LP: R. Cleveland (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Cain
1977 Red Sox lead series 2-1
Pinch hitter Tom Wright lined a double down the line to score Jim Dyck in walk off fashion ending a scoreless battle at Sportsmans Park. Bob Cain went the distance striking out seven and keeping hope alive for the Browns in the series. Reggie Cleveland pitched well in this one and battled for nine innings without any offensive support. He himself had the only extra base hit in the game for his losing side, a 6th inning double.

Game 4 At Sportsmans Park
Cloudy 60
1977 Red Sox......................4
1952 Browns........................3
WP: D. Aase (1-0) LP: E. Harrist (0-1) S: B. Campbell (2)
HR: F. Lynn (1), J. Rice (1), D. Kryhoski (2)
POG: Don Aase
1977 Red Sox Lead Series 3-1
Fred Lynn hit a two run home run that was followed by a solo shot by Jim Rice an inning later and the show of power was enough tonight to carry Don Aase to a deserved win. Aase send seven innings and worked out of a number of narrow sports allowing 3 runs and striking out four. Bill Campbell came in and worked two great innings to save the effort and the game as Don Zimmer's team is now one win away from moving on. Earl Harrist takes the loss in 6 innings of work.

Game 5 At Sportsmans Park
Clear 62
1977 Red Sox....................11
1952 Browns......................10
WP: L. Tiant (2-0) LP: S. Paige (0-2) S: B. Campbell (3)
HR: J. Rivera (1), F. Lynn (2)
POG: Fred Lynn
The legend fell hard today as age was just too much for Satchel Paige who allowed 8 earned runs on 12 hits and was pulled in the 4th inning. Fred Lynn went 3-5 with 5 RBI and a 3 run home run in a 17 hit effort by Boston. St. Louis did not want to bow out quietly and made a desperate comeback. With two outs and a man on in the ninth, the manager for the Browns, Marty Marion pinch hit himself, but grounded out to end the series. Bill Campbell closes out another one and the Red Sox take it in five.

1977 Boston Red Sox Win Series 4 games to 1

Series MVP:

Fred Lynn
(.353, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .824 SLG, 2 2B, 2 R)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #56
1963 San Francisco Giants (88-74) vs 1931 Brooklyn Robins (79-73)

Coming off of their pennant winning season in 1962. this Giants team had all the tools and the roster to play with anyone. At the center of course as the Say Hey Kid as Willie Mays was the best player in the game at the time. Mays had a 10.6 WAR season with 115 runs scored and a .962 OPS. This of course goes along with his gold glove defense in centerfield that could change the course of a game. Supporting Mays are the two bright start in Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda. Stretch McCovey ripped 44 home runs while Cepeda had 33 doubles, a .563 slugging percentage, and a long trail of intimidated pitchers. Add to all this the multiskills of outfielder Felipe Alou, and you have a truly excellent lineup in an era when pitching was beginning to take over. Anchoring the pitching staff was the smooth Juan Marichal who at 25 years old may have had his best season. Winning 25 games and striking out 248 batters, Marichal had 5 shutouts and threw 321 innings without showing any wear. Jack Sanford and Billy O'Dell combined for 30 wins and really made the idea of a three man rotation work; look for Al Dark to use only these three arms throughout the series. Don Larsen and Billy Pierce were also on the roster for experience and insurance, but both were well past their best stuff. The Giants of this era may be one of the most forgotten teams, but a look over of their talent should really make for some exciting baseball.

By 1931 Brooklyn was starving for a winner as other New York teams like the Giants and Yankees were piling up titles. The Robins were a good team but didnt have that something extra to get them a pennant under long time skipper Wilbert Robinson. The Brooklyn outfield was blessed with deep talent as Lefty O'Doul and Babe Herman made a dynamic duo. O'Doul hit .336 while Herman scored 93 runs and drove in 97. Del Bissonette was a cable left handed bat hitting .290 with 87 driven in including 14 triples while at only 22 years old Al Lopez was made a main stay at catcher for both his intangibles and his up and coming bat. It wasnt easy to piece together the Brooklyn pitching staff that mixed the young with the old. Lefty Watty Clark lead the team in wins with 14 while 40 year old Dazzy Vance made the most starts and still had good stuff holding a 3.38 ERA. Another 40 year old arm Dolph Luque made 15 starts while Ray Phelps struggled to hold on to his spot with a 5.00 ERA. Sloppy Thurston and Joe Shaute were also not the answers when called upon. Jack Quinn was a very competent relief arm well ahead of his time with 13 saves. If the Robins are looking to compete with the Giants, they will need their pitching staff from top to bottom to perform at a level of consistency beyond what they have shown. In any event, Dodgers vs. Giants or Robins, should make for an intense series.

Game 1 At Candlestick Park
Clear 69
1931 Robins.................2
1963 Giants..................3
WP: J. Marichal (1-0) LP: D. Vance (0-1) S: J. Duffalo (1)
HR: W. Mays (1)
POG: Juan Marichal
1963 Giants lead series 1-0
Juan Marichal went seven innings striking out nine while holding on to a slim lead before Jim Duffalo closed it out for an opening Giants win. Dazzy Vance struck out six but allowed 10 hits and three runs in the first three innings including a long home run by Willie Mays. The Giants ended with 10 hits including a 2-3 day by Felipe Alou who opened the scoring with a double in the second.

Game 2 At Candlestick Park
Rain 59
1931 Robins.................5
1963 Giants..................6 (10 inn)
WP: F. Linzy (1-0) LP: J. Quinn (0-1)
HR: B. Herman (1), F. Alou (1)
POG: Felipe Alou
1963 Giants lead series 2-0
A dramatic game at Candlestick Park as Felipe Alou hit a 2 run walk off home run in he bottom of the 10th to give the Giants a two game series lead. The Robins had fought hard in this one coming back from three runs down in the 8th when Babe Herman tied the game with a 3 run home run. Two wild pitches and a Del Bissonette RBI single gave the visitors a 10th inning lead before the dramatic finish against Jack Quinn. Jose Pagan also went 4-5 with 2 RBI for San Francisco.

Game 3 At Ebbets Field
Rain 58 (Delay 65 min)
1963 Giants................11
1931 Robins.................3
WP: B. ODell (1-0) LP: R. Phelps (0-1)
HR: E. Bailey (1), C. Hiller (1), F. Alou (2)
POG: Ed Bailey
1963 Giants lead series 3-0
Felipe Alou continued his excellent series going 2-3 with 3 RBI and another home run helped the 1963 ambush the Robins and take a commanding three games to none lead in this series. The Giants scored 8 times against Ray Phelps over the first three innings as Brooklyn committed three errors and never looked comfortable or recovered from their dramatic game two loss. Billy O'Dell strikes out 8 in a fine effort going 6 innings for the easy win.

Game 4 at Ebbets Field
Cloudy 60
1963 Giants..................12
1931 Robins..................6 (14 inn)
WP: B. Pierce (1-0) LP: R. Moss (0-1)
HR: B. Herman (2)
POG: Bobby Bolin
In a wild game that saw 5 errors and 29 hits, the 1963 Giants ended this series in four straight games outlasting the Robins in 14 innings. The Giants had the champagne on ice up 4 runs in the ninth inning but Johnny Frederick hit a two out double scoring two and tying the score. In the 14th the Brooklyn backs were broken as the Giants put up seven runs as Willie McCovey and Felipe Alou doubles were key. An impressive display by San Fran in the short series and they did it with Willie Mays hitting only .250 with 2 RBI.

1963 San Francisco Giants Sweep Series 4 games to 0

Series MVP:

Felipe Alou
(10/20, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R, 4 2B, 1.100 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #57
1946 Washington Senators (76-78) vs 1973 Atlanta Braves (76-85)

As baseball came together after the war and rosters were back to strength, the Washington Senators had a rare competitive season finishing fourth in the American League. The club had a rare league star in Mickey Vernon who hit .353 with 207 hits and a ,910 OPS. Vernon had it all and could carry a team but was flanked by Stan Spence who had 10 triples and drove in 87 runs along with Buddy Lewis who hit .292. Jerry Priddy and Cecil Travis were light hitting infielders but did their job well when turning two on the diamond. The pitching staff was lead by age and experience and few batters in the league could out smart the rotation. Mickey Haefner won 14 games with 2 shutouts but it is Bobo Newsome at 38 years old who was the master of control and guile sporting a 2.78 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. Dutch Leonard went 10-10 and walked only 36 batters in 161 innings of work. Up and coming talent Early Wynn also played his part, going 8-5 with a 3.11 ERA being used both as a starter and in relief. The overall depth level at all positions was of great concern for this team and if they really are to compete the stars like Vernon and Newsome will have to be at their best in a seven game series.

Hitting 40 home runs and batting .301 all while closing in on the historic record of the Babe, Hank Aaron wasnt your typical 39 year old ball player. It truly is something special to see Aaron still at the top of his game at his age but even more so the Hammer brings immense leadership through character to this team and also to the game. Slugging right there with Hank is Darrel Evans who hit 41 home runs and and walked 124 times with 104 RBI. Taking the league by storm was Davey Johnson who hit 43 home runs and slugged .546 with 99 RBI, all being done from the second base position. Young Dusty Baker should be watched as he stole 24 bases, drove in 99 runs and played a dependable left field. Mike Lum was an underrated first baseman and Johnny Oates was quickly building a reputation as one of the better defensive backstops in the game. The main man in the rotation was knuckeballer Phil Niekro who won 13 games with a 3.31 ERA while Carl Morton did two games better winning 15 and throwing 4 shutouts in the process. Ron Schueler and Roric Harrison tried to tread water by filling out the rest of the rotation. The Atlanta pen was quite shaky and a problem especially in close games, not a single pen arm won more then four games. When all is said and done for this Atlanta team, the spotlight will remain on henry Aaron, who surely will be up for the challenge. In the end the Senators and the Braves are two very similar clubs, in fact both won the same amount of games at 76, which should make a competitive series.

Game 1 At Griffith Stadium
Clear 68
1973 Braves....................1
1946 Senators.................2 (13 inn)
WP: D. Leonard (1-0) LP: P. Niekro (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dutch Leonard
1946 Senators lead series 1-0
Dutch Leonard and Phil Niekro had a game for the ages as each starter would not leave this baseball game and threw 13 innings of spectacular ball in a tight game. Leonard struck out seven while Niekro took down 4 as both men were well over 150 pitches. In the 13th Jerry Priddy stole a base with 2 out and then Buddy Lewis singled to right before Priddy slid home for the win. The Braves did make three errors but it was the starters that set the stage in game one.

Game 2 At Griffith Stadium
1973 Braves......................2
1946 Senators...................3 (10 inn)
WP: M. Haefner (1-0) LP: C. Upshaw (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Mickey Haefner
1946 Senators Lead Series 2-0
Another extra innings thriller and the same result as the Senators win on of all things a wild pitch in the 10th. The home side were down two runs in the seventh but rallied for two of their own as the game moved past the ninth. In the 10th, after a costly error to load the bases, Cecil Upshaw struck out Sherry Robertson but with two outs threw one past Dick Dietz and Gill Coan scored. The Braves lose to heartbreaking games in a row.

Game 3 At Fulton County Stadium
Clear 71
1946 Senators.....................4
1973 Braves........................5
WP: P. Dobson (1-0) LP: J. Niggeling (0-1)
HR: S. Robertson (1), J. Heath (1), D. Johnson (1), H. Aaron (1)
POG: Davey Johnson
1946 Senators lead series 2-1
For the second straight game a wild pitch decides the outcome in walk off fashion. This time Johnny Niggeling threw one past Mike Guerra and Darrell Evans barreled home for the winning run. The Senators were down 4-2 in the 8th when Jeff Heath tied the game with a two run home run but the Braves behind their fans kept their resilience for the win. Hank Aaron hits his first home run of the series while Davey Johnson had a three run shot.

Game 4 At Fulton County Stadium
Partly cloudy 66
1946 Senators...................3
1973 Braves......................5
WP: R. Schueler (1-0) LP: E. Wynn (0-1) S: C. Upshaw (1)
HR: None
POG: Ron Schueler
Series tied at 2
Dusty Baker hit a two run triple off Early Wynn in the bottom of the sixth where the Braves put up three runs which would be enough to tie the series. Washington scored twice in the 5th off Ron Schueler but the Atlanta starter was consistent for 8 innings striking out five. After two very tough losses, the Braves have made it a new series and each team looks for the advantage in the pivotal game 5.

Game 5 At Fulton County Stadium
Cloudy 65
1946 Senators...................13
1973 Braves.......................7
WP: D. Leonard (2-0) LP: P. Niekro (0-2)
HR: M. Vernon (2), J. Priddy (1), S. Spence 2 (2), C. Travis (1), M. Perez (1), H. Aaron (2), D. Johnson (2)
POG: Stan Spence
1946 Senators lead series 3-2
The launching pad lived up to its name as 8 home runs combined left the yard but the last team standing was the Senators who go back home with a lead. A five run fitst inning capped by a Mickey Vernon 3 run home run off Phil Niekro who lasted only one inning, Washington would not be caught the rest of the way. San Spence for the home team went 4-5 with 4 RBI and 2 HR while Hank Aaron hit his second home run with a man on. The Senators now go for the kill.

Game 6 At Griffith Stadium
Clear 62
1973 Braves..................2
1946 Senators...............4
WP: M. Haefner (2-0) LP: C. Morton (0-1)
HR: C. Travis (2)
POG: Mickey Haefner
Mickey Haefner pitched his second excellent game going nine innings and allowing only 2 earned runs in a win that would clinch the series for the Senators. A two run 4th inning put the Senators up as an error and a big hit by Al Evans made it a 4-1 lead. The Braves tried to get it back and did get a run in the 6th but Haefner needed to no help in closing the door. A hard fought win for the Washington franchise who never seems to get much respect.

1946 Washington Senators Win Series 4 games to 2

Series MVP:

Mickey Haefner
(2-0, 19 IP, 1.42 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .190 OBA, CG in clincher)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #58
1968 Cincinnati Reds (83-79) vs 1912 St. Louis Browns (53-101)

In its infancy, greatness was being formed in Cincinnati. The growing pains for the Big Red Machine included some young talent and a bit of lack of leadership, but the Reds did post a winning record and deserve attention against aby foe. The heart of the team was in right field where Pete Rose had one of his best seasons as a pro. Rose hit .335 with 210 hits, 42 doubles, and the dirtiest uniform in the league. Along with Rose, Tony Perez drove in 92 runs and was starting to look like a polished hitter the more he played. Lee May was an overlooked contributor leading the club with 22 home run and an .805 OPS. Keep in the mind these modest hitting numbers are coming out of maybe the best pitching year in history. The true budding superstar was 20 year old catcher Johnny Bench, who had 40 doubles and 82 RBI while showing rare skills as a catcher at the biggest level. Gary Nolan and Jim Maloney showed the most promise in the Reds rotation, Jim had 5 shutouts to his name while Nolan won 16 games. George Culver started the most times but eventually took a back seat while lefty Gary Arrigo impressed and Milt Pappas was just hanging on. The pen is good with Ted Abernathy and Clay Carroll combining for 30 saves and having no issue being used almost everyday. Sparky Anderson may not be there yet, but this 1968 Reds team was like a rose garden just busting out and ready to bloom. Did we say Rose?

There are alot more bad teams in baseball history then you may not have imagined. The 1912 St. Louis Browns were the mop of the National League and will really have their hands full in this best of seven series. The pitching was steady but keep in mind the game in 1912 was not about scoring runs but rathe keeping the opposition down. Earl Hamilton won 11 games with a 3.24 ERA and George Baumgardner matched him in wins and wasnt bad at all for a 20 year old. Jack Powell was the veteran of the group at 37 but still could work a batter over as good as any with his 3.10 ERA, still not a single on the Browns roster threw over 300 innings, a bit of an oddity for the era. Outfielder Burt Shotten was the best talent in the lineup stealing 35 bags with a .390 OBP and 87 runs scored. Player manager George Stovall and Bobby Wallace both had good reputations as respected leaders but both were well past their prime. Del Pratt at second base may have been the best kept secret of the club hitting .302 with 15 triples and a nose for the game. Frank Laporte was a nice utility player who hit .312 but there were more outs in the Browns lineup then anything else. It will be a momentous task for this club to knock off the mighty Reds, but Cincy may be a bit green still, and an experienced club like this at least can come in with some idea of what they intend to do.

Game 1 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 56
1912 Browns..................2
1968 Reds.......................0
WP: J. Lake (1-0) LP: J. Maloney (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Joe Lake
1912 Browns lead series 1-0
Joe Lake went into Crosley Field and showed all the confidence of a star as he shutdown the Reds in a 2-0 shutout. Lake struck out 2 but walked none and allowed only five hits, two of them to Pete Rose. Jim Stephens hit a sacrifice fly in the second inning and Gus Williams doubled in an insurance run in the 8th for the final margin. The Reds look to get their bats on track in game two.

Game 2 At Crosley Field
Rain 61
1912 Browns....................6
1968 Reds........................8
WP: G. Culver (1-0) LP: C. Weilman (0-1) S: T. Abernathy (1)
HR: L. May (1), J. Austin (1)
POG: Alex Johnson
Series tied at 1
Looking at a deep hole in the series, the Reds entered the 8th inning down three runs but found a tired Browns starter in Earl Hamilton and took advantage. Cincinnati put up 5 runs behind a Lee May two run home run and an Alex Johnson double that scored two and broke the tie. Johnson had 4 RBI in the Reds win.

Game 3 At Sportsmans Park
Clear 72
1968 Reds........................5
1912 Browns....................10
WP: B. Peltry (1-0) LP: T. Abernathy (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Pete Rose
1912 Browns lead series 2-1
Pete Rose goes 4-5 with 3 RBI and the Reds looked to be in control of this one up three runs behind Gerry Arrigo. In the 7th Jimmy Austin would bring the home side back tying the game with a 2 run single. in the 8th, the Reds looked particularly sloppy allowing five runs and commiting three errors, the Reds would make 6 errors in the game. Pinch hitter Bunny Brief had the go ahead hit with a 2 run double as the Browns now have grown in confidence. Rose is 8 for 13 in the series.

Game 4 At Sportsmans Park
clear 67
1968 Reds..........................2
1912 Browns.......................1
WP: G. Nolan (1-0) LP: J. Powell (0-1)
HR: D. Pratt (1)
POG: Gary Nolan
Series tied at 2
A great pitching matchup between Gary Nolan and Jack Powell and two runs in the fifth inning were the deciding factor. The Browns in fact only had three hits on the day as Nolan struck out four and walked none. Alex Johnson went 2-4 with an RBI, he has now driven in 6 runs in the series. Powell went 8 strong also not walking a single man and deserved better in this one. We have a new series on our hands.

Game 5 at Sportsmans Park
Clear 69
1968 Reds.........................1
1912 Browns.....................2
WP: J. Lake (2-0) LP: J. Maloney (0-2)
HR: T. Perez (1)
POG: Joe Lake
1912 Browns lead series 3-2
Player manager George Stoval came through in a huge way with a 2 run single in the bottom of the 7th inning to overtake the Reds and Jim Maloney who up until that point had a 1-0 lead. Malone and Joe Lake went back and forth as a Tony Perez home run up to that point was the only tally. The Browns didnt quit and now head back to Crosley Field looking for one more win and yet another upset.

Game 6 at Crosley Field
clear 67
1912 Browns...................2
1968 Reds.......................6
WP: M. Pappas (1-0) E. Hamilton (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Milt Pappas
Series tied at 3
Down by two runs in the first inning, the Reds responded with 5 of their own in the bottom of the frame to set their way to a victory. Veteran Vida Pinson went 2-3 with 3 RBI as the Reds had 10 hits, 2 more by Pete Rose. Milt Pappas settled in for a compete game win striking out four. The series now reaches its climax, as game seven looms.

Game 7 at Crosley Field
clear 62
1912 Browns....................6
1968 Reds........................1
WP: G. Baumgardner (1-0) G. Arrigo (0-1)
HR: None
POG: George Baumgardner
George Baumgardner made himself a legend in his game seven, pitching of course but also driving in 4 runs to lead the Browns to the upset win. In the with the game tied a zero, the pitcher doubled to drive in two runs and in the 7th would add another 2 run hit with a single off Gerry Arrigo. Baumgardner struck out nine Reds and made the home side desperate to no avail. Pete Compton drove in the other two runs in this win.

1912 St. Louis Browns Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

George Baumgardner
(1-0, 1.29 ERA, 11 K, 0 BB, 4 RBI, 3/5, 1 2B)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #59
2008 Chicago White Sox (89-74) vs 1996 Boston Red Sox (85-77)

Ozzie Guillen and his Sox took the central division on the last day of the season but couldn't reproduce the magic in the playoffs. Still Chicago boasted a powerful lineup that hit 235 home runs and at times made US Cellular Field look like a softball park. Jim Thome hit 34 bombs as did Jermaine Dye, but the leader of the offense was Carlos Quinten who went deep 36 times and looked like an up and coming star driving in 100 and striking out only 80 times. Paul Konerko and Joe Crede brought their championship moxy to the lineup and Crede especially was a master at the hot corner. Nick Swisher brought energy but not much more with his .219 average while AJ Pierzynski still produced and was a fan favorite. A late season acquisition, 38 year old Ken Griffey Jr was not a kid anymore, but made the plays in center and had his moments. Sox pitching wasn't great but just tried to keep games reasonable for their offense. Mark Buehrle threw 218 innings and won 15 games while John Danks and gavin FLoyd just couldn't really reach their potential on the mound; Floyd allowed 30 home runs to pace the league. El Duque Jose Contreras was dealing with some arm issues and Javier Vazquez lost 16 games and lost much of his managers confidence. Big Bobby Jenks still could close the door with the best of them, he had 20 saves while Matt Thornton and Octovio Dotel made for a fine set of arms in the pen. The White Sox should have a battle on their hands with Boston, and it will really be their starting pitching that could decide their fate in this series.

The 1996 Red Sox won 85 games but didnt have enough to compete with the likes of the Yankees. Roger Clemens was still throwing hard even if this season wasnt his best going 10-13 with a 3.63 ERA while still striking out 257 batters. Tim Wakefield allowed 38 home runs in 96 and had a very rough go of it while Tom Gordon, before his closer days, found out the hard way that being a starter in the AL East is not all it is cracked up to be with his 5.59 ERA. Jaimie Moyer provided some depth but it is obvious the biggest issue this team had was dependable starting pitching beyond Clemens. Heathcliffe Slocumb had 31 saves but the pen also lacked depth and consistency, Mike Stanton and Mike Maddux were just two of the arms leaned on in middle relief and setup. The lineup was electrified by Mo Vaughn who smashed 44 home runs and had a 1.003 OPS while driving in a crazy amount of runs at 143. Jose Canseco was a mainstay at DH and also had a nice full season hitting 28 home runs while batting .289. Mike Greenwell still had his pretty swing from the left side while Troy O'Leary and Jose Valentin were streaky hitters that if hot could change things. Thirty four year old Kevin Mitchell is on this team as is 22 year old dynamic short stop Nomar Garciaparra but neither should be factors. The Red Sox are in many ways a similar team the White Sox, some power hitting and some questionable pitching, but they do have Roger Clemens. If Clemens is on, Boston could easily win this series.

Game 1 At US Cellular Field
partly cloud 50
1996 Red Sox..................6
2008 White Sox................9
WP: B. Jenks LP: H. Slocumb (0-1)
HR: J. Valenin (1), J. Thome 2 (2), A. Ramirez (1), C. Quientin (1), A. Pierzynski (1)
POG: John Valentin
2008 White Sox lead series 1-0[
With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, AJ Pierzynski proved why the fans love him. AJ hit a 2-1 fast ball 416 feet with 2 men on for a dramatic walk off moment. Heahcliffe Slocumb had run into trouble and was forced to come after the Sox catcher. Roger Clemens had an atypical outing allowing 5 runs in six plus innings of work including a 2 run home run to Jim Thome. John Valentin had given Boston a three run lead in the seventh with a 3 run home run of his own, but the home team tied it with three in the bottom of the frame. Thome went deep twice in this game as the Sox hit 5 total home runs, but it was that clutch catcher in the end that saved the day.

Game 2 At US Cellular Field
Partly cloudy 51
1996 Red Sox..................0
2008 White Sox...............7
WP: J. Danks (1-0) LP: A. Sele (0-1)
HR: J. Thome (3)
POG: Jim Thome
2008 White sox lead series 2-0
Jim Thome mashed a three run home run and ended this game with 5 RBI as the White Sox take a 2-0 lead in this best of seven. Thome took a fastball out of the park in the 4th off Aaron Sele to put the Sox up 3-0 and starter John Danks strutted his stuff the rest of the night. Danks worked into the 8th inning allowing only 4 hits and striking out 5; Adam Russell closed out the win in relief. Boston will need to regroup quickly and find a way to slow down Thome.

Game 3 at Fenway Park
partly cloudy 57
2008 White Sox...................3
1996 Red Sox......................6
WP: T. Gordon (1-0) LP: M. Buehrle (0-1) S: M. Stanton
HR: T. Naehring (1), O. Cabrera (1)
POG: Tom Gordon
2008 White Sox lead series 2-1
The 96 Sox were glad to be home and jumped all over Mark Buehrle for three runs in the first inning behind a Kevin Mitchell two run single. Tom Gordon pitched 8 innings allowing 3 runs and striking out nine for the win. Mike Stanton closed out a tense ninth and may be the Boston new closer for the series.

Game 4 At Fenway Park
Partly cloudy 56
2008 White Sox....................9
1996 Red Sox.......................5
WP: G. Floyd (1-0) LP: T. Wakefield (0-1)
HR: J.Thome (4), N. Swisher (1), J. Canseco (1)
POG: Juan Uribe
2008 White Sox lead series 3-1
Juan Uribe went 4-5 and Carlos Quentin drove in three runs as Chicago takes a strong hold in this series 3 games to one. Gavin Floyd struck out six in 7 innings of work allowing only one earned run, five unearned. The White Sox had 16 hits off Tim Wakefield who had no spin on his knuckleball. Boston stranded 22 men on the bases and now will look to Roger Clemens to keep them in the series.

Game 5 A Fenway Park
Partly cloudy 43
2008 White Sox...................5
1996 Red Sox.....................15
WP: R. Clemens (1-0) J. Vazquez (0-1)
HR: C. Quentin (3), A. Cole (1), R. Jefferson 2 (2), M. Stanley (2)
POG: Reggie Jefferson
2008 White Sox lead series 3-2
Boston bombarded Javier Vazquez and the White Sox behind 5 RBI and 2 home runs from DH Reggie Jefferson to send a message that this series is far from over. Roger Clemens struck out 8 and did not have to be at his best as the Fenway faithful enjoyed 17 hits and and runs in every inning up until the 8h. Catcher Mike Stanley went 4-5 and Will Cordero drove in 3 runs of his own. Series back to Chicago.

Game 6 at US Cellular Field
clear 48
1996 Red Sox...................7
2008 White Sox.................9
WP: J. Danks (2-0) LP: A. Sele (0-2) S: B. Jenks (1)
HR: T. Oleary (1), J. Dye 2 (2), A. Ramirez (2), N. Swisher (2)
POG: Jermaine Dye
Jermaine Dye saved his best for the clinching game of this series hitting two home runs in his first two abats for 5 RBI and earning John Danks the win. Boston did make a late rally and Troy O'Leary hit a grand slam in the 8th to cut the lead to 2, but Bobby Jenks closed out the 9th. The Sox were just a step ahead the entire series.

2008 Chicago White Sox win series 4-2

Series MVP:

Jim Thome
(.308, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 9 R, .769 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #60
1951 Brooklyn Dodgers (97-60) vs 1994 Philadelphia Phillies (54-61)

As Bobby Thompson rounded the bases and tossed his cap in the air, the 1951 Dodgers saw yet another season slip through their fingers. It would take dour more years for this team to finally reach the pinnacle, but as this club will attest, the talent was there to win it much sooner. In truly was likely his best season ever, the legend of Jackie Robinson was the soul of this team. Robinson had a WAR of 9.4 scoring 106 runs while hitting .338 with 25 steals. Right next to Robinson on the infield was Pee Wee Reese who seemed to do all the little things to help his team win, while Gil Hodges was known at the time as the best glove man in the game at first base. Duke Snider drove in over 100 runs and was just reaching his potential Carl Furrilo added depth to an excellent lineup with a .772 OPS. Roy Campanella may have had the best season of them all hitting 33 home runs while hitting .325 and almost 300 total bases. Campy was also hands down the best backstop in the National league. Don Newcombe anchored a three man rotation while winning 20 games with a 3.28 ERA. Preacher Roe won 22 games and had an ERA+ of 129 at the age of 35. Ralph Branca was the dependable third starter, even if he threw the pitch that was heard around the world. Carl Erskine started when needed but in this series will be joined by Clyde King as the most prominent bull pen help. The boys of summer are as good as it gets, and nothing brings back the field of dreams like this club.

Jim Fergosi had a team that came off of a very tough World Series loss in 1993 and never seemed right in 1994. The Phillies were revamped but a lack of cohesion and inner strife may have bogged this talented group down. Danny Jackson stayed consistent as the club's left handed ace. Jackson went an impressive 14-6 with a 3.26 ERA in 25 starts. Curt Schilling for whatever reason really struggled in 1994 with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Bobby Munoz threw over 100 innings and did a fine job but Shawn Boskie and Mike Williams did not provide the answer to take this rotation more then two deep. Long gone is Mitch Williams as was the new closer and did a credible job with 27 saves. David West and Fernando Valenzuela provided much needed depth and added to a dependable Phillies pen. Lenny Dykstra had a .404 OBP and was the spark of the order with 15 steals and 68 runs; only if he could get along with his teammates. Jim Eisenreich and John Kruk were very consistent hitters with their averages hovering around .300 while big Pete Incaviglia had the raw power the club needed with 15 home runs. Darren Daulton was surely one of the better hitting catchers of the time managing to hit .300 with a .549 slugging. The Phillies will really need some unlikely performances fromk their dtsrting pitching to pose the Dodgers a threat in this series. Fergosi will also have to prove that this club has the resolve and character to beat a club that has the likes of Campanella and Robinson on them.

Game 1 at Ebbets Field
Clear 66
1994 Phillies....................3
1951 Dodgers..................2
WP: D. Jackson (1-0) LP: D. Newcombe (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Dann Jackson
1994 Phillies lead series 1-0
Down b a run in the 3rd, Darren Daulton of all hitters legged out a triple scoring two runs and setting the stage for a game one win. Dann Jackson took things from there throwing a complete game striking out three and walking three but more then anything looked like he was in complete control for 9 innings. Brookln was held to 5 hits and onl one for exra bases. Don Newcombe also went 9 but was the hard luck loser.

Game 2 At Ebbets Field
Clear skies 68
1994 Phillies....................2
1951 Dodgers..................6
WP: P. Roe (1-0] LP: B. Munoz (0-1)
HR: G. Hermanski (1), R. Campanella (1)
POG: Preacher Roe
Series tied at 1
The Dodgers pick themselves up and get even in the series behind starter Preacher Roe who threw 9 strong while striking out 8 and George Hermanski who drove in three runs behind a three run home run in the 4th. Roy Campanella added a solo shot and called a fine game while Carl Furillo had two doubles in the winning effort.

Game 3 At Veterans Stadium
1951 Dodgers.....................0
1994 Phillies.......................1
WP: C. Schilling (1-0) LP: R. Branca
HR: D. Daulton (1)
POG: Curt Schilling
1994 Phillies lead series 2-1
Curt Schilling has always saved his best for the big stage. Schilling pitched a nine inning shutout and had a no hitter into the 9th inning before Bill Cox broke it up with a double off the wall. The issue in this one was that Brooklyn starter Ralph Branca was also pitching a shutout and had his best stuff. With the game scoreless in the bottom of the 9th the walkoff home run haunted Branca again. Darren Daulton hit a shot over the right field wall to walk it off at Veterans stadium and put the Phillies in control of this series. What a game.

Game 4 At Veterans Stadium
Rain 59
1951 Dodgers..................7
1994 Phillies....................3
WP: C. Erskine (1-0) LP: M. Williams (0-1)
HR: J. Robinson 2 (2), R. Campanella 2 (2), D. Snider (1), G. Hodges (1)
POG: Jackie Robinson
Series tied at 2
Jackie Robinson leads the Dodgers back into a series tie going 3-5 with 2 home runs, his teammate Roy Campanella also went deep twice as Phillies starter Mike Williams was touched up for six runs in four innings. The Dodgers had 12 hits and supported starter Carl Erskine who won the game going nine innings on 129 pitches and two earned runs. The series has been exciting as expected and there seems to be no love loss between the two sides and the Dodgers have already taken some exception to the hard play of Jim Fregosis club.

Game 5 At Veterans Stadium
59 partly cloudy
1951 Dodgers.......................7
1994 Phillies.........................3
WP: D. Newcombe (1-1) LP: D. Jackson (1-1)
HR: None
POG: Roy Campanella
1951 Dodgers lead series 3-2
Their second win at Veterans Stadium for the Dodgers with the identical score as they get back at Danny Jackson after his great game one performance. Billy Cox went 3-5 with 2 RBI and Roy Campanella continued his hot hitting with a two run double in the sixth. The home Phillies tied the game at three but in the ninth, Brooklyn put four runs on the board after Duke Snider and Gil Hodges both had RBI hits. Don Newcombe gets the win allowing 11 hits over nine but only three earned runs. Brooklyn now takes things back to Flatbush to try and close it out.

Game 6 At Ebbets Field
Partly cloudy 55
1994 Phillies......................10
1951 Dodgers.....................1
WP: B. Munoz (1-1) LP: P. Roe (1-1)
HR: M. Thompson (1), J. Kruk (1), L. Dykstra (1)
POG: John Kruk
Series tied at 3
The Phillies dance all over Ebbets Field with 18 hits and 10 runs knocking out Preacher Roe and forcing a game seven in this series. John Kruk went 4-5 with 3 RBI and a two run home run in a five run seventh inning that put the game out of reach. Mariano Duncan also went 4-5 and Milt Thompson along with Lenny Dykstra all went yard for the first time in thee series. Bobby Munoz was masterful in the win allowing only one earned run while striking out four. Now its game seven and Curt Schilling will take the mound, maybe the perfect man for the perfect pressure spot.

Game 7 At Ebbets Field
Partly cloudy 59
1994 Phillies...................4
1951 Dodgers.................6
WP: R. Branca (1-0) LP: H. Slocumb (0-1)
HR: R. Campanella (4), P. Reese (2), J. Robinson (3), R. Jordan (1), L. Dykstra (2)
POG: Pee Wee Reese
All the dramatics one could ask for a game seven, and the biggest legend of them all, Jackie Robinson has the biggest hit. Curt Schilling played hit part and was locked in a 1-1 tie in the fifth, after running into trouble with two outs, Pee Wee Reese burned him badly. With two on Reese hit one over the left field wall for a three run home run making the score 4-1, it was an offspeed pitch the shortstop waited for. Ralph Branca dug in to try and finish, but in the 8th the fated home run hurt him again. Another clutch player, Lenny Dykstra tied the game with a two run home run stunning the Dodger faithful. At the time of crisis, up came the intense Jackie Robinson, and in the bottom of the 8th off Heathcliff Slocumb, Robinson delivered with a poetic two run home run. Branca completed the effort to finlly vindicate himself in the big game and Brooklyn holds on. An excellent series it was.

1951 Brooklyn Dodgers Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Jackie Robinson
(.345, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 1.022 OPS)

[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...................Eduardo Escobar (2018 Twins) 14
Strikeouts.........Jim Bunning (1964 Phillies) 25
Longest HR.......Billy Herman (1941 Cubs) 504 FT

Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Davey Johnson 15
Winning %...........Al Dark (100%)

Hall of Famers
Culminative 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...................Jim Thome (6)
RBI..................Jim Thome (17)
Runs...............Tim Raines (15)
Hits.................Al Lopez (22)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (8)
2B...................Roberto Alomar (5)
3B...................Pie Traynor (2)
AB..................Dave Winfield (75)
SLG................Earl Averill (1.167)
Wins...............Jim Bunning (4)
IP....................Jim Bunning (41)
K.....................Jim Bunning (43)
ERA................Warren Spahn (0.00)
K/9..................Juan Marichal (10.52)
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
Arizona Dbacks....................0-0
Atlanta/Mil Braves................1-1
Baltimore Orioles..................1-5
Boston Braves/Beans...........1-3
Boston Red Sox...................4-0
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers...........3-5
Chicago Cubs......................2-3
Chicago White Sox..............2-3
Cincinnati Reds...................3-6
Cleveland Indians/Naps......0-4
Colorado Rockies................0-0
Detroit Tigers......................4-5
Florida/Miami Marlins......... 1-0
Houston Astros....................0-0
KC Royals...........................1-1
Los Angeles Angels.............1-4
Milwaukee Brewers.............2-2
Minnesota Twins..................1-2
Montreal Expos...................2-0
New York Mets....................1-0
New York Yankees...............1-1
New York/SF Giants.............4-0
Philadelphia Phillies.............3-0
Philadelphia/Oak A's............3-2
Pittsburgh Pirates.................3-2
San Diego Padres................4-3
Seattle Mariners...................0-1
St. Louis Browns..................2-1
St. Louis Cardinals...............2-2
Tampa Bay Rays..................1-0
Texas Rangers.....................1-1
Toronto Blue Jays.................2-0
Washingtion Nationals..........0-0
Washington Senators...........2-2

Records By Decade
1900's.............................1-3
1910's.............................8-2
1920's.............................1-3
1930's.............................2-6
1940's.............................3-3
1950's.............................7-3
1960's.............................8-3
1970's.............................7-7
1980's.............................6-6
1990's.............................6-10
2000's.............................8-3
2010's.............................3-11


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.
Series 31 - Glendon Rusch throws a Maddux. A two hit shutout on only 95 pitches without a walk.
Series 48 - Ron Fairly goes 5-6 with 3 doubles and a home run in 13-10 win.
Series 58 - Joe Lake throws a shutout on 93 pitches allowing five hit and no walks.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #61
1919 Cincinnati Reds (96-44) vs 1973 Cincinnati Reds (99-63)

Maybe the only championship club in history who are overlooked by the club that they beat. The 1919 Reds were right in the middle of the Black Sox scandal and overlooked in the process is the Reds actually had a very good club that won 96 games and had a memorable season for what they did on the field under Pat Moran. The hallmark of this club was playing old school small ball and fielding a dominant group of pitchers. The Reds had a 2.23 team ERA with Dutch Ruether leading the way going 19-6 with a 1.82 ERA. Slim Salee won 21 and Jimmy Ring lead the team with 24 wins while the team WHIP was a skinny 1.10. No matter who Moran put out there they got the job done, Hod Eller had the most starts and the most strikeouts with 137 while Dolf Luque was used in all types of roles winning 10 games in 106 innings. The Cincy offense was going to grind you knowing that any runs scored was like 3 with this staff behind them. Ed Roush hit .321 with 12 triples and 71 runs driven in while Heinie Groh hit .310 with a 149 OPS+ and neither of them struck out more then 30 times. The club had 20 home runs total and slugged only .342 as a unit. Greasy Neale and Jack Daubert were two more names that could play key roles while catcher Ivey Wingo heads a good defensive team that compliments their excellent pitching. No real super stars, but much to prove for this club that feels they never did get their due and have been dubbed as "fake champions." The draw against Sparky Anderson and his team isnt a good one, but the old Reds pitching should really have alot to say on what the outcome will be.

The Big Red Machine was in full force in 1973 and was starting a run of 4 or 5 seasons that few teams in the past have matched. Ninety nine wins even if they did come a game short of winning the pennant against the Mets. Joe Morgan was really coming into his own sporting a .406 OBP while scoring 116 runs with sixty seven steals. Pete Rose hit .338 with 230 hits playing everyday and doing it at multiple positions. Tony Perez drove in 101 runs while hitting .314 and Dave Conception was quickly becoming an all around star at the short stop position. Added on top of all that talent, was the best catcher in the game in Johnny Bench. No one played the game like Bench driving in 104 runs and dominating the base paths on defense. Dan Driessen added a fine bat off the bench while Cesar Geronimo and Bobby Tolan played theirn roles exactly the way Sparky wanted them to. The rotation held its own quite well with Jack Billingham at the head winning 19 games with a 3.04 ERA in 40 starts. Ross Grimsley and Don Gullett both came at you from the left side and walked less then 70 men in over 200 innings of work. In the pen was Pedro Borobn who Sparky loved to use in combination with Clay Carroll as both men had 14 saves. Tom Hall was the lefty specialist for the team before most teams knew what a specialist was. It really should be a fasinating series with the small ball champion 1919 Reds taking on one of the most feared lineups in modern history in the Reds of the 70's.

Game 1 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 56
1973 Reds....................1
1919 Reds....................8
WP: H. Eller (1-0) LP: J. Billingham (0-1)
HR: J. Morgan (1)
POG: Hod Eller
1919 Reds lead series 1-0
Hod Eller seemed tired of hearing about the Big Red Machine and made a statement in game one of this series throwing a complete game and allowing one earned run on six strikeouts and only three hits in the win. Outfielder Greasy Neale drove in four runs while Ivey Wingo scored three runs and added three hits. The home side had five doubles and a triple in a tough outing for Jack Billingham.

Game 2 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 66
1973 Reds.....................9
1919 Reds.....................1
WP: D. Gullett (1-0) LP: S. Sallee (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Don Gullett
Series tied at 1
A tight game was broken wide open in the seventh inning when the Red machine scored six runs and cruised to their first win of the series. Richie Scheinblum was the unlikely star for the winnings side clearing the bases with a 3 run triple. Pete Rose had 3 hits and Don Gullett pitched a complete game with minimal stress.

Game 3 At Riverfront Stadium
Clear 71
1919 Reds....................0
1973 Reds....................7
WP: R. Grimsley (1-0) LP: J. Ring (0-1)
HR: J. Bench (1)
POG: Ross Grimsley
1973 Reds lead series 2-1
A four hit shutout by Ross Grimsley was a sight to behold at Riverfront Stadium as the 1973 Reds won their second game on excellent pitching. Grimsley walked one on 101 pitches and was given the support he needed when the Reds scored four runs in the first two inning. Pete Rose had a RBI triple in the first and Johnny Bench hit a two run home run in the second as Jimmy Ring allowed 11 hits in his six innings of work. A crucial game to even things up await the 1919 champion Reds.

Game 4 At Riverfront Stadium
Clear 64
1919 Reds....................11
1973 Reds.....................4
WP: H. Eller (2-0) LP: R. Nelson (0-1)
HR: D. Driessen (1), J. Daubert (1), E. Roush (1)
POG: Hod Eller
Series tied at 2
The 1919 Reds bounce back nicely as this series really has yet to see a close game. Hod Eller earns his second win while the 19 Reds offense batted 16 hits in the win going away. Greasy Neale and Jack Daubert each drive in three runs and Ed Roush added a steal and a 2 run home run. Nothing to separate these two clubs and Sparky Anderson's men will want to get a leg up before they head back to Crosley Field.

Game 5 At Riverfront Stadium
Rain 53
1919 Reds........................3
1973 Reds........................4
WP: J. Billingham (1-1) LP: S. Sallee (0-2)
HR: J. Daubert (2)
POG: Slim Sallee
1973 Reds lead series 3-2
The 1919 Reds had a one run lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but a crucial error by Rube Bressler left two men on for Johnny Bench. Bench delivered the biggest hit of the series hitting a walk off double off the centerfield wall and flipping the pivotal game 5. The 19 Reds made three errors on the day costing them dearly and wasting a good outing by Slim Sallee who allowed only one earned run in 8.1 innings. Ed Roush went 4-5 in the loss as the great ones like Bench, save their best to when it matters.

Game 6 At Crosley Field
Clear 62
1973 Reds.................0
1919 Reds.................3
WP: R. Fisher (1-0) LP: D. Gullett (1-1)
HR: None
POG: Ray Fisher
Series tied at 3
Ray Fisher refused to allow his team to lose and pitched a shutout to force a game seven bottling up the 73 Reds 3-0. Fisher allowed only 5 hits and walked only one allowing his defense to do the work as the 1919 Reds pitching staff continues to pitch well in this series. Morrie Rath helped the home team score 2 runs in the first with an RBI single adding a third run in the second inning. The series now comes down to one game, a great showcase for the Reds franchise.

Game 7 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 51
1973 Reds....................3
1919 Reds....................2 (21 innings)
WP: J. Billingham (2-1) S. Sallee (0-3)
HR: None
POG: Ross Grimsley
After 20 innings and seven games, still nothing could separate these two teams. Literally running on fumes both clubs were exhausted and had to go back through their starters to close it out. The 1973 Reds held an early 2-0 lead before the home side came back with two more to force extra innings. In the 10th the 1973 Reds took the lead on a Tony Perez single to score Pete Rose, but Jack Daubert singled off Pedro Borbon to tie it up in the bottom of the inning. The 73 Reds had the best chances but the run did not come until the 21st, Dave Conception hit a double off Slim Sallee scoring Joe Morgan all the way from first. The home Reds could not push a run home to tie this time, and the champions are out. Pete Rose had 10 atbats in the game and 10 pitchers were used.

1973 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 games to 3

Series MVP:

Pete Rose
(12 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 4 R, .343 AVG, .857 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #62
1952 Cincinnati Reds (69-85) vs 2007 San Francisco Giants (71-91)

The 1952 Reds went through three different managers but still could not put together a winning season finishing 6th in the NL. The club had no answers for their pitching staff starting 11 different pitchers in an era that usually went with 4 or 5. The so called ace of the staff was Ken Raffensberger who did have a good season with 17 wins and a 2.81 ERA in 33 starts; but even he was used out of the pen when needed. Harry Perkowski was decent winning 12 games with a 3.80 ERA but from there the cupboard ran empty. Frank Smith and young Joe Nuxhall did do nice work out of the pen when called upon but it wasnt enough. Muscle man Ted Kluszewski leads the offense hitting .320 with 16 home runs and catcher Andy Seminick put together a nice year at catcher with 14 home runs but played in only 108 games. Joe Adcock and Willard Marshall were a nice duo in the outfield but the infield was very light hitting and the team slugged only .366. There really isnt much to get excited over with this club, and may would feel they are the actual underdogs against the 91 loss Giants.

At 43 years old Barry Bonds was winding down a career like no other. In his final season of course he surpassed Henry Aaron as the disputed home run king, hitting 28 for his final season. Bonds still had a .480 OBP and 75 runs in 125 games. Another 40 year old, Omar Vizquel was still playing short but couldnt bring much anymore at the dish, Benji Molina and Pedro Feliz did their best to try and punp power into the lineup but no one on the team hit over 30 home runs. Dave Roberts and Ray Durham were just two more very old starters that were way past their best. Giants pitching on the other hand still had some punch. Matt Cain did not deserve to lose 16 games as he struck out 163 batters in limited innings at only 22 year old. Tim Lincecum at only 23 did decent in his 24 starts and his weird delievey was already fooling league hitters, Barry Zito had a down season allowing 24 home runs and a 1.34 WHIP. Matt Morris was also hanging on to add to the senior citizens already on the roster. Thye pen was stable but without no dominant closer, Brad Hennessey. Bruce Bochy is a very good manager and the Giants do have a world of experience, and Mr. Bonds is still batting third.

Game 1 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 59
2007 Giants...................5
1952 Reds.....................4
WP: M. Cain (1-0) LP: K. Raffensberger (0-1)
HR: B. Bonds (1), B. Molina (1)
POG: Matt Cain
2007 Giants lead series 1-0
Benji Molina hit a three run home run to the opposite field in the 8th inning to make the difference for Matt Cain and the Giants in game one. Cain struggled with control walking seven and gave up the lead when Reds catcher Andy Seminick hit a two run double in the seventh. Both Ted Kluszewski and Barry Bonds had homered earlier as both teams played well enough to win.

Game 2 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 58
2007 Giants...................1
1952 Reds.....................2
WP: H. Perkowski (1-0) LP: M. Morris (0-1)
HR: T. Kluszewski (2), D. Ortmeier (1)
POG: Harry Perkowski
Series tied at 1
Harry Perkowski was in command for the home Reds as they tie the series behind his complete game effort. Perk allowed one earned run and five hits on 131 pitches defeating Matt Morris who went 8 and allowed 4 earned. Bobby Adams delivered a two run single and Ted Kluszewski hit his second home runs in as many games. Series now heads to the Bay for three games.

Game 3 At Oracle Park
Clear 64
1952 Reds...................12
2007 Giants..................5
WP: F. Hiller (1-0) LP: T. Lincecum (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Roy McMillan
1952 Reds lead series 2-1
Tim Lincecum didnt make it through the fourth inning allowing 8 runs, 5 of them earned. The Giants defense also let him down with two errors in one inning including one by Barry Bonds who showed his age. Roy McMillan drove in three runs and the Reds made the most of their chances while Frank Hiller was steady in the win even if he wasnt at his best.

Game 4 At Oracle Park
Clear 68
1952 Reds....................0
2007 Giants..................7
WP: B. Zito (1-0) LP: E. Blackwell (0-1)
HR: D. Ortmeier (2)
POG: Barry Zito
Series tied at 2
Daniel Ortmeier continued his good series driving three in backed by a two run home run. The Giants had the perfect answer to their big loss in game three and the perfect man on the mound as Barry Zito had everything working for 9 innings. Zito's curveball was dipping as he allowed only 3 hits and no runs on 4 strikeouts. Matt Cain takes the hill in game five as the Giants look to leave the Bay with the series lead.

Game 5 At Oracle Park
Cloudy 60
1952 Reds....................3
2007 Giants..................7
WP: M. Cain (2-0) LP: K. Raffensberger (0-2)
HR: B. Bonds 2 (3), B. Molina (2), P. Feliz (1)
POG: Barry Bonds
2007 Giants lead series 3-2
Barry Bonds launched two home runs including one into the cove as the Giants won a crucial game 5. Bonds hit a 3 run home run in the first inning and ended the game with 5 RBI. Matt Cain won his second game of the series striking out seven and scattering three runs. Bonds was quoted, "I am not ready to join the AARP yet."

Game 6 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 61
2007 Giants.....................2
1952 Reds.......................3
WP: H. Perkowski (2-0) LP: M. Morris (0-2)
HR: G. Hatton (1), T. Kluszewski (2)
POG: Harry Perkowski
Series tied at 2
Facing elimination down a run in the 8th inning, Ted Kluszewski hit a two run home run to turn the game and maybe the series around as the Reds held on to force a game seven. Klus had his big hit off of Matt Morris who pitched his heart out over 8 innings. Harry Perkowski earned his second win of the series running into trouble only in the 8th inning where he allowed 2 runs when he walked three in the inning. The clutch home run was one to remember and now the series heads to its last turn as Tim Lincecum faces Frank Hiller.

Game 7 At Crosley Field
Partly cloudy 51
2007 Giants.....................4
1952 Reds.......................7
WP: J. Nuxhall (1-0) LP: T. Lincecum (0-2)
HR: J. Adcock 3 (3), T. Kluszewski (3)
POG: J. Adcock
In a legendary game seven performance, Joe Adcock hit three home runs including the series walk off three run winner in the bottom of the ninth off of Tim Lincecum that wont be soon forgotten. The Giants started well taking the lead on a two run double by Pedro Feliz in the 3rd and later Dave Roberts hit a two run home run to make the margin 3 runs for the visiting side. Two solo home runs in the bottom of the inning cut the lead to one and in the seventh Adcock hit his second of the game to tie the score, he ended with 5 RBI. It was a fantastic series from start to finish with the type of finish everyone wishes for.

1952 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 games To 3

Series MVP:

Ted Kluzsewski
(.333, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R, 2 2B, .741 SLG)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #63
2014 Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) vs 2016 Chicago White Sox (78-84)

Working under a payroll tens of millions of dollars less then most competing clubs, Clint Hurdle earned 88 wins from this team and a berth in the postseason. Andrew McCutchen was the star of the Bucs and a true five tool player. His gold glove centerfield was in addition to his .410 OBP, 89 runs, and 25 dingers. Starling Marte had 30 steals and was also coming into his own while Neil Walker and Russell Martin both gave above average production from their respective positions of second and catcher. Josh Harrison was one of the better pinch hitters in the league with a .315 clip to his name while other players like Gregory Polanco were slow to live up to the expectations behind their talent. Twenty three year old Gerrit Cole won 11 games and made 22 starts with stuff that would excite anyone. Edison Volquez had the most starts and a good season with an ERA at 3.04. Francisco Liriano could still fool any hitter in the league while Charlie Morton may have not figured it all out yet, but did fill in for 26 good starts for a fourth starter. Mark Melancon was basically unhittable as the closer with a 1.90 ERA with 33 saves and 71 strikeouts in 71 innings. Pittsburgh is not exactly used to having a winner and a superstar on any of their teams during this big money era, but baseball is baseball no matter what you pay, and the Bucs do bring the goods against anyone.

Chris Sale is still the most talented and most standout player on the 2016 White Sox even if his temper may have rubbed many the wrong way. Sale still strikes out over a batter and inning and held a 1.03 WHIP giving the Sox the needed ace in the hole in this series against the Pirates. Carlos Quintana went through a stretch that no matter how well he pitched, he just couldnt get a win. In any case the lefthander is a very versatile starter who gives the Sox innings and weak contact with his 3.20 ERA. The remainder of the Sox arms really struggled as Carlos Rodon dealt with injuries and Mat Latos along with James Shields just simply did not have anything left in the tank. In the pen, David Robertson certainly had good stuff, but he did blow a number of saves and the situations Robin Ventura used him along with other pen arms like Nate Jones could be questioned. Twenty three year old Tim Anderson was just getting his feet wet at short while Todd Frazier was well pas this best at third. The power of the order was in the form of Jose Abreu who drove in 100 runs with 25 long ones. Adam Eaton scored 91 runs and was a menace at the top of the order and Avisail Garcia may have lost favor with this franchise, but was steady enough as the team DH. The Sox are definitely not the favorites here, but with Sale pitching at least two games, they could definately make the job difficult for the favorites Bucs.

Game 1
At PNC Park
Clear 50
2016 White Sox..............4
2014 Pirates...................5
WP: G. Cole (1-0) LP: C. Sale (0-1) S: M. Melancon (1)
HR: A. McCutchen 2 (2), A. Avila (1)
POG: Andrew McCutchen
2014 Pirates lead series 1-0
Alex Avila hit a three run home run in the 3rd inning off Gerrit Cole and behind Chris Sale, it looked like Chicago was well on its way. Andrew McCutchen however hit two home runs in back to back at bats and tied the game at 3 as Cole settled down. A Russell Martin single put the Bucs ahead in the 7th for good and in the 9th Mark Melancon closed the door with the tying run on third when Gregory Polanco made a diving catch in right to end the game.

Game 2 At PNC Park
Partly cloudy 47
2016 White Sox...............5
2014 Pirates....................11
WP: J. Gomez (1-0) LP: J. Quintana (0-1)
HR: A. McCutchen 2 (4), J. Mercer (1), S. Marte (1), M. Cabrera (1)
POG: Andrew McCutchen
2014 Pirates lead series 2-0
Andrew McCutchen hit a grand slam in the second inning off of Carlos Quintana and would add another home run in a 5 RBI performance as Pittsburgh mashed the White Sox. The Pirates superstar has now hit 4 home runs in 2 games and the Bucs as a team knocked around the Sox for 12 hits. Starlin Marte went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a home run while Jordy Mercer went 3-4. Jeanmar Gomez gets the win in relief of Francisco Liriano who didnt last five.

Game 3 At US Cellular Field
Clear 56
2014 Pirates....................4
2016 White Sox...............2
WP: C. Morton (1-0) LP: C. Rodon (0-1) S: M. Melancon (2)
HR: N. Walker (1)
POG: Charlie Morton
2014 Pirates lead series 3-0
The Sox broke off to an early lead again as Avisail Garcia nailed a two run single in the second inning, but the Pirates would find a way back again. In the 7th inning Pedro Alvarez ripped a two run double to put the Bucs up one and Gaby Sanchez would drive in Alvarez with another hit. Charlie Morton kept his team in it and gets the win as now the Pirates are one win away from the sweep.

Game 4 At US Cellular Field
Clear 51
2014 Pirates...............12
2016 White Sox..........4
WP: E. Volquez (1-0) LP: M. Latos (0-1)
HR: A. McCutchen 2 (6), J. Mercer (2), N. Walker (2)
POG: Andrew McCutchen
The sizzle in the bat of Andrew McCutchen continued as he launched two more home runs, making it 6 in four games, adding 4 more RBI to make it a lucky 13. The 14 Pirates strolled to an easy sweep in Chicago. Five runs in the first two innings against Mat Latos, Jordy Mercer drove in three runs and Edison Volquez had a easy time in this win.

2014 Pittsburgh Pirates Win Series 4-0

Series MVP:

Andrew McCutchen
(10/15, 6 HR, 13 RBI, 7 R, 1.86 SLG)