The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 7, 2018

Mathewson Done For Season

Things in Las Vegas continue to go downhill, as Christy Mathewson has been shut down because of an unspecified shoulder issue. The righthander is done for the season, according to multiple sources with the cellar-dwelling Bosses.

Warren Spahn will assume his place in the rotation.

Mathewson went 3-6 with a 5.10 ERA. He is 39-48 with a 4.21 ERA in his career for Las Vegas.

Wichita Deals Stone to Chicago For Pipp. In a deal of two solid players having subpar seasons, the Wichita Brigade agreed to deal former batting champ George Stone to the Chicago Hitmen for former Newcomer of the Year and 3-time All-Star first baseman Wally Pipp.

Pipp, rendered an afterthought given the re-emergence of Roger Connor as an offensive force, is batting .222 with 7 homers and 29 RBI. Stone, a career .342 hitter, is batting .282 with no homers and 22 RBI.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 9, 2018

Orcas Lose Chino Smith

Whether he wants it or not, Chino Smith of the Orlando Orcas will be getting some R & R -- rest and relaxation. The left fielder has been diagnosed with torn flexor tendon in his elbow and will be done for the season.

So far this season Smith, the reigning Southern League Newcomer of the Year, has struggled with 2 home runs and a .256 batting average.

Steve Henderson will likely replace Smith in the lineup for the last place Orcas, who are 9 games out in the tightly packed Southern League East.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 14, 2018

Dan Brouthers Blasts Homer #300

It was an historic day in the life of Dan Brouthers. The 32-year-old Los Angeles first baseman recorded the 300th homer of his career in the Idols 12-1 triumph over the Wichita Brigade, the first player in PBL history to reach the plateau.

In the clubhouse after the game, Brouthers told BNN, "I was just looking for a ball to drive... and I got one. More importantly, we won the game. We're playing real good ball."

Brouthers is carrying a .307 lifetime batting average, good for 20th in PBL history, with 1045 RBIs, second alltime behind the next person in line to reach 300 homers, Sam Thompson of the Arizona Sandmen.

The Idols lead the Southern League West by 4 games over Arizona.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 15, 2018

By the Numbers: 1,500
Hines, Marmol reach separate milestones

A pair of milestones in PBL history today from Charlotte's Paul Hines and Philadelphia's Carlos Marmol.

Hines picked up a fifth inning single in Charlotte's 7-2 win over Boston to notch the 1,500th hit of his career, becoming the 9th player to reach the mark in the PBL's 10-year history.

Hines follows Dan Brouthers, Oscar Charleston, Sam Thompson, Roger Connor, Cap Anson, Jake Beckley, Albert Pujols and Frank Chance.

An original draftee of Charlotte, the 32-year-old Hines is coming off the finest season of his career, going .292-37-115 a year ago. He's kept it up this season, batting .299 with 17 homers and 46 RBI for third place Charlotte, which is 5 games behind division leading Louisville.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Carlos Marmol bounced back after having lost 3 of his last 4 starts to throw 8 2/3 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 7 - the 4th of which was the 1,500th strikeout of his career.

The second-place Ringers beat Louisville 5-1 to cut the division deficit to two games.

Marmol is the 8th pitcher in PBL history to reach 1,500 strikeouts, joining Rube Waddell, Tim Lincecum, Tommy Bond, Ted Trent, Mark Prior, Satchel Paige and Edinson Volquez.

The win lifted Marmol to 6-6, 3.46 on the season.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 18, 2018

Pair of Trades

Done deal! The New Orleans Knights have agreed to send 26-year-old left fielder Turkey Stearnes to the Charlotte Cougars for 30-year-old reliever Oscar Villarreal. The trade, rumored for days, was completed in the wee hours this morning.

In the current season, Stearnes has put up a .231 batting average with 58 hits, 8 home runs, 41 RBI and scored 28 runs.

To date, Villarreal has collected 2 saves in 22 relief appearances. He has rung up 22 strikeouts and 7 walks in 37.1 innings while registering a 4.10 ERA and a 1-2 won-lost record.

Meanwhile, today at a press conference the Alabama Airmen announced a trade has been completed with the Oklahoma City Scorpions. The Airmen have shipped 27-year-old shortstop Alvin Dark to the Scorpions for 30-year-old reliever Eddie Plank and $1,250,400 in cash.

This season Dark is batting at a .252 clip with 1 home run and 11 RBIs.

Thus far this season Plank has compiled a 2-1 record, made 18 relief appearances with 3 saves, hurling 33.1 innings and striking out 9. He has held the opposition to a .280 batting average with a 2.97 ERA.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 20, 2018

Slammin' Sam: Thompson Hits #300

Not even a week after Dan Brouthers became the first player in PBL history to reach 300 homers, Arizona's Sam Thompson did the same.

Thompson hit a 1-out solo homer in the 6th inning against New Orleans starter Larry Jansen to break a 1-1 tie in a game Arizona went on to win 5-1. The blast was Thompson's 16th of the season.

At the press conference after the game, Thompson appreciated the response of the crowd at Bayou Ballpark in New Orleans, where Thompson spent the first six seasons of his career.

"The ovation was surprising, particularly since I broke the tie," Thompson said. "It started quietly, like they didn't know what to do. But that they acknowledged me at all, given the circumstances, means a lot to me. I loved my time here, and I thank them all."

Lifetime Thompson is hitting .297 with 341 doubles, 30 triples, 300 home runs, 1074 RBIs and 900 runs scored. He has appeared in 1412 games to date and delivered 1653 hits.

[EMSoccerCoach]

June 29, 2018

Sheets Notches 1,500th Strikeout

Charlotte Cougars righthander Ben Sheets became the 9th player in PBL history to reach 1,500 strikeouts tonight in Charlotte's 6-2 loss to Louisville.

Sheets, 31, fanned Buck Leonard to end the 6th. Unfortunately for Sheets, two batters earlier Jim Lefebvre had hit a 3-run homer to break a 2-2 tie.

"A nice mark to reach, but not important in the grand scheme," Sheets said afterward. "Hopefully I'll get to enjoy 2,000 more when I get there."

The Cougars are 41-40, 7 games behind Louisville in third place in the Northern League East.

Sheets is 7-8 with a 3.20 ERA. He joins Rube Waddell, Tim Lincecum, Tommy Bond, Ted Trent, Mark Prior, Satchel Paige, Edinson Volquez and Carlos Marmol.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 1, 2018

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
Louisville Racers	48	34	.585	-
Philadelphia Ringers	46	36	.561	2.0
Charlotte Cougars	42	40	.512	6.0
Boston Riders	38	44	.463	10.0
New York Heroes	38	44	.463	10.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	46	36	.561	-
Sacramento Stingers	44	38	.537	2.0
Wichita Brigade	36	46	.439	10.0
Indianapolis Engines	34	48	.415	12.0
Milwaukee Bangers	32	50	.390	14.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
St. Louis Tides	46	36	.561	-
Alabama Airmen	44	38	.537	2.0
New Orleans Knights	39	43	.476	7.0
Memphis Strummers	38	44	.463	8.0
Orlando Orcas	37	45	.451	9.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Los Angeles Idols	49	33	.598	-
Arizona Sandmen	44	38	.537	5.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	42	40	.512	7.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	42	40	.512	7.0
Las Vegas Bosses	35	47	.427	14.0

League Leaders AVG T. Speaker - STL .352 2 B. Mackey CHI .350 3 J. Jackson LOU .348 4 M. McCormick OKC .346 5 E. Collins WIC .345	League Leaders HR W. Stargell - MEM 23 2 D. Murphy NO 22 3 R. Connor CHI 21 3 P. Hines CHA 21 5 D. Ennis ALA 20	League Leaders RBI D. Snider - STL 70 2 D. Murphy NO 68 3 D. Ennis ALA 60 3 R. Sievers LA 60 5 S. Thompson ARI 58
League Leaders W S. Chacon - LA 13 2 E. Volquez LOU 12 3 L. Barker CHI 11 3 C. Falkenberg SA 11 3 2 more tied with 11	League Leaders ERA H. Coveleski - ARI 2.31 2 M. LaCoss ARI 2.38 3 S. Paige ARI 2.59 4 C. Falkenberg SA 2.75 5 J. Peavy CHA 2.95	League Leaders K C. Marmol - PHI 142 2 B. Sheets CHA 122 3 J. Peavy CHA 118 4 T. Lincecum MEM 112 5 R. Waddell WIC 111

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 1, 2018

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Ruth Takes NL's Best Bat Award
Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 28-year-old Babe Ruth put together a solid offensive month for Chicago and was crowned June's top batter in the Northern League.

He batted .327 with 9 home runs, 23 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

For the year Ruth is hitting .288 with 16 home runs. His stats include 49 RBI and 45 runs scored.

Lackey Stands Out, Choice for Best Pitcher
Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Veteran John Lackey put together quite a successful stretch in June for the New York Heroes, earning himself the Northern League Pitcher of the Month award.

Lackey racked up a 4-1 record in 5 starts, posting a 1.32 ERA over 41 innings and striking out 26.

To date this season, Lackey has a record of 10 wins and 5 losses and a 3.22 ERA. He has appeared in 16 games and struck out 65 in 117.1 innings.

Northern League Names Rookie of Month Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Charlie Maxwell earned June's Rookie of the Month honors in the Northern League for last month's performance. The boyish Indianapolis left fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Maxwell hit .343 with 6 home runs, 14 RBIs and 16 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. Maxwell currently has a .278 batting average with 66 hits, 14 homers, 40 RBIs, 38 runs scored and a .376 OBP.

Murphy Takes Best Bat Award in June
Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Dwayne Murphy battered Southern League pitchers all June and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award.

"I've been around Pastime Baseball League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 30-year-old Murphy told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I may not take the field and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 27 games, Murphy hit .317 with 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and scored 22 runs.

Murphy on the season is batting .288 with 22 home runs. His totals include 68 RBIs and 61 runs scored. He has played in 81 games.

Trucks Wins Best SL Pitcher
Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Virgil Trucks still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in June. The 32-year-old starter for St. Louis was named Southern League Pitcher of the Month earlier today.

He collected 6 wins and no losses with 41 strikeouts in his 6 starts, putting up a fine 1.79 ERA in 50.1 innings of work.

Currently Trucks has a record of 11-5 with 93 strikeouts and 43 walks in 141.1 innings and a 3.18 ERA.

SL Selects Rookie Star of the Month Sunday, July 1st, 2018: Youngster Mickey Mantle emerged as the latest Southern League Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Oklahoma City deserved the honor, batting .327 with 4 home runs and 13 RBI. Is the month of June a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Mantle enjoy the limelight. For the season Mantle is hitting .300, batted in 33 runs with 9 home runs and 36 runs scored.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 6, 2018

Sheriffs-Bosses Trade: Bochte for Izturis
A trade between San Antonio and Las Vegas was made official this morning. The Sheriffs have sent 27-year-old first baseman Bruce Bochte to the Bosses in exchange for 30-year-old first baseman Cesar Izturis.

This season-to-date Bochte has 4 home runs and a .264 batting average.

This season Izturis has banged out 53 hits in 199 at-bats for a .266 average with 3 home runs. He is getting on base at a .330 pace and his totals also include 24 RBIs and 32 runs scored.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 8, 2018

All-Star Game Rosters

NORTHERN LEAGUE

SP Jake Peavy (12-6, 2.87 - CHA)
SP Edinson Volquez (12-5, 3.43 - LOU)
SP Ben Sheets (8-8, 3.07 - CHA)
SP Carlos Marmol (9-7, 3.21 - PHI)
SP Bill Hands (10-5, 3.27 - LOU)
SP Leon Day (11-5, 3.43 - IND)
CL Dick Radatz (1-2, 16 SV, 3.19 - NY)
CL Brad Lidge (1-2, 14 SV, 2.23 - LOU)
CL Joe Wood (0-2, 16 SV, 2.18 - WIC)
CL Doug Corbett (0-2, 15 SV, 3.17 - PHI)
MR Brandon Lyon (3-0, 3 SV, 2.70 - CHI)
CL Steve Howe (5-4, 12 SV, 3.12 - CHA)
1B Roger Connor (.311-22-56 - CHI)
CF Paul Hines (.301-22-58 - CHA)
2B Eddie Collins (.336-1-37 - WIC)
C Frank Chance (.305-9-41 - WIC)
RF Elmer Flick (.287-12-45 - BOS)
3B Frank Baker (.297-4-47 - CHI)
C Smoky Burgess (.274-12-52 - LOU)
SS Rafael Furcal (.264-6-42 - PHI)
LF Charlie Maxwell (.277-15-42 - IND)
CF Cleon Jones (.319-10-43 - WIC)
1B Mike Jacobs (.274-18-59 - NY)
RF Babe Ruth (.280-16-53 - CHI)
1B Larry Doyle (.337-2-41 - WIC)
3B Al Rosen (.260-17-57 - MIL)
CF Rocco Baldelli (.295-14-52 - MIL)
RF Doc Gessler (.320-0-37 - NY)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE
SP Cy Falkenberg (13-3, 3.01 - SA)
SP Harry Coveleski (10-4, 2.63 - ARI)
SP Virgil Trucks (12-5, 3.13 - STL)
SP Shawn Chacon (14-2, 3.75 - LA)
SP Mike LaCoss (10-7, 2.55 - ARI)
SP Satchel Paige (7-3, 2.39 - ARI)
CL Joe Sambito (2-0, 19 SV, 2.22 - STL)
CL Tug McGraw (4-2, 16 SV, 2.90 - OKC)
CL Jose Valverde (6-4, 12 SV, 2.63 - ARI)
CL Francisco Rodriguez (3-2, 13 SV, 3.25 - SA)
CL Gary Lavelle (3-4, 13 SV, 4.05 - MEM)
MR Bob Apodaca (1-0, 2 SV, 1.96 - STL)
1B Dan Brouthers (.316-22-66 - LA)
CF Dwayne Murphy (.296-24-77 - NO)
LF Willie Stargell (.302-23-56 - MEM)
SS Ernie Banks (.300-12-59 - ORL)
C Yogi Berra (.307-19-64 - LA)
3B Roy Sievers (.35-11-61 - LA)
RF Sam Thompson (.282-17-61 - ARI)
2B Jackie Robinson (.261-10-57 - LV)
C Del Crandall (.305-12-49 - MEM)
LF Del Ennis (.310-21-64 - ALA)
1B Rusty Staub (.310-9-45 - STL)
CF Duke Snider (.299-16-72 - STL)
3B Eddie Mathews (.304-15-50 - MEM)
LF Moose McCormick (.347-7-28 - OKC)
RF Norm Miller (.306-11-40 - NO)
1B Mike Hegan (.254-17-53 - ALA)

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 9, 2018

Knights Deal Barnes to Racers for Rozema
The New Orleans Knights and Louisville Racers finalized a trade today. New Orleans will send 35-year-old shortstop Ross Barnes and $3,000,000 in cash to the Racers, while the Knights will receive 27-year-old reliever Dave Rozema. "We think this is a deal that will help out both teams and we're glad to get it done," said the Knights general manager. The trade is expected to be officially completed later today with the players to join their new ball clubs by the end of the day.

So far this season Barnes, the PBL's alltime walks leader, is batting .234 with 3 home runs.

Taking a look at his season, Rozema has made 23 relief appearances, recorded 1 save and compiled a 1-2 won-lost mark and a 2.44 ERA. In pitching 59 innings, he has totaled 21 strikeouts and 13 walks.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League's 10th Annual All-Star Game

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Northern League 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 6 12 0 Southern League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 8 1
Northern League AB R H RBI BB K LOB AVG HR RBI E. Collins 2B 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 .336 1 37 a-L. Doyle PH, 2B 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 .337 2 41 F. Baker 3B 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 .297 4 47 b-A. Rosen PH, 3B 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 .260 17 57 B. Ruth RF 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 .280 16 53 c-E. Flick PH, RF 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 .287 12 45 R. Connor 1B 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 .311 22 56 d-C. Jones PH, LF 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 .319 10 43 P. Hines CF 3 1 2 0 0 0 3 .301 22 58 e-D. Gessler PH, 1B 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 .320 0 37 S. Burgess C 2 0 2 3 1 0 1 .274 12 52 g-F. Chance PH, C 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .305 9 41 M. Jacobs DH 3 1 2 3 1 1 3 .274 18 59 C. Maxwell LF 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 .277 15 42 f-R. Baldelli PH, CF 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 .295 14 52 R. Furcal SS 4 0 1 0 0 1 2 .264 6 42 Totals 36 6 12 6 6 6 24 a - L. Doyle pinch hit for E. Collins in the 6th b - A. Rosen pinch hit for F. Baker in the 6th c - E. Flick pinch hit for B. Ruth in the 7th d - C. Jones pinch hit for R. Connor in the 7th e - D. Gessler pinch hit for P. Hines in the 7th f - R. Baldelli pinch hit for C. Maxwell in the 7th g - F. Chance pinch hit for S. Burgess in the 9th BATTING Doubles: P. Hines (26, 2nd Inning off S. Paige, 0 on, 1 out) Home Runs: M. Jacobs (18, 7th Inning off B. Apodaca, 1 on, 2 outs) Total Bases: P. Hines 3 , B. Ruth , M. JacobsF. Baker , S. Burgess 2 , R. Furcal , L. Doyle , E. Flick , D. Gessler 2-out RBI: M. Jacobs Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: P. Hines , E. Collins , C. Maxwell , R. Baldelli Sac Fly: M. Jacobs , S. Burgess Team LOB: 11 BASERUNNING SB: R. Furcal (18) CS: E. Flick (1) FIELDING Double Plays: 2 (Baker-Collins-Connor, Furcal-Doyle-Gessler) PB: S. Burgess 5 ,	Southern League AB R H RBI BB K LOB AVG HR RBI M. Hegan 2B 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .254 17 53 a-J. Robinson PH, 1B 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 .261 10 57 Y. Berra C 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .307 19 64 D. Brouthers 1B 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 .316 22 66 b-R. Sievers PH, 3B 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .305 11 61 W. Stargell LF 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .302 23 56 c-M. McCormick PH, LF 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .347 7 28 D. Snider DH 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 .299 16 72 S. Thompson RF 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 .282 17 61 d-R. Staub PH 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .310 9 45 D. Murphy CF 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 .296 24 77 E. Mathews 3B, 2B 4 1 3 3 0 0 0 .304 15 50 E. Banks SS 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 .300 12 59 Totals 34 4 8 4 3 2 9 a - J. Robinson pinch hit for M. Hegan in the 8th b - R. Sievers pinch hit for D. Brouthers in the 8th c - M. McCormick pinch hit for W. Stargell in the 8th d - R. Staub pinch hit for S. Thompson in the 9th BATTING Home Runs: E. Mathews (15, 9th Inning off B. Sheets, 2 on, 1 out) J. Robinson (10, 8th Inning off B. Hands, 0 on, 2 outs) Total Bases: D. Brouthers , E. Banks , Y. Berra , E. Mathews 6 , M. Hegan , J. Robinson 2-out RBI: J. Robinson Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: Y. Berra , M. McCormick GIDP: E. Banks 2 Team LOB: 7 FIELDING Errors: S. Thompson 4
Northern League IP H R ER BB K HR PI PS ERA E. Volquez 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 14 3.43 D. Radatz W (1-2) 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 21 13 3.19 B. Lidge 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 13 9 2.33 C. Marmol H (0) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 9 3.21 J. Peavy H (0) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 5 2.87 L. Day 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 7 3.43 B. Hands 1.0 3 1 1 1 0 1 16 7 3.27 B. Sheets 0.1 1 3 3 2 0 1 14 3 3.07 J. Wood SV (16) 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 8 2.18 PITCHING Game Score: E. Volquez 52 Batters Faced: E. Volquez 6, D. Radatz 5, B. Lidge 4, C. Marmol 3, J. Peavy 4, L. Day 3, B. Hands 6, B. Sheets 4, J. Wood 2 Ground Outs - Fly Outs: E. Volquez 1-5, D. Radatz 2-1, B. Lidge 2-1, C. Marmol 1-1, J. Peavy 2-1, L. Day 2-0, B. Hands 2-0, B. Sheets 1-0, J. Wood 1-1 Pitches - Strikes: E. Volquez 21-14, D. RadatzB. Lidge 13-9, C. Marmol 16-9, J. PeavyL. Day 10-7, B. Hands 16-7, B. SheetsJ. Wood 11-8 21-13, 8-5, 14-3,	Southern League IP H R ER BB K HR PI PS ERA S. Paige L (7-3) 2.0 2 1 1 0 1 0 31 19 2.39 V. Trucks 1.0 2 0 0 1 0 0 28 16 3.13 T. McGraw 1.0 0 0 0 2 2 0 20 9 2.90 H. Coveleski 1.0 3 2 2 1 1 0 29 20 2.63 S. Chacon 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 3.75 B. Apodaca 1.0 3 3 2 1 1 1 20 14 1.96 G. Lavelle 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 7 4.05 F. Rodriguez 1.0 1 0 0 1 1 0 17 11 3.25 PITCHING Game Score: S. Paige 45 Batters Faced: S. Paige 8, V. Trucks 6, T. McGraw 5, H. Coveleski 7, S. Chacon 3, B. Apodaca 6, G. Lavelle 4, F. Rodriguez 5 Ground Outs - Fly Outs: S. Paige 0-5, V. Trucks 0-3, T. McGraw 1-0, H. Coveleski 2-0, S. Chacon 1-2, B. Apodaca 0-1, G. Lavelle 0-3, F. Rodriguez 2-0 Pitches - Strikes: S. Paige 31-19, V. TrucksT. McGraw 20-9, H. Coveleski 29-20, S. Chacon 5-4, B. Apodaca 20-14, G. LavelleF. Rodriguez 17-11 28-16, 10-7,
GAME NOTES Player of the Game: E. Mathews Ballpark: Ballpark of San Antonio Weather: Clear skies (59 degrees), wind blowing out to right at 21 mph Start Time: 7:05 pm Time: 3:21 Attendance: 39154

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 12, 2018

Murphy Inks Longest Deal in PBL History
Happy times in New Orleans as the Knights and star center fielder Dwayne Murphy put the finishing touches on the longest contract in PBL history, a 7-year, $60,710,000 deal.

To date, Murphy has collected 99 hits for a .296 average. He has posted 24 home runs, scored 65 runs and driven in 77 runs.

Murphy was selected by New Orleans in the 4th round of the 2011 Amateur Draft. He is on pace to drive in 100 runs for the fourth time in his career.

The deal will boost Murphy's salary from $4.715 million a year to about $8.67 million.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 16, 2018

Injuries Bite Hard

A trio of significant injuries went down this week as we kick off the second half of the PBL's 10th season.

The Arizona Sandmen were dealt a severe blow when Harry Walker was hurt making a defensive play recently in a game against the Las Vegas Bosses. Today doctors confirmed the 32-year-old leftfielder has a torn hamstring that will sideline him indefinitely, with the remainder of the season a real possibility.

This season Walker is batting .275 with 70 hits, 2 home runs, 21 RBIs, .366 OBP and has scored 31 runs.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Oscar Charleston suffered a knee sprain during a recent game with the Oklahoma City Scorpions and will miss at least three weeks.

The resurgent Charleston has a .331 average and a .414 on-base percentage for the year. He has picked up 88 hits, 11 home runs and driven in 35 runs.

Lastly, rookie star Mickey Mantle of the Oklahoma City Scorpions has been placed on the disabled list with a strained quad. The injury is the 20-year-old centerfielder's third injury of note of the season. A strained oblique ended his spring after one at bat, then an elbow injury sidelined him for two weeks in April.

Mantle has 10 home runs and a .294 batting average.

Heroes, Kennedy agree on extension. New York fans celebrated as word of a signing became reality. Catcher Terry Kennedy has signed a 3-year extension valued just shy of $16 million.

This year, Kennedy is batting .308 with 8 home runs.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 19, 2018

Byrd Notches 1,500th K

Philadelphia Ringers pitcher Bill Byrd today became the fourth player in Pastime Baseball League history to reach 1,500 strikeouts.

Byrd, who spent the first 7 years of his career in New York, struck out Oklahoma City's Dode Paskert for number 1,500 in the third inning of an eventual 4-2 Philadelphia loss in 11 innings.

Byrd has been remarkably durable, never going on the disabled list in his career. After being a reliever in his first season, the PBL's inaugural year of 2009, Byrd has started 284 games since then, and ranks in the top 10 of several pitching statistics, including Wins (5th), starts (9th) and innings (8th).

And, of course, strikeouts!

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 22, 2018

Connor Belts No. 250

The result, an 11-4 loss to rival Sacramento, wasn't what Roger Connor hoped for. But still, he mustered a brief smile at his personal achievement, becoming the fifth player in PBL history to reach the 250-homer mark.

Down 11-2, Connor slammed his 27th homer of the season for the 250th of his career. His Chicago teammates greeted him warmly in the visiting dugout in Sacramento, but the celebration was muted.

"I'm proud of my career," said Connor, 32. "But today, what matters is what's shaping up to be another tough pennant race, and a tough loss against the division leader."

Connor is batting .306 with 27 homers and 67 RBI for the Hitmen. He joins Dan Brouthers, Sam Thompson, Charley Jones and Adam Dunn as the only players to reach the mark.

Jay Gibbons (231) is next on the list.

[EMSoccerCoach]

July 25, 2018

Knights Deal Rose For Donlin in Shocker

It took some time to iron out the details, but the Heroes and Knights have agreed to a swap. New Orleans will get 30-year-old left fielder Mike Donlin with New York receiving 28-year-old left fielder Pete Rose in return. A source close to the trade talks said the two clubs were initially looking to make a bigger deal, but discussions broke off late last night. The two sides reconvened early today and eventually settled on this deal.

"These are two teams that have spent most of the PBL's history being successful," said an uninvolved general manager who didn't want to be named. "Now they're both near the bottom and trying to change things up."

Donlin signed a 3-year deal with New York last offseason, and the deal reportedly has rankled him. This year, Donlin has batted at a .261 pace with 81 hits, 9 home runs, 38 RBIs and scored 50 times.

This year Rose is hitting at a .319 pace with 3 home runs and 37 RBIs. He has played in 63 games and scored 44 times. Rose is signed through next season and will split time between third base and outfield for the Heroes.

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 1, 2018

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
Louisville Racers	62	45	.579	-
Philadelphia Ringers	57	50	.533	5.0
Charlotte Cougars	55	52	.514	7.0
Boston Riders	54	53	.505	8.0
New York Heroes	46	61	.430	16.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Sacramento Stingers	59	48	.551	-
Chicago Hitmen	57	50	.533	2.0
Wichita Brigade	49	58	.458	10.0
Indianapolis Engines	47	60	.439	12.0
Milwaukee Bangers	45	62	.421	14.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
St. Louis Tides	60	47	.561	-
Alabama Airmen	57	50	.533	3.0
Memphis Strummers	50	57	.467	10.0
New Orleans Knights	49	58	.458	11.0
Orlando Orcas	48	59	.449	12.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Los Angeles Idols	62	45	.579	-
Arizona Sandmen	58	49	.542	4.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	57	50	.533	5.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	56	51	.523	6.0
Las Vegas Bosses	42	65	.393	20.0

League Leaders AVG J. Jackson - LOU .356 2 M. McCormick OKC .355 3 L. Doyle CHA .342 3 T. Cobb LA .342 5 D. Mitchell MEM .335	League Leaders HR R. Connor - CHI 29 2 P. Hines CHA 26 2 D. Murphy NO 26 2 W. Stargell MEM 26 5 4 tied with 23	League Leaders RBI D. Murphy - NO 88 2 D. Snider STL 81 3 M. Jacobs NY 75 3 B. Ruth CHI 75 5 3 tied with 74
League Leaders W C. Falkenberg - SA 15 2 S. Chacon LA 14 2 L. Day IND 14 2 E. Volquez LOU 14 2 E. Walsh PHI 14	League Leaders ERA M. LaCoss - ARI 2.40 2 H. Coveleski ARI 2.67 3 S. Paige ARI 2.79 4 J. Peavy CHA 3.12 4 R. Marquard SAC 3.12	League Leaders K C. Marmol - PHI 170 2 B. Sheets CHA 157 3 J. Peavy CHA 146 4 T. Lincecum MEM 142 4 R. Waddell WIC 142

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 1, 2018

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Nunamaker of Indianapolis NL Batter of the Month
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: Les Nunamaker had quite a month with the bat in July and the Indianapolis catcher was crowned Northern League Batter of the Month for his outstanding efforts.

To win the honor, he batted .325 with 25 hits, 7 home runs, 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored. He also drew 18 walks to post a .448 on-base percentage.

This year Nunamaker has socked 90 hits in 353 at-bats for a .255 average with 21 home runs. He is getting on base at a .372 pace and his totals also include 66 RBIs and 58 runs scored.

Cobb Brings Home SL Batter of Month Honor
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: When Ty Cobb stepped up to the plate in July, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Southern League Batter of the Month award.

The young Los Angeles right fielder posted a .385 batting average with 1 home run, 11 RBIs and scored 21 runs. Cobb also worked pitchers for 6 walks to post a .414 on-base percentage.

In 2018 Cobb has hit at a .342 clip with 134 hits, 3 home runs, 48 RBIs and has scored 62 times.

Milwaukee Starter Selected Best Pitcher
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: Smokey Joe Williams's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-1 in July, the 26-year-old Milwaukee hurler has been named Northern League Pitcher of the Month.

He fanned 30 in 52.1 innings, logged an ERA of 2.75 and allowed opponents to hit .234 against him.

Checking out his stats for the season, Williams has racked up 11 wins and 9 losses in 22 starts, 3.89 ERA and struck out 100 batters in 166.2 innings.

Rixey Cops #1 Pitcher Award in July
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: In July San Antonio starter, Eppa Rixey really put the strong arm on the other Southern League teams and hauled in the Pitcher of the Month trophy. He did it with an impressive 4 wins and no losses.

In 5 starts and 44 innings of work, Rixey limited opposing batters to 41 base hits and a .241 batting average. He fanned 31, issued 5 walks and had a 2.25 ERA.

This season Rixey has crafted a 10-8 mark with a 3.13 ERA in 152.1 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .258 against him and he has 80 strikeouts.

July Sensation NL's Best Rookie Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: A veritable toddler to the Northern League, Ed Bailey just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for July. Over the past month the 23-year-old catcher for Sacramento Bailey is presently batting .261 with 10 home runs, 40 runs scored and 46 RBIs. His OBP is .340. hit .324 with 23 hits, 5 home runs and 17 RBI. He also logged 11 walks and compiled a .422 on-base percentage.

SL Rookie Hittin' on All Cylinders in July Wednesday, August 1st, 2018: Eddie Mathews's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Memphis third baseman has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In July he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .314 with 5 doubles, no triples and 8 home runs. Mathews also scored 13 times and drove in 19 runs. Currently Mathews has 23 home runs and a .308 batting average.