HOB4 Our Story Begins

[Tiger Fan]

Originally posted by Tavarin
Wait, so Mackenzie Dolnick went to war, so now what?

He will return to his original club either late in 1945 or prior to the 1946 season...unless he is released from the armed forces. The only way that can occur is during the free agent period and amateur draft when I change the military service team to cpu controlled. No pro ball for him but he can be proud he is serving his country.

[Tiger Fan]

1942 NATIONAL LEAGUE RECAP - A GIANT VICTORY
The New York Giants were the only Major League club untouched by the war and that was because all of their key players were well over 30 and too old to fight. As a result the Giants thoroughly dominated their National League opponents, winning 105 games and taking the pennant by 19 over second place Pittsburgh. Only the 1935 Chicago White Sox, with 107 had more wins in a season than the Giants.

Monte Pearson (23-10, 2.33) became the Giants ace after last year's Cy Young Award winner Bob Simpkinson (16-3, 2.20) missed 2 months with a knee injury. Despite several other pitching injuries the Giants staff was the class of the league. Jim Mooney (12-5), Jack Salveson (15-7) and Cliff Melton (16-7) all played a big part. A couple of PCL exiles in George Dupee (.312,32,112) and Mike Wace (.264,27,74) provided the power and Thomas Fugazzi's knee injury of a year ago made him 4F in the army's mind but A+ to Giant fans. Fugazzi hit a career high .338 after missing most of the first 2 months.

For the second year in a row the Pirates finished second. Dizzy Dean (25-13) had another big year but the rest of the rotation faltered. Fourth year pro Bob Elliott hit .335 to win his first NL batting crown.

Free agent pickup Samuel Shimp (28-7, 2.56) almost singlehandedly lifted the Cubs from 7th to third. Shimp, the ex-San Francisco Seal, was named the NL Cy Young Award winner. Rookie Johnny Pesky (.295,2,46) had a nice start to his career with the Cubs. Speaking of top rookies, 1937 rookie of the year award winner Tommy Henrich (.245,19,100) saw his average dip again. Since hitting .308 as a rookie his average has steadily dropped and he has been traded twice. To his credit, Henrich did tie his career high in rbi's.

Fourth place Boston had a solid rookie in Hank Majeski (.299,6,65) plus a top flight starter in Steve Skerl (26-10). Most felt the Braves were nuts when they shelled out over $13 million per season for a guy who went 10-14 for Houston a year ago but Skerl did the job in Beantown. In Cincinnati, Andy Webbe (2.90,48,152) won his second MVP award in 3 seasons but the Reds rotation, aside from Brett Snee (19-12,3.90) was subpar. Jimmie Foxx (.299,29,75) and Johnny Hodapp (.314,26,91) gave the Reds some real power in the middle of the order. 34 year old Foxx finished the season with 615 career homers, just 18 shy of Babe Ruth's record.

28 year old Wayne Woytek had tongues wagging in the City of Brotherly Love. The Fairhaven, Mass. native socked a career best 47 homers and drove in 127 for the 6th place Phillies. Woytek made his pro debut with San Diego in 1937 but did not become an everyday player until last season. It was another bad year for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who have only finished as high as third once in 20 seasons. Johnny Mize (.289,41,115) and Lon Warneke (18-16, 3.39) were the only bright spots in St Louis as the Cardinals suffered through their second straight last place finish.

1942 NATIONAL LEAGUE STANDINGS



Team               W   L PCT  GB 

New York (N)     105 49 .682    - 

Pittsburgh        86 68 .558 19.0 

Chicago (N)       77 77 .500 28.0 

Boston (N)        75 79 .487 30.0 

Cincinnati        74 80 .481 31.0 

Philadelphia (N)  69 85 .448 36.0  

Brooklyn          65 89 .422 40.0 

St. Louis (N)     65 89 .422 40.0 







MVP - Andy Webbe Cincinnati

Cy Young - Samuel Shimp Chicago Cubs

Rookie of the Year - Hank Majeski Boston Braves



TOP 3 AVG

1-  Bob Elliott Pit     .335

2- Danny Steedley Bsn   .330

3- Matt Gullett ChN     .326



TOP 3 HR

1- Andy Webbe Cin    48

2- Wayne Woytek Phi  47

3- Johnny Mize StL   41



TOP 3 RBI

1- Andy Webbe Cin    152

2- Wayne Woytek Phi  127

3- Johnny Mize StL   115



TOP 3 WINS

1- Samuel Shimp ChN 28-7

2- Steve Skerl Bsn 26-10

3- Dizzy Dean Pit  25-13



TOP 3 K's

1- Steve Skerl Bsn   256  

2- Monte Pearson NYG 193

3- Bob Weiland ChN   190

[Tiger Fan]

MINOR LEAGUE GREATNESS - JASON TRIEBESS
Fans of the California League's (Class A) Bakersfield Blaze have witnessed the greatest display in the history of baseball over the past 4 seasons. 22-year-old first baseman Jason Triebess has hit 280 homers during that time, an average of 70 a season! In just 4 seasons he has become the all-time minor league homerun king.

Triebess, was a third round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in the 1939 Western Alliance draft. The 18 year old from Mobile, Alabama had unbelievable power but the problem is it was all or nothing for the free swinging teen. The knock on him was he would never be able to hit major league pitching consistently. However, he has feasted on the offerings served up by California League opponents.

The 6'4", 225 pounder blasted 70 homers and drove in 182 runs as a rookie with the Blaze. Both marks were Class A records. He also batted .356 that season. Just 19, he would remain in Bakersfield for his second pro season, and again he would crush 70 homers helping Bakersfield to a second place finish in the California League. He hit 70 homers despite missing the last 3 weeks of the season with a torn muscle in his stomach. However, because he had fanned 141 times in 449 at bats he would again find himself in Class A in 1941.

1941 would see Triebess hit 'just' 67 homers as he helped the Blaze win their first California League title. Triebess led the league in homers and rbi's for the third straight season, and he batted .332. He also managed to reduce his strikeouts to 135 in 533 at bats.

This past season Triebess blasted a new record 73 homers and had a league high 128 rbi's. He also batted a career best .366, 4th in the league, and lowered his strikeout total to 103 in 486 at bats. Bakersfield again won the California League title but Triebess was not around on the final day to enjoy it. With a week left in the minor league season he was promoted to the Class AA Baton Rogue Cajans of the Plains League. Triebess made his mark in AA quickly, hitting 5 homers in 34 at bats. He batted .294 with 7 strikeouts as the Cajans had a strong finish to capture fourth place in the 16 team loop. Triebess, now 22, has finally cracked the Angels top 10 prospect list, where he is ranked at #9.

The jury is still out on whether Jason Triebess can ever make the major leagues but he has certainly made his mark in the annals of baseball history already. Here are Jason Triebess career stats.

Career Minor League Batting Stats

 

 

Year   CLUB      LEAG   CLASS    G  AB  H   2B  3B  HR  RBI   R   BB   K   SB CS  AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS 

1939, Bakersfield  CAL    A    131 556 198  26   2  70  182  139  37  127   0  3 .356 .390 .788 1.178 

1940, Bakersfield  CAL    A    108 449 156  14   1  70  136  116  34  141   2  2 .347 .385 .851 1.236 

1941, Bakersfield  CAL    A    131 533 177  26   2  67  152  119  40  135   0  1 .332 .375 .765 1.141 

1942 ,Bakersfield  CAL    A    121 486 178  20   1  73  128  112  41  103   0  1 .366 .422 .862 1.284 

1942, Baton Rogue  PLA   AA      8  34  10   2   0   5    7    8   2    7   0  0 .294 .368 .794 1.163 

 

[NYJuggalo45]

wow the Giants simply dominated the NL without a single league leader (except for K's) and no award winners

[rogmax11]

I'm confused; is it Wayne Woytek or Wally Woytek? Or is he the player to be named later?

[Tiger Fan]

I am going to talk about the Giants team effort prior to the playoffs. As for Woytek it is a typo on my part. His first name is Wayne and it has been corrected now. My apologies to the Woytek family, although he is a fictional player so I dont believe they will be too ofended.

[Tiger Fan]

A TEAM EFFORT: 1942 NEW YORK GIANTS
Usually when a team so thoroughly dominates it's league as the 1942 New York Giants did, you can trace the catylst for their success back to one or two superstar players having a truly dominant year. The '42 Giants were an exception to that rule as no one player carried the team. It was a total team effort from a club that had no weak link. The Giants were the class of baseball in team era but did not finish first in any other team or individual stat category besides earned runs allowed. However, they were very good in all aspects of the game even with the number of serious injuries they suffered.

Here is a look at their 25 man roster.

Catcher - 34 year old Al Lopez. batted .265, 7,51 in 130 games. ex-Dodger played flawless defense
1st Base - 35 year old Mike Wace .264,27,74 in 142 games. second season with NYG after decade in PCL
2nd Base-37 year old Ed Roetz .298,15,86 in 142 games. former gold glove winner still can bring leather
3rd base - 31 year old Thomas Fugazzi .338,18,74 in 89 games. missed 2 months with knee injury
Shortstop- 36 year old Joe Cronin .311,16,82 in 146 games. 16 yr vet had 2000th career hit this year.
Leftfield - 35 year old George Dupee .312,32,112 in 147 games. played 13 seasons in the Western Alliance.
Centerfield- 33 year old Alex Skow .300,11,70 in 144 games. first season as an everyday player.
Rightfield -34 year old Vince Barton .264,18,75 in 146 games. longtime Cub blossomed in New York

The bench was equally as old
Catcher Willard Hershberger .298,1,11 in 59 games for 32 year old
1B Phil Weintraub .273,1,4 in 26 games for 35 year old pinch hitting specialist.
2B Al Cuccinello .228,1,6 in 48 games for 27 year old career minor leaguer
SS Wilfredo Mendoza .222,1,4 in 62 games for 24 year old defensive specialist
3B Jim Bucher .237,1,11 in 25 games for Fugazzi's fill in during injury. 31 years old
OF Babe Phelps .293,4,22 in 85 games for best hitter off the bench. 34 years old
OF Pete Fox .167,0,2 in 44 games for 34 year old journeyman
OF Red Jones .583,0,2 in 19 games for 30 year old spare part.

More veteran names on the pitching staff
Bob Simpkinson 33 yr old 16-3, 2.20 era. Injuries cost him 2nd straight Cy Young
Monte Pearson 34 yr old 23-10, 2.33 era. stepped up as stopper when Simpkinson was on DL
Jim Mooney 36 yr old 12-5, 2.58 era, Missed 12 weeks with arm troubles.
Jack Salveson 28 yr old 15-7, 3.39 era. missed 3 weeks with injuries.
Cliff Melton 30 yr old 16-7, 3.27 given shot in rotation with all the injuries and he prospered.
Damon Sinden 34 yr old 11-5, 3.70 era free agent used to be the ace in Salt Lake half a decade ago.
Spike Merena 32 yr old 2-1, 2.87 era. ex-Red Sox fills out bullpen
Johnnie Wittig 28 yr old 1-2, 1.29 era missed a month with injury and spent most of year in AAA
Lloyd Muddle 31 yr old 0-1, 1.21 veteran setup man is with his 6th team
Freddy Veldman 32 yr old 3-4, 3.25 6 sv. free agent pickup from Dallas.


The amazing thing, looking at their pitching staff is how the Giants could be so good despite the fact their top 4 starters missed a combine 37 starts with various injuries including Simpkinson, who won 29 games a year ago, missing 14 starts. And they were dominant in ERA. New York's team era was 2.94. The second best team in all of baseball was 3.50. Imagine what they could have accomplished had the rotation stayed healthy.

The other big thing that comes to mind looking at this club is it's age. It is almost like the Giants planned for the war by signing as many older players, knowing they would be too old to enlist. The future could be very cruel to the Giants, however, as they rank 30th in farm system. Aside from Dewey Adkins, a 24 year old pitcher who went 8-12 between AA and AAA in his rookie season, there is not a single player who has a reasonable expectation of one day playing regularly in the major leagues. Right now that is not a concern as the old arms and legs of the Giant veterans worked well enough to get them into another postseason. There is some concern we could see a major dropoff in the next couple of years though.

[Tiger Fan]

1942 PCL - A GREAT RACE
The 1942 Pacific Coast League season went down to the wire with just 5 games seperating the top 5 teams. In fact, as late as the 10th of September 4 teams were within a half game of each other at the top. A late streak from Hollywood and a slump by Oakland and Portland ended up giving the Stars their second pennant in 3 years. As for the defending champion Vancouver Mounties, injuries and departures via free agency and the war effort saw them sink to the bottom of the Pacific.

For the second straight season Hollywood's Roy Sherid was the top pitcher in the loop. The 35 year old Sherid went 26-7 with a league best 2.39 era. Prior to being dealt to Hollywood last year, Sherid had spent 12 seasons in New York (9 with the Yankees and 3 with the Giants) and on two occassions had a 20 victory season. Douglas Swirski (16-12, 2.63) and Monroe Piers (10-4) before his season-ending shoulder surgery were the other keys to the Stars rotation. 33 year old Lefty Gomez (6-4) looked good down the stretch after being released by the Yankees.

The Hollywood offense was merely average as the Stars relied on their pitching staff to win games. Harry Lade (.242,34,93), Larry Mathes (.301,17,76) and Arky Vaughan (.307,7,43) were the top producers.

A late slump cost Oakland a chance at the pennant. Harris Brullion (22-13) and Brian Sloby (19-13) led the rotation while the Oaks offense came from Joe Medwick (.283,22,60), Clifton Melk (.278,29,80) and catcher Rob Schwanke (.268,29,100). Monster offensive numbers from Jeffrey Dubouwsky (.273,45,116) and Charlie Snook (.296,40,106) propelled Seattle into a second place tie. Pitcher Marius Russo (17-14, 3.99) had the best season of his 4 year career for the Rainiers.

28 year old Ben Cocteau (.304,32,109) was the big story in Portland. The Los Angeles native posted some strong numbers in his first year as an everyday player. The Ducks had a shot at their first pennant since 1930 but injuries down the stretch crippled their pitching staff. The loss of rookie of the year Ron Hitchens (18-7, 2.78) with 3 weeks to play was particularily devastating.

San Diego was in contention but once again fell just short. Ted Williams (.357,37,115) lost the batting title to Los Angeles OF Frederick Armour (.364,18,81) but Williams did win his second straight MVP award. The Padres had some decent offensive players but aside from Elmer Smithard (23-13, 3.37) lacked pitching.

The Los Angeles Angels headed the group of the 3 basement dwellers. The outfielder, of batting champ Armour, Chuck Klein (.307,16,67) and Stanley Sheely (.287,16,52) was solid enough but the Angels lacked an offensive contribution from the rest of the lineup. Former Pittsburgh Pirate Bill Swift (22-10,3.52) thrived despite the lack of offensive support but other pitchers, most notably Paul Dean (12-18, 4.45) struggled.

Free agent pickup Joel Jew (.312,23,85) was one of the few bright spots in San Francisco. Nothing went right in Vancouver this season as the clock struck midnight on the Cinderella team of a year ago. Elmer Scully (15-20, 3.52) and Ed June (.295,35,74) were the only players who even came remotely close to their 1941 performance. Losing 22 game winner Eriq Brink to the war effort did not help the Mounties either.

1942 PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE STANDINGS



Team                W   L PCT  GB 

Hollywood          86 68 .558    - 

Oakland            84 70 .545  2.0 

Seattle            84 70 .545  2.0 

Portland           82 72 .532  4.0  

San Diego          81 73 .526  5.0 

Los Angeles        69 85 .448 17.0 

San Francisco      69 85 .448 17.0  

Vancouver          61 93 .396 25.0 





MVP -  Ted Williams San Diego

Cy Young - Roy Sherid Hollywood

Rookie of the Year -  Ron Hitchens Portland



TOP 3 AVG

1-  Frederick Armour LA  .364

2-  Ted Williams SD  .357

3-  Tuan Swasick Port  .335 



TOP 3 HR

1-  Jeffrey Dubouwsky Sea  45

2-  Charlie Snook Sea  40

3-  Ted Williams SD  37



TOP 3 RBI

1- Jeffrey Dubouwsky Sea  116 

2- Ted Williams SD   115

3- Ben Cocteau Port  109



TOP 3 WINS

1- Roy Sherid Hol  26-7 

2- Elmer Smithard SD  23-13

3- Brullion Oak, Swift LA  22



TOP 3 K's

1- Pete Boyle SF  280

2- VinceRasimonwicz Van  256

3-  Brian Sloby Oak  233

Next up the Mountain League recap

[Tiger Fan]

1942 MOUNTAIN LEAGUE - THE DYNASTY ENDS
The Phoenix Roadrunners have to be one of, if not the most resillient franchise in baseball history. Despite losing key pieces every season the Roadrunners managed to win 6 straight Mountain League Pennants. Prior to the 1941 campaign they lost a 57 home run man in Mitchell Senft and a 29 game winner in Josh Setwright yet still managed to win another pennant. Prior to this season the Roadrunners took a hit just as hard. 30 year old Vince Sutera, who won the triple crown in 1940 and was arguably the best player in Mountain League history, filed for free agency and signed with Detroit. In addition, pitcher Jamie Shellington, who had won 27 games and a Cy Young Award enlisted in the navy. Thirdbaseman Harvey Endean, who was rookie of the year in 1941 joined the armed forces as did OF Danny Metrick who had hit .322 and was earmarked to replace Sutera in leftfield.

The Roadrunners did find a very strong replacement for Sutera in former Yankee Joe Dimaggio. However, it was impossible to replace Shellington and the Roadrunners failed to win the pennant for the first time since 1935. Top spot instead went to the Albuquerque Arrowheads, a club that had not won a pennant since 1927. In fact, the Arrowheads had endured a 12 year stretch were they never finished higher than 5th in the 8 team Mountain League.

The Arrowheads had from top to bottom the best pitching staff in the league. The rotation featured 3 twenty game winners in Cornelius Denul (23-10), Kim Siren (22-9) and Everson Halverson (20-18). Willis Hudlin (19-15) narrowly missed making the entire rotation part of the 20 win club. The Arrowheads offense was middle of the road but with their pitching a great offense was not necessary. 27 year old Roy Garlick (.295,31,95) was a pleasant surprise at first base - winning the rookie of the year award after spending 5 years in the minors. Outfielders Daniel Sible (.312,18,72), Luis Pesci (.273,24,87) and Tim Hilgarth (.335,12,72) also contributed. 24 year old Hilgarth finished a close second to Garlick in rookie of the year voting.

As has been the case for nearly a decade, Phoenix had by far the best offense in the league. Joe Dimaggio (.343,51,128) bolted New York for the desert and promptly won the Mountain League MVP and narrowly missed the triple crown. Joe Selleck (.326,38,133) and Frederick Wheare (.326,38,109) rounded out a potent outfield. Longtime minor leaguer Fred Shooter (.323,25,76) proved a capable replacement for Harvey Endean at third. Shortstop John Vandermar (.327,24,89) had the best season of his 8 year career. The problem, however, was the pitching staff could not compare to Albuquerque's. Bob Muncrief (21-4, 3.41) did his best to replace the departed Setwright and Shellington - and Muncrief won the Cy Young Award, giving the Roadrunners 3 straight won by 3 different hurlers. Muncrief missed all of August with an injury and that doomed Phoenix. Longtime minor leaguer Gregory Pengelley (20-13, 4.75) had some success in the rotation as did aging vet Lou Shamata (18-13, 5.55) but Hal Newhouser (8-14, 6.30) failed to live up to expectations.

Denver had it's highest finish since 1932 but the Bears were never really in the race. Homers are always aplenty in the Rocky Mountain city and this year was no exception as outfielders Jose Schulster (.303,39,114) and Lloyd Depaz (.297,35,88) led the way. Houston had the league batting champ in Henry Gonatas (.355,16,93) and a power hitter in Ryan Anderson (.278,27,108). Both players had been cast adrift by the woeful New Orleans organization in the mid-thirties only to find success in Texas. Former Cubs hurler Bill Lee (21-12, 3.42) was the Buffaloes most consistant pitcher.

The always reliable Mario Stentz (.264,39,104) and former Pirate Johnny Rizo (.288,25,97) were the main attractions in Dallas. Ex-Red Schoolboy Rowe (14-19, 5.83) was the best of a bad staff.

New Orleans has still never won a pennant despite the best efforts of slugger Clifton Swietek (.231,40,105) and a middle infielder duo of Bob Higounet (.315,30,85) and Randy Shellhorse (.272,34,87). The pitching staff was awful - 31 year old rookie Lou Tost lost 24 games. 21 year old Warren Spahn gives the Pelicans hope for the future, although he did get shelled in a couple of September appearances.

24 year old Randy Gumpert made the most of his opportunity in Kansas City. Gumpert went 21-15 after a spring trade from the Philadelphia Athletics. The Monocacy, Pa. native was 11-11 with the A's a year ago after spending the better part of 4 seasons in the minors. No other Blues starting pitcher this season came with 2 runs of his team best 3.35 era.

Pitching was non-existant in Salt Lake City as the Bees 5.69 team era was the worst in all of baseball. The offense, led by Lewis Cremins (.326,40,123) wasn't much better. Age caught up with their great first baseman Phillip Coejeman (.297,16,65) as he endured the worst season of his 16 year career. Coejeman, with 481 career homers and 2408 hits should have a strong chance at induction in the HOB4 Hall of Fame.

1942 MOUNTAIN LEAGUE STANDINGS



Team                W   L PCT  GB  

Alburquerque       96 58 .623    - 

Phoenix            90 64 .584  6.0  

Denver             83 71 .539 13.0 

Houston            78 76 .506 18.0  

Dallas             73 81 .474 23.0 

New Orleans        67 87 .435 29.0 

Kansas City        66 88 .429 30.0  

Salt Lake City     63 91 .409 33.0 







MVP -  Joe Dimaggio Phoenix

Cy Young - Bob Muncrief Phoenix

Rookie of the Year -  Roy Garlick Albuquerque



TOP 3 AVG

1-  Henry Gonatas Hou  .355

2-  Joe Dimaggio Pho  .343

3-  Harry Kohncke KC  .328



TOP 3 HR

1-  Joe Dimaggio Pho  51

2-  Lewis Cremins SLC  40

3-  Clifton Swietek NO  40



TOP 3 RBI

1-  Joe Selleck Pho  133

2-  Joe Dimaggio Pho  128

3-  Lewis Cremins SLC  123



TOP 3 WINS

1- Cornelius Denul Alb 23-10 

2- Kim Siren Alb 22-9

3- Muncrief Pho, Lee Hou, Gumpert KC 21



TOP 3 K's

1- Ray Erat Hou  237 

2-  Charlie Graupmann SLC  222

3-  Peter Sletteland Dal 202

Next up the 1942 postseason.

[NYJuggalo45]

great write up on the giants, looking forward to playoffs/off-season again....the the age of the giants might catch up to them

[Tiger Fan]

1942 POSTSEASON
In mid-September commissioners from all 4 leagues decided to officially adopt the name Western Series and Eastern Series for the round of playoffs commencing before the World Series. The matchup between the Pacific Coast League and Mountain League winners has been known as the Western Series since those two leagues formed in 1922. However, the championship matchup between the American and National League champs has been basically without a name since the merger of the 4 leagues.

WESTERN SERIES - HOLLYWOOD STARS vs ALBUQUERQUE ARROWHEADS
Don't expect a lot of offense in this series. The champs of the two Western based leagues each led their respective leagues in lowest runs allowed but also both finished near the bottom in runs scored.

GAME 1 - Hollywood sends back-to-back Cy Young Award winner Roy Sherid to the hill against 20-game winner Emerson Halverson of the Arrowheads. A pitching duel is expected and the two hurlers comply. Hollywood strikes first in the top of the 4th when CF Harry Lade delivers an rbi-double with 2 out but Albuquerque evens the score in the bottom of the 4th on rookie of the year Roy Garlick's rbi double. Hollywood catcher Jesse Misiano snaps the tie in the 6th with a solo homer. It would be the final run scored as Hollywood takes the opener 2-1. Sherid allowed just 6 Albuquerque hits while Halverson surrendered 8 to the Stars, including 3 from catcher Misiano. Sherid has now won his last 8 decisions.

GAME 2 - No pitching duel this time. Harry Lade homers and Sean Stanworth has 3 hits to lead Hollywood to an 8-3 win. 28 year old Rich Sinners, who went 3-5 this season, was a surprise starter for Hollywood but he allowed just 8 hits in his first postseason start. 19 game winner Willis Hudlin took the loss.

GAME 3 - Harry Lade homered for the 2nd straight game, this time a 2-run shot in the first that helped Hollywood to a 3-2 win and a 3-0 series lead. Catcher Jesse Misiano had 2 more hits in the game. 38 year old Douglas Swirski (16-12, 2.63) went the distance allowing 8 hits. Kim Siren took the loss.

GAME 4 - A capacity crowd at RKO Stadium came armed with brooms in expectation of a Stars sweep. Game 1 starters Halverson and Sherid each did extra duty, going 10 innings with the game still tied at 5. Both clubs turned things over to the bullpen and this was not settled until the 12th inning when Hollywood pinch-hitter Andrew Hugh delivered a 2-out rbi single to end the game 6-5 in the Stars favour.


It was a Hollywood sweep but 3 of the 4 games were decided by a single run,


EASTERN SERIES - CLEVELAND INDIANS vs NEW YORK GIANTS
A rematch of last years series in which the Giants triumphed in 6 games. Like the Western Series, this one featured a match-up between the best pitching staff from each league.


GAME 1 - You could not ask for a much better matchup than Bob Simpkinson vs E.P. Fuller. Simpkinson won the NL Cy Young a year ago following a 29-8 season. He was 16-3 this year despite missing 14 starts with an injury. Fuller enjoyed a 19-win season for the Tribe. Cleveland got to Simpkinson early - a 2-run homer from Gary Tombaugh in the top of the first. The Giants scored a run in the 2nd and then tied the game at 2 by scratching out a run in the bottom of the 7th. Simpkinson, meanwhile, had been unbelievable allowing no more Cleveland hits since the 2 in the first inning.

Thomas Fugazzi led off the bottom of the 8th for the Giants with a solo homer off of Fuller. In the 9th the Tribe tried to stage a rally as a walk and an error gave them runners on first and second but Jimmy Ripple grounded out to end the game and preserve Simpkinson's 2 hitter.


GAME 2 - Another great pitching matchup as the Giants Monte Pearson (23-10) faces Cleveland's Franklin Fermin (20-12). Back-to-back doubles in the top of the third from Roy Hughes and Skip Sheward would give Cleveland the lead but New York struck back with 2 in the bottom of the third inning. In the top of the 7th Cleveland tied the game on a solo blast off the bat of catcher Skip Sheward. Sheward, who made his first allstar team this year after 15 seasons in 3 leagues primarily as a backup catcher, homered for just the 86th time in his long career. The Indians won the game with a 9th inning pinch hit single from Vernon Rylance, a player who had previously spent 15 years as a backup outfielder with Phoenix. The final score, like game 1 was 3-2 and the series was knotted heading to Cleveland.

GAME 3 - The Tribe are all over New York starter Jack Salveson, scoring 7 times in the first and coasting to an 8-0 win. Steven Vicars pitched a 5-hit shutout for the win. Woody English led the Indians attack with 3 hits including a home run.

GAME 4 - A 17-inning marathon finally won after nearly 6 hours thans to a Babe Phelps rbi double for the Giants. Starting pitchers Simpkinson and Fullmer were long gone when this one was decided. Phelps and Cleveland outfielder Vince Rylance, both spare parts, led their respective clubs with 3 hits apiece.

GAME 5 - It is now a best of three and the Giants get the upper hand thanks to a Monte Pearson 4 hitter. Pearson and the Giants nip Cleveland 3-2. Vince Barton's 2 run double in the fourth proves to be the difference.

GAME 6 - A rematch of game 3 with Steven Vicars of Cleveland facing Jack Salveson. No blowout this time although the Tribe do manage to score a pair in the first thanks to an rbi triple from Roy Hughes and a Roy Weatherly sacrifice fly. New York gets 1 back in the fifth thanks to doubles from Al Lopez and Ed Roetz. That is all the Giants can muster against Vicars who, although clearly tiring, takes the mound to start the bottom of the ninth nursing a 2-1 lead.

Vicars starts the ninth in fine fashion, fanning Mike Wace, the former Hollywood slugger, and then getting Joe Cronin to fly out. Babe Phelps comes on to pinch-hit for catcher Lopez. The Tribe leave Vicars on the mound. Phelps singles and there is a small ray of hope for the Giants. George Dupee also singles but without much of a bullpen the Tribe leave Vicars in. Al Cuccinello ties the game with an rbi single to score pinch-runner Wilfredo Mendoza, who had replaced Phelps. Phil Weintraub strikes out to end the inning but the game is tied at 2.

Spike Merena replaces Jack Salveson, who had allowed just 6 Cleveland hits, to start the 10th. Skip Sheward leads off with a single for Cleveland but the next 3 Tribe hitters are retired in order. Tommy Hughes takes over for Vicars on the mound in the bottom of the 10th. The first two Giants, Alex Skow and Vince Barton are retired easily but then Thomas Fugazzi rips a solo homer over the wall in right-center and the Giants win the Eastern Series....the Giants win the Eastern Series....the Giants win the Eastern series in 6 games.


Next up Hollywood vs New York in the World Series.

[Tiger Fan]

1942 WORLD SERIES - HOLLYWOOD STARS vs NEW YORK GIANTS
Looking at the two clubs on paper the Giants have to be a huge favourite to win their second straight World Championship. These two teams have never faced each other but there is some real history as each club has close to half a dozen players who have played for both Hollywood and the Giants thanks mainly to a pair of deadline deals in 1941.

GAME 1 - The series opens in Hollywood with an intriguing pitching matchup. Hollywood ace Roy Sherid, back-to-back PCL Cy Young winner, was dealt to the Stars by the Giants a year ago. Meanwhile, Giants starter Bob Simpkinson is very familiar with the Hollywood hitters, having spent 11 seasons with San Diego before joining the Giants prior to the 1941 season. Both pitchers have enjoyed tremendous success with their new clubs.

Hollywood scores an unearned run in the second to take the lead. New York second baseman Ed Roetz made 2 errors in the inning and 3 altogether in the game. In the 6th, shortstop Arky Vaughan increases the Hollywood lead to 3-0 with a 2-run homer off of Simpkinson. Heading to the 9th inning, Sherid is still working on a 3-hit shutout. He loses the shutout when Al Lopez delivers an rbi double but the Giants can do no more damage and fall by a 3-1 count. Losing pitcher Simpkinson allowed just 6 Hollywood hits in the game.

GAME 2 - Ed Roetz helps attone for being the goat of game 1 by hitting a solo blast in the 3rd inning to give New York a 1-0 lead. The Giants add 4 more in the fourth, 3 on a George Dupee homer to take a 5-0 lead. Hollywood answers back quickly with 4 of their own in the bottom of the 4th thanks to a pair of 2-run homers from Jesse Misiano and Donald Rosborough to cut the defeciet to 1 run. Giant starter Monte Pearson settles down quickly and blanks the Stars the rest of the way, evening the series with a 5-4 New York win. Rich Sinners took the loss allowing 9 hits. Pearson allowed just 5 Hollywood hits.

GAME 3 - Alex Skow goes 4-for-4 and former Hollywood slugger Mike Wace homers to lead the Giants to an 8-3 lambasting of the Stars as the series shifts to the Polo Grounds. The 35 year old Wace, who spent over a decade in a Hollywood uniform prior to a deadline deal last year, took ex-teammate Douglas Swirski deep in the 3rd. The two run shot snapped a 1-1 tie and sent the Giants on their way. Jack Salveson went the distance for New York to earn the first postseason win of his career.

GAME 4 - A classic pitching duel as Simpkinson and Sherid face off against each other again. Both pitchers toss complete game two hitters but Sherid again gets the best of Simpkinson as Hollywood wins 2-0. A 2nd inning solo homer from Barry Saliwanczyk and a 7th inning triple by Sean Stanworth that was followed by a sac fly accounted for all of the scoring.

GAME 5 - New York built a 4-0 lead thanks mainly to Alex Skow's 2 run homer but Hollywood scored 4 times in the 7th to tie the all-important 5th game at 4 runs apiece. George Bosler's 2-run pinch-hit homer was the tying blow. After 10 innings starters Monte Pearson of New York and Rich Sinners of Hollywood were gone but the game was still tied.

Giants reliever Spike Merena retired the Stars in order in the top of the 11th. Thaddeus Bellomo, a 37 year old journeyman reliever, would try to do the same to the Giants in the home half. The first batter he would face was the ever-dangerous Thomas Fugazzi. Fugazzi, who made a hobby out of beating up Hollywood pitching while playing nearly a decade with the San Diego Padres, took Bellomo's first offering over the centerfield wall to give New York a 5-4 win and a 3-2 series lead.

GAME 6 - We travel back to Hollywood with the Stars needing to win two straight in order to prevent the Giants from winning back to back World Championships. Jack Salveson gets the call for New York against veteran Douglas Swirski.

The 37 year old Swirski is considered to be the greatest player in the Stars short history. He was actually drafted by Albuquerque with the 7th pick of the 1925 draft but was traded to Hollywood a month later. He would go 1-10 with a bad Stars team as a rookie in 1926 but since then would win 2 King Hurler Awards (the Western Alliance version of the Cy Young in its early days), make 7 allstar teams and have 7 20-win seasons. His career record stands at 285-201 and he is considering coming back for one more season to make a run at 300. He was 16-12 this year but is a free agent as the financially struggling Stars are unwilling to commit much money to a player who will be 38. This will, in all likelyhood be Swirski final appearance in a Hollywood uniform.

Knowing it is his final start the capacity crowd at RKO Stadium greet him with a 5 minute standing ovation following his introduction. Unfortunately for Swirski, the Giants greeted him almost as loudly. Al Lopez drew a 1-out walk and Thomas Fugazzi, the Game 5 hero, clubbed a 2-run homer over the leftfield wall to give the Giants a 2-0 lead before the Stars had even had a chance to bat. Swirski settled down after that but Salveson was masterful for the Giants, holding the Stars hitless until Reginald Snape hit a 2-out single in the bottom of the 6th. In the 7th, the Giants would all but clinch the game following an error, a walk and 3-run homer from Al Lopez that made the score 5-0.

Hollywood had it's best chance in the bottom of the 7th when Jesse Misiano and Barry Saliwanczyk hit back to back singles with one out. However, Salveson struck out Harry Lade and then induced a ground out to end the threat.

Swirski was pulled in the top of the 8th but again he received a tremendous ovation from the Hollywood crowd, certainly more in appreciation of his great career than what he accomplished on this day. The Stars never threatened again and the game, and the series, ended with a 5-0 New York victory.

Salveson ended the day with a 5-hit shutout in what was without a doubt the finest moment of his modest career. The 28 year old Fullerton, California native spent his youth cheering for and dreaming of one day playing for the nearby Hollywood Stars. "It was a dream come true to pitch in this ballpark (RKO Field) and especially against a legend like Swirski. I idolized this guy growing up and to win a World Series clinching game against him is....welll....unbelievable."

Giants leadoff man Alex Skow, who went 9-24 with 5 runs scored in the series was named MVP. Thomas Fugazzi, with 2 walk-off homers in the postseason was a close second.

[Tiger Fan]

Just thought I would share a little history. First up the 50 homer/season club.
1 1922, Babe Ruth (New York (A)), 50 Homeruns, 119 RBI, .270 AVG
1 1922, Anthony Hathaway (Hollywood), 51 Homeruns, 123 RBI, .275 AVG WBA
1 1922, Lawrence Harbor (Vancouver), 53 Homeruns, 131 RBI, .329 AVG WBA
1 1923, Mike Cunningham (Dallas), 53 Homeruns, 141 RBI, .333 AVG WBA
1 1923, Babe Ruth (New York (A)), 50 Homeruns, 149 RBI, .337 AVG
1 1924, Babe Ruth (New York (A)), 63 Homeruns, 139 RBI, .336 AVG
1 1926, Kevin Metzler (Denver), 51 Homeruns, 134 RBI, .281 AVG WBA
1 1928, Hack Wilson (New York (N)), 50 Homeruns, 124 RBI, .290 AVG
1 1929, Babe Ruth (New York (A)), 56 Homeruns, 142 RBI, .322 AVG
1 1930, Hack Wilson (New York (N)), 50 Homeruns, 141 RBI, .346 AVG
1 1930, Chuck Klein (Philadelphia (N)), 50 Homeruns, 161 RBI, .385 AVG
1 1935, Dennis Roberts (Dallas), 57 Homeruns, 128 RBI, .289 AVG WBA
1 1936, Dennis Roberts (Dallas), 50 Homeruns, 132 RBI, .275 AVG WBA
1 1938, Lou Gehrig (New York (A)), 51 Homeruns, 130 RBI, .301 AVG
1 1939, Al Snicker (Kansas City), 52 Homeruns, 126 RBI, .286 AVG
1 1940, Andy Webbe (Cincinnati), 60 Homeruns, 156 RBI, .297 AVG
1 1940, Jimmie Foxx (Cincinnati), 52 Homeruns, 130 RBI, .306 AVG
1 1940, Don Barrett (Los Angeles), 57 Homeruns, 160 RBI, .380 AVG
1 1940, Al Snicker (Kansas City), 55 Homeruns, 113 RBI, .277 AVG
1 1940, Mitchell Senft (Phoenix), 57 Homeruns, 120 RBI, .291 AVG
1 1940, Vince Sutera (Phoenix), 60 Homeruns, 134 RBI, .349 AVG
1 1940, Joe Selleck (Phoenix), 51 Homeruns, 103 RBI, .351 AVG
1 1940, Lewis Cremins (Salt Lake City), 53 Homeruns, 132 RBI, .307 AVG

[Tiger Fan]

Next the alltime list of no-hitters:

1 8/3/1922, Louis Hyer (PHO), 8 K, 1 BB
1 4/18/1923, Louis Hyer (PHO), 8 K, 2 BB (2)
1 6/8/1924, Robert Lehn (DEN), 12 K, 4 BB
1 9/28/1924, James Maiden (POR), 10 K, 5 BB
1 5/4/1925, Bill Sherdel (SLN), 8 K, 1 BB
1 5/14/1926, Allen Rounds (ALB), 7 K, 3 BB
1 8/29/1926, James Maiden (POR), 8 K, 2 BB (2)
1 4/22/1927, Benjamin Gelman (POR), 8 K, 4 BB
1 5/7/1927, George Vaden (OAK), 10 K, 0 BB (PERFECT GAME!)
1 5/25/1928, Dennis Brown (LA), 4 K, 5 BB
1 8/13/1928, Johnny Morrison (PIT), 6 K, 0 BB (PERFECT GAME!)
1 5/25/1930, James Maiden (POR), 3 K, 2 BB (3)
1 8/17/1931, James Hintz (SF), 9 K, 3 BB
1 5/2/1932, Waite Hoyt (NYA), 2 K, 2 BB
1 9/28/1933, Lefty Gomez (NYA), 5 K, 4 BB
1 7/4/1934, Chief Hogsett (DET), 7 K, 1 BB
1 5/11/1936, Bob Weiland (SLA), 7 K, 2 BB
1 5/12/1936, Lefty Gomez (NYA), 3 K, 1 BB 2
1 7/3/1936, Lefty Willis (CHN), 3 K, 1 BB
1 8/14/1937, Van Mungo (BOS), 6 K, 0 BB
1 8/19/1937, Damon Sinden (SL), 7 K, 2 BB
1 6/29/1938, Fred Dave (VAN), 5 K, 0 BB
1 7/4/1938, Elmer Scully (HOL), 9 K, 2 BB
1 7/24/1938, Bob Simpkinson (SD), 5 K, 3 BB note: tossed a 5-hitter between the 2 nohitters
1 8/2/1938, Bob Simpkinson (SD), 7 K, 4 BB (2)
1 8/22/1938, Philip Davey (HOL), 12 K, 2 BB
1 9/1/1938, Lon Warneke (DET), 3 K, 3 BB
1 5/24/1939, Bob Weiland (CHN), 7 K, 3 BB 2
1 4/19/1940, Ray Erat (HOU), 14 K, 1 BB
1 6/13/1940, Perry Weller (WS1), 6 K, 1 BB
1 6/29/1940, Gregg Busey (POR), 15 K, 0 BB
1 5/9/1941, Stephen Vicars (CLE), 6 K, 1 BB
1 4/18/1942, Atley Donald (NYA), 1 K, 3 BB
1 6/25/1942, Elmer Smithard (SD), 4 K, 2 BB

[Tiger Fan]

Career hit leaders. Note: Major league baseball refuses to recognize the career totals of any Western Alliance player who retired before the merger of 1940. As a result many of the early stars of the Western Alliance will not appear in this list.

# Career Hits
1 T. Cobb 4043
2 T. Speaker 3496
3 H. Heilmann 3120
4 R. Hornsby 3101
5 E. Collins 3081
6 G. Sisler 2946
7 G. Goslin 2815
8 B. Caperon* 2795
9 Z. Wheat 2716
10 C. Klein* 2697
11 E. Roush 2677
12 C. Gehringer* 2646
13 J. Foxx* 2642
14 T. Swasick* 2609
15 R. Stephenson 2605
16 G. Burns 2602
17 D. Shargo* 2558
18 D. Hurst* 2551
19 P. Traynor 2540
20 J. Smith 2459
21 D. Wideman* 2458
22 H. Hooper 2446
23 L. Fonseca 2438
24 M. Tierney* 2422
25 P. Coejeman* 2408

[Tiger Fan]

All time Home run leaders.

# Career HRs HR
1 B. Ruth 633
2 J. Foxx* 615
3 L. Gehrig* 544
4 K. Metzler 489
5 P. Coejeman* 481
5 C. Klein* 481
7 B. Caperon* 470
8 J. Dubouwsky* 464
9 R. Anderson* 453
10 H. Wilson 427
11 D. Roberts 423
12 L. Cremins* 413
13 M. Tierney* 403
14 J. Mozingo* 385
14 K. Telger 385
16 A. Goodliff* 384
17 R. Shellhorse* 382
18 I. Rooney* 381
19 D. Shargo* 376
19 A. Simmons 376
21 D. Arvidson* 361
22 G. Dupee* 345
23 A. Webbe* 338
24 J. Godines* 338
25 D. Saburomaru 333

[Tiger Fan]

Final list for today is career victory leaders. Again, players who spent their entire careers in the Western Alliance and retired prior to the 1940 merger are not recognized by major league baseball. Most notably this means Amos Bower, the legendary Salt Lake City pitcher who went 251-99 in his career is not included in this list.

# Career Wins W
1 W. Hoyt 411
2 W. Johnson 392
3 C. Root 294
3 C. Martineau* 294
5 L. Shamata* 291
6 D. Swirski* 285
7 C. Keck 284
8 D. Gottschalk 276
9 B. Sloby* 273
9 P. Davey 273
11 P. Alexander 271
12 F. Dave* 268
13 E. Lawn* 267
14 H. Pruett 263
15 C. Marrone* 262
16 F. Fermin* 260
17 D. Dean* 256
18 W. Cooper 251
18 T. Thomas 251
20 H. Brulloin* 250
21 O. Carroll 242
21 D. Blubaugh 242
23 J. Setwright* 238
24 L. Willis* 235
24 C. Mays 235

[Tiger Fan]

As we prepare to push the button to proceed to 1943 here is a look at the potential free agents:

SLIM PICKINGS IN FREE AGENT POOL
Experts around all 4 leagues agree that this will be one of the weakest groups of free agents since the system was implemented. Clearly, the talent drain caused by so many players enlisting in the armed forces has weakened the game.

Hollywood's 2 time Cy Young Award winner Roy Sherid and Cincinnati slugger Andy Webbe are the biggest names available. Others to keep an eye on are 23 year old Bob Feller, who never got a chance to pitch regularly for the Cleveland Indians, longtime Vancouver outfielder Ed June and ex-Denver outfielder Jose Schluster, a 32 year old who hit 39 homers a year ago.

There are a number of second tier free agents available such as
- 28 year old pitcher Luther Smaltz, who finally lived up to his great potential by winning 20 a year ago for Seattle
- George Suthern a 34 yr old OF who has been dependable but not spectacular his entire 16 year career.
- Mark Fantin a 30 year old OF who finally had a decent season for Portland, slamming 30 homers a year ago
- Tyler Sick a 31 year old 2B with loads of talent but little consistancy in his 5 years as a regular in Oakland
- Paul Dean a 29 year old hurler most recently with Los Angeles who has never been able to escape his brother's shadow.
- 38 year old Chuck Klein. Best years are behind him but Klein may try to play one more year to reach 500 HR
- Lefty Gomez a 33 year old pitcher who never lived up to expectations in New York or Hollywood.
-Jesse Misiano 34 year old overachiever is the best catcher available. played 13 years for Hollywood
- Al Lopez 34 year old ex-Giant catcher has some decent tools
- Johnny vander Meer a 27 year old pitcher who had little luck with Cincinnati
- Tommy Henrich 29 year old OF who wore out welcome with 3 teams. Never reached potential.
- Eldon Auker 32 yr old coming off career year in Detroit but scouts dont believe he is as good as 27-11 record indicated.
- Mel Ott 31 year old 3B who hit 31 homers for Boston but has not done what was expected of him.

[Tiger Fan]

1942 MINOR LEAGUE RECAP
Here is a look at each of the minor leagues:

LEAGUE: CLASS AAA WESTERN LEAGUE
PENNANT: Edmonton Trappers (HOL)
BATTING CHAMP Gabriel Grush Winnipeg Maroons (OAK) .357
HOME RUN KING Leslie Cimonszewicz Tulsa Oilers (DEN) 31
MVP Darryl Fleming Winnipeg Maroons (Oak) .277,30,108
TOP HURLER Rich Sinners Edmonton Trappers (HOL) 16-1, 1.96

LEAGUE: CLASS AA PLAINS LEAGUE
PENNANT: Bismarck Sinkers (Pho)
BATTING CHAMP Louis Bates Amarillo Gold Sox(OAK) .324
HOME RUN KING Cliff Siequien Bismarck Sinkers (PHO) 43
MVP Louis Bates Amarillo Gold Sox(OAK) .324,32,102
TOP HURLER Alex Palica Bismarck Sinkers (PHO) 15-4, 3.27

LEAGUE: CLASS A CALIFORNIA LEAGUE
PENNANT: Bakersfield Blaze (LA)
BATTING CHAMP Travis Willberg San Jose Giants (SF) .396
HOME RUN KING Jason Triebess Bakersfield Blaze (LA) 73
MVP Jason Triebess Bakersfield Blaze (LA) .366,73,128
TOP HURLER Jim Hickey Santa Ana Blue Sox(PORT) 11-6, 2.54

LEAGUE: CLASS AAA INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE
PENNANT: COLUMBUS CLIPPERS (NYY)
BATTING CHAMP Johnny Hopp Jersey City Skeeters(STL) .371
HOME RUN KING Dan Misik Providence Grays(PIT) 26
MVP Dan Miski Providence Grays (PIT) .296,26,101
TOP HURLER Phil Marchildon Montreal Royals(BKN) 11-3 3.12

LEAGUE: CLASS AA SOUTHERN LEAGUE
PENNANT: MONTGOMERY REBELS (BSN)
BATTING CHAMP Mike Sandlock Charlotte Hornets(CHA) .348
HOME RUN KING Eddie Miller Chattanooga Lookouts(CIN) 17
MVP Michael Jeung Montgomery Rebels(BSN) .330,16,60
TOP HURLER Dewey Adkins Shreveport Sports(NYG) 8-9 3.28

LEAGUE: CLASS A MIDWEST LEAGUE
PENNANT: MILWAUKEE BREWERS (CLE)
BATTING CHAMP Ted Sepkowski Battle Creek Crickets(CHN) .361
HOME RUN KING Paul *Yuan Burlington Bees(BSN) 30
MVP Paul *Yuan Burlington Bees(BSN) .348,30,83
TOP HURLER Ricky Byrne Saginaw Ducks(PHA) 5-3 1.56


Next up 1943 preseason

[Tiger Fan]

7 WESTERN TEAMS COULD FOLD - special from Jim Murray Los Angeles Times
Jan 15, 1943 - Los Angeles, California: According to a document leaked to me by the owner of a Western Alliance club as many as 7 western teams, including our own Hollywood Stars, could be folded by 1945. It is not a secret that baseball is losing money as war wages on in Europe and the Far East. Even the so-called major league teams are feeling the pinch, as more than half are reporting losses for each of the past two seasons.

"Competition for players is just too high right now," said my source. "And most of our (Western based) clubs have smaller stadiums and lower radio broadcasting revenue. We just can't compete."

The owner also says the talent pool is far too diluted. Let's face it. There are not enough good players to support 32 teams in peaceful times, let alone now when well over 100 major leaguers are fighting for their country. My source says that as soon as the war is over baseball will take steps to scale back from a 32 team organization to perhaps as little as 24 teams. Guess which part of the country will take the brunt of it? You got it sportsfans. Just as I predicted when the merger talks began in the late-thirties, major league baseball did not want to share the pie with the entire Western Alliance. It merely wanted the Western Alliance to go away, and to absorb some of it's more successful clubs.

So who goes? Hollywood is out for sure meaning the Los Angeles area will only be left with the Angels to support. Hollywood has been the more successful club on the field but the Angels have the bigger stadium and their owners have the deeper pockets. The PCL will also lose Portland, Vancouver and possibly Seattle. The Mountain League will be hit just as hard. Hapless New Orleans is out, rumour has it the league has had to prop up the penniless and nearly talentless franchise on more than one occassion. Kansas City and Salt Lake City are also gone, along with either Dallas or Albuquerque. The Arrowheads are a small market club but like Phoenix have had some real success and that might just save them. The majors want a presence in Dallas but fan apathy and little interest in improving the club from the owner might spell the end of the Texans.

As for the original major league clubs. 1 or 2 of them may also be folded. Despite opposition from government leaders the Washington Senators are likely the first to go. A perennial loser on and off the field, it seems nothing short of a miracle will keep the Senators in D.C. The new owner is committed to his club though, and one rumour has him moving the club from Washington to Dallas where they would replace the Texans. The St Louis Browns are also in danger of being folded and perhaps one of the two Philadelphia teams as well.

The plan is to rid the team of 8 franchises and form 2 leagues of 12 clubs each. Here is one possible scenario.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST Division
Boston Red Sox
Boston Braves
Brooklyn Dodgers
New York Giants
New York Yankees
Philadelphia Phillies

CENTRAL DIVISION
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Pittsburgh Pirates

NATIONAL LEAGUE
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
Albuquerque Arrowheads
Denver Bears
Houston Buffaloes
Kansas City Blues (Philly A's move to KC)
St Louis Cardinals
Texas Rangers (Wash moves to Dallas)

PACIFIC DIVISION
Los Angeles Angels
Oakland Oaks
Phoenix Roadrunners
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Seals
Seattle Rainiers or Salt Lake City Bees


FOLDED TEAMS
Dallas Texans
Hollywood Stars
Kansas City Blues
New Orleans Pelicans
Portland Ducks
St Louis Browns
Seattle Rainiers or Salt Lake City Bees
Vancouver Mounties


Whatever the layout, I can pretty much guarantee major league baseball will be down to 24 teams before the decade ends. When it happens, it will be the western teams that will be left out in the cold.