Dave Kingman Career Redux

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For the home crowd, it was a thrilling walk-off win.

The Chicago Cubs picked up a win at Wrigley Field, knocking off the San Francisco Giants, 6-4. On the mound for Chicago was right-hander Dennis Lamp, who played a pivotal role in the win. At 25-26, the Cubs are currently 4th in the NL East Division.

The Cubs were down to their final out when first baseman Dave Kingman turned a 1-1 fastball from LHP Phil Nastu into a 3-run home run. The walk-off home run made the Wrigley Field crowd go wild.

"Dennis was pounding the zone," said Chicago manager.

BOTTOM OF THE 12TH
Count: 1-1
3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 78XD), Distance : 400 ft

Season HR #25 - Career HR #299

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Chicago's 7-5 victory over San Diego was highlighted by Dave Kingman's 300th career home run, off LHP Bob Owchinko. His teammates congratulated him at home plate after he circled the bases.

"I didn't see all of them out there," Kingman said with a chuckle, "until I rounded third base." He added sheepishly: "It was only a home run. It's not like I won us a World Series!"

In 4 at-bats the Cubs first baseman collected 2 hits in his historic game, scored 2 runs, and had 1 run batted in.

In 1186 career games Kingman is hitting at a .247 pace with 1117 hits with 138 doubles, 29 triples and 300 homers while scoring 694 runs and racking up 838 RBIs. He logged 495 walks and owns a .324 on-base percentage, and is slugging .489.

BOTTOM OF THE 5TH
Count: 1-2
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 9D), Distance : 372 ft

Season HR #26 - Career HR #300

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Dodgers third baseman Ron Cey put his stamp on his team's 12-11 win over the Chicago Cubs. Cey went 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 singles, and 2 walks, while scoring 2 times and driving in 2 for Los Angeles in the contest. The winner was Los Angeles reliever Lerrin LaGrow, now 1-1. The loser was Bruce Sutter. Los Angeles has now won 4 straight.

Reggie Smith hit a run-scoring double off Bruce Sutter in the top of the tenth, which put the Dodgers in front, 12-11. In addition to the double, Smith had 1 single and 1 walk, while going 2 for 5.

Kingman homered off RHP Dennis Lewallyn.

BOTTOM OF THE 7TH
Count: 3-2
3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 89XD), Distance : 389 ft

Season HR #27 - career HR #301

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The Los Angeles Dodgers topped the Chicago Cubs by the score of 6-3, with the biggest share of the credit going to catcher Joe Ferguson. Ferguson was 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk. He scored 2 runs for the Dodgers on the day. Bob Welch picked up the win with 8 innings of work. He allowed 3 earned runs on 10 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4. On the season, he is now 5-4. Dave Patterson converted his 5th save in 10 tries.

Had Dusty Baker not delivered a key base hit in the top of the seventh, the outcome might have been different. Instead, with two down and a runner on 2nd, Baker hit a run-scoring single. That made the score 3-2, in favor of the Dodgers.

"I like the roll we're on," said Los Angeles manager.

Kingman homered off RHP Bob Welch.

BOTTOM OF THE 8TH
Count: 1-2
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 89XD), Distance : 390 ft

Season HR #28 - Career HR #302

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The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants, 5-4, in NL action at Candlestick Park. Dave Kingman received player of the game honors. The 9-year veteran hit 2 home runs off LHP Bob Knepper. He drove in 5 runs and scored twice. The win was Willie Hernandez's in relief. His record improves to 2-3. Bob Knepper took the loss for San Francisco. Bruce Sutter saved it for Chicago.

Kingman had a game-changing home run in the top of the seventh. On a 1-0 cutter from Bob Knepper, he banged a 2-run home run to right-center, giving the Cubs a 5-3 lead. It was the 30th home run of the year for Kingman.

"This was a good win," said Kingman. The Cubs now have a mark of 28-30.

TOP OF THE 5TH
Count: 1-1
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 78XD), Distance : 381 ft

TOP OF THE 7TH
Count: 1-0
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 89XD), Distance : 415 ft

Season HR #29 and #30 - Career HR #303 and #304

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I have to pause here and make some observations. IRL 1979 was a big year for home runs. In fact, it was on par with modern MLB:



IRL 1979 Dave Kingman was also dominant. His SLG % was 50 points higher than the next player Mike Schmidt, and nearly he led the league in RBI's. So I expected Kong to have a good year in the sim.





Courtesy Baseball Reference for these images.

[tdneu99]

But I was not expecting this:



He is not just chasing Foxx, Ruth and Maris, he is on pace to obliterate the HR record, and maybe even challenge Wilson's RBI mark.

Lots of others sluggers are outperforming IRL 1979 at this point as well...many players are currently exceeding Schmidt's second place SLG % for the actual year (sadly not Schmidt himself...he went down for 4 months with a ruptured tendon).



I hope things settle down over the next 100 or so games. As much as I want Kingman to have a big year, I really don't want to see him hitting 70 homers.

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The Chicago Cubs picked up a win at Candlestick Park, knocking off the San Francisco Giants, 3-1. Starting pitcher Mike Krukow, who captured player of the game honors, was a big reason why. The 'W' lifts Chicago's record to 29-30.

Krukow, who dominated for Chicago, earned the victory to move to 5-3. He was in control the whole game, scattering 6 hits over 9 innings, while striking out 10. San Francisco batters could never bunch up enough hits to produce a rally.

"If I go out there and help the team win, that's all you can do," said Krukow.

Kingman homered off RHP Ed Halicki.

BOTTOM OF THE 2ND
Count: 1-1
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 89XD), Distance : 389 ft

Season HR #31 - Career HR #305

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Chicago right-hander Dennis Lamp pitched his team to victory over the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park. The final score was 6-2. Chicago has now won 3 straight, while the Giants have lost 3 in a row.

Dave Kingman delivered a big hit for the Cubs. The veteran first baseman belted a 2-run home run in the top of the third off LHP John Curtis. The longball put Chicago on top, 3-0. Overall, Kingman was 1-4 with a home run and a walk, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.

"For the most part, I made good pitches when I needed to," said Lamp.

TOP OF THE 3RD
Count: 0-2
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9LD), Distance : 351 ft

Season HR #32 - Career HR #306

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The Chicago Cubs got a strong performance from pitcher Doug Capilla, who stymied the San Diego offense en route to a 5-2 win at Jack Murphy Stadium. Chicago has now won 4 games in a row.

Dave Kingman swatted a 3-run home run for Chicago in the top of the first off LHP Bob Shirley. The first baseman went 2 for 5 for the game, including 1 home run and 1 double. He scored 2 runs and batted in 3.

"I just tried to attack the bottom of the zone," Capilla said.

TOP OF THE 1ST
Count: 0-1
3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9D), Distance : 380 ft

Season HR #33 - Career HR #307

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Pittsburgh third baseman Phil Garner had a terrific game, but it still wasn't enough to get his team a win. Garner hit 2 home runs, even as Chicago beat the Pirates, 7-3. Garner was named the player of the game despite the loss. Rick Reuschel was the winning pitcher. Over 8 innings, he allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Pittsburgh has now lost 4 consecutive games.

Tim Blackwell aided the Chicago cause with a 2-run home run in the top of the ninth. For the game, the pinch hitter went 1 for 1 with a home run. He drove in 2 runs and scored once.

"We'll put this win in our pocket and go after the next one," said Blackwell.

Kingman homered off RHP Bert Blyleven.

TOP OF THE 6TH
Count: 1-1
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 9D), Distance : 381 ft

Season HR #34 - Career HR #308

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Philadelphia pinch hitter Keith Moreland was a significant contributor in his team's 6-5 triumph over the Chicago Cubs. He went 1 for 1 with a home run, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once for Philadelphia. Rawly Eastwick notched his 3rd save in 3 chances. Philadelphia now has a 3-game win streak.

Philadelphia needed the clutch hitting of Bake McBride to notch the win. The center fielder hammered a solo home run in the top of the 11th inning to put the Phillies on top, 6-5. For the game, McBride had 1 home run and 1 single in 6 at-bats.

In postgame comments, Moreland said, "I think we gave the fans their money's worth."

Kingman homered off LHP Tug McGraw in the bottom of the ninth to send it to extra frames.

BOTTOM OF THE 9TH
Count: 1-0
3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 8RXD), Distance : 406 ft

Season HR #35 - Career HR #309

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It was a fun time at Wrigley Field, where the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs tangled.

The Chicago Cubs beat the New York Mets, 8-3, at Wrigley Field. Chicago first baseman Dave Kingman earned player of the game honors with an outstanding performance. He belted 2 home runs, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 3. With the win, the Cubs improved to 36-37.

Kingman had a big at-bat with a runner on 2nd in the bottom of the fourth inning, when he hit a 2-run home run off LHP Kevin Kobel. The Cubs went on to win. Kingman added another shot off RHP Craig Swan later in the game.

"It's nice to come out on top today," said Kingman.

BOTTOM OF THE 4TH
Count: 0-0
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 78XD), Distance : 379 ft

BOTTOM OF THE 7TH
Count: 1-0
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 7D), Distance : 389 ft

Season HR #36 and #37 - Career HR #310 and 311

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The Chicago Cubs picked up a win at Wrigley Field, knocking off the New York Mets, 5-3. On the mound for Chicago was right-hander Dennis Lamp, who played a pivotal role in the win. Lamp got the win, improving to 7-7. He allowed 8 hits and walked 1 over 7.1 innings. Lamp allowed 3 earned runs. The Cubs bumped their record to 37-37 with this latest triumph.

The Cubs got a big at-bat from left fielder Bill Buckner. For the game, Buckner went 1 for 4. In the bottom of the fifth, with runners on 1st and 3rd, he stroked a run-scoring single. His 92nd hit of the season gave Chicago a 1-0 lead.

"We had a good game plan," Lamp said, "and we were able to execute it."

Kingman homered off RHP Skip Lockwood.

BOTTOM OF THE 5TH
Count: 0-0
3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9LD), Distance : 386 ft

Season HR #38 - Career HR #312

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The Chicago Cubs picked up a win at Wrigley Field, knocking off the Montreal Expos, 4-0. Starting pitcher Rick Reuschel played a key role in the triumph. In 8.1 innings, Reuschel surrendered 5 hits, while striking out 3 and walking 4. He allowed no runs. Chicago has now won 3 in a row.

Dave Kingman, who leads the NL in RBI with 88, aided the Chicago cause with a 2-run home run in the bottom of the fourth. For the game, the first baseman slugged 2 home runs, both off RHP Scott Sanderson, while adding 3 RBI and scoring twice.

"I felt good up there," said Kingman. "I saw the ball well."

BOTTOM OF THE 4TH
Count: 1-2
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 7D), Distance : 374 ft

BOTTOM OF THE 8TH
Count: 1-0
SOLO HOME RUN (Flyball, 7LD), Distance : 381 ft

Season HR #39 and #40 - Career HR #313 and #314

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The Chicago Cubs coasted to a win over the Montreal Expos, 10-3. Dave Kingman had a good day at the plate for Chicago. He was 2 for 3 with a home run off LHP Ross Grimsley Jr and a walk. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. Reliever Willie Hernandez picked up the win. His record improves to 3-4. Ross Grimsley Jr took the loss. The Cubs bumped their record to 40-38 with this latest triumph.

Chicago took a 7-3 lead on Steve R Ontiveros's 18th double of the season. The bases-clearing double, which Ontiveros hit in the bottom of the seventh, left Montreal pitcher David Palmer shaking his head.

"We took advantage of our opportunities," Ontiveros told the Chicago Citizen. "It's as simple as that."

BOTTOM OF THE 1ST
Count: 0-0
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9LD), Distance : 366 ft

Season HR #41 - Career HR #315

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Houston rode a decent outing from starter Frank LaCorte to victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The final score was 5-4. Houston now has a 5-game win streak.

Jeffrey Leonard chipped in for Houston with a 2-run home run in the top of the first. For the game, the right fielder had 3 hits in 5 at-bats with 1 home run, 2 singles, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI.

"We'll enjoy this win," said Leonard. "But there's more we hope to accomplish."

Kingman took LHP Joe Sambito deep in the bottom of the ninth as the Cubs tried to rally.

BOTTOM OF THE 9TH
Count: 0-0
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 78XD), Distance : 418 ft

Season HR #42 - Career HR #316

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Chicago right fielder Mike Vail had a 4-RBI performance, which helped his team grab a 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves. The Cubs bumped their record to 42-42 with this latest triumph.

Dave Kingman, who is a two-time All-Star, chipped in for Chicago with a 2-run home run off RHP Tony Brizzolara in the top of the first. For the game, the first baseman had 2 hits in 5 at-bats with 1 home run, 1 single, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBI.

"We'll savor this win," Vail told the Chicago Citizen, "then get ready for the next game."

TOP OF THE 1ST
Count: 1-0
2-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9LD), Distance : 335 ft

Season HR #43 - Career HR #317

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Big Dave is again an All Star midway through what could be an historic year. He is the leading vote getter in the National League:



He has cooled off a bit in terms of AVG and SLG %, but is still putting the ball over the fence in record fashion:



Let's see if he can actually do anything in the game this year...

[tdneu99]

Kong batted cleanup and went 1 for 2 with a single in the 2-0 NL win: