FOFC Baseball Legends (limited interactive)

[Breeze]

With the Decathlon now over, I'm already bored. :D

There have been several great dynasties on this board, especially TCY or FOF football dynasties, that involve swapping board member names with players on a team and then posting results of games, allowing board members to follow their career (like Benton Gale in thealmighty's TCY thread that only lost 1 game in 4 years with Penn State and finsihed college with 3 National Championship rings.... :) :) :) ...ok enough bragging). I've enjoyed those reads and have decided to do a similar one in baseball. SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED SIGN UP. :D

My idea is to play the dynasty in Strat-O-Matic. I will create a league that incorporates the Hall of Fame set, which was sold in 2000, and some additional created teams, which I will describe later.

The dynasty will be run as if I'm the manager of the team, and the FOFC board members that sign up are my players. We'll run a full 162 game season playing against all the Hall of Famers. I'll write up a synopsis of each of our games, plus update team stats, and any other ancillary team information. I'll also post the standings, league leaders, etc. The amount of interaction required will be nill, but adding personality to your player by posting thoughts, conversations, etc., is certainly encouraged. (SOM also has the ability to create a league web site - which I can do, if someone wants to host the pages).

I want to see how many people are interested in this dynasty before I go any further. Because I'm going to be creating an entire baseball team, I'd like to get enough members signed up to avoid using clones to fill out a roster. If we get more than 25 to 28 people signed up...I'll create a minor league team, and peroidically post "Farm Reports" to describe their progress, and if injuries occur or starters are performing poorly, we may make a change on the roster. Also if I get more than 25 to 28, I'll hold a 15 or so game spring training that will determine who makes the show.

If you have any questions, other than the obvious - "How will I create my player" (which I'll explain later), feel free to ask.

[Sublime 2]

i'm in

[Johnny93g]

m in, i want to be the lefthanded ace in the starting rotation :p

[Breeze]

m in, i want to be the lefthanded ace in the starting rotation :p


Fine by me - and since your the 2nd to sign up - you'll get the second choice of player you want to be. I'll let you know what to do to create your player soon. :)

[JAG]

"The Butcher"...boxer, golfer, decathlete...and yes, Butcher knows baseball.

[Coffee Warlord]

Nielsen shall play baseball again!

[ntndeacon]

I want in. Can I play the hot corner?

[Breeze]

I want in. Can I play the hot corner?


We'll allow people to choose their positions in order of sign up - so you can and you might actually get the first choice of 3b-men.

[Katon]

Count me in.

[SirFozzie]

I'm in. Like to play the Catcher position if no one else wants it.

[st.cronin]

Sign me up!

[Breeze]

That's 8. We need to get several more before we can proceed. I'd like to at least have a roster of 25 players.

But we're off to a good start.

[Coffee Warlord]

By the way, we might have the twin lefty pitchers of doom going on. :)

[Breeze]

Well it sounds like I've got at minimum 2/5ths of my rotation, a 3rd Baseman and a Catcher.

With 2/5ths of the rotation set, if you want to be a starting pitcher, you might want so sign up quick. :D :D :D

[Travis]

Putting my name in now and see what's availble for positions when it gets to me.

[Sublime 2]

We'll allow people to choose their positions in order of sign up


In that case i'll be CF

[tucker342]

I'm so in

[Travis]

What are you going to go with for a full roster?

Starting 8 positions + 5 man bench
5 man rotation, + 7 man pen

Will the pitchers hit for themselves or will there be a DH?

[Breeze]

By the way guys - I won't hold any of you to your picks, because when I explain how you are going to create your character you might change your mind.

Moreover, Sublime 2 - you were first to sign up - so iyou get first choice of position - you can force someone behind you to change.

We are moving along quickly now - as soon we get to a point that there are enough people signed up to run this dynasty - I'll explain how we'll determine who you are. There are 2 reasons why I'm not doing it yet:

1. I don't want anyone posting their selections on the board. I want it kept secret and submit it through PM.

2. There are a few restriction around the creation process, some of which I have to determine on my end still.

[Breeze]

I was going to go with a set roster:

2 at all infield positions
5 OF
10 pitchers

but it depends on how many people sign up and what positions they choose. If we have more than 25 we can be a little more flexable because I can promote and demote as needed. If not I just need to make sure I have a back up at each position.

However, one thing to keep in mind. You'll be going up against the greatest players of all time. I don't think we are going to have a bunch of utility players on the roster. I don't think they could compete.

oops - did I let on too much. ;) :D

[Travis]

Damn, I hope I get the closer's roll on this team, that will be one nice pressure cooker job with the guys we'll be facing. No freebie innings likely.

[oykib]

I'm in.

[JeffNights]

Jeff Nights is most definately in!

[Chas in Cinti]

Pflaggstettler is ready to play RF... mmmm... RF....

:)

-Chas

[StanGunner]

Count me in for a little of de baaseeball!

[Breeze]

Looks like we are at 14. That's an early morning scan count so don't hold me to that. I think I know of 1 more that will be signing up shortly. If we could get a 10 more that would be ideal, but any more would be great. Regardless, it looks like we will probably have enough to run the dynasty. While I wait to give others a chance to sign up - I'll start to describe the other teams.

Who knows I might even get one of them described today.

[kingfc22]

I'd be in if there is still room.

[Breeze]

I'd be in if there is still room.

Welcome aboard.

[Breeze]

LEGENDS BASEBALL LEAGUE - Status Report

I thought I would take a moment to break down the league. There are 14 teams divided into the American and National League. The teams in each league are as follows:

American League
Old Timers
Dead Ball Era
AL Pre WWII
AL Post WWII
Negro League 1
Japanese All Stars
Late 20th Century


National League
Turn of Century
Left Outs
NL Pre WWII
NL Post WWII
Negro League 2
Caribbean All Stars
FOFC All Stars

I'll break down who's on each team later.

[JeeberD]

Count me in (as long as you don't kill me off early on again)... ;)

[Coffee Warlord]

LEGENDS BASEBALL LEAGUE - Status Report

I thought I would take a moment to break down the league. There are 14 teams divided into the American and National League. The teams in each league are as follows:

American League
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers


National League
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
Losers
FOFC All Stars

I'll break down who's on each team later.

That's all the information we need on our opponents, thank you. :)

[Breeze]

Count me in (as long as you don't kill me off early on again)... ;)


Carl Mays does pitch for one of the other teams - I'll make sure you aren't playing in that game. :D

[mtaystl03]

I would like to be in this if it's not filled up.

[Breeze]

Old Timers - Roster and Scounting Report

The old timers are overall a fast team that is very aggressive on the base paths. They hit and run and bunt well and for the most part they play good defense. The don't have much power. Like most of the teams from their era they will go with a small roster of 20 to 21 players.


PLAYERS

1B/C - Cap Anson (R) - His refusal to play against Fleetwood Walker in 1887 reestablished Baseball's color barrier for another half century. Anson was probably the biggest player of his era - weighing in at 227lbs late in his career. Has good power for this team.

1B - Dan Brouthers (L) - Theatrical player who pronounces his name "Broothers" is very similar in ability to Anson from the other side of the plate. He isn't fast, but he can still steal a base so keep an eye on him.

1B - Charlie Comiskey (R) - HOFer??? maybe for all he contributed to the game, player, owner, helping to start the American League. He's unquestionably the worst player on this team and probably won't see much playing time.

1B - Roger Conner (L) - Held the Home Run title before a guy name Ruth showed up. Not really a power hitter though - compared to the more modern teams.

SS/3B - George Davis (S) - Great contact hitter and baserunner. Before the modern explosion of offensive shortstops he was considered to be in the top 5. Dangerous player on this team.

OF/1B/2B - Ed Delehante (R) - Arguably the greatest player of the 1800's who's career was cut short because of a mysterious incident on a train bridge at Niagra Falls. He's the best player on the team, if you're unfamiliar with him - think Joe DiMaggio. Many that saw both play said DiMaggio was "Del" resurrected. Same smoothness, swing, defense, and build. Delehante doesn't have DiMaggio's HR power, "Del's" is more of the extrabase variety. However, he is probably the most dangerous HR hitter on this team.

C - Buck Ewing (R) - an extremely fast catcher. Don't be surprised if he leads off on occassion. Many argued he was the best player of the 19th century.

OF - Billy Hamilton (L) - Amazingly wasn't elected into the HOF until 1961 and even then it was strictly on the strength of his stats. Is almost invisable in writings of the times despite the fact he once score 196 runs in a season, a record that still hasn't been approached. He also still holds the record for most runs scored per games played. He was arguably the best leadoff hitter ever - think Kenny Lofton with a good attitude.

UTL - King Kelly (R) - Unbelieveable athlete that was so popular the fans gave him a white horse and elegant carriage so he could get to the park in style. Extremely fast with decent power for this team and good contact ability.

UTL - Tommy McCarthy (R) - OK player who's offensive numbers are good, but actually low for this era, then add in the fact his numbers are slightly inflated because of the fact he played in hitters parks.

2B - Bid McPhee (r) - best defensive second baseman of his time, but a below average hitter for this team.

RF - Sam Thompson (L) - Holds the record for most RBI per game played. Decent power for this team, decent contact, but another player without much speed - however he can still steal bases.

SS - John Ward (L) - John Montgomery Ward was an attourney that was part of John McGraw's Giants Brain Trust. He also represented George Davis in a battle against baseball. He is a great defensive shortstop with excellent speed.


PITCHERS

John Clarkson (R) - a sensative pitcher with excellent stuff, especially command. He also had an uncanny knowledge of other players weaknesses.

Candy Cummings (R) - Diminutive pitcher weighs in at only 120 lbs. Is around the plate and gives up hits.

Pud Galvin (R) - 1 of 2 players that have 300 wins and 300 loses. He'll give up hits, but he's great at holding runners on base.

Tim Keefe (R) - probably the best pitcher on this team. Was reportedly the first pitcher to ever throw a change up. When he created it his strikeout totals when from 116 to 359.

Old Hoss Radbourn (R) - In 1884 he went 59 - 12 with 441 strikeouts and a 1.38 ERA. He's possibly as good as Keefe, but he's poor at holding runners on, so if we get baserunners, we'll proabably be sending people frequently.

Al Spalding (R) - is around the plate so he isn't going to give up many walks. He also doesn't strikeout many, but he's able to keep the ball in the park too.

Mickey Welch (R) - best curveball before the turn of the century.

[Breeze]

I would like to be in this if it's not filled up.


You're in. Welcome to the club :D

[Breeze]

DEAD BALL ERA - Roster and Scouting Report

The Dead Ball team is very dangerous, and probably one of the favorites to win the AL. They are similar to the old timers in the fact that they have contact hitters and speed, they are a deeper team than the Oldtimers, and the pitching is extremely tough.

PLAYERS

3B - Home Run Baker (L) - Still considered one of the best third basemen of all time, despite the fact he sat out the 1915 season in a contract dispute and the 1921 season following the death of his wife. Solid everywhere - with decent power for this team.

OF - Max Carey (S) - his real name was Maximillian Carnarius - I think I'd have changed my name too. Great defensive OF, with outstanding speed.

C/1B - Frank Chance (R) - an outstanding defensive first baseman (lacks the arm to be a good Catcher), natural leader, outstanding baserunner and a smart percentage player. Below average bat for this team.

OF - Ty Cobb - (L) - if you don't know about this one, I can't help you.

2B - Eddie Collins (L) - part of the 1919 "Black Sox". Was on the gentlemen side of the club along with Ray Schalk. The roughneck side was led by Chick Gandil. Collins is a fantastic leadoff hitter, who is often thought of as a slap hitter, who only was successful because of the era he played in. Actually, Collins' career spread into the live ball era. At the age of 33 the live ball era began, and he still managed to hit .346 in 1100 ball games.

2B - Johnny Evers (L) - nervous, high strung, little guy - weighing in at 125 lbs. He had the best walk to strikeout ratio in his era. Made famous by the Tinkers to Evers to Chance poem. It's often believe the 3 were close friends, actually Tinkers and Evers didn't get along and they went several years without speaking to each other.

OF - Harry Hooper (L) - Defensive specialist who was an ok hitter for his time. Held a Civil Engineering Degree from St. Mary's College.

OF - Joe Jackson (L) - the 3rd highest batting average in the history of baseball and NO BATTING TITLES. In the 9 years he played enough to qualify for the batting title he finished: 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 3rd, 10th, 4th, and 3rd. In totality, over those 9 seasons, there were only 12 players who hit better than Jackson in even 1 single season - some did it several times (like Cobb, who finished in front of Jackson 8 times in 9 seasons).

OF - Edd Roush (L) - won the 1919 World Series with the Reds. He was once ejected from a game for falling asleep. As the story goes, his manager was in an arguement with the umpire, it lasted for such a long time Roush laid down and took a nap in the outfield. He was so difficult to wake up he was ejected for delaying the game.

C - Ray Schalk (R) - another good "Black Sox". Not much of a hitter.

1B - George Sisler (L) - a former pitcher turned player. Sisler's career was seriously affected by an eye disease that greatly affected his hitting. Before the problem his lifetime batting average was .361, after - it was .318. Ironically the injury occured at almost exactly the halfway point of his career.

CF - Tris Speaker (L) - "Spoke" was an outstanding defensive centerfielder and hitter (in case you are wondering Speaker finished with a higher batting average than Jackson in 4 seasons). He played for 22 years, 20 of which would be considered a full-time player. In those 20 seasons only 2 were below .500.

SS - Joe Tinker (R) - the final part of out poem, and a guy who benefitted greatly from it's creation. Tinker is a below average hitter for this team.

SS/3B - Bobby Wallace (R) - similar to Tinker in ability

OF - Zack Wheat (L) - half Cherokee Indian, and a very popular player. Very good player with good power for this team.


PITCHERS

Chief Bender (R) - rubber armed pitcher who will probably be a reliever on this squad.

Three Finger Brown (R) - Mordecai stuck his hand in a feed chopper on his uncle's farm, and that's how the hand injury occured. It's said that because of his hand injury he was able to naturally throw a change up with his awkard grip on the baseball.

Jack Chesbro (R) - a solid pitcher who doesn't walk many and doesn't typically give up many home runs.

Walter Johnson (R) - the big train is arguably the best pitcher ever. Look at his numbers and then how good he could have been if he wasn't so nice. It is reported that Johnson was so afraid of hurting someone with a pitch that he would rarely pitch inside. Cobb, who struggled with Johnson early on, learned about Johnson's fear so he started crowding the plate, this allowed him to draw numerous walks from the big right hander.

Joe McGinnity (R) - threw overhand, sideare and underhanded. Iron-Man was known to throw on consecutive days if needed.

Eddie Plank (L) - next to Honus Wagner, I believe his baseball card is (or was) the second most valuable.

Ed Walsh (R) - "Big Ed" was over 6' tall and 200 lbs. He has the lowest career ERA in baseball. In the last 10 days of the 1908 pennant race he pitch 5 complete games and relieved twice. All in all he threw 51.67 innings, gave up 28 hits and 3 runs, struck out 52 and walked 4. He actually lost 1 game in that spread. He lost it 1 to 0, but he struck out 15, and the other pitcher, Addie Joss, threw a perfect game.

[Breeze]

CREATING OUR PLAYERS....

:D :D :D :D :D





We are going to use real baseball seasons for each player, so each of you will have to determine what player and what season you'd like to use to represent you on the club.

For instance: if you are a huge fan of Bob Boone, and you decide you want to play catcher. Look up Boone's career and send in his best season.

There are a few restrictions:

1. You may not select a season from a player currently on another team.

For the most part that means HOFers, plus Rose, Jackson, Mays. There are also some others that are part of created teams, if you select one of them I'll let you know (it's easier to do that then to try and list them all). There is one exception to the info listed above, and that is the late 20th Century team. Most of them are not currently in the HOF, so I'll list those names here so you ignore these players in your research.

C - Piazza
C - Carter
1B - McGwire
1B - Murray
2B - Biggio
2B - Sandberg
3B - Boggs
3B - Molitor
SS - Ripken
SS - Smith
OF - Puckett
OF - Winfield
OF - Henderson
OF - Gwynn
OF - Rice

P - Clemens
P - Johnson
P - Maddux
P - Martinez
P - Glavine
P - Smoltz
P - Sutter
P - Gossage
P - Franco
P - Eckersly

2. You may not choose anyone who was on a Major League Roster last season.

3. This one doesn't affect you, but you need to be aware. I don't have access to every SOM season ever created. I have quite a few, but it is possible to that you pick a player/season I can't get to - so understand if I tell you that one is unavailable.

To try and speed this up, and to make sure we don't accidently alert others trying to pick a player who someone else already chose as their player I would like each person to:

- Determine what position you want to play
- Submit 5 different seasons - ranked in order of preference.
- the 5 seasons must include 3 different players.

By submitting 5 seasons hopefully, we'll get one in a season I have access too, and by submitting 5 players hopefully one will not already be selected by another person on this tean or already be a member of another team.

So, for instance if I decide I'd like to be a Shortstop, and I'm a big fan of Dave Concepcion (who's already on the Carribean team - so he's unavailable), maybe my submissions would look like this:

1. SS - Dave Concepcion - 1974
2. SS - Dave Conception - 1979
3. SS - Larry Bowa - 1975
4. SS - Larry Bowa - 1976
5. SS - Bert Campaneris - 1974

Hopefully, we'll have better selections that those listed above as an example, if not we are in BIG TROUBLE against HOFers :D

Remember, you are only choosing a single season, so you can literally have a "One Year Wonder". There are enough good seasons by players available that I think we can compete if you guys come up with good players.

REMEMBER TO PM ME YOUR SELECTIONS - I DON'T WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW WHO YOU CHOSE.

If you need help, I'll gladly give you some names to look up.

SUBLIME2 is on the clock - PM me when you have your 5 seaons.

Johnny93G - you're on deck.

JAG you're in the hole.

[thealmighty]

am i too late?

[Sublime 2]

Do we have to stick to same position or can i go w/ 3 pitching seasons and 2 CF seasons?

[SirFozzie]

Sent my list.

[Breeze]

Do we have to stick to same position or can i go w/ 3 pitching seasons and 2 CF seasons?


Everyone else will need to stick to the same position, but because you are first, it won't matter.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

We currently have 2 pitchers, a lefty and a righty.

JAG is up
Coffee Warlord is on deck
Deacon is in the hole.

By the way, please send a player name and any descriptions you would like used when you send in your seasons.

[JeeberD]

List sent!

[Breeze]

AL PRE WWII

This is a very dangerous team. When you have Ruth and Gehrig in the lineup - how could you be anything but dangerous.


PLAYERS

SS - Luke Appling (R) - "old aches and pains" was still playing short at 42. Great tablesetter for this team.

CF - Earl Averill (L) - good average hitter with speed power and defense. Late to arrive in the majors, but had a heck of a career

OF - Earl Combs (L) - slap hitter, who would swing late and go the other way with everything. Still managed to turn that styleof play into a HOF career.

SS - Joe Cronin (R) - power hitting shortstop (at least before the modern players at that position).

C - Bill Dickey (L) - was more or less a platoon player for most of his carreer, but because he was the lefthanded hitter he got most of the at bats and he posted great numbers.

CF - Joe Dimaggio (R) - Joe was an awesome hitter, and a great defensemen, but his brothers Dom and Vince may have actually been better. Joe benefitted from the halo effect of playing in New York and being a great hitter, who was also very good defensively.

2B - Bobby Doerr (R) - Ted William's "lousy .280 hitter" - who managed to make the Hall.

C - Rick Ferrell (R) - decent arm, not much of a hitter and very slow on the bases.

1B - Lou Gehrig (L) - big, muscular first baseman. He knew it was time to sit down and end his games played streak,when he fielded a routine ground ball and flipped to the pitcher covering. Joe Gordon and Bill Dickey both slapped him on the back to congratulate him on the play...Gehrig said that made him realize that he was being congratulated for making a routine play.

2B - Charlie Gehringer (L) - the mechanical man, played un-exciting ball, but he played it well. Great D, good average and some pop for a second baseman.

1B/LF - Hank Greenberg (R) - the big man wasn't a natural athlete. In fact, his high school basketball coach said, "Hank doesn't play games, he works at them." And he worked hard at baseball. He hated to lose and it made him a HOFer.

2B - Tony Lazzeri (R) - push 'em up Tony. As a kid in San Francisco he grew up playing ball against, Joe Cronin, Wally Berger, and Ernie Lombardi.

OF - Heinie Manush (L) - benefited greatly from personal coaching provided to him by Ty Cobb. Played a lot like Cobb too.

OF - Sam Rice (L) - didn't even become a full-time major leaguer until the age of 25.

OF - Babe Ruth (L) - 'nuff said

SS/3B - Joe Sewell (L) - had over 7000 at bats in 14 seasons and the most he ever struck out in a single season was 20 times. In his entire career, he only struck out 114 times.

OF - Al Simmons (R) - "Bucketfoot" - another player that benefited from the help of Ty Cobb.



PITCHERS

Stan Coveleski (R) - rubber armed spit-ball pitcher.

Red Faber (R) - another spit-baller, who was called up several times by the Pirates and White Sox, but was never pitched. Eventually, John McGraw purchased Faber from Commiski and the White Sox, and he went on to a HOF career.

Lefty Gomez (L) - a great story-teller, who made a living in the off-season hitting the dinner circuit.

Lefty Grove (L) - Grove a coal-minors son, and was often described by contemporaries as the ultimate stopper.

Waite Hoyt (R) - signed with the NY Giants at the age of 15, but he didn't turn pro till 17.

Ted Lyons (R) - at 41 years of age, in 1942 - Lyons pitched 20 games, all of them on Sunday. He completed all 20, finished with a 14 - 6 record and had an ERA of 2.10.

Carl Mays (R) - killed Ray Chapman with a pitch in 1920. The next Spring training, none of the other vets would spend time with him, so he became friendly with the rookies. He was allegedly overheard telling them "if you have to knock somebody down to win a ball game, do it. It's your bread and butter."

Red Ruffing (R) - won 273 games, but his personal win percentage was worse than the teams he played for.

[Chas in Cinti]

Pflaggstettler's List Sent!

-Chas

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

We currently have 3 pitchers, two lefties and a righty.

JAG has passed - though as soon as his list comes in it will be processed
Deacon is up - and I expect to have his list tonigh.
Katon is on deck
SirFozzie is in the hole
(because I know Deacon's is coming St. Cronin - be ready too)


By the way, please send a player name and any descriptions you would like used when you send in your seasons.

[Breeze]

AL POST WWII - Roster and Scounting Report

We grew up with most of these guys - so the write up will probably be short.


PLAYERS

SS - Luis Aparicio (R) - was a leadoff hitter though most of his career becauseof his speed, but his career OBP was .313

C - Yogi Berra (L) - one year a rookie pitcher was brought up late in the season to face the Yankees. In first inning he struck out the first two batters on 6 pitches, then Berra stepped up. He swung at the first pitch, which was over his head. He swung at the second pitch that was 8" outside. Then he swung at the 3rd pitch curve in the dirt. He walked back to the dugout and said, "That kid will never make it in this league pitching like that."

3B - George Brett (L) - no discussions needed.

2B/1B - Rod Carew (L) - no discussions needed.

OF - Larry Doby (L) - played middle infield in the Negro Leagues

C - Carlton Fisk (R) - who's the only catcher in baseball history to have 4,000 total bases - No one - Fisk retired at 3,999.

2B - Nellie Fox (L) - defensive specialist.

RF - Reggie Jackson (L) - strikeout specialist - ok he hit a few home runs too.

RF - Al Kaline (R) - long and consistently producted career. Similar to Yaz, but without the few real high end seasons.

3B - George Kell (R) - great defensively a pretty light hitter for a third baseman.

3B/1B/LF - Harmon Killebrew - huge power and a liability on defense - no matter where he plays.

CF - Mickey Mantle - no need to discuss.

SS - Phil Rizzuto (R) - his HOF chances were greatly increased by all his former Yankee teammates that were already in voted for him.

3B - Brooks Robinson (R) - Defensive specialist who can hit with a little pop.

LF - Ted Williams (L) - only hit under .300 one time in his career.

LF - Carl Yastrzemski (L) - last triple crown winner.

SS/CF - Robin Yount (R) - nice power for a middle infielder.



PITCHERS

Bob Feller (R) - came into the league as a 17 year old.

Rollie Fingers (R) - one of the games first great closers.

Catfish Hunter (R) - died of Lou Gehrig disease.

Whitey Ford (L) - a good lefty who probably benefited form playing for a team with one of the best offenses ever.

Hal Newhouser (L) - really made hay when he got to pitch against depleted lineups during WWII.

Jim Palmer (R) - underware man, used to drive Earl Weaver nuts. Weaver claimed Palmer was a Hypocondriac.

Nolan Ryan (R) - 7 no-hitters.

Hoyt Wilhelm (R) - see Fingers.

[Breeze]

Quick note: if you are on the list to choose your players, you will have 24 hours to get your list in, otherwise you will be passes and your list processed as soon as it comes in.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

As camp opens 4 of the candidates for the starting rotation are the first 4 to arrive. Owen Hunter a right hander, John Williams a lefty, Rob Nielsen a lefty and Sirr Fozborg a righty have arrived. I know very little about any of them, and my first hand knowledge is even more limited. I have to admit I'm anxious to see how they do in the spring.

Deacon Palmer a right handed hitting third baseman, who had a very solid professional career, and might have had a shot at the Hall if not for knee injuries has also arrived. He's a nice piece, that should be a solid contributor.



JAG's list is still open.
Katon is up
St. Cronin is on deck
Travis is in the hole



By the way, please send a player name and any descriptions you would like used when you send in your seasons.

[Breeze]

I just thought about this - if you choose a season from 1981 or 1994 - I will project out the numbers to reflect a full season.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

Got a call today from K. A. Ton an outfielder I am familiar with. He says he'll be in camp tonight.


JAG's list is still open.
St. Cronin is up
Travis is on deck
Tucker342 is in the hole


By the way, please send a player name and any descriptions you would like used when you send in your seasons

[Breeze]

Another note guys: I realize we have 4 starters already listed - but if you are interested in being a starter feel free to submit one. If you look at the rosters of the existing teams that I've already posted, you'll see very few true relievers. What we'll do is - determine in spring training who will be in the rotation - the rest of the pitchers will come out of the pin - and could work back into the rotation based on their and other pitchers performances.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

Just a note to anyone that is reading - I HAVEN'T CUT OFF SIGN UPS - SO IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BEING ON THE TEAM JUST POST THAT YOU WANT IN.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update


The 6' 4" 195 pound flame throwing right hander Brian Babson, just showed up in camp. That gives us about half of our pitching staff, the battle for the starting rotation is going be very interesting.

Babson is JAG's entry

[Breeze]

am i too late?


I was going back through to get the selection order scribbled down when I saw this - Sorry Mighty don't know how I missed it. Yes you are in.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates


I got a chance to see a couple of our pitchers throw today. I'd seen them in games before, but never up close. Owen Hunter was the first to take the mound. The long lean righty has multiple pitches that are above average, but it's the curveball that is his bread and butter pitch. He throws it several different ways, which makes it difficult for batters to get comfortable with what is coming. He also has the ability to throw strkes from numerous arm angles. That should also help keep the hitters guessing, and believe me - we'll need them guessing a lot.

I also saw lefty John Williams throw. The 6' 1" 190 pounder appears to have nice poise on the mound, of course Ruth isn't standing the batters box during a side session. He has a very technical and repeatable delievery, which allows him to paint corners well. He also has a very nice change up to keep hitters off balance.

[oykib]

I'm assuming that the program you're using is park and era adjusted in making my selections. Is that the case?

[Breeze]

I'm assuming that the program you're using is park and era adjusted in making my selections. Is that the case?


Good Question!!! The answer is yes.

Just a quick update on how players are made in Strat-o-matic. The league's batting average is determined. Then it is split in half. Each batter is adjusted based on how they perform vs. the league. The pitchers are adjusted based on the Opponent's batting average against.

In many of the years (and almost all of the recent ones) Ball park affects are added (so a player in Colorado will hit more "ball park" home runs than one in another stadium. In fact, if take a player who hit say 30 homeruns in Colorado and put him in a neutral park you can expect significanlty lower home run totals.). There is a similar adjustment for singles and one for clutch situations as well.

I hope that answers your question.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

Tucker is up
Gunner is on deck
KingFC is in the hole

if you need an update on what's been picked let me know.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

As I was leaving the throwing session with Hunter and Williams, I turned the corner to head into my office when I was run-over by a mountain of a man heading the other direction. Jace Kronside, the big closer had just been at my office looking for me, and he was heading back to the clubhouse. The 6' 6" 240 pould fireballer, reached down, grabbed my arm, and picked me up, like I would my 5 year old.

"Coach, I'm ready to go," exclaimed Jace. "You want to watch me throw?"

I smirked, "Not yet, get settled in and we'll get you some work before the first spring game."

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

I watch Jace walk away, hoping his size will be intimidating to the HOFers. But realizing it won't matter if he doesn't throw strikes. Walks are the quickest way to lose in this league, well that an errors.

I walk into my office and the phone is ringing.

"Hello."

"Coach, this is Sean Treacy."

"The utility player," I ask?

"That's the one, I've been told to report to camp. I just got the call today. Wanted to let you know I'll be in tomorrow early."

"Sounds good. I'll see you then." then as I'm about to hang up, something occurs to me. "Sean, have you played any second base?"

"I love second" he exclaims.

"Good, I'll probably give you a shot to start there. See you tomorrow."

[Breeze]

note:

Jace = Travis
Sean = St. Cronin

[Breeze]

if Tucker and Gunner can get there choices in (assuming no one wants to change their selections) we will be able to post 7 more players. That would leave us only a couple more before we can start.

However, I would still like to get an additional 7 players to round out the roster. If I don't I'll go back through the lists and try and fill out the roster with players that didn't get selected. I would hate to do that, because I'd hate to see a clone take playing time away from a board member, but if we don't get others signed up - I don't know how else to handle the vacant spots on the roster.

I am open for suggestions by the way.

[JAG]

If it turns out you don't have enough people interested to fit exactly one FOFCer to a roster spot, how about opening it up for some posters to have two players associated with them? (for the record, I wouldn't want to be one unless absolutely needed). I imagine there would be enough interest among those who already found themselves someone.

[tucker342]

sent

[Breeze]

Another quick note, and I should have mentioned this earlier - sorry guys. When you pick your player - you will be limited to the number of IP or PAs that they actually had. It probably won't make much of a difference. Most of you haven't picked a player with a low number of plate appearences and the starting pitchers chosen thus far have been workhorses. In addition, there will probably be some platooning going on to keep us in games. But in case anyone needs to make a change in their picks - I wanted you to know.


Remember Strike years are adjusted to what would have been a full year of production.

[tucker342]

This team has no chance in hell, but oh well:)

[kingfc22]

This team has no chance in hell, but oh well:)
Once I get in the lineup, we will DOMINATEhttp://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

As I'm wrapping up what has been a long day at the office, studying scouting reports, trying to persuade some additional players to come into camp, and determining what I have to work with - I hear the door to the clubhouse open and serveral voices laughing and joking. I walk out and see K. A. Ton walking and talking with A. J. Tucker. Two outfielders who go about their business in different ways. Ton is an indifferent fielder, but boy he can pound the ball. Tucker is more of a leadoff hitter, nice average, gets on base, and he can really run. Plus he's very good in the outfield.

Also present were 2 more outfielders - Gerald Gazelle - a natural athlete who is very smooth in the field, but hits for power, and judging from the fact he once was a 400 meter runner in college, he can run too. The other is Persimmon Pflaggstettler - God that kid has to get a nick-name, how the hell do I shout encouragement when he's at the plate. Pflaggstettler is also a good defensive outfielder, who can run and hit for power. Not nearly as smooth as Gazelle, but production is very similar.

I decide not to interrupt their fun, and I head back to my office. I turn on the light sit down and rework my roster. I notice that I now have 5 starting pitchers, a closer, a thirdbaseman, a utility player who will be in sometime early tomorrow and 4 outfielders. I also realize that of my 6 players I have 2 switch hitters, and 4 hitters from the right side, and no left handed bats. I sigh, boy I hope I get some left handed sticks soon, or we could really struggle against some of these tough right handed pitchers.

I turn off the light and walk out, as I'm getting in my car, I see Jeff Nights getting out of his. I remember Jeff as a slick fielding good hitting shortstop. In fact, he could be as good as any in the league. Jeff see's me as he pulls his luggage out of the truck, he waves and heads towards the clubhouse. I smile, knowing he's going to be playing for me. Then I stop for second - sigh and realize, he's right handed too.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

Gunner is up
mtaystl03 is on deck
thealmighty is in the hole

KingFC and Jeebs - stand by - I have your lists, but based on what Gunner does one of you may have to change.

[Fouts]

I'm a scrub who is interested in playing against some HOFers.

[terpkristin]

I want in! :)

/tk

[Breeze]

Sweet, 2 more signee's that gives us 20 (if you count, you'll probably only come up with 19 - but I'll explain later).

Fouts and TK, welcome aboard.

TK - Glad to see you signed up - for a minute I thought you might have been teasing in the other thread.

[Breeze]

Question: Do you guys find the Team Roster and Scouting Reports interesting or would you rather I just list the players names?

[Sublime 2]

I like them but possibly a list too?

[Breeze]

Carribean All Stars - Roster and Scounting Report one caveat - I'm not in front of the game and I'm not sure everyone detailed below is on the team, and I'm not positive someone wasn't left out.


SP-Jose Mendez-R/R - was known as "the black Christy Mathewson," but the astute John McGraw once said, "Jose Mendez is better than any pitcher except Mordecai Brown and Christy Mathewson-and sometimes I think he's better than Matty." A rangy right-hander born in Cuba in 1888, Mendez set pro ball on its ear in 1908 when, pitching for the Almendares Blues, he held the touring Cincinnati Reds scoreless for 25 innings over three games. The first game would have been a no-hitter, but Red 2nd baseman Miller Huggings broke it up with a one-out single in the 9th inning.
The Cubans called Jose "El Diamante Negro" (The Black Diamond). He had a white-hot fastball and a hard-breaking curve, using his unusually long fingers to give the ball extra spin. In his first seven years, Mendez led the league in victories and shut-outs five times. In 1909, Jose teamed with fellow Cuban League pitcher Eustaquino Pedroso to whip the barnstorming Detroit Tigers, whose line-up included batting champ Ty Cobb and RBI king Sam Crawford; the Tigers staggered out of Cuba with a 4-8 record. That summer, Jose traveled to the States and compiled a record of 44-2. In 1910, he was 18-2. Mendez was still winning in 1914 when, without warning, his golden arm turned to lead. He dropped out of baseball for several years, but resurface in 1920, when the Negro National League was formed. As manager-shortstop on J.L. Wilkinson's new Kansas City Monarchs, he steered the team to three straight pennants in 1923 through 1925. In the 1924 World Series, he even gave himself the ball as stating pitcher in the deciding game, and at the age 36, like Lazarus reborn, pitched and shut-out against the hard hitting Hilldales.


SS-Rodolfo Puente - Started with Baseball in 1961 and was a shortstop for the Cuban National Team from 1969-1982, a period when Cuba won eight Baseball World Cups. A slick fielder and clutch hitter, he is considered by many to be the greatest shortstop in Cuban Baseball history.


C-Miguel Gonzalez-The patriarch of Cuban Baseball, and the first Hispanic manager of a major league team was Miguel Angel "Mike" Gonzalez, a Cuban national who managed the St. Louis Cardinals between 1938 and 1940 for only 23 games. Although Gonzalez never became the full-time manager of the Cardinals, his short stay at the front of a big league club was significant because it came more than ten years before the next opportunity for a Hispanic. The ‘Pride of Havana’, Gonzalez was a powerful hitter with an above average arm and defensive skills.


OF Francisco ‘Pancho’ Coimbre-Was recognized as one of the two best Puerto Rican players of all time along with Perucho Cepeda. Halll of Fame pitcher Satchel Paige often said that Coimbre was the most difficult batter he ever faced. Unfortunately, Cepeda and Coimbre could not play in the Majors because of their skin color. Coimbre was a dominating right-handed hitting outfielder, with above average defensive skills and surprising speed on the base paths.


SP-Fernando Valenzuela-En route to being named TSN Player of the Year in 1981, Valenzuela, the Mexican star long sought by the Dodgers, ushered in Fernandomania and turned Dodger Stadium into a Mexican fiesta on the nights he pitched. No one had ever broken in quite like Valenzuela. He won his first ten major league decisions and was the first rookie to win the Cy Young Award, and his eight shutouts (including five in his first seven starts) tied the rookie record in a season a third shorter than usual due to the players' strike. The youngest of twelve children from a Mexican farm family, Valenzuela, who spoke through an interpreter his rookie year, was successful after he learned the screwball from former Dodger Bob Castillo and had even learned to throw it at two different speeds. In April 1986, he became the first to win Pitcher of the Month honors despite a losing record when he went 2-3 with a 0.21 ERA en route to setting a new major league record of 44.1 consecutive innings without an earned run at the start of a season. His Ruthian physique was deceptive, as he was a good all-around athlete. He won a Silver Bat in 1983 and a Gold Glove in 1986, pinch hit on occasion, and even played outfield during a 21-inning game. In 1983 Valenzuela became the first player awarded $1 million in arbitration.


SP-Luis Tiant Sr.- A Negro League standout, Tiant was a master of changing speeds, a junkball-screwball pitcher with a herky-jerky motion and a superior pickoff move. He was also a fierce competitor; according to one of his beanball victims, the Philadelphia Stars' Ted Paige, "he gave no mercy to any batter." In October of 1935, Tiant's New York Cubans defeated the Babe Ruth All-Stars 6-1 and 15-3. Tiant pitched both games and held Ruth to one scratch single. At age 41, still pitching for the Cubans, he fashioned a 10-0 record with eight complete gamesand three shutouts. In 1975, Cuban leader Fidel Castro allowed Tiant to go see his son, Luis, Jr., pitch for the Boston Red Sox in the World Series.


SP-Luis Tiant Jr.- A right handed version of his daddy, and a nice pitcher for the Red Sox for a number of years. (His daddy's better though).


SS-Dave Concepcion- came out of Venezuela to become one of baseball's greatest shortstops. Wearing number 13, the lithe infielder won the position in 1972 after sharing it with Woody Woodward for two seasons. In 1973, Concepcion was named captain of the Reds. The winner of five Gold Gloves, he also started five All-Star Games from 1973 to 1982, more than any other NL shortstop during that period. In 1978 Concepcion became the first Cincinnati shortstop to bat .300 since Joe Tinker in 1913. Hampered by an elbow injury in 1980, Concepcion took advantage of the Astroturf at Riverfront Stadium and developed the one-hop throw to first base to reduce arm strain. The winner of the Roberto Clemente award as the top Latin American ballplayer in the majors in 1977, he led the NL with 14 game-winning RBI in 1981, when he was the Reds' MVP. In four World Series, Concepcion hit better than .300 three times and topped .400 in the 1975 and '79 LCS. He played over 100 games at shortstop 12 straight years (1974-85) and in 14 of 15 seasons, with injury cutting into his 1973 season. Replaced by Barry Larkin in 1986, Concepcion became a dependable handyman working at all four infield positions. Only Pete Rose is ahead of him in doubles (389), games, hits (2,326), and at-bats in Reds history, and only Joe Morgan has more Reds stolen bases than Concepcion's 321. Concepcion also ranks in the Reds' top five in runs, RBI, and total bases. On his retirement, he was only 44 games away from Larry Bowa's NL record for shortstops.


1B/LF - Perucho ‘Pedro’ Cepeda-Orlando Cepeda's father, Perucho, was a big powerful hitting first baseman/outfielder. Nicknamed "Bull", Orlando became known as the "Baby Bull." A big man who ran well, Perucho was a five-tool player before the term had been invented...and put up statistics in the Puerto Rican league that led some to call him "the Puerto Rican Babe Ruth". More than that, though, Perucho was a national hero in his native land of Puerto Rico.


OF-Rafael Almeida-R/R Rafael Almeida was born on Sunday, July 30, 1887, and began his Major League baseball career in 1911 with the Cincinnati Reds. The 24 year-old played for 3 seasons on one team and ended his big league playing career in 1913.


P-Jose Acosta-R/R Jose Acosta was one of a host of Cubans (which included his younger brother Merito, an outfielder) signed by Washington during the 1920s. The 5'6" 134-lb hurler had back-to-back 5-4 seasons in 1920-21.


OF Alejandro Ohms L/L-‘El Caballero’ 1921 through 1935. A colorful player, he entertained fans by catching fly balls behind his back in one-sided games. He batted approximately .325 during his Negro League career. He also played in Venezuela into the 1940s, and was Venezuela's top defensive outfielder in 1943.
Oms made his greatest impact in his native Cuba, collecting 537 Cuban Winter League hits in 1531 at-bats for a lifetime .351 average. He won batting crowns in 1924-25 (.393), 1928-29 (.432), and 1929-30 (.380). He led the CWL with 76 hits in 1928-29 and with 44 in 1931-32, when his 14 stolen bases were also the league high. He played on championship teams in Santa Clara, Havana, Almendares, and Cienfuegos.


3B Omar Linares-The Crown Jewel of Cuban baseball, Linares may be the greatest baseball player in the world playing outside of the United States. A five-tool talent with exception speed, power and defensive ability, the right-handed slugger has played on several world champion and Olympic champion teams for Cuba. He has turned down millions from U.S. teams to remain in his native country. Linares continues to serve as the bastion of Cuban baseball, both physically and symbolically.


2B/SS Antonio Pacheco-Considered one of the 3 best Amateur baseball players in the world, Pacheco is a true super-star second baseman, possessing exceptional speed and defensive skills. He has been captain of the Cuban national team which has won several world and Olympic championships


2B-Roberto Avila-The Indians signed Avila for only $17,500 out of the Mexican League, where he was already a star. The first Mexican to have real ML success, he was the Indian second baseman for eight years and became a national hero in his own country. In a 1951 game at Boston, he hit three homers, a single, and a double. In 1952 he led the AL in triples (11). He won the AL batting title in the Indians' 1954 pennant-winning year when he hit .341 despite playing half the season with a broken thumb. An adept bunter and daring baserunner, his soccer training paid off several times when he intentionally kicked the ball out of defenders' mitts while sliding.


SP-Mike Garcia-R/R Garcia was part of the great Indian pitching staff that included Bob Feller, Early Wynn, and Bob Lemon. Signed in 1942, The Big Bear spent three years in the military. He went 14-5 in his rookie year (1949). The hard-throwing Californian of Mexican-Indian descent posted his second straight 20-win season in 1952, leading the AL in starts and hits allowed, and tying for most shutouts (6). He again tied for the shutout lead (5) with an AL best 2.64 ERA in 1954 and was 19-8 as Cleveland set an AL record with 111 wins and ended the Yankees' pennant string at five. Garcia lost Game Three of the World Series in which Giants routed the Indians in four straight. Known as ‘the Big Bear’.


C-Al Lopez-The 5'1" 165-lb Lopez had a long and distinguished career as a catcher and manager and was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1977. Not much of an offensive threat, Lopez hit higher than .275 only three times in his 19-year career. His career high in home runs was eight (1936 and 1939) and in RBI was 57 (1930). His great value was as an extremely durable receiver. For many years he held the record for most games caught in the major leagues (1,918) and the NL (1,861), and for most years in the NL catching 100 or more games (12). These endurance marks were somewhat inflated by the fact that he was largely a defensive replacement the last two and a half seasons of his career. He tied the record for most games caught in the NL without a passed ball (114 games in 1941) and led NL catchers in assists three times (1932-33, 1936) and fielding average three times (1940, 1943-44).
Lopez also left his mark as a manager. He led the Indians from 1951 to 1956 and the White Sox from 1957 to 1965 and 1968 to 1969. He was the only AL manager to finish ahead of the Yankees in the 1950s, winning pennants with the Indians in 1954 and the White Sox in 1959. He finished second every other year that decade, and nine times overall. His record as a manager was 1,422-1,026, with a .581 winning percentage that is ninth on the all-time list.
In a poll taken among retired major leaguers in the mid-1980s, Lopez was rated the seventh-best defensive catcher as well as the seventh-best manager of all time.


SP Mike Cuellar R/L- In 1966, his first full year in the major leagues, Cuellar finished second in NL ERA, behind Sandy Koufax. He won a then-club-record 16 games in 1967, fanning 203. After the 1968 season, the Astros swapped Cuellar to Baltimore for Curt Blefary, at that point a highly regarded young power hitter.
Cuellar tied Denny McLain for AL Cy Young honors with a 23-11, 2.38 performance, then in the World Series was the only Oriole to beat the Mets. He led the AL with 24 wins and 21 complete games in 1970, capping the year by hitting a wind-blown grand slam off Jim Perry in the LCS against the Twins. Cuellar was 20-9 in 1971, as four Oriole starters won at least 20 that year. After winning 18 games in both 1972 and 1973, Cuellar enjoyed his last great season in 1974: 22-10, with a league-leading .688 winning percentage. At age 42 in 1979, two years after finishing up in the majors, Cuellar attempted a comeback, compiling a 7-6 record with three clubs in the Inter-American and Mexican Leagues.


OF Tony Oliva-The only player in major league history to win batting titles in his first two full seasons, Oliva was one of the most graceful, natural hitters of all time, but had his career cut short by a bad knee. Oliva enjoyed a sensational Rookie of the Year season, leading the AL in batting (.323), hits (217), runs (109), and doubles (43). His 217 hits established an AL rookie mark. He also led the majors with a club-record 374 total bases, 84 extra-base hits, and 71 multi-hit games. He once again led the AL in batting (.321) and hits (185) for the pennant-winning Twins. He ultimately would lead the league in hits five times. He was named the AL player of the year in 1965 by TSN. In Game Two of the 1965 World Series he helped defeat Sandy Koufax when he doubled off the Dodgers ' ace in the sixth inning of the Twins' 5-1 win. In 1966 Oliva hit .307, second best in the AL. He also captured a Gold Glove award as the league's best defensive right fielder. In 1969, Oliva tied Joe DiMaggio's record of having been named to the All-Star team in each of his first six seasons in the league but missed the game with the chicken pox. He won his third batting title in 1971 (.337) despite a serious knee injury suffered in Oakland while chasing a Joe Rudi fly ball. With the exception of ten games in June, he missed the entire 1972 season because of his ailing right knee, which went under the surgeon's knife seven times during his career.


SP Adolfo Luque (El orgullo de La Habana)-R/R One of the first Cubans to succeed in the majors, Luque came to the U.S. in 1912 to pitch for Long Branch (NY-NJ League) and was 22-5 in 1913. After a couple of unsuccessful trials with the Braves, he caught on with the Reds during WWI and stayed for 12 seasons. In the 1919 World Series, he relieved twice without allowing a run, and the next year he became a regular Cincinnati starter. He led the NL in losses (23) in 1922 but had his career year the next season, leading the league in wins (27), winning percentage (.771), and ERA (1.93). Although he never again topped 20 wins, Luque led again in ERA with 2.63 in 1925. In the 1930s he turned to relief pitching for the Giants. his 4 1/3 shutout innings earned him the win in the 10-inning fifth and final game of the 1933 World Series.


SP Dennis Martinez R/R Developed in the Baltimore system, Dennis Martinez was a star with the Orioles, then overcame alcoholism in a successful comeback with the Expos. Using a basic repertoire of pitches, Martinez was the International League Pitcher of the Year in 1976. He averaged 15 wins a year from 1977 to 1982, excepting an injury-interrupted 1980. From 1983 to 1985, he was simply a hard thrower. Traded to Montreal in 1986, he learned to cope with alcoholism, but still found himself out of a job in May 1987. Given a last chance by Montreal, Martinez led NL pitchers with a .733 winning percentage (11-4) in 1987 and became the staff ace by pitching, not just throwing. His 16-7 record (3.18 ERA) in 1989 helped the Expos contend for the title.


1B-Keith Hernandez- was indisputably the best-fielding first baseman of his time, winning eleven straight Gold Gloves and setting major league records for most seasons leading league first basemen in double plays (six) and lifetime assists by a first baseman. His great range helped him lead NL first basemen in assists five times, putouts four times, and fielding average twice. Twice he tied for the lead in errors with 13; it is the lowest total ever to lead the NL, and he never made more errors than that in a season. Hernandez led the NL in batting in 1979 with the Cardinals, winning the only shared MVP award in history that year (Willie Stargell was the other recipient) as well as TSN NL Player of the Year. He also had career highs with 48 doubles and 116 runs, both league-leading totals, and 105 RBI. His .344 BA, also a career high, marked the first time he had hit .300 ; he went on to top .300 five other times. He was a great clutch hitter who worked the count and fouled off pitches until he got the offering he wanted. In the short lifetime of the game-winning RBI as an official statistic, he set ML records for most in a season (24 in 1985) and most lifetime (129). Always selective, he led the NL with 94 walks in 1986. His on-base percentage was above .400 seven times during his career, and he led the league in 1979 and 1980.


OF Pablo Mesa-L/L A swift and sure handed outfielder with a powerful throwing arm, Pablo Mesa was one of the best fly-catching outfielders ever to play in the Negro Leagues. With his .300 plus batting average, his ability to draw walks and steal bases, Mesa was a prototypical lead-off man.


OF/3B Orestes (Minnie) Miñoso- debuted in 1949, but he was still officially a rookie when obtained by the White Sox in a three-team deal involving the Indians and A's on April 30, 1951. On May 1, in a game against the Yankees in Comiskey Park, the young Cuban speedster became the first black player to don a White Sox uniform. In the very first inning, Minoso homered off Vic Raschi. (Mickey Mantle hit his first ML home run in the sixth inning of the same game.) Minoso finished his rookie year as the AL leader in stolen bases (31) and triples (14); his .326 batting average was second only to Philadelphia's Ferris Fain's .344, and his 112 runs fell one short of Dom DiMaggio's league-leading 113. Though the Yankees' Gil McDougald won the baseball writers' Rookie of the Year honors, Minoso was TSN's Rookie of the Year. He led the AL in stolen bases again in 1952 and 1953 and in triples in 1954, and tied for the league lead in steals in 1956 and in doubles in 1957. He would do whatever was necessary to get on base, including getting in the way of fastballs. In 16 AL seasons, he set the league record by being hit by a pitch 189 times. Traded with Fred Hatfield to Cleveland in December 1957 for Early Wynn and Al Smith, he was not around when the Go-Go White Sox won the 1959 AL pennant; Bill Veeck awarded him an honorary championship ring anyway. With Cleveland, Minoso hit a career-high 24 home runs in 1958, and he batted .302 in both 1958 and 1959 before the White Sox reacquired him. In 1960 he led the AL with 184 hits, was second to Roger Maris with 105 RBI, and batted over .300 for his eighth and final time. Following stints with the Cardinals and Senators, he retired after spending 1964 as a White Sox pinch hitter. Twelve years later, during the second Veeck ownership, Minoso was brought out of retirement and went hitless as Chicago's DH against the Angels' Frank Tanana on September 11, 1976. "It's been many years since I face pitching like this," he explained. "I hope they [the fans] forgive me." The next day, he collected his last ML hit. He was a White Sox coach from 1976 to 1978, and in 1980, when he was again activated, joining Nick Altrock as the only five-decade major leaguers; he went 0-for-2 as a pinch hitter. Ever popular in Chicago, he became a team goodwill ambassador.


OF/1B Héctor Espino-A symbol of Mexican pride, the slugging Espino declined offers from the Cardinals, Mets, and Padres while playing 25 seasons with San Luis de Potosi, Monterrey, and Tampico. He did play 32 games for Jacksonville (International League) in 1964, batting .300, but was offended by racial discrimination and swore he would never again play in the United States. He led the Mexican League in batting in 1964 and in 1966-68; in home runs in 1964 and 1972; and in RBI in 1962 and 1973. His Mexican League record of 46 HR, set in 1964, stood until 1986. He retired at age 45 with the career record for minor league home runs, 484.

[Breeze]

I like them but possibly a list too?


I'll try to remember to summarize each team with just a list of players names.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

As I was drinking my morning coffee, the phone starting ringing. I picked it up and was surprised to hear the owner, J. P. Morgan on the other end.

"Breeze!"

"Mr. Morgan, good morning, what can I..."

Morgan interrupting "I've got good news, we just signed Stan Gunner to a contract. He'll be in this afternoon."

"That is great...." I stop talking because all I hear at this point is the dial tone - Morgan hung up before I could respond.

Gunner gives me a left handed hitting outfielder. That's good news, and, unless we really start getting a run of new players (hint) that will close out the outfield position for the team.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

mtaystl03 is up
thealmighty is on deck
Fouts is in the hole.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

As I'm working at my desk, trying to determine my rotation (pitching and player) for the first couple of spring training games, I see two big players walk in together. I recognize both as first basemen:

Jeeberoni or Jeeborini Potpie (I can never get that right) - a big, but agile right handed first basemen

and

David Gonzalez - who is a few inches shorter, but still real big, and about the same weight. Plus he's a left handed hitter.

The two combine to make a nice platoon at the position, and Jeebs will be playing as a defensive replacement in games where he doesn't start - because Gonzalez isn't a very good defensive player.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Updates

Here is where we currently stand on the roster:

0 of 2 Catchers
2 of 2 First Basemen
1 of 2 Second Basemen
1 of 2 Shortstops
1 of 2 Third basemen
5 of 5 Outfielders
6 of 10 Pitchers

[Ramzavail]

id like to be in.

[Breeze]

id like to be in.


Great! Welcome.

[Coffee Warlord]

Question: Do you guys find the Team Roster and Scouting Reports interesting or would you rather I just list the players names?

I think they are quite cool.

[JeeberD]

Jeeborini Potpie

Jeeberoni ;)

[Breeze]

Jeeberoni ;)


oops - it's fixed

[NOLEBODY]

PUT ME IN COACH IM READY TO PLAY.............

[Breeze]

PUT ME IN COACH IM READY TO PLAY.............


That's the one I was expecting... :D

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

Babson, Nielsen and Fozborg all threw today.

Fozborg was very reminicent of Hunter. Similar types of pitches, but not the same are angles.

Nielsen is a hard throwing left hander with a determined personality. He's going to be tough against batters from both sides, and he's going to want the ball as much as possible.

Then there is Babson, who throws extremely hard and has a nice curve. He'll strike out a ton, and should give us a chance to win our share.

It's going to be quite a battle this spring to see who fills what role on the pitching staff.

[Blade]

If it is not too late, I would like to get in to this as well...

[Breeze]

If it is not too late, I would like to get in to this as well...


ABSOLUTELY - great to have you. Hopefully, we can get through these last few picks quickly so we can get started. You'll probably have to wait to see what position is left for you choose from.

[Breeze]

Will the pitchers hit for themselves or will there be a DH?

Travis - et.al.

Sorry, I missed this line in the post earlier. No DH. With such deep teams, it will allow me to work more people in and do double switches.

[kingfc22]

Coach - are there any steroid tests?

[Breeze]

Coach - are there any steroid tests?


Hard to get computers to pee in a cup. I think you're safe. :D

[Chas in Cinti]

Hard to get computers to pee in a cup. I think you're safe. :D

You just don't surf the web enough, I KNOW there are sites that have something like this... ;)

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

mtaystl03 is up
thealmighty is on deck
Fouts is in the hole.



We are still on this same list, but I have heard from all 3. It gets a little tougher when your restricted by position and hendered by people already being taken. I should have mtaystl03 soon.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

We had our first batting practice this morning. I sat and watched balls fly out of the park. It basically turned into a home run derby for about 6 players. Jeeber-something, Gonzalez, Gunner, Ton, Gazelle and Pflaggstettler were launching the ball left and right. It was impressive to watch, but we aren't going to be playng slow pitch softball, and most of the pitchers we face won't be throwing 75 right down the middle.

Nights and Palmer ignored the power-fest going on, and drove the ball to all fields. They seemingly hit the ball in the sweatspot of the bat on every swing. Impressive for the first hitting session of the season. Treacy showed he can handle the bat well, which should allow me to hit and run, and Tucker - slaps the ball the other way extremely well, and with his speed as long as he makes contact he's got a shot at being on base.

In the field, I saw Gazelle, Pflaggstettler, and Tucker roaming around like deer, covering a ton of the field and tracking down most balls hit - well atleast the ones that stayed in the yard. To some extent Gunner did as well. I'm not sure Ton ever moved more than a couple of steps when he was out there shagging. That may be unfair, I might be comparing him to the others who were so impressive defensively. Of course - by my unofficial count Ton would have won the home run derby, so his indifference in the field may not matter. Treacy took balls at 2b, 3b, and in outfield. He isn't the prettiest fielder at any of the spots, but he can play all of them admirably - so that will probably come in handy at some point during the season.

[StanGunner]

When everyone is signed up would you post who everyone is modeled after? It would be interesting to see who I didn't think of.

[Breeze]

When everyone is signed up would you post who everyone is modeled after? It would be interesting to see who I didn't think of.


I was going to wait until the completion of the season, and allow you guys to see the production and guess along the way (thought that might make the dynasty even more fun). However, if the consenses is to know ahead of time - we can certainly do that.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - League Business Update

I just have a few notes about the league that I wanted to make you aware of.

Because the 3 older teams (old timers, turn of century, and dead ball) are small rosters (21 or 22 players and only 7 pitchers on each team), I am creating a pitcher for their rosters that will be used in mop up duty allowing them to keep their regular pitchers healthy and available for other games. In addition, and along the same lines, there are 28 total players on the AL Pre WWII team, since only 25 can be active, I may take 3 of those players that spend time in the dead ball era and move them to that roster. I'm still trying to decide if this is best, and if I can cascade that move by moving dead ball players to the turn of century team and so on to the old timers.

Players Added:

Old Timers - Tommy Bond
Turn of Century - TBD
Deadball - Eddie Ciccotti (so if we really need a win - someone approach him with a wad of cash and I think we'll be ok.) :D

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

I want to keep this moving along - so I'm going to update you on status and allow the rest on the list to start sending in their players:

mtaystl03 it looks like is going to be a catcher (just trying to make sure we get the right one)
thealmighty last I heard was looking at a pitcher

The rest of the list
Fouts
TK
Ramzavail
Nolebody
Blade


If the people listed in the rest section want to start sending in their list, based on available positions, we can lock up the position you want and allow the board members lower on the list to try and narrow down their choices.

[Ramzavail]

can I get a position update?

I am thinking about pitcher or second base.

[Breeze]

can I get a position update?

I am thinking about pitcher or second base.


Sure, assuming I'm right about mtaystl03 and thealmighty we have still available:

1 catcher
1 second baseman
1 shortstop
1 third baseman

3 pitchers.

[Blade]

I am thinking about second base or third base...pitcher if needed...

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

mtaystl03 - does pick a catcher

thealmighty as soon as you are ready

Fouts - go ahead and get you list in

TK - you can send yours as well if your ready

Ramzavail
Nolebody
Blade

[terpkristin]

I'll be anything!
If I had to make a "preference" it would probably be 2B/SS but really, it's all good. :)

/tk

[Breeze]

NEGRO LEAGUE TEAM 1 - Roster and Scouting Report

P - David Barnhill (R) - a 5' 7" 145 lb. power pitcher, who was at one time being considered as the best prospect to break the color barrier. He was part of a Pirates tryout with Roy Campanella and Sammy Hughes - but owner Ben Benswanger chickened out and the opportunity did not materialize.

CF - Cool Papa Bell (L) - a Lou Brock type player, but probably better than Brock. Famous for his speed, but he hit for power as well. In fact, at 43 he hit .430 in the Mexican League.

CF - Oscar Charleston (L) - for all the pub that Bell has gotten for his amazing speed and talent plus his memorable nick name - Oscar was the greatest CF of the Negro Leagues. In fact, many knowledgeable people say he was the greatest Negro League ball player ever. He was a combination of Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth rolled into 1 player. Many people remarked about how shallow a CF Willie Mays played when he first came into the major leagues - Mays learned to play that way from watching Charleston.

3b - Ray Dandridge (R) - really was a shortstop that played 3b because he was a teammate of Willie Wells (look below). Sort of a Brooks Robinson type of player defensively, offensively he's compairable to Pie Traynor.

P - Leon Day (R) - most consistently good Negro League pitcher of the late 30's and 40's. Smart pitcher with a nice fastball.

UTL - Martin DiHigo (R) - Played every position on the field at one time in his career, but mostly lined up at 2b, 3b, ss, or one of 3 OF positions. Fast, graceful, and blessed with a powerful arm. One winter in the Dominican league HOFer Johnny Mize and DiHigo played on the same team, and Mize said, "DiHigo was the only guy I ever saw who could play all nine positions, manage, run and switch-hit. I thought I was having a pretty good year myself down there, and they were walking him to pitch to me."

P - Bill Foster (L) - half brother of Rube Foster (a founder of the Negro Leagues). A classic control pitcher with a wide assortment of pitches, all delivered with the same motion.

P - Rube Foster (R) - Father of the Negro Leagues, but a hell of pitcher in his own right. Didn't play as much as he could have because he was often dealing with league issues and didn't have time to take the field.

Of - Jelly Gardner (L) - leadoff man, very fast, with a phenominal throwing arm.

3b - Judy Johnson (R) - smaller, slower version of Dandridge. Contact hitter without much power.

1b - Buck Leonard (L) - short and stocky first baseman with a compact stroke that generated enormous bat speed. Sort of a left handed Hank Aaron.

SS - Pop Lloyd (L) - tall, rangy player, powerful and extremely fast. Often described as the black Honus Wagner, to which Honus replied "I consider it a privilege to be compared to Lloyd."

C - Biz Mackey (S) - best defensive catcher in the Negro League (maybe ever). He taught Campanella how to play the position. Was also dangerous offensively, and was athletic enough to play some league games at SS.

P - Webster McDonald (R) - submarine pitcher that used an effortless motion, good control, change of speeds and a sinking fastball.

P - Satchel Paige (R) - tall, lanky right hander that truly understood the concept of promotion. No need to explain further - he is one of the most recognized names in all of the sport despite the fact he didnt' even play in the majors until after he was ??? - well as is par for the course with Paige, we really aren't quite sure how old he was.

P - Bullet Joe Rogan (R) - outstanding pitcher with a tremendous fastball and nice curve - plus good control. He was a star of the K. C. Monarchs for 20 years.

P - Hilton Smith (R) - an often overlooked pitcher who was about as good as anyone. Smith was best know as Satchel's relief. Paige, who was often in demand would have to start almost every game, so often he would pitch the first couple innings then turn it over to Smith - would would go 6 or more in relief, and the spectators often said "with no difference in effectiveness."

Of - Turkey Stearnes (L) - sort of a Mel Ott, Ted Williams type. Turkey loved to hit and his lifetime .352 with Stargell like power. He liked hitting so much - he would talk to his bats as if they were his children.

Of - Mule Suttles (R) - Great power hitter who swung for power - but he still maintained a good average. The bat he used weighed 50 ounces.

RF - Christobal Torriente (L) - Cuban superstar who was so good defensively that Charleston moved over to LF to allow him to roam in Center. Later he moved to RF to take advantage of his strong arm. He was light enough skined he might have been able to play in the majors but he had "Crinkly hair".

C - Fleetwood Walker (R)- tall, slender, hansome and intelligent player who was the first to play in the major leagues when he played 42 games for the Toledo Blue Stockings of the American Association in 1884. The superstar of the time Cap Anson refused to play against him in 1887 when we he was with Newark.

SS - Willie Wells (R) - a generation later than Lloyd, but a comparable player. Did everything outstanding except throw.

P - Smokey Joe Wiliams (R) - Williams was to the first half of black baseball what Paige was in the second half.

C - Josh Gibson (R) - Probably the greatest catcher to ever play the game, and maybe the greatest right handed power hitter ever. Bill Veeck said Gibson was the greatest hitter he ever saw, as did countless other observers.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

Here is where we stand:

mtaystl03 - picked a catcher, but I'm waiting on a player name to announce him.

thealmighty has been on the clock for over 24 hours so he'll be processed as soon as he sends in a list.

Fouts - is on the clock and will get processed as soon as his list is in.

TK - is on deck and has a list of names to research. As soon as Fouts is in, TK will be processed when her's names are in.

Ramzavail - is in the hole

Nolebody & Blade are still on hold, but I know I can get Nolebody's quickly.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

Here is where we stand:

mtaystl03 - I'm still waiting on a player name to announce him.

thealmighty - still looking for his list

Fouts - picks a 3bman

TK - is our second shortstop

Ramzavail - is a RH pitcher

Blade you are up you can pick a 2b, P or Catcher.

Guys who just picked - I need player names and any descriptions you'd like to send.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Updates

I'm back in the bull pen watching the players throw, when a ball goes wizzing by me and smacks the catchers mitt. I turn around a see another giant of a man standing a good 20 feet behind the mound with a huge grin on his face. James Rodney, a feared hard throwing right handeder was ready to show off his stuff.

We are definately going to strike some people out, we just have to be careful not to allow free passes.

I look at the bull pen coach, Del Crandal, and he's got a grimmace on his face, and he's shaking his head. We really need to get some catchers in here - Del's hand is already black and blue, and that was before we got another fireballer in camp.

[Breeze]

I have serveral others signed up, but I need:

NAMES, NAMES, NAMES, NAMES, NAMES, NAMES, NAMES, NAMES...

Descriptions wouldn't hurt either.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Picks Update

Blade - is researching a 2B and I should have something soon.

thealmighty - waiting on his list (TA, if you want some suggestions let me know)

Nolebody - already has a catcher and 2 pitchers selected so he'll wait till everyone else has selected before making his choice.

By my count we came up 2 players short of 25. To fill those final two spots I think I'll give every member of the team a chance to send in a list of 5 players for the position (just like you did for your own player), and I'll combine the lists - like votes - and take the player who was selected most often.

Is that an exceptable method for you?

Of course if someone would like to sign up - we still have 2 slots open. :)

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

The day of workouts just ended, I'm sitting in my office drinking a beer, watching the guys file out, most I think are headed to the golf course. I start wondering when we'll sign the rest of the team.

My tought is interrupted by a knock on the door. It's Gopher, that's not actually his name, but it is his job and he looks so much like one I can't help but call him that.

"Come in."

"I got a message for you," Gopher responds.

"What's it say?"

"I don't know, I just deliver the messages, I'm not allowed to read them," he lied.

I take the envelope, go to open it, and I realize it isn't sealed. I look sternly at Gopher, who shrugs and responds, "Secretary must have forgotten to seal it." and he quickly turns and scampers out of the room.

I pull out the note and it says:

ROSTER COMPLETE...

25 TOTAL PLAYERS HAVE BEEN SIGNED...

DETAILS TO FOLLOW SOON

I think to myself...Good....I wonder what their names are?

[Sublime 2]

Excellent!

[Blade]

Sweet!

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Player Update

I got word from the team manager tonight that 4 players signed into the team hotel.
When I pressed him for more information, he went to the hotel desk and got the names for me - Barrett Blade, Harry Hays, Sammy Knowles, and Bo Knowles.

Blade is a fine fielding fleet footed, right handed hitting, second baseman that makes consistent contact.

Hays is a strong armed catcher who covers ground well and will put a bat on the ball. He also has decent power and is also a right handed hitter.

Sammy Knowles is another hard throwing right handed closer type that blows people away with a fast ball.

Bo Knowles - Sammy's older brother is a left handed closer type that also can strike people out.

The Knowles brothers and Kronside give me 3 tough pitcher at the end of games that I can turn too. That will prove most helpful in this league.

[Breeze]

Ok, I still have 3 players that I need name from, I can't introduce your character if I don't have a name. You've been warned, if I don't get a name by tomorrow night, then I will use a name based on information in your profile or some take-off on your board name. The name I will use is listed below:

terpkristen (Chris Terp)
mtaystl03 (Billy Bullock)
Fouts (Dan Fouts)

As soon as I get name for the 3 above (no later than tomorrow night), I will begin a 20 game spring training.

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - League Business Update


A few items of business.

1. The season will be 154 games - not 162. The schedule didn't work out nicely with 162. We will play 14 games against teams in our division and 10 against team in the other.

2. The pitcher added to the turn of the century team was Smokey Joe Woods (see previous League Businss Update post to see why and who was added to other teams).

3. The NL Pre WWII team sent George Kelly to the Old Timers for future considerations, and they sent Rabbit Maranville to the Turn of Century team for future considerations.

4. The Left Outs send Bill Mazeroski to the Dead Ball team for future considerations.

[Breeze]

To get the league started quicker I'm not going to give notes on all the players, but I will try to list the player names (except for the Japanese team, because the names wouldn't mean much to any of you anyway).

[oykib]

To get the league starter quicker I'm not going to give notes on all the players, but I will try to list the player names (except for the Japanese team, because the names wouldn't mean much to any of you anyway).

Hey!

Shigeo Nagashima
Katsuya Nomura
Sadahru Oh
Victor Starfin
Masaichi Kaneda
Hiromitsu Ochiai...

j/k

I want to get started quickly, too.

[Breeze]

Hey!

Shigeo Nagashima
Katsuya Nomura
Sadahru Oh
Victor Starfin
Masaichi Kaneda
Hiromitsu Ochiai...

j/k

I want to get started quickly, too.


Very nice. I'm impressed.

[Breeze]

THIS IS A TEST OF THE FOFC FORMATTING SYSTEM. THIS IS ONLY A TEST!

THIS HAS BEEN A TEST OF THE FOFC FORMATTING SYSTEM - HAD THIS BEEN A REAL GAME, DETAILS OF THE ACTION WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED. THIS CONCLUDES THE TEST OF THE FOFC FORMATTING SYSTEM. :D

[Chas in Cinti]

I think you should start a new thread for the actual season.. might be cleaner?

[Breeze]

I think you should start a new thread for the actual season.. might be cleaner?


I was considering that. Thanks for the input.

Should we run the spring in the thread with the season or this thread?

[Johnny93g]

whatever you think is best, i dont really care, im just anctious to take the mound!!!!!!!

[oykib]

This thread hasn't become unwieldly yet. You could run Spring training here.

[Chas in Cinti]

I agree... Spring Training in this thread...

Pflaggstettler is ready to win a job... :)

-Chas

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

As we finish up our early morning workout, I begin comtemplating the rotation for the early part of Spring and the lineup for our first game, which unbelievably occurs later this afternoon. I'm not sure what I'll do with the players yet, probably will depend on who the Left Outs are throwing. However, I know I'm going to start Hunter, a little reward for being the first in camp. He'll probably go 4, Babson will follow and he'll probably go 3, then we'll see what happens in the last 2 innings.

[Travis]

Oh it's going to be fun knowing that every time Thunderstruck queue's up and Kronside steps out of the pen that it's going to be light's out for the HoF'ers.

I hope anyways ;)

[Breeze]

LEFT OUTS - Roster & Scouting Report

SS - Lou Boudreau (R) - Probably the slowest SS ever.

P - Steve Carlton (L) - One of the first players to hate the media.

C - Mickey Cochrane (L) - supported by Ty Cobb after retirement.

P - Don Drsdale (R) - Per 100 starts averaged 44 wins and 34 losses

1b/3B - Jimmy Foxx (R) - The Beast

OF - Goose Goslin (L) - nickname came from his nose not his last name.

Of - Harry Heilman (R) - in even years he hit .323 in odd years .362

2b/3b - Billy Herman (R) - in his first AB, he fouled a ball off the plate so hard it bounced back up hit him in the head and knocked him cold.

Of/1b - Monte Irvin (R) - Played over half his career in the Negro Leagues.

P - Fergie Jenkins (R) - Played a couple years with the Harlem Globetrotters.

LF/1B - Ralph Kiner (R) - when he came up the Cubs moved Hank Sauer to RF. Sauer complained his arm wasn't strong enough to play the position, the coach responded, "Yes, it isn't, but it's still better than Kiners."

P - Bob Lemon (R) - was Ronald Reagan's stunt double in the film biography of Pete Alexander.

1b - Willie McCovey (L) - played some OF too.

P - Herb Pennock (L) - lefty who was tough on righties.

P - Robin Roberts (R) - exceptionally smart player, who had very few interests to apply his intellect.

OF - Frank Robinson (R) - overshadowed by contemporary OFers - Mays and Aaron.

2b - Jackie Robinson (R) - as good as he was, he missed several prime years playing in the Negro Leagues.

Of - Enos Slaughter (R) - tough player who loved the game.

1b - Willie Stargell (L) - Pops.

P - Don Sutton (R) - consistently good pitcher.

SS - Arky Vaughan (L) - was on pace to have 3000 hits when he quit baseball because of Leo Durocher in '43 - returned in '47 as a part time player.

Of - Hack Wilson (R) - drank like Ruth and Foxx and for a few years, hit like them too.

P - Early Wynn (R) - it was said he would knock down his mother if she crowded the plate, to which he responded, "Why shouldn't I? My mother is a damn good hitter."

[Breeze]

SPRING TRAINING - GAME 1


Left Outers..... 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 7 1
FOFC All Stars...... 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 - 7 5 2



Left Outers AB R H RBI AVG All Stars AB R H RBI AVG
J.Robinson 2B 5 0 0 0 .000 A.Tucker CF 3 1 0 0 .000
M.Cochrane C 4 1 1 0 .250 J.Nights SS 4 1 1 1 .250
H.Heilmann RF 4 0 1 1 .250 D.Palmer 3B 3 0 0 0 .000
J.Foxx 3B 4 0 1 0 .250 K.Ton LF 4 1 1 0 .250
W.Stargell LF 4 1 3 1 .750 J.Kronside P 0 0 0 0 ----
D.Snider CF 4 0 0 0 .000 D.Gonzalez 1B 3 1 0 0 .000
W.McCovey 1B 2 0 1 0 .500 E-J.Potpie PH,1B 1 0 1 21.000
H.Pennock P 0 0 0 0 ---- S.Gunner RF 3 1 1 3 .333
L.Boudreau SS 3 0 0 0 .000 F-P.Pflaggstettler PH 1 0 0 0 .000
D.Sutton P 1 0 0 0 .000 B.Bullock C 2 1 1 1 .500
B-G.Goslin PH 1 0 0 0 .000 B.Babson P 0 0 0 0 ----
B.Lemon P 0 0 0 0 ---- C-D.Fouts PH 1 0 0 0 .000
D-R.Kiner 1B 1 0 0 0 .000 J.Rodney P 0 0 0 0 ----
G-G.Gazelle LF 0 0 0 0 ----
S.Treacy 2B 3 0 0 0 .000
O.Hunter P 1 0 0 0 .000
A-H.Hays C 1 1 0 0 .000
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 33 2 7 2 Totals 30 7 5 7




A-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Hunter In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Sutton In 6th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Babson In 7th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Lemon In 8th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 8th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Gunner In 8th Inning
G-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Rodney In 9th Inning



Left Outers IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
D.Sutton LOSS(0-1) 5 3 4 1 0 6 2 66 1.80
B.Lemon 2 1/3 0 2 2 2 2 0 37 7.71
H.Pennock 0 2/3 2 1 1 1 2 0 14 13.50
Totals 8 5 7 4 3 10 2

All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
O.Hunter 4 5 2 2 1 4 1 67 4.50
B.Babson WIN(1-0) 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 45 0.00
J.Rodney HOLD(1st) 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 16 0.00
J.Kronside 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0.00
Totals 9 7 2 2 2 7 1



LEFT ON BASE- Left Outers: 8 All Stars: 2
DOUBLE PLAYS- Left Outers: 0 All Stars: 0
ERRORS- M.Cochrane, B.Babson, J.Rodney
DOUBLES- J.Foxx(1st), W.Stargell(1st), J.Nights(1st), K.Ton(1st)
TRIPLES- W.McCovey(1st)
HOME RUNS- W.Stargell(1st), S.Gunner(1st), B.Bullock(1st)
STOLEN BASES- M.Cochrane(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- D.Sutton
WALKS- W.McCovey, L.Boudreau, A.Tucker, D.Palmer, H.Hays
HIT BY PITCH- W.McCovey
STRIKE OUTS- J.Foxx-3, D.Snider-4, A.Tucker, D.Palmer, K.Ton-3, D.Gonzalez,
S.Gunner, P.Pflaggstettler, S.Treacy, O.Hunter

[Breeze]

GAME 1 RECAP

I'm staring at the box score from the first game expecting there to be some sort of answer to my question - which I'm not even sure that the question is at this point...

"What did I learn today?" I guess that question is as good as any. Let's see...

- Hunter looked good, not great, but good. Too many baserunners for my liking especially against a team that probably isn't going to compete for the division.

- Babson looked extremely good - only 2 baserunners in 3 innings, and he got Goslin to fly out in a clutch spot with bases loaded and 2 outs in the 6th. He didn't let his own error on the Boudreau roller, that loaded the bases affect him.

- Rodney and Kronside were throwing gas tonight.

- The power I expected us to have showed up and Gunner's 3 runs shot was a big one, giving us the lead in the 4th.

[Breeze]

The National Herald

SPORTS

FOFC All Stars Win First Game Ever

The inaugural game for the expansion FOFC All Stars went well. They had very little trouble at the ballpark downing the Left Outs Left Outers. The score was 7 to 2.

FOFC took the lead for good in the 4th inning as they scored 3 runs on 2 base
hits. The key offensive moment was provided by Stan Gunner who electrified the ballpark when he smacked a three-run homer (his 1st of the season). FOFC had only 5 hits for the game.

Brian Babson(1-0) allowed no runs in 3 innings, and picked up the victory. Don Sutton(0-1) suffered the loss. He allowed just 4 runs and 3 hits in 5 innings.

[Coffee Warlord]

Booyah FOFC!

[StanGunner]

I like ducks on the pond!

[Blade]

Good job!

Hopefully Blade can do well once he plays!

;)

[Travis]

whooooooooooo!

[Sublime 2]

Damn Hunter....Not the best way to impress the Manager

[Ragone]

As we all know.. the caribbean all stars are a bunch of mindless zombies.. who hack away at garbage

:)

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

I get to work early the day after our first game. I wasn't sleeping well anyway - too excited about the teams performance I guess. I start looking over the roster, trying to determine how I'm going to work the lineup today, when I hear a surprising knock on my door. 3rd base coach Dick Howser is standing their.

"Can I come in," he asks?

"Anytime Dick, no need to even knock. Take a seat. What's on your mind?"

"Well to start with, who were the 3 guys I haven't seen before?"

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. Let's see...Billy Bullock is the catcher, and from what I read in the scouting report he is big, strong, and tough, but not fast or athletic. He has a great arm, but isn't quick enough to block pitches that are away from his body, so he has some problems with pass balls and wild pitches. He's also fearless behind the plate, according to this scout, he might be the best ever at blocking the plate."

"Better than Bench," Howser asks?

"That's what this guy says."

"Impressive. You know when he walked into the club house he scared the stuffing out of one of the bat boys," Howser chuckled.

I laugh, "I can see that. He's a rough looking customer. Shoot, first time I saw him, he startled me too."

"OK, the little shortstop is Chris Terp. Handles a bat well, so we'll be able to bunt and hit and run, plus he can swipe a few bases and he's capable of taking an extra base on hits."

"The third guy is Dan Fouts."

Howser interrupts, "Like the quarterback?"

"Yeah, apparently the parents were big fans."

"OK, go on."

"He's a switch hitter, with power from both sides. He's a tough gamer, who isn't the most fluid fielder in the world, but he's above average and he's willing to sacrafice his body to keep the ball in front of him."

"That's about all you can ask," Howser says with a nod.
"So we have a double header today, any ideas how you are going to run it?"

"I was thinking about that. I thought about spliting the squad and letting the starters play the full game."

"Can't," Howser replys with a sly grin, "You've only got 5 outfielders."

"OK, I was thinking about splitting the squad, with the exception of one of the outfielders and letting the regulars play the whole game."

"I wouldn't worry about it if I were you," Howser advises. "It's early, this isn't a double header in the dog days where guys need to rest. Now I would make sure that you get everyone an extensive amount of playing time, but I wouldnt' hamstring myself with regards to double switching and substituting."

"Good point," I admit. "I knew I brought you along for something other than waving guys home."

"What about pitching," he queries.

"Williams will start the first game."

"Still rewarding early arrivers?"

"Sure," I answer with a nod. "Might as well, everyone is going to pitch and I'll have time to adjust the rotation before the season. Plus this is a good match up for Williams. We are going against the 1st Negro League team, and they are a heavy left handed hitting club."

I continue, "I think I'll follow Williams up with Fozberg."

"And the second game?" Howser asks, and as I look at him I can see the wheels turning in his head.

"I'll start Nielsen, and follow him up with Rodney."

"When are you going to let Mighty pitch," came a voice from the doorway? I look up to see Sal Maglie the pitching coach." Sal's a little rough for my liking, but when you have this many hard throwers it's good to teach them to use that power to their advantage by pitching inside, and you don't get the nickname "The Barber" by nibbling the outside corner.

"Hey Sal. I have him scheduled to pitch in game 4. He probably won't start - I'm thinking of giving that start to Babson."

"Fine, just checking because Mighty has looked Migh..." he stops and smirks "He's look impressive in workouts."

"Thanks for the input, I'll keep that in mind," I reply. "Hey guys let's go get some breakfast. I'm hungry."

[Johnny93g]

woot!!!! im getting a shot...thanks coach... :D

[SirFozzie]

Alright. Time to shut down some of the game's legends.. ;)

[Coffee Warlord]

No one shall get on base with me at the helm

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 2


FOFC All Stars....... 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 9 1
Negro League 1 .... 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 - 4 8 0




FOFC All Stars AB R H RBI AVG Negro League 1 AB R H RBI AVG
B.Blade 2B 4 1 1 0 .250 C.Bell CF 4 1 1 0 .222
C.Terp SS 5 1 2 1 .400 R.Dandridge 3B 4 0 0 0 .000
K.Ton LF 0 1 0 0 .250 O.Charleston LF 4 1 2 0 .250
F-H.Hays C 1 0 0 0 .000 J.Gibson C 4 1 2 1 .500
D.Gonzalez 1B 2 0 0 1 .000 W.Wells SS 4 1 1 2 .500
C-J.Potpie PH,1B 2 0 0 0 .333 M.Suttles 1B 3 0 0 0 .000
D.Fouts 3B 3 0 0 1 .000 C.Torriente RF 4 0 2 0 .500
G.Gazelle CF 2 0 0 0 .000 M.Dihigo 2B 4 0 0 0 .222
P.Pflaggstettler RF 3 1 1 0 .250 B.Rogan P 0 0 0 0 ----
S.Fozborg P 0 0 0 0 ---- H.Smith P 1 0 0 0 .000
E-A.Tucker PH,LF 1 0 1 0 .250 R.Foster P 0 0 0 0 ----
B.Bullock C 4 1 3 1 .667 B-J.Gardner PH 1 0 0 0 .000
S.Knowles P 0 0 0 0 ---- B.Foster P 0 0 0 0 ----
J.Williams P 1 0 1 01.000 D-B.Leonard PH 0 0 0 0 .600
A-S.Gunner RF 2 0 0 0 .200 D.Barnhill P 0 0 0 0 ----
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 30 5 9 4 Totals 33 4 8 3



A-Subbed Defensively (RF) For Williams In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Foster In 5th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 7th Inning
D-Pinch Hit For Foster In 7th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Fozborg In 8th Inning
F-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Ton In 8th Inning

INJURY: Bullet Joe Rogan INJURED (for 0 more games) in 1st inning



FOFC All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Williams 4 5 1 1 0 0 0 63 2.25
S.Fozborg 3 2 3 1 2 2 0 39 3.00
S.Knowles WIN(1-0) 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 19 0.00
Totals 9 8 4 2 2 2 0

Negro League 1 IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
B.Rogan 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0.00
H.Smith LOSS(0-1) 2 4 4 4 2 1 1 46 18.00
R.Foster 2 2/3 3 1 1 3 1 0 32 3.37
B.Foster 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 23 0.00
D.Barnhill 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 28 0.00
Totals 9 9 5 5 7 3 1




LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 8 Alltime Players: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 2 Alltime Players: 2
ERRORS- D.Fouts
DOUBLES- C.Bell(2nd), J.Gibson(1st)
TRIPLES- W.Wells(1st), C.Torriente(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Bullock(2nd)
STOLEN BASES- G.Gazelle(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- O.Charleston
SACRIFICE HITS- J.Williams
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Fouts
WALKS- B.Blade, K.Ton-3, D.Gonzalez, G.Gazelle-2, M.Suttles, B.Leonard
HIT BY PITCH- K.Ton
STRIKE OUTS- D.Gonzalez, G.Gazelle, S.Gunner, R.Dandridge, J.Gardner
GIDP- P.Pflaggstettler, S.Gunner, C.Bell, C.Torriente
BALKS- J.Williams
WILD PITCHES- R.Foster

[JAG]

This isn't a bad start to the FOFC campaign. Hopefully this will carry over into the regular season. Good to see Babson off to a good start as well.

[Breeze]

GAME 2 RECAP

Well we played another good game today. Williams was able to keep the Negro Leaguers off balance and he didn't issue any free passes. Fozborg only gave up 1 earned run, but the 6th inning was problematic. After Fouts' error allowed the leadoff hitter Charleston to reach base, Fozborg gave up a double, triple and walk in order before settling down to get a double play and foul out to end the inning.

Harry Hays made a huge defensive play in the 8th. Right after he was put in, Charleston singled to lead off the inning. Only trailing by 1 run he attempted to steal second and get into scoring position, but Hays gunned him down. Bullock hit his second homer in as many games, and he had 3 hits - so he's looking good too. Terp managed to get 2 hits as well. Sammy Knowles was almost unhittable in his 2 innings of work.

[JeeberD]

Gonzalez stinks, give Potpie the start! :p

[Johnny93g]

Wow, that pitcher Williams, looks like an ace :D

[Breeze]

FOFC ALL STARS - Team Update

I congratulate the guys on a nice game, as they walk into the club house to cool off before game 2. I retire to my office where I begin pencilling in the line up:

CF - Tucker
SS - Nights
3B - Palmer
1B - Potpie
LF - Gazelle
RF - Pflaggstettler
C - Hays
2B - Treacy
P - Nielsen

"So that's what you're going with tonight?" Howser asks from behind me.

"Whoa, I jump. You startled me I didn't hear you come in."

"Sorry,"

"No problem, just frieghtened me that's all. Yeah, that's my idea so far, but to be honest I'm planning for Gunner to get in this game about half way through too."

"Good idea. He's about the only one that could complain, seeing that he didn't start in either of these games." Howser explains.

"I know, but he did get 2 at bats in the one we just finished, and 3 in the game last night. He'll have about 7 total after this one, which will be just about where all the other OFers are."

[terpkristin]

W00t, a great show in my first outing!

One minor thing, can you change the spelling of my name to Kris Terp (if not, no big)?

/tk

[Breeze]

W00t, a great show in my first outing!

One minor thing, can you change the spelling of my name to Kris Terp (if not, no big)?

/tk


Absolutely, good to hear from you again. You'll have to suffer through the bad spelling for the rest of the spring. I'll fix it for the season. (just so you know - once the season starts - things like names are locked).

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 3


FOFC All Stars....... 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 - 4 10 1
Caribbean Stars...... 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 - 5 6 0



All Stars AB R H RBI AVG Alltime Players AB R H RBI AVG
A.Tucker CF 5 1 2 0 .333 P.Mesa CF 3 0 1 0 .500
J.Nights SS 5 2 3 0 .444 A.Pacheco 2B 3 0 1 1 .429
D.Palmer 3B 3 0 0 1 .000 P.Cepeda 1B 4 0 0 0 .429
J.Potpie 1B 4 1 3 3 .571 O.Linares 3B 2 1 0 0 .000
G.Gazelle LF 3 0 1 0 .200 H.Espino LF 4 1 0 0 .000
J.Rodney P 1 0 0 0 .000 M.Gonzalez C 2 0 0 1 .000
P.Pflaggstettler RF 4 0 0 0 .125 M.Minoso RF 4 1 1 0 .143
H.Hays C 3 0 1 0 .200 D.Concepcion SS 3 2 2 1 .429
S.Treacy 2B 3 0 0 0 .000 J.Mendez P 1 0 1 11.000
R.Nielsen P 2 0 0 0 .000 A-R.Avila PH 1 0 0 0 .000
B-S.Gunner LF 2 0 0 0 .143 A.Luque P 0 0 0 0 ----
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 35 4 10 4 Totals 27 5 6 4



A-Pinch Hit For Mendez In 4th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Nielsen In 5th Inning



All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
R.Nielsen 4 3 2 2 3 3 0 65 4.50
J.Rodney LOSS(0-1) 4 3 3 1 2 5 0 73 1.80
Totals 8 6 5 3 5 8 0

Alltime Players IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Mendez 4 4 0 0 3 6 0 63 0.00
A.Luque WIN(1-0) 5 6 4 4 0 2 1 71 7.20
Totals 9 10 4 4 3 8 1



LEFT ON BASE- FOFC All Stars: 8 Caribean Players: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- FOFC All Stars: 0 Caribean Players: 1
ERRORS- P.Pflaggstettler
DOUBLES- A.Tucker(1st), J.Nights(2nd), J.Potpie(1st)
TRIPLES- H.Hays(1st)
HOME RUNS- J.Potpie(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- P.Mesa, A.Luque
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Palmer, M.Gonzalez
WALKS- D.Palmer, H.Hays, S.Treacy, A.Pacheco, O.Linares-2, M.Gonzalez,
D.Concepcion
STRIKE OUTS- A.Tucker-2, D.Palmer, J.Potpie, G.Gazelle, P.Pflaggstettler-2,
H.Hays, A.Pacheco, P.Cepeda-3, O.Linares, H.Espino, M.Gonzalez,
M.Minoso
GIDP- D.Palmer
WILD PITCHES- R.Nielsen, A.Luque

[Breeze]

GAME 3 RECAP

We lost tonight, but we had our chances. The biggest problem was my biggest fear coming into the season, too many base runners. We had 6 hits and 5 walks in 8 innings, plus we made an error - that led to 2 unearned runs. That isn't going to cut it - not in this league. The Caribbean team is good, but they probably won't compete for the division.

On the hitting side, Tucker, Nights and Potpie all hit extremely well. I have to say I'm frustrated that we left Hays stranded on third with only 1 out in the 6th.

However, it's only Spring Training, I would have managed differently if it were a real game. Right now I'm more concerned with getting a look at the starting pitchers and coming up with my rotation.

Tomorrow it's Babson going to the hill for the first 4, followed by Mighty. That will be my first chance to see Mighty pitch - that will be interesting, he's looked real good in the side sessions.

[tucker342]

Played pretty well in that last one, too bad we lost. Oh, and just like Mr. Willie Mays Hayes, I bought 100 pairs of batting gloves, one for each base I'm going to steal this season.:D

[kingfc22]

Gonzalez was last seen in the clubhouse taking swings in the batting cage after the nice 3 for 4 night by Potpie.

[Breeze]

The National Herald - March 6

SPORTS

FOFC Splits Double Header
by Lou Scribe

The FOFC All Stars split a double header today, winning the first game 5 to 4, with Sammy Knowles shutting the door in the 9th. Billy Bullock led the team offensively with 3 hits, one of them a solo homer in the 3rd inning.

FOFC Manager Benton Breeze said, "I was real pleased with out pitching in this one. Williams was hitting his spots, forcing the Negro Leaguers to hit the ball, and allowing our defense to make plays for him."

Negro League 1's manager Dusty Baker wasn't overly concerned with the loss, but he was concerned with Bullet Joe Rogan's injury. "Rogan looked good in warmups. He was throwing well, but he came off the mound after his 4th pitch. He told the trainer he had a pain in his elbow. We think it's just tendonitis and he'll be ready to go by the start of the season, but we won't know for sure until tomorrow when the MRI results are back."

In the second game the FOFCers lost their first game 5 to 4.

"We had our chance we left 8 men on base and didn't hit into any double plays, so it's not like we were erasing our baserunners with 1 swing. We just didn't get a clutch hit. I'm actually a little surprised that we didn't score more than 4 runs. When 3 of your top 4 hitters in your line up go 8 for 14, usually you do better than 4 runs."

Caribean Manager Fellipe Alou was extremely pleased with his starter, "Jose Mendez looked to be in mid-season form. He struck out 6, walked no one and didn't give up a run. If we are going to compete in this division, we'll need a big season from him."

Dave Conception the 8 hitter did most of the damage for the Caribbean team. He went 2 for 3, scored twice and drove in 1. The FOFC team managed 10 hits, 8 coming from Tucker, Nights, and Potpie.


Negro Leaguer Rogan Injured
by Willie Porter

Bullet Joe Rogan, one of the pitchers expected to make the starting rotation for the mighty Negro League 1 team, left the game against the FOFCers today after only 4 pitches. He was able to induce Barrett Blade the leadoff hitter to ground out, but as soon as the out was recorded, he walked off the field, went straight to the trainer and headed into the clubhouse.

"We are very concerned about Rogan. We really need him to be healthy if we are going to win the division," explained manager Dusty Baker. "He's a great pitcher, who gives us a chance to win every time out. Plus our pitching staff is small to begin with, you lose any of these guys and we'll have a hard time finding someone to eat those innings."

The extent of the injury is unknown, and the trainer, citing privacy laws has refused to comment. However, we have it on good authourity that it's believed to be just tendonitis, and he should be ready to go by the start of the regular season. Results from the MRI should be available tomorrow and hopefully, the team will give us an update on his condition.

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

As I head to the breakfast buffet in the club house I see a few players filling their plates with food. Most are talking about the double header yesterday, a few are speculating on who the Caribbean's are going to start today. Then I hear someone address me.

"Coach,"

I turn and see Terp standing their with a tray.

"What's up Chris?"

"Am I in the lineup today?"

"Sure are."

"You going to spell my name correctly today?" Terp asks.

"I'm sorry?" I respond with a puzzled look on my face.

"Um, I wanted to let you know, you're mis-spelling my name," Terp explains "It's Kris with a K not a Ch."

"Really?"

"Ever since I was born." Kris responds with a smirk.

"Well I guess you would know. Sorry about that. I'll try to remember to get it right on the scorecards from now on."

"Thanks, coach."

I start putting eggs on my plate and I'm thinking...Jeeberoni - reni or something like that, Pflaggstettler and now I get Chris/Kris wrong. Man thank God for Harry Hays, that's an easy one...

...it is Hays isn't it...or is it Hayes. Man I'll have to check that when I get back to the office.

[JeeberD]

Bah, I carried the team againt the Carribean but I can't do it all by myself. Come on boys, give me some help here!

[Chas in Cinti]

Hmm... Pflaggstettler is struggling, not a good sign when competing for a spot in such a crowded OF...

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 4


FOFC All Stars....... 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 8 1
Caribbean Players... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 - 3 5 1



FOFC Stars AB R H RBI AVG Caribbean Stars AB R H RBI AVG
B.Blade 2B 5 1 2 0 .333 P.Mesa CF 4 0 1 0 .400
K.Terp SS 4 0 0 0 .222 F-M.Gonzalez PH 1 0 0 0 .000
K.Ton LF 3 1 1 2 .286 A.Pacheco 2B 3 1 0 0 .300
B.Knowles P 0 0 0 0 ---- P.Cepeda 1B 3 1 0 0 .350
J.Potpie 1B 2 0 1 0 .556 O.Linares 3B 4 0 1 0 .100
A.Mighty P 1 0 0 0 .000 T.Oliva RF 3 1 1 3 .143
D-P.Pflaggstettler CF 0 0 0 0 .125 H.Espino LF 4 0 0 0 .000
D.Fouts 3B 4 1 1 0 .125 A.Lopez C 4 0 1 0 .250
S.Gunner RF 4 0 0 0 .091 D.Concepcion SS 4 0 0 0 .333
G.Gazelle CF,LF 3 1 0 0 .125 F.Valenzuela P 1 0 0 0 .000
H.Hays C 4 1 1 3 .222 B-P.Coimbre PH 1 0 0 0 .500
B.Babson P 2 0 1 0 .500 A.Luque P 0 0 0 0 ----
A-D.Gonzalez 1B 2 0 1 0 .143 C-R.Puente PH 1 0 1 01.000
L.Tiant Jr. P 0 0 0 0 ----
E-M.Minoso PH 1 0 0 0 .125
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 34 5 8 5 Totals 34 4 5 4



A-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Babson In 5th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Valenzuela In 5th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Luque In 7th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (CF) For Mighty In 9th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Tiant Jr. In 9th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Mesa In 9th Inning



All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
B.Babson 4 1 0 0 2 5 0 47 0.00
A.Mighty 4 4 3 2 1 5 2 74 4.50
B.Knowles WIN(1-0) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0.00
Totals 9 5 3 2 3 10 2

Alltime Players IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
F.Valenzuela LOSS(0-1) 5 7 5 5 2 5 2 88 9.00
A.Luque 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 22 5.14
L.Tiant Jr. 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 24 0.00
Totals 9 8 5 5 2 8 2



LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 5 Alltime Players: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 0 Alltime Players: 1
ERRORS- O.Linares
DOUBLES- P.Cepeda(2nd), A.Lopez(1st)
HOME RUNS- K.Ton(1st), H.Hays(1st), T.Oliva(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- B.Blade
WALKS- K.Ton, G.Gazelle, A.Pacheco, P.Cepeda, T.Oliva
HIT BY PITCH- J.Potpie
STRIKE OUTS- B.Blade, C.Terp, J.Potpie, D.Fouts, S.Gunner, G.Gazelle-2, H.Hays,
A.Pacheco-2, P.Cepeda, O.Linares-2, A.Lopez-2, D.Concepcion,
F.Valenzuela, P.Coimbre
GIDP- D.Fouts
WILD PITCHES- F.Valenzuela
PASSED BALLS- A.Lopez

[Breeze]

GAME 4 RECAP


Well we got back at the Caribbean's today, winning 5 to 3. Babson was absolutely unhittable. He's only given up 2 hits in 7 innings through the spring and he has yet to give up a run.

Mighty pitched well early, but he seemed to run out of gas. He was the last starting pitcher in camp and maybe he hasn't gotten enough work in. He didn't pitch poorly, only giving up 4 hits in 4 innings, and only 2 of the 3 runs he gave up were earned. 4.50 ERA puts him right with most of the other pitchers on the staff.

I know it's early in the spring, but the outfield right now is a mess. Tucker and Ton are playing well, but Gunner, Pflaggstettler, and Gazelle aren't. In fact, none are hitting over .125. However, a good 3 hit night will change that dramatically.

Blade continues to hit well as does Potpie. Treacy and Gonzalez are off to slow starts, they are going to need to step up if they want to challenge for the starting spot.

[JAG]

Huzzah. When are we going to face some real hitters? ;)

BTW, shouldn't that be another win for Babson as well?

[Breeze]

Huzzah. When are we going to face some real hitters? ;)

BTW, shouldn't that be another win for Babson as well?

You've got to pitch 5 innings as a starter to record a win. You only went 4.

It's a conspiracy on the part of your manager to keep you from getting a big head. :D

[JAG]

Well, Babson's pitching looks fine, but his lobbying skills still need work. :)

EDIT: Even got a hit, howzabout that?

[JeeberD]

and Gonzalez are off to slow starts, they are going to need to step up if they want to challenge for the starting spot.

No doubt...

*snicker*

[Chas in Cinti]

Babson will get injured and forced to "retire" from the competition anyway... oops, wrong thread... :)

kidding of course...

Persimmon Pflaggstettler
FOF Decathlete Bronze Medal Winner

[Chas in Cinti]

Dola.

How did Concepcion hit a HR in the last game as listed in the Box Score notes, when he was 0-4 according to the actual Box Score?

Regards,
Chas

[JAG]

Babson will get injured and forced to "retire" from the competition anyway... oops, wrong thread... :)

LOL :) Babson's had his ups and downs in dynasties, but that was probably the lowest point of all.

[Breeze]

Dola.

How did Concepcion hit a HR in the last game as listed in the Box Score notes, when he was 0-4 according to the actual Box Score?

Regards,
Chas


Fixed, and don't ask....

In my haste to set up the spring training league, I forgot to set a parameter on one of the players. So to keep them from being penalized for my error, I adjusted the results of the game.

- In case you were wondering - my adjustments didn't not affect the results...we won even before the change.

I've already made the correction in the regular season league, and if I find an error in the regular season league after we've started play, I'll just have to work around my mistake, because real games will not be adjusted (even if we are worse than the '62 Mets)

[mtaystl03]

Sorry about getting the name late. Bullock will work just fine. Hell, two homers in two games, cant complain about that. Was I tired though? I didn't play in the next two games. Go FOFC!

[terpkristin]

Bah, not quite as well in my 2nd outing, but a win is a win!

Love the dialog! Though even after that, in the "strikeouts" list it's back to C. Terp. ;)

Keep it coming!

(random question, I'm sure it's mentioned somewhere here but I'm too lazy to look--what program are you using to do this sim?)

/tk

[kingfc22]

No doubt...

*snicker* *grumbles*

[Breeze]

Bah, not quite as well in my 2nd outing, but a win is a win!

Love the dialog! Though even after that, in the "strikeouts" list it's back to C. Terp. ;)

Keep it coming!

(random question, I'm sure it's mentioned somewhere here but I'm too lazy to look--what program are you using to do this sim?)

/tk

TK,

Sorry about missing that C in the Strikeouts listing. Right now I just editting the text game file, but I promise I've editted your character in the League so it will be right all the time in every location, once we start the regular season.

By the way, I using strat-o-matic to run the dynasty.

[Blade]

Woo Hoo! We are doing well...and I am amazed I am actually hitting!

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 5

Note: The Century manager and I agreed to use a DH in this game to allow more at bats for our players.


All Stars....... 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 - 3 8 0
Centuries....... 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 - 4 7 0



All Stars AB R H RBI AVG Centuries AB R H RBI AVG
G.Gazelle LF 4 0 0 0 .083 H.Duffy CF 3 0 0 0 .167
S.Gunner RF 3 0 1 0 .143 J.Burkett DH 3 1 0 0 .150
K.Ton DH 4 0 1 0 .273 J.Kelley LF 3 2 2 3 .300
D.Gonzalez 1B 4 1 1 1 .182 N.Lajoie 2B 4 0 1 0 .263
B.Bullock C 3 2 1 1 .556 H.Wagner SS 4 0 1 0 .450
D.Palmer 3B 4 0 1 0 .100 J.Beckley 1B 4 0 1 0 .200
P.Pflaggstettler CF 4 0 1 0 .167 J.Collins 3B 4 0 1 0 .316
S.Treacy 2B 4 0 1 1 .100 R.Bresnahan C 2 0 0 0 .429
K.Terp SS 4 0 1 0 .231 W.Keeler RF 3 1 1 0 .200
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 34 3 8 3 Totals 30 4 7 3




All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
S.Fozborg LOSS(0-1) 4 3 3 3 1 2 1 58 5.14
O.Hunter 4 4 1 1 2 2 0 71 3.38
Totals 8 7 4 4 3 4 1

Centuries IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
C.Mathewson WIN(1-1) 6 3 0 0 0 5 0 82 1.29
K.Nichols 2 5 3 3 1 1 2 45 12.91
V.Willis SAVE(1st) 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 11 0.00
Totals 9 8 3 3 1 7 2



LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 6 Centuries: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 0 Centuries: 1
TRIPLES- J.Kelley(1st)
HOME RUNS- D.Gonzalez(1st), B.Bullock(3rd), J.Kelley(1st)
STOLEN BASES- J.Kelley(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Collins
WALKS- B.Bullock, H.Duffy, J.Kelley, R.Bresnahan
HIT BY PITCH- S.Gunner, J.Burkett
STRIKE OUTS- G.Gazelle, K.Ton, D.Gonzalez-2, P.Pflaggstettler, S.Treacy-2,
H.Duffy, H.Wagner-2, J.Beckley
GIDP- D.Gonzalez
WILD PITCHES- S.Fozborg
PASSED BALLS- B.Bullock

[Travis]

Almost makes me wish I had made a starter to get a chance at a few times through their order ;) Here's hoping for a little one on one showdown with Mr. Cobb late in the game.

[Breeze]

Almost makes me wish I had made a starter to get a chance at a few times through their order ;) Here's hoping for a little one on one showdown with Mr. Cobb late in the game.


Anyone confused by this message - I had to delete my earlier post because I had some wrong information in my write up. Sorry Travis. I'll try to get back to the write up soon.

So you know - right now I'm working on setting up the teams default lineups, starting rotation, bullpen rotations, and team information (coaches, ballpark, etc.) Because I'm working on all that I'm having a hard time remembering what manager works for what team. I'll get it figured out soon. :)

[Breeze]

FOFC GAME 5 RECAP

I was able to convence the Turn of Century manager Connie Mack to play with a DH in this game. He wasn't really excited about it, but he is the ultimate gentleman. I believe his words to me were, "Playing with a DH is rather boring, but if it will help your team prepare for the season, then we shall use one."

I decided to try and get them to do it, based on advice I received from Howser. I really need to try and get one of my 3 slow starting outfielders rolling, but this was Ton's turn to play. The DH solved that issue. There was only 1 problem..

They pitched Christy Matthewson. Not many players get hot on Matty, and true to his billing - he shut us down - 6 IP, 3 Hits, 0 Walks, and 5 Ks....Ouch.

We did have a few bright spots, Hunter pitched well and Bullock got his 3rd home runs. Gonzo got one too. The 3 outfielders I was hoping to get going, managed to go 2 for 11.

[Breeze]

FOFC TEAM UPDATE

Staff Meeting

"Gentlemen, We have another double header tomorrow. What do you think I should be doing moving forward?"

Dick Howser, assistant coach, "I think you're doing fine."

"Me to," Chuck Tanner the first base coach chimes in.

"One thing you need to do is get one of those 3 outfielders hitting." growls Bob Hazzle the team's hitting coach.

"You think I should keep playing them, until we get some separation."

"We need to do something," Hazzle complains. "Gazelle can pound it, but he needs to worry about making more consistent contact right now and rely on his speed more, Pflaggstettler drives the ball well to right field, but for some reason when he's in a game, he's trying to pull everything. and Gunner, he seems to think he's in a home run derby competition."

"Can you get through to them?"

"We'll see. One of them has to step up. Right now we only have 2 outfielders that are producing and we won't win in this league like that." Bob states matter of factly.

"I'm not too concerned. We are only a quarter of the way through the spring. Give it some time. Heck those 3 guys might all be starting by the time the first real pitch is thrown."

Sal Maglie, "My pitching has been pretty solid. I'll be interested to see what happens closer to the season, when the starters start going 7 and 8 innings. Plus my 3 back end pitchers have been dominating. I feel pretty good about our chances if they stay healthy and we can get to the 7th with a lead."

Howser asks, "Any thoughts on the rotation yet?"

Maglie, "Way too soon, however, I will say that Babson looks awesome right now."

"Mags, what's the pitching rotation for tomorrow?"

"Game 1 we'll start Rodney and bring Williams in second. In the second game it's Mighty followed by Nielsen."

Tanner grins, "Might followed by Nielsen - wow that's two hard throwing lefties."

"Yeah, out luck though we'll be matched up with the NL Post team and face Mays, Aaron, Clemente, and company."

"What are you going to do with the lineups?" Hazzle asks, obviously a little more relaxed following the my quip.

"Game 1 I'm thinking:

2b - Blade
CF - Tucker
SS - Nights
1b - Potpie
3b - Fouts
RF - Pflaggstettler
DH - Gunner
LF - Gazelle
C - Hays


Game 2, how about:

CF - Gazelle
SS - Terp
DH - Ton
1b - Gonzalez
C - Bullock
RF - Pflaggstettler
LF - Gunner
3b - Palmer
2b - Treacy...

Thoughts?"

"That'll work," says Howser.

"Agreed" Hazzle nods "Now I'm going to try and build up the confidence of those...."

"Those what?" I needle as Bob is walking out of the room, but he just waves off my comment.

Maglie, always the instigator, laughs and starts after him. Think I overheard him saying something about, "Hey Hurricane, if they suck, doesn't that mean that you..." but he was too far away to hear the rest, however, I have a pretty good idea of how the rest of the conversation went.

Howser looks at me and says, "It's a long season, and it hasn't even started yet. Nothing you do right now will win or lose the World Series. Go home, get a good night sleep, and we'll start up fresh in the morning."

[oykib]

Gazelle could be seen taking extra batting practice after his recent 0-for-4. This is the first game where he didn't reach base.

"C'mon, Gerry, you can't steal first. Start swinging the bat." he thought to himself.

[Breeze]

Gazelle could be seen taking extra batting practice after his recent 0-for-4. This is the first game where he didn't reach base.

"C'mon, Gerry, you can't steal first. Start swinging the bat." he thought to himself.


Excellent! I love the "in character" input. :D

[Breeze]

By the way, feel free to add whatever color you'd like to your characters. Feel free to hold a press conference, do an interview, etc.

Feel free to PM me (coach) in character, we'll respond until the conversation is completed then delete the {Quote} tags and post the conversation on the thread. Do the same with teammates or simply talk in the thread itself.

The more interaction the better.

One bit of warning - don't piss off the manager, you could end up in the dog house and on the bench :D

[JeeberD]

One homer doesn't make up for the 2Ks and a GIDP, Gonzalez...

[Breeze]

The National Herald - March 7

SPORTS

Babson Dominates 1st Start
by Lou Scribe

The FOFC All Stars got a great start from Babson, who's been fantastic in his 7 innings of work. Again the closer roll was solidly filled, this time by Bo Knowles. The FOFCers needed it too as they just squeaked by the Caribbean team.

Rogan Injury Not Serious
by Willie Porter

Bullett Joe Rogan injured after throwing just 4 pitches in the game against the FOFCers earlier this week got some good news today. There is no structural damage in the arm, and he should be able to pitch before spring training ends.

[SirFozzie]

/grumbles over his last outing..

Sorry, Skip...

[ntndeacon]

Palmer was right with Gazelle in getting more BP. If one listened closely, they could hear the veteran muttering softly under his breath, "Can't let Fouts get the upper hand on the hot corner. "

[Johnny93g]

John Williams wants to know why coach isnt starting him during the double header. John Williams says he is glad to pitch, but isnt a reliever. John Williams wants coach to know this!!!!!

[Breeze]

FOFC - PLAYER UPDATE

As I walk through the club house I slap Fozborg on the back. "Keep your head up. You did well except for a couple pitches. You'll get at least 3 more chances on the mound before the first game."

Benton continues across the club house, and opens the doors to the indoor batting cages. He watches as Palmer and Gazelle take turns working on their swing.

"Guys!" they stop and turn. "We've got 2 games tomorrow, don't wear yourselves out."

They both nod in reply, as I close the door to head to the offfice.

[Breeze]

FOFC - PLAYER UPDATE

After closing the door to the batting cages and heading across the clubhouse to my office I'm stopped by John Williams, who's just looked at the proposed line ups for tomorrows games.

"John Williams wants to know why coach isnt starting him during the double header. John Williams says he is glad to pitch, but isnt a reliever. John Williams wants coach to know this!!!!!"


"I appreciate John Williams desire to start, and I realize John Williams' first outing was very solid, but we have 7 starters in camp, and all would prefer not to come out of the pin. The only way I can truly get an appreciation of who should start and who should relieve is to give everyone a chance to do both. Relax son, you'll be great."

[Coffee Warlord]

John Williams will have to fight off a lot of pitchers for only 4 rotation spots.

As we all know, Rob Nielsen is the true ace of this staff.

[Johnny93g]

John Williams welcomes the challenge, cuz John Williams doesnt walk people, and John Williams knows coach loves that in a pitcher

[Coffee Warlord]

Rob Nielsen only walks people when he feels his defense is getting bored, as Rob Nielsen achieves his outs by strikeouts.

[Travis]

Oh great, the primadona's are already starting to come out of the woodwork. So far we've got a graduate from the Rickey Henderson School of Third Person Talking and a possibly overconfident fireballer.

Ah well, so long as they know enough to get off the mound in the 9th everything will be just fine. ;)

[Coffee Warlord]

Oh great, the primadona's are already starting to come out of the woodwork. So far we've got a graduate from the Rickey Henderson School of Third Person Talking and a possibly overconfident fireballer.

Ah well, so long as they know enough to get off the mound in the 9th everything will be just fine. ;)

Rob Nielsen prefers to get to the clubhouse spread early, therefore he will allow you to pitch the 9th.

[Travis]

Any money being placed on Nielsen somehow ending up with the most complete games pitched this year now?

[Breeze]

I wonder if we should use a color scheme for talking in (or out) of character? I think it was WSCouger did it in one of his RPG dynasties, it allowed people to communicate or make comments and the other participants new if they should recact in (or out) of character.

Just a thought? I'm open to opinions.

[Travis]

That's a good plan Breeze, and would help things make more sense. That said, mine was intended as an OOC bit.

For now anyways, heh.

[Breeze]

That's a good plan Breeze, and would help things make more sense. That said, mine was intended as an OOC bit.

For now anyways, heh.


Yeah, that's what I figured and that's why I thought about doing this. If we decide to do color coding, do you think we'll have more in character posts or out of character. Just asking because we can use the default color for whichever will be used most.

But I'm still open if anyone else has any input.

[Travis]

Well, thing is, for anything that is your player talking, odds are it'll be a newspaper or interview type deal if it's just your player, or something involving another player and/or coach if it's multiple people in on it, so the details of the post should let us know if it's IC or OOC as far as the dynasty is concerned. You could just reguard anything not in that sort of format as an OOC post.

Would be better to have any back and forth IC posts to be done over PM's (as suggested) and then posted as one post rather than to clutter the thread with a bunch of one or two line exchanges too if it's meant to give the players some extra flavor.

[Breeze]

:eek:

[kingfc22]

One homer doesn't make up for the 2Ks and a GIDP, Gonzalez... Well, it's not like anybody was doing any better against Matthewson and don't forget that it was I who got us off the zero on the scoreboard wtih my monsterous homerun shot. Heck, if the top two guys in the lineup actually got on base I would finally have a chance to drive them in.

[Coffee Warlord]

Would be better to have any back and forth IC posts to be done over PM's (as suggested) and then posted as one post rather than to clutter the thread with a bunch of one or two line exchanges too if it's meant to give the players some extra flavor.

Yeah, but that'd get annoying rapidly, and cut down on the banter by a large amount.

[Blade]

Yeah, but that'd get annoying rapidly, and cut down on the banter by a large amount.

I agree...it may take a while to do posts by PM, and by the time they are posted, they may be out of date already...

[Breeze]

The National Herald

Sports

Matty in Midseason Form

Christy Mathewson was almost unhittable, going a solid 6 innings and only allowing 3 baserunners, leading the Centuries to a 4 to 3 victory over the FOFC All Stars. The offense was provided by Joe Kelley who went 2 for 3, with a homerun, triple, 3 RBI and 2 runs.

Sirr Fozborg took the loss giving up 3 runs in 4 innings. Owen Hunter pitched a very nice 4 innings of relief.

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 6


Negro League 1.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 3 1
FOFC Stars...... 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 - 5 7 1



Alltime Players AB R H RBI AVG All Stars AB R H RBI AVG
C.Bell CF 2 0 0 0 .182 B.Blade 2B 3 1 0 0 .250
P.Lloyd SS 4 0 0 0 .300 A.Tucker CF 4 1 2 1 .385
W.Wells 3B 4 0 0 0 .190 J.Nights SS 4 0 0 1 .308
B.Leonard 1B 3 0 0 0 .316 J.Potpie 1B 4 1 1 1 .462
C.Torriente LF 4 0 0 0 .300 D.Fouts 3B 3 1 2 0 .273
T.Stearnes RF 4 0 1 0 .300 H.Hays C 4 1 1 2 .231
B.Mackey C 3 0 0 0 .000 P.Pflaggstettler RF 3 0 1 0 .200
M.Suttles DH 3 0 1 0 .167 S.Gunner DH 3 0 0 0 .118
M.Dihigo 2B 3 1 1 1 .286 G.Gazelle LF 3 0 0 0 .067
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 30 1 3 1 Totals 31 5 7 5



Negro League IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
S.Paige 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 9 1.86
R.Foster LOSS(0-1) 4 1/3 3 2 2 1 0 1 60 3.65
B.Foster 3 4 3 3 2 1 1 67 5.40
Totals 8 7 5 5 3 2 2

FOFC All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Rodney 4 1 0 0 1 6 0 45 1.00
J.Williams WIN(1-0) 4 2 1 1 1 2 1 49 2.25
J.Kronside 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0.00
Totals 9 3 1 1 2 8 1



Paige injured in the 1st inning

LEFT ON BASE- Alltime Players: 5 All Stars: 5
DOUBLE PLAYS- Alltime Players: 1 All Stars: 1
ERRORS- P.Lloyd, J.Potpie
DOUBLES- D.Fouts(1st)
TRIPLES- T.Stearnes(1st), A.Tucker(1st)
HOME RUNS- M.Dihigo(1st), J.Potpie(2nd), H.Hays(2nd)
STOLEN BASES- P.Pflaggstettler(1st)
WALKS- C.Bell-2, B.Blade, D.Fouts, P.Pflaggstettler
HIT BY PITCH- B.Leonard
STRIKE OUTS- P.Lloyd, W.Wells-2, B.Leonard, T.Stearnes-2, B.Mackey, M.Dihigo,
B.Blade, H.Hays
GIDP- T.Stearnes, B.Blade
WILD PITCHES- R.Foster, J.Rodney

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

Lou Scribe runs up to me. "Hey Benton, nice game today."

"I was please, but we've got another one coming up right now."

"Can i get a minute? I have a few questions."

"Lou, I understand you need to do your job, but I have to get the lineup card filled out for game 2."

"But coach, just a minute. With Rodney and Williams both pitching well, what are you..."

I walk into the clubhouse leaving him at the door. I turn to the security guard and say, "Lou Scribe is about to walk through that door. Stop him. When he complains about doing his job, tell him to wait till the press conference after the second game."

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 7 :eek: :eek: :eek:


Negro League 1.. 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 - 2 3 1
FOFC Stars...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 1



Alltime Players AB R H RBI AVG All Stars AB R H RBI AVG
C.Bell CF 3 0 0 0 .160 C.Terp SS 4 0 0 0 .176
P.Lloyd SS 4 0 1 0 .292 S.Treacy 2B 3 0 0 0 .077
T.Stearnes LF 4 0 0 1 .250 K.Ton DH 3 0 0 0 .214
J.Gibson DH 3 1 1 0 .261 B.Bullock C 4 0 0 0 .385
B.Leonard 1B 4 0 0 0 .261 D.Gonzalez 1B 3 0 0 0 .143
B.Mackey C 3 0 1 1 .167 P.Pflaggstettler CF 2 0 0 0 .176
C.Torriente RF 2 0 0 0 .250 A-A.Tucker CF 0 0 0 0 .385
R.Dandridge 2B 4 0 0 0 .000 D.Palmer 3B 3 0 0 0 .077
J.Johnson 3B 1 1 0 0 .000 S.Gunner RF 3 0 0 0 .100
G.Gazelle LF 3 0 0 0 .056
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 28 2 3 2 Totals 28 0 0 0



Alltime Players IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
L.Day WIN(1-0) 6 0 0 0 2 1 0 80 0.00
W.McDonald HOLD(1st) 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 21 0.00
D.Barnhill HOLD(1st) 0 1/3 0 0 0 1 0 0 7 8.10
B.Foster SAVE(1st) 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 4.76
[1]Totals 9 0 0 0 3 3 0

All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
A.Mighty LOSS(0-1) 4 1 1 0 4 1 0 60 2.25
R.Nielsen 4 2 1 1 1 2 0 46 3.38
S.Knowles 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 11 0.00
[1]Totals 9 3 2 1 6 3 0



Pflaggstettler injured in the 7th

LEFT ON BASE- Alltime Players: 6 All Stars: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Alltime Players: 0 All Stars: 2
ERRORS- P.Lloyd, P.Pflaggstettler
DOUBLES- B.Mackey(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- C.Bell
WALKS- J.Gibson, B.Mackey, C.Torriente-2, J.Johnson-2, S.Treacy, K.Ton,
P.Pflaggstettler
STRIKE OUTS- C.Bell, P.Lloyd-2, C.Terp, S.Gunner, G.Gazelle
GIDP- B.Leonard, R.Dandridge

[JAG]

No-hit?!?!?!?!

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

As I'm leaving the field after the second game I turn to Howser, "I can't believe we just go no hit."

"Yeah pretty surprising."

"And worse - that was the Negro Leaguers 4th starter. It's not like it was Paige that shut us down," Hazzle adds.

"Well that made me feel alot better," I say as I roll my eyes. "After the first game I was beginning to think that we were turning the corner on our offense"

"We pitched great, and we had some good cuts, they just didn't fall," Tunner chiimes in.

"Hey Chuck, have I ever mentioned that your optimism is annoying?"

Howser smirks.

"Damn, I got to go to the press conference and answer questions about this," I complain. "Someone have a beer ready for me."

[Breeze]

PRESS CONFERENCE - Negro Leaguer 1 Manager Dusty Baker

"Dusty, a no-hitter for Day and Company, does that signify you're ready for the sesaon?" Lou Scribe

"Does it matter, the season isn't going to get here any sooner."

"Does that help Day's confidence?" Stan Hack

"It doesn't hurt it." Baker monitones.

"You excited about what this symbolizes?" Dan Reader.

"Symbolizes???"

Reader trys again, "The no-hitter shows what your rotation is capable of?"

"Um, every pitcher in this league is capable of great things. Look it was a great night that won't be in the record books because it was an exhibition game. Yes, I'm glad Day pitched well, but I haven't really been worried about my starting pitchers other than the injuries. Please no more questions on the no-hitter - it's a nice non-event."

"You mentioned injuries. We heard Rogan was ok, what's up with Paige's injury from game 1?" Tom O'Carver

"He'll be fine."

"We heard him say that it was just some tightness. Did he just not feel like pitching tonight? Did he not want to face the FOFC lineup?"

"Yeah, I'm sure he's scared of the FOFCers...what are they hitting .210 as a team. That would strike fear into a pitcher like Paige."

Reader asks, "Talk about your hitting."

"It was good enough in game 2, not good enough in game 1. Is that what you wanted to know?" Baker asks with a condesending look on his face."

"No, um...I mean....um....you only scored 3 runs in the two games, any concerns about the teams hitting."

"Look we didn't use all our stars, I letting everyone play. No I'm not worried. It's not like my team is hitting .210 for the spring."

"Guys, that's going to do it for me." Baker says as he gets up and walks off.

[StanGunner]

We need a new batting coach.

[Coffee Warlord]

Rob Nielsen would like to apologize for throwing that huge party the night before the game.

Rob Nielsen does, however, demand that he gets better run support in the regular season, regardless of hangovers.

[Breeze]

PRESS CONFERENCE - FOFC Manager Benton Breeze

"With the exception of a few players, your team has really struggled with the bat in the early portion of the Spring, and you just got no-hit by what is arguablly the Negro League 1 teams 4th or 5th best starter. Are you starting to get concerned you'll be able to hit enough to compete?" Lou Scribe

"I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind. To be completely honest with you, I thought after game 1 we were getting ready to turn the corner. Fouts started hitting, Pflaggstettler hadn't done great, but he had gotten at least 1 hit in his last few games. I thought things were getting ready to take shape."

Lou follows up, "So do you consider this a step back?"

"Yes, I guess I do. But remember Tucker, Potpie, Ton, Nights, they are all hitting and they weren't in the lineup. So it's not like all 15 of our players are coming up empty everytime they step to the plate."

"If the season started right now what would you do?" Reader asks.

"Dan, you mean with regards to who's playing?" I ask in return, hoping to clarify a very obtuse question.

"Yes," he answers confidently as if his question was pure genius.

Thinking to myself, 'God this guy is stupid' I answer, "I really don't know? And it's too early to worry about it. Is it a concern yes, am I worried - ask me again around game 16 if we're still hitting poorly."

O'Carver jumps in, "Coach Baker mentioned your team was only hitting .210 this Spring, implying you lack the ability to hit and will be an after thought in the season. What's your response to that?"

I heard Baker's comment, and while he did imply what O'Carver mentioned, I think it was meant as more of a slap at the reporters question rather than my team. He probably shouldn't have done it, but I decide not to get into a war of words, "We aren't hitting .210, we are hitting .212. Uh...that doesn't sound much better does it?" I ask with a chuckle. "We aren't hitting right now, I think we'll be just fine, like I said earlier check back with me after the 16th or 17th game if we still aren't hitting."

"You seemed to pitch well in both games," Scribe interjects.

"I was extremely pleased with our pitching. I realize Baker didn't play all his best players, but the backups on that team are capable of pounding the ball and we held them to 3 runs in 2 games. Typically. that's good enough to win both games in this league. We didn't have a single pitcher in the 6 that threw today that did poorly. We may not be hitting, but our pitching might be good enough to win anyway."

"If the season started right now, what would you do with your pitchers?"

I don't even look over, I know that has to be a Reader question, "I'm assuming you mean who would be in the rotation. I don't know yet. Heck we're not even half way through Spring. I will admit that I'm going to have a tough time deciding who gets one of the 4 and half spots as a starter, but thankfully, I don't have to make that decission now."

"Ok gentlemen, I've got to go - We'll talk to you later."

"Coach one more quick question." Lou Scribe yells.

I begrudgingly turn and acknowledge him

"What's the extent of Pflaggstettler's injury?"

"I haven't had a chance to speak in detail with the doctors, but the trainer did tell me he didn't think it was serious. I'm hoping he'll be available to play in a couple of days." as soon as I finish I quickly exit the stage and head to the clubhouse.

[Breeze]

I have the files for the crude website the game creates. If anyone has a place to host the site, we can put it up and see if we want to use it or not.

[thealmighty]

POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE - FOFC Pitcher Al MIghty

"You must be pretty pleased with your outing today, Al?" Lou Scribe

"No!!"

Lou cuts in with, "But you only gave up the one unearned run on the day."

"I lost the game. Walking 4 batters is not acceptable. Throwing 60 pitches in 4 innings is not going to get the team where we want to go- or me into the starting rotation, for that matter."

"What can you do to improve?" Reader asks.

"What can I do? Work harder, prepare more thouroughly...throw more damn strikes. Thanks guys...next time WILL be better."

[Breeze]

Nevermind :rolleyes:

[kingfc22]

Where did I put the "medication" my trainer gave to me....

[Johnny93g]

"Coach, John Williams is willing to take some cuts at the plate when im not pitching, afterall, John Williams is batting .1000 :p "

[Fouts]

Ouch, a no-hitter. Glad this wasn't the real thing. I think we all need to go out and get drunk before the season starts!

[JeeberD]

Ugh, I commit an error in the first game and then my teammates get no-hit in the second. Ugly...

[Blade]

Not a great hitting game for Blade...gotta get some extra reps in at BP...

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 8


Century Stars... 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 - 2 6 1
FOFC All Stars.. 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 4 11 1



Century Stars AB R H RBI AVG All Stars AB R H RBI AVG
R.Henderson LF 3 0 0 0 .171 B.Blade 2B 4 2 2 2 .313
A-J.Rice PH,LF 2 0 0 0 .125 A.Tucker CF 3 0 1 0 .375
T.Gwynn CF 4 0 1 0 .306 J.Nights SS 4 1 1 1 .294
W.Boggs 3B 4 1 2 0 .250 K.Ton LF 4 0 2 0 .278
E.Murray 1B 4 0 0 0 .000 D.Gonzalez 1B 2 0 0 1 .125
G.Carter C 4 0 0 0 .233 B-J.Potpie PH,1B 1 0 0 0 .429
C.Ripken SS 4 1 2 2 .300 H.Hays C 4 0 1 0 .235
D.Winfield RF 3 0 1 0 .471 D.Fouts DH 4 0 0 0 .200
C.Biggio 2B 2 0 0 0 .000 D.Palmer 3B 4 0 2 0 .176
P.Molitor DH 3 0 0 0 .333 S.Gunner RF 3 1 2 0 .174
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
[1] Totals 33 2 6 2 Totals 33 4 11 4



A-Pinch Hit For Henderson In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Gonzalez In 7th Inning



[1]Century Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
G.Maddux LOSS(1-1) 4 8 4 4 1 1 1 74 2.77
J.Smoltz 2 2/3 2 0 0 0 4 0 30 3.60
J.Franco 1 1/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 4.91
[1]Totals 8 11 4 4 1 5 1

[1]All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
O.Hunter 4 1 0 0 2 2 0 58 2.25
B.Babson 3 2 2 2 1 5 1 51 1.80
B.Knowles WIN(2-0) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 0.00
S.Knowles SAVE(1st) 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 20 0.00
[1]Totals 9 6 2 2 3 9 1



ATTENDANCE- 45,527 DATE- Sunday, March 11th 1900 TIME- Day
T- 1:41
LEFT ON BASE- Century Stars: 8 All Stars: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Century Stars: 1 All Stars: 1
ERRORS- C.Ripken, J.Nights
DOUBLES- W.Boggs-2(6th), K.Ton(2nd), D.Palmer(1st), S.Gunner(1st)
HOME RUNS- C.Ripken(3rd), B.Blade(1st)
STOLEN BASES- C.Biggio(1st)
SACRIFICE FLIES- D.Gonzalez
WALKS- D.Winfield, C.Biggio, P.Molitor, A.Tucker
HIT BY PITCH- C.Biggio
STRIKE OUTS- J.Rice, E.Murray, G.Carter-2, C.Ripken, D.Winfield, C.Biggio,
P.Molitor-2, B.Blade, A.Tucker, J.Nights, D.Gonzalez, H.Hays
GIDP- R.Henderson, D.Palmer

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

As we walk off the field, I look back and Bob Hazzle is still sitting in the dugout. I head back and shout.

"Hey Bob, we hit tonight, nice job."

"Yeah, thanks."

"You don't seem to happy."

"It's just one game, if we can build on this...then I'll be happy." as he finishes his sentence he get up and walks past me towards the clubhouse without another word.

I shout after him,"Bob, I have confidence in you."

He turns, nods, and even gives me a half...no - not that big, maybe a quarter smile.

[tucker342]

Ouch, AJ Tucker can't believe we got no hit. If AJ Tucker would've played we would've won. (hey if I'm going to be an all-star, I gotta start talkin in the third person):)

[Blade]

Nice! Looks like the extra BP worked well for Blade!

[Chas in Cinti]

Jeez... Pflaggstettler starts hitting the ball, running bases... ugh...

-Chas

[Sublime 2]

Nice outing by Hunter there

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

Before the game today, I approached our trainer and asked, "How's Pflaggstettler?"

"Sore, but he can go."

"Will the pain hinder him any?"

"I don't think so, but I'm not the one hurting."

I nod and head off to fill out the lineup card.

[terpkristin]

That's odd, before the game today *I* approached the trainer and asked "How the hell do you pronounce Pflaggstettler?" ;)

/tk

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 9


Caribbean Players. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 - 4 5 1
FOFC All Stars.... 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 - 6 11 0



Alltime Players AB R H RBI AVG All Stars AB R H RBI AV
P.Mesa CF 4 0 1 0 .407 G.Gazelle CF 5 1 1 2 .087
A.Pacheco 2B 4 1 1 0 .259 C.Terp SS 4 1 1 0 .190
P.Cepeda LF 4 0 1 1 .357 J.Potpie 1B 4 1 1 0 .389
O.Linares 3B 3 1 0 0 .250 B.Bullock C 4 1 2 1 .412
P.Coimbre RF 4 1 1 0 .300 D.Fouts 3B 4 0 1 1 .211
H.Espino DH 4 1 1 3 .077 P.Pflaggstettler RF 3 0 0 1 .150
K.Hernandez 1B 3 0 0 0 .000 D.Palmer DH 4 1 2 0 .238
A.Lopez C 2 0 0 0 .167 S.Gunner LF 4 1 2 1 .222
A-A.Ohms PH 1 0 0 0 .000 S.Treacy 2B 2 0 1 0 .133
B-M.Gonzalez C 0 0 0 0 .118
D.Concepcion SS 3 0 0 0 .346
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 32 4 5 4 Totals 34 6 11 6



A-Pinch Hit For Lopez In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Ohms In 8th Inning



Caribbean Players IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
L.Tiant Sr. 5 7 4 4 1 3 0 79 7.20
M.Garcia LOSS(0-1) 3 1/3 4 2 1 1 2 1 65 2.70
Totals 8 1/3 11 6 5 2 5 1

All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
J.Williams 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 41 1.50
S.Fozborg 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 34 5.00
S.Knowles HOLD(1st) 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 23 0.00
J.Kronside W(1-0) BS(1st) 1 2 3 3 0 1 1 23 9.00
Totals 9 5 4 4 1 6 1



LEFT ON BASE- Alltime Players: 3 All Stars: 6
DOUBLE PLAYS- Alltime Players: 1 All Stars: 0
ERRORS- D.Concepcion
DOUBLES- A.Pacheco(2nd), D.Fouts(2nd)
TRIPLES- B.Bullock(1st), S.Gunner(1st)
HOME RUNS- H.Espino(1st), G.Gazelle(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- S.Gunner
SACRIFICE HITS- S.Treacy
WALKS- K.Hernandez, P.Pflaggstettler, S.Treacy
HIT BY PITCH- O.Linares
STRIKE OUTS- P.Mesa, A.Pacheco, H.Espino-2, A.Lopez, A.Ohms, G.Gazelle,
J.Potpie, D.Fouts, P.Pflaggstettler, S.Gunner
GIDP- D.Palmer



[/code]

[Travis]

Son of a...

Sorry boys, meltdown like that in the 9th will not happen again. Thanks for the pickup.

[Breeze]

FOFC TEAM UPDATE

Howser looks at me and offers, " Another nice hitting day. Palmer and Gunner both get 2 more and Gazelle only gets one hit, but it's the game winning walk off home run. That's 2 good hitting games in a row."

"Yeah, maybe being no hit woke them up a little!" I respond with a grin.

[oykib]

"So, Gerald, can you take us through the last at-bat?" the reporter, who was almost the same age as Gazelle asked. Gazelle didn't realize in his youth that he should have worked his way down the more established beat gus, not the local college radio guy. But that was the only person who he'd built a relationship with while he was hitting so poorly.

"It wasn't much different than the earlier ones. I've been on the ball for a while now. But every time i've got my timing down I'm fouling it back or popping it up." the young outfielder replied.

"You say you didn't do anything different. But the results certainly were. Was there anything you could tell us about it?" the beat reporter from the Tribune put forth.

"Honestly, I'm just happy that Mr. Breeze left me in there... and that he showed enough faith in me to lead me off. I think I've been controlling the strike zone well. So, that's probably what he was thinking about when he left me in. But we've got a lot of bats, so... Anyway he just told me to take it easy and told me the Mays/Durocher story--

"Huh?"

"Well... you know the one where Mays comes up and goes 'oh' for his first twenty-seven or whatever. I knew the story already, of course. But it let me know he had faith in me. Not that I think he'll put up with an 0-for 27.."<laughs>

[Breeze]

The National Herald

SPORTS

FOFC Sweeps the Weekend
by Lou Scribe

On Saturday the FOFCers, who had been struggling with the bat, had a great game against the Late 20th Century pitcher Greg Maddux. The game started off with FOFC taking the lead in the first scoring 2 runs on 3 hits. Barrett Blade led off the inning for FOFC when he laced a base-knock. A. J. Tucker followed and he lined a single. Jeff Nights then would hit into a force play resulting in a run. K. A. Ton was up next and he delivered a base-hit. David Gonzalez came to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly scoring the final run of the inning. Late 20th made it exciting in the 9th, but they were unable to push the needed runs across.

Bo Knowles(2-0) went 1 inning allowing no runs for the win. Knowles got relief help from his brother Sammy who gained credit for his 1st save. Greg Maddux(1-1) absorbed the loss.

Then on Sunday, the FOFCers showed some resiliency, again hitting well and taking a 4 to 1 lead into the 9th inning. Kronside, who had been unhittable, started the inning with a strike out and flyout to get 2 quick outs. Then the wheels came off - Linares reached based when he was hit on the foot with a splitter that got away from Jace. Coimbre singled and Espino homered to tie the game.

The offense picked Kronside up, when Gunner reached base on Concepcion's error. Treacy sacraficed him to second and Gazelle launched a homerun 412 feet over the left field fence to end the game.

[Breeze]

FOFC TEAM UPDATE

"OK, guys, after today we are half way through the Spring. We've been playing well, let's keep swinging the bats." I say as I post the following lineup:

2b - Blade
SS- Nights
LF - Ton
1b - Potpie
C - Hays
3b - Fouts
RF - Pflaggstettler
DH - Palmer
CF - Gazelle

SP - Nielsen

Rodney relief in inning 5.

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 10


Caribbean Players. 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 2 4 0
FOFC Stars........ 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 - 3 4 0



Caribbean Players AB R H RBI AVG FOFC Stars AB R H RBI AVG
P.Mesa CF 3 1 0 0 .367 B.Blade 2B 2 0 1 1 .333
A.Pacheco 2B 3 1 0 0 .233 J.Nights SS 4 0 0 1 .238
P.Cepeda 1B 4 0 1 1 .344 K.Ton LF 3 0 0 0 .238
O.Linares 3B 4 0 1 1 .250 J.Potpie 1B 4 0 0 0 .318
P.Coimbre DH 4 0 2 0 .357 H.Hays C 3 0 1 0 .250
M.Gonzalez C 3 0 0 0 .100 D.Fouts 3B 3 1 1 1 .227
M.Minoso LF 3 0 0 0 .130 P.Pflaggstettler RF 3 0 0 0 .130
T.Oliva RF 3 0 0 0 .263 D.Palmer DH 3 1 1 0 .250
R.Puente SS 3 0 0 0 .250 G.Gazelle CF 2 1 0 0 .080
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
[1] Totals 30 2 4 2 Totals 27 3 4 3



Caribbean Players IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
M.Cuellar LOSS(1-1) 5 4 3 3 3 3 1 79 4.85
D.Martinez 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 30 2.25
[1]Totals 8 4 3 3 4 4 1

FOFC Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
R.Nielsen 4 1 0 0 0 5 0 43 2.25
J.Rodney 3 2 2 2 3 3 0 53 2.25
B.Knowles WIN(3-0) 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 29 0.00
[1]Totals 9 4 2 2 3 9 0



LEFT ON BASE- Alltime Players: 4 All Stars: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Alltime Players: 0 All Stars: 0
DOUBLES- P.Coimbre-2(2nd)
TRIPLES- D.Palmer(1st)
HOME RUNS- D.Fouts(1st)
STOLEN BASES- B.Blade(1st)
CAUGHT STEALING- B.Blade
WALKS- P.Mesa, A.Pacheco, M.Gonzalez, B.Blade-2, K.Ton, G.Gazelle
STRIKE OUTS- A.Pacheco-2, P.Cepeda, O.Linares-2, M.Gonzalez-2, M.Minoso-2,
J.Potpie, H.Hays, D.Fouts, G.Gazelle
WILD PITCHES- M.Cuellar, R.Nielsen
WEB GEMS- Bot 1st: Perucho Cepeda robbed K. A. Ton of a base hit.
Top 3rd: Jeeberoni Potpie robbed Pablo Mesa of a base hit.

[Breeze]

FOFC - TEAM UPDATE

Lou Scribe runs upto me following, "Coach, nice win, can I have a minute?"

"Lou, can't you wait till the press conference?"

"There won't be one tonight." Lou explains. "Too much other stuff going on."

"OK, what'cha need?"

"You're 7 and 3 right now for the Spring. That's the best record of any team. Do you think you're sending a message that you're ready to play with the Hall of Famers?"

"We have the best record?" I ask innocently. "I didn't realize that. Look, I've said all along that I think we can play with these guys, but do I think a 7 - 3 mark has sent a message? No. Those teams don't care about Spring records. In fact, if we were 7 - 3 in the real season, they still wouldn't be concerned. Now if you tell me we play .700 ball the whole season, I think, then YES we would have sent a message." I say will a big smile.

"You happy with your hitting? It seems to have come around a bit in the last few games."

"I think it has, since we are at the half way point, the coaches and I are planning to go over the roster and see how the players are hitting. We want to have an overview of the situation, I could give you a more informed opinion tomorrow."

"What about the pitchers, you going to break down their performance too?"

"Not yet, I still have 1 pitcher who has to make his 3rd outing, until that happens I won't be comparing apples to apples."

"So when will that meeting take place?"

"Probably following the game tomorrow."

"Thanks for the time coach. Got to run if I'm going to make the deadline." Lou says as he turns and runs off.

"That's not a pretty sight," I say to Howser, who hung around while Scibe asked me questions."

"No, seeing a 5' 9" 270 pound man run in poorly fitting dress closes rarely is."

We laugh and head to the office for our Staff Meeting.

[Breeze]

FOFC TEAM UPDATE - Staff Meeting

Howser and I walk into my office to find Maglie, Hazzle, and Tanner already seated, and discussing the events of the past few games...Gazelle's homer, Bo's 2 wins, and more.

"Ok, guys. Time to start looking at the roster and the production we are getting. How would you like to go through the players, alphabetically, by position, by production...." I pause. "Suggestions."

Howser, "Let's go by position. It will be easier to compare, which is ultimately what is going to happen. I mean honestly, this is a first view of who the starters should be."

Tanner, "Sounds great, but eveyone's playing well so I don't think it matters who we put in the lineup."

"Chuck, have I mentioned the whole annoying thing yet?"

Maglie and Hazzle smiling, both quickly chime in that they are in favor of breatking down the players by position.

"Let's start at Catcher" I say.

"Both players are playing great." Tanner says.

I know he's right, but I cut my eyes over to him, but before I can say anything, Hazzle interjects, "Chucks right - both these guys are playing well. Hell Bullock's been arguably our best player. He's hitting .412 with 3 HR. Only problem is I count only 3 RBI. Hays is hitting .250 with a couple home runs and 5 RBI."

Howser says, "Both are playing well defensively, but I think Hays has been a little better in the field. He's caught a couple of speedsters stealing, and he is much quicker behind the plate. However, I can't complain too much about Bullock, though he isn't agile, he's solid and he has a good arm. His defense certainly won't kill you."

Maglie, ever the pitcher asks, "We have any idea on lefty/righty breakdowns?"

I state, "Let's not worry about that yet. We are only half way through the Spring. Let's get a little closer to the season, and we'll look at that issue."

"Any other comments about the Catchers?" I ask.

"Yeah," Hazzle speaks up. "How the hell did Bullock get a triple? My grandmother is faster, and she's in a wheelchair and it doesn't roll well on the clay infield."

When the laughing stops, I say, "First basemen."

"Potpie has been awesome. .318, 2 home runs, 6 rbi and a couple of very nice defensive plays." States Hazzle. "Gonzalez, not so great. Hitting .125, with 1 HR and 3 RBI. Plus he isn't as good defensively."

I don't wait for additional comments, "Second"

"Blade has played well. He's up to .333 following tonights game, he's gotten on a couple times with walks. He even has a home run." Hazzle stops.

"Been caught stealing twice," I add.

"Just needs some time to learn pitchers moves. Plus one of those times was a hit and run where the batter missed the pitch. He'll be fine," Tanner adds. Realizing he's about to get critizied for his optimizum he continues, "Seriously, he'll be able to steal 20 plus bases at around a 70% success rate I believe."

I nod. "What about Treacy?"

"Um, .133 no extra base hits and only 1 RBI." Hazzle said.

"Ouch. What about Third. They've starting hitting better. Where do we sit?"

"Palmer is up to .250 after his horrendous start. Fouts who's start wasn't much better is up to .227."

"Defense?" I ask.

"Fouts has played better than Palmer, but Palmer hasn't killed us." Howser replys matter of factly.

"Shortstop?"

"Nights was playing great, but he's slumped a bit the last couple games. He's down to .238. He is driving in runs with 4 RBI."

Maglie, "He's got Blade and Tucker in front of him in the lineup and they are on base. Those 2 guys were, for a long time, the only ones that were setting the table."

"He has a point," Howser admits.

"I'm not worried about Nights. I think he'll be fine. What about Terp?"

"Only hitting .190, but that isn't completely fair. Because Kris handles the bat so well we've tried to hit and run several times, and that can put a player in a tough position."

"I'll keep it in mind," I admit, while making a mental note.

"Now the outfielders. We started hitting, please tell me things look brighter."

"We have started hitting a bit," Hazzle says. "Gunner's been the biggest jump. He's up to .222. Pflaggstettler was doing better before the injury. He was up to around .200, but now he's back down to .130. Ton, like Nights has slumped. In fact he's hitting an identical .238. Tucker is the only one that is producing consistently. He's at .375 with power....extra base not home run power, but power none-the-less. Then there is Gazelle. His game winning home run was dramatic and fun, but the guy is only hitting. .080."

"Gazelle's got to start playing better or I'll have a hard time justifying playing time for him."

"Don't be so sure, Pflaggstettler is an 0 for 4 from being right there with him, and Gunner was down in that territory just a couple games ago." Maglie points out.

I realize he's right and say, "Fair enough, good point Sal."

"I know about the outfielder's defense. No need to cover that. Thanks for the update guys. We'll cover the pitchers tomorrow and go over the hitters in more detail before the start of the season.

[Breeze]

DYNASTY UPDATE

I looked back the the website that the game creates and other than graphics it's actually not bad. The site displays the standings and allows you to click down and view team reports (team BA, team HR, team RBI, team ERA, team Ks, etc). Then you can click down and see the individuals performance for each member of each team. Then you can drill down on each player and see some breakdowns of production (mostly lefty/righty breakdowns). There is also a section that will display the league leaders at the main statistical categories.

I'm more than happy to provide the pages on a regular bases for this website if someone has a place to host the pages.

I'm going to try and get a double header in tonight. I do have some teams that I need to update depth charts and bull pen rotations on. Plus the Spring Training schedule didn't populate the way I expected - so I'll need to do some research on the regular season to make sure it's was created correctly.

[Coffee Warlord]

Rob Nielsen would like to thank himself for his fine performance in his last outing.

Rob Nielsen would further like to thank Mr. Rob Nielsen for being such an excellent pitcher.

[Coffee Warlord]

Breeze - Just need FTP access for the web stuff, I take it?

[Breeze]

Thanks CW.

[Johnny93g]

John Williams thinks Rob Nielson should thakn him publicly for starting the 1st person talk....John Williams also would like to say he is very impressed with the pitching staff. John Williams thinks the pitching staff will be the best in the league :p

[Coffee Warlord]

John Williams thinks Rob Neilson should thakn him publicly for starting the 1st person talk....John Williams also would like to say he is very impressed with the pitching staff. John Williams thinks the pitching staff will be the best in the league

Rob Nielsen has referred to himself in the third person since birth. His first words were not "Ma ma", they were, "Show Rob the Money."

[kingfc22]

Nice 0 for 4 Potpie. I think you've been spending too much time taking BP with me.

[Breeze]

The National Herald

SPORTS

FOFC Hangs On

Rob Nielsen delivered 4 solid innings as the FOFC All Stars defeated the Caribbean Alltime Players 3 to 2 at the ballpark.

FOFC came up with 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Caribbean had a
chance in the 9th but they came up short.

Bo Knowles(3-0) picked up the victory, allowing no runs in 2 innings. Mike Cuellar(1-1) was given the loss. 'It's a disheartening loss, but luckily it's only spring' said Felipe Alou "we just have to get over it and get ready for the next game.'

[Breeze]

FOFC - Players Update

As I walk into the clubhouse this morning, I find a few players at their lockers getting dressed out for early morning batting practice. Amazing how opening day being around the corner has energized the team.

One of the players present is Bo Knowles, who has 3 of our 7 wins this Spring, and he's making sure the other pitchers know it.

"Guy's I really appreciate you keeping games close, so I can come in, pitch an inning or two and get the win." Bo needles. "Let's see 4 innings pitched, 3 wins - not a bad weeks work."

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 11


All Stars....... 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 - 5 13 2
Century Stars... 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 3 7 0



FOFC Stars AB R H RBI AVG 20th Century AB R H RBI AVG
A.Tucker CF 5 0 1 0 .333 R.Henderson LF 4 0 0 0 .196
C.Terp SS 5 2 4 0 .308 C.Biggio 2B 5 1 2 0 .200
K.Ton DH 5 0 0 0 .192 W.Boggs 3B 5 0 2 1 .262
B.Bullock C 5 1 1 0 .364 M.Piazza C 4 0 0 0 .125
D.Fouts 3B 5 2 3 1 .296 M.McGwire 1B 4 1 0 0 .167
S.Gunner LF 4 0 1 1 .226 J.Rice DH 4 0 0 0 .125
A-B.Blade PH 1 0 1 1 .368 D.Winfield RF 4 1 2 2 .393
B-G.Gazelle LF 0 0 0 0 .080 T.Gwynn CF 4 0 1 0 .295
D.Gonzalez 1B 3 0 2 1 .211 O.Smith SS 2 0 0 0 .333
S.Treacy 2B 4 0 0 0 .105
P.Pflaggstettler RF 4 0 0 0 .111
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 41 5 13 4 Totals 36 3 7 3



A-Pinch Hit For Gunner In 10th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (LF) For Blade In 10th Inning



All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
A.Mighty 4 4 2 2 3 3 1 68 3.00
O.Hunter 4 2 1 1 2 0 0 58 2.25
B.Knowles WIN(4-0) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0.00
S.Knowles SAVE(2nd) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 12 0.00
Totals 10 7 3 3 5 3 1

Century Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
P.Martinez 5 7 2 2 0 9 0 79 3.60
D.Eckersley 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 44 1.29
J.Franco LOSS(1-1) 1 2/3 2 2 1 1 1 0 30 4.09
B.Sutter 0 1/3 1 0 0 1 0 0 8 11.57
Totals 10 13 5 4 2 12 0



LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 9 Century Stars: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 1 Century Stars: 0
ERRORS- B.Bullock, A.Mighty
DOUBLES- D.Winfield(2nd)
TRIPLES- C.Biggio(1st)
HOME RUNS- D.Winfield(2nd)
STOLEN BASES- R.Henderson(3rd), C.Biggio(2nd)
CAUGHT STEALING- A.Tucker, R.Henderson
SACRIFICE HITS- S.Treacy
WALKS- D.Gonzalez-2, R.Henderson, M.Piazza, M.McGwire, O.Smith-2
STRIKE OUTS- A.Tucker-3, C.Terp, K.Ton-2, B.Bullock-2, D.Fouts, S.Gunner,
D.Gonzalez, S.Treacy, R.Henderson, M.McGwire, J.Rice
GIDP- R.Henderson
PASSED BALLS- B.Bullock, M.Piazza-2
WEB GEMS- Bot 5th: Dan Fouts robbed Wade Boggs of a base hit.

[Breeze]

SPRING GAME 12


All Stars....... 1 0 8 0 0 3 1 0 1 - 14 14 0
Century Stars... 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 - 5 8 0



FOFC All Stars AB R H RBI AVG Century Stars AB R H RBI AVG
A.Tucker CF 6 1 3 3 .370 C.Biggio 2B 4 1 1 0 .214
B.Blade 2B 4 3 2 1 .391 T.Gwynn RF 4 0 2 2 .313
J.Nights SS 4 3 2 2 .280 W.Boggs 3B 4 0 1 1 .261
J.Potpie 1B 5 1 1 2 .296 M.Piazza C 5 1 2 2 .231
D.Fouts 3B 3 2 1 1 .300 E.Murray 1B 3 0 0 0 .000
H.Hays C 4 1 1 1 .250 J.Rice LF 4 0 0 0 .100
D.Palmer DH 5 2 2 3 .276 R.Henderson CF 4 0 0 0 .180
P.Pflaggstettler RF 4 1 2 1 .161 P.Molitor DH 3 2 1 0 .333
G.Gazelle LF 4 0 0 0 .069 O.Smith SS 3 1 1 0 .333
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
[1] Totals 39 14 14 14 Totals 34 5 8 5



FOFC All Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
S.Fozborg WIN(1-1) 6 6 2 2 0 5 1 86 4.20
J.Rodney SAVE(1st) 3 2 3 3 5 5 0 66 3.60
Totals 9 8 5 5 5 10 1

Century Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC ERA
T.Glavine LOSS(0-1) 2 1/3 6 8 8 3 1 0 69 9.90
J.Smoltz 2 2/3 3 3 3 3 5 0 61 4.97
J.Franco 3 2/3 5 3 3 1 2 1 60 4.91
B.Sutter 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 10.12
Totals 9 14 14 14 7 8 1



LEFT ON BASE- All Stars: 6 Century Stars: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 0 Century Stars: 0
DOUBLES- A.Tucker(2nd), J.Nights(3rd), J.Potpie(2nd), D.Fouts(3rd),
D.Palmer(2nd), C.Biggio(1st), T.Gwynn(4th), W.Boggs(7th), O.Smith(1st)
TRIPLES- A.Tucker(2nd), D.Palmer(2nd)
HOME RUNS- B.Blade(2nd), M.Piazza(1st)
STOLEN BASES- B.Blade(2nd)
SACRIFICE FLIES- W.Boggs
WALKS- B.Blade-2, J.Nights, D.Fouts, H.Hays, P.Pflaggstettler, G.Gazelle,
C.Biggio, T.Gwynn, E.Murray, P.Molitor, O.Smith
HIT BY PITCH- D.Fouts
STRIKE OUTS- B.Blade, J.Nights, J.Potpie, H.Hays, P.Pflaggstettler-2,
G.Gazelle-2, C.Biggio, M.Piazza-2, E.Murray-2, J.Rice-3,
R.Henderson-2

[Breeze]

FOFC Team Update

FOFC Hitting Coach Bob Hazzle was heard saying "Wah Hooooo!" Following the 27 hit peformance over the last 2 games. :D