FOOL-X 1980 Regular Season

[Alan T]

Sim time, getting exports now!

We'll see how this goes, but I have a potential to be pulled away fairly early this morning for work.

[Alan T]

Tuesday, April 1st, 1980

Ann Arbor Wolverines: Signed free agent MR M. Porter to a 1-year contract worth a total of $4,353,000.

London Bishops: Signed free agent SS R. Dale to a 2-year contract worth a total of $1,944,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent 3B P. Ontiveros to a 1-year contract worth a total of $619,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent MR D. Desjardins to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,667,000.

Cleveland Naps: Signed free agent LF D. Rigney to a 1-year contract worth a total of $2,753,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent MR P. Tatum to a 1-year contract worth a total of $1,846,000.

Balzac Ticklers: Signed free agent C P. Moya to a 1-year contract worth a total of $442,000.

London Bishops: Signed free agent 2B S. Iwamoto to a 2-year contract worth a total of $10,476,000.

Mexico City Aztecs: Signed free agent CL J. Alvarado to a 2-year contract worth a total of $4,816,000.

Ann Arbor Wolverines: Signed 3B B. Fields to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $22,500,000.

New York Legends: Signed SP J. Morrow to a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $20,142,000.

[CleBrownsfan]

No problem - lets get past this year quickly because I don't have a good feeling about my team

[Alan T]

Ok, all of the pre-season stuff is done. Lets kick this season off!

[Alan T]

Cook Swats 3 Homers
Friday, April 4th, 1980: Fireworks exploded with regularity in the Wolverines-Rattlers game, but it wasn't a match that set them off -- it was the bat of Rob Cook. He belted 3 home runs in an awesome display of sheer power.

In the 16-6 Ann Arbor victory Cook stunned the Rattlers pitching staff for 4 hits in 5 at-bats and knocked in 7 runs.

After the game, Cook said simply, "I saw everything they threw at me. Hitting was a piece of cake today... with lots of extra icing on it."

R. Cook hit a two-run home run off A. Mdogo in the 1st, flied out in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a three-run home run off J. Reyes in the 6th, hit a two-run home run off R. Hunt in the 8th and walked in the 9th.

[Alan T]

Bailey Socks it to New York 3 Times
Thursday, April 10th, 1980: At Legends Ballpark Ken Bailey of the Maricopa Rattlers wreaked havoc on New York pitching, beating them 9-7 and leaving them in ruins after a prodigious three-home run performance. It was clear he was in a groove early on and as blast after blast cleared the fences. Fans knew they were witnessing a feat they wouldn't soon forget.

After his monumental game Bailey told reporters at the press conference, "The last one was totally unexpected. I just wanted to make good contact, never thinking I would get a home run -- and BANG! -- I got #3."

For the game the Maricopa second baseman had 3 hits in 4 at-bats, drove in 7 and scored 3 runs.

K. Bailey walked in the 1st, grounded out in the 3rd, hit a three-run home run off B. Jacobs in the 5th, hit a three-run home run off A. Townsend in the 7th and hit a solo-shot off C. García in the 9th.

So far this season Bailey has hit .395 with 6 home runs, 17 RBIs and and scored 11 times.

[Alan T]

Ceriani Voted Best RL Pitcher in April
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Walter Ceriani still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in April. The 27-year-old starter for Cleveland was named Republic League Pitcher of the Month earlier today.

He collected 5 wins and 1 loss with 32 strikeouts in his 6 starts, putting up a fine 2.61 ERA in 51.2 innings of work.

[Alan T]

Indianapolis Starter Named CL's Best Pitcher
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: In April, Gabriel Suárez tore through the Continental League like a seasoned veteran -- quite impressive for a player only 24 years old.

The young Indianapolis starter posted a 5-0 mark and an ERA of 2.20 to earn the Pitcher of the Month award. In 45 innings he collected 28 strikeouts while limiting the opposition to a .235 average.

[Alan T]

León Ruíz Named Best RL Batter in April
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: León Ruíz battered Republic League pitchers all April and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award.

"I've been around FOOL-X long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 28-year-old Ruíz told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I may not take the field and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 25 games, Ruíz hit .321 with 13 home runs, 25 RBIs and scored 22 runs.

[Alan T]

Sosa Takes Best Bat Trophy in April
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: When guys like London's José Sosa win Batter of the Month awards, it just makes you feel good. In a productive April, the longtime Continental League veteran toyed with opposing pitchers all month long, collecting 43 hits in 112 at-bats.

The veteran left fielder hit for a .384 batting average and collected 4 home runs, 21 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

[Alan T]

Republic League Names Rookie of Month
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: A veritable toddler to the Republic League, Kifle Tahir just sewed up the Rookie of the Month trophy for April.

Over the past month the 25-year-old left fielder for Virginia Beach hit .330 with 32 hits, no home runs and 10 runs batted in. He also logged 11 walks and compiled a .398 on-base percentage.

CL Selects Rookie Star of the Month
Thursday, May 1st, 1980: Xian Wu earned April's Rookie of the Month honors in the Continental League for last month's performance. The boyish Balzac third baseman might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level.

Wu hit .307 with 1 home run, 18 RBIs and 11 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

[Alan T]

May 1st, 1980:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Mexico City Aztecs 16 12 .571 - 16-12 0 7-5 9-7 3-2 3-5 134 L1 5-5 Indianapolis Clowns 15 13 .536 1.0 16-12 -1 8-5 7-8 2-3 3-4 W1 5-5 London Bishops 15 13 .536 1.0 16-12 -1 8-7 7-6 2-1 7-4 L3 5-5 Balzac Ticklers 14 14 .500 2.0 13-15 1 6-7 8-7 0-0 4-3 W2 6-4 Boston Resettlers 14 14 .500 2.0 13-15 1 10-8 4-6 2-1 4-2 W1 4-6 Washington Freedom 10 18 .357 6.0 10-18 0 4-9 6-9 1-3 1-4 L1 5-5

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 New York Legends 18 10 .643 - 17-11 1 6-7 12-3 0-2 3-3 134 L1 7-3 Spring Lions 17 11 .607 1.0 14-14 3 9-6 8-5 2-1 10-4 W1 5-5 Ann Arbor Wolverines 14 14 .500 4.0 15-13 -1 4-9 10-5 2-0 3-4 L1 6-4 Cleveland Naps 12 16 .429 6.0 13-15 -1 5-7 7-9 1-1 4-7 W3 6-4 Maricopa Rattlers 12 16 .429 6.0 14-14 -2 9-9 3-7 0-2 2-4 L5 3-7 Virginia Beach Surf 11 17 .393 7.0 11-17 0 5-8 6-9 2-1 6-6 W1 3-7

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG E. Ibarria - BOS .391 2 J. Sosa LON .384 3 B. Fields ANN .374 4 J. Salas LON .356 5 R. LaVergne SPG .336	League Leaders HR L. Ruíz - VIR 13 2 M. Guerrero ANN 10 3 M. Boulanger NY 9 3 V. González IND 9 5 5 tied with 8	League Leaders RBI 2 tied with 30 1 K. Bailey MAR 30 1 M. Guerrero ANN 30 3 K. Yamasaki MAR 29 4 3 tied with 28
League Leaders W 2 tied with 5 1 W. Ceriani CLE 5 1 G. Suárez IND 5 3 H. Arai MEX 4 3 6 more tied with 4	League Leaders ERA R. Roberts - MEX 1.92 2 H. Arai MEX 2.15 3 A. Ortíz BOS 2.18 4 G. Suárez IND 2.20 5 G. Lacoste BOS 2.44	League Leaders K H. Arai - MEX 43 2 C. Bardino WAS 38 2 H. Ngui LON 38 4 B. Kuhn MEX 37 5 G. Sánchez MAR 35

[Alan T]

Cook is FOOL-X's 8th player with 400 Home Runs!

400 Home Runs for Cook
Saturday, May 10th, 1980: It was a historic day for Cleveland's fine second baseman Ryan Cook. He slammed home run number 400 in the Naps 5-3 loss to the Virginia Beach Surf at Field of the Surf.

He told reporters after the game, that he was disappointed in losing the game. "It's great to get that many homers, but I don't play for homers -- I play to win. That's the name of the game."

In his milestone-making game Cook went 1 for 4, scored 1 run and collected 2 runs batted in. That home run put him in a select group of ballplayers.

In 2134 career games Cook has hit .307 with 2603 hits, 400 home runs, 1389 RBIs and scored 1697 runs.

[Alan T]

Guerrero Wallops #300
Wednesday, May 14th, 1980: The crowd roared -- they knew they were seeing history -- and Ignacio Guerrero was delighted, too: The 29-year-old Legends center fielder was making history with his 300th career homer. The crowd buzzed and roared again when Guerrero stuck his head out of the dugout for a curtain call.

"Never, as a kid, did I ever think I'd hit even one," he told BNN after hitting No. 300 in a 5-3 victory over Maricopa. Guerrero went 1-3 in the game, had 1 run batted in, and scored 1 run.

His career numbers show Guerrero is hitting .292 with a total of 300 home runs.

[spleen1015]

Good first month in the CL.

Go Clowns!

[Alan T]

Going Once! Twice! Gone Again! 3 HR for Méndez
Friday, May 16th, 1980: António Méndez, the Indianapolis center fielder, blasted three homers today at Bishops Ballpark in the Clowns 11-3 victory against the London Bishops.

For the game, António Méndez scored 3 times and knocked in 3 runs. When he hit his last home run, his teammates, hearing the crack of the bat, leaped off the bench and rushed on the field to greet the jubilant Méndez, when he reached home plate.

In the clubhouse after the game, he gleefully said to the press, "It was just one game, but it sure was a lot of fun -- 3-for-4, three roundtrippers and a win. What a day!"

Presently Méndez is batting .311 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. He has played in 43 games and scored 40 times.

[Alan T]

Ngui Holds Boston Scoreless
Tuesday, May 20th, 1980: It was a great game for Hui-ying Ngui of the London Bishops. The 23-year-old hurler blanked the Boston Resettlers 3-0, stopping them on 2 hits.

To date this season, Ngui has registered 12 starts, 3-5 won-lost mark, 3.84 ERA, 77.1 IP, 57 strikeouts and 26 walks. Opposing teams have hit .248 against him.

[Alan T]

Resettlers Jenkins Raps 3 Homers
Friday, May 23rd, 1980: Fans from Boston are still buzzing after Boston whipped the Ticklers 24-12 today at The Tickle Trunk. Dale Jenkins smashed three home runs in the game. This is a feat that few players ever achieve and few fans ever see.

In a tremendous performance the left fielder bashed out 4 hits in 5 at-bats, had 6 RBIs and scored 5 times.

At the postgame press conference, he was asked what it felt like to hit three home runs in one game. Jenkins answered, "To get one homer is special... two is great... three is just unbelievable!"

D. Jenkins hit a solo-shot off A. Morales in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off A. Morales in the 4th, hit a three-run home run off A. Morales in the 5th, struck out in the 7th, walked in the 8th, singled in the 9th and walked in the 9th.

So far this year Jenkins is batting .250 with 5 home runs, 21 RBIs and 13 runs scored.

[Alan T]

3 Roundtrippers for Hammerich
Saturday, May 24th, 1980: Caspar Hammerich showed some power today as he launched three balls into the seats against the New York Legends and sparked the Naps to a 19-10 victory.

For the day he collected 4 hits in 5 at-bats, scored 4 runs and had 6 RBIs.

In the postgame press conference he told reporters, "I got some good pitches to hit and turned on them real good. I always have liked to hit here at Legends Ballpark."

"He was instant offense today," the Cleveland skipper said. "Caspar really put on a show."

C. Hammerich hit a two-run home run off B. Jacobs in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off B. Jacobs in the 3rd, grounded out in the 4th, singled in the 5th, hit a two-run home run off K. Takeuchi in the 7th and walked in the 9th.

This year Hammerich is hitting .300 with 60 hits, 12 home runs, 43 RBIs and has scored 44 runs.

[Alan T]

LaVergne's Hit Streak Over
Tuesday, May 27th, 1980: Robby LaVergne came into the today's game against Maricopa rolling along with a 35-game hitting string, but he left it on the field at Rattlers Ballpark. The 31-year-old Spring shortstop went 0-for-4 against the Rattlers as the Lions were beaten 6-2.

This year LaVergne is hitting at a .373 pace with 1 home run and 31 RBIs. He has played in 53 games and scored 44 times.

[Alan T]

RL Selects Vera May's Top Starter
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: The Pitcher of the Month has been chosen and the Republic League trophy went to New York hurler, Martín Vera.

During the month, Vera was impressive with a 2.42 ERA and 4 wins and 1 loss. In 44.2 innings he struck out 33 and gave up 37 hits and 13 walks.

This season Vera has compiled a 8-2 mark with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts.

[Alan T]

Washington Starter Named CL's #1 Pitcher
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: Alfredo Tarungo has made fans throughout FOOL-X take notice over the past month with an exceptional 4-1 record. No pitcher in the Continental League threw better in May, garnering him the Pitcher of the Month award today.

In 6 starts Tarungo compiled a 1.72 ERA, putting up a 4-1 record, striking out 40 and tossing 36.2 innings.

This year Tarungo has 6 wins and 3 losses and a 1.98 ERA.

[Alan T]

May's #1 Batter Announced
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: New York's Ignacio Guerrero wowed sportswriters in May with an award-winning performance. For his standout play he was voted the Republic League Batter of the Month.

He rang up a .314 batting average with 19 home runs, 38 RBIs and 32 runs scored. He also had 14 walks and a .387 on-base percentage.

Guerrero is hitting .293 this year with 26 home runs, 59 RBIs and 54 runs scored. He has 70 hits in 239 at-bats, 27 walks and a .368 on-base percentage. Guerrero has played in 57 games.

[Alan T]

Continental League Picks May's Best Batter
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: May's Batter of the Month has been announced by the Continental League. This month's trophy was presented to the Balzac right fielder, Artie Nixon.

He starred by hitting .377 with a .426 on-base percentage, totaled 43 hits in 114 at-bats, 9 home runs, 36 RBIs and scored 25 runs.

Nixon is batting .347 this year with 13 home runs, 58 RBIs and 46 runs scored. He has 77 hits in 222 at-bats.

[Alan T]

Murunga Voted May's #1 Newcomer
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: Kagera Murunga of the New York Legends has been chosen the top Rookie in the Republic League.

In May he racked up 39 hits, 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 15 runs scored. He hit .331 with a .368 OBP.

This year Murunga has socked 66 hits in 232 at-bats for a .284 average with 4 home runs. He is getting on base at a .336 pace and his totals also include 27 RBIs and 28 runs scored.


Best CL Rookie Named, Nod to Helms
Sunday, June 1st, 1980: Youngster Jerry Helms emerged as the latest Continental League Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Boston deserved the honor, batting .301 with 4 home runs and 12 runs batted in. Is the month of May a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Helms enjoy the limelight.

Helms is swinging at a .291 pace on the year with 8 home runs, 30 RBIs and 25 runs scored. He has played in 49 games.

[Alan T]

June 1st, 1980:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Mexico City Aztecs 31 26 .544 - 30-27 1 15-12 16-14 5-2 8-8 104 W2 5-5 Indianapolis Clowns 29 28 .509 2.0 31-26 -2 15-12 14-16 4-5 7-11 W1 5-5 London Bishops 29 28 .509 2.0 30-27 -1 15-15 14-13 3-4 12-10 W1 4-6 Washington Freedom 28 29 .491 3.0 28-29 0 13-14 15-15 3-3 6-10 L1 5-5 Balzac Ticklers 27 30 .474 4.0 25-32 2 13-14 14-16 1-1 11-7 L1 5-5 Boston Resettlers 27 30 .474 4.0 27-30 0 18-15 9-15 3-4 8-6 L2 6-4

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 New York Legends 34 23 .596 - 30-27 4 15-12 19-11 2-2 8-4 105 W2 5-5 Spring Lions 33 24 .579 1.0 33-24 0 17-13 16-11 3-2 13-7 W1 7-3 Cleveland Naps 28 29 .491 6.0 31-26 -3 17-10 11-19 2-4 6-12 L1 5-5 Ann Arbor Wolverines 27 30 .474 7.0 30-27 -3 10-17 17-13 2-3 3-9 W1 5-5 Maricopa Rattlers 27 30 .474 7.0 28-29 -1 19-14 8-16 0-2 6-7 L2 5-5 Virginia Beach Surf 22 35 .386 12.0 19-38 3 13-14 9-21 5-1 11-8 L1 3-7

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG R. Elliott - MAR .378 2 R. LaVergne SPG .376 3 E. Ibarria BOS .368 4 J. Sosa LON .367 5 A. Nixon BAL .347	League Leaders HR I. Guerrero - NY 26 2 M. Boulanger NY 23 3 M. Guerrero ANN 20 4 R. Cook ANN 18 5 A. Méndez IND 17	League Leaders RBI M. Guerrero - ANN 62 2 M. Boulanger NY 59 2 R. Cook ANN 59 2 I. Guerrero NY 59 5 A. Nixon BAL 58
League Leaders W H. Arai - MEX 9 2 G. Suárez IND 8 2 M. Vera NY 8 4 W. Ceriani CLE 7 4 3 more tied with 7	League Leaders ERA A. Tarungo - WAS 1.98 2 C. Bardino WAS 2.10 3 H. Arai MEX 2.58 4 A. Ortíz BOS 2.86 5 R. Roberts MEX 2.91	League Leaders K H. Arai - MEX 84 2 C. Bardino WAS 70 2 B. Kuhn MEX 70 4 A. Tarungo WAS 65 5 4 tied with 64

[Alan T]

Naps Cook Sizzles with Cycle
Sunday, June 8th, 1980: The Cleveland fans had a lot to cheer about today as Ryan Cook hit for the cycle en route to a 11-4 victory over the New York Legends. The 34-year-old second baseman led the way with 3 RBI and 4 hits.

R. Cook hit an RBI triple in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, flied out in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and hit a solo-shot off F. Cruz in the 8th.

So far this year, Cook is batting .292 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs.

[Alan T]

And Perez is the 9th player with 400 Home runs!

Pérez Launches Number 400
Monday, June 9th, 1980: New York catcher Iván Pérez blasted himself into an elite group of baseball players. Today he joined the exclusive 400 home run club in the Legends 9-5 loss to the Cleveland Naps.

"As soon as I hit it, I knew it was gone. I was happy to move on. Now I can go and have some fun. It is a weight lifted off my shoulders," Pérez told the press. He admitted just how much pressure he had been feeling. "Especially every time you'd get out of the hotel, everybody would say, 'Hey, when are you going to hit it?'"

In his milestone game, Pérez went 1 for 4 with 1 run batted in and 1 run scored.

His career numbers show Pérez is batting .311 with a total of 400 home runs.

[Tasan]

Well I'm surprised. This can't last.

[Alan T]

Swing! Swang! Swung! Guerrero Smashes 3 HR
Sunday, June 15th, 1980: If you were sitting in the bleachers and brought your glove to the Legends-Rattlers game, there was a good chance you'd catch one of the three home runs hit by Ignacio Guerrero. The Legends center fielder repeatedly sent eager fans scurrying to catch a souvenir and led New York to a 13-3 win over Maricopa.

"Hey, the three homers were great, but I'm just trying to help my ballclub... not thinkin' about home runs. I'm just thinkin' about winning ballgames. When you think about home runs, you very seldom get 'em," he philosophized in the postgame press conference.

Guerrero was 3-4 on the day with 8 RBI.

I. Guerrero grounded out in the 1st, hit a three-run home run off M. Salas in the 3rd, hit a three-run home run off R. Ramos in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off J. Reyes in the 6th and walked in the 8th.

Guerrero is presently hitting at a .310 pace with 37 home runs and 86 RBIs. He has played in 71 games and scored 75 times.

[Alan T]

FOOLX News: The All-Star Game Rosters Have Been Announced
Friday, June 20th, 1980: Half of the season has been played and now it's time for the All Star game! It's a game where the fans will get to see their favorite players compete on the same field together, a game where the players themselves become fans and all of baseball comes together to celebrate one of the great traditions of the game -- the FOOL-X All-Star game. The Continental League and the Republic League will come together today to decide the title of the best league for this season.

Here are the talented stars on the Continental League roster:


SP C. Bardino (WAS)
SP H. Arai (MEX)
SP G. Suárez (IND)
SP A. Tarungo (WAS)
SP A. Ortíz (BOS)
SP E. Miller (WAS)
MR L. Hernández (BAL)
MR S. Myo (MEX)
SP H. Han (MEX)
CL M. Salas (BOS)
MR J. López (BAL)
CL J. LaRochelle (WAS)
LF J. Sosa (LON)
SS J. Salas (LON)
CF A. Méndez (IND)
C J. Guevara (IND)
3B V. González (IND)
RF A. Nixon (BAL)
2B A. Gutiérrez (BOS)
1B K. Shelton (WAS)
C C. Rosales (MEX)
CF J. Medrano (LON)
SS E. Ibarria (BOS)
SS J. Ortíz (LON)
RF J. Helms (BOS)
2B D. Martin (IND)
LF B. Alderdice (WAS)
LF S. Kim (BAL)


And these are the gifted players for the Republic League:


SP T. Rodríguez (ANN)
SP M. Vera (NY)
SP W. Ceriani (CLE)
SP E. Piña (CLE)
SP K. Cho (SPG)
SP Ú. Moiteiro (SPG)
CL G. Pajetta (NY)
CL M. Barnett (SPG)
MR W. Hall (CLE)
MR A. Gilbert (SPG)
SP J. Bernard (MAR)
MR N. Yamaguchi (VIR)
1B R. Sosa (SPG)
CF I. Guerrero (NY)
SS R. LaVergne (SPG)
LF R. Elliott (MAR)
3B B. Fields (ANN)
C W. Armstrong (CLE)
RF L. Ruíz (VIR)
2B K. Bailey (MAR)
C F. Navarro (ANN)
CF C. McNeely (ANN)
1B M. Boulanger (NY)
3B R. Stariczack (CLE)
1B R. Leyva (VIR)
LF M. Guerrero (ANN)
RF G. López (NY)
RF R. Flores (SPG)

[Alan T]

Believe it or not but Ignacio Guerrero is ahead of last year's home run pace. Right now he's on track to hit over 80 HRs!

[Alan T]

New York's Morrow Chosen June's Best in RL
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: The Pitcher of the Month has been chosen and the Republic League trophy went to New York hurler, Joe Morrow.

During the month, Morrow was impressive with a 2.52 ERA and 4 wins and 1 loss. In 39.1 innings he struck out 21 and gave up 33 hits and 11 walks.

This year Morrow has compiled a 9-5 record with a 4.91 ERA in 17 starts.

[Alan T]

CL's #1 Starter is Duval
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: Veteran Mathieu Duval put together quite a successful stretch in June for the London Bishops, earning himself the Continental League Pitcher of the Month award.

Duval racked up a 5-1 record in 7 starts, posting a 2.91 ERA over 46.1 innings and striking out 38.

This season-to-date, Duval has fashioned a 11-4 mark and 4.49 ERA in 132.1 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .249 against him and he has logged 92 strikeouts.

[Alan T]

Guerrero Wins RL Prize, Named Best Hitter in June
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: The Republic League Batter of the Month has been picked for June and the honor goes to the New York Legends Ignacio Guerrero.

He compiled a .313 batting average with 30 hits and 15 home runs, along with 37 RBIs and 30 runs scored.

Batting .299 to date, Guerrero has 41 home runs and 96 RBIs.

[spleen1015]

15 HR in 1 month? He's a scrub.

[Alan T]

Ortíz Wins Best Bat Award in June
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 30-year-old Juan Ortíz put together a solid offensive month for London and was crowned June's top batter in the Continental League.

He batted .463 with 2 home runs, 22 RBIs and 18 runs scored.



For the year Ortíz is batting .335 with 6 home runs, 48 RBIs and 46 runs scored.

[Alan T]

RL Chooses Rookie of the Month
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: Kifle Tahir is still a bit shy, but then, who could blame the newest Republic League Rookie of the Month honoree? He hasn't been around the league long enough to fully know the ropes yet, despite the fact that he's putting up veteran-like numbers.

In June the Virginia Beach hitter tagged opposing pitching for a .333 average with 28 hits, 1 home run and 6 RBIs.

Tahir is currently hitting at a .307 pace with 2 home runs, 29 RBIs and has scored 39 times.


Rookie of the Month Won by Anderson
Tuesday, July 1st, 1980: Dave Anderson was toddling around on his tricycle when some of the guys he's playing against were in their prime, but the 25-year-old catcher definitely knows how to get to first, second or beyond. Today he was chosen June's Continental League Rookie of the Month for his remarkable month of hitting.

In 20 games Anderson batted .349 for London, slapping 29 hits in 83 at-bats with no home runs, drove in 13 runs and scored 13 times.

This year Anderson is batting .280 with 68 hits and no home runs. He has scored 25 times and has batted in 28 runs.

[Alan T]

July 1st, 1980:

Continental League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 London Bishops 47 35 .573 - 48-34 -1 24-18 23-17 3-4 16-14 78 L2 8-2 Washington Freedom 44 38 .537 3.0 44-38 0 22-20 22-18 5-3 11-12 L1 7-3 Mexico City Aztecs 43 39 .524 4.0 41-41 2 21-19 22-20 5-2 12-10 W2 3-7 Balzac Ticklers 40 42 .488 7.0 39-43 1 21-19 19-23 2-2 13-12 W4 7-3 Indianapolis Clowns 37 45 .451 10.0 39-43 -2 20-19 17-26 4-5 11-16 W1 4-6 Boston Resettlers 35 47 .427 12.0 37-45 -2 21-22 14-25 3-6 12-11 L7 1-9

Republic League Standings

Team W L PCT GB Pyt.Rec Diff Home Away XInn 1Run M# Streak Last10 Spring Lions 50 32 .610 - 48-34 2 25-17 25-15 6-3 19-10 76 W3 7-3 New York Legends 45 37 .549 5.0 41-41 4 21-19 24-18 3-2 13-7 W1 5-5 Cleveland Naps 44 38 .537 6.0 45-37 -1 27-13 17-25 2-4 10-14 W2 7-3 Ann Arbor Wolverines 38 44 .463 12.0 43-39 -5 18-24 20-20 2-3 6-12 L2 4-6 Maricopa Rattlers 38 44 .463 12.0 39-43 -1 24-19 14-25 1-4 9-11 L1 4-6 Virginia Beach Surf 31 51 .378 19.0 30-52 1 18-21 13-30 5-3 13-16 L3 3-7

[Alan T]

League Leaders AVG R. LaVergne - SPG .368 2 J. Sosa LON .367 3 J. Medrano LON .358 4 R. Sosa SPG .351 5 E. Ibarria BOS .347	League Leaders HR I. Guerrero - NY 41 2 M. Boulanger NY 29 3 R. Sosa SPG 26 4 M. Guerrero ANN 24 5 R. Cook ANN 22	League Leaders RBI I. Guerrero - NY 96 2 R. Sosa SPG 89 3 R. Cook ANN 78 4 A. Nixon BAL 77 5 2 tied with 76
League Leaders W H. Arai - MEX 12 2 M. Duval LON 11 3 W. Ceriani CLE 10 3 Ú. Moiteiro SPG 10 3 T. Rodríguez ANN 10	League Leaders ERA C. Bardino - WAS 2.13 2 A. Tarungo WAS 2.52 3 E. Miller WAS 3.12 4 G. Suárez IND 3.29 4 J. Tanguay WAS 3.29	League Leaders K B. Kuhn - MEX 117 2 H. Arai MEX 113 3 T. White LON 96 4 M. Duval LON 92 5 2 tied with 91

[spleen1015]

Poof! There goes another season.

[Alan T]

Vicente González Wallops 3 Homers for Clowns
Wednesday, July 9th, 1980: Vicente González went on a hitting rampage at Clown Car today and got membership in the select club of hitters who have hit three home runs in a game. He walloped three into the stands to pace the Clowns to a 17-5 victory over the London Bishops.

The Indianapolis third baseman collected 3 hits in 4 at-bats, drove in 4 and scored 4 runs.

After his three-home run game he said this to the press: "I have been making solid contact lately, but not getting any lift. Today I got it up in the air and out of the ballpark. I had my home run swing down pat. Got some good pitches to hit, too."

V. González hit a solo-shot off M. Duval in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off M. Duval in the 2nd, walked in the 4th, flied out in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off A. Smith in the 6th and walked in the 8th.

This season González is batting .274 with 101 hits, 26 home runs, 58 RBIs, 54 walks, .369 OBP and has scored 78 runs. He has played in 90 games.

[gstelmack]

We really should not be this bad AGAIN. I think the patch broke my team...

[Alan T]

#300 for Guevara
Wednesday, July 9th, 1980: José Guevara circled the bases and raised his arm in triumph. He had finally hit his 300th home run. It was a homer for a lot of people: himself; his teammates past and present; his former managers and coaches; and especially his family, who sat near the plate cheering his every at-bat during the past few games.

Guevara spoke with BNN and said, "I knew number 300 would come sooner or later. I had to keep reminding myself, 'Relax, relax, just let it happen, let it happen.' And it finally did."

His milestone homer came in the Indianapolis Clowns 17-5 win over the London Bishops. Guevara went 2 for 4 in the game, scored 1 run, and batted in 1.

Guevara boasts a lifetime batting average of .295 with 1681 hits, 300 homers, 906 runs scored and 1045 RBIs.

[Alan T]

Leyva Slams 3 Deep for Virginia Beach
Saturday, July 12th, 1980: It was a day for the record book for Virginia Beach first baseman Roberto Leyva. He walloped three out of Legends Ballpark against the Legends. But not even a three-homer game could prevent the Surf from losing 11-10 to New York today.

"We threw some good pitches and they hit 'em... we made some bad pitches and they hit 'em. That's a good strategy for losing ballgames," the Virginia Beach skipper quipped after the loss.

Leyva celebrated nonetheless as his name will now be added to the league archives. He was 3-5 for the day, batting in 5 runs and scoring 3 times.

"I never, ever thought I would hit three home runs," Leyva said. "I hit three home runs once when I was 12 in Little League and I thought that was going to be the last time."

R. Leyva struck out in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off I. Ordóñez in the 3rd, flied out in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off K. Takeuchi in the 7th and hit a two-run home run off G. Pajetta in the 9th.

So far this season Leyva is batting .316 with 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and 53 runs scored. He has 122 hits in 386 at-bats, 29 walks and a .368 OBP. Leyva has played in 93 games.

[Alan T]

Cook Rocks Rattlers for 3 HRs
Monday, July 28th, 1980: Fans seated in the bleacher section at Rattlers Ballpark were taking cover all day long as Ryan Cook took aim, rattling three long blasts off the seats in a display of Herculean power. Days like this are rare. After his amazing performance in Cleveland's 22-7 triumph over the Maricopa Rattlers, the second baseman's name will soon be added into the record books.

He told reporters at the postgame press conference, "I told myself not to press on the last one. I knew I couldn't force it... that it has to be a nice easy swing."

For the game he collected 3 hits in 5 at-bats, batted in 7 and scored 3 runs.

R. Cook hit a two-run home run off G. Sánchez in the 1st, grounded out in the 4th, hit a three-run home run off J. Reyes in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off R. Ramos in the 6th, grounded out in the 8th and flied out in the 9th.

Cook is hitting .296 this season with 30 home runs, 99 RBIs and 83 runs scored. He has 123 hits in 415 at-bats.

[Alan T]

Suárez Whitewashes Freedom
Thursday, July 31st, 1980: Gabriel Suárez of the Indianapolis Clowns really zeroed in on Washington hitters at Memorial Stadium, blanking them 11-0 on 1 hit. Suárez struck out 11, and gave up no walks in defeating the Freedom.

This season Suárez has fanned 102 in 148 innings and collected a 12-5 record with a 3.53 ERA.

[Tasan]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

We really should not be this bad AGAIN. I think the patch broke my team...

That must be the reason I'm doing so well. I haven't patched that last final patch yet.