An APBA Baseball Resurrection: Cutthroat Baseball

If you are old enough, and you followed sports and baseball, and maybe you played table-top baseball games in your youth, you may have come across a magazine article in a popular (for the time) sports magazine, about a 4-team, draft APBA Baseball league played between 4 friends in their 30’s, now well into their careers, lives, marriages, and the general ups and downs of life.

The article I am referring to, “Cutthroat Baseball”, appeared in the October, 1977 issue of Sport magazine, featuring Rod Carew on the cover.  Written by one of the four league members (and an editor for Sport magazine at the time), Roger Director, you can read the actual Sport magazine article here:  ( Part 1 and Part 2 ).

I could say this article shaped my fascination with sports simulation games, as I was just 11 years old when I first read this article.  In 1977, I still had not purchased a stat based table top sports game.  I had an “ABC Monday Night Talking Football” game,

as well as one of the old Coleco table-top hockey games where you control the individual players, and puck and goalie, using the rods which run up-and-down the ice rink.

And I played my own 2-dice baseball game, where you added the 2 dice and the result was (if my memory serves me right): 2-triple, 3-walk, 4-K, 5-out, 6-single, 7-out, 8-out, 9-out. 10-out, 11-double, 12-HR.  Who the player was at-bat did not matter, they all had the same probability to hit a homer, to get a hit, etc.  Reading the Sport magazine article, made me realize, there were games out there which would statistically represent each player with probability, etc.

When the baseball publications came out later in winter/early spring of 1978, I was now determined to look at a few different table top baseball games, and with some lawn mowing money, make a purchase.  I had mailed away for 2 different game brochures:  APBA Baseball and Strat-o-Matic Baseball.  Both game brochures captured my imagination.

While I had read the “Cutthroat Baseball” article in Sport magazine which described the APBA Baseball game in use, each of the game brochures I now had in my hand, had sold me on the fact that I needed to purchase A game.  The price of each game was the same.  By the summer of ’78, I recall asking my dad to write out the check.  $14.50 was the price I paid, for my first APBA Baseball game.  My dad, while not a fervent sports fan as I was, was never one to get in the way of a good hobby.  Besides, he knew I was using my lawn mowing money to help pay for it.

The above game is from the same time, showing the $14.50 on the smaller box, but is not my game.

What is left of my original game box …

The game included the complete 1977 season card set (I did not order the XB’s until later).  For the remainder of the summer of ’78, I was in heaven, playing my favorite 1977 Minnesota Twins, and marveling at all the homers that the ’77 Boston Red Sox were hitting, and all of the batters who were whiffing vs Nolan Ryan (AXYW) of the ’77 California Angels.

By the end of the summer of ’78, I was hooked.  Suddenly, the “Cutthroat Baseball” article in my October 1977 issue of Sport magazine made all the sense in the world to me.  I understood exactly what each of the 4 “managers/GM’s” in Roger Director’s league felt and experienced by playing in such a league.  How could this not be fun!?!

From the drafting of players, to the reasons why this team needed this player, with these skills, to the rolling of the dice as they played their season, game by game.  Roger Director’s article captured the nuances and the excitement, which their periodic gatherings at Bennie’s apartment, brought to life … the games, the interaction, the arguments, the “thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat”!

Their league, to the reader, became an APBA version of another real-life baseball league … some fringe league, but each team had current MLB players (the cards based on the 1976 MLB season stats).  This league’s cast of characters had one of Roger’s buddies, Bennie, reigning 3-time champ, managing the Dayton Grits whose roster included the likes of Larry Hisle, John Mayberry, Manny Sanguillen, Larry Bowa, Bake McBride and Tom Seaver.  Another friend, Mark Cosgrove, managed the New York Highlanders with Catfish Hunter as the ace pitcher.  The Rahway Rocketmen were managed by friend, Jack Randazzo.  The Rocketmen featured Willie Stargell and Davey Lopes.  The one roster where you know the majority of the players, was Roger Director’s Vinton Hybrids.  His team included Joe Morgan, Thurman Munson, Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, Bobby Grich, Jim Palmer, and Luis Tiant, among others.

A nice, concise, 4-team league, where each team’s roster is filled with stars, or top-end players.

It sure would be nice to know how long their league stayed together …

TCABT-XII is in the books!

30 entrants for TCABT-XII, held Saturday, October 5th, 2019 in Maple Grove, MN.

With 30 teams participating in TCABT-XII, another 153 tournament games were rolled, bringing the TCABT all-time games rolled total to 1487.  Of the 30 teams entered, exactly half, 15, were teams being used for the first time in TCABT history.  And of the 30 entrants, 4 entrants were newcomers to the TCABT scene:  Richard Golden, Jerry Jacobs, Tom McHenry, and Don Shreve.

8 states, were represented by the 30 entrants (10 from out-of-state).

From Florida:  Gordon Rodell

From Illinois:  Eric Berg

From Kansas:  Marty Lee

From Maryland:  Richard Golden

From Missouri:  George Adams and Jeff Boeding

From Texas:  Don Shreve

From Wisconsin:  Kurt Bergland, Craig Christian and Alec Otto

From Minnesota:  The remaining 20 entrants

<<< DIVISION RESULTS >>>

CATCHER DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1948 INDIANS (ROB SKOGEN)	7	2	48	31	17
1994 INDIANS (BEN LOFGREN)	4	5	35	33	2
1960 PIRATES (TOM MCHENRY)	4	5	46	43	3
1988 METS (PHIL GERAFFO)	3	6	34	56	-22
TOTALS	18	18	163	163	0

Clockwise from left:  Tom McHenry (1960 Pirates), Rob Skogen (1948 Indians), Ben Lofgren (1994 Indians), and Phil Geraffo (1988 Mets).

 

 

1ST-BASE DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1978 DODGERS (KEVIN CLUFF)	7	2	53	36	17
1922 BROWNS (DEVIN HILL)	6	3	34	27	7
2014 ORIOLES (RICHARD GOLDEN)	3	6	34	45	-11
1999 BLUE JAYS (BARRY BOEVERS)	2	7	39	52	-13
TOTALS	18	18	160	160	0

In the library, clockwise from lower-left:  Barry Boevers (1999 Blue Jays), Kevin Cluff (1978 Dodgers), Richard Golden (2014 Orioles, hidden behind lamp) and Devin Hill (1922 Browns).

Kevin Cluff awaits his next opponent …

 

3RD-BASE DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1904 GIANTS (DARRELL SHREVE)	6	3	45	41	4
1951 DODGERS (BRUCE TYLER)	4	5	42	38	4
1995 INDIANS (LEROY ARNOLDI)	4	5	36	35	1
2017 YANKEES (DAVE DRUK)	4	5	43	52	-9
TOTALS	18	18	166	166	0

In the basement, familiar foes meet early in division play, clockwise from lower left: Leroy Arnoldi (1995 Indians), Darrell Shreve (1904 Giants), Dave Druk (2017 Yankees) and Bruce Tyler (1951 Dodgers).

 

 

SHORTSTOP DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
2004 CARDINALS (DARRELL SKOGEN)	5	4	45	38	7
2018 YANKEES (GARY BORTHWICK)	5	4	45	38	7
1968 TIGERS (FRED JOHNSON)	5	4	41	42	-1
2018 BREWERS (CRAIG CHRISTIAN)	3	6	21	34	-13
TOTALS	18	18	152	152	0

Note, with the 3-way tie for 1st place in the Shortstop division, run differential was used as the 1st tie-breaker, which eliminated only Fred Johnson and his 1968 Tigers (note, see postmortem write-up by Fred at the end of this blog post).  Darrell Skogen and Gary Borthwick wound up in a tie-breaker, 1-game playoff, which Darrell’s 2004 Cardinals won over the 2018 Yankees.

Gary Borthwick (2018 Yankees) on left, vs Darrell Skogen (2004 Cardinals) on right.

An early division round meeting between Craig Christian (2018 Brewers) on left, and Gary Borthwick (2018 Yankees) on right.

Fred Johnson (1968 Tigers) vs Gary Borthwick (2018 Yankees).

 

LEFT-FIELD DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1921 GIANTS (JEFF BOEDING)	6	3	48	34	14
2018 DODGERS (JERRY JACOBS)	6	3	35	28	7
2018 RED SOX (GORDON RODELL)	4	5	38	47	-9
2015 ROYALS (GEORGE ADAMS)	2	7	25	37	-12
TOTALS	18	18	146	146	0

Jeff Boeding and his 1921 Giants managed to win the division by having a 2-1 record vs Jerry Jacobs’ 2018 Dodgers.

Left-Field Division round action featuring, clockwise, from left:  George Adams (2015 Royals), Jeff Boeding (1921 Giants), Gordon Rodell (2018 Red Sox) and Jerry Jacobs (2018 Dodgers).

 

 

CENTER-FIELD DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE)	7	2	50	36	14
2009 ROCKIES (ALEC OTTO)	5	4	38	34	4
1990 REDS (GARTH ANDERSEN)	4	5	36	37	-1
1970 REDS (JIM FRAASCH)	2	7	23	40	-17
TOTALS	18	18	147	147	0

Action just starting to heat up in the Center-Field Division, with the dueling lego dice towers, clockwise from left:  Alec Otto (2009 Rockies), Jim (1970 Reds), Don Shreve (1911 Giants) and Garth Andersen (1990 Reds).

 

 

UTILITY DIVISION	W	L	R	OR	RDIFF
1980 DODGERS (KURT BERGLAND)	8	1	46	21	25
1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER)	6	3	24	30	-6
2013 RED SOX (ERIC BERG)	4	5	25	22	3
1964 WHITE SOX (MARTY LEE)	4	5	34	43	-9
1988 DODGERS (DAVID JONES)	3	6	25	30	-5
2016 CUBS (PAT MARTIN)	2	7	23	31	-8
TOTALS	27	27	177	177	0

With 2 late drops prior to tourney day, the previously named 2nd-Base Division and Right-field Division were merged into one, 6-team division, called the Utility Division.  Because there were 6 teams (compared to 4 in the other 6 divisions), we had the top 2 teams qualify for bracket play from this division, to round out the 8 team bracket play field.

In the 6-team Utility Division, Marty Lee (1964 White Sox) on left, Pat Martin (2016 Cubs) on right.

 

More from the Utility Division, in view, background, Kurt Bergland (1980 Dodgers) on left, Pat Martin on right.  Foreground, clockwise from middle left, Dave Norlander (1938 Yankees), Eric Berg (2013 Red Sox) and Marty Lee (back).

 

4 on the porch, clockwise from left, Marty Lee, Eric Berg, Kurt Bergland and David Jones (1988 Dodgers).

 

Eventual TCABT-XII champion, Dave Norlander on left, Pat Martin on right.

 

<<< 8 – TEAM BRACKET ROUND RESULTS >>>

Seed	QUARTER-FINALS	G1	G2	G3	SERIES
1	1980 DODGERS (KURT BERGLAND)	1	1	8	1
	vs
8	1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER)	0	2	10	2
2	1948 INDIANS (ROB SKOGEN)	9	8		2
	vs
7	2004 CARDINALS (DARRELL SKOGEN)	8	7		0
3	1978 DODGERS (KEVIN CLUFF)	5	2		0
	vs
6	1904 GIANTS (DARRELL SHREVE)	6	4		2
4	1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE)	8	1	5	2
	vs
5	1921 GIANTS (JEFF BOEDING)	5	4	4	1

Quarter-Finals, in action foreground:  Don Shreve (1911 Giants) vs Jeff Boeding (1921 Giants.  Background:  Kevin Cluff (1978 Dodgers) vs Darrell Shreve (1904 Giants).

More Quarter-Final action with Rob Skogen (1948 Indians) on left vs his uncle, Darrell Skogen (2004 Cardinals), on right.

Quarter-Final’in on the Pennant Porch, Dave Norlander (1938 Yankees) on left vs George Adams (filling in for Kurt Bergland who had to leave, 1980 Dodgers).

 

Seed	SEMI-FINALS	G1	G2	G3	SERIES
2	1948 INDIANS (ROB SKOGEN)	1	4		0
	vs
8	1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER)	6	6		2
4	1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE)	7	0	7	2
	vs
6	1904 GIANTS (DARRELL SHREVE)	1	3	4	1

In one Semi-Final, Dave Norlander and his 1938 Yankees battle Rob Skogen and his 1948 Indians.

In the other Semi-Final, 2 brothers with 2 Giants teams, Don Shreve (1911 Giants) faces off with his brother Darrell Shreve (1904 Giants).

 

Seed	TCABT-XII CHAMPIONSHIP	G1	G2	G3	SERIES
4	1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE)	7	5	2	1
	vs
8	1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER)	2	6	4	2

Survival of the fittest!  The championship series featured newcomer, Don Shreve and his 1911 Giants (on left) vs TCABT veteran, Dave Norlander and his 1938 Yankees (on right).  In the background, Jeff Boeding handles the game booklet as play goes on …

Dave Norlander pens the exciting finish:

“In the championship round 1938 Yankees faced  the 1911 NY Giants with their 3 A starters and speed demons.  Mathewson is an AYZZ, and in the
1st game the Yankees (with 4 guys with 6 14’s) couldn’t get anybody on base against Mathewson.  A 7-2 loss to the Giants.  Facing elimination
down 3-0 in the bottom of the 8th to the AYZ Crandall the Yankees exploded.  Gordon walked, Selkirk tripled.  Little used Bill Knickerbocker
(with four 8’s) pinch hit for Myril Hoag…44-8! base hit.  Crosetti followed with a double to tie the game.  Henrich and Gehrig went out and
with Crosetti on 3B Dimaggio walked.  Bill Dickey rolled a 33-5!  3 run homer for the winning runs.  A 6 run 8th.

Championship game Crosetti homers in the top of the 3rd.  Gordon hit a SF in the 6th to make it 2-0 Yankees. Giants scored in the bottom 
of the 6th on a “Laughing Larry” Doyle SF.  Top of the 8th Gordon doubled Red Rolfe to third with 1 out….Knickerbocker whiffed.
With 2 outs Crosetti rolled a 22-8….a 2 run single for a 4-1 lead.  Lefty Gomez relieved Bump  Hadley and proceed to give up an 
RBI single to Fred Snodgrass to make it 4-2.  Art Wilson flew out to end the game…….A championship for the 1938 Yankees!
Frank Crosetti was named Championship round MVP with his HR and 3 RBI in game 3.
Spud Chandler (a BZ) was named my tournament Cy Young going 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA.

Overall the Yankees finished 12-5 with my ace, Red Ruffing (AYZ), going 2-4 with a 3.48 ERA.
The other 4 B starters went 10-1 with a 3.38 ERA.  Ruffing received only 1 run of support
in the 4 losses.”

A hearty CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! to Dave Norlander, who has been to the finals, twice previously, once with the 1938 Yankees, but came up just short.  3rd-time was a charm for Dave!

TCABT-XII Finalists, Dave Norlander on left, Don Shreve on right.

Jim congratulating TCABT-XII Champion, Dave Norlander … note his vice grip on the October Trophy … we might not be getting this one back!

Meanwhile, the runner-up, Don Shreve, Darrell Shreve’s brother from Texas, making the most of his trip to Minnesota, and surviving into the championship round with his 1911 Giants, before losing to Dave’s ’38 Yankees.  My 1970 Reds opened the tournament, with a 3-game series vs Don’s 1911 Giants.  While my ’70 Reds managed to take 1 of the 3 games, it was the start of a bad day for my Reds, but a long and fruitful day for Don’s Giants.  No one could have predicted a meeting between brothers, Don and Darrell Shreve in the Semi-Finals of TCABT-XII.  Rumor has it, they spent the previous day rolling some warm up games using the 1953 Dodgers and Yankees.

Congrats to the 8 making the bracket play portion of the tourney.  And to the other 22, it was fun from start to finish.  Some new faces, and mostly familiar faces.

I also want to take the time to say “THANK YOU” to Terry Borthwick, for taking all of the wonderful pictures of the action on Saturday.  Terry had offered to fill in for a late drop, but she ended up as our dedicated photographer for the day, what she had originally intended to do.

Some “highlights” and “lowlights” during the 153 games rolled this past Saturday:

• Wei-Yin Chen had pitched no-hit ball for 6 innings, but then gave up 5 straight hits  for the 2014 Orioles (Richard Golden).
• From the Champion, 1938 Yankees (Dave Norlander), Red Ruffing (AYZ) was 2-4 on the day, where the Yankees scored just 1 total run in those 4 losses.  His other “B” starters went 10-1 on the day.  Spud Chandler was 4-0 with a 2.00 ERA.   The team hit just .187.  In winning the championship, the Yankees went 12-5, but had only a +1 run diff in the 17 games, 61-60.  6 of the 12 wins were by 1 run.
• Joe McGinnity was 4-0 for the 1904 Giants (Darrell Shreve).  Pitching 2 shutouts in those 4 wins.  Meanwhile, Christy Mathewson went 2-2 and gave up 26 runs in 34 innings pitched.  CF Sam Mertes drove in 15 runs, and threw 2 runners out at the plate.
• The 1960 Pirates (Tom McHenry) won their first 4 games of the day, but then lost their last 5, to finish 4-5.  The 1960 Pirates blasted 16 homers in 9 games.  Lead-off hitter, Bill Virdon had a big day, going 13 for 39, with 3 homers, 4 singles, 2 doubles, 4 triples, 8 runs, and 4 RBIs.
• The 1922 Browns (Devin Hill) saw Tobin hit .390.  Entering game 7 of 9 in division play, the ’22 Browns were tied with the 1978 Dodgers (Kevin Cluff) for first place in their division at 5-1.  The 1978 Dodgers overcame the 1922 Browns in a low-scoring extra inning game that went 11 innings.  The ’78 Dodgers won the series 2 games to 1, to advance as the division champ.
• The 2018 Dodgers (Jerry Jacobs) saw his team thrive on XBH, with 24 singles and 36 XBH in the 9 division games.  In 2 of Jerry’s wins, they never had a single.  6 hits in each of those games, all for XBH.  Puig was the star of the Dodgers, hitting .457, hitting 6 homers, including 3 in one game vs the 2015 Royals, where the final homer was a 2-run walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th.  The Dodgers finished tied for the division lead with a 6-3 record, but lost out on the head-to-head tie-breaker with Jeff Boeding’s 1921 Giants.
• The 2018 Red Sox (Gordon Rodell) had a pretty bad day on both sides of the ball.  In 9 games, just 4 HR for the powerful team.  For their 9 starts, the starting staff ERA was 6.39.
• The 1970 Reds (Jim) did not come close to expectations as the entire lineup seemingly forgot they had 9 games to play this day.  Hitters 3 thru 7, batted a collective .171, with an OBP of .212 and a SLG of .335.  They drove in a whopping 13 RBI among them.  In all, the Reds batted just .210 as a team, and hit just 8 homers in the 9 games.  Light-hitting, Jim Stewart, led the team with 5 RBI from the 8th position in the batting order.  The Reds scored 23 runs in the 9 games.
• The 1948 Indians (Rob Skogen), out-scored his opponents in division play, 51-30, finishing a division best, 7-3.  Bob Feller finished division play with a 3-0 record and a 1.33 ERA, allowing just 1 HR.  Rob has asked us to forget Bob’s playoff performance, where he surrendered 10 runs and gave up 5 homers in 2 starts.  Judnich posted the following stat line:  .348/.576/.435.  Rob also noted that when he had the 1948 Indians in TCABT-VIII, he had used the old GTOP version (this time he used the new version with 3 A starters).  Coincidentally, that ’48 Indians team also finished 7-3 in division play, with 53 runs scored and 34 allowed, almost matching this tourney’s performance!
• The 1994 Indians (Ben Lofgren) finished 4-5, and had lost 4 consecutive 1-run games, 3 as walk-offs.  They did manage to win their last 3 games.  Manny Ramirez slugged 5 homers with 12 RBI.  On the flip-side, Jim Thome batted .059, 2 hits, both were homers, and 17 K’s.
• The 2018 Brewers (Craig Christian) assisted in ruining the day for the 1968 Tigers (Fred Johnson), a collapse Fred knows all to well.  Fred’s ’68 Tigers were leading Craig’s 2018 Brewers, 5-1, in the final division game of the day for the 2 teams.  A win for the ’68 Tigers would mean Fred advancing to the Bracket play round.  A loss, would mean a 3-way tie, which would have to be decided by total run differential, as the 1st tie-breaker.  Craig’s 2018 Brew Crew rallied big time, in the top of the 9th, trailing Denny McLain (A&B), 5-1, by scoring 5 runs, including a 3-run bomb by Eric Thames, the go ahead hit at the time.  There is a rather vivid account of the game in Fred’s semi-annual write-up (posted below) …

 

Last but not least, to help put TCABT-XII to bed, none other than another “postmortem” written by Minnesota Historian, the esteemed, Fred Johnson.  His 1968 Tigers, “eliminated” in EPIC fashion, in the regular division play round.  You will have to read to believe how it all went down …

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Where is Albert Pujols? A TCABT Tourney Mystery

By Fred Johnson, Senior APBA Correspondent

Under the pressure of an ongoing rain and wind storm, Tournament Director Jim Fraasch, a skilled executive but perennial also-ran as a competitor, ordered deployment of Skogen Field’s costly convertible roof just minutes before the first pitch in the October 5 Twin Cities ABT-XII tournament. Tourney CFO and host, Darrell Skogen, a wealthy entrepreneurial educator, had recently installed the system thus guaranteeing no interruptions of baseball action.

As usual the TCABT baseball series, now in its twelve season, drew competitors from across the United States and Wisconsin [This editor knows Wisconsin is recognized as one of the United States, however, Mr. Johnson chose to list Wisconsin this way for effect … the “competitors” are listed after intro paragraph in this blog post – Ed.].

Darrell Skogen immediately enmeshed himself in controversy as the action opened. He ordered his 2004 St. Louis Cards to take the field only to find slugger Albert Pujols, his cleanup hitter, had mysteriously disappeared. What appeared to be an internal contract dispute with tight-fisted management made All-Star Albert a no-show. The desperate Skogen pleaded for time, his savvy opponent, but Fred Johnson wily manager of 1968 Detroit Tigers, wasn’t having it. Johnson growled, “Quit stalling and play ball.”

Ignoring Johnson’s reasonable suggestion, Skogen continued to scour the field and, in a clear violation of the banned “stop and frisk” laws, finally discovered the Pujols card in the back pocket of the fashionable Johnson’s designer jeans. “Must have blown in there before the dome got in place,” explained the coach. Outraged by the violation of his Fourth Amendment right against “unreasonable search and seizure,” the Tiger manager offered a compelling legal defense. Skogen shamefully ignored the US Constitution and began rolling.

Justice prevailed as Tigers took the series thanks to the psyched-out Pujols, clearly unhinged by what his hyperbolic manager labeled a “kidnapping.” Al went one-for-seven in the first two games. Facing disaster, Skogen then grabbed some dice from a locked container at his feet—hmmmm—leading Albert to rally in game three. He hit for the cycle—a  three-run homer included—in a Cards victory. Johnson generously decided not to challenge the spurious die.

In other bracket play, meanwhile, the 1980 Dodgers (Kurt Bergland), 1938 Yankees (Dave Norlander), 1948 Indians (Rob Skogen), 1978 Dodgers (Kevin Cluff), 1904 Giants (Darrell Shreve), 1911 Giants (Don Shreve) and 1921 Giants (Jeff Boeding) advanced. They awaited Fred Johnson’s Tigers who had stormed past Darrell Skogen and Gary Borthwick—his 2018 Yanks won game three with suspicious back-to-back-to-back 66 rolls that resulted in three homers and victory—that, and a Yank win in game two, somewhat slowed Johnson.

Now only crestfallen Craig Christian and his hapless, hopeless, helpless 2018 Brewers remained to enter Skogen’s Coliseum and throw themselves to the Lions (fans of metaphor will agree Tigers/Lions are about same thing). The pitiful Brew Crew, sensational failures in early play, opted to stay in clubhouse playing poker. Team doctors could barely detect a heartbeat in the justifiably depressed Christian, but his tearful entreaties finally got Brewers on the field. To their credit the Brew Crew actually scored a run their first loss and thrilled their field boss by managing to score twice in a game two slaughter.

Johnson chilled the champagne while his 31-game winner Denny McLain and his A&B, YYYZZZ rating, manned the mound for the deciding contest. The Tigers gave Denny a 5-0 lead by the third frame, triggering victory celebrations in the Detroit dugout. Other APBA managers in the area passed by to study Johnson’s winning coaching techniques and to pay homage to his instinctual baseball knowledge. Johnson smiled modestly and provided a few autographs as he filled out his lineup card for the Quarter-Final Round. Talk of Johnson as Manager of the Year was in the air.

Mgr. Johnson chuckled as Christian Yelich punched a fourth inning cream puff thrown by the bored McLain, now pitching left handed, over the right field wall. Johnson was finishing a nap as McLain took the hill, leading 5-1 in the ninth. A leadoff walk and the first out came quickly. A second walk brought Johnson, carrying a beer and two dogs—or was it two beers and one hot dog—from the clubhouse. An error by sure-handed Norm Cash, meanwhile, brought in a second run and a following rbi single from Steve Braun made the count 5-3. Two men were still on.

“Okay, Denny, let’s get serious,” ordered the Tigers’ confident field general. Eric Thames then got hold of McLain’s next two-seamer launching it skyward. With an exit speed clocked at 180 mph, the ball blasted a hole in the convertible roof before disappearing forever into the clouds. Witnessing this shocking development, a gratified yet generous Darrell Skogen, comforted the shaken Johnson: “It looks like you still might advance to the second round,” he smiled. Skogen, still angry about the earlier Pujols disappearance knew the Tigers were toast, relished the situation. He was now advancing to the next round, not Johnson.

But the Tigers now contrite boss missed the Skogen sarcasm, and, with his mouth filled with bits of McLain’s APBA card that he had shredded and was trying to swallow, mumbled gratefully, “Thaampks Dryrllll.”

The late Dave Norlander—no, Dave thankfully has not passed, the storm kept him for reaching the ballpark on time—won the championship with his 1938 Yanks. He eliminated Kurt Bergland’s 1980 Dodgers in the three-game Quarter-Finals, swept Rob Skogen’s ’48 Indians in the Semis, and rallied to stop Don Shreve’s aging but effective 1911 NY Giants in the finals. The Giants took the opener 7-2 before losing to the Yanks 6-5 and 4-2.

All that was secondary, of course, to yet another debacle for the APBA’s Johnson whose quest to actually get into the second round of a TCABT tournament looks as likely as a Twins sweep of the Yankees in post-season play. He was already planning to come late for the spring tourney.

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Given the directive from APBA Game Co., for all regional tourneys, TCABT in our 12th tourney, raised money per the APBA Game Co/Regional Tournament request for ALS in the name of Randy Walker.  We are very blessed to have the group of guys we have, as our donations totaled $1759.00.  This cause happened to hit home with TCABT and Darrell Skogen, whose wife died from ALS years ago.  Darrell had a lot to do with how we ended up raising $1759.00.  Darrell issued a challenge early on, vowing to “match” the initial amount raised.  Thank you Darrell, and way to go TCABT!  Our best wishes and support to Randy and Lisa Walker!

The Neil Ess Memorial Twin Cities APBA Baseball Tournament is always looking to expand the roster of willing managers … check in with us to see what the fuss is all about!

TCABT-XIII is scheduled for next April, Saturday the 4th, 2020.

TCABT-XII … ready, set, go!

TCABT-XII is just around the corner.  Saturday, Oct 5th, 2019.  Not only will the MLB Playoffs be in full gear, so will 32 APBA Baseball enthusiasts, having their sites set on the October TCABT trophy.

With 32 teams entered, we have randomly divided the teams into 8, 4-team divisions, who will each play a 9-game division schedule.  The 8 division winners will advance to the best-of-three Quarter-Final Bracket Round, and play until we crown our TCABT-XII champion late into the afternoon/early evening.

Here is the division layout:

TCABT-XII

Saturday, October 5th, 2019

CATCHER DIVISION

1994 INDIANS (BEN LOFGREN)

1988 METS (PHIL GERAFFO)

1960 PIRATES (TOM MCHENRY)

1948 INDIANS (ROB SKOGEN)

1ST-BASE DIVISION

1999 BLUE JAYS (BARRY BOEVERS)

1978 DODGERS (KEVIN CLUFF)

2014 ORIOLES (RICHARD GOLDEN)

1922 BROWNS (DEVIN HILL)

2ND-BASE DIVISION

1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER)

1969 ORIOLES (CHRIS KAUFMAN)

2013 RED SOX (ERIC BERG)

1988 DODGERS (DAVID JONES)

3RD-BASE DIVISION

1951 DODGERS (BRUCE TYLER)

1904 GIANTS (DARRELL SHREVE)

2017 YANKEES (DAVE DRUK)

1995 INDIANS (LEROY ARNOLDI)

SHORTSTOP DIVISION

2018 YANKEES (GARY BORTHWICK)

1968 TIGERS (FRED JOHNSON)

2004 CARDINALS (DARRELL SKOGEN)

2018 BREWERS (CRAIG CHRISTIAN)

LEFT-FIELD DIVISION

2018 RED SOX (GORDON RODELL)

2015 ROYALS (GEORGE ADAMS)

2018 DODGERS (JERRY JACOBS)

1921 GIANTS (JEFF BOEDING)

CENTER-FIELD DIVISION

2009 ROCKIES (ALEC OTTO)

1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE)

1970 REDS (JIM FRAASCH)

1990 REDS (GARTH ANDERSEN)

RIGHT-FIELD DIVISION

1964 WHITE SOX (MARTY LEE)

1980 DODGERS (KURT BERGLAND)

1906 CUBS (TERRY BORTHWICK)

2016 CUBS (PAT MARTIN)

Gary Borthwick, our last October champion, with his 1998 Yankees in TCABT-X.

APBA’view: Charlie Fouche

Charlie Fouche (Homestead Grays jersey) receiving his APBA Hall of Fame plaque from fellow HOF’er, Greg Wells (Padres jersey), June of 2018.

Kevin Cluff had been corresponding with SABR member and APBA Hall of Fame inductee, Charlie Fouche, who runs the Negro League site dedicated to APBA Baseball card offerings based on Negro League teams of the past.  (These card sets are offered under approval from APBA Game Co., where 100% of proceeds are donated to the Negro League foundations and charities).  Kevin asked me if I had interviewed Charlie Fouche, and of course I had not, but after a few texts back and forth, I asked Kevin if he wouldn’t mind doing an interview with Charlie via text, and providing the feedback so that I could post the interview.  So thanks to Kevin for making this latest “APBA’view” possible, with Charlie.

Onto the interview with Charlie Fouche …

Jimsapbabarn question #1:  Tell us about yourself, your youth, etc (outside of APBA)?

Charlie Fouche:  I was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 25^th, 1960. Growing up in the Jacksonville area, I played baseball and football. My high school baseball team (William Marion Raines High School) included Vince Coleman.

I played college football at the University of Florida under head coach Charley Pell.

I received a BS in journalism from the University of Florida, and worked as a sportswriter and editor for seven years.

Later I received a Master of Divinity, a Doctorate of Theology, a Doctor of Education and a Doctor of Biblical Studies.

I have been teaching for the past 20 years or so, the last seven at an alternative high school. I have used the APBA Baseball Game to teach probability in mathematics.

Jimsapbabarn question #2:  When/how did you discover APBA?

Charlie Fouche:  I first played APBA with my brother and neighborhood kids in approximately 1973. I have played the APBA baseball, hockey, football, saddle racing and golf games.

I would like to say something about John Herson. When John heard that I was using APBA Baseball to teach students, he loaded me up with product that I never requested.

When I showed John my KNLBA cards (see Charlie’s website) and told him I was giving the money to charities, he wholeheartedly endorsed them and gave his permission to sell them without compensating APBA monetarily (meaning more money can go to the charities).

I know it is common knowledge that John Herson saved APBA, but few people know about his gracious heart. Yes, he saved APBA, and he turned it into a family more than a business.

 

Jimsapbabarn question #3:   How and when did your connection to Negro League Baseball begin?

Charlie Fouche:  My connection to the Negro Leagues goes back to my youth, growing up in Jacksonville, Florida. While attending games at the Myrtle Avenue Ballpark (Now named J. P. Small Memorial Stadium) I heard the older men talk about the players who had played there in the past. I listened, asked questions and learned of the tremendous history of the African-American Baseball Players who once played there, but were prevented from competing in Major League Baseball. I grew to love these players and I always wanted to do something to help get these great players their due attention and respect.

I created the “Keeping Negro League Baseball Alive” (KNLBA) project (see Charlie’s website) to educate casual fans about the great level of baseball that was played by the Negro League players. I created APBA-like cards that show the incredible skill sets of these great players. I sell these cards, and give all proceeds to Negro League charities and foundations (one of which is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum).

 

Jimsapbabarn question #4:   Did you get a chance to meet any of the Negro League Players for whom you have made cards?

Charlie Fouche:  I have been able to talk to many of them by phone, over the years. Satchel Paige, Buck Leonard and James “Cool Papa” Bell, for example.

I have met family members of the players at card shows and similar type of events.

However, one of the greatest players I have ever had the privilege to meet and converse with in person was Ray Dandridge.

Ray Dandridge played for (among others) the Newark Dodgers (1934-1935) and the Newark Eagles (1936-1938, 1942, 1944). The Eagles featured the “Million Dollar Infield” that included Dandridge (3B), Willie Wells (SS), Dick Seay (2B), and George Suttles (1B). Dandridge primarily finished his career in Mexico only coming back to the Eagles in 1942 and again 1944.

According to a Sports Illustrated Article (July 6, 1987 – Nichols Dawidoff) , Bill Veeck had reached out to Dandridge offering a chance to integrate the American League with the Cleveland Indians. Dandridge ultimately turned down the chance to come back to America to play. Dandridge did not want to uproot his family from their home in Mexico, where he felt they were loved and his playing skill was appreciated.

When I met Ray Dandridge, I was struck by his humility. You have to remember, Dandridge was a great hitter, and Monte Irvin said Dandridge was the best defensive third-basemen he ever saw. And yet, while I was with Dandridge, he continually redirected attention from himself to others in the group, extolling their accomplishments and abilities.

When I called him by his nickname, “Hooks”, however, his face lit up and he beamed at me. It was a great moment for me.

Oh, why was his nickname “Hooks”?  He received that nickname (and other similar ones, like “Squat”) because of his legs. Ray Dandridge had short, bowed legs. His legs looked like he was standing on hooks, and he always looked like he was in a sort of a squatting position. It was said you could run a train through his legs but you could never get a ground ball through them!

Jimsapbabarn question #5:  Which APBA board game is your favorite?

Charlie Fouche:  I absolutely love the APBA Hockey Game, but it takes me too long to play a game. The APBA Baseball Game is my favorite game.

 

BAT FLIPS at the ‘Barn with Charlie Fouche …

– Your favorite sport(s)/team(s)?

Charlie Fouche:

NHL – Montréal Canadiens.

College – Florida Gators and the BYU Cougars

MLB – I really follow players, but I currently have access to the Braves every night, so I guess you can call them my team.

NFL – No team, but I do enjoy following the players.

– Your favorite sports venue?

Charlie Fouche:

My couch pointed at the TV.

– Your favorite movie?

Charlie Fouche:

It’s a Wonderful Life

– Your favorite APBA memory?

Charlie Fouche:

Oh! Way to many!!  Let me think about this one. . .

Winning the Scenic City Shootout this year was fun.

I like the APBA Convention, where old friendships are renewed.

Thank you, Charlie! I must say that you are a great man and a great APBA Hall of Famer! It was a pleasure to get to converse with you, to get to know you better and to get a sense of your own humility and personal strength! I love the history behind your KNLBA project, and I truly appreciate your selfless work for those men and women of Negro League Baseball. – Kevin Cluff

For more about Charlie Fouche, please check in and listen to this audio interview done by John Asalon on “This Week in APBA”.

TCABT-XII (Oct 5, 2019): Team Selection …

TCABT-XII team selection is upon us.  Team selection will begin at noon on Saturday, July 6th, 2019.  Teams will be updated on this blog post, as they are validated.  Cut-off date for entering TCABT-XII is Friday, September 13th, 2019.

TCABT-XII Tournament date is:  Saturday, October 5th, 2019.

TCABT-XII: Selected Teams (click on team name for Baseball Reference link) –

1. 2018 DODGERS (JERRY JACOBS – ST. PAUL, MN)
2. 2018 YANKEES (GARY BORTHWICK – CRYSTAL, MN)
3. 1951 DODGERS (BRUCE TYLER – ELK RIVER, MN)
4. 1904 GIANTS (DARRELL SHREVE – ST. PAUL, MN)
5. 2018 RED SOX (GORDON RODELL – FT. MYERS, FL)
6. 1988 METS (PHIL GERAFFO – SHOREWOOD, MN)
7. 1990 REDS (GARTH ANDERSEN – ANDOVER, MN)
8. 2013 RED SOX (ERIC BERG – JACKSONVILLE, IL)
9. 1995 INDIANS (LEROY ARNOLDI – PRIOR LAKE, MN)
10. 1988 DODGERS (DAVE JONES – MINNEAPOLIS, MN)
11. 2004 CARDINALS (DARRELL SKOGEN – MAPLE GROVE, MN)
12. 1948 INDIANS (ROB SKOGEN – FOREST LAKE, MN)
13. 2018 BREWERS (CRAIG CHRISTIAN – EAU CLAIRE, WI)
14. 1999 BLUE JAYS (BARRY BOEVERS – CHAMPLIN, MN)
15. 1980 DODGERS (KURT BERGLAND – WAUKESHA, WI)
16. 1968 TIGERS (FRED JOHNSON – COTTAGE GROVE, MN)
17. 1994 INDIANS (BEN LOFGREN – HAWLEY, MN)
18. 1970 REDS (JIM FRAASCH – SAVAGE, MN)
19. 2016 CUBS (PAT MARTIN – BROOKLYN PARK, MN)
20. 1911 GIANTS (DON SHREVE – DENTON, TX)
21. 2017 YANKEES (DAVE DRUK – BLAINE, MN)
22. 1978 DODGERS (KEVIN CLUFF – APPLE VALLEY, MN)
23. 1938 YANKEES (DAVE NORLANDER – GRAND RAPIDS, MN)
24. 1921 GIANTS (JEFF BOEDING – PLATTE CITY, MO)
25. 2015 ROYALS (GEORGE ADAMS – LIBERTY, MO)
26. 2009 ROCKIES (ALEC OTTO – GREEN BAY, WI)
27. 1922 BROWNS (DEVIN HILL – MINNEAPOLIS, MN)
28. 1964 WHITE SOX (MARTY LEE – LENEXA, KS)
29. 1960 PIRATES (TOM MCHENRY – LAKE ELMO, MN)
30. 2014 ORIOLES (RICHARD GOLDEN – SYKESVILLE, MD)

TCABT-XII Tournament date is: Saturday, October 5th, 2019.

Any MLB team, 1901-2018, minus the following previous 11 TCABT Champions:

1927 Yankees, 1954 Giants, 1902 Pirates, 1937 Yankees, 2011 Rangers, 1930 Cardinals, 1930 Yankees, 1929 Athletics, 2017 Nationals, 1998 Yankees, 1972 Pirates.

Team selection will be open thru Friday, September 13th.

States represented by entrants for TCABT-XII:

TCABT-

 

 

APBA’view: Jim Sce

I had the good fortune of meeting Jim Sce in person, once.  Everything you hear about Mr. Sce is 100% true.  The nicest person around, he would give you the shirt off his back … but Jim, please keep your shirt on!  It is safe to say, Jim is well known to most in the APBA Community.  While APBA has been an integral part of Jim’s life since the 1950’s, I would not hesitate to say, the good people involved in the hobby, have become a bigger part of Jim’s life.  I had not interviewed Jim before, only because he was too humble, and would always say you need to interview others before you interview me.  When I checked back with Jim in late 2018, after he had survived a heart-attack, the deal was finally made, and Mr. Sce agreed to do the APBA’view for my blog site.

For years on the APBA Between the Lines Delphi Forum, I had read dozens of posts made by Jim Sce (not counting the dozens where he referred to Roy Langhans as a “loser”), and responded to a few here and there.  I knew that Jim is a regular attendee of the APBA Conventions, held each year.  Having never been able to make one of the conventions myself, I finally had the chance to meet Jim Sce in person, in March of 2016, when we were both visiting Phoenix for different reasons.  Sce was taking in a few Spring Training games (Giants) and I was visiting my daughter who was attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix at the time.  We made plans to meet for breakfast one of the mornings.  Fortunately for both Jim and I, Paul McEvoy (APBA Baseball for Windows developer) accepted Sce’s invite, and joined us as well.  Paul resides in the Phoenix area.  Let the record state, Mr. Sce, bought the breakfast for the 3 of us …

A random breakfast meeting in Phoenix, AZ, spring of 2016 (L to R:  Jim Sce, Paul McEvoy, Jim F.)

Onto the hard hitting questions for Jim Sce …

Jimsapbabarn question #1:  Tell us about yourself, your youth, etc (outside of APBA)?

Jim Sce:  I grew up in Syracuse, NY, or, as I call it, Siberacuse. We had two seasons – Winter and the 4th of July, and it usually rained on the 4th. I played Baseball from Little League, thru High School, American Legion Ball, and College. I was an only child. I graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in 1967. I did sign with Dodgers, but, quickly realized I was missing the ability to hit a real breaking ball. I had to fulfill my Military obligation as a product of the military school and my Commission and found myself in Cambodia several years before we were officially there. APBA did go with me.

Jimsapbabarn question #2:  Tell us about your work/career?

Jim Sce:  I am a Wholesale Insurance Broker which is a broker’s broker. When a normal agent or broker cannot place something in his Standard Market, they come to us as we have access to the high risk markets throughout the world. We do high risk deals. As a result I’ve traveled extensively on business, from all over the US to London, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Zurich. I have been toying with the idea of retirement for a while, and, in fact, several years ago, I did retire – for 3 days. Hated it. Went back to work. That said, since I just had a heart attack over Thanksgiving Weekend, I have decided to retire at the end of January, 2019.

Jimsapbabarn question #3:  When/how did you discover APBA?

Jim Sce:  I discovered APBA in 1957. There were four of us, close friends growing up, and one of them, Ron, bought the game (1956 season). The four of us played that game all year. There were three “Jims” and one Ron. One Jim was a Dodger fan, (Brooklyn, of course), the other Jim was a Yankee fan and I was a Braves fan. In 1958 I bought my first APBA game, (1957 Season), and have played, almost without interruption ever since. I think my friends outgrew it. I never did.

The game went with me to College, Cambodia, and a slew of job transfers from Philadelphia, to Chicago, to San Francisco, to Boston, then Atanta and finally to Los Angeles. (I live in Pasadena). I remember one year I drove from Philadelphia to Lancaster to pick up the new Baseball cards. I ran into a major snowstorm and I knew APBA closed at 5:00. I found a gas station, (no cell phones then, back in 1968-69), called APBA and Dick Seitz answered. I asked him if he could wait, that I wasn’t far away, but, I was on the road almost three hours because of the storm. He said, “NO!”

Then he recanted and said he’d wait until 5:15, not one minute more. There was a pause and then he said, and I quote, “And bring exact change.” I made it. This was the same Dick Seitz who, every year I was at Pennsylvania Military College, sent me four free tickets in the APBA Box to the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium. Go figure.

In Chicago we had a 12 team face to face league for 5 years until my transfer to San Francisco. In Boston I started a neighborhood Baseball league, 20 teams and a Football League, 8 teams. In Atlanta I was in a Baseball League with 9 other guys. One of the guys was Danny Landers.

The CABLE III photo above shows Jim Sce and Danny Landers standing next to each other, top Left, from page #24, March 1991, APBA Journal.

Danny was the developer of StatMaster and the computer bowling game. I bought my first computer because of APBA for Windows, and I knew nothing about computers, nothing, including copy protection. After a gazillion calls to APBA, who, at the time, knew less than I did, they noted I lived in Marietta, GA, also where Danny lived. They gave me his work number and I discovered he lived just 5 houses down – and thus began a lifelong friendship until his untimely death about 10 years ago.  He once tried to trade me Donnie Moore a day after Moore committed suicide. Maybe he wasn’t that close a friend.<g>

 

Jimsapbabarn question #4:  Please talk about your years in Vietnam, and how APBA was woven into your years of service during the war.?

Jim Sce:  The game found it’s way to Cambodia with me. I was in charge of an LRRP Unit, (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Unit). The four of us played between missions. That ended when a mortar attack destroyed the game in our bunker. If memory serves, I was leading 3-1 in the 7th, so, it was an official, albeit, last game. We all survived. Two of us remain in touch until this day although, again, I’m the only one still playing.

While recovering from another wound at Ft. Lewis, we had an 8 team league. I was there for a year. We had not much else to do and we played incessantly.

 

Jimsapbabarn question #5:  Which APBA board game is your favorite?

Jim Sce:  My favorite game is APBA Baseball … I prefer the Cards and Dice for my Replays/Sims, thanks to BallStat, which brought me back to the cards.  I also play BBW in a League and am currently finishing a long running 1970 replay in BBW. I also play APBAGo because it’s fun to play “face-to-face” online (ed. note, I recently had the honor of playing vs Jim Sce in the first round of the first APBA sponsored APBAGo tournament). I also really like the Soccer game and am currently into Week 4 of the 2017-18 English Premier League. My current Baseball Cards & Dice project is 2014 – I’m into early July.

 

BAT FLIPS at the ‘Barn with Jim Sce …

– Your favorite sport(s)/team(s)?

Jim Sce:  Baseball and the Braves

– Your favorite sports venue?

Jim Sce:  Wrigley Field

– Your favorite movie?

Jim Sce:  Dr. Zhivago

– Your favorite APBA memory?

Jim Sce:  Meeting many of the guys at the APBA conventions, especially Roy Langhans, who, despite his complete inability to manage any Braves team, is the classiest person I have ever met, and I don’t mean low class.

Roy Langhans, on left, proudly showcasing the “L” which Sce created for Roy, with Jim Sce on right.

Included, but not limited to that group is Nick Braccia, Mike “Pengy” Davidson, John Herson, Richard Hormel, Randy Egan. All of these guys stay in regular contact with me. I know there are others, but, you get the gist.

Clockwise from upper left:  Mike “Pengy” Davidson, Randy Egan, Jim Sce, John Kalous

A closing note from Jim Sce:  I’m married to Loraine and we have four daughters. My wife of 21 years has a high tolerance for my APBA playing. I am very fortunate that way. This is my second marriage. I’m pretty sure APBA was one of the causes of my first wife divorcing me. <g>

Mr. Jim Sce, thank you so much for taking the time to answer another round of hard hitting questions from the ‘barn … your passion for the game and hobby, and more importantly, your friendships with all of those in APBAland, show your true colors.  You are “Hall of Fame” material, both in and out of the APBA realm.

Jim Sce, Homer Simpson, Roy Langhans

 

 

 

 

 

1941 Boston Red Sox Replay – July Summary …

Joe congratulating Ted, after Ted’s heroics in the 1941 All-Star Game.

My 1941 Boston Red Sox replay:

• APBA Baseball, Basic Game, latest version of game booklet, released in 2013.
• Latest 1941 APBA Baseball season card set, which contains all of the players used during the 1941 season issued in 2017.
• Advanced Basic Rules.  Not using pitching grade advancement.  Using pitching grade reduction (NOTE:  The newer re-issued, re-formulated APBA season sets tend to slightly favor the pitching over the hitting, thus no need to advance the grade of any pitchers who are stringing together scoreless innings)
• Using APBA Journal Error Distribution card and Unusual Play Distribution card.
• Using Master Game Rare Play charts when rolling either a “12” or a “65” during the Unusual Play re-roll.
• Using actual lineups.
• Attempting to come close as possible to actual number of innings pitched for pitchers and plate appearances for hitters, knowing that they will be + or – a certain amount due to uncontrollable game circumstances.
• Following actual trades as they occurred during the season.

 

The Ted Williams “hits for .406” watch:

The month of July, 1941:

(click on game scores below for either the REPLAY boxscore or the ACTUAL boxscore)

Series #28:  Red Sox @ Yankees, July 1 (2), 2

  AT 

Game #67-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 5, YANKEES 2  –  (Actual Score:  YANKEES 7, RED SOX 2)

Game #68-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 7, YANKEES 5  –  (Actual Score:  YANKEES 9, RED SOX 2)

Game #69-  Replay Score:  YANKEES 8, RED SOX 4  –  (Actual Score:  YANKEES 8, RED SOX 4)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (38-31)  –  Actual (36-33)

After “slumping” to .381 by the end of June, Ted picks up the pace in the first series of July vs the Yankees.  Ted goes 6 for 12 in the 3 game series, hitting 3 homers and 2 doubles.  Ted is now batting .388.

 

Series #29:  Red Sox @ Athletics, July 3

  AT 

Game #70-  Replay Score:  ATHLETICS 6, RED SOX 3  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 5, ATHLETICS 2)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (38-32)  –  Actual (37-33)

Chubby Dean began his MLB career as a firstbaseman for the Philly A’s in 1936.  After a few seasons as a modest hitting 1st-sacker, Chubby began to pitch for Philadelphia.  He pitched 9 innings in 1937, while still primarily a firstbaseman in 1937.  By 1940, Chubby started 19 games with 159+ IP.  In this replay start for Chubby vs the Red Sox in ’41, Chubby goes the distance, earning the win, a CG, 10-hitter, while allowing 7 walks with 4 K’s.  Chubby also managed a 1 for 3 at the plate.

 

Series #30:  Senators @ Red Sox, July 5, 6 (2)

  AT  

Game #71-  Replay Score:  SENATORS 6, RED SOX 4  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 5, SENATORS 0)

Game #72-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 3, SENATORS 2  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 6, SENATORS 2)

Game #73-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 6, SENATORS 5  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 4, SENATORS 3)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (40-33)  –  Actual (40-33)

In 1939, Alejandro (Alex) Carrasquel (flanked by 2 unnamed Washington teammates in the photo) became the first Venezuelan to play in the Majors.  1941 Red Sox replay, in game 1 of the 3 game set vs the Red Sox, Washington,  thanks to 3 shut-out innings in relief by Carrasquel, wins 6-4 in 10 innings.  Carrasquel is credited with his 2nd win vs Boston.

 

Series #31:  Red Sox @ Tigers, July 11, 12 (2)

  AT 

Game #74-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 9, TIGERS 2  –  (Actual Score:  TIGERS 2, RED SOX 0)

Game #75-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 11, TIGERS 8  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 7, TIGERS 5)

Game #76-  Replay Score:  TIGERS 12, RED SOX 7  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 10, TIGERS 2)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (42-34)  –  Actual (42-34)

Heading into replay Game #75, Williams had just gone 0 for 3 in Game #74, dropping his season batting average down to .383.  In the first game of a double-header, Ted goes 4 for 4 with 4 singles, raising his average back up to .394.  An injury causes Ted to miss the 2nd game of the double-header and Ted will not be back in the starting lineup until July 22nd.

 

Series #32:  Red Sox @ Indians, July 13 (2), 14, 15

  AT 

Game #77-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 2, INDIANS 1  –  (Actual Score:  INDIANS 9, RED SOX 6)

Game #78-  Replay Score:  INDIANS 6, RED SOX 3  –  (Actual Score:  INDIANS 2, RED SOX 1)

Game #79-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 6, INDIANS 5  –  (Actual Score:  INDIANS 4, RED SOX 1)

Game #80-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 6, INDIANS 2  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 6, INDIANS 2)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (45-35)  –  Actual (43-37)

Joe Cronin, not only was he the almost everyday SS for Boston in 1941, but also their manager.  The Williams-less Red Sox take 3 of 4 from Cleveland, thanks in part to the hitting of Joe Cronin in these 4 games.  Cronin goes 8 for 14, with 2 homers and 2 doubles, and 7 RBI.

 

Series #33:  Red Sox @ White Sox, July 16, 17, 18

  AT 

Game #81-  Replay Score:  WHITE SOX 5, RED SOX 3  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 2, WHITE SOX 1)

Game #82-  Replay Score:  WHITE SOX 6, RED SOX 0  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 7, WHITE SOX 4)

Game #83-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 5, WHITE SOX 1  –  (Actual Score:  WHITE SOX 4, RED SOX 3)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (46-37)  –  Actual (45-38)

Thornton Lee (AYZ) pitches a complete game, shut-out, a 1-hitter vs Boston, in Replay Game #82.  This was the first time in the replay the Red Sox had been shut-out.  Jimmie Foxx had the only hit.

 

Series #34:  Red Sox @ Browns, July 19 (2), 20 (2)

  AT 

Game #84-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 9, BROWNS 2  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 9, RED SOX 3)

Game #85-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 4, BROWNS 0  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 4, RED SOX 3)

Game #86-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 8, BROWNS 5  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 6, RED SOX 3)

Game #87-  Replay Score:  BROWNS 2, RED SOX 0  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 10, RED SOX 0)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (49-38)  –  Actual (45-42)

Mickey Harris (BX) for Boston and Bob Muncrief (BZ) for the Browns, traded complete game shutouts at the back-end of each doubleheader played in this 4 game series.  Muncrief’s shutout was the 2nd time the Red Sox have been shutout in this replay, each occurring in a 4-day stretch.

 

Series #35:  White Sox @ Red Sox, July 22, 23, 24

  AT  

Game #88-  Replay Score:  WHITE SOX 7, RED SOX 5  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 6, WHITE SOX 2)

Game #89-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 11, WHITE SOX 8  –  (Actual Score:  WHITE SOX 10, RED SOX 4)

Game #90-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 2, WHITE SOX 1  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 11, WHITE SOX 1)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (51-39)  –  Actual (47-43)

Luke Appling of the White Sox and Ted Williams put on a hitting clinic at Fenway, with Appling going 9 for 16 and Williams going 6 for 10 in the 3 game series.

 

Series #36:  Indians @ Red Sox, July 25, 26, 27

  AT  

Game #91-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 9, INDIANS 2  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 10, INDIANS 6)

Game #92-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 5, INDIANS 4  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 4, INDIANS 3)

Game #93-  Replay Score:  INDIANS 6, RED SOX 5  –  (Actual Score:  INDIANS 4, RED SOX 0)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (53-40)  –  Actual (49-44)

Lou Finney goes 8 for 15 in the 3-game  series vs Cleveland.

 

Series #37:  Browns @ Red Sox, July 29, 31 (2)

  AT  

Game #94-  Replay Score:  BROWNS 5, RED SOX 3  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 3, RED SOX 2)

Game #95-  Replay Score:  RED SOX 5, BROWNS 3  –  (Actual Score:  BROWNS 16, RED SOX 11)

Game #96-  Replay Score:  BROWNS 2, RED SOX 1  –  (Actual Score:  RED SOX 4, BROWNS 1)

RED SOX RECORD:  Replay (54-42)  –  Actual (50-46)

Jimmie Foxx, in game 1 of the July 31st double-header, walks off the Brownies in the bottom of the 9th with a pinch-hit, 3-run homer.  In game 2 of the double-header, mired in a smallish slump, just 1 for his previous 15 AB, Ted Williams goes deep in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game at 1-1, his 20th of the season.  The Red Sox would lose to the Browns, 2-1, giving up a run in the top of the 10th.  Williams’ batting average sits at .391 at the end of July.

 

RED SOX end of July Season Stats (click on link to read):

1941_RED_SOX_end_of_JULY_BATTING

1941_RED_SOX_end_of_JULY_PITCHING

1941_RED_SOX_end_of_JULY_FIELDING

 

RED SOX month-by-month Blog Summaries (click on links to read previous months):

APRIL (W-L):  8-5  (7-6 Actual)

MAY (W-L):  17-8  (12-13 Actual)

JUNE (W-L):  11-17  (17-11 Actual)

JULY (W-L):  18-12  (14-16 Actual)

AUGUST

SEPT/OCT

Replay note:  Thru the end of July, the Red Sox are 31-17 at home and 23-25 on the road.