The 1917 MLB Season (OOTP Alt-Federal Timeline)

AMERICAN LEAGUE

The Chicago White Sox would go on to win the A.L. Pennant with a 97-57 (.630 pct) record). The season certainly didn't start well for the White Sox, as they barely hovered over the .500 mark, 45 games in. The White Sox decided to make a move at that moment by acquiring Lefty Williams from the Philadelphia Athletics, in a three-way deal that involved Chicago, Philadelphia & the Cleveland Blues. And for the majority of time after the deal, the White Sox would still trail in the American League behind Cleveland. Cleveland was looking really good at the time, and it appeared that Chicago might once again barely miss out on the World Series. The move cost the White Sox, their big prospect Bunny Brief (who went to Cleveland). The White Sox also added RP Bill Fincher, P Larry Cheney & OF Armando Marsans.

The Cleveland Blues (92-62) spent the majority of the season in 1st place, and appeared to be a World Series contender, especially adding SP Al Mamaux, RP George Cunningham, C Bill Wagner & 2B/3B Alex McCarthy. The move cost them the MLB's #1 prospect in OF Hack Miller, who was sent to Pittsburgh. The Blues would fade down the stretch, finishing in 3rd place. The White Sox and Red Sox would pass Cleveland in the standings.

The Boston Red Sox (93-61) near the end of the season, finally had Dutch Leonard come off the Disabled List just in time for the Pennant, only to lose him again for the season. It didn't seem to hinder their starting pitching who had three 20-game winners in Ernie Shore (20-15), Babe Ruth (21-11), and Buddy Nappier (22-13). The team also lost Carl Mays early in the season, finishing with a 7-5 record and 2.20 ERA. Tris Speaker's late injury didn't help the team. Speaker finished the season with a .357 batting average, 1 HR, 75 RBI & 35 stolen bases, all while leading the league with 42 doubles. Speaker has the chance to win his 3rd MVP Award during a 6-year stretch,

The Washington Senators (85-69) who finished in 4th place, jumped out of the gates by winning their first 8 games. Walter Johnson did his thing, sporting a 26-7 record with a 2.18 ERA & 199 strikeouts -- winning the A.L. Pitching Triple Crown. The Senators will have to improve their starting & relief pitching during this upcoming off-season. 

The New York Yankees suffered a lot of injuries during the 1917 season, particularly their pitching. Ray Caldwell, who won 19 games in back-to-back seasons (15', 16'), was injured for almost the entire season. Caldwell was spectacular in his 4 starts this season, going 3-1 with a 0.50 ERA (35.2 IP) -- which included 3 complete games and a shutout. Last season's MLB breakout pitcher Frank Allen followed last season with another strong year (17-17, 2.34 ERA, 166 K's). Allen has 10.9 WAR over the past two seasons. The Yankees acquired P Lefty Gervais (12-10, 2.96 ERA & 3 SV) from Brooklyn, in exchange for LF Hugh High. Gervais was brought in to the bleeding coming from the oft-injured rotation.

The Detroit Tigers' Ty Cobb had another spectacular season, winning his 9th Batting Title (.390), while leading the league in runs (130), walks (105) & On-Base percentage (.486), all while showing off a 1.013 OPS (also tops). Cobb's stats didn't help the Tigers though, who finished 6th with a 80-74 record. The Tigers' George H Burns led the American League with 106. Detroit's pitching and fielding were in the lower third of the A.L.

The St. Louis Browns (68-86) had no lineup, pitching & fielding, while finishing in 7th place. Both George Sisler (.353, 2 HR, 52 RBI & 37 SB) and Del Pratt (.298, 6 HR & 88 RBI) once again put together strong seasons, while being a few of the bright spots from the franchise. The Browns finished 12 games behind Detroit.

Batting average and homers were up for the Philadelphia Athletics, while the pitching was awful. The Athletics acquired OF Duffy Lewis from the Red Sox prior to the 1917 season, while acquiring OF Billy Southworth from Cleveland during the season. Southworth was one of the players involved in the White Sox-Athletics-Blues three-team trade. The A's (61-93) finished in 8th place.

Frank 'Home Run' Baker lived up to his name, by leading the American League with 9 HR for the 2nd time in 3 years. Baker's season was one of the only good things to happen for the Baltimore Terrapins in 1917.

The Kansas City Packers (49-105) finished dead last, failing to reach 50 wins. The team's top prospect Ross Eldred had a productive season, and looks to do more in 1918. Eldred batted .267 with 3 HR & 48 RBI through 128 games. 

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Boston Braves (97-57) would end the season hot, while passing the defending champs Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies along the way. The Braves would win the division 9 games over the Reds. Boston was solid all around in every aspect of the game. Tom L Hughes led the National League (for the second straight year) with 200 strikeouts. Hughes also had a 23-11 record and 2.41 ERA. Dick Rudolph (22-13, 1.57 ERA), Art Nehf (26-10, 1.81 ERA), and Lefty Tyler (18-17, 2.25 ERA) were also amazing for the Braves.

For a little while it appeared that the Cincinnati Reds (88-66) were on their way to a 2nd consecutive N.L. Pennant, but ended up faded down the stretch. The Reds' pitching wasn't as great as their 1916 World Championship year, but still was pretty good. Phil Douglas put together another strong season, going 22-11 with a 2.14 ERA & 141 K's. Douglas now has a 48-17 record (.738) over the past two seasons. Rube Benton and Win Noyes each won over 20 games for the Reds. Closer Pete Schneider went from19 losses in 1915 to 14 Saves in 1917. 

Carried by some great pitching, the New York Giants would finish in 3rd place at 81-73. Rube Marquard led the team with 21 wins (21-14) with a 2.35 ERA. Also Jeff Tesreau (20-18, 2.59 ERA) & Ferdie Schupp (17-11, 2.18 ERA) were just as good, while Pol Perritt (7-8, 2.84 ERA & 8 Saves) was the team's stopper. The Giants started the season off with a 9-0 record.

The 4th place Philadelphia Phillies (80-74) had a tough lineup that led the National League in Runs Scored, Batting Average & Home Runs. The starting rotation was the Phillies' problem in 1917. The Phils' Gavvy Cravath blasted 14 HR this season, while he has contributed by hitting 48 round-trippers over the past 3 seasons. Philadelphia benefitted by signing Bill Kay (.251, 7 HR & 63 RBI). 

The Indianapolis Hoosiers finished in 5th place, while recording their first winning record (78-76). The team last year came close to a winning record its first season in the Majors. The team appears to be further along than Baltimore, Buffalo & Kansas City (the other Federal merger teams) right now. CF Bernie Kauff had another great season, batting .323 with 12 HR, 12 triples, 70 RBI, 93 runs & 67 stolen bases. Kauff once again over .400 for his on-base percentage. Indy's rookie starting pitcher Urban Shocker lived up tp the hype by recording a 23-15 record, 2.93 ERA & 154 K's in 43 starts this season. 

The Buffalo Bisons finished at .500 & a game behind Indianapolis. The team signed SP Charley Hall in the offseason, in which he thanked Buffalo with a 21-18 record and 2.54 ERA & 124 ERA+ -- although Hall will have to work on his command, leading the league with 130 bases on balls. Starter Fred Anderson improved this season to 20-15 with a 2.11 ERA & 154 K's. 

The St. Louis Cardinals (71-83) finished in 7th place. The only plus signs that came out of the Cards' season is that their pitching has come around. The team was 2nd in bullpen ERA & 4th in Starting Pitchers ERA. Ace Bill Doak (21-19, 2.26 ERA) had his best season to date with a 4.7 WAR, while leading the league in Games Started (44). Although his league leading 24 losses wouldn't suggest so, Lee Meadows (12-24, 3.81 ERA) has only improved, while pitching 110 more innings than last season. Dan Griner led the league with 16 Saves, while shining with a 1.29 ERA.

The Chicago Cubs finished 8th with 71 wins. The Cubs are not sure if they want to add some pieces or might just start rebuilding now. The Cubs' Cy Williams led the league with 15 HR, while knocking in 75 runs. Cy batted .293 while he improved his on-base percentage tremendously over the years, from .305 (1915) to .328 (1916) and to .365 this season. Jim Bagby led the team with 9 saves, while having a 2.43 ERA. Bagby could be slated for a rotation spot next season. 

With the Brooklyn Dodgers finishing 9th (66-88), the Zack Wheat trade rumors have started to circulate this off-season. The Dodgers' brass have not confirmed that they will try to trade Wheat, but have also mentioned that big changes could come this off-season. The Dodgers' Casey Stengel led the team in home runs (8) and RBI (83), while stealing 23 bases. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates (61-93) may have finished in the cellar, but many scouts feel the team is better than the record suggests. Plus the team has prospects on the rise, especially after acquiring the top prospect in baseball in outfielder Hack Miller. Honus Wagner will likely retire, although he hit .294.

* * * That completes the 1917 Season Recap. * * *

Red October - The 1916 World Series (OOTP Alt-Federal Timeline)

The American League's Boston Red Sox and the National League's Cincinnati Reds, both made it to the 1916 World Series on the backs of a strong rotation. Boston may have a little more hitting, while Cincy has a stronger bullpen. In real life, the 1916 World Series was the Boston Red Sox defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers, 4-1.

Prior to the World Series, the Red Sox lost Dutch Leonard for the season, while Ernie Shore is battling back spasms -- leaving their rotation vulnerable. They will have to rely heavily on young stud Babe Ruth's left arm, if they plan to repeat as World Champions. The Cincinnati Reds didn't go unscathed as well, as they lost starter Red Ames for 3 weeks. 

Game 1

The Reds' backstop Ivey Wingo hits a two-run triple off Babe Ruth during the 2nd inning, as his teammates join the fun making it a 5-run inning. That would be all they need against 'The Babe', winning the series intro, 5-2. Wingo took over catching duties just prior to the end of the season, due to regular season starting catcher Tommy Clarke struggling down the stretch. Plus Wingo is a more reliable catcher defensively.

Game 2

Cincy takes a 2-0 series lead, as rookie Phil Douglas (26-6, 1.62 ERA & 164 K's) notches the win, with 8 strong innings. The Red Sox' Duffy Lewis came up to the plate against the Reds' closer Pete Schneider, with the tying & winning runs on base & bases loaded, with two outs. Schneider gets Lewis to ground out for the save, while they now head to Boston with a strong series advantage. Douglas would go on to win the 1916 N.L. Cy Young Award.

Game 3

The Red Sox would have to go with Rube Foster in Game 3, due to Shore's back spasms still bothering him. It wouldn't be a thing though, as Foster goes on to pitch a 6-hit shutout, as the Red Sox win big, 12-0. The Sox' 3B Larry Gardner hits two triples while amounting 4 ribbies, while Duffy Lewis added a home run.

Game 4

The Red Sox look to even the series with Babe Ruth looking to rebound in Game 4. Ruth goes on to pitch a great game, allowing only 4 hits by the Reds. The only problem is that the Reds would go on to edge Boston, 3-2. The Red Sox end up stranding plenty, while the team also had 10 hits. The Reds' Fred Toney collects his 2nd win of the series, while Ruth (0-2) is credited with the loss. Reds now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Game 5

Ernie Shore returns to the mound, to make his debut this series. Shore hopes to give the 'Fenway Faithful' some hope, and send this series just a game away from evening up the series. The game would remain scoreless until Boston's superstar Tris Speaker stepped up and delivered a two-run double during the bottom of the 8th inning. Shore would pitch 8 scoreless innings, allowing only 5 hits. The Reds' Phil Douglas (1-1, 0.57 ERA) is credited with the loss. Reds lose 2-1. 

Game 6

The Cincinnati Reds would go on to win the World Series, as they win Game 6 by the score of 5-2. The Red Sox' 'Smokey Joe' Wood (0-2, 3.38 ERA) could not hold off the Reds' Heinie Groh, who batted 2-4 during the game with an RBI, 2 runs. Groh would go on to win the World Series MVP, batting .391 with 4 RBI (9-for-23) during the series.

Hope you enjoyed the season, as we continue towards the 1917 MLB Season during this Alt-Federal Timeline.

1916 MLB Season (OOTP Alt-Federal Timeline)

My previous post explained the premise of the project that involves four Federal League Baseball teams that joined Major League Baseball in an alternate simulation timeline that I am labeling as the 'Alt-Federal Timeline' via Out of the Park Baseball (OOTP).

Now onto what took place in the Majors during this alternate 1916 season.

Preseason Predictions

The predictions by Out of the Park had the 1916 Chicago White Sox winning the American League Pennant, winning the league by 12 games over the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox. Finishing 3rd was the New York Yankees followed by the Detroit Tigers.

 OOTP predicted that the 1916 National League Champions would be the Boston Braves, winning the league by 6 games over the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies -- with the Cincinnati Reds (17 GB), Brooklyn Dodgers (18 GB) & the New York Giants (18 GB) finishing behind them.

Going into the simulated 1916 season, I felt the top MLB contenders were the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Boston Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds & the New York Giants. I also believed it was possible to have a World Series rematch between the Red Sox & Phillies. Although I didn't think the Pittsburgh Pirates would be contenders, I felt they could challenge more than their projected last place finish in the N.L.

I also believed the pennant races (which they usually are) more competitive than the predictions provided by OOTP.

Season Results

The American League was highly competitive all season long. If I remember right, the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox were the top two teams during April & May. The races would really tighten up in September though. The Tigers would wane a little bit, but start getting traction as September approached. The White Sox were consistently strong.

September 17th

The New York Yankees surprised me a bit, I knew they had a pretty decent rotation, they added a pitcher during the preseason in Frank Allen. Prior to 1916, Allen had decent numbers in small parts in the Majors. During 1915, he made a name for himself with the Federal League's Pittsburgh Rebels, putting up strong numbers (22-14, 2.58 ERA, 134 K & a 4.8 WAR). So the Yankees added him as a potential-plus pitcher who can eat up innings, and won big with adding him to their roster.

For the Yankees, Allen (as the 3rd man in the rotation) led the American League with 24 Wins, 159 strikeouts, plus a spectacular 1.83 ERA to win the ERA title -- all while pitching 333.2 innings. He also lead the league in Quality Starts (32), Complete Games (29) & Shutouts (7). He might very well be the automatic for the A.L. Cy Young Award.

On September 17th, five American League teams were all separated by 3 games, bringing out whispers to the real life finish of the 1967 American League Pennant chase. The amazing thing for Boston they were doing this during a period that Tris Speaker was on the Disability List. 

The Boston Braves were near the top throughout the season as predicted by OOTP, but they found themselves in a tight battle with the Cincinnati Reds (1 game back) instead of the Philadelphia Phillies who were starting to slip out of the race at this point. 

The New York Giants were always around, but always seemed to be lacking something. The loss of Christy Mathewson for the season, seemed to have sucked out the team's soul. The starting pitching was still pretty solid, led by starters Jeff Tesreau (25-11, 2.02 ERA) & Art Fromme (25-9, 2.27 ERA) who had excellent seasons. Rube Marquard (3.07 ERA) & Pol Perrit (3.08 ERA) had losing seasons for the Giants, but pitched good enough to give their team a chance to win.

Before we get to the Reds' pitching (which we will get to later in the post), let's talk about their big bat at the plate in Ken Williams. Many of us who know our baseball, knows Williams for his time with the St. Louis Browns, but we often forget that he was a Cincinnati Red first. At age 27, and just cracking past the rookie status, you have to wonder what his career numbers would have been if he had broke out much earlier, or was he just a late bloomer? Not to also mention being drafted into the Army, and missing nearly between 1916 and 1918. You are talking 7 solid years at least that he missed from the time his baseball career at age 23 (playing for the Regina Red Sox) until the end of his MLB career in 1929 (in which he batted .345 through 74 games at age 39). He finished his career with a lifetime batting average of .319, an on-base percentage close to .400, and a solid .924 OPS. This guy with a full career could have been a Hall of Famer maybe. One of baseball's bigger what-if's. 

Now onto his 1916 alt-Federal season...

Williams batted .300 with 12 HR & 88 RBI for his first full season as a starter in the bigs. He also led the National League with a .452 slugging percentage (which included 27 doubles & 10 triples), while producing a 136 OPS+.

Now moving along...

September 27th

Good news for the Chicago White Sox, they are in first place with about 4-5 games left for everybody. Bad news, C Ray Schalk is done for the season, joining his teammates SP Eddie Cicotte and SS Buck Weaver. Also if OOTP or myself caught the 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson mistake, the White Sox may have clinched already. Don't worry White Sox fans, you'll at least qualify for some compensation during the offseason. 

But don't look now, but the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees & St. Louis Browns are nipping at the White Sox' heels (no pun intended), while the Detroit Tigers picked the very worst time to go on a 5-game losing streak.

The Red Sox may have the league's best pitching staff:

• Dutch Leonard (22-16, 1.95 ERA) - Led A.L. with 203 K's & 342.1 innings pitched.
• 'Smokey Joe' Wood (19-10, 2.28 ERA) - pitching nearly twice as much compared to last season.
• Babe Ruth (17-11, 2.18 ERA & 3.4 WAR in 251.2 IP)
• Ernie Shore (23-10, 2.39 ERA & 124 ERA+ in 327.2 IP)

The Boston staff would end up accounting for 91% of the teams wins totals. 

Over in the National League, it's now down to a two-team race, while all the other teams are disqualified. The New York Giants lost 7 of their last 10 games, while the Philadelphia Phillies won't be able to repeat as National League Champs.

The heart of the Boston Braves' lineup accounted for 27 HR (which was a lot between 3 players). A much bigger contrast to that of their 1914 World Championship team. Red J. Smith had 6, Joe F Connolly had 8 HR (despite missing 30+ games) & Dutch Zwilling (added in the offseason) led the team with both 13 HR & 78 RBI. 

The Braves also had a strong rotation in Tom L. Hughes (24-13, 2.07 ERA), Dick Rudolph (18-12, 2.67 ERA), Lefty Tyler (24-10, 2.29 ERA) & Art Nehf (16-18, 3.08 ERA). 

The Finish to the Regular Season

American League action -- The Boston Red Sox took 2 of 3 from the Chicago White Sox at the end of the season, while the New York Yankees couldn't pull off the 3-game sweep against the Detroit Tigers -- winning two games, and losing the 3rd game, 2-1. The game was the Tigers' lone win during their last 10 games, finishing in 5th place. If the Yankees won the final game, they would have forced a 1-game playoff, since Boston lost the final game to the White Sox. The St. Louis Browns would leapfrog the Tigers to finish in 4th place. The Philadelphia Athletics who had a bad mid-section to the season, finished strongly with a winning record (winning 8 of their last 10 games). The Kansas City Packers finished in last place, they started the 1916 MLB Season losing their first 14 games.

The New York Giants defeated the Boston Braves, 4-0 on the strength of a 5-hit shutout by Jeff Tesreau on the final day, while the Cincinnati Reds defeated a struggling Indianapolis Federals team, 4-1. The Reds' Rube Benton allowed only 2 hits in the Pennant-clinching complete game. The Federals (the strongest of the Federal League teams) were playing pretty good during the 1st half of the season, placing as high as 4th place, and getting as close as only 6 games out of 1st place. The Feds though would end up with a losing record at 73-81, losing 9 of their last 10 games.

The Reds' rotation was amazing during the season...

• Rube Benton (22-11, 2.06 ERA) - led the N.L. with a 0.970 WHIP.
• Fred Toney (21-15, 2.53 ERA) - Won 38 games the past two seasons, 122 ERA+ in 1916.
• Red Ames (13-17, 2.31 ERA & 134 ERA+)
• Phil Douglas (26-6, 1.62 ERA, 164 K's & 191 ERA+) - Probably a lock for N.L. Cy Young.

The four starters above accounted for 88% of the teams' victories.

Two strong teams in the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, which should make a great 1916 World Series.

Federal League Teams Joins Majors (Alternate 1916)

Through the wonders of Out of the Park Baseball (OOTP), I have decided to do an alternate MLB projection, which is including a Federal-Major League Merger. 

The merger would only include four Federal League teams joining while the other 4 teams become defunct, and those players remaining fall into a free agency pool. The teams that joined the Majors are as follows...

• Baltimore Terrapins (A.L.)
• Buffalo Bisons (N.L.)
• Indianapolis Federals (formerly Newark Peppers, N.L.)
• Kansas City Packers (A.L.)

Obviously in real life, the Federal League only existed from 1914-1915. In this alternate reality, we'll say that maybe it was more successful than it actually was, and the Majors stepped in, and made generous offers to owners in the Federal League, which teams departed, and the league folded.

There was a free agency draft order, starting with the Federal League teams getting the first picks, while the rest of the Major League teams went in order from worst to best. Since the Boston Red Sox won the 1915 World Series over the Philadelphia Phillies, those teams got the last free agency picks in each round. Buffalo Blues became Buffalo Bisons, due to Cleveland being the Cleveland Blues already. The Blues are mapped out to be renamed later. I thought the idea of a team being named after a player or coach is weird, and I didn't agree with a name that Christopher Columbus picked out.

After all that, I also balanced the teams to all have 40-Man Rosters (25 player Team Roster / 15 player Reserve Roster).

I then went to the Free Agency board, it did include players that weren't on Federal League rosters, being either not on a roster that year or in prospect status. I didn't want to go through every single team to see who was actually where, and so-so. All teams fell into this rule, so for example -- The Detroit Tigers actually lost 1B/OF Harry Heilmann and C Johnny Bassler.

Teams Notable Additions:

• Baltimore Terrapins: 3B Frank 'Home Run' Baker, 1B Ed Konetchy & SP Elmer Leonard.
• Boston Red Sox: C Grover Hartley, OF Irish Meusel, 1B/2B Jim Galloway.
• Boston Braves: C Art Wilson, OF Dutch Zwilling & 3B Mike Menosky.
• Brooklyn Dodgers: 3B Charlie Deal & P Lefty Gervais.
• Buffalo Bisons: 1B/OF Harry Heilmann, C Joe Jenkins & SP Bill Prough.
• Chicago White Sox: SP Bill Burns, 3B Mike Mowrey & OF Mike Fitzgerald.
• Chicago Cubs: P Jim Bagley Sr & SS Billy Orr.
• Cincinnati Reds: SP King Bader, SS/1B Jack Ness & C Gus Fisher.
• Cleveland Blues: P Dave Davenport, SP Tom J Hughes & OF Steve Evans.
• Detroit Tigers: P Dave Danforth, SP Claude Hendrix & OF Johnny Bates.
• Indianapolis Federals: OF Benny Kauff, SP Buddy Hearn, OF Bert Graham & 1B Norm Glockson.
• Kansas City Packers: SP Eddie Plank, 3B Ed Hemingway, OF/C Lee Magee & 1B Jack Lelivelt.
• New York Yankees: OF Max Flack, SP Frank Allen & OF Les Mann.
• New York Giants: C Johnny Bassler & 3B Jimmy Johnston.
• Philadelphia Athletics: SP Lefty Williams, P Byron Houck & OF William Rumler.
• Philadelphia Phillies: 2B Joe Gideon & SP Johnny Enzmann.
• Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Stan Coveleski, 2B Morrie Rath & C William Fischer.
• St. Louis Browns: OF Jack Tobin, SP Flame Delhi & P Ed Lennox
• St. Louis Cardinals: P Clarence Mitchell & SP Al Huenke
• Washington Senators: C Mike Konnick, OF Pete Compton & OF Pop Foster.

Note: Once in awhile OOTP is not accurate on their rosters, and I didn't notice until the season got rolling, but 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson was still on Cleveland for some reason, which he was actually acquired by the Chicago White Sox during the 1915 MLB season. But I will make him a White Sox player for the 1917 season, while they will also add acquisition 1B Chick Gandil from Washington. Washington has upcoming Joe Judge to take Gandil's place.

Speaking of acquisitions: I will try to do some of the realistic trades, and players going to their real-life places, but I won't be doing it, if the transactions don't fit with the team's overall status. For example, there was a team that was in the thick of a pennant chase, and one of their stars in real life was traded, because that team in real life wasn't in the hunt. Plus there was trades that couldn't happen with some of the places being elsewhere...

For example: 

Real-life deal: The Giants acquiring IF Buck Herzog and OF Red Killefer from the Reds, in exchange for SP Christy Mathewson, OF Edd Roush and 2B Bill McKechnie. 

OOTP 1916: The Giants lost Christy Mathewson for the season (Radial nerve - Elbow surgery) already at that point in the season, Edd Roush (born in Indiana) was on the Indianapolis Hoosiers/Newark Peppers 1914 & 1915 Federal League rosters, making him a young star for the Indianapolis Federals in 1916, which leads to Bill McKechnie being a lone piece for a trade, which also didn't make sense for the two teams.

The Giants also had another real-life deal that didn't go down involving Cubs' 3B Heinie Zimmerman and the Giants' 2B Larry Doyle. Although that trade may go down during the 1917 offseason. 

*** Coming up the 1916 MLB Season results from the Alt-Federal OOTP Timeline. ***

A Brief History of the 1995 No-Expansion NFL Project (Part I - Offseason)

Entering an Alternate 1995 Off-Season

So I have over the years have played DK Sports' Action PC Football for my football projects and simulations. One of the projects involves my 1995 NFL No-Expansion project in which the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers don't exist and don't enter the fray for the 1995 Season. Players that would have been expansion picks were still with their previous teams. I just wrapped up the 1996 NFL Season, but first we should give you a brief history in the project.

Due to no expansion teams, the 1995 NFL Draft also endured an alternate reality. Some players were still taken by the same teams that drafted them in real life, and some are getting career starts at different places altogether.

The 1995 NFL Draft - First Round

Houston still drafts QB Steve McNair (at 1st overall), Washington still drafts WR Michael Westbrook (2nd overall), and Seattle still drafts WR Joey Galloway (6th overall). The Cincinnati Bengals make a wiser choice this time, by drafting DE Kevin Carter, leaving the Rams (who actually drafted him) to draft OT Tony Boselli (originally drafted by Jacksonville). 

Three Penn State boys would be drafted inside the first 14 picks, with  QB Kerry Collins (pictured above, N.Y. Jets) and RB Ki-Jana Carter (San Francisco) going back-to-back at #7 and #8. TE Kyle Brady would join Collins in New York.

The Minnesota Vikings would draft DE Hugh Douglas at #9, while it's still fate that Tampa Bay selects DT Warren Sapp (they would also still draft Derrick Brooks at #26 later in the round) at 10th overall.

The Colts would select a WR option in J.J. Stokes (#13), while a pair of running backs in Tyrone Wheatley (#15, Giants) and Napolean Kaufman (#16, Raiders) are drafted by their original teams. It would be Kansas City (instead of Minnesota) that would draft OT Korey Stringer (17th overall), while RB Rashaan Salaam still ends up in Chicago. The Packers would beat the Patriots to the punch in taking CB Ty Law (#20), while the Pats take CB Tyrone Poole (#21). Pittsburgh still drafts TE Mark Breuner at #25.

Other Interesting Picks 

Curtis Martin, the running back out of Pittsburgh, would still be a steal... this time as a 2nd Round Pick (verses 3rd Round Pick) and drafted by a different team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals now have young QB Jeff Blake, his WR weapons in Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott, and now Martin in the backfield.

DB Craig Newsome would be drafted by Atlanta (35th overall) to help the secondary. Due to the Lions selecting DT Ellis Johnson in the 1st Rd, Luther Ellis would fall down to Chicago in the 2nd round at 46th overall. 

Many players in the 2nd round would be selected with their original teams, such as WR Frank Sanders (Arizona), CB Bobby Taylor (Phila), QB Todd Collins (Buffalo), QB Kordell Stewart (Pittsburgh), DB Orlando Thomas (Minnesota) and TE Ken Dilger (Indy).

Dallas would draft an interesting WR option in Chris Sanders (at 53rd overall) to help Michael Irvin and the receiving core. Houston takes WR/RET Tamarick Vanover in the early 3rd round. Philadelphia drafts DT Darius Holland (70th overall), Kansas City drafts WR Antonio Freeman (73rd), Washington takes 4th rounder TE Pete Mitchell (91st overall), and the Dallas Cowboys try to fill the void of Jay Novacek, by (once again) drafting TE Eric Bjornson at 98th overall.

Interesting Preseason Deals

• Detroit traded DT Kelvin Pritchett (who would have been drafted by Jacksonville in the expansion draft in real life) to Indianapolis in exchange for a 1996 3rd Round & 1996 6th Round pick.

• The N.Y. Giants acquire QB Mark Brunell from Green Bay in exchange for the Giants' 2nd & 3rd round picks in 1996.

• Due to the regressing John Taylor, the San Francisco 49'ers go out and acquire WR Mark Carrier from Cleveland, in exchange for the Niners' 1996 2nd Round pick.

• Houston acquires RB Eric Bienemy from Cincinnati in exchange for the Oilers' 3rd round pick in 1996.

• Arizona acquires TE Pete Metzelaars from Buffalo in exchange for the Cardinals' 1996 5th round pick.

• Miami signs WR Art Monk (released by Philadelphia), while Cincinnati signs RB Marion Butts (released by Houston).

April 9th, 1987 - Big Blowout in Baltimore and Another Cleveland Beatdown (A.L. Action)

Disappointed with their first two losses at home to the Texas Rangers (2-1), the Baltimore Orioles (1-2) took out their frustrations on the Rangers' pitching by slugging 7 home runs at Memorial Stadium. During this extraordinary outburst, the O's Larry Sheets carved himself out a performance of his own, by producing a trifecta (3 home runs) for the night. Sheets had a 4-for-5 day, while producing 5 ribbies to go along with 3 runs. Sheets currently leads the Majors with 4 HR's. Texas starting pitcher Bobby Witt had a short day, working only 1 2/3 innings, and allowing 6 hits, 5 runs & 2 home runs (although he did have 4 strikeouts in that short time). Eddie Murray batted 3-for-4 with a Grand Slam, while drawing a walk & scoring twice. Not to be outshined by his teammates at the plate, Orioles' pitcher Eric Bell pitched a complete game shutout with 5 strikeouts, allowing only 6 hits & 2 walks. The Orioles also had 20 hits in their, 17-0 victory.

The California Angels (1-2) won their 1st game, defeating the Seattle Mariners (2-1), 3-1. Trailing 1-0, the Angels' young star first baseman Wally Joyner smacked a bases-clearing double during the bottom of the 8th inning. The Angels' reliever DeWayne Buice (1-0, 0.00) earned the two-inning win, while Seattle's starter Mike Morgan (0-1, 3.52) gets the loss.

The Detroit Tigers (2-1) defeat the New York Yankees (1-2) in a back-and-forth affair, in which Detroit finally put the Yankees away, scoring 4 runs during the bottom of the 7th inning. Lou Whitaker hit a two-run homer, while going 3-for-5 & scoring three times. It was Kirk Gibson's three-run double in the 7th that was the team's major highlight. For the Yanks, Dave Winfield batted 2-for-4 with 2 RBI & catcher Joel Skinner batted 1-for-3, which included a two-run homer. Tigers win, 9-5 as Eric King (1-0, 3.00 ERA) gets the win in relief.

The Kansas City Royals (3-0) won despite their lineup only able to gather together two hits. Steve 'Bye Bye' Balboni clobbered a three-run homer in the bottom of the 2nd inning, which would prove to be just enough as the Royals won (yet) another close game over the Chicago White Sox (0-3). The White Sox lost by scores of 3-2, 5-3 & 3-2 during their series at Kaufman Stadium. Chicago's Jose DeLeon (0-1, 2.25 ERA) pitched the entire game: 8 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 ER) with 6 K's and 1 walk allowed. Danny Jackson was credited with the win for K.C., pitching 8 innings, allowing only 5 hits & 2 earned runs while striking out 5 batters. Dan Quisenberry recorded his 3rd save in as many games. 

The Boston Red Sox (1-2) were not going to have any more of the Milwaukee Brewers' late game shenanigans, as Boston made sure to walk away with their 1st victory, winning 6-3 at Milwaukee County Stadium. Rookie Todd Benzinger, playing first base, batted 2-for-4 with a two-run HR, BB & 2 runs. Milwaukee's Paul Molitor jacked a solo shot, while drawing a walk, and stealing a base in the lost against Boston. Boston's starting pitcher Al Nipper (1-0, 3.38 ERA) earned the win, while Tom Bolton earned the Save. 

The Oakland Athletics (2-1) led 3-0 through 5 1/2 innings, until the Minnesota Twins (1-2) unleashed 7 unanswered runs to win, 7-3. Oakland starting pitcher Steve Ontiveros (0-1, 11.12) was pitching a pretty solid game up to that point, until the wheels all came off. The big inning was capitalized with a three-run triple by 2B Steve Lombardozzi. Kirby Puckett batted 3-for-4 with an RBI & run. Oakland's Mike Gallego batted 2-for-3 with a solo HR & double.

The Toronto Blue Jays (3-0) once again made mince meat out of the Cleveland Indians' pitchers, as the Jays scored in double-digits in all 3 games of their home-opening series at Exhibition Stadium. Steve Carlton (0-1, 13.50), following Phil Niekro the other day, is the latest future Hall of Fame pitcher for the Indians to look anything but. The Jays' outfield trio in Lloyd Moseby, Jesse Barfield & George Bell shined once again. Moseby batted 3-for-5 with a solo HR, double & 3 runs... Bell had a double & RBI on 2-for-3 hitting, while drawing two walks & 2 runs... and Barfield batted 2-for-4, while adding 2 runs & 2 RBI to his MLB-leading 9 RBI through 3 games. Toronto's starter Dave Stieb (1-0, earned the win, allowing only 6 hits & 2 runs (but 3 BB) through 8 innings. The tribe was outscored in the series, 35-8. 

National League Action (Day 3 / April 8th, 1987)

The Cincinnati Reds (0-2) were close to winning their first game of the season, until the Expos' Hubie Brooks hit a game-tying two-run homer during the top of the 9th inning off Reds closer John Franco. Mitch Webster's RBI double during the top of the 12th & a Randy St. Claire save would secure a victory for the Montreal Expos (2-0). The Reds' Kal Daniels batted 2-for-6 with a HR & double, while Dave Conception batted 2-for-5 with a double & RBI. Ted Power pitched a good game before handing off the game to the bullpen. Power allowed only 3 hits, no runs & 3 walks, while striking out 5 batters through 7 innings. The Expos' Jeff Parrett was credited with the win, while Rob Murphy (0-1, 1.80 ERA) got the loss. 3-2, Expos beat Reds in 12.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (1-2) finally broke through with their 1st win against their division rival Houston Astros (2-1). Fernanado Valenzuela showed glimpses from his 'Fernandomania' days, pitching a complete game, allowing 6 hits, 2 earned runs & a walk. Valenzuela struck out 6 Astros hitters. The Dodgers' lineup was led by Dave Anderson (2-5, 2 RBI), Pedro Guerrero (2-5, 2 doubles, 2 R) & Mike Marshall (2-4, RBI double & a run). Danny Darwin (0-1, 9.00) just didn't have his stuff, while the Astros' big highlight was a pinch-hit home run by Phil Garner. Dodgers win 6-2.

The San Diego Padres (2-1) edge the San Francisco Giants (1-2), 5-4. The Padres' Benito Santiago didn't hit a home run this time, but did go 1-for-4 with a three-run triple. Santiago has 7 RBI during this young season. John Kruk added a two-run homer, while drawing two walks & scoring twice. Tony Gwynn (.455 AVG) continues to rake, batting 2-for-4 while scoring twice, and stealing a bag. The Giants' Chris Brown batted 2-for-4 with a HR, 2 RBI & 2 runs, while Chris Speier earning a start after his game-winning hit the other night, batted 2-for-5 with a solo home run. 

1987 BBW Replay - April 8th, 1987 (Day 3 / A.L. Action)

The Baltimore Orioles (0-2) could not lock down their game against the Texas Rangers (2-0), as Baltimore reliever Mark Williamson blown the save, as Scott Fletcher hit a go-ahead, eventual game-winning two-run single during the top of the 9th. The Rangers and the Orioles each had 11 hits. Texas' Larry Parrish was a triple short of the cycle, batting 3-for-3 with a two-run homer & double. Backstop Mike Stanley got his first start of the season, and took advantage of it by collecting 3 hits (including a double). Besides getting the game-winning hit, Fletcher finished the day batting 2-for-5 with 3 RBI (5 RBI for the season). The Ripken brothers tried their best to pull out their first season win... Billy batted 3-for-5 with a RBI double (1 run), while older brother Cal batted 2-for-4 with a RBI single. Cal's RBI single in the 7th inning momentarily gave the O's a 4-3 lead. After recording a win the day before, Charlie Hough came into the 9th, and completed the save. Rangers win, 5-4.

The Seattle Mariners pitching showed up again, as the M's defeated the California Angels, 5-1. Although he wasn't perfect by any account (7 hits & 4 walks), Mike Moore pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing only 1 run. Mike Kingery getting his first start as a Mariner (after being involved in the Danny Tartabull trade), hit a three-run homer in his very first at-bat, to give Seattle an early 3-0 lead. John Moses would help Seattle by adding a solo home run. The Angels' Don Sutton (0-1, 6.00) showed his age, while allowing 7 hits & 4 runs with only 1 strikeout. California's Johnny Ray batted 2-for-4 with a RBI & BB; Ray currently is batting .625 (5-for-8) through the first 2 games of the season.

The Detroit Tigers' Frank Tanana kept the New York Yankees (1-1) at bay, as the Tigers (1-1) would pull out their first win in front of a happy home crowd. Mike Heath (who came in for catcher Matt Nokes later in the game) hit the go-ahead winning two-run single in the bottom of the 8th. Lou Whitaker batted 2-for-4 with a double & RBI. Tanana may not have earned the decision, but pitched a solid game by allowing only 4 hits, 1 run & walk through 7 innings, while collecting 5 strikeouts along the way. Rickey Henderson hit a solo home run during the loss. Tigers win, 4-2. 

A rain delay, delayed the game in K.C. between the visiting Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals. Pitchers came out rusty, especially the Sox' Richard Dotson, who surrendered 4 runs in the 1st inning, due to a RBI double by rookie Kevin Seitzer and a three-run homer by Danny Tartabull in his first at-bat as a Royal. Seitzer batted 1-for-2 (which included the RBI double), while drawing two walks, and scoring once. Speedster Willie Wilson stole two bases, while scoring 2 hits & 2 runs. The White Sox would come back with 2 runs, but the Royals' Dan Quisenberry would earn his 2nd Save, as the Royals win 5-3. Mark Gubicza (1-0, 1,80 ERA) earned the win, while Dotson (0-1, 12.27 ERA) only lasted 3 2/3 innings, allowing 6 hits, 5 runs & 3 walks. The Sox' Ivan Calderon batted 2-for-3 with a solo HR & BB.

Can lightning strike twice? In this case, yes. Last game, the Brewers won with a walk-off single in the 10th inning by pinch-hitter Bill Schroeder... This time, the Milwaukee Brewers (2-0) won with a walk-off home run by Bill Schroeder, once again in the 10th inning. The Boston Red Sox (0-2) lost again in extras and to the same player, not a great start for the defending American League Champions. The Brew Crew first got on the board thanks to Dale Sveum's solo HR during the bottom of the 5th. The Red Sox would tie the game back up, 1-1, on Sam Horn's bases loaded sacrifice fly. Boston's Bruce Hurst would pitch the entire game -- 9 2/3 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 BB & 6 K's. The Brewers' starter Bill Wegman had a no-decision, while allowing 4 H, 1 ER & 3 BB through 8 1/3 innings (3 K's). 

The Oakland Athletics score 7 runs during the top of the 9th inning to defeat the Minnesota Twins. Tony Phillips hit a three-run homer early on for the A's, while it was catcher Terry Steinbach's three-run homer in the 9th, which was the highlight of their big inning. The Twins' Bert Blyleven only allowed 2 earned runs through the first 7 innings, until getting tattooed with 4 earned runs through his final 1 1/3 innings -- resulted in a crooked line in the box score. Blyleven had 9 strikeouts. Tom Brunasky (1-4, two-run HR) and Greg Gagne (2-5, 3B, 2B & RBI) were Minnesota's big offensive stars. Dennis Eckersley may have blown the save (due to Brunasky's homer), but earned his first win.

Last, but not least, the Cleveland Indians at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Cleveland led 2-1 with 10 hits, while entering the bottom of the 5th inning; The Blue Jays had only 5 hits. Cleveland took a 2-1 lead on a solo HR by Julio Franco during the top of the 5th, but everything would fall apart for Phil Niekro (0-1, 9.64 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (0-2). The Jays would score 12 runs between the 5th and 8th innings, on their way to a lopsided 13-3 win. Toronto has outscored Cleveland 25-6 during the first two games of this series. 

For Toronto, Jesse Barfield batted 3-for-4 with a double, 3 RBI & two runs. Ernie Whitt batted 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, a walk & a run. Cecil Fielder in his first start of the season, playing DH, smacked a solo HR, while drawing 2 walks & scoring 3 times. Lloyd Moseby added 3 hits, an RBI, stolen base & 2 runs.

Cleveland's Carmen Castillo batted 2-4 with an RBI double & run in their loss.

Toronto improves to 2-0, and will play the series finale tomorrow.

* * * Next, National League highlights from April 8th * * *

A Couple of N.L. West Games to End Day 2 (1987 BBW)

The San Diego Padres (1-1) rebound with a 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants (1-1) at Candlestick Park. 

The Padres were powered by an excellent showing from starting pitcher Eric Show. Show (1-0, 0.00 ERA) pitched a complete game, allowing only 4 hits,1 run (none earned) to go along with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. Both teams had a hard time against pitching, as the Padres themselves could only manage 3 hits (verses Giants' 4 hits). The Giants' Kelly Downs (0-1, 1.50 ERA) allowed only 2 hits, 1 earned run & a walk through a strong, 6 inning effort.

In his 1st game with the Padres, Kevin Mitchell drove in the game's first run during the 1st inning by executing a perfect hit-and-run, RBI single. Rookie Benito Santiago's 2nd home run of the season was a solo HR during the top of the 7th that helped Show & the Padres get just enough cushion to hold off the Giants. Jeffrey Leonard hit an RBI double during the bottom of the 7th. 

Through the first two days of the season, Santiago is the only hitter with at least 2 home runs, momentarily leading Major League Baseball in homers. 

The other game, was the 2nd game of the Los Angeles Dodgers - Houston Astros series. The Astros' Mike Scott (1-0, 1.13 ERA) picks up where he left off in 1986, by shutting down the Dodgers with 8 solid innings. Scott allowed 6 hits, and only 1 earned run & 1 walk, while striking out 5 Dodgers. The Dodgers' Bob Welch (0-1, 2.57 ERA) did pretty good himself on the losing end, allowing 2 earned runs, while striking out 8 Houston batters through 7 innings. The Astros brought in closer Dave Smith to slam the door on Los Angeles, for his 1st Save of the season. 

The Astros' Denny Walling batted 2-4 with a double, 2 RBI & a run, while teammate Bill Doran batted 2-for-4 with an RBI. The Dodgers' Pedro Guerrero batted 2-for-4 which included an RBI double. 

Deadball-14's Opening Day: 1904 Highlanders at 1917 White Sox

 

At Chicago / Commiskey Park I

Jack Chesbro takes the mound for the 1904 New York Highlanders as he squares off against the 1917 Chicago White Sox' Eddie Cicotte. 

Bottom of the 1st

The White Sox' Eddie Collins draws a walk from Chesbro. Shortstop Buck Weaver follows with a control single, a textbook hit-and-run. 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson with no outs, grounds one to the right side, as Highlanders 2B Jimmy Williams is up with it, to first, for out number one, but Collins would score, while Weaver advances to second. Happy Felsch smacks a deep fly to center that goes over center fielder 'Honest' John Anderson's head. Felsch gets greedy and goes for third, and is thrown out by Anderson (score that as an RBI double, 8-5). Chick Gandil hits the ball back to the mound, as Chesbro relays it to first base for the final out. 

Top of the 3rd

Chicago's Cicotte exits without any damage after the Highlanders threatened with a potential run due to Wid Conroy's two-out triple. New York's backstop Jim McGuire failed to score in Conroy, as he hit a grounder up the middle to the White Sox' Collins for an easy 4-3 out. 

Bottom of the 3rd

Eddie Collins beats out a hit to first, as the Highlanders' 1B John Ganzel bobbles the grounder momentarily. A few batters later with two outs, and Collins on third, 'Shoeless Joe' would drive in Collins, narrowly beating out the throw from New York shortstop Kid Elberfeld. Felsch grounds out to short to end the inning, White Sox up, 3-0.

Top of the 5th

One out with the runners on the corners for the Yanks' Kid Elberfeld, infield in. Elberfeld hits a chopper back to the mound, Eddie Cicotte scoops it up, turns and fires to second for one, over to first... double play! Chicago pulls off a tough 1-6-3 double play to spoil New York's latest threat.

Bottom of the 6th

'Shoeless' Joe Jackson leads off the inning with a deep fly that results in a double. A few batters later, Ray Schalk with two outs, draws a walk. Runners on 1st & 2nd, LF Nemo Leibold score in Jackson on a RBI single, to give Chicago a commanding 4-0 lead. Weak-hitting Swede Risberg rips a single to center, driving in Schalk, while Leibold advances from first to third. Cicotte grounds out to end the bleeding. 

Bottom of the 7th

Jack Chesbro still in the game for the Highlanders, as he will have to face the top of the order in Eddie Collins, Buck Weaver & Joe Jackson. Collins leads off with a hot smash single to center, that's Collins' 3rd hit of the game. The Highlanders' Manager/Pitcher Clark Griffith is asking Chesbro for the ball, and calls on Walter Clarkson from the pen. Walter is the brother of John & Arthur 'Dad' Clarkson. Weaver steps up to the plate to face Clarkson, swing and miss, as Collins steals second safely. Weaver still at the plate, tops the ball as it bounces through the left side, Collins races around third as he scores. Weaver holds on first with a single. 'Shoeless Joe' pulls one deep to right, but lands just foul. Jackson would move Weaver up to second on a ground out, while the Highlanders intentionally walk Happy Felsch in an attempt to come up with a double play to get out of the inning. The Highlanders would rather face Chick Gandil. Gandil goes down on strikes for out number two. Up 6-0, the White Sox want more, and get more as Ray Schalk hits a single to left, driving in Weaver, Felsch advances to second, but gets greedy, as he is out by only inches (7-5). Inning over, but the White Sox now lead 7-0.

Bottom of the 8th

The White Sox are back at it. Nemo Leibold leads off with a single to right. Swede Risberg drives a ball to deep center to drive in Leibold, who was off-and-running. Chicago pitcher Cicotte lines out to left, one out. Eddie Collins grounds out to first, for the 2nd out. Buck Weaver, with Risberg on second, hits into a 5-3 groundout to finish the inning. Chicago tacks on another, 8-0.

Top of the 9th

Chicago ace Eddie Cicotte gets the Highlanders to go down 1-2-3, as Cicotte finishes with a strong shutout performance in which he only surrendered 5 hits. Cicotte had 4 K's and 1 BB.

These White Sox can score in bunches, and they demonstrated that today as they whooped the Highlanders, 8-0. The Sox' Eddie Collins finished the day batting 3-for-4 with a double, 2 steals, while scoring twice.  It's no surprise that Joe Jackson had a solid day, batting 2-for-4 with 2 RBI & a run. The surprise came from Swede Risberg who batted 2-for-4 with 2 RBI & a double. 

1987 BBW Replay (Day 2) - Opening Day for Other Teams

It's day two for the season, while there is opening days in Anaheim, Minnesota, Atlanta and at Wrigley & Shea.

The Seattle Mariners spoiled the California Angels' home opener with home runs by Scott Bradley (solo HR) & Jim Presley (two-run HR during the 7th). The Mariners' Harold Reynolds added a triple, run & stolen base, while Alvin Davis batted 2-for-4 with 2 doubles. Mark Langston (1-0, 1,23 ERA) earned the win, striking out 11 batters through 7 innings of work, allowing 6 hits & 2 walks. California's Johnny Ray provided the only offense, batting 3-for-4, which included a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 1st.  Mike Witt earned the loss (0-1, 5.14 ERA) Seattle's Jerry Reed earned the Save, while Seattle won 4-1.

The Oakland Athletics came into the Metrodome, and walked out with a 6-1 road victory over the Minnesota Twins. Oakland's Dave Stewart, acquired from the Phillies last season, continues his progress & transition as a starting pitcher by striking out 11 Twinkies in his season debut. Stewart (1-0, 1.23 ERA) allowed 5 hits, 2 walks & 1 run through 7 1/3 innings. Oakland outfielder added a two-run homer, scoring twice with a stolen base, while veteran shortstop Alfredo Griffin batted 2-for-4, which included an RBI single, two runs & a steal. Frank Viola (0-1, 4.91) earned the loss, while Kirby Puckett batted 2-for-4, scoring once. Dennis Eckersley (who entered the 8th with a 4-1 lead) earned the save.

The St. Louis Cardinals - Chicago Cubs rivalry kicks off the 1987 season at Wrigley Field. The Cubs would win in a low-scoring affair, 3-2. Jerry Mumphrey's two-run single gave Chicago a 2-1 lead during the bottom of the 3rd. Leon Durham's solo home run during the 5th inning would give the Cubs extra insurance toward the win. Rick Sutcliffe (1-0, 2.84, 6 K) would earn the win, while Joe Magrane (0-1, 3.86) earned the loss. The Cards' Willie McGee had a 2-for-4 day which included a double, RBI & run. Frank DiPino would earn the save.

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves battled it out for 12 innings, which involved 38 players combined from both teams that appeared in this close, heavily-strategized game. The Braves' Dale Murphy knocked in 3 RBI on 3 different hit, which one of the hits was a solo home run for the slugger. The Phillies' Juan Samuel batted 3-for-5 with a solo HR, 3 runs, walk & steal. New addition Lance Parrish, the former Detroit All-Star catcher homered in his first at-bat as a Phillie. Mike Schmidt recorded no hits, but added 2 RBI on a walk & sac fly. Schmidt was walked 3 times (2 intentional walks). The Phillies' reliever Steve Bedrosian got the win (1-0, 0.00 ERA), while Charlie Puleo (0-1, 2.25 ERA) got the loss.

The New York Mets, the defending 1986 World Champions, won their season-opener with a walk-off single by Keith Hernandez in the 12th inning. Lenny Dykstra (who was the winning run) batted 3-for-6, which included a solo HR, double & two runs. The Pittsburgh Pirates' catcher Mike LaVaillere knocked in both of the Pirates' only runs on two different hits. LaVaillere's 2nd RBI single scored in the game-tying run that forced extras. Pirates started Rick Reuschel pitched really well by striking out 9 Mets hitters, allowing 7 hits, 1 run & 3 walks. Mets win, 3-2.

1987 BBW Replay - Opening Day

The 1987 MLB Season was a special season. The Milwaukee Brewers jumped out to a 13-0 record to make MLB history, The Detroit Tigers 5 games down caught the Toronto Blue Jays with 9 days remaining in the season. The San Francisco Giants gave their fans the most excitement they had in 25 years, and Mark McGwire shattered the MLB rookie season home run mark with 49 HR's in what is considered a juiced ball season for the Majors. Andre Dawson and George Bell also had nearly 50 HR's.

For me, it was the first real season that I actually followed closely. The 1986 Postseason pulled me in, while it was the 1987 season that I was officially all-in. The 1987 Topps Baseball Cards were also the first set that I bought packs of cards on a regular basis. Seeing Lance Parrish's 87' Topps card was odd, knowing that he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was probably the first Tigers star that reminded me of the cruelty of free agency, the first Tigers star that made me realize that our heroes can go to other teams. Of course, rookie Matt Nokes would help us forget the loss of Parrish, as Nokes had an excellent rookie year which helped the Tigers win the division.

I was 10 years old when the season started, and when I was turning 11 on October 28th, I feel it should have been my Tigers winning the whole thing, than the (I hate to say it) fluky Minnesota Twins. The Twins had a Pythagorean record of 79-83, and came from a division in which no team truly had a real championship identity. Meanwhile, the A.L. East had four teams with 89+ wins. Most of the American League's best hitters also came out of the East with Alan Trammell, George Bell, Wade Boggs, Paul Molitor & Don Mattingly having huge years. 

Our teacher rolled the TV into the classroom for us to watch Game #162 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers at Tigers Stadium. Frank Tanana was fantastic, while it was Larry Herndon's solo HR, the game's only run that helped us break the hearts of Blue Jays fans. The previous two games were also 1-run victories over the Jays... Talk about close!

Doyle Alexander was 9-0 with a 1.53 ERA for us, after we acquired him from Atlanta. Those final weeks of the season, the excitement around Alexander was the most excitement Tiger fans had around a pitcher since Denny McLain and Mark Fidrych. He was like a God in Motown down that stretch. 

We also took advantage of signing Bill Madlock, who was considered washed up by the Los Angeles Dodgers and released. The former 4-time N.L. Batting Champion Madlock was only batting .180 through 21 games for L.A. when they released him. Tigers signed him on June 4th, and he would go on to bat .279 with 14 HR & 50 RBI through 87 games. I was really bummed that he retired after the season.

So this was one of the reasons I bought the 1987 digital data file from APBA, and why this is one of the seasons that I am playing in the BBW (APBA Baseball for Windows) format.

So here is what happened on opening day in the 1987 APBA Replay...

The day experienced 3 walk-off wins (all in extras), starting with the Boston Red Sox at the Milwaukee Brewers...

The Brewers' pinch-hitter Bill Schroeder hit a walk-off single, while Paul Molitor collected 4 hits (2 doubles), Glenn Braggs batted 2-4 with 2 RBI & Mike Felder batted 2-4 with an RBI triple. The Red Sox' Dave Henderson batted 2-for-2 with a solo HR (2 runs), while Boston backstop Marc Sullivan, who came into the game with a lifetime .200 batting average, had a two-run single that momentarily gave Boston a 3-1 lead. Milwaukee wins 4-3 in the 10th on Schroeder's hit.

By the way, we are doing actual transactions for this, so Henderson, Don Baylor & Bill Buckner are still with the Red Sox at the moment.

The Houston Astros win with a walk-off hit by Billy Hatcher at the Astrodome over the Dodgers. Billy (like Molitor in Milwaukee) also had 4 hits, which included a double, RBI & 2 runs. Rookie Gerald Young had a fantastic debut, batting 2-for-5 with 2 stolen bases. It helped that the Astros had Nolan Ryan on the mound, who got the no-decision, pitching 9 solid innings, allowing no earned runs on 4 hits, to go along with his 7 strikeouts and 2 walks. The Dodgers' Franklin Stubbs momentarily tied the game with a two-run homer early on in the game, while Dodgers starter Orel Hershiser allowed 2 earned runs with 4 K's through 9 innings. Reliever Alejandro Pena was credited with the loss, allowing 2 hits & the winning run in no innings. 

The last walk-off came in San Francisco, as the San Francisco Giants won 5-4 through 11 innings over the San Diego Padres. Giants' catcher Bob Brenly gave the Giants a 3-1 lead with a three-run HR during the 3rd inning. The Padres' catcher Benito Santiago matched Brenly with a three-run blast of his own, to tie the game, 4-4 during the 6th inning. The game went to extras and veteran 3B Chris Speier (who came in for Chris Brown a few innings back) would deliver the game-winning hit off Padres' Greg Booker.

Other Games...

Charlie Hough pitches a complete game against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing only 5 hits and no earned runs (1 run) as the Texas Rangers win easily, 7-1. The Rangers' Scott Fletcher batted 3-for-5 with 2 RBI & the Rangers' Jerry Browne batted 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, an RBI, while swiping a base. Mike Boddicker (0-1, 5.40 ERA) gets the loss.

Don Mattingly's three-run home run off the Tigers' Jack Morris (0-1, 3.86) would be the difference as the New York Yankees come into Tiger Stadium with a 3-1 win. The Yankees Dennis Rasmussen (1-0, 1.23 ERA) earns the win, while the Tigers' Alan Trammell batted 2-for-4 with an RBI in a losing effort.

The Kansas City Royals had to earn their win in a difficult way, as the Royals' starting pitcher Bret Saberhagen hurt himself on the first pitch. Kansas City 'benched' their rotation prior to the game, and had to call on Steve Farr to basically start the game. Farr would go on to pitch an excellent game, pitching 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, and only 2 runs & a walk -- while striking out 7 Chicago White Sox hitters. The Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the 3rd. The White Sox eventually tied the game, but it was the Royals' Frank White (2-for-4) who would hit the go-ahead, winning single during the 8th. The White Sox' Carlton Fisk batted 2-for-3 with a double & RBI in the loss.

The Toronto Blue Jays were too much for the Cleveland Indians, winning big, 12-3. The Blue Jays' trio of outfield stars, Lloyd Moseby, Jesse Barfield & George Bell all played major factors. Moseby was the game's biggest star, batting 3-for-5 with a HR, 3 ribbies, 2 runs & a stolen base. Barfield also hit a home run, while batting 3-for-4 with 4 RBI (which included a sac fly) & 2 runs. Bell drew a walk, while hitting a two-run homer in the 1st inning. Jimmy Key (1-0, 3.38) earned the win, allowing only 1 run through his first 8 innings. The Indians' Cory Snyder collected 3 hits, which included a double, while it wasn't a good day for Tom Candiotti (0-1, 13.50 ERA).

Last, but not least... The Montreal Expos, despite 3 errors in the field, win 7-2 over the Cincinnati Reds, on a solid complete by Pascual Perez. Perez allowed 6 hits, 2 runs (none earned) & 3 walks, while striking out 6 batters. The Expos' Mitch Webster batted 3-for-5 with 2 RBI, while Montreal's 9th hitter in the lineup Reid Nichols batted 2-4 with a two-run HR (2 runs). The Reds' Buddy Bell batted 2-for-4 with a RBI & run scored, while Reds starter Bill Gullickson (0-1, 10.80) earned the loss.

That concludes opening day for the 1987.

Deadball-14's Opening Day: 1919 Reds at 1906 Cubs

 

At Chicago / West Side Grounds

The 1919 Cincinnati Reds will face off against the 1906 Chicago Cubs at the West Side Grounds. The Cubs' rotation may be scary good, but the Reds' rotation is definitely not too shabby. The Reds will need to scrape out some lucky hits to keep up with the Cubs lineup, and to beat out their tough infield. The Reds send Dutch Ruether to face 'Three-Finger' Brown in a game which should be about the pitching.

Bottom of the 2nd

Leadoff triple by Cubs' first baseman/manager Frank Chance. Harry Steinfeldt would knock in Chance with an RBI single, a liner over the Reds' Morrie Rath at second base. Joe Tinker lays down a sacrifice bunt to move Steinfeldt over to second. One out, Johnny Evers at the plate, he hits this one down the right field line, it's caught by Neale, Steinfeldt tags up, the throw, and he's safe, just getting under the tag at third. The Reds' Dutch Ruether ends up walking the Cubbies' ace Mordecai Brown, nothing good usually comes out of a situation when you end up walking your counterpart. Bases loaded, two outs, for Jimmy Slagle. Slagle drills it, it's deep, it's fair, and it's caught by the Reds' Greasy Neale. Cubs 1, Reds 0

Both lineups are quite for a few innings until...

Top of the 7th

The Reds' Heinie Groh beats out a infield single to kick off the inning. Edd Roush would hit a liner past a diving Joe Tinker, advancing Groh to third. No outs with runners on the corners for Reds catcher Ivey Wingo, the pitch, and the ball rolls from under the Cubs' Johnny Kling behind home plate (Passed Ball), Groh scores, and Roush moves up to second. Wingo bounces one to the mound, Brown knocks it down, but only has a play at first, one down, but the runner moves up to third. Jake Daubert lines one to the pitcher, caught for out number two. The last two plays will be big if 'Three-Finger' can get out of this inning. The Reds' Greasy Neale steps up to the plate, he makes no contact -- The throw from Kling to third, and Roush is caught trying to steal third! 

But this one is all knotted up at 1-1 as we head to the 7-inning stretch.

Top of the 8th

Greasy Neale just beats out a single, as he tries to give the Reds a spark. LF Rube Bressler is up to the plate, strike, but there goes Neale, Kling's throw is too late, Neale has robbed second. Bressler strikes out against Brown for out number one. Reds pitcher Dutch Ruether hits a shot at Evers, Evers waves at it, it's by him, Neale rounds third, Schulte is up with it, the throw, but Neale is in standing. Reds take a 2-1 lead here late in this one. 

Bottom of the 8th

Top of the order for the Cubbies, but nothing happens as they go down 1-2-3 on fly balls to the outfield. Time is running out for Chicago. 

Top of the 9th

With one out, and Edd Roush on second (after a single & a steal), Ivey Wingo hits a deep fly to right, Roush tags up only to be thrown out at third on amazing throw from right fielder Frank Schulte.

Bottom of the 9th

The Reds' Dutch Ruether needs to get past Frank Chance, Harry Steinfeldt, and Joe Tinker. Ruether appeared to have struck out Chance, when Chance started jumping up and down, but wait, the Umpire says the ball hit him in the hand, but he seems to be okay as he wanders down to first. One on, no outs, Steinfeldt with a swinging bunt, squibs the ball to the left side, Groh comes up to field it, guns it to first, and they get him at first, while Chance moves on down to second. One out, tying run at second, Joe Tinker up at the plate. Tinker puts down a bunt pose, Ruether spins toward second, throws it to shortstop Larry Kopf, and they picked off Chance at second. It's all up to Tinker to make something happen, no wait... Chance calls from the dugout, they will have 'Circus Solly' Hofman come to the plate, while Tinker goes down to sit on the bench. Solly raps it back to the mound, Ruether is up with it, the throw to first and this one's over. 

The Reds win, 2-1.

Dutch did it on both ends for the Reds this afternoon, only allowing 1 run on the mound, while hitting the go-ahead & eventual winning run to give the Reds, the 2-1 edge. The Cubs' Mordecai 'Three-Finger' Brown gets the loss in an honorable effort in which he yielded only 1 earned run and 6 hits in 9 innings, plus 3 strikeouts. 

Deadball-14's Opening Day: 1915 Red Sox at 1902 Pirates

 
At Pittsburgh / Forbes Field

The 1915 Boston Red Sox come into Pittsburgh to play the 1902 Pittsburgh Pirates. Ernie Shore (Grade 20-YZ) toes the rubber for Boston, while he will face Jack Chesbro (Grade 19-Y). 

Top of the 1st

Harry Hooper leads off the game with a triple off Chesbro. Chesbro would end up walking Larry Gardner, putting runners on the corners. Boston first baseman Dick Hoblitzel hits an RBI single up the middle to drive in Hooper. Hoblitzel was picked up off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, midway through 1914, and now finds himself getting the majority of the starts for this Red Sox team. Gardner gets careless and is picked off at second, thanks to a wonderful throw by Pittsburgh's backstop Harry Smith. Two outs, Hoblitzel tries to steal second and is thrown out. The Red Sox score one run, but shot themselves in the foots, because the early lead could have been bigger. 

Bottom of the 1st

Ginger Beaumont leads the inning off with a single to right. Beaumont steals second base. A couple batters later, Beaumont would score from second base on a RBI single by Tommy Leach. The play would cost Boston not only a run, but a catcher, as Beaumont ran over catcher Chet Thomas. Early reports from the Boston clubhouse is that Thomas may be out for awhile, it certainly didn't look good (Forrest Cady came in to replace Thomas). Game tied, 1-1.

Bottom of the 2nd

Ernie Shore walks back-to-back hitters in Claude Richey and Wid Conroy, no outs. After Harry Smith flied to Speaker in right, Bucs pitcher Jack Chesbro lays down a perfect sacrifice to move the runners up to 2nd & 3rd. Two outs, Ginger Beaumont steps up to the plate, but flies out to Hooper in center. Score remains 1-1.

Top of the 3rd

Weak-hitting Everett Scott leads off the bottom half with a single to right. Chesbro would go on to walk the pitcher Shore, plus Harry Hooper (back-to-back walks). Bases loaded, no outs for 3B Larry Gardner. Gardner strokes it sharply to short, Conroy only has a play at first, gets him... but Scott scores from third, to make it 2-1 Boston. Pittsburgh intentionally walks Tris Speaker to face Hoblitzel. Hoblitzel flies to left center, Beaumont is there, the runners are tagging but will hold as they did not want to test Ginger's strong arm. Chesbro walks Duffy Lewis to score in another run, bases still loaded. The inning ends on a hard hit grounder to Richey at second, relaying it to first to finish the inning. Boston leads, 3-1.

Bottom of the 3rd

Honus Wagner hits a liner to center that skips under Harry Hooper's glove, luckily Tris Speaker came over quickly to back him up, as they hold Wagner to a double. Cleanup hitter Tommy Leach grounds one deep in the hole, Scott is over, long throw to first... Out! Wagner would advance to third. Ernie Shore strikes out Kitty Bransfield strikes out, leaving Wagner stranded.

Bottom of the 5th

Speedy Ginger Beaumont reaches on a error (E-6) by Scott. Fred Clarke follows through with a textbook hit-and-run. Runners on the corners, no outs, as Honus Wagner steps up to the plate. Wagner smacks this one, Duffy Lewis has his back to the fence, runs out of room... and this one is gone! Three-run blast by Wagner, and the Pirates suddenly have a 4-3 lead. The next batter, Leach hits one to the mound, over to first, for the 1st out. First Baseman Kitty Bransfield puts some wood to the ball, sending the ball to deep center. The ball hits the base of the wall, and Hooper is up with it, but Bransfield won't test Hooper's strong arm. Runner on 2nd, 1 out, Claude Richey steps up to the plate, but whiffs at it, two down. Wid Conroy smashes one to the gap in right center, Harry Hooper is over quickly, cuts it off, Bransfield is rounding third, running through a red light, the throw... and he's out! What a throw from Hooper, these Red Sox OF arms can be deadly, as Bransfield is gunned down at the plate.

Regardless, the Pirates have bounced back to take the lead thanks to Mr. Wagner... Pirates lead, 4-3.

Top of the 6th

With one out, Pittsburgh's pitcher Jack Chesbro allows his 7th walk to Cady. Everett Scott hits a hard grounder to deep first, Bransfield is up with it, but has no play.... Runners safe at 1st & 2nd. Two hits for Scott. Boston's ace, Ernie Shore lets Chesbro off the hook as he hit into a 4-6-3 double play to get out of the inning unscathed.

Bottom of the 6th

Pirates catcher Harry Smith kicks off the inning with a single to right. The Pirates skipper/player Clarke calls on Fred Crolius to pinch-run for Smith and for Al Davis to pinch-hit for Chesbro. Davis would hit one to deep second, they get the force at second (4-6), but Davis just beats it out the throw at first, 1 out. Ginger Beaumont excutes the hit-and-run, runners on the corners. Fred Clarke follows Beaumont's plate appearance by lining a hit to right, and scoring in Davis. It's now 5-3, Pittsburgh. Wagner hits one to short, but is out at first on a great play by Boston's Scott, runners move up, two outs. Tommy steps up to the plate, he already has a RBI single from earlier, let's see if he can tack on some more. The pitch from Shore, hits a clothesline to deep center, Harry Hooper puts his glove up, and he's out... It nearly went over his head. Inning over.

Top of the 7th

The Pirates send out lefty Ed Doheny to face Boston's left-handed bats, while Charlie Zimmer takes over catching duties for Smith. 

Doheny would strike out 3 batter in 2 1/3 innings. The Pirates would call on Sam Leever to face Boston's dangerous Del Gainer, who was in pinch-hitting for the pitcher. Leever would lock down the save on 2/3 innings pitched, as Pittsburgh comes back from a 3-1 deficit to win 5-3... On the strength of a Honus Wagner homer during the bottom of the 5th. 

The tip of the Pirates' lineup: Ginger Beaumont, Fred Clarke & Honus Wagner combined on 6-for-13 hitting and 4 RBI.