North Carolina APBA Baseball League
REGISTER
An Official Publication of the NCABL - Established 1992

Ridgewood, Winchester hold leads despite surges from Hopewell and Topeka

For a period of time the Topeka Fire Ants held the lead in the AL West. And two weeks ago Hopewell was just 2 games behind the Reds in the East. This past week Ridgewood decided to help themselves and Winchester in the process with a tidy 5-1 dusting of Topeka, giving the Reds a 4 game lead and pushing Winchester a half game ahead of the Fire Ants. Of course the Rifles had to do their part, a 4-1 series win over Bellingham. Hopewell has an identical record to Topeka, with Berwyn and Cooperstown 6 and 7 1/2 games away from a wild card berth.

The NL races remain unchanged with Mechanicsburg and Knarro holding comfortable leads and Wisconsin with a lock on the first wild card. Wyandotte has picked up 8 1/2 games over Ohio during the last four series, now with a solid 10 game lead.

NL News and Notes - 110 games...Camel fans begin countdown

Coming off a 9-2 mark the last 2 series, Wyandotte has put 10 games between themselves and the Ohio Buckeyes, and Camel fans are talking playoffs. After years of saying goodbye to Willie Mays and Frank Howard, longball is back in Michigan with the addition of slugger Jeff Burroughs. With Burroughs, McCovey, Cey and several other young sluggers, fans may have to walk a mile for a souvenier.

Stat Heads - Don Sutton became the leauge's first 20 game winner, defeating Satellite Beach 2-1. He is on pace for a 30 win season, the first in NL history. Nolan Ryan is trying to join Sutton in the 20 win circle, his record at 17-6. Ryan is on pace to break his single season marks in strikeouts (339) and walks (146). Johnny Bench reached the 100 RBI mark against Knarro and takes aim at his league mark of 141. He'll need to average 4 RBI every 5 games to do it.

Team Reports - I thought it might be neat to look at certain players home-away splits. Now we see why Jeff Burroughs wanted so badly to be traded. Here's what the numbers say:

Player	Home	Away
Johnny Bench, Mec	.314, .575 slugging, 13 HR, 45 RBI	.343, .623, 14 HR, 59 RBI
Al Oliver, Mec	.307, .498, 33 runs, 34 RBI	.395, .588, 52 runs, 37 RBI
Willie Stargell, Mec	.323, .551, 8 HR, 27 RBI	.362, .590, 8 HR, 45 RBI
Cesar Cedeno, Wis	.269, .437, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 20 SB	.337, .590, 12 HR, 33 RBI, 21 SB
Lenny Randle, Wis	.364, .426, 31 runs, 23 RBI	.345, .376, 17 runs, 16 RBI
Steve Yeager, Wis	.335, .551, 10 HR, 40 RBI	.266, .418, 5 HR, 27 RBI
Lee May, Ohio	.349, .617, 10 HR, 25 RBI	.244, .450, 9 HR, 20 RBI
Richie Zisk, Lou	.315, .554, 11 HR, 37 RBI	.325, .538, 8 HR, 31 RBI
Pete Rose, Lou	.253, .337, 33 runs, 8 RBI	.333, .457, 43 runs, 25 RBI
Carlton Fisk, SB	.221, .441, 3 HR, 12 RBI	.382, .794, 7 HR, 23 RBI
Carl Yastrzemski, Kna	.281, .459, 5 HR, 20 runs, 27 RBI	.352, .431, 3 HR, 31 runs, 30 RBI
Dave Cash, Kna	.286, .302, 2 EBH, 25 runs	.333, .400, 11 EBH, 43 runs
George Scott, Kna	.324, .467, 18 RBI	.295, .451, 34 RBI
Willie Davis, Wya	.254, .376, 4 HR, 24 RBI	.375, .570, 10 HR, 38 RBI
Jeff Burroughs, Min-Wya	.271, .435, 7 HR, 28 RBI	.306, .591, 15 HR, 46 RBI
Hal McRae, Min	.316, .506, 27 RBI	.374, .520, 31 RBI
Mike Schmidt, Jam	.254, .529, 10 HR, 32 RBI	.284, .532, 11 HR, 39 RBI
Dave Lopes, SS	.247, .377, 25 runs, 23 SB	.291, .418, 41 runs, 37 SB

 

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AL News and Notes - 110 games...Classic battles look to go to the wire

Ridgewood and Winchester have better offensive numbers but that doesn't seem to be bothering the rest of the league. Hopewell, Berwyn, Topeka and Cooperstown are continue to hang close as the season reaches the 2/3 mark. The Dutchmen, 4 back, are riding the solid pitching of Ross Grimsley (15-7, 1.84) and the amazing Tommy John (14-0, 1.24) while Reggie Jackson (.293, 25, 78) carries the Barons, 6 behind Hopewell. In the West, Topeka is just a half game back, with Ralph Garr (.345, 8, 56) and the big three of Hunter, Carlton and Wood (14, 14 and 13 wins, respectively) making up for the team's lack of power. Cooperstown 1 1/2 behind Berwyn, has been on fire. The bats of Billy Williams (.269, 25, 74) and Dusty Baker (.296, 16, 61) have come to life, and Phil Niekro (19-6, 1.83) is a leading candidate for the Cy Young award.

Stat Heads - The aforementioned Tommy John is at 14-0. Could he go 20-0? His next 6 opponents are Flatbush, Monmouth, Bellingham, Brooklyn Center, Bellingham and Flatbush. All six teams are under .500 so stay tuned. Phil Niekro is about to win his 20th, this week facing Bellingham, possibly twice. Rod Carew is all that Bells fans have to cheer about, and Rod is really putting on a show. He has consistently been around .400 all year, currently at .395. Should he enter the final game with a shot at .400 we'll see if we can get some live broadcast from Monmouth (if Chris is able). Even if Carew does not make it to .400, he has a great chance to set the NCABL batting mark of .368 set by Carl Yastrzemski in 1970. Assuming 200 at bats during the remainder of the season, Carew would need to hit .320 (64 hits) to finish at .369. Barring a major slump, this looks likely to happen. Dusty Baker's 40 doubles give him a shot at Rico Petrocelli's 1969 mark of 59.

Team Reports - more home/away numbers

Player	Home	Away
Dick Allen, Rid	.303, .539, 7 HR, 22 RBI	.358, .833, 23 HR, 54 RBI
Rusty Staub, Rid	.266, .409, 6 HR, 32 RBI	.341, .577, 12 HR, 38 RBI
Joe Morgan, Rid	.291, .478, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 36 runs, 8 SB	.265, .486, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 39 runs, 19 SB
Willie Crawford, Hop	.268, .342, 1 HR, 12 RBI	.347, .528, 8 HR, 28 RBI
Reggie Jackson, Ber	.243, .448, 8 HR, 35 RBI	.340, .634, 16 HR, 41 RBI
Bob Watson, Ber	.333, .433, 4 HR, 27 RBI	.298, .425, 4 HR, 18 RBI
Joe Rudi, Mon	.298, .444, 5 HR, 30 RBI	.290, .601, 14 HR, 36 RBI
Bill Madlock, Fla	.343, .515, 26 runs, 21 RBI	.324, .503, 23 runs, 19 RBI
Steve Garvey, Win	.305, .455, 7 HR, 34 RBI	.296, .489, 10 HR, 34 RBI
Jim Wynn, Win	.322, .588, 13 HR, 33 RBI	.275, .473, 9 HR, 28 RBI
Bill Freehan, Win	.331, .579, 7 HR, 26 RBI	.300, .479, 5 HR, 16 RBI
Ralph Garr, Top	.367, .532, 33 runs, 28 RBI	.329, .453, 24 runs, 28 RBI
Mickey Rivers, Top	.283, .345, 24 runs, 12 SB	.295, .386, 39 runs, 17 SB
Dusty Baker, Coo	.288, .526, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 22 runs	..304, .521, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 53 runs
Billy Williams, Coo	.302, .574, 11 HR, 33 RBI	.250, .516, 14 HR, 41 RBI
Cleon Jones, BC	.358, .520, 4 HR, 16 RBI	.285, .396, 4 HR, 19 RBI
Rod Carew, Bel	.395, .521, 22 runs, 24 RBI	.396, .462, 34 runs, 18 RBI

 

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Players of the Month - July

National League - Mike Schmidt, Jamestown (.378, 10 HR, 30 RBI, 22 runs)

American League - Billy Williams, Cooperstown (.313, 10 HR, 22 RBI, 21 runs)

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Standings - 110 games

NL East	W	L	GB		NL West	W	L	GB
Mechanicsburg	77	34	-		Knarro	76	35	-
Wisconsin	69	41	7.5		Wyandotte	66	45	10
Ohio	56	55	21		Minnesota	43	67	32.5
Louisville	51	60	26		South Shore	39	72	37
Satellite Beach	37	73	39.5		Jamestown	36	74	39.5
AL East	W	L	GB		AL West	W	L	GB
Ridgewood	69	42	-		Winchester	65	45	-
Hopewell	65	46	4		Topeka	65	46	.5
Berwyn	59	52	10		Cooperstown	57	53	8
Monmouth	39	70	29		Brooklyn Center	49	62	16.5
Flatbush	39	70	29		Bellingham	47	62	17.5

League Leaders

Have you been watching?

In the 1973 yearbook, eight players were singled out as those who hold keys to the 1974 season. Here's an update on how they are doing:

Mickey Lolich, Ridgewood - "Fat Mickey, as he’s called in Ridgewood, almost single handedly won the 1972 World Series for the Redlegs, giving them back-to-back titles. In 1973 his spell was broken by the Flash and the a chink in the Reds’ armor was revealed - its pitching. Mickey again leads a left-hand dominant staff. Can his tiring arm survive another 40 starts?"

Update - Mickey is no longer the leader of the staff (McNally is), but his 13-9 record and 27 starts are just what the doctor ordered. His stable performance has been largely unnoticed by everyone except the Reds' staff.

Jeff Burroughs, Minnesota, now Wyandotte - "The Ostrogoths have a new name, a new owner and a new outlook. There is talk of a pennant and the man to lead them is young slugger Jeff Burroughs. The Minnesota outfielder was in the top 10 in slugging, home runs and RBI in 1973 and figures to move up the chart in 1974. Burroughs is the key to the Ostrogoths playoff hopes."

Update - Burroughs was supposed to be the key to the Ostrogoths' playoff run, but after a major purging in Minnesota, Burroughs has become vital to the Camels run at the pennant. Don't underestimate the Camel team if they make the playoffs.

Steve Garvey, Winchester - "The Rifles are a veteran club with this young player ready to assume his role as one of the NCABL’s greats. Garvey takes on a full time role at first base and will bat in the middle of the Winchester lineup. Garvey is expected to drive in 100+ runs. If he can meet that challenge, the Rifles should be in the playoffs."

Update - Garvey's 69 RBI in 110 games puts him right on pace for 100. He has brought the team it's first legitmate offensive threat since Frank Howard and Tony Perez in the late sixties, leading the Rifles to the playoffs.

Carl Yastrzemski, Knarro - "Quick, name five players on the Roadies team…can’t do it? That’s why it’s called a team. Yaz has consistently produced MVP-type numbers and will continue to do so in 1974. Often overlooked is Yastrzemski’s terrific on base perentage and his stellar defense in center field. If the Roadies make it to the World Series, Yaz will win the NL MVP."

Update - He is doing more than was expected. Get out the rubber stamp - .320+ avergae, .400+ on base, and 59 RBI despite only 8 HR. A perfect fit for the Roadies' style of offense. He's not posting MVP numbers, but he could easily be the Roadie MVP and an all-star participant.

Phil Niekro, Cooperstown - "With Gaylord Perry gone, the team that has been used to Cy Young style pitching will turn to the knuckler to fill the void. Niekro should get the ball every 4th day and hopes to win at least 20. Can he help teammates forget that Gaylord is no longer around?"

Update - Niekro's 19 wins lead the league and the Cards are back in the playoff hunt. If they can earn a wild card the Perry trade will be an afterthought.

Gary Matthews, Wyandotte - "After posting solid numbers in his sophomore year (.282, 16, 63) it’s time for Matthews to take charge and become the team leader. With the assistance of vet Willie McCovey the Camels have a shot at the playoffs for the first time since 1970."

Update - Matthews' .360 slugging percentage is a major disappointment. Burroughs' presence is compensating nicely, but management has to be disappointed.

Darrell Evans, Hopewell - "Hopewell fans are still smarting over the snub Evans received in last year’s MVP voting. It’s up to Evans to make the voters realize their mistake. This won’t be easy as teams are more likely to pitch around him this year. If Evans can reproduce ¾ of the year he had last season, the Dutchmen will be strong candidates for a wild card."

Update - I don't think the write meant 3/4 of the slugging percentage. Evans' HR total projects to 24, down from 35 last year. His .390 slugging mark is one of the league's great puzzles.

Garry Maddox, Topeka - "The AL batting champ needs to prove that his sophomore year was not a fluke, and if he does, the Fire Ants could surprise, and even win the AL West. The outfield is blazing with Garr, Cardenal and Rivers joining Maddox as the four try to share three spots."

Update - Maddox has dropped over 50 points from his average, currently around .275. Garr is at .345, Rivers at .295, but Cardenal at .240. Overall the trio has disappointed. Like Hopewell, the pitchers have stepped it up to keep the team in contention.

Johnny Bench, Mechanicsburg - "Bench has had two terrific years and two not so great ones, so we are left to ask, "Will the real Johnny Bench, please stand up." Bench’s power and defense have been consistent but he’ll need to do more that a .219 average."

Update - He has, and then some. Bench is having perhaps his finest year, hitting well over .300 and leading the league in HR and RBI. Probably the front runner for MVP.

Looking to 1975...

Some of us have started making plans for the playoffs, while others are looking ahead to 1975. Here's a sample of what to expect:

Catcher - Although he breaks in as an outfielder, Gary Carter could be the prize in 1975. Others of note - John Stearns, Alan Ashby

First Base - The other loveable Met, Keith Hernandez, is also waiting for a happy home. He seems to be the lone guy worth of note.

Second Base - The well is deep here. Willie Randolph takes top honors, followed by Manny Trillo, Jerry Remy and Phil Garner.

Third Base - Doug DeCinces is the best bet at third.

Shortstop - Roy Smalley if you want a hitter, Ivan DeJesus for the glove. Craig Reynolds gives you a little of both.

Outfield - There is almost nothing here. Lymon Bostock and Dan Ford are the highlights.

Starting Pitcher - Dennis Eckersley, John Candelaria, Rick Rhoden, Dennis Leonard and John Denny.

Relief Pitcher - Kent Tekulve, Gary Lavelle and Rawley Eastwick to name a few.

A complete list can be found under the Scouting Report .

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